Bar Mar

Chicago’s Best Seafood Restaurants | Eater Chicago

"José Andrés combines land and sea in one address, with Bazaar Meat upstairs and Bar Mar on the first floor. A giant octopus hangs above the main bar, which provides a perfect place to enjoy the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows while sharing snacks like cones stuffed with smoked hamachi and oysters on the half shell paired with a glass of Spanish wine. For larger bites, try the lobster or tuna tartare roll. Make a reservation through OpenTable." - Sam Nelson

Where to Dine During Chicago's 2025 Restaurant Week

"A seafood restaurant by Chef José Andrés, with a focus on Spanish and Latin-American flavors." - Kevin Chau

Chicago’s Best Seafood Restaurants

"José Andrés combines land and sea in one address, with Bazaar Meat upstairs and Bar Mar on the first floor. A giant octopus hangs above the main bar, which provides a perfect place to enjoy the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows while sharing snacks like cones stuffed with smoked hamachi and oysters on the half shell paired with a glass of Spanish wine. For larger bites, try the lobster or tuna tartare roll. Make a reservation through OpenTable." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff

"Add this lustrous pearl to the treasury of Chef José Andrés’ culinary empire. The eye-catching décor includes a glowing octopus sculpture that looms above the central bar--a visual cue for the oceanic theme. Business types make up the bulk of the clientele, but a signature sense of whimsy pervades, keeping things from feeling stuffy.The seafood-centric menu deftly juggles Spanish and Latin-American flavors, seen in starters like mussels in escabeche, or a Peruvian-inspired bigeye tuna ceviche with ponzu sauce, puffed quinoa, and furikake. Oysters on the half shell are delicious as is, but a dose of leche de tigre provides further enhancement. You’ll also find elevated takes on standbys like lobster rolls and fried calamari, all done with a deft touch." - Michelin Inspector

The Best Lobster Rolls In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Bar Mar’s lobster roll is comically small (and the $29 price adds a bit of insult to small-size injury), but it’s also very tasty. The shallow bun looks like a canoe from The Borrowers, with equally small amounts of butter-poached lobster and seasoning. But we’re willing to look past the diminutive size thanks to the generous blobs of mayo espuma and nice pops of crunch from the pickled celery, which make for a well-rounded bite." - veda kilaru