Bar Mar

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

Review summary

1. B

   Ben

   Chicago2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Service was very slow and the kitchen was out of 2 items that my date wanted. While I can understand there might not be shipments of new seafood on Sunday, one entree came out about 30 min before the other. The only time service sped up was when the check came out. This was the most attention we got all evening.
   

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2. V

   Vanitha VIP

   New York City7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

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

   Food was good - portions on the smaller side - but the food was fresh, flavorful and interesting ( ceviche with sweet potato- for example) Really pretty space - and cocktails were solid and heavy pour!
   

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3. A

   Alan VIP

   Chicago307 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

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

   Everything was great, but rather pricey. But we will be back.
   

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4. R

   Roy

   Chicago12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   The east coast oysters were a bit smaller than I’d hope but it’s early in the season and their succulent favor more than made up for the size. The lobster bisque had a generous portion of lobster meat aside from being delicious. The 2 oz, shaved at the table, Jamón Ibérico was a delicious starter. The Mediterranean Sea Bass in a cream sauce was a mouth watering dish. My wife had the salmon which was another home run. This was my third visit to Bar Mar and they never disappoint.
   

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5. S

   Sheila

   Chicago5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   The food and service was absolutely amazing. Victoria was INCREDIBLE the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!! I have celiac . I ordered off the gluten free menu and broccolini didn’t come out gluten free and they gave us free dessert to make up for their mistake. I will absolutely be back !! I loved it there
   

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6. P

   Patricia VIP

   Chicago197 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   What a fun and vibrant destination! Our server was helpful in offering suggestions and recommendations and her attention throughout our meal was flawless. The drinks are extremely tasty and creative. We enjoyed hot and cold entrees, the grilled shrimp salad, the Poke bowl and scallops as entrees. Definitely will return!
   

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7. J

   Janet VIP

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 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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8. J

   Jennifer VIP

   New York City11 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 6 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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9. A

   Allen VIP

   Denver1 review

   5.0

   Dined 6 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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10. P

    Pg VIP

    Chicago8 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    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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