Bar Mar
Passing by Bar Mar on my way to and from work, I’ve always been curious about this lively seafood and steakhouse hotspot in Chicago’s Loop. When a friend and I spotted their Restaurant Week menu, we knew it was the perfect excuse to finally check it out. Given its popularity, Bar Mar was packed with an energetic happy hour crowd, making it a vibrant setting for a Thursday night.
We both started with Neptune’s Pillows, a dish featuring sesame rocoto, spicy tuna, and fresh wasabi. This was one of the most unique appetizers I’ve ever had—a creative twist on crispy rice with spicy tuna. Instead of traditional rice, the base was a cracker-like, crispy bread filled with fresh, flavorful tuna that had just the right balance of heat and texture.
For the main course, I ordered the Hanger Steak au Poivre, served with crispy fries and a rich au poivre sauce. Cooked to medium rare, the steak was tender and packed with flavor, while the peppery sauce complemented it beautifully. The fries were the perfect crispy addition, soaking up the delicious sauce.
For dessert, we were served Flan with passionfruit and cream. As someone who had never tried flan before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised! The creamy, custard-like texture reminded me of crème brûlée, and the passionfruit added a unique, slightly tart contrast that made this dish stand out.
Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect reason to explore new dining spots, and I’m so glad I finally experienced Bar Mar. With the packed happy hour crowd, the atmosphere was fun, and the food exceeded my expectations. Neptune’s Pillows and the Hanger Steak au Poivre were definite standouts, and the flan was a surprising favorite. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu, but if you’re looking for a Chicago Restaurant Week spot in the Loop, Bar Mar is a must-try!
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