Mercat a la Planxa

Came out to dinner here with a group of my girl friends and it was a great time! For starters the drinks were amazing (and strong). The tapas style menu allowed us to try a bunch of things and I have no real complaints about the food I tried (I even liked the octopus!). We went on a Saturday night, and it was busy but we got our food pretty fast. All the flavors blended together so well with all the food and the sauces.

Amazing sangria!
The tapas are small for the price, but delicious. Don’t miss the bacon wrapped dates!

Was meeting up with a friend for some drinks. staying at the Hilton next door so decided to check this place out because of the reviews and it was right next to the hotel. The food was really good. Had a lot of flavor. Ordered the octopus tapas, shrimp tapas and the mushroom tapas to share. The shrimp was nice and tender. Good customer service and good food. Will recommend this place to friends who stay in downtown.

Great service and atmosphere. We came with a large, indecisive group and the server was great.
Bacon wrapped dates fabulous everyone says. Also really enjoyed hanger steak, tuna, scallops. Would pass on bruschetta. And wasn’t blown away by the lamb lollipops.
Overall highly recommend.

We had a private dining event here, where it was planned months in advanced. I am truly astonished at their handling of the event. The first issue was with the location of the dining. On the phone, we were promised a semi-​private dining. However, when we got there it was a completely wide open dining setting. Another issue was the menu. Several of the guests had dietary restrictions, which we let the chef know way beforehand. When we got there, we see that the very dietary restricted items we had asked to omit were added to the menu. I mean this is completely inexcusable. We call our waiters and a manager came into supposedly help. He did apologize and said we could substitute the dishes for something else on the menu. When we got the bill, they double charged us for the dietary restricted item and the substituted item. Seriously, is that how you handle your own screw up. They tried to overcharge us for items, which were not agreed to our contract that we had signed weeks in advanced. Now, the biggest selling point for us was the whole pig that would be roasted. It was completely overcooked. There was no tenderness and moisture within the pig. If you are going to charge steep prices, at least learn to properly cook the pig. I would completely abstain from hosting any private events. I did not appreciate their tone and handling with us. There were several screw ups throughout the night and random surcharges tacked on to the bill which were not agreed on the contract.

This is a review for private dining. We booked this place for an event for 18 people for a party. First FYI the person that you work with to book a private eventdoes not work for the restaurant, hired by the restaurant to book the private events. So, when you sign an event with her, don’t expect the restaurant or the manager know the details of your event because they for some reason have a breakdown in communication between the event planner and the restaurant manager. They told us we would have a semi-​dining space, which means you are just on the floor of the main dining room with a long table apparently. Then they add in food to your specific menu and expect you to pay for it even though it was not on your original contract list. Then when you have specifics actually put In your contract such as a no bacon for a specific menu item, they leave that out. We had also asked for duck and lamb meatballs as was on the original menu, they change it at the day of the event. And then, DON’T GET THE SUCKLING PIG! This was the main reason we picked the place, and the pig was extremely dry. Watch your bill at the end because it will not equal the contract price. They may have snuck some things into your bill which was mentioned by other reviewers here as well. Overall a horrible experience!

Well. turns out this fancy spot was my hotel restaurant.
It was pouring outside so how could I not stop by for a drink and snack.
Sat at the bar but saw that this place is loved. there was a huge line but thankfully a huge bar area. Tried the red sangria. it’s not made before (but I’ve realized that sangria can taste just as good). It’s made with brandy so it’s a little different. Also tried the rose sangria… it’s made with tequila but way too sweet for my taste.
Also tried two tapas because we were heading to dinner elsewhere…
— bacon wrapped dates: pretty good. it also has an almond in there. My lovely companion told me that these are actually not that common in Spain. the tapas that is.
— octopus: yeah this was awesome. Tons of octopus for a fancy place and cooked perfectly tender. not too much potatoes though…
The service was a little lacking. the bartender was pretty busy with orders and wasn’t too friendly. My companion tried to speak in Spanish with him but he just didn’t even crack a smile.

I drove here on a rainy night. The valet service was disappointing. The valet first refused to take my car from the opposite side of the road and then when I pulled up, they didn’t come to take the keys. When we finished dinner it took us a long time to get our car back. Do not valet here !!
The restaurant food and service was great. The free bread/​bruschetta was awesome !! We loved the cheese and charcuterie plate. The chorizo was great. Will definitely be back

The experience did not match the rave reviews on Unilocal.I live in San Francisco so perhaps have very high expectations of restaurants in general but I was with a team of people from GA, NYC, OH, NC etc and we were all disappointed. The waiter sold us on the chef tasting menu and every restaurant where I have had the chef tasting menu you have to usually tell the staff to stop bringing out food as it is always too much. But the chef tasting menu at Mercat left us hungry and angry. Also, there was an additional charge of $ 123 on top of the $ 65 per person which I only saw after I left. So not sure what it is for. They brought out rabbit ravioli as one of the dishes and a couple of people do not eat rabbit so passed but yet there was not enough to go round the table. We shared our feedback with the waiter and he suggested we should have got the LUXURY chef tasting menu?!?
We would have done very well had we ordered a la carte.
I will definitely pause before I go to or recommend another Chef Jose Garces restaurant.

Mercat came through again for us. This was probably our sixth or seventh visit in as many years — a celebratory gathering after a book launch. Standouts were the charred tuna, the cuttlefish, a wonder mushroom dish, and the lovely deep wine list. A bit noisy, of course, but we had a nice booth that facilitated conversation, and the restaurant’s energy kept us going into the late evening. Great service too.

I came here for my birthday with my family and loved it. Every dish we got from the menu was delicious. My favorite was the lamb chops (our waiter called them lollipops) & the bacon wrapped dates! We also got Spanish octopus, rabbit, bruschetta, & pasta (I forgot what exactly we got). Our waiter was knowledgeable on the menu which we appreciated. I also got La Mora for a drink and it was delicious! For dessert we got le leche & because it was my birthday they also brought horchata!
The 4 stars is because the receptionist was not aware about how the valet works at all. she didn’t know the address of the parking lot for valet, nor was she willing to take the keys or find someone to help. it’s also free coat check so she gave me a number for my coat but when I went to go pick it up after dinner first of all no one was anywhere to be found so I waited until my waiter had to come and help and then I realized that she had just left my coat on the receptionist table.
The ambience is great though & good food! We also brought in our own wine bottle (they charged $ 25 but it’s much cheaper than getting a bottle from there).

I had been dying to go here for over a year. And Mercat did not disappoint.
We went with the Degustacion de Lujo (luxury tasting menu) for $ 85 a person. You can pair wines for $ 125 but we decided to try cocktails instead.
All in all we counted 12 different dishes that were perfect tastes of Spain. My favorite were the padron peppers.
Service was fantastic. Everyone was knowledgable and made great suggestions. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the menu I recommend one of the tasting menus — more bang for your buck.

RABO DE TORO: This was my second favorite dish. Here you have braised ox-​tail ravioli and shaved truffle in a reduction sauce. (top right)
PINTXOS MURANOS: Lamb loin wrapped with bacon. Anything bacon is going to taste good to me and this just solidified my opinion. (bottom right)
ARROZ CON MORILLAS: This was my favorite dish of the night. In simpler terms, consider this risotto. The creaminess came from morel mushrooms which I thought was perfect. It also came with peas for texture and topped with asparagus. I wanted to eat this bowl by myself. (bottom left)
BLACK ANGUS RIBEYE: We requested our steak medium-​rare and it came out more on the medium side which made it a little drier than we preferred. The sauce on the left was a aioli and was the most appealing to us. My girlfriend and I are aioli freaks. The middle sauce was a vinaigrette sauce, while the one of the right has been forgotten.

I loved the ambience and the aura of the restaurant. The entrance though is easy to skip while a snowy winter night. Follow your GPS. They had a lounge/​bar on the entrance level, no one to direct the way ??. So, I go upstairs to try my luck which was the restaurant floor.
The hospitality makes you feel classy. They have a huge varieties of wine. Do ask for a recommendation, I tried a Spanish wine which I don’t recollect the name of. Additionally, they also have a good range of beer and cocktails. We first were served a complimentary plate of bruschetta (2 piece) which was pretty impressive. Wished I could get more of it. We tried the following items from the regular menu (I will get into it later)
1. Patatas Bravas (Clylindrical Basic Potato Tapas) — 3*
2. Coliflor Amb Mostassa (Cauliflower dish) — 3*
3. Carnetsy Y Aves (Chicken dish) — 3*
4. Xocolate Y Avellana (Dark Chocolate Mousse) — 2*
Why 2 points? (Its more of 2.5 stars)
I booked the restaurant via Open Table. My first experience after taking the seat was that it was the shortest menu i have seen. Then I learn that the default menu for today was a tasting menu which was $ 85 (+ $ 40 with wine pairing). For someone, who doesn’t accept without confirming the menu, I enquired the waiter if this was the menu. He then replied saying that we have another regular menu which has limited options today. Hence, I asked him to get us the other menu. This i believe is very deceiving on part of the restaurant management or OpenTable.

I’ve been meaning to try Mercat a la Planxa since I ate at its sister restaurant in Philadelphia last December. It took me nearly a year to try MALP, but good things come to those who wait, right?
My friend and I came to MALP, and we tried the following tapas:
Datiles con almendras (Bacon-​wrapped dates)-These were my friend’s favorite tapa. Thick-​cut bacon wrapped the fresh dates. I’ve noticed a trend of bacon-​wrapped dates in Chicago, and MALP seems to outshine Avec in this regard.
Patatas bravas (Spice potatoes)-This tasted like eating mashed potatoes freshly fried and served with a spicy sauce. Its the potato version of creamed corn nuggets in the South.
Wagyu bavette (Carnes)-One of my favorites and would come back for the steak.
Mixto (Cheese Plate)-Selection of three cheeses accompanied by fruit spread.
Lamb chop-​Seasoned to a perfection so as not to mask the natural flavor of lamb.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food, service, and ambience. I would return for another special occasion because, yes, its a splurge, but its tapas at South Loop prices.

Was out in Chicago for a vacation awhile back, so this review is a bit delayed. I came across this place via a Unilocal search as my hotel was just around the block and that I saw good reviews for this place.
I should’ve known that any sort of «tapas» place would be overpriced but I needed a change from all the super heavy meals I’ve been having like pizza and hot dogs. The restaurant is located up a beautiful set of stairs where it opens to a giant multi-​level dining space. The interior is designed beautifully and is totally a romantic place.
I’ve been to Spain before so I was missing the tapas. I don’t remember the names of all the dishes I had but I believe one was a chicken skewer dish, wrapped dates, and another one. Don’t get me wrong, it was very flavorful and enjoyed every bite but the portion size is TINY even for tapas (~15 each). This ended up being a very expensive appetizer instead of a full dinner for me.
Overall, it was a good restaurant and maybe next time to be full, I have to do the multi-​course tasting menu. Great location though!

I don’t give out many five stars (I don’t think?)
Lunch tasting menu is an EXCELLENT VALUE
Arroz a la cazuela:
Decadent saffron soup with tender rice, perfectly cooked shrimp, chorizo for smoky spice, and confit artichoke for a nice textural addition. Crostini with paprika aioli provides a perfect welcome to Spanish flavored. Perfectly executed. Soul-​warming
Green salad was excellent. Sherry vinaigrette offers quintessential eastern-​Mediterranean flavoring to a salad with arugula and bitter greens, plentiful pieces of perfectly of cooked chilled asparagus and green beans, and sliced avocado.
Second course was so-​so:
Coca was nice. Manchego was nice and salty. Mushrooms were well seasoned, but overall wasn’t anything special. Tortilla was fine also. One of my favorite Spanish foods. Mine was a bit too moist and aioli could use some pizzaz — maybe include piquillo peppers somewhere
Third course
Espinacas a la catalana — perfection. Perfectly seasoned and flavored. Salty, sweet, bitter, sour, nutty, herbs everything. Crunch, mush
The lamb??? Perfect juicy and crusted with salty zesty goodness. I want to go back and devour an entire zoo’s worth of lambs cooked this way. The aioli and other romesco-​like sauce were beautiful with it. Absolutely stellar. Flavor of the grill mixed with fat and juice and oh my god I can’t continue
Service was prompt, friendly, and helpful. I will absolutely be back on my next trip to Chicago

This gemstone is inside the Blackstone Hotel and offers an intimate meal no matter when the hour (they serve breakfast starting at 7, lunch, and dinner.
We were here at breakfast and really enjoyed it. We sat with a great view overlooking Michigan Avenue. My wife had a three cheese omelette that she loved and I got a magnificent bowl of Steel Cut Oatmeal that was topped with dried fruit, candied walnuts, & brown sugar. It was a great choice for me. We both got sides of Breakfast Potatoes which are cubed and fried with peppers and onions. We enjoyed our experience and would return.
My wife feels compelled to point out the following (her typing): even though we enjoyed the friendly service, there were no coffee refills until we had finished our meal plus, initially it took three tries to find a clean cup.

Honest review: i was really disappointed. I came here because this was jose garces restaurant and hes an iron chef. The food wasnt that good this was my dream restaurant i would be embarrassed if i was garces for the food. I think its crazy for the expensive tasting menu that thats wht it consisted of ur suppose to put the best dishes on it not crappy ones for the price could have went to a better restaurant more pictures on my profile all in all wouldnt come back food wasnt worth the price
Free course: Bruschetta
Expensive tasting menu: doesnt come with desserts:
Dates with baccon
Meet and cheese plate
Tortilla (spanish omlett)
Chicken Croquette
Ox tail ravioli
Flatbread
Roasted cauliflower
Grilled shrimp
Lamb chop
Mushroom rice
Dessert:
Corn cake
Bön bon
Bruschetta was really good i loved the really crispy bread underneath my the tomatoes were really fresh a perfect start for the meal it was alittle to acidic and to much garlic though
Dates with bacon: this was my favorite part of the meal it was so decadent i thought this was gonna be gross because their dates but i was so wrong its so great the sweatness of the dates with the saltyness of the bacon and the richness of the fondue a must order!!! I would come back here just for that
Meet and cheese plate: i always wanted to try iberico pork it was great a really high quality pork the sauce was to die for when he said it was lavender i was really worried but no it was great it wasnt a true meet and cheese board because there was only 1 cheese and it was hard it was really delicous though and one meet the condiments didnt really help i just dipped everything in the sauce
Tortilla:lol for the price dont serve me an omlett there was saffron on it though just wish it was implimented in the sauce not as a garnish didnt like it just a normal omlett with potatoes
Chicken croquette this was really good it was really crisp and i loved the sald the sauce was really good tasted like lemonaden really good successful dish
Ox tail ravioli: i thought this was gonna be amaizing it had like the littlest bit of truffles wish there was more i didnt like it at all the sauce didnt taste good and the actual ravioli wasnt good really a poor execution
Flatbread: this was really good the cheese was really high quality it was salty and really rich the actual bread was really crisp it was really good
Roasted cauliflower: this was so good be warned the sour cream underneath is really over powering so try to avoid it because theres alot of it and it kind of ruins the dish! It was perfectly cooked really was a home run best vegetable dish i ever had
Grilled shrimp: it was cooked perfectly there wasnt any actual seaoning on the shrimp though so it was flat the sauce was good though not enough though
Lamb chop: i love lamb but i hated it it was over cooked and needed seasoning really badly and there was a lot of sinu on it the sauces did improve the taste of the lamb not alot though
Mushroom rice: this was really good tje rice was cooked perfectly not gummy at all then there was shaved asparagus on top which was really tasty all in all really good would order again
Corn cake: this was really delicous everything worked together perfectly i didnt eat the canella because it made the dish way to sweet. All the condiments were really great the cake was moist not dry loved the fresh berries the crunchy stuff on the side of the plate was really good the icecream was really good but was way to frozen so it was hard
Bön bon the sauce was really good the bon bon wasnt really thay good way to frozen really disappointed
Service: it was okay didnt really like it didnt like his recommendations and he would disapear for a while and my plates werent picked up so they would just sit there and no new utensils which sucked because i need clean utensils its awkward always waiting for him for long periods of time
Atmosphere: its really pretty i love the big open windows which u can look out

Wow this place has a lot of reviews!
My sister and I popped in for a drink before heading to an event inside The Blackstone Hotel. For those of you who don’t know, Mercat is connected, but you can enter from the street or inside the hotel.
We were in the lower level of the restaurant which was pretty small. My understanding was that this was more of a cocktail/​lounge area for folks to mingle, because there weren’t really any large tables for seating. Although there was a crowd, we were able to snag a couple stools up at the bar.
Their cocktail list is pretty extensive. My sister and I both decided to go with their Menta Cidro which is grey goose vodka, st. germain, mint, fresh citrus, and soda. I highly suggest this drink! We both thought it was amazing and so refreshing. No alcohol tasted at all which is always delicious (and dangerous). I want to say the cocktail cost about $ 8.
We were pretty hungry and originally planned to hold out for the event we were headed to in a half hour, but of course decided to peruse the menu anyway. It was a little much for what we were looking for at the moment, but I would love to check out their tapas another time. We were kind of just hoping for like some chips and salsa, but the closest thing to a snack was their quesos and meats, which we weren’t feelin’ at the time.
Our waitress was so nice and attentive. She helped us out with the food menu and took our drink orders right away.
Seems like a really popular spot! I hope to come back and eat next time I’m in the area.

If I could pick just one word to describe Mercat a la Planxa, it would be: flavor. Everything I had was bursting with flavor; the smoky patatas bravas, the amazing pan con tomate, the queso: cana de cabra with a strawberry balsamic sauce.
During my study abroad experience in Spain, as a vegetarian, I became very familiar with the «tortilla española», or the Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions. The «truita de espinacas» here (they seem to use the catalán name, «truita» in place of «tortilla» (in fact, most of the menu is written half in castellano and half in catalán) didn’t disappoint. My companion, no fan of eggs, loved the fact that the omelette was really more potato-​y than egg-​y.
I’m giving it four stars and not five for the following reasons: I’m not a fan of condiments, it’s something about the slimy texture, so having a goop of mayoneise-​based alioli on each patata brava was unappreciated. The desserts were also a little disappointing — I got the crema catalana, an orange and vanilla flavored custard, and the cookie on the bottom of it was overly sweet.
The atmosphere is very chic. Dim lights, modern interior, ambient music. The staff is friendly and efficient.
The sad thing about going to Mercat a la Planxa is that eventually, the night does end. And it’s sort of expensive, so you can’t be going there all the time. So you’re left just yearning for more of that flavor a la catalana… I can’t wait to go back.