STK Aventura — Restaurant in Aventura

Just left this restaurant and let me just say oh gosh! The experience me and my family went though was horrible! Even a sign of racism too alone. Is this how you guys operate? First off, let me just say that when we first came into the restaurant yes we were seated immediately. We had reservations for my sister birthday so keep that in mind, today is her 17th birthday and we decided to come celebrate here. Keep in mind this is our first time here. I don’t remember who our server was when we first arrived but she was very nice to us and her service was good. I guess her shift was over and during shift change we were given another server. I don’t remember his name but he does have a short ponytail, blonde to be exact with a neck tattoo. Everything was going okay until it was time to leave and pay our bill. Let me make it clear that me and my family have never experienced anything so rude and disrespectful in a restaurant establishment. As we were gathering to leave he bought us our to go boxes and we packed our food. My Dad asked for the check and he bought it a couple minutes little. I must say he did take a while but maybe that’s because he was over there trying to scam people… well let me be clear, us. He bought us our check and I won’t disclose how much it was but it was around $300-400 which is kind of funny because in the end our check was kinda of funny looking because we calculate how much everything would be and didn’t realize that he actually added his own 22% of tip in there🙂…. Which is so funny. Let me continue, so he gave my dad the tablet to pay but proceeded to stand behind him and watch him pay. I’m confused on where they do that at? Is that allowed in your establishment? I didn’t see him doing that to his other table that was behind us. He gave them full respect but when it came to us it was kind of looking down at us. Keep in mind we are African American. Sorry to bring the race card in but it’s what it is. This guy lacked care and clearly showed what we was after. He proceeded to keep standing behind my dad which made my mom uncomfortable because she was confused on why he didn’t give us any space? Weird. Who watches someone pay there checks? We’re not thieves. So, as my dad is paying he proceeded to ask, “ Do you guys not know what you’re doing? “ then proceeded to grab the tablet and my dad was like , hold on. My dad was startled because nothing like this ever happened. Keep in my mind my dad is a restaurant manager for 15 years to be exact to he’s very aware of how service and restaurants are suppose to work. After, that occurred as my dad is STILL PAYING he’s still behind them not giving any privacy waiting to see if we’re going to tip… is that okay? That was very rude and fresh of him because who does that? Not only that he was thought he was slick on giving himself an already 22% of tip but my dad thought automatically 18% was already added which is okay. But, he didn’t realize it wasn’t until we left and started calculated and trying to see why our check was so much and we came down to what it was. This guy is rude. When my dad mentioned that was a manager he proceeded to ask , “ what restaurant, so I can visit “. As if he was trying to be funny in a way and look down on us . Who does this guy think he is lol? My dad responded & said “ he didn’t have to tell him “ & then he decided to say , “ was the service not good? I felt like I gave good service. “ FALSE ! Service terrible . Waiter terrible. Rude af. Racist. Con- artist. Greedy. Scammer. Entitled. No communication. Think he’s better. The typical. Unfortunately we will not be coming back and this was the worst experience ever. We always tip and tip good when we are given great service . He didn’t make our experience any better, just money hungry....

I was REALLY excited about this new STK location to open in Aventura. Felt as though this was a great idea to ramp up this specific market. And despite the negative reviews I had already read during their recent grand opening, I still felt the need to make my own opinion. I went ahead and booked my reservation via Open Table. (I highly recommend you check those reviews out as well) First impression; welcoming staff, greeters and hostesses the overall presentation, lacked luster. The face of the brand and company should have an elevated presence and unfortunately very little effort went here. The menu at first glance, prices are way higher than a Morton's, Houston's, Bourbon Steakhouse or even at the Palm's... so brace yourself. Drinks at a minimum are at $22, and god forbid you're offered blue cheese olives, they will up charge you for $2 per olive and not tell you. That's a first for me! A simple Tito's dirty martini now costs $24! Our server was mediocre, he was pleasant and smiled but that's as far as it went. No checking in, other than to take the order and fill up our glasses with water. If I had the adequate check in, l would have provided my feedback on my overcooked 10oz fillet that cost me well over $80. But by the time I was done, what was the point? Don't think he cared much either way. Lastly the most awkward moment of the night, checking out. Our server comes over with the bill, literally stands there while we review it and then points to the tab asking how much we're going to tip. We tip the lowest suggested at 18% (which frankly was way too high) and then he proceeds to swipe the credit card with his handy cordless machine. Very classy... and overall unacceptable for the price tag STK has, they felt extremely short and they did not deliver. We made the most of our evening, because we were with incredible company amongst family and enjoyed my hometown of Miami people watching (that alone was entertaining!) but after spending over $500 for a dinner for 3, we will NEVER come back. I'm disappointed, I was hoping all the rest of the reviews were steering me wrong but indeed...

I’ve been a fan of STK for years, so I was glad they opened a location close to me, in Aventura. As their slogan “Not your daddy’s steakhouse,” promises, STK delivers a fresh, modern spin on the classic steakhouse experience…without compromising on quality or flavor.

The new Aventura spot has the same chic lounge-style decor, and lively, upscale vibe, signature to STK. From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming- starting with the sweet hostess, to our amazing server Chavonne (a true gem), and the lovely manager, Allison.

We went on a Thursday night, so we got to enjoy their live DJ (they have different DJs Thursday–Sunday) and take advantage of their Steak Night dinner for two, which is such a great deal. For $69 per person (available Sunday through Thursday), you get a bottle of Prosecco or Cabernet, two starters, two entrees, two sides, and a dessert!

To start, we had the Lil BRGs and the Jalapeño Pickled Shrimp Cocktail—both very tasty. For mains, we tried the 6oz filet and the Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass. The steak was cooked perfectly—tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Definitely recommend adding the truffle butter on top for an extra special touch! We also tried the Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass, which was good, but the steak topped it.

The tater tots and mac n cheese were solid sides…big portions too, I even had some leftover to take home (which is rare for me!) Oh, and the bread they start you with is amazing- soft, buttery, melts in your mouth.

For dessert, we went with “The Cloud,” (from the regular menu) which was so fun and unique. It’s a warm butter cake wrapped in a giant puff of cotton candy that they light on fire at the table, revealing cake, ice cream, and berry compote underneath. Presentation and flavor both A+. As for cocktails, my favorites were the “Unchained Passion” and their award-winning Spiced Watermelon.

I recommend STK Aventura for any occasion date night, girls night, happy hour,...