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  5. South Loop

Mercat a La Planxa

4.4
4.4
4670 Reviews
$30 and under
Unspecified
Mercat offers an authentic dining experience that combines fresh meats and produces with the energetic spirit of a Barcelona market.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:00 PM


Booked 49 times today
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Unspecified

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 7:30 am–1:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (312) 765-0524

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Gee Cuyugan

  • Catering

    Whether it's our our gorgeous La Veranda Room, our spacious Barcelona Room or our intimate Lower Lounge, Mercat A La Planxa has the perfect space to host your private event!<br /><br />Please contact our Sales & Marketing Manager at (312) 542-3454 or kai.wilson@sagehospitalitygroup.com for more information

  • Private party facilities

    La Veranda, our private dining space overlooking the main dining room of Mercat, can seat 30 guests. We also offer Private Dining in the Barcelona Room, which seats 66 guests. Our spaces allow for receptions of up to 130 guests.

  • Private party contact

    Kai Wilson: (312) 765-0524

  • Neighborhood

    South Loop

  • Cross street

    Balbo - Entrance to the hotel is through The Blackstone Hotel lobby

  • Parking details

    Valet available in the front of the Blackstone Hotel located on Balbo

  • Public transit

    Nearest Red-line Stop is Harrison, head east on Balbo, restaurant is on the corner of Balbo & Michigan.<br />Bus lines are the #3, #127, #129 all three stop at the entrance of Mercat a la Planxa.<br />

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

Gift card

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Popular dishes

What 4,670 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Unspecified

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Delicious creative tapas menu with a lively atmosphere
  2. marian

    Houston

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    I must say that the food was awesome but the bartender was absolutely rude! When I sat down I cheerily said “Good evening. How are you?” He responded by saying “Busy. What do you want?” Wow. I was floored. He proceeded to prepare our drinks and rudely shove them towards us and didn’t utter another word until i asked for the check which he rudely handed over. I don’t expect someone to be chatty but this guy was flat out nasty. I can assure you I won’t be returning.
  3. TomG

    Des Moines

    25 reviews

    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Food was very similar to what I recall from when Garcés was still involved. Calamar, Secreto and Potatas Bravas are not to be missed
  4. OrkidehS

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    I was so disappointed with the food. I chose this restaurant based on recommendations by others and therefore i feel it is my duty to tell you to skip this restaurant if you want delicious Spanish food. It did have a Very nice staff.
  5. KSam

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good tapas place with good food & a friendly staff!
  6. ElaineE

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a delicious dinner here. There is a nice variety, the service was great, and we loved the location. Great tapas dinner in Chicago.
  7. josec

    Miami

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food nothing special, $12 for4 bread crust, garlic and the best olive oil over a “pan con tomate” Papas bravas goods, Pimientos al Padron small portion but good preparation. I had to wait for more than 45 minutos for an Octopus, I did not pay it but was really good. If I receive one course before the drink ordered at the same time, something is wrong with the service. When you eat Tapas you don’t think that you will receive every 10 minutes simples dishes.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Experience was sub par overall. Server was abrupt ...seemed like she was better suited for a waffle house than a fine dining experience. Never asked how anything was... Just dropped stuff on the table and walked away without saying a word. At the start, told her my soda was flat... She got me something else, but left the flat soda on our tiny table for the remainder of dinner. Lol. Ordered 6 tapas for the 2 of us. Chicken croquets and steak was really tasty. Cheese board was good. Grilled octopus came out luke warm and rubbery.
  9. Jacka

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We had a good time during Mother's Day brunch, server was kind and attentive.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    *Updated Review* Happy to return to Mercat to entertain a family party of six. Expectations with food quality, quantities and flavor are always consistently met. Lamb, pork & sirloins tapas were flavorful and served temperature hot. Vegetable medley and patatas bravas were perfect accompaniments. Coffee, desert (3 choices) were equally tasty and a perfect meal close out. Special thanks to management for addressing an issue with a personal phone call. Mercat a La Planxa’s extra effort to mitigate a customer concern, in a calm & professional manner, reflects the restaurant seriousness in maintaining dining customers satisfaction.
  11. Scubagirl

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to dinner before theater, and our waiter was very conscientious about getting us out on time without making us feel rushed. The food was prepared well. Each dish was brought out hot and fresh. There was plenty to eat for our table of vegetarian eaters. The cocktails were inventive. The view from our table of a park across the street was beautiful. Overall, a fantastic experience.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on May 11, 2023Thank you for the wonderful review! We always love to hear this feedback!

  12. AnneC

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good food and the wait staff were cognizant that we had theater tickets and got us out, so we could make it to the theater on time.
  13. LenF

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose the restaurant based on the proximity to the Auditorium Theater and could not have been more pleased with our meal. Our waiter Carlos was courteous, professional and very knowledgeable. A wonderful evening began with Mercat a La Planxa. Thank you!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on May 11, 2023Thank you for the amazing review!! We are so thrilled to read this. We will pass this on to Carlos as he will be so happy to know this. We hope to see you back soon!

  14. petern

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    My wife and I looked forward to this dinner because some friends had recommended it. We even invited a guest from out of town The hotel lobby is historic and awesome - that was the best part of the evening We will also say that the service from Dante and the other staff was good. The food was another thing all together. Recommended to have the traditional Menu, we did - much to our regret In one word the food was Uninspiring . The Patatas Bravas - we did not want more than one bite. Oily churros for desert ? Totally overvalued and overpriced menu We will neither be back and definitely not recommend this restaurant

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on May 10, 2023Thank you for dining with us and your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the service and ambience. We are surprised to hear that you didn't enjoy the bravas which is one of our most popular dishes and a Spanish staple. Our churros are baked and not fried so we will investigate on how they were oily as that definitely shouldn't be the case. We hope you come back and try us again.

  15. Bill

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An outstanding experience in every way. A unique Tasting Menu where a provision was made for my Lactose Intolerance. Exceptional expertise level of staff. We have eaten in many highly rated restaurants and this was among the very best.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on May 8, 2023Thank you for the amazing review! We are so happy to read this!

  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great food and experience. The wait staff are typically a little more on top of it, but not last night. At one point I saw two waiters yelling at one another in the middle of the dinning room. They may have been understaffed, but the service was slow.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on May 1, 2023Thank you for dining with us and your feedback. We hope you come back to see us.

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    The food quality has gone down a bit over the years. But it’s still a great unique spot in Chicago!
  18. KariW

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very happy to find this gem! Located in the Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Ave., it offers great views, great service, and delicious food. Originally set up my reservation because I read they offered a great Happy Hour. Once there, they said they stopped doing this during Covid. We still stayed and had a great time but wish it was a better value. I still would come back again perhaps for the tasting menu.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on May 1, 2023Thank you so much! We are glad you found us too! Please come back to see us again.

  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    First time in Chicago staying at The Blackstone I had the vegan Paella ..tasty but need more seasoning In the city better dining is always higher priced So no complaint there I prefer quiet dining with just lower instrumental music Too loud fir me

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 23, 2023Thank you for dining with us and letting us know about the paella.

  20. NadineH

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We were staying at The Blackstone, hotel where the restaurant is so it was a convenient place to have dinner. Food was really good, the server Carlos and the hostess were extremely attentive. We ordered the tasting menu and the food took a while to get out to us. They both came by to let us know that the kitchen is a little behind and apologized. I appreciated that communication very much.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 23, 2023Thank you for the great review! Carlos will appreciate the kind words.

  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. The steak and pork are unbelievable!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 23, 2023Thank you for the amazing review!

  22. MeganD

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Our server was a little rude and the food was kind of hit or miss. The pork was excellent while the grilled octopus was not edible.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 18, 2023MeganD, thank you for dining with us, my apologies on this experience. Would you be able to tell me a little more about the server and the octopus? We pride ourselves on great service. The octopus is one of our best sellers so I am hoping to investigate this a little further. Thank you

  23. AmandaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our meal at Mercat - the food was amazing, the service very professional and overall we really enjoyed the restaurant's ambiance. We will definitely be going back, it was the perfect place for a date night.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 18, 2023Thank you for the amazing review!! Can't wait to have you back!

  24. Susan

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We love this restaurant and have been there multiple times before COVID. All was fine, except quite high prices. The cost of food went up tremendously and for four tapas and two drinks we paid $200 including tips. I doubt we will choose this restaurant again. Not worth it. for $200 one can have a three course full dinner.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 18, 2023Thank you for dining with us and your feedback. Unfortunately prices have gone up on all of our ingredients especially authentic items we use from Spain. These does lead to higher menu prices as we want to uphold our quality. We do hope you come and see us again.

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    This used to be our top choice in the neighborhood for special occasions. Our Easter Brunch experience showed a dramatic decline in food quality and ambience coupled with indifferent service (including at least three mistakes in the orders for two people) and no apology. We will not be returning unless management makes some big changes.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 11, 2023Hello, I am so sorry to hear about this. I will be investigating and will reach out privately to hear more about this. It is unacceptable if our errors were not acknowledged and corrected.

  26. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service and wonderful food. We had the chef’s tasting menu and could not decide our favorites. Grilled octopus? Pork? Short ribs? All delicious. Our waiter and all the staff were so attentive. Lovely view from our table too.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on April 10, 2023Thank you for the amazing review!

  27. DavidP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Salad and tenderloin fantastic. Great wine!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 29, 2023Thank you for the 5 stars!

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Edmonton

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    It was too expensive and some of the dishes were far from original Spanish tapas

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 26, 2023Thank you for dining with us. We change our menu every few months. We hope you return to see us again.

  29. JenB

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious cocktails and yummy food. Especially loved the pork dish and asparagus. Service was wonderful.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 15, 2023Thank you for the amazing review! we can't wait to have you back!

  30. claudial

    Chicago

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Pre-theater brunch. The restaurant might consider advertising as several people, or not sure if it was still open. They might also consider leaving brunch open until 2 PM for those of us going to a matinee show .

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 16, 2023Thank you for the great review and your feedback!

  31. Mdonnelly

    Columbus

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Second time dining here, and it did not disappoint. Excellent drinks, generous portions of amazing s foods on the chef’s tasting menu, and an all-around fantastic experience.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 15, 2023So glad you came back to see us! We hope to see you back again.

  32. Kelly

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    This was a very special occasion for my son and myself, and it was ruined by the experience we had here. Our Service was extremely rushed. My son was on crutches and The staff was not particularly accommodating of his need for extra legroom. We did traditional menu chef’s tasting. It was a ripoff. The cocktails were skimpy and overpriced. They charged us $6.00 for and order of bread. Bread used to come with water. We ordered wine and they didn’t give us any options or offer to bring a wine menu, tell us the price or type of wine— just brought 9 ounces and charged $27.00. The menu was far more limited than in the past. Some old favorites were gone and everything was very overpriced. We lived many years in Spain. We know the food and what tapas are. Such a shame since there are so few Spanish restaurants in Chicago. I used to love this place. Now it’s simply unaffordable for mediocre and unabundant food. Will not recommend or return. Almost brought up the wine issue but didn’t want to make a bad experience worse.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 15, 2023I am so disappointed to read this review and will follow-up with my team. I will also send you a private note as well.

  33. Reedjr

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and very nice ambiance! Prices a bit high for the small portions, but overall a winner on our list. Hope to dine there again!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 15, 2023Thank you for the great review, we hope to see you back soon!

  34. LThomas

    Chicago

    64 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Dined before a theater performance. This is our regular dining spot prior to shows at the auditorium theater. Walking distance to venue. Good food and drinks. Service was very good. Attentive and got us out in time. Although the menu change much, there’s enough variety to choose from. Shrimp in garlic sauce a very good classic. Spanish tortilla, kale salad and salmon very good. Chicken ok. Dessert is a short list and not as enticing for us. Enjoyable evening.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 15, 2023Thank you for dining with us and the great review. we love to take care of our pre-theater guests.

  35. JillK

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Our waiter was awful. He never checked on us once the food was served. The pork was raw and no one attempted to see how things were going throughout the meal. We paid $400+ for 3 people to eat and it was mediocre at best. The octopus was so chewy you couldn’t eat it. The wine was the best part.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 15, 2023Thank you for dining with us and I apologize about the service. I am hoping that you can send me more information regarding your meal and server so we can properly review with our team. Once again, my apologies.

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our breakfast was excellent and the service was friendly and on the ball. Highly recommend!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on March 6, 2023Thank you for coming for breakfast! Hope to see you again!

  37. ExplorationsInDining

    Detroit

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mercat is a great place for tapas! The variety, portion sizes and service are consistently good. They also have an extensive selection of Spanish wines.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on February 28, 2023Thank you for the amazing review!

  38. AHipp1965

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The food was very good and the service was good. We were fine with six dishes for four people. If we had ordered the three plates per person our server recommended, it would have been too much food and very expensive. It’s a nice space and overall a good experience.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on February 28, 2023Thank you for dining with us, we hope to see back again soon.

  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience4
    The host and server was great! I had a reservation and was promptly seated on time. My server recommended the prosciutto which was excellent! Overall ambiance was good. I’ve been looking for a good paella here in Chicago and San Francisco Bay Area. Hence I wanted to give a try at Mercat. The initial impression of the dish was good but as soon as I scooped the rice out, I knew it was wrong. Too moist and had the texture of porridge. Mushy. My search continues for the elusive good paella. I’d would considering coming again to try other foods because of the server and the ambience. But I definitely won’t be ordering paella again.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on February 19, 2023Thank you for dining with us and your paella feedback. We will address this with our team immediately. Thank you for the kind words for our host and server. We do hope you come back in and we can get you a great paella.

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot for a date night drinks really good and the food is always fantastic. Also the servers are very polite. Definitely will return.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on February 19, 2023Thank you so much! See you soon!

FAQs

Mercat a La Planxa is rated 4.4 stars by 4670 OpenTable diners.

Mercat a La Planxa does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:00 PM


Booked 49 times today
Google Map for Mercat a La Planxa

638 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Balbo - Entrance to the hotel is through The Blackstone Hotel lobby

  • Neighborhood

    South Loop

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 7:30 am–1:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Unspecified

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Valet available in the front of the Blackstone Hotel located on Balbo

  • Public transit

    Nearest Red-line Stop is Harrison, head east on Balbo, restaurant is on the corner of Balbo & Michigan.Bus lines are the #3, #127, #129 all three stop at the entrance of Mercat a la Planxa.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Gee Cuyugan

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 765-0524

  • Catering

    Whether it's our our gorgeous La Veranda Room, our spacious Barcelona Room or our intimate Lower Lounge, Mercat A La Planxa has the perfect space to host your private event!<br /><br />Please contact our Sales & Marketing Manager at (312) 542-3454 or kai.wilson@sagehospitalitygroup.com for more information

  • Private party facilities

    La Veranda, our private dining space overlooking the main dining room of Mercat, can seat 30 guests. We also offer Private Dining in the Barcelona Room, which seats 66 guests. Our spaces allow for receptions of up to 130 guests.

  • Private party contact

    Kai Wilson: (312) 765-0524

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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