Arena Blanca in Playa del Carmen
This is, without a doubt, the most unique place to dine in Hayward… on the water, at the historic stadium for world champion logrolling. The atmosphere is very charming with nice details like fresh wildflowers and atmospheric music. The cocktails are well prepared and served in frosty glasses. The food was very good. We especially liked the crispy chicken wings, salmon, and elk burger with blue cheese and blueberry compote! For dessert, we went next-door to the ice cream shop… Icing on the cake of an enjoyable dinner out. The prices are at the top level for Hayward fine dining, but the atmosphere on a nice evening is worth the extra dollars spent.
… moreMissy Karels
The people at this restaurant know EXACTLY what they are doing, and what they are doing is creating an experience like no other that I’ve had. It was nothing short of spectacular. Everything about it was top notch. When walking up to the restaurant, we were greeted with a smile immediately. The outside dining creates an atmosphere of relaxation. Overlooking the lake/log competition arena was super nice. There was no competition happening, so we got to see the serene view of the still water, an occasional kayaker paddling by. I commented several times that it felt as if you were sitting in a southern outdoor restaurant, enjoying a fine dining experience, while sitting in an up-north cabin. It was a surreal and awesome combination. Our server, Emile, was quick, knowledgeable and friendly. She added a comfortability to our experience that you don’t often find. The food….the food that Chef Troy planned and Sous Chef Angela executed for us was truly spectacular. The new tastes and knowledge that Chef Troy have brought to the restaurant is phenomenal. It was beautifully served, perfectly seasoned, the taste was indescribable in the best way. We had crab cake as the appetizer, which was the only crab cake I’ve ever enjoyed. Fresh crab, not fishy at all. Just delectable seafood. My husband had the salmon sandwich as an entrée. He said he’s never had anything so delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked, and the aioli went perfectly with the dish. He even commented on the how wonderful the bun was, which we found out later was brought in directly from the Big Easy. I had the filet mignon. This steak was so flavorful, and so tender I literally cut it with my fork. I tested it just to be sure. Finished off with a very rich chocolate cake that could have easily fed 4 at that table, with the right amount of semi-sweet cream that was the perfect compliment to cut the richness and bring out the chocolate. I mean, I literally cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. I would return again and again, and drive from Minnesota over to Hayward JUST to eat there. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for dining in Hayward, and be confident that it would hold up against any place out there as outstanding.
… moreJeanne Skul
The location is great, service was good but the food was just ok. My husband ordered the duck and he thought it was under cooked. He didn’t send it back because they had already given him the wrong drink. It’s a bit more expensive than other places in the area and in my opinion not worth it. That said I did enjoy our bottle of Rose.
… morejim drees
Good service, decent food for the price. Small menu. Cocktail bar looked good, didn’t order drinks. My walleye sandwich was 8/10. Fries good. Wife’s steak salad was 7/10. Adjacent to pond with a nice breeze but mildew smell. Older chairs, heavy but not the most comfortable. Looked like a nice campfire near the bar.
… moreDonna Post
Food was pricey, $19 for a hamburger. Grilled chicken salad was good, service was good. I would go back, not too often. High end food. Great dry martini
… moreJohn Kaufmann
Absolutely delicious steak, baked brie and cocktails.
Our server was very nice and offered us a different table with an umbrella for a little shelter from the elements.
Great evening
… moreTech Stars
Biggest walleye sandwich I have had grilled perfect prices are worth the food quality and great Lakeside dining. Pricing is very fair …..big portions It’s a great country but you can’t live in it for nothing.
… moreKaren Weedman
Our waitress was not good never checked in. Our food was not good. One burger rare and one so over done it was hard as a rock. Waitress was no where to be found to let her know so we paid crazy money for poor quality food and poor service. We won’t be going back
… moreMandy Augustin
It’s unlikely that I can think of a more perfect place to have drinks on a summer evening, and Chef Corey has dreamt up a wonderful menu and creative specials with the freshest ingredients.
… moreJamie Waters
This is truly a gem. It has an absolutely amazing outdoor bar and dinning area with beautiful views of the river and great ambiance. And the food…the FOOD WAS INCREDIBLE! We still talk about the risotto and scallops. Our meal was up to par with any fine dinning we have had in the big city! Although the wait time for a table and for the food to come was very long it did not matter once we tasted our dinner. Do not skip this place.
… more