Mercat a la Planxa
John Allie · 297 Google reviewsMercat a la Planxa — neighborhood bar & grill in Loop. It wears its years well. There's real intention behind the cocktail list. "Nicely browned and expertly seasoned The tuna tartare was just the right amount of spicy" — Lisa Steele l Fresh Eggs Daily [$$$]
What 930 diners keep saying
What 930 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Attentive service. Fresh seafood, delicious tapas, and quality steak. The shrimps and octopus were so tender. We were seated by the window so could also watch the fireworks from Grant Park. A perfect meal!”
“I was part of a group that enjoyed a fabulous dining experience. We had reservations after 8pm so it wasn't crowded and the servers provided excellent attention. We were offered a tasting menu option but opted to go a la carte. The server guided us so we didn't over purchase. I think this was a better route than the tasting menu as we spent about $80 per person including delicious cocktails. Favorite tapas from our group include giganda bean salad, wrapped dates, flat iron steak skewers (solomillo pinxtos), short rib empanadas and fig montadito. I also thought the Catalan flatbreads that were tasty.”
“They had an opening for walk ins - much appreciated. This was the first experience of Spanish tapas meals for co-eorkers and Mercat did not disappoint. Each entree was fantastic...things I would generally ot eat but such a culinary delight. Best thing at dinner was the Sangria. Literally a replica of what you will find on the Lloret Del Mar coast.”
“I'm been coming here since the opened. This year we decided to do an untraditional Thanksgiving with Mercat, and they did not disappoint. My mother loves lamb chops and they definitely stood out. Calamari was also fresh, light and delicious. The broccolini looked and tasted amazing. This is also a great place for brunch.”
“Mercat a la Planxa is located inside the gorgeous Blackstone Hotel. Mercat specializes in Catalan tapas. Like the Blackstone Hotel, Mercat is elegant and sophisticated. I ordered Dates wrapped in Bacon. It was The Bomb! Calamari was a tad fishy but very good. Service was amazing. Views are breathtaking. Overlooks Grant Park. If you're handicapped, there is a small elevator in Hotel that will take you to and from Lobby. Recommend reservations.”
“We needed to find a dinner spot before the Beerfest at the Field Museum and landed on an absolute gem. From the moment we walked in, the beautiful, open space and welcoming service set the tone for a fantastic evening. The menu is true tapas style — every dish we tried was incredible. The garlic shrimp, calamari, and patatas bravas were all standouts, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. We finished with the large mixto paella, which easily feeds up to four. It does take about 25–30 minutes, but it’s well worth the wait — rich, hearty, and perfectly balanced. Drinks were spot on too — the Sidecar was especially good. Whether you’re heading to an event nearby or just looking for a fun date night or dinner with friends, Mercat a la Planxa is a must-visit.”
“We had a fantastic experience at Mercat a la Planxa! We went with the elevated tasting menu, which was an absolute treat—beautifully presented, full of bold flavors, and perfectly paced. Huge compliments to our server, Samuel, who was knowledgeable, warm, and made the entire meal feel special. Also a shoutout to Chuy behind the bar for crafting some stellar cocktails that complemented the courses perfectly. The entire team was incredibly accommodating when we realized we were running short on time to make it to the Ryan Adams concert at the Chicago Theater. They quickly and graciously pivoted to wrap our final course to go—without skipping a beat or sacrificing hospitality. We’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend for a pre-show dinner or any special night out in the city.”
“Great spot. We stoped for dinner with a large crowd. Food was innovative and very tasty. Service with a smile. Will go back for sure and highly recommend.”
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