Mercat a La PlanxaGreat Mother's DayMy wife and I had a tremendous time. The food was great and our waiter was fantastic!!!Ku5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMA great experience. Both theA great experience. Both the food and service were excellent. We'll definitely go again.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food - slow deliveryExcellent food. Service was slow, but you have to expect that at Mercator. It's a good place and excellent for the foodies.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious Tapas!The food here was terrific and there was a wide array of small, medium and larger dining options. It was easy to see how Jose Garces earned the title of Iron Chef! Our waiter was very knowledgeable as to ingredients, preparation and portion sizes as well as the specialty cocktails-which were also very inventive and delicious. As the place filled up, service got a tad slow. We ordered dessert just in time to be able to finish and get to a show at the Auditorium Theater around the corner. The table next to us inquired about ordering dessert but the waiter did let them know that the kitchen was a bit behind and apologized as he knew they had theater tickets as well-not something most places would do. I most certainly will be going back!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperbAdmittedly the only tapas place I have been to in Chicago so far, but the food was exquisite and the service was excellent. The bacon wrapped dates were the highlight of the courses we had. The noise level was a bit much and at time felt like I was at a pub screaming just to have a conversation. Other than that, the food, service and ambiance were quite nice.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful food and serviceMercat is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Its great for entertaining out of towners or a special occasion. I always order from the Chef's Tasting Menu - and I am never disappointed. We went on a Monday night and it was busy but we were not rushed from our table. The service was excellent and attentive - great team work by the waiter and his support staff.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyable for drinks and appetizersStopped to chat with a friend and enjoyed their sangria flight, martini, and tasty appetizers. Would definitely return for dinner. Light, airy, comfortable space.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI love this place. SecondI love this place. Second time back and it was absolutely wonderful.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMMercat - Always GoodMy third meal at Mercat. The food and service are excellent.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMEvery tapas was a hit...Our server was excellent and guided us through the meal because several of us were tapas novices. Every single item served was delicious. We also appreciated the vegan friendly approach. Lots of fun was had by all.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSpanish Delights!Mercat continues to be a real treasure for Chicago, serving authentic Spanish/Catalan dishes that are always a treat. The tasting menu is a real feast with terrific variety, and there is an excellent selection of Spanish wines to complement the food. It can be a bit loud when the restaurant is full, but it is the sound of happy, energetic diners!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMTapa-tasticWe are not adventurous eaters (no organ meats or game) and we found plenty of delicious choices.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMMercat shines againWe've been to Mercat many times, and we are always amazed at how good it always is. On our most recent visit, there were some new items on the menu that were superb. Old standbys continued to be deliscious. We tend to stick to the traditional tapas, since we can sample more dishes. Though we are carnivores, we love the non-meat dishes more, although it's hard to pass up anything with bacon or pork. I love the all-Spanish wine list. Spanish wines are a great value and they have bottles from virtually every wine-growing region. Our wait-person and the service were not as polished as previously.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a handicapped personWe had a handicapped person in our party. The hostess could not have been more understanding and accommodating. Very good dining experience and a happy place!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOur group did the Chef's TastingOur group did the Chef's Tasting Menu and it was incredible and they had no problem making a pescetarian only plate for me. We were a bit worried that it wouldn't be enough food and that was far from the truth. In fact, we wish our table was bigger to hold all the plates.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFlavor, flavor and more flavor!Either my group had an uncanny ability to make great selections from the vast menu or it's really difficult to find any dishes that aren't delicious. I think it is the later. We had several of the A La Planxa fish and seafood selections - the lobster, scallops, striped bass - all amazing. Also had the Spinach from the vegetables menu, with currants, pine nuts and apples, which was the best spinach dish I've ever had. The lamb chops were so succulent and flavorful that the accompanying sauces were almost superfluous but I tasted them anyway and they were very nice. The desserts were just the right size for satisfying the sweet tooth at the end of the meal. Nice staff, beautiful room and I just cannot say enough great things about the food.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMfun atmosphere, good food,fun atmosphere, good food, and close to auditorium theater.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had an awesome server whoWe had an awesome server who took the time to explain the menue and suggest things we might like. She made our evening.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding. Traditional SpanishOutstanding. Traditional Spanish tapas taken to a whole different level. Amazing flavors.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellent, all dishesFood was excellent, all dishes were mouthwatering. The only issue we had was that while the first few dishes came out in great time, the remaining dishes were delayed. Other than that, all was well.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMHighly recommend, $$$ butHighly recommend, $$$ but worth the price. Went with small group before the theatre. Many choices including vegetarian. enjoyed the décor and the service was excellent. If you enjoy Spanish Tapas, this is the place. Good food, good service what more do you want for a nice evening.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe'll Go back...many timesWhat a refreshing entry Mercat a La Planxa is to compete with some of the older restaurants in this genre. Their menu is creative and extensive but still reflects a lot of "traditional tapas" dishes. The atmosphere is great and we loved the multilevel approach. The service was also great...they really took care of us.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAn excellent experience.An excellent experience. We enjoyed 'La Mesa de jose' (Chef’s Tasting Menu). Even though we had a limited diet (no pork, no shellfish), we enjoyed a delicious meal. (Two non-kosher items were brought to our table, one with bacon, the other with octopus, but were quickly replaced, with apologies.) I highly recommend for special occasions.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't wait to returnThis is the first time in years that I have walked into a new (to me) restaurant and was immediately in awe. What a gorgeous interior, eclectic menu, exceptional food. A+ experience. I can't wait to come back.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe did the Luxury dining experienceWe did the Luxury dining experience and it was worth the $90 a plate. Not only were we stuffed but it was the most amazing combinations my palate had ever experienced. Absolutely stunning!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFour of us tried the Chef'sFour of us tried the Chef's tasting ($85) and added wine for $40 more -- all was really tasty and some were unusual but fun and very good.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was a return visit andThis was a return visit and yet again, a good time. Lots of good food to share. All enjoyed.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a certificate for aWe had a certificate for a chef's tasting with wine and everything was excellent. Omar, our server knew the food, explained everything, was friendly and really does an outstanding job. He made our experience, truly an experience. The food just kept coming. I think the bacon wrapped dates were our favorite. Would go back4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMSunday brunch tasting menuSunday brunch tasting menu was great. Loved the Bloody Mary bar too- bartender very helpful in describing various ingredients. Would go back.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMFor those who have a hardFor those who have a hard time choosing, this is perfect. Tapas are a good size and it is in a great building right on historic south Michigan. My favorite restaurant in the city4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, good drinks, onGood food, good drinks, on the park. It wasn't transcendent. But it was more than good and i'd go back!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a great restaurant.This is a great restaurant. We enjoy it whether or not we are just a couple or part of a larger group. The wine list is also amazing, as are the cocktails. Normally we try the matched wine and chef picked food, but this time we ordered separately. Both ways are highly rewarding! Enjoy!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOur server Diacos was fantasticOur server Diacos was fantastic . He helped make our wedding anniversary dinner perfect. His food suggestions were excellent and he went above and beyond to make our evening great. We dine here often and this is an ideal example of why! Thanks and we cannot wait to return.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMFun and deliciousThis is a fun place. The best deal (since prices are pretty steep) is the tasting menu at $65/per person without drinks. They bring a ton of food (too much) all of which was delicious. They also are great about accommodating special food needs. I asked for no pork, and they others got pork dishes and I got separately served wonderful dishes without pork. This place is lively, and is great for groups.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch starts at 10:30We made a 9:30 reservation for brunch only to find that they don't start serving brunch until 10:30. The manager offered to have the kitchen accommodate us but we ordered from the breakfast menu instead. The restaurant is on the second floor and the windows face Lake Michigan (east) so it was plenty warm inside despite the chilly Chicago springtime weather.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, complex flavorsExcellent food, complex flavors and pairings. Expensive but worth it.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMI never have a bad experienceI never have a bad experience or a bad meal at Mercat! I love it -- my first choice for pre-symphony dining, too.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful food and wine!!!We ordered the Chef's selections and only had one request --the Lamb Chops -- the rest of the selections were a mystery, nor did we know how much food we would receive; but it was WORTH IT!! Every bite was delicious and the wine pairings were perfect...we were absolutely full, but ordered dessert since it was my birthday. Desserts were heavenly, too. Wonderful Spanish food. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a great value and fine cuisine...4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was really greatThe food was really great but the coffee in the end was not good and I had to return it. Other than that, very good.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA must do in ChicagoFabulous upscale Spanish food. We had the chef's menu; it was a great way to try new and different dishes. A must do!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious!Every time I go to Mercator I find something delicious I missed before. The food is fabulous. The baby octopus is to die for!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe booked a table here forWe booked a table here for a special night out. The space is really modern and beautiful, the staff was professional and really kind. The disappointing thing was the food. We ordered the chefs tasting menu with wine pairings, 85$ per person. We got an enormous amount, maybe 9-10 tapas, which were very large for tapas. Most of them were just kind of okay, nothing exceptionally good. We probably would have selected a better menu, and certainly a smaller one, ourselves. The wine pairings were very nice and a reasonable amount, three three ounce pours.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always a very interestingAs always a very interesting menu with each item being very good. Love going to Mercat!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMVery professional service.Very professional service. Very good food. An excellent place to spend an evening.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMBravoThe food was fantastic. Truly a wonderful sampling of Spanish tapas that transported you to the restaurants of Barcelona, Spain.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe came for a special anniversaryWe came for a special anniversary and by the time we left we felt very special. Our table was not ready at the reservation time so we sat at the bar with a nice Spanish wine. There was then a confusion on the table (another couple moved from their table to take ours); they apologized and gave us a free champagne. After our drinks, they provided an even better table with a great view of the park across Michigan and we began a journey of stunning tapas over the next couple hours. Our waiter was charming and attentive without being annoying. He gave some wonderful recommendations after seeing what we liked and then provided a complimentary dessert to celebrate our day. Overall an excellent recovery to a questionable start. Great service!!3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMI love this place! ExcellentI love this place! Excellent quality and interesting flavors on the food, and our server was so helpful and attentive.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMVery interesting food; actuallyVery interesting food; actually better tapas than we had usually in Barcelona or Valencia. We went early before the opera so tapas were perfect before 3 hours of sitting. Great variety and fun as well.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was wonderful, especiallyThe food was wonderful, especially the desserts! Our server, Antonio, was also amazing and corrected a couple of mishaps created by one of the other servers.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMi received a gift certificatei received a gift certificate to Mercat. I love a tapas place, and this fit the bill. All the food was great, tho I was dissapointed you could not order paella for 2, had to be a larger group. Sangria was very good, as was the service. I plan to drive in to the city just to dine there again.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AM