Bar Mar

Renowned chef José Andrés teamed up with Gibsons Restaurant Group for a two-pronged project in the Loop. Upstairs, guests can dig into prized steaks and suckling pig at Bazaar Meat, while the ground-floor Bar Mar focuses on seafood-driven dishes. The latter makes for an ideal spot for a drink and a bite after work, or a pre-show meal before a performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The vibe: The space is lively, with a casual but polished feel. The centerpiece of the room is an octopus sculpture that hangs over the bar, which nods to the ocean-inspired menu.

The food: A mix of raw bar offerings and small plates meant for sharing makes up much of the lineup. José’s Asian Taco—jamón ibérico, hamachi and caviar atop nori—and Galician-style octopus stand out, along with a buttery lobster roll finished with mayo espuma and pickled celery. For heartier options, there’s seared king salmon as well as short rib and frites.

The drinks: Sip creative riffs on classic cocktails, including a spicy shiso margarita and a negroni blended with sherry, plus beers from local craft breweries like Half Acre and Dovetail.

Time Out tip: Oenophiles, select bottles are 40% off on Mondays.