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Mercat a la Planxa

Tapas Restaurant, Spanish Restaurant, and Paella Restaurant$$$$

South Loop, Chicago

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Mercat a la Planxa

8.0^/10

377

ratings

Ranked #3 for tapas restaurants in Chicago
Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Food Network
"Just get the tasting menu and let the chef take care of you."(15 Tips)
"The Bacon Wrapped dates are delicious!"(7 Tips)
"Chef Jose Garces’s colorful Catalan place pairs park views"(3 Tips)
"Hidden Gem within the BlackStone Hotel on South Michigan."(3 Tips)

134 Tips and reviews

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tapas
tasting menu
sangria
bacon wrapped dates
good service
blackstone hotel
catalan express
el bolero
brunch food
trendy
good for dates
breakfast food
park views
buffet
margaritas
meats
eggs benedict
cider
desserts
pork
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ZenFoodsterJune 21, 2011
$1.99 Sangria for checking into 4sq. Also, ask the hostess if there's a Iron Chef menu: 5 tapas tasting for $35!! It's not always offered.
MeganMarch 16, 2011
Watch out for the mango sorbet ... the chilis that it's made with aren't listed on the menu and if you're not expecting it, the heat will win! Described as the hottest item on the menu.
Food NetworkJanuary 18, 2011
Mercat a la Planxa, the Catalan restaurant from Jose Garces, offers exciting tapas dishes and delicious Jamon Serrano.
Rob van HalDecember 2, 2014
Amazing tapas and surprising deserts and good quality of service...
ACME Hotel Company ChicagoSeptember 3, 2012
Mercat serves Catalan cuisine in a stunning Mediterranean setting. Pretty good. Hands down.
jiresellNovember 13, 2016
Delicious tapas restaurant. Try the tasting menu.
Holly BoundsMay 28, 2014
The menu is longer than both of your arms. Order the tasting menu!
flying felizNovember 6, 2015
Try the Coffee - #otchefstable #chicago #breakfast #michelin #bibgourmand (via @Foodspotting)
Chirag PatelAugust 5, 2012
Creative recipes and really good spot for the loop but too many dishes rely on their traditional Spanish alioli sauce
Jonathan SnookMarch 14, 2018
Went for the tasting menu and it was delightfully good. Wine pairing was good but not great.
Roosevelt CollectionJanuary 24, 2012
Get the chef's tasting menu. If you'd rather make your own selections, be sure to order the bacon-wrapped dates.
Erika EnidSeptember 19, 2015
The food is delicious, we loved it. #NAHREPsf #miamirealestate #bienesraices
Crain's Chicago BusinessJuly 23, 2010
Chicken, chorizo, rock shrimp and piquillo pepper aioli combine for bold, stew-like Arroz a la Cazuela, one of the finest soups in town. Read more
Maureen VOctober 13, 2011
My white sangria had a half of a slice of lime chopped up in it - but the bacon wrapped dates are scrumptious!
Jeffrey GoodSmithApril 13, 2010
The Monday special- a surefire way to awkwardly get a glass of decent sangria for just 2 dollars and all the judgement and hatred a spurned waiter can provide
Andrew TorgomanJuly 3, 2011
Tried to redeem foursquare special and was told they are nit aware of it and I got denied.. A little embarassing and unecessary, especially for frequent customers..
Laurence WeinsteinSeptember 18, 2011
Sunday brunch. Roast pig. Unlimited bloody marys. The yellow tomato gazpacho is tops.
Elena MaríaMay 5, 2013
Brunch is only $25 and the food is ridiculously amazing. Mimosas and bloody's are $5. AMEN.
Stephanie GrahamJune 16, 2013
The sangria flight, bacon wrapped dates, and garlic shrimp...OHHHH MY!!!!
Sima Dahl, CSP, AS, MBAJune 6, 2011
Amazing prix fixe options - let Chef Jose Garces take you on a gastronomic ride! Read more
Rachel PortellJune 14, 2011
Their brunch is great and you get more food than you could possibly consume for $25 Read more
Marisa SantiagoFebruary 18, 2011
Chicago Restaurant Week!! $18 Catalan Express is awesome, go with friends and try everything!
Kirstjen LorenzJuly 23, 2011
Been here 10+ times
The chilled spring garlic almond soup is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
Chiara PiccinottiAugust 6, 2011
The burger is good and the ambiance is fun, but the drinks aren't great and the service (Saturday, lunch, not busy) is abysmally slow. Hope they fix that.
MoRizaOctober 14, 2012
Try the Gambas Al Ajillo - Grilled perfectly!
Teri PytelAugust 16, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Bacon wrapped dates and any pasta
Kate RitchieSeptember 27, 2010
Try the El Bolero marg, anything including chorizo, and one of the flatbreads. Love jose garces!
Elena MaríaMay 3, 2013
The lamb chops are outstanding. A must order!
John DotySeptember 22, 2013
Ask to sit in the 20's. Sofa bench seats.
Patrick KoltsJuly 12, 2012
Um gee... The service was ridiculously slow, the food was average compared to real tapas and the desserts felt like they sat out for about 20 min before we got them. The beer will fill you up!
Time Out ChicagoMarch 9, 2012
The Spanish restaurant has a new cocktail list from bartender Jake Daniken. Read more
Jeff LewandowskiDecember 23, 2012
Try the chef's tasting menu, it's worth the price :)
MoRizaOctober 20, 2012
Try the Grilled Baby Octopus - Never had it this good before.
Jake SungMay 11, 2012
The Pork Belly(TOCINO CON CIDRA) is a must!!
Ariel JApril 12, 2011
Amazing menu. The Atún (Yellow Fin Tuna) and the Calamari are extraordinary.
Kevin AllenJuly 10, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Possibly the first place in the city to have Estrella Damm on tap! Please reward them by ordering it. :)
Kathryn JanicekJanuary 25, 2010
I have suggested Mercat to many friends -- and they all loved their experiences. The biggest hit: the avocado martini.
Joe EversoleSeptember 9, 2018
The breakfast buffet is $28 on weekends. The eggs were a crime against humanity, rest was okay to good. Not worth it. Elites get $15 credit, making it acceptably priced.
Andy WallSeptember 21, 2013
The Bacon Wrapped dates are delicious!
Shannon B.May 5, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Do the Chef's Tasting Menu! Your taste buds will not be disappointed with this culinary journey!
Joan BlumenthalNovember 20, 2018
Just had drinks and they were very good
Eduardo O.June 25, 2013
Great food and vegetarian friendly!
Ramon RiveraNovember 17, 2015
All tapas, good wine
Russ BelueApril 5, 2014
Bacon wrapped dates. That's all I'm saying.
MoRizaOctober 16, 2012
Try the Gambas a la Plancha
Celia ArredondoDecember 19, 2015
Delicious tapas & lamb chops!
Rick TorresFebruary 15, 2010
Try the El Bolero (Lime/Avocado Margarita). Sweet & tasty..have 1 or 3!!!
JaceOctober 3, 2012
Food was awesome and the portions were perfect.
Samuel GiddinsJuly 28, 2016
Waiter told us paella takes an hour and is for 4-6 people.
Ben SJune 14, 2015
Cocktails are legit.

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