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Bar Mar
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Bar Mar
8.4
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Bar Mar is José Andrés’ seafood-centric restaurant on the ground floor of the Bank of America Tower, built around oysters, ceviches, and luxed-up classics like lobster rolls. Office crowds and destination diners use it for lively dinners, cocktails, and pre-theater seafood in a bright, nautical room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, Hamachi Cones, Sea Scallops
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-energy José Andrés seafood bar with modern takes on classics.
Who should go: Seafood-focused groups wanting cocktails, ceviche, and buzz.
When to visit: Prime happy hour or early evening before the loudest rush.
What to order: Hamachi cones, oysters and ceviche, buttery lobster roll.
Insider tip: Sit at the central bar under the octopus sculpture for full energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking is available in the Bank of America Tower and nearby Loop garages; street parking is scarce and often restricted after business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for evenings and business dinners.
Noise level: Lively and energetic; conversation is comfortable at smaller tables or earlier seatings, but can become loud during peak evening service.
Weekend wait: Often busy — without a reservation, expect 45–75 minutes or plan for bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait with a reservation; walk-ins may face a short wait during peak corporate lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few vegetable-forward appetizers and sides; mains skew seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes include seafood or dairy; ask the server for possible modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility — many ceviches, oysters, and seafood plates are naturally gluten-free; notify the team for guidance on sauces and bread components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a fun, high-energy setting with great cocktails and seafood; less ideal if you prefer a quiet, intimate conversation spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and a few tables are held for walk-ins, but prime hours fill quickly. Arrive early or aim for off-peak times for best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the crowd skews adult and social. Older teens are fine at earlier seatings, but there’s no kids’ menu or dedicated family amenities.
Best For
Better for: Buzzier seafood dining in the Loop with cocktails, ceviche, and a stylish room that works well for celebrations, business dinners, and girls’ nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal, are on a tighter budget, or prefer a menu with lots of non-seafood or vegan main-course options.
Bar Mar
8.4
A polished seafood-forward room that reads as celebratory without being stiff—raw bar energy up front, sleek dining comfort behind it. The romantic move is to split a shellfish platter or crudo, then land one rich main so the night feels intentional, not heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Salmon Crudo, Lobster Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A José Andrés-backed raw bar and seafood room that feels date-ready instantly.
Who should go: Seafood lovers planning a dress-up night
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest bar and raw-bar pacing
What to order: Oysters, salmon crudo, lobster roll
Insider tip: Start at the raw bar, then move to the dining room to stretch the date.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown Loop setting—no dedicated valet. Nearby public garages on Wacker and Franklin; street parking is limited and fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished, but most guests lean upscale.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively near the raw bar, calmer and easier to talk once seated in the dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; short lines possible during peak business lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and sides can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering, but not the restaurant’s strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels polished and romantic without pressure, and the shareable raw bar gives you an easy conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings and bar seating improve your chances; prime weekend dinner slots are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. It’s designed for adult dining and dates, with no kids menu and a refined, evening-focused atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Stylish seafood dates where ambiance, cocktails, and raw bar energy matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly meal or a menu that caters heavily to non-seafood eaters.
Bar Mar
8.4
A seafood-forward, tapas-leaning room where the raw bar and small plates keep the night lively without feeling heavy. Order like a strategist—two or three standout bites, one richer plate to finish, and a cocktail round to match the riverfront energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar Cone, Neptune's Pillows, Lobster Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seafood-first José Andrés small plates with a buzzy room.
Who should go: Cocktail dates and seafood-leaning celebrations
When to visit: Early dinner to control the pace
What to order: Caviar cone, Neptune's pillows, lobster roll
Insider tip: Keep it share-first—three plates beats over-ordering here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Several paid garages nearby; street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if styled well; many guests dress up for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short bar wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and sides; not a separate menu.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 workable options with minor modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—small plates, cocktails, and a polished room make it easy to share, pace the meal, and keep the energy light.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly early or late; the bar is the best no-reservation play. Prime dinner hours usually require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—best suited for adults and special occasions rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Seafood-driven small plates, cocktails, and a celebratory, stylish atmosphere that feels upscale but not stiff.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dining room or a full seafood entrée focus instead of shareable plates.
Bar Mar
8.4
A riverfront, seafood-first small-plates room that runs on high-design energy and cocktail momentum. It’s strongest when you order strategically—two or three crisp, cold bites up front, then one richer plate—so the meal stays lively instead of heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar cone, Lobster roll, Octopus
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: José Andrés seafood small plates with a riverfront, high-design buzz.
Who should go: Cocktail-first diners and seafood-leaning groups
When to visit: Weeknight early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Caviar cone, lobster roll, octopus
Insider tip: Treat it like tapas—3 plates beats over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking in nearby riverfront office buildings; limited street parking and fills quickly after 5pm. Valet availability can vary by season and building events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished tops and shoes fit the room’s vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, gets louder as cocktails ramp up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; early arrivals are usually seated quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—expect a couple of adaptable dishes; ask the server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—multiple naturally gluten-free seafood and small-plate options; confirm prep details with the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—high-energy design and shareable plates keep things fun and interactive, especially if you sit early before the room gets loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—arrive early or aim for off-peak times. Bar seating is often the easiest walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a cocktail-forward, adult-leaning room without kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Stylish, cocktail-first seafood small plates with a riverfront backdrop and strong visual appeal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sit-down seafood dinner or need a wide kid-friendly menu.
Bar Mar
8.6
A seafood-first, small-plates room with riverfront energy where the best meals come from disciplined ordering—crisp cold bites up front, then one richer plate to finish. The kitchen’s strengths are bright, precise flavors and shareability that keeps the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar cones, Lobster roll, Octopus
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-design seafood small-plates play with real execution.
Who should go: Cocktail dates and share-plate groups
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Caviar cones, lobster roll, octopus
Insider tip: Two cold bites + one hot/rich plate is the sweet spot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; rely on nearby paid garages and limited street parking, which tightens after early evening.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for photos and cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early; gets buzzier as the night fills.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or walk-in friendly outside peak noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and sides work well for sharing.
Vegan options: Limited—expect a couple of adaptable plates; confirm modifications with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—high design, shareable plates, and cocktail energy create an easy, social rhythm without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or on weeknights; otherwise expect a bar wait. Reservations smooth the pacing.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—menu and vibe skew adult, with limited kid-specific options and a lively room.
Best For
Better for: Precise seafood small plates, cocktails, and a polished riverfront scene that rewards disciplined ordering.
Skip if: You want large entrées, a quiet meal, or budget-friendly dining—choose a traditional seafood house instead.
Bar Mar
8.6
A sleek river-edge seafood room where the tasting-format approach shines in crisp raw-bar bites and José Andrés-style technique-driven small plates. The best meals feel structured and progressive—cold hits first, then one richer plate—so the acid, salinity, and finesse stay in focus instead of getting muddied by over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar cones, Neptune’s pillows, Lobster roll
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A riverfront seafood tasting-style menu with high-design energy and precise execution.
Who should go: Cocktail-first seafood groups and celebratory dates
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Caviar cones, Neptune’s pillows, lobster roll
Insider tip: Order like a tasting: two cold bites, then one richer hot plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garages along Wacker Drive and nearby side streets; riverfront curb space is limited. Valet availability varies by building/event nights.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — polished jeans are fine, but many guests lean upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible, but the room has buzz, especially at peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short waits during business lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward and cheese-focused small plates can form a full tasting-style meal
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based options are usually available, but the menu is seafood-centric
Gluten-free options: Yes — many raw-bar items and select plates are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like shared plates and cocktails. The tasting-style flow keeps things interactive, though it’s more energetic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings and bar seating offer the best odds, but peak weekend dinners are reservation-driven.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The menu, pacing, and evening energy skew adult; better suited for teens than younger kids, if at all.
Best For
Better for: Structured seafood tasting, raw-bar precision, and a high-design riverfront setting with cocktail energy.
Skip if: You want large portions, traditional entrées, or a quiet, low-key meal — this is about finesse and progression, not comfort-food volume.
Bar Mar
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A sleek, design-forward seafood room where the best private-dining-style meals come from disciplined ordering—raw bar first, then one richer hot plate to finish. The kitchen shines in bright, saline flavors and precise technique, and the staff tends to run polished when you keep the pacing clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar cone, Lobster roll, Seafood tower
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A high-design José Andrés seafood room that’s built for polished private events.
Who should go: Cocktail-first seafood groups and client dinners
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother service flow
What to order: Caviar cones, lobster roll, seafood tower
Insider tip: Order like a tasting: two cold bites, then one richer hot plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Nearby public garages and metered street parking; valet availability is limited and event-dependent, so plan for a garage if timing matters.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if polished, but this room reads sharper with a jacket or elevated evening wear.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours, but conversation is comfortable at most tables and in private dining settings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of business-group rush windows
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — vegetable-driven small plates and sides can form a light meal
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with advance notice and careful ordering
Gluten-free options: Yes — many seafood and raw bar items are naturally gluten-free; staff is accommodating with guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like a polished, energetic setting — it’s impressive without being stiff, though it skews more confident than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at off-peak times, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and private-event windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — this is an adult-leaning, cocktail-forward room best for teens and up rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward seafood dining with refined pacing, strong raw bar execution, and polished service for business or celebratory groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic room or a value-driven seafood meal — this shines more on style, precision, and event polish than casual comfort.
Bar Mar
8.4
A sleek, seafood-forward lounge where the happy-hour move is to graze: chilled shellfish, crisp crudos, and a tight lineup of polished cocktails. It works best as an after-work river-corridor reset—order a couple of signature rolls, keep the pacing light, and let the room’s energy carry the hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, Tuna Tartare Roll, Smashed Txule Burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A seafood-and-cocktail happy hour with signature rolls that feel deliberate, not bar-filler.
Who should go: After-work groups who want polished drinks and bites
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for the cleanest happy-hour flow
What to order: Lobster roll, tuna tartare roll, a round of cocktails
Insider tip: Treat it like a grazing session—2–3 shared items beats over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby public garages and metered street parking; street spots are limited and fill quickly after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished tops and shoes fit the room better.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour—conversation is easy early, gets louder closer to 6pm.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak social hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this spot is primarily an afternoon and evening destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some small plates and sides can work, but it’s not a strength.
Vegan options: Very limited—best approached as drinks-only for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Partial—seafood-focused items and crudos can work, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for after-work drinks. The room feels polished and energetic, and the grazing-style menu keeps things low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays if you arrive early, but plan on bar or lounge seating unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult, cocktail-forward space with no kid-focused menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Polished seafood bites, well-executed cocktails, and a stylish happy-hour atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down dinner, substantial portions, or strong vegetarian and vegan options.