I was jazzed (pun 100% intended) when this place opened--I love live music, and Tempo 33 seemed poised to fill Wilmington's jazz-shaped hole. Finally, somewhere to sip a cocktail and feel vaguely cultured!
What's right:
The place is even better than I pictured--like if a speakeasy and a jazz lounge had a stylish but approachable baby. It's got that cool, upscale vibe without making you feel like you don't quite fit in.
There are several cozy spots to settle in--from an intimate two-top for date night to group seating for all of your friends.
And the drinks! It's basically all of Wilmington's best drinking places in one: wine, champagne, liquor, beer, cocktails, mocktails--honestly, there's probably more that I missed.
Plus, the space is huge! They could host some cool events up there (well, except for the parking issue!).
What doesn't work (yet):
The drinks take one beat too long to arrive.
The piano was somehow both too loud and oddly muffled. And yet, you couldn't hear it distinctly because of everyone talking. It should be the fore front of a jazz place, not the background.
And when the pianist takes a break? Suddenly it's less Miles Davis and more full-blown club music at full-blown volume. One minute you're chatting quietly; the next, you need a megaphone to speak to the person sitting right beside you. It's like the bar is having an identity crisis: jazz lounge one moment, nightclub the next. Pick one or the other because you can't be both.
Also, their website is a mystery because it's never updated. Who's playing tonight? It's anyone's guess.
Still a solid spot--fingers crossed they survive and find their vibe. Wilmington's drowning in breweries (yes, I love them... yes, I'm still bored). And, a place for grown-ups only--because believe it or not, some of us like a drink without stepping over kids (yes, I love kids ... yes, I'm over it). read more