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Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar — among the best caribbean in Uptown. Built for a slow, quiet evening. Cocktail menu runs deeper than expected. "The chicken was tender and full of flavor, and the mofongo was perfectly seasoned and fluffy" — Lisandra Lopez
Casey Medack
119 reviews
“The cocktails were outstanding, flavorful, and so delicious my husband and I had 4 each throughout dinner”
The ambience is uncomfortable and scary.
4554 N Magnolia Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
“First time there and it was so delicious.”
First time there and it was so delicious. Very welcoming environment with good portions and flavorful drinks. Highly recommend!
Imani Thornton
Jan 2026
“We went here for a special holiday private party event they were hosting.”
We went here for a special holiday private party event they were hosting. Well, my first initial response when I saw where it was located was a surprise. Small stripmall in this neighborhood? Ok. This was truly an experience of don't judge a book by its cover. Immediately after arriving the hosted accommodated us when we arrived too early to our reservation. Big plus! Next were the drinks, I don't seek out rum when I go out, kinda boring and sugary, NOT HERE! The cocktails were outstanding, flavorful, and so delicious my husband and I had 4 each throughout dinner. That NEVER HAPPENS! Next the food, we had a preset meal, croquettes, soup, main, and desert. Such simple foods done very well. Btw if they ever have their version of mashed potatoes on the menu, please order them! Everything was just amazing, we are super excited to go back and get some more. Please if you can make the trip and the time to have an amazing lunch or dinner here. Chef Eric knows what he is doing!
Casey Medack
Dec 2025
“Being Puerto Rican, I’m always looking for restaurants that can deliver the authentic tastes from the island.”
Being Puerto Rican, I’m always looking for restaurants that can deliver the authentic tastes from the island. Marinas Bistro and Rum Bar did not disappoint!!!! Chef Eric and his staff are amazing and the food was incredible!!! Everything was a 10 out of 10. To start, they bring you freshly made Malanga chips with a Guava butter 🤤. We order Pastelillos, Croquetas, Mofongo with Shrimp and their Chicken Sandwich all 🔥🔥🔥
Juan Pagan
Nov 2025
“My partner and I were super excited to find a Puerto Rican restaurant while walking around during our trip to Chicago.”
My partner and I were super excited to find a Puerto Rican restaurant while walking around during our trip to Chicago! This unassuming spot in a strip mall of small spots is tiny but FIERCE. It’s BEAUTIFUL inside. Intimate. Anna, our bartender/server/host/everything is an absolute gem. She is lovely. Warm. Inviting. And she balanced flawless service while handling all tables and the bar all evening. I would hire her (or work for her) in a heartbeat, if we lived in the same state :) The food is faaaaantastic. I’m of Puerto Rican heritage and it’s so exciting to me to find a spot that does mofongo THIS well and authentic. It is perfect. As was our sandwich. And pork. And fried cheese. And drinks. And bread pudding. And icecream. So happy to be eating leftovers this morning in bed. :) Cheers!
CJ Fox
Oct 2025
“Small and quant place to eat dinner....wonderful cocktails.”
Small and quant place to eat dinner....wonderful cocktails. Authentic puerto rican food to die for.... Service was impeccable highly recommend
Kat Turner-Thalleen
Oct 2025
“I came here with my friends and we were blown away by how delicious everything was.”
I came here with my friends and we were blown away by how delicious everything was. Every single dish tasted fresh, authentic, and full of flavor. It felt like a real taste of Puerto Rico. The portions were generous, the presentation was beautiful, and you could tell everything was made with care. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to share a meal with friends or family. We left happy, satisfied, and already talking about what we’ll try next time. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Christina
Sep 2025
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting one of my absolute favorite hidden gems, and I just have to...”
I recently had the pleasure of visiting one of my absolute favorite hidden gems, and I just have to share how amazing the experience was. This quaint little spot is a bit tucked away, which only adds to its charm and makes the discovery even more special. Once you step inside, you’re immediately welcomed by a warm atmosphere and the inviting aroma of incredible food. The menu is packed with dishes you’ll definitely want to try. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with anything here. I highly recommend starting with the avocado salad (aguacate); it’s fresh, flavorful. Every dish that came to the table was truly outstanding. The drinks are another highlight of this place. They’re perfectly balanced and thoughtfully prepared, making them the ideal complement to the food. From the first sip to the last bite, everything was exceptional. On top of that, the service is always top-notch. The staff is attentive, friendly, and clearly passionate about making sure you have a great experience. Overall, this restaurant is a true hidden treasure and absolutely a must-visit. If you’re looking for delicious food, spot-on drinks, and stellar service, this place delivers on every level. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Jonathan Leonard
Sep 2025
“I tried Marinas today for the first time and it was delicious.”
I tried Marinas today for the first time and it was delicious. They have a number of veggie options and one of the front-house staff was also a vegetarian so it was reassuring. The jibarrito was delicious, but the mushroom was a bit too salty. Otherwise delicious! The mocktail was tasty. The Puerto Rican rice was delicious! Note for all the spice-loving-maniacs like myself, they don't have any hot sauce. The food wasn't spicy but still very flavorful. Please get some hot sauce hahaha! I got one mocktail and one entree and it was about $33 before tip.
Sunny Patel
Sep 2025
“Tropical vibes on Wilson.”
Tropical vibes on Wilson! One amazing bartender took our drink order, made our drinks, took our food order, ran our food, gave great recommendations, and was a pure delight. The chef came out to greet our table. Cozy place with authentic Puerto Rican food and delicious fancy drinks. Jibarito, Croquetas, Arroz con Gandules, Sorullos, Quesitos - - everything was tasty & filing!
DANA TEDESCO
Sep 2025
“Authentic Puerto Rican food.”
Authentic Puerto Rican food. Tried the slow roasted pork, beef, eggplant, fried rice, avocado salad, malango and lots of sides. Favorite was the pita chips with guava dip. Slow roasted asado was good, liked the fatty part. Slow cooked beef was tender and good. Eggplant with this yellow spam dip was an amazing. It was like an eggplant chip, tasted amazing. Service was amazing and interior design was very elegant.
Xin Wang
Aug 2025
“Amazing food with a modern but still cozy & friendly atmosphere.”
Amazing food with a modern but still cozy & friendly atmosphere. Staff went above and beyond. I’ll absolutely be back the next time I’m in the city!
Ali Ortiz
Aug 2025
“The ambiance was very tranquil and the food was absolutely delicious.”
The ambiance was very tranquil and the food was absolutely delicious. The quality of the service is top tier. I didn’t have to try and get anyone’s attention and that made it such a delightful experience. The decor really sets a nice tone, your eyes can always peer to something cute and of authentic Puerto Rican culture.
Kiersten Ford
Aug 2025
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