Bar Mar Chicago

“I had a reservation for a space in the bar but it's a walk-in, first come first serve basis. Seeing as there was no space, they were still able to seat me on a nice, small table good enough for two people. This is my first experience in a Jose Andres restaurant and, to be honest, what enticed me was their cocktail selection and the atmosphere. The restaurant was right by a business building but as soon as you enter this place, it has a very welcoming atmosphere with a huge open space and open air as you step further. I was soon served water and corn nuts upon getting seated. My server, I believe his name was Billy, soon came by with the menu. I immediately asked his cocktail recommendation based on my taste and ordered a Salty Air Margarita. It went well with the raw oysters that I ordered. I asked where their oysters came from, out of curiosity, and they got that information to me after a little bit of digging. I'm big on raw oysters so I wanted to know. They have a mix of Western and Eastern region oysters. I liked the brininess and saltiness of the Eastern region (coming from Canada) oysters and ordered another set. Soon came my meal. I ordered a Lobster Roll with a side of chips. The lobster roll was definitely delicious and enough... but I was still hungry and I wanted to try more cocktails. I decided to order the Floral Cloud next and the Crab Cake. Both meals had good flavors and temperature. In all honesty, I should have ordered another Lobster Roll because it was so delicious! After my meal, I wanted to order another cocktail. I asked another recommendation from him and he told me about a secret menu and recommended a cocktail twist from one of the cocktails listed on the menu. I decided to try it out but it wasn't for me. I finished it anyway and I just ordered another Floral Cloud because the drink was just phenomenal. During my experience, the manager was very much present around the area checking on the operations. It was a pleasure for her to check in on me as I proceeded to drink my cocktail while I enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant. Coming to Chicago to visit after a long time, going solo, service was definitely appreciated as they were very attentive. I would go again if I were to visit the area once more. Definitely recommend the Floral Cloud!”

“Bar Mar delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The food and atmosphere were fantastic, but what truly stood out was the service. Billy was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and always seemed one step ahead of what we needed. His forward-thinking approach made the entire experience feel seamless and elevated. Even asking our child about her favorite foods and bringing us something extra special after hearing her speak. Being from Houston, we know food and service well…. It's clear he genuinely cares about creating a great guest experience. Outstanding hospitality like his actually had us go back a second time during our short trip. Highly recommend Bar Mar, and if you're lucky enough to have Billy taking care of you, you're in great hands! Also shout out to a manager, I believe his name was Ryan? I could be wrong but they gave us amazing service!”

“Bar Mar is a truly stunning restaurant with one of the most unique atmospheres in the city. The soaring ceilings create an impressive sense of space, and the giant squid suspended overhead adds a fun and memorable touch that immediately catches your attention. It is the kind of place that feels special from the moment you walk in. The food was exceptional, with every dish arriving beautifully plated and packed with flavor. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, which is exactly what you want from a seafood-focused restaurant. The staff were professional, attentive, and genuinely helpful throughout the meal. I was politely reminded that Bar Mar specializes in seafood, and after tasting the dishes, it was clear that this is where the restaurant truly shines. Between the beautiful setting, outstanding food, and terrific service, it was a stellar dining experience that I would gladly repeat.”

“I can't say enough good things about my experience at Bar Mar, thanks to Natalie and Aprille. Natalie made my dining experience feel not only comfortable but genuinely special. She took the time to explain the menu thoroughly to match my dining needs, encouraged me to relax and enjoy my book, and made me feel completely at ease. Aprille, the manager, personally brought my drinks and checked in with warmth and care. They both went above and beyond, transforming what could've been a simple meal into a highlight of my trip. If anyone deserves recognition (and a raise!), it's them. They truly elevate the entire dining experience. The restaurant itself was very nice and I enjoyed outside seating. Service was surprisingly quick! The food!! Oh the food. I had the hamachi and caviar cones, salmon crudo, and the sea bass. Oh so very delicious. The sea bass had crispy skin yet tender meat and the sauce wasn't made with dairy yet so creamy! I had two mocktails as well and they were so refreshing. Thank you so much for the wonderful evening.”

“I’m always happy to be back at Bar Mar and this Valentine’s Day visit was honestly one of the best yet. The food is always incredible but this meal really stood out. The Neptune Pillows are still my absolute favorite dish on the menu and a total must order. We tried the hibiscus oysters for the holiday which were such a fun addition and the scallops were also beautiful and fresh. The highlight was definitely the lobster with that butter and brown sugar sauce. It was seriously insane and I really wish they would keep it on the permanent menu because it’s easily one of my new favorites now. The caviar cones were so good that we finished them before I could even take a picture and the chocolate cake was ton point to finish the night. Huge shoutout to Ronnie for the amazing service. He was extremely attentive and knew everything about the menu and drinks. Great food and even better vibes! I can't wait to come back!”