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Mercat a La Planxa, Chicago, IL
Mercat a La Planxa, Chicago, IL
Mercat a La Planxa, Chicago, IL
Mercat a La Planxa, Chicago, IL
Mercat a La Planxa, Chicago, IL

Mercat a La Planxa

4.3
4.3
4718 Reviews
$30 and under
Unspecified
Top Tags:
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
7:00 PM
Booked 29 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
  • Website
    https://www.mercatchicago.com/
  • 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
  • Location
    638 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
  • 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
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What 4,718 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

4,718 Reviews

  1. LisaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food offerings and cocktails with a very nice view of the lake and grant park. Our server was fantastic.

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  2. ChiTownSam

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We did the chefs experience and added a couple more dishes. Everything was excellent.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded 2 days ago

    So happy we made your special night great! We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jeffc

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great tapas and paella. Was in town for half marathon and this was my pre race dinner. Excellent service. And we had drinks at the bar a few other times. Nice vibe and courteous staff. Thank you!

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  4. MelB

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Maybe an unusual evening, but super LOUD and because of that the waiter got our order wrong, but food was good. Prices are up.

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  5. eric

    Houston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    We should have known with the drinks, We ordered a Dirty Martini extra Dirty and an Old fashioned. The dirty Martini was crystal clear, almost no olive juice and the old Fashioned tasted like watered down bourbon. We ordered the "Chefs Selection" for "Tapas" which is $75 per person. I am a big fan of Spanish Tapas and when done right it is an enjoyable experience. Typically it is 5 to 8 dishes spaced apart to allow the pallet to settle between courses. This was an attempt at Tapas. First they would bring out two or three dishes at once. Second the Tapas were mediocre at best. The first was an attempt at bruschetta that was simply toasted bread with tomato's on it. Then a "tomato salad" with Prosciutto that I could buy in any Grocery, in fact they probably did. The Octopus was rubber. One "Tapas" was actually steamed Broccoli, Then at the end they brought two meat dishes one was pork and one was two Lamb Chops. Lamb Chops? Tapas? Doubt it. For a $200 dinner this was NOT a recommended dinner. Should have tried the Paella.

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  6. Sunshine

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    the food was disappointing, especially the paella. it was burnt and overly seasoned. the croquetas and espinacas were reasonably good. the sangria was ok, although I have had better. I am probably spoilt because I have visited Jose Andres' restaurants many times, and this food did not measure up to that standard. Disappointing overall, and took a real bite out of my wallet.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you, Sunshine, for taking the time to share information about your recent visit with us. We are sorry to hear that your experience did not live up to our expectations.  We want to sincerely apologize for your negative experience. We love the opportunity to make this right and invite you back, as we are currently making a lot of menu changes.

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  7. BryanT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dinner as always. Dante our waiter was very knowledgeable and shred a lot of information with us. We had the special tasting menu they had supporting meals on wheels and it was amazing.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful food and concept. Enjoyed the chef’s curated tasting menu, comprised of a variety of authentic fares. I think they could capitalize on offering wine pairing option as there is ample opportunity to showcase variety of appropriate pairings. Only critique was in the communication of the dishes; we would have appreciated an informer for each course that was brought out.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on September 14, 2023

    Thank you so much for review, we love hearing constructive feedback! We are excited about some new dishes coming out! I will bring the wine pairing suggestions no our beverage director as well as the need for better communication to my staff. Thank you and hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. JillS

    Salt Lake City

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    I have thought of going here many times and am sorry that I waited so long. The food was very good, service was excellent, the range of cocktails was great. Much better than the average hotel restaurant. We dined here before a concert at Northerly Island and it was convenient for parking and walking to the venue.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We never miss a chance to visit this amazing restaurant when we are in Chicago. Always delicious, we have introduced friends to its unique flavors and they similarly can’t wait to come back!! Thank you for your delicious food and great staff!! We will e back!!

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  11. 2ndbreakfast

    New York Area

    104 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    104 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    Service was very slow, apparently because almost everyone was seated in the same server’s section. He was very busy, while other servers were just standing around.

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  12. JasonL

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We order the chef's recommended courses and it was amazing!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on September 5, 2023

    So happy to hear you had a great experience dinning with us! We thank you for choosing us.

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  13. 2ndbreakfast

    New York Area

    104 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    104 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Service was outstanding. Bacon-wrapped dates were delicious, as were the heirloom tomato salad and the watermelon salad.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on September 1, 2023

    We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your visit! Thank you for choosing to dine with us and we hope to see you again soon.

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  14. StacyA

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was delicious and most of the service was good, but our waiter was off-putting. I don't know if we did something to throw him off (my dad has a quirky sense of humor), but he seemed nervous or uncomfortable and seemed to be rattling off a script by rote. He was called away before we had a chance to place even our first drink order and then seemed to forget us. We had to ask for the wine list. He left us alone for long stretches of time. We have eaten here before and really enjoyed it, but the server did put a damper on this visit.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on September 1, 2023

    Stacy, Thank you for dinning with I am so happy to hear you loved the food. I will bring your feedback to our service team. We hope to see you again soon!

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  15. ChristineM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was excellent. Our server was quite dimissive and marginally pleasant. Felt akward. Price point high although the ualty of the food and drink was excellent.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on August 28, 2023

    Christine, Although we are very glad to hear you loved our food and rink, I am sorry your service was not the best. We will work with our team to make improvements. Thank you and we hope to see you gain soon.

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  16. TinaS

    St. Louis

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Antonio was amazing! great food and atmosphere! Thank you!!!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on August 30, 2023

    Tina, Thank you for the great review! Antonio is great and I will pass this great review on to him!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing anniversary dinner- the food was outstanding, the staff was amazing.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful experience !! Great food, knowledgeable and attentive wait staff, decor and ambiance was perfect. Oh and the wine was delish 🍷

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on August 25, 2023

    Thank you for your review! We look forward to seeing you again!

    Is this helpful?

  19. HungryinChicago

    Chicago

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the Traditional Experience Menu with 8 separate dishes- each delicious! Paired with tasty cocktails, this was a lovely meal! Service was attentive and our waiter provided welcome guidance on the menu. The food was authentic to what we’ve enjoyed in Barcelona. Altogether a great night out!

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  20. AT001

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This spacious restaurant felt quiet, comfortable, and friendly as the nights and music were quiet allowing for focus to be with my company! It was lovely seeing how many people enjoyed being there to eat good Spanish food. Highly recommend the salads and sliced steak tapas (I’m forgetting what it’s called).

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on August 3, 2023

    Thank you so much for choosing to dine with us, we are more than happy to hear you enjoyed your evening. We look forward to seeing you again!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous experience. It was quite busy but the service & food were good exceptional!

    1 person found this helpful

  22. drawde

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Very disappointing meal. Standards have dropped. The menu is as basic as can be. The Pulpo a la Planxa was tough, and the tenacles were overcooked and hard to even cut with a knife. The only redeeming dish was the paella negra. Service was fair. I do not recommend this place so much better options in the area.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on July 29, 2023

    I am sorry to hear you did not enjoy your evening with us, I will give this information to our team and hope you will give us another chance in the future.

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  23. ChrisK

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Completely Charming establishment, delicious meal, friendly and unobtrusive service - I can't recommend Mercat a la Planxa highly enough! The chefs experiece tasting menu was perhaps the best value in town for such a fine meal.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on July 29, 2023

    Chris, Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are so happy you enjoyed your meal and look forward to having you back!

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful menu! The staff had amazing suggestions and the food was divine. I would recommend the pulpo a la planxa. I was surprised by how tender the grilled octopus was. Definitely coming back for seconds!!!

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on July 22, 2023

    Thank you for the great review, we look forward to seeing you again!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Bertram

    New York Area

    54 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Just a few pre pandemic years ago Mercat was a treat: lively atmosphere, flavorful Spanish choices like razor clams or a Spanish omelette. Now a quiet spot, almost empty on a Thursday, and a pared down menu lacking my favorites. The croquettes are a strong choice still as is the paella. Pass on the potatoes at least until an egg surrounds the potatoes. Mercats strong bar menu performance continues. Where is the old energy? I don’t know.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on July 21, 2023

    Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear you were not 100% satisfied with your meal, I will relay this to our team, as we always strive to be our best. I am happy to hear you enjoy our bar program and we hope to see you again.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fresh & tasty ingredients in traditional Spanish cuisine. Nice wine list and attentive service.

    Mercat a La PlanxaResponded on July 22, 2023

    Thank you for your visit! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience.

    Is this helpful?

  27. KellyG

    Caribbean

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Would not go back. More expensive than a nicer rated restaurant.

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  28. bobbyc

    New York Area

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice staff, lovely decor. Food was terrific and drinks good too.

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  29. KarynM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had not been to Mercat a la Planxa in a while, and the close proximity to the Studebaker Theatre on Michigan Avenue made this an obvious choice. The restaurant is housed within The Blackstone Autograph Collection hotel in the South Loop. Mercat is known for its selection of small plates, tapas, and Catalan traditions. Ascend the staircase in the Blackstone's Gatsby-esque lobby. The restaurant has soaring arched windows that face out to Michigan Avenue, sculptural fixtures and lights and murals. We settled on the Traditional Tasting Menu for two, an eight-course meal including dessert. I also ordered a Rosé Mercat. In quick succession, we tasted: PAN CON TOMATE; ENSALADA VERDE; PATATAS BRAVAS; CROQUETTES DE SETAS; GAMBAS AL AJILLO; DATILES CON ALMENDRAS; POLLO; CHEF'S SELECTION DESSERT The Pan con Tomate was crispy and toasty with thinly sliced tomato. The Patatas Bravas were lightly fried with spicy dollops of garlic aioli and chili oil. The Datiles con Almendras, bacon-wrapped dates, were the perfect ratio of sweet-salty-crunchy. The Pollo, marinated chicken thigh, was perfectly charred and tender. We enjoyed all of the dishes, although the dessert, churros, warm and lightly sprinkled with sugar, were a bit tough. The dishes came out a bit quick at first, but then settled on a more leisurely pace; in all we spent about an hour dining at Mercat. We had a lovely dinner, the tasting menu was ample servings of well-curated small plates.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience1
    Food is terrible. The prices are absurd. Our server was nice.

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  31. ResturantWeekFan

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    It has great food and even better service! Recommend to all visiting chicago.

    Is this helpful?

  32. VonColeman

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    Food was ok. Drinks good. Bacon wrapped dates were beyond what I expected.

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  33. Peple

    Dallas

    47 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on June 28, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    Nice paella catalana with lots of seafood, loved the croquettes, ordered the chicken ones and they did not disappoint

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  34. Rickinchi

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brunch with a drink for each of us, splitting a side of chorizo sausages, two "entrees" (a veggie omelette, and their eggs Benedict) came to 80 taxes and tip included. I think for the quality of food and service, and the location, overlooking Michigan avenue and the park, this is quite reasonable and a lot of fun in the interesting layout of this restaurant. It's beyond me how this place seems to be overlooked so there's no crowd to deal with. I'd suggest going before the crowd finds it.

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  35. LynnM

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Authentic Spanish food. Would go back again!

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  36. CherylS

    Columbus

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    While the decor is a bit tired, everything else about Mercat a la Planxa was outstanding! Our waiter was friendly and appropriately humorous. We were there for Sunday brunch and the choices were quite interesting. Two of us had the Eggs Benedict which was amazing and my husband had the Steak and Eggs. The coffee was quite good. I was meeting a friend from college and we were able to have a great conversation with minimal noise. We were staying at The Blackstone (which is fabulous btw) so this was very convenient. I would definitely recommend and go there again.

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  37. someguyfromchi

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    EXTREMELY overpriced for what you get: just so-so tapas. Also, the tableware and linens were water-stained and worn. We told our waiter we were trying to make a play and he proceeded to gab on and on at our table before taking our order and then disappeared when we were trying desperately to get the check. We ran out of time for the dessert we paid for with our tasting menus.

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  38. JamilahB

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food was absolutely phenomenal. Great tapas to share with friends!

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  39. LindaA

    Minneapolis

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Our service was challenged but more a product of the situation than the server specifically. They need support and a manager in charge to ensure things are running as expected.

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  40. ClarenS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice weekend brunch with attentive staff and beautiful location

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FAQs

Mercat a La Planxa is rated 4.3 stars by 4718 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
7:00 PM
Booked 29 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
  • Website
    https://www.mercatchicago.com/
  • 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
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