Arenas Marisqueria Lounge — Restaurant in San Antonio

Arenas Marisqueria Lounge is tucked away in a strip mall near the LDS Temple. I hope it stays a guarded secret, but I'm sure it won't. We met up with some friends on a Friday and were seated immediately. The aesthetic is giving beachside chic with artistic lighting and a window screen mural that catches the sunlight so perfectly you feel you're dining oceanside. Our server was Brooke. She was personable, attentive, and helpful as we selected our menu and cocktail choices. Classic margaritas were $5 each, and they had other specials like chicken on a stick and fish tacos. We ordered appetizers for the table: the Queso Marisco (shrimp in a gooey cheese sauce that was divine with their homemade tortilla chips), Coconut Shrimp, Camaron con Pulpo Coctel (a shrimp and octopus cocktail in a flavored tomato salsa), and Shrimp Aguachile Verde (with the perfect amount of spice- it was our favorite dish). The cocktails were great, though I would've liked a bit more alcohol. The Aztec Old Fashioned was a favorite of dark liquor drinkers, as it had Angostura and chocolate bitters with mezcal. Though they were expecting the ubiquitous cherry garnish, which it doesn't normally come with, Brooke was happy to provide one for each round. A few of us really enjoyed the flavor of El Cantarito, a passion fruit and tequila sour, and the Agua de Vida, a refreshing hibiscus and tequila spritzer. Our entrees varied, but my husband and I ordered the Steak and Shrimp and the Camarones, respectively. My shrimp entree came with rice and refried beans and was garlicky in the best way possible. My husband's steak had a bit more gristle than it should've and was bland, lacking seasoning, so I suggested he ask for the aguachile salsa and spoon it over it. He did and said it made it much better. The one thing about the menu that I wasn't a fan of is the prevalence of tilapia. Most fish dishes feature tilapia, which, in my opinion, is a trash fish. I know it's more economical, but I would pay more to see red snapper replace it. A live singer began a set toward the end of dinner and added to the already enjoyable ambiance. The churros we ordered for dessert came in a chilled crème Anglaise sauce or similar-tasting cream sauce. We couldn't quite place the filling in the churros, but they were delicious. As with most of my dinners with friends, I didn't take pictures since I wanted to be present. Overall, all presentations were beautiful, and we were very satisfied when we left. We'll definitely be returning to this hidden gem. Hopefully, I won't regret letting...

Don’t fall for the reviews…classy vibes went quickly downhill.

I write this review so people get a true, unbiased opinion of this place. I chose the restaurant because of the great reviews but the restaurant offers free dessert in exchange for a review.

Owners are wasting the aesthetics of this awesome space…the restaurant is gorgeous but everything else is terrible.

Atmosphere: they had LOUD live mariachi. So uncomfortable when no one can hear themselves. Thankfully the mariachi takes a break so you can exchange a few words with your party.

Service: everything was bad. All of it. Had to beg for water after apps were set down…the water cups were tiny. Drinks took way too long even with the restaurant being empty. Server was pleasant but not knowledgeable or helpful. He guessed about the food. The worst was when he lied about the grilled oysters. Menu says “topped with cheese” and they came out with something else which he said was “red onion.” When I asked if the topping was bacon he said no…then we found it was bacon. On Good Friday. We had to keep begging staff to clear our table.

Food:

Aguachile verde: what the heck? no flavor, no color. Guacamole: guacamole was white due to overabundance of pungent white onion with tiny skimpy portion of avocado. Never seen guacamole like that so I asked to take it back…server poked at it first then asked the kitchen but brought it back saying that’s how the kitchen makes it. The guacamole was white. Calamari: omg so over cooked. Chewy. They ruined it. The aioli was great though. Salsa: I asked for salsa for our chips and they brought out a Molcajete with a hot, thick, tomatoey ranchero sauce that had no flavor or spice. Tacos gobernador: they were good but too watery so the tortilla falls apart. Came with a salad with plenty of avocado…I wish they would just add those avocados to the guacamole app. Tacos pescado: they were fine. Plain. Pescado del Rio: The fish and rice had good flavor but presentation was comical with the huge side salad falling out and over the plate.

Drinks: they were good.

Summary: don’t go there for food. Hit this spot for a drink and music at the bar. Very disappointed with those who wrote great reviews only to get the free dessert.

The worst meal I have had in a long time. Management should replace everyone including the kitchen staff and get a new team to make this place shine. Such a waste of a...

A Hidden Gem for Unique Appetizers and Amazing Experience

Wow, I recently had the pleasure of dining at Arenas, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience! From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we knew we were in for a treat.

We decided to start off our meal by exploring their appetizer menu, and we were blown away by the diverse and innovative options available. In fact, we couldn't resist ordering about three-quarters of their appetizers, and boy, we were not disappointed! Each dish we tried was bursting with unique flavors and beautifully presented. It was evident that the chefs at Arenas have put a lot of thought and creativity into crafting their appetizers.

Apart from the delectable food, the ambiance of the restaurant was top-notch. The decor was tastefully done, exuding a trendy and modern vibe. The attention to detail was apparent in every aspect, from the lighting to the comfortable seating arrangements. It created a pleasant and inviting atmosphere that enhanced our overall dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the bar. The bar setup at Arenas was impressive, to say the least. It was well-stocked with a wide variety of spirits and a cocktail menu that caught our attention. What made our visit even more memorable was our waiter, who also served as the bartender. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and provided us with the perfect recommendations for drinks that complemented our meal. His expertise added an extra touch of quality to our dining experience.

After such an extraordinary evening, I can confidently say that I highly recommend Arenas to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. The combination of unique appetizers, delightful decor, and exemplary service left an indelible impression on us. This restaurant has undoubtedly earned a regular spot in our dining rotation, and we cannot wait to return for more incredible meals.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a hidden gem that offers not just exceptional food, but also a well-curated ambiance and impeccable service, Arenas is the place to be. Prepare to be amazed and tantalize your taste buds with their...