01/03/09

Here's the scoop

by jupio23

I'll tell ya the real deal about Areo's. I'm a lifetime Bay Ridger so I know all about it.

Areo's is where you go to be seen. It's trendy, people come dressed all schnazzed up and there's always really expensive cars double parked outside. Anyone I've ever talked to who have only been to Bay Ridge once or twice, usually went to eat at Areo's because it has that much ofa good reputation.

So, the pro's are that the food is really good, you get these amazing fried zucchini and an eggplant dish free of charge. In the summer time, they open the doors and you can sit outside or let the breeze come through.

The cons, yes there are a few. The waiters are not quick to come over to you and almost give you a bored look when they do come over. I don't know if it's the european philosophy of not rushing a meal which I could respect, but their kindness won't overwhelm you by any stretch. Although I do tend to think the more money you have (and the more $$ you look like you have, the more attentive they'll be). You are packed in like sardines and heaven forbid you have to go to the bathroom mid-meal, chances are you WILL have to ask the table next to you to move over. And lastly the worst part about it is the acoustics. Not only does it get really crowded but it sounds as loud as being in a club. It's very hard to hear the table you're with but if you're not out for a quiet dinner, you should be able to tolerate it.

So take it from a lifer, Areo's is definitely worth trying but if you want more attention paid to you for what is guaranteed to be a pricey meal, go either earlier in the evening or for lunch.

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: Loud, non-attentive waiters

11/17/08

AREO HAS BAY RIDGE SNOWED!

by collmart

I have lived in the neighborhood my entire life & have long heard about Areo being one of the best Italian restaurants in Brooklyn so when the time came to celebrate a friend's new job, we made a reservation at Areo.

First, they seated us directly by the door at a table beside a curved wall that would cause the person sitting there to sit with their head tilted the entire evening. When we asked if we could wait for another table, the manager seemed miffed, but obliged. After waiting a bit, we were brought to a "better" table jammed in the far corner of the room by the windows. People at the tables around us had to move to let us squeeze in.

The wait staff did not greet us, ask if we had any questions about the menu or offer a wine list. In order to fit a small plate of antipasto in the center of the table, we had to put the bread basket on one of our plates, the s&p on another plate & the water carafe on the FLOOR. The people at the table next to us couldn't eat without bumping elbows with us. When appetizers were served, the bread was knocked to the floor & never replaced. The entrees came before our appetizer plates were cleared. We had to pass plates over to the waiter & take our entree plates, which were scalding hot, from their hands because they could not reach the table to properly serve. The food was a disappointment. I ordered the seafood risotto ($27). It was NOT RISOTTO, but undercooked RICE. The seafood, including shrimp, was chopped into small pieces & clearly had been frozen, & was microwaved & greasy. The other pasta dishes were oversauced - not close to home made. No one ever came by to ask how our food was.

There was a deafening roar in the room, making conversation next to impossible. Areo is steps away from some of the greatest restaurants in Bay Ridge, whose staff takes the time to be attentive to their customer and serve fresh, delicious meals. Do yourself a favor and pass by Areo on your way to one of these local gems.

• Pros: none
• Cons: Mediocre overpriced food, crowded, cramped, loud. Mediocre service.

11/16/08

If you didn't like it, don't go back!

by grenvillager

I was so surprised to read the totally out of line comments by a couple of the previous posters. I am not a local Brooklynite. A friend of my family's introduced me to Areo's years ago and I have been returning excitedly ever since. It takes me 1-1 1/2 hours to drive there, but I make the trip at least twice a month. I usually go with my mother and aunt, who also love the food and atmosphere. Certain things are obvious to us. It does seem to have a local scene happening. It is ususally crowded with a wait. But, aside from that, I can not think of anything else negative. These two things aren't even that bad. There are plenty of busy restaurants in this world and people should be able to have a little patience and accept that not everything is about making their lives more comfortable. The Areo staff is the most welcoming and endearing out of any place I've ever been up north. In fact, we always comment that if anyone we know wants to open a restaurant, they should model their customer service after Areo's. We are always treated like gold! The food is absolutely to die for. After many dinners, we still can't figure out what our favorite dish on the menu is. A couple of highlights are: the summer stuffed fig salad, baked spaghetti with shrimp and pancetta in a pink sauce, veal picatta, and chicken milanese. Also, the appetizers are outstanding. The mozzerella en corrozza, and mushrooms are unreal. And I thought I didn't like mushrooms!! Anyway, I guess there are always some people who find something to complain about anywhere they go. I hope their negativity doesn't turn anyone away from the most delicious meal of a lifetime. I LOVE AREO'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Pros: Valet parking, Exciting atmosphere, Amazing food!!
• Cons: If you want a quiet place, this might not be for you