Bar Mar

"After just moving here from Nashville, with plans to go to the opera, we made reservations at Bar Mar as we knew we could trust in Jose Andres to deliver perfection. From the outstanding service by Valentin, to the sommelier Justin, everyone took pride in ownership. They owned their service. Moreover we were visited throughout the night by management - first Jacob then Kristie and finally Mark - each treating us more like family and were made to feel seen. Seen. No one does that excellent anymore but Bar Mar does and did. And as with any restaurant, service must be on point as no matter what the chef makes it’ll never be what makes the establishment. Service can be taught its true, but when it delivers it is because staff believes in the idea, pursues it with passion and shows the value in the ideal. Food can be great but if service is off you won’t return and it will never be the experience it could have been - and this was a full experience. We can’t wait to see what Bazaar Meat has in store if this is any indication! Till then, bravo to all from front and back of house, to the culinary magic guided by the one and only, Jose Andres."

"A friend recommended that I try this place for NYE. Decor was tastefully done. We loved all the dishes. My eye went to the cold tapas style selection. Very good - we had coconut ceviches in a half coconut half shell, nice touch; salmon crisp - great, hamachi cones; seafood platter - good & nice presentation; Cesar was excellent; hot octopus - VERY tasty; deconstructed key lime - great. Then they gave us a spiced caramel square. Definitely would go back. It was tasty! And Amber was great waitress! Highly recommend for fresh seafood in the Midwest!"

"Came for the Valentine’s Menu Specials, but ordered several items off the regular menu as well. The food was excellent. All the seafood was so fresh and high quality. The lobster bisque was possibly the best I’ve ever had, I’m still thinking about it 2 days later. The sticky toffee pudding alone would keep me coming back. The wine selection was impressive as well. The atmosphere was great, nice and lively, but not overcrowded or too loud. Our server was knowledgeable of the menu, professional, and attentive without being at the table too much. I love Bar Mar! Can’t wait to come back!"

"Bar Mar is a magical restaurant sitting in between the Loop and West Loop, it's worth your while in paying them a visit. From their open patio dining space in the summer, to their bedazzling golden aquatic interior in the colder months, you'd surely impress a crowd in here. My experiences have alway been very pleasant. My waitress, Jessica, was especially a sweetheart in helping me celebrate a birthday dinner. I will always remember her kindness and warmth. The stars of my meals have been the seafood dishes such as the octopus, scallops, and even the burger on a soft bun were all delicious! The ambiance of Bar Mar is upbeat and will surely put you in a good mood if you weren't already in one."

"I’ve been eyeing this spot for a while, so Restaurant Week 2025 felt like the perfect excuse to finally try it and wow, I’m so glad we did. We went for lunch and everything was so good. The decor is stunning, and the location is a perfect downtown Chicago corner. It wasn’t crowded at all, which made the experience even better, and our waiter was excellent and attentive without being overbearing. We enjoyed every bit of it, and it was extra special since we were celebrating my friend’s birthday. Highly recommend this place, and another great restaurant from José Andrés."