If you are old enough to remember Checkpoint Charley, the Eastern Bloc and Willy Brandt you will be familiar with the look and feel of the Aria Cafe. \n\nThe starkness and monochromatic palette of the place made me feel that I was eating my Chinese Chicken Salad (or other communist approved food) in an East German government building during the early days of the cold war. There is very little decoration, color or even signs that the space was meant to be inhabited by actual human beings.\n\nWith no sound-absorbing surfaces (a pet peeve of mine) the place had a hollow, utilitarian feel and was amazingly loud and reverberant for such an open space.\n\nI will say the dour, mechanistic look is a pallet cleansing contrast to the life, energy and mayhem of the strip outside but perhaps just a hint of color...or warmth...or humanity would be welcome.\n\nOn the bright side (and most things will seem bright next to the Schutzwall grey-green used here) the food was very good and the service was provided, not as you might expect by burly East German waitresses but by warm friendly folks who seemed to enjoy their jobs. (Unlike some reviewers I had no issue with service but I was not in any hurry)\n\nAll in all I'm not sure whether to recommend the restaurant; As an historical experience it really brought the past to life, (I could almost hear the sound of clacsons in the distance) as a dining experience... when you come to Vegas you can certainly do better.