Mercat a La Planxa

Name: Mercat a La Planxa
Address: 638 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States, 60605
Telephone: (312) 765-0524
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

4712 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 21, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 19 times today

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! 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
Neighbourhood
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. Bus lines are the #3, #127, #129 all three stop at the entrance of Mercat a la Planxa.
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

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Popular dishes

PAN CON TOMATE
pan de cristal, tomato, arbequina olive oil
BABY KALE SALAD
citrus segment, cabrales blue cheese, candied almond, pomegranate vinaigrette
PATATAS BRAVAS
potatoes, salsa brava, garlic aioli, chili oil
CROQUETAS DE DE BACALLA
cod croquette, tomato jam, piquillo aioli
GAMBAS AL AJILLO
shrimp, bird's eye chili, garlic, shrimp jus shellfish
DATILES CON ALMENDRAS
bacon-wrapped date, marcona almond, romesco sauce
GREEN CIRCLE FARMS CHICKEN A LA PLANXA
spicy basque piperade
CHEF'S SELECTION DESSERT
dairy, tree nut, egg, wheat

What 4,712 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

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

4,712 Reviews

S
Sunshine
Washington DC
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
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.
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OT
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 7 days ago
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!
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JS
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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OT
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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2
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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JL
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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2
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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SA
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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CM
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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TS
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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OT
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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OT
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!
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HC
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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AT
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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OT
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
d
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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CK
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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OT
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!
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B
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.
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OT
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.
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KG
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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b
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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KM
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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OT
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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RW
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.
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VC
VonColeman
Chicago
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience4
Food was ok. Drinks good. Bacon wrapped dates were beyond what I expected.
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P
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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R
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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LM
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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CS
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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s
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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JB
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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LA
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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CS
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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LM
LMS1
New York Area
25 reviews
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Excellent food. Tapas were very well prepared with a lot variety. The service was good as well.
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c
cityliving
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience3
The service was terrible. The woman that waited on us was unfriendly, unprofessional, and only came to the table twice (once for the original drink order and the other to take our food order). We had to wave to get her attention to get the check even though she spent much of the time just standing around talking to other staff. Additionally, all small plates came out at the same time vs. being spaced as typical in a good tapas restaurant. Very disappointing experience.
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H
Hondoseco
New Mexico
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
Arrived just after 6. Opens at 5. Encouraged to order specific dishes which 20 minutes into waiting they told us they were out of. Salad supposedly had asparagus and peas but could not identify anything except lettuce and shaved cheese. We had symphony tickets and wanted to start ordering while awaiting rest of group (parking), and refused to take order so time started to get short. Asked us if wanted to see dessert menu. We said OK (as half our dinner order was unavailable ) and 10 minutes later dropped the food/drinks menu on table and went away. By time she returned, too late to even look at the menu. Several empty tables so hard to explain shortage of food and service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I’d give the entire experience a 4. The server started off strong and was clearly very knowledgeable and then they got too busy for the team I think. Empty glasses, plates left on table. Our small plates weren’t replaced on their own and I had to ask twice. The food came out very quickly course after course it felt a bit frenzied. The drinks were great! The gin and tonic really excellent. Ambiance great. Food was solid but mixed. Meat overpriced but very tasty. Veggies excellent the carrots in particular. Potato’s bravo disappointing. No one cared for the mussels, they liked the octopus. The basque cheesecake was amazing. Overall positive experience. Recommend for large groups. Great for sharing! Drinks excellent.
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J
Justfine
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
They aren't really small plates. We ordered way too much food because we were told they were traditional tapas size dishes. It was all fine, just way too much.
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TP
TaylorP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a Friday evening 8pm reservation. We are visiting this weekend from Indianapolis and were seeking out a fun culinary experience. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated immediately. Initially a server came to greet us and fill our water glasses, but then about 15 minutes passed before a servers assistant noticed we hadn’t been helped. Immediately a new server arrived and took our drink and dinner order. We didn’t think much of it but after our delicious tapas and paella, a manchego cheesecake and champagne glasses showed up on our table for our “inconvenience”. It was very thoughtful and unnecessary. We very much appreciated that gesture. We had a wonderful seat right in the center of the restaurant with our backs to Michigan Avenue. Ambiance was great, food was delicious and service was outstanding.
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FAQs

Mercat a La Planxa is rated 4.3 stars by 4712 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 21, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 19 times today

638 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Balbo - Entrance to the hotel is through The Blackstone Hotel lobby
Neighbourhood
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! 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

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

Send a gift card

Mercat a La Planxa

Make a reservation

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Popular dishes

Patatas Bravas

Asparagus a La Planxa

Pork Loin

Menu

Traditional Tasting Menu

PAN CON TOMATE

BABY KALE SALAD

PATATAS BRAVAS

CROQUETAS DE DE BACALLA

GAMBAS AL AJILLO

DATILES CON ALMENDRAS

GREEN CIRCLE FARMS CHICKEN A LA PLANXA

CHEF'S SELECTION DESSERT

What 4,712 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Mercat a La Planxa restaurant rated?

Does Mercat a La Planxa offer gift cards?

Is Mercat a La Planxa currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card