Bar Mar

Bar Mar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. J

   Janet VIP

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   This place was hopping in a Thursday night! A good mix of after work crowd, friends meeting up, and couples out to dinner. I have been curious to try Bar Mar since we have been to its sister restaurant Bazaar Meats upstairs (which we also loved.) I was there to meet and catch up with a friend town so we ordered a selection of items from all parts of the menu - the (hamachi?) cones, the tuna pillows, the Caesar salad, the sea bass and the crab cake. Our server was lovely and made great recommendations. The cones and tuna pillows were both yummy bites that were interesting to look at and eat. My favorite was the crab cake which was deconstructed with huge lumps of crab. The Caesar salad was a tad bit acidic for my taste but the sea bass was on point. Our bottle sparkling water and side of cauliflower never came but they didn’t include it on the bill either. For dessert I had asked if we could have that delicious basque cheesecake from upstairs (best cheesecake ever!) but they were not able to because it needed to be ordered in advance. No matter. We were happy with the rest of the evening. Overall a great place to head for after work in the Loop!
   

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2. J

   Jennifer VIP

   New York City11 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   This is a popular place and a beautiful setting. Cocktails were great and the menu is varied and interesting. Service was friendly. But the noise level is VERY high. This is not a place for an intimate conversation or if you suffer any hearing or auditory processing issues. It's not the fault of the restaurant -- but high ceilings, impressive cavernous space, and lots of people (did I mention the place is popular?) make it hard to hear. Our salad and truffle grilled cheese were good -- we probably didn't give ourselves maximum opportunity to experience the food here.
   

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3. A

   Allen VIP

   Denver1 review

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Exactly what I was expecting from this restaurant. Fantastic, anticipatory, staff, clean, beautiful restaurant with accommodating host. Anyone in the business can tell you that finding quality staff is one of the largest challenges of the industry right now I didn’t say that they had it dialed in. He is fresh and beautifully related, top to bottom. It was a fantastic experience.
   

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4. P

   Pg VIP

   Chicago7 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Unfortunately, this time was not good at all (last time we chose a Tasting Menu that was excellent) 1. Easter Sunday: No Tasting Menu? Why? Travelling worldwide, I was shocked 2. Twice, two different waiters (not their fault....young, inexperienced), tried to serve me the hot meal (Pulpo alla Gallega) before serving the Shellfish Platter, even said clearly when ordering the food 3. Low-quality Oysters 4. The octopus was not fresh at all (light ammonia smell) 5. Personnel clearing the tables (black dressed) with very dirty aprons
   

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5. F

   Felicia

   Chicago2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Service and food were really elevated! Will definitely be back
   

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6. R

   Rubi VIP

   Chicago15 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Seafood was amazingly fresh, cocktails were strong and unique!! We absolutely loved the salt air margarita! Service was great, everyone was very friendly. We had a great time celebrating my sister's birthday 😊
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Alabama1 review

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our server Amanda was amazing and the
   

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8. S

   Shelly VIP

   Chicago5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Cool place. Fantastic seafood options. Unique presentations, but every dish was delicious. Beautiful views, cool vibes and great service. Will definitely return.
   

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9. J

   Jacki

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Our waiter was fantastic. But our bartender was very rude. Food was delicious
   

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10. C

    Colleen

    Chicago11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Great food! Very loud though, if you don’t like that I would avoid. Lively happy hour scene there Thursday after work.
    

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