Bar Mar
Eda · 214 Google reviewsBar Mar — honest bar & grill in River North. Order the Flan. Always packed, always worth it. "The neptune pillows were the star of the show and by far the best bites we had" — Jake Libucha [$$$, patio]
What 1,258 diners keep saying
What 1,258 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I had a reservation for a space in the bar but it's a walk-in, first come first serve basis. Seeing as there was no space, they were still able to seat me on a nice, small table good enough for two people. This is my first experience in a Jose Andres restaurant and, to be honest, what enticed me was their cocktail selection and the atmosphere. The restaurant was right by a business building but as soon as you enter this place, it has a very welcoming atmosphere with a huge open space and open air as you step further. I was soon served water and corn nuts upon getting seated. My server, I believe his name was Billy, soon came by with the menu. I immediately asked his cocktail recommendation based on my taste and ordered a Salty Air Margarita. It went well with the raw oysters that I ordered. I asked where their oysters came from, out of curiosity, and they got that information to me after a little bit of digging. I'm big on raw oysters so I wanted to know. They have a mix of Western and Eastern region oysters. I liked the brininess and saltiness of the Eastern region (coming from Canada) oysters and ordered another set. Soon came my meal. I ordered a Lobster Roll with a side of chips. The lobster roll was definitely delicious and enough... but I was still hungry and I wanted to try more cocktails. I decided to order the Floral Cloud next and the Crab Cake. Both meals had good flavors and temperature. In all honesty, I should have ordered another Lobster Roll because it was so delicious! After my meal, I wanted to order another cocktail. I asked another recommendation from him and he told me about a secret menu and recommended a cocktail twist from one of the cocktails listed on the menu. I decided to try it out but it wasn't for me. I finished it anyway and I just ordered another Floral Cloud because the drink was just phenomenal. During my experience, the manager was very much present around the area checking on the operations. It was a pleasure for her to check in on me as I proceeded to drink my cocktail while I enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant. Coming to Chicago to visit after a long time, going solo, service was definitely appreciated as they were very attentive. I would go again if I were to visit the area once more. Definitely recommend the Floral Cloud!”
“We went for a late lunch this past Saturday 6/27 around 3 pm. I made a reservation but we ended up moving it to the bar top. Overall the experience was wonderful. Mia was our bartender and her timing was perfect and we never waited for anything. She was super sweet and took great care of us. we really enjoyed our meal. We shared half a dozen raw oysters (4 east coast, 4 west), neptunes pillows, grilled octopus and a lobster roll. The octopus was literally the best we’ve ever had. Neptunes pillows were ok but I probably wouldn’t get them again as they were a little bland. The sauce on the lobster roll was a little overpowering so you couldn’t really taste the lobster but it was fresh and on a nice toasted bun. Fries with the lemon aioli were addicting. If you get oysters make sure you ask for their homemade mango habanero hot sauce because it took them to the next level! Cocktails were good also, we kept it simple and had a couple spritzes. Please ask the bartenders to go a little easier on the aperol as that’s all you could taste! The atmosphere is open, bright and airy. Decor is beautiful and the bar seats were comfy. My only gripe is the bathroom is on another floor and a very far walk. Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes!!”
“The food at Bar Mar was stellar. The signature octopus dish was incredible. Even if you don’t think you like octopus, try it. The vibe was low-key upscale dining. Highly recommend.”
“This started off badly… stopped in to celebrate before dinner and the waiter ignored me then seemed upset I was bothering him with an order. Oysters seemed to be taking forever. Couple next to be waited on by other staff were doing well. My waiter disappeared. Luckily another waiter intervened and recovered service. Excellent food. Great selection of wines but would love to see more Spanish choices. My thanks to Hanna and Chris for rescuing what seemed to be a zero star experience and elevating it to 5 stars.”
“We were very excited to try this place and were not disappointed… we had the muscles, Neptune pillows, Jose Asian taco, cauliflower and the octopus. Everything was amazing - incredible flavor profiles. Drinks were amazing as well and the waitstaff and manager were one point. Highly recommend we will definitely be back!”
“Great food, a clean and welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful decor. The service was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and the staff made us feel very well taken care of. This is a wonderful spot for a date night or a special evening out. I would definitely recommend it and look forward to coming back.”
“The food is Chicago’s best! Everything tasted better than the last. This go around we got Osetra Caviar, King Crab Ceviche, the Sea Air Margarita and the lobster roll. Everything was exquisite. This is my new favorite restaurant, we went twice this vacation. Unfortunately, I had a serious medical emergency occur. The staff saved my life. They raced to a nearby store to obtain medicine and supplies for me. Chloe, Jacob, Aprille, and our server whose name eludes me all helped keep me calm until I was good. Thank you, everyone here. I am so grateful to be able to return in the future to try the next batch of menu items. Thank you to the staff, leadership, and especially Chloe and Jacob for going above and beyond in ensuring that Bar Mar is Chicago’s best. I truly believe that when the time comes, I know where to get on one knee and pop the question… this place is that perfect.”
“5 stars all around. The service was impeccable and the food was to die for! The interior design also embraces a chic sea vibe and was gorgeous. We had thr Neptune Pillows, Lobster Bisque, Short Ribs and Sea Bass - all were phenomenal!”
“Bar Mar delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The food and atmosphere were fantastic, but what truly stood out was the service. Billy was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and always seemed one step ahead of what we needed. His forward-thinking approach made the entire experience feel seamless and elevated. Even asking our child about her favorite foods and bringing us something extra special after hearing her speak. Being from Houston, we know food and service well…. It's clear he genuinely cares about creating a great guest experience. Outstanding hospitality like his actually had us go back a second time during our short trip. Highly recommend Bar Mar, and if you're lucky enough to have Billy taking care of you, you're in great hands! Also shout out to a manager, I believe his name was Ryan? I could be wrong but they gave us amazing service!”
“Bar Mar is a truly stunning restaurant with one of the most unique atmospheres in the city. The soaring ceilings create an impressive sense of space, and the giant squid suspended overhead adds a fun and memorable touch that immediately catches your attention. It is the kind of place that feels special from the moment you walk in. The food was exceptional, with every dish arriving beautifully plated and packed with flavor. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, which is exactly what you want from a seafood-focused restaurant. The staff were professional, attentive, and genuinely helpful throughout the meal. I was politely reminded that Bar Mar specializes in seafood, and after tasting the dishes, it was clear that this is where the restaurant truly shines. Between the beautiful setting, outstanding food, and terrific service, it was a stellar dining experience that I would gladly repeat.”
“Great food and atmosphere is a relaxed setting. The octopus was amazing and a must try!”
“Had the pleasure of experiencing their special Valentine’s tasting menu, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully presented and executed with incredible attention to detail. The caviar cones were the perfect bite crisp, delicate, and filled with rich, luxurious caviar that melted in your mouth. The oysters were stunning, served with a pink foam that added a romantic visual touch and a light, elegant balance. The scallions was incredibly fresh and pour of the bright green sauce elevated the entire dish adding aroma, freshness, and a refined interactive element. The lobster was a true highlight. Perfectly cooked, tender, and naturally sweet but what made it exceptional was the warm browned butter sauce on the side. The sauce had a deep, nutty, caramelized aroma that enhanced the lobster’s sweetness and made every bite absolutely incredible. It was rich without being heavy and brought the entire dish to another level. I also have to mention Ronnie, who truly elevated the evening. He was professional, and incredibly welcoming. His cocktails were perfectly balanced and crafted with care, and his energy added a warm, personal touch to the entire experience. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does. The atmosphere was perfect for Valentine’s Day 🌹. This was more than dinner - it was a true fine dining experience. Every detail was thoughtful and memorable. Highly recommend for special occasions.”
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