ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Loop
Best Romantic Restaurants in Loop
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Loop
Best Trendy Restaurants in Loop
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Loop
Best Tasting Menus in Loop
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Loop
Best Happy Hour in Loop
Master Critic Review
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.