Bar Mar

“After just moving here from Nashville, with plans to go to the opera, we made reservations at Bar...”

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.

J Calistri

Feb 2026

“I’ve been eyeing this spot for a while, so Restaurant Week 2025 felt like the perfect excuse to...”

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.

Jemyra Ingram

Jan 2026

“I absolutely love this place 💖 amazing food and such a cool place.”

I absolutely love this place 💖 amazing food and such a cool place.. was here for my birthday and it was perfect 👌🏻 the Salt Air cocktail, the Mediterranean sea bass😋 and the Flan 🍮 😍 don’t forget to try their in house delicious caramel 💖everything about this place is great.. will definitely be back soon 💯

Shreeya Tripathi

Jan 2026

“A friend recommended that I try this place for NYE.”

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!

Daphne L. Kinzig

Jan 2026

“My husband and I tried the oysters, scallops, and short rib and it was all amazing.”

My husband and I tried the oysters, scallops, and short rib and it was all amazing! Our server was able to help us make some decisions and explained dishes in detail if we asked which was a plus.

Makayla Mace

Dec 2025

“Thank god I finally strolled in here.”

Thank god I finally strolled in here. 100000000 out of 10. Cleared. I normally avoid chains but after several good experiences at Jaleo, I was enthusiastically directed to Bar Mar. The space is stunning. Even the bathrooms had some of the brightest lights I’ve ever seen, I could SEE my pores 😩 The food…. Jesus. The food was that special genre of “good.” I started with Neptune’s pillows and these little sloppy Joe’s, I forget the actual name. Both were - and I mean BOTH - some of the best bites I’ve ever had. That kind of special bite that makes you want to order it again. 50 out of 10 on both. The flavor was deep and rich. at that point I said go ahead and bring out the hamachi crudo, which they were kind to remove the pistachios from re: allergies. SO good. Probably top 1 or 2 hamachi crudo I’ve ever had in my life. I noticed that was a theme with the dishes: superlative. For the main I had salmon with mushrooms, which was okay. Still very good, but I’d order a different entree next time to try more things. The small starters were the star of the show for me, but everything from the Casa Humilde to the end of the meal was spectacular. My sweet waiter alexandros was an absolute joy and needs a FAT raise. I cannot wait to go back. +1 point for inKind benefits. Update: Returned and tried the hamachi cone, salmon crudo, chicken, key lime pie, Maine lobster, and short rib & frites. FANTASTIC! The salmon crudo I want a whole gallon of, that portion was so small. It was so good 😮‍💨 Amanda and Alyssa were both a joy. Pay them more!

Chris Eyo

Dec 2025

“We chose Bar Mar due to its proximity to Lyric Opera.”

We chose Bar Mar due to its proximity to Lyric Opera. They are accommodating and make sure to get you out in time for the show. Our appetite was small so we unfortunately only had drinks + small bites (portions were large). The standout was Shab’s stellar customer service. We weren’t expecting to come back for dessert after the show but after she stated there was sticky toffee pudding, it didn’t take much convincing. Again, the portion was big enough to share amongst 3 ladies. I hope to return to try the entrees and receive great service from Bar Mar Staff :)

Ren B.

Dec 2025

“Bar Mar is a magical restaurant sitting in between the Loop and West Loop, it's worth your while in paying them a visit.”

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.

Eda

Dec 2025

“My goodness and WOW.”

My goodness and WOW! My wife and I went expecting good food and views but the VIBE, the energy of the place really caught us off guard in a great way. If you dont like restaurants where everyone "talks out loud" you may not enjoy this spot but we loved it. The fare focuses on seafood and all courses were delicious. Our server was attentive, helpful, and friendly. We'll definitely go back when we return. A tad pricey but expected for such a nice place.

Lawrence Lockhart

Nov 2025

“Beautiful space with a fun and lively atmosphere.”

Beautiful space with a fun and lively atmosphere. We ordered the seafood tower, which came with lobster, shrimp, oysters, and ceviche — everything was super fresh and nicely presented. The jamón ibérico with pan con tomate was also great. Service was friendly and the cocktails were really good too. Perfect spot for lunch or a casual dinner with great seafood and energy.

Alexandra

Nov 2025

“What a beautiful place with the highest ceilings and such a unique atmosphere with a squid hanging from the sky.”

What a beautiful place with the highest ceilings and such a unique atmosphere with a squid hanging from the sky. The meat based (Bazaar Meat) sister restaurant is upstairs and the bathrooms are on the lower level. The building (Bank of America) this place is housed inside of is massive and cost more than 750 million according to Andy the Ox, the expert of eating and traveling. It’s modern and lots of glass to see all around. Romantic for dates if you are ok with a tiny 2.5” hamachi cone with 0.75” in diameter for $8. The mood is relaxing and the music is not loud. The food is creative like hibiscus passion fruit oysters on a bed of seaweed and ice. The salmon dinner at $28 was really perfectly done and evenly done with the fillet being very soft and buttery. The flan was fresh, smooth, not too sweet, melted in your mouth, and it was like a moat in real passion fruit based syrup with seeds on top of the fresh whipped cream. Wait staff are excellent and attentive and knowledgeable. This is an area with no free parking so either Uber or Lyft or CTA or walk here. If you want a fancy romantic dining experience (even if a bit pricey) without being required to dress fancy (some guys wore casual shorts and one couple brought a brand new baby) this is your place. Beautiful ambience and beautiful food. High quality food and good drinks. No complaints. Bazaar Meats is upstairs.

karina k

Oct 2025

“It took me a long time to choose a luxurious restaurant for my birthday until I decided on Bar Mar...”

It took me a long time to choose a luxurious restaurant for my birthday until I decided on Bar Mar this restaurant for me won my heart ♥️ when I arrived the valet parking took the car key we arrived and the reservation was ready right at my time I arrived only 10 minutes before my reservation quickly they greeted me they congratulated me and received me between smiles they took me to my table, when I sat down and saw the restaurant in detail I was very impressed it is a very glamorous restaurant everything very nice clean everything perfect after 3 or 5 minutes approximately arrived The waitress introduced herself as Mia a decent girl educated excellent service she gave me with some names of appetizers that I had doubts and ordered after a short time my champagne rose arrived and to toast and enjoy also in a matter of minutes arrived the starters arrived that I ordered everything very delicious what I liked most was the caviar cone I had ordered 3 and when I liked it so much I ordered 3 more I enjoyed this restaurant to the fullest then I ordered more drink GL Dom Carneros Brut Rose and meat Washugyu Ribeye and Filet 7oz while waiting for my meat the manager approached He introduced himself as Martín politely congratulated me and said that as I had made my reservation at 8:30 pm and ordered the meat at almost 9:30 pm it was going to be a little late since I should have lost the one before since it was delayed so if you ask for meat do it together with the starters so you avoid waiting a long time as it happened to me well to the manager to tell me I told him don’t worry we will wait for the meat minutes later I arrived and I loved it I loved the 2 meats that I had ordered very delicious then to order the dessert And I ordered the traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding and Key Lime Pie very delicious both desserts I loved it When I finished, I ordered the bill and paid This was my experience I left very happy definitely my birthday night I had an incredible time in a restaurant that is worth every penny I pay Yes, I would go back, yes, of course I will return many times since I love to dine in luxurious restaurants and that provide good service and that dinner is delicious If you are thinking of going to this restaurant for a business dinner or romantic dinner with your partner or a birthday celebration like me, do it, this place is perfect Thanks to the entire Bar Mar team for their excellent service If you got here and read my reservation and liked it please a heart ♥️ to continue recommending more restaurants like Bar Mar

Sophia Ferrer

Sep 2025