ZipPicks Awards
Best Spanish in South Loop
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in South Loop
Master Critic Review
Mercat a la Planxa
8.4
A Blackstone Hotel tapas room where vegetable-driven small plates land with real kitchen polish and a lively dining-room hum. The best vegetarian move is to build a table around the verdura section—crisp potatoes, tomato-rubbed bread, and a couple of seasonal veg plates—then finish with one richer shareable if you need it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pan con Tomate, Patatas Bravas, Marinated Olives
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A tapas kitchen with a legitimately built-out vegetarian verdura lineup.
Who should go: Tapas fans who want strong vegetarian share-plates.
When to visit: Weeknights for easiest reservations and steady pacing.
What to order: Pan con tomate, patatas bravas, olives to start.
Insider tip: Order 3 veg tapas first, then add only if still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet is typically available at The Blackstone; metered street parking around Michigan Ave/Ida B. Wells can be tight, especially after 6pm. Nearby garages are usually the easiest backup for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual trending dressy—jeans are fine, but a nicer top/shoes fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—great energy, but expect a hum during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation (bar seating can be faster for 2).
Weekday lunch: 0–15 min typically; occasional mini-rush with nearby offices/hotel traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian-friendly tapas, especially from the verdura/vegetable-driven plates.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—aim for simple veg tapas (ask to hold aioli/cheese) and confirm sauces contain no dairy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several plates can work, but breads and shared-fryer items are common; ask the server to flag gluten and guide you toward safer picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—tapas makes conversation easy, the room feels special without being stiff, and you can keep it light (2–3 veg plates + a drink) or extend it into a full meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but don’t count on it at prime dinner hours. For the best odds, come early (right at open), try a late slot, or take bar seating for two and order tapas progressively.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids/teens who can handle share-plates and restaurant pacing. It’s more date-night hotel dining than “family restaurant,” so bring younger kids only if they’re comfortable sitting through a longer meal.
Best For
Better for: Polished vegetarian tapas in a stylish, high-energy dining room—ideal for group ordering, small-plate pacing, and a more elevated night out than casual veggie spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate conversation, strict vegan variety, or a fast/cheap veggie meal—this is more about vibe + shareable plates than a quick vegetarian “main dish” dinner.