by Nicole B. on I came here for a party and fell in love with the venue. Inside looks a little like a cross between an upscale club downtown decorated by the designers of Rainforest Cafe. Still, outside it was tiki huts placed all around. We took one and danced the night away in the gorgeous Miami night weather. I had so much fun that I didn't want to leave. Only downside: drinks were expensive. I bought one and it came up to $13.01! I sipped that bad boy all night!
by Hank C. on I was actually pleasantly surprised. I've been to a few Starr restaurants, and this one was pleasantly dark to the eyes with little candles in the entryway; a bar as you came in where young socialites hang out, and seating towards the back. I recommend getting larger groups reservations; couples and the like can usually get a table within 30 min and you can hang out at the bar or the leather seating in the entryway (which used to be a simple concrete ramp). Seafood is the specialty here, and you should take a chance on it if you can. Stopped by here a while back for a set of calamari (soft but not too crunchy) & octopus salad (this was okay) as appetizers/snacks along with white wine. We tried the duck for dinner - not bad, considering they managed to somehow pick a non-fatty duck (or trimmed it really well), which made it a tad dry, but hey, not too bad. The potatoes... not sure what they were trying to do, but they were not mashed, and not whole... some odd kind of mishmash in between. Lots of "tangine" or "tangerine" themed dishes. The chicken was okay. Didn't really pop out as anything amazing. Shared the creme brulee (crispy top as expected, not as flavorful on the bottom which was unexpected). Overall, ambience and service were top-notch, but for the price I expected slightly better food, but I suppose this place is more about being in a Starr restaurant and being seen.
by Kim Rock on Wanna see freshly orange tanned people under 25 years old who come to Manhattan from unknown parts of New Jersey, Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Sheapshead Bay? Wanna get your purse searched more thoroughly than they do at TSA and padded down like you're about to enter the visiting area of Riker's Island? Feel like seeing a bunch of guys who look like they are auditioning for the part of Danny Zucko in "Grease"? Wanna hear "House Music All Night Long"? Well, you're in luck..there's a place for you called Asserteria on Sunday nights held right here at Arena. I gave it 3 stars because: I actually do like house music and the DJ was quite good. I got in free (go before midnight) Did not go for the "atmosphere" Did not buy drinks Left early enough to avoid doing "the eyeroll" more times than I can count
