Mercat a la Planxa

- Located in The Blackstone Hotel, 638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

For residents and visitors in Illinois seeking an authentic and upscale Spanish dining experience, look no further than Mercat a la Planxa. Nestled within the historic grandeur of The Blackstone Hotel in downtown Chicago, this establishment offers a true taste of Barcelona’s culinary vibrancy, specializing in small, flavorful plates known as tapas, alongside robust entrees and a comprehensive drink program. It’s more than just a Spanish restaurant; it’s a lively bar and a dedicated tapas destination, making it a multifaceted spot for various occasions, from a casual lunch to a romantic, trendy dinner.

The name itself, "Mercat a la Planxa," hints at the culinary philosophy—it translates roughly to "market on the grill," emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with bold, simple methods. The atmosphere is crafted to be both sophisticated and welcoming, setting the stage for an engaging and memorable culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Spain.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with an ambiance that is both romantic and trendy, blending classic Chicago architecture with contemporary Spanish flair. Whether you’re stopping in before an event at a nearby landmark like the Field Museum, or simply looking for an exceptional date night, Mercat a la Planxa stands out as a premier dining choice in the heart of Illinois’ largest city.

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## Location and Accessibility

Mercat a la Planxa boasts a prime location in one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, The Blackstone Hotel. This central placement offers easy access for both local Illinois residents and out-of-town tourists exploring the city's highlights. Its address is:

Located in The Blackstone Hotel, 638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

The restaurant’s position on South Michigan Avenue means it’s easily reachable via public transit and offers a beautiful, upscale setting near Grant Park and Museum Campus. For those driving, the venue provides convenient paid parking options, including a paid parking garage and a paid parking lot, a significant convenience in a busy downtown area. This makes planning your visit straightforward, whether you're coming from the suburbs or another neighborhood in Chicago.

Furthermore, accessibility is a priority at Mercat a la Planxa. The establishment ensures a welcoming experience for all patrons with:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

These features ensure that a wide range of customers can comfortably enjoy the sophisticated dining experience.

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## Services Offered

As a versatile dining spot, Mercat a la Planxa offers a comprehensive range of services and dining options to fit various schedules and preferences throughout the day. The restaurant functions not only as a traditional Spanish eatery but also as a lively bar and tapas hub. Key services and offerings include:

• Onsite Services: Full-service dining with table service available for all meals.
• Dining Options: Patrons can enjoy a meal during Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, or just stop in for Dessert.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and for dinner, reservations are explicitly recommended to secure your seating, particularly during peak hours or if dining with a group.
• Flexible Meal Styles: Catering to various appetites with offerings like Small plates (tapas), full Raciones (entrees), and Late-night food options.
• Beverage Program: A full bar featuring Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, Coffee, and an extensive Wine list, including Spanish liqueurs and sherries.
• Private Dining: A Private dining room is available for special events, business meetings, or larger family gatherings.
• Takeout Service: For those on the go or preferring to dine at home, Takeout options are available.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

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## Features / Highlights

Mercat a la Planxa distinguishes itself in the Illinois dining scene with several standout features that contribute to its popularity and high ratings. From its menu to its environment, these highlights make it a memorable spot for local Chicago patrons and Illinois visitors alike:

• Great Cocktails and Wine List: The beverage program is a major draw, celebrated for its Great cocktails—including unique creations and classics like a Sidecar mentioned in customer feedback—and an impressive, curated Great wine list that heavily features Spanish selections, sherries, and vermouths.
• Authentic and Diverse Menu: The menu is a comprehensive tour of Spain. Diners can explore classic Tapas such as Patatas Bravas, Gambas Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp), and Croquetas de Serrano, move on to hearty Paella (including De Mariscos and Paella Negra), or savor upscale Raciones like Vieiras Azafran (Saffron Scallops) and Librittos de Lomo Rellenos*.
• Exceptional Dessert Offerings: The restaurant is noted for its Great dessert selection, which includes Spanish favorites like hot, fresh Churros, the creamy Crema Catalana, and the decadent Basque Burnt Cheesecake.
• Ambiance and Atmosphere: The setting is described as Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale, housed within the architectural beauty of The Blackstone Hotel, providing a perfect backdrop for an elevated dining experience.
• Dietary and Preference Options: The menu thoughtfully includes a range of offerings, catering to diverse needs with Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Comfort food, and Organic dishes.
• All-Day Dining and Happy Hour: Offering seating for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, it also features sought-after Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food.
• Inclusive Crowd: The atmosphere is welcoming to a broad clientele, popular with Groups, Tourists, Families (with High chairs available), and noted as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.

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## Contact Information

Connecting with Mercat a la Planxa to make reservations, inquire about the menu, or ask about private events is simple. Here is the key contact information:

Address: Located in The Blackstone Hotel, 638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Phone: (312) 765-0524

Mobile Phone: +1 312-765-0524

It is strongly advised to call ahead, especially for dinner, as reservations are recommended to ensure a table at this popular Chicago dining fixture.

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## What is Worth Choosing

For Illinois diners, Mercat a la Planxa is an essential choice for several compelling reasons that extend beyond simply serving Spanish cuisine. It delivers an encompassing experience that blends authentic food, a sophisticated setting, and high-quality service, making it stand out among the crowded Chicago restaurant landscape.

The commitment to genuine Spanish flavors is evident in the menu’s structure. Choosing to dine here means you can build a complete, multi-course Spanish meal. You can begin with the acclaimed Queso y Embutido board, featuring authentic items like 3 Year Jamon Serrano and 12 Month Manchego. From there, you can sample the heart of the restaurant’s concept through their extensive tapas list, where the classic Patatas Bravas, savory Croquetas de Serrano, and the popular Gambas Al Ajillo are consistently highlighted as incredible standouts by patrons.

One of the most noteworthy experiences is their Paella. Diners are encouraged to allow the necessary 30 minutes or more for preparation, but the rich, hearty results—whether you choose the De Mariscos (seafood) or De Carne (meat) variation—are consistently described as well worth the wait. This time investment speaks to the kitchen’s dedication to traditional, slow-cooked Spanish dishes.

Beyond the food, the bar program is a major reason to visit. The restaurant's reputation for Great cocktails and its deep, thoughtful Wine list means it’s an ideal destination for a pre-dinner drink, a late-night cocktail, or a full wine pairing with your meal, including distinct Spanish specialties like Sherries and Vermouths.

Finally, the overall Atmosphere—described as Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale—makes it a perfect destination for celebrating a special occasion, hosting a client dinner, or simply treating yourself to a sophisticated evening out. By choosing Mercat a la Planxa, you are choosing an authentic culinary escape to Barcelona, right in the vibrant heart of downtown Chicago, IL.

Mercat a la Planxa

Located in The Blackstone Hotel, 638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA