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About

Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar is a vibrant Puerto Rican restaurant in the heart of Chicago, serving up authentic Caribbean flavors and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Our menu features a fusion of traditional dishes and modern twists, including vegetarian options and mouth-watering sandwiches. As a Caribbean restaurant, we're dedicated to bringing the islands to you, with bold flavors and spices that will transport your taste buds. Pair your meal with a visit to our Cocktail bar, where our expert mixologists craft innovative drinks that blend Latin American flair with Chicago charm. Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch or a night out with friends, Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar is the perfect destination. Come experience the warmth and hospitality of the Caribbean in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood.

Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar Review Summary

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4.8
(165 Reviews)
5
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1
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Jonathan Leonard
Jonathan Leonard -Google user
a week ago
I recently had the pleasure of visiting one of my absolute favorite hidden gems, and I just have to share how amazing the experience was. This quaint little spot is a bit tucked away, which only adds to its charm and makes the discovery even...Read More
$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkIndoor dining area, Bar areaPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Cheryl
Cheryl -Google user
2 months ago
My daughter brought me here for my birthday and let me just say AMAZING!! A small but cozy place. Great customer service from the time we stepped in and dined. The young lady who waited us was very attentive and kind. Now to the food,...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
Kiersten Ford
Kiersten Ford -Google user
a month ago
The ambiance was very tranquil and the food was absolutely delicious. The quality of the service is top tier. I didn’t have to try and get anyone’s attention and that made it such a delightful experience. The decor really sets a nice tone, your eyes...Read More
Dinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Guava Butter, Tostones, Empanadas, Pollo2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 peoplePlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Xin Wang
Xin Wang -Google user
4 weeks ago
Authentic Puerto Rican food. Tried the slow roasted pork, beef, eggplant, fried rice, avocado salad, malango and lots of sides. Favorite was the pita chips with guava dip. Slow roasted asado was good, liked the fatty part. Slow cooked beef was tender and good. Eggplant with this...Read More
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5No wait
DANA TEDESCO
DANA TEDESCO -Google user
3 weeks ago
Tropical vibes on Wilson! One amazing bartender took our drink order, made our drinks, took our food order, ran our food, gave great recommendations, and was a pure delight. The chef came out to greet our table. Cozy place with authentic Puerto Rican food...Read More
Dinner$100+Atmosphere: 52 peopleNo wait
Moe Garcia
Moe Garcia -Google user
4 months ago
From the moment we walked in, the warm hospitality and vacation-like ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable evening. We started with apps: pastelillos de carne and a creamy plantain-cilantro soup—both bursting with flavor. Our entrees, the braised beef with plantain-infused mashed potatoes and the...Read More
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5La Playita, Pasteliilos De Carne, Mashed MalangaNo wait
Deborah Jimenez
Deborah Jimenez -Google user
2 months ago
This place had Puerto Rican food that tasted fabulous! Great service, great food! Get you some!
Lunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Tostones, Steak JibaritoNo waitPlenty of parkingFree parking lot, Free street parkingParking is good... if you're early! That area is just tough, but worth it!
Allie Keel
Allie Keel -Google user
6 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hidden Gem Alert! Marinas Bistro + Rum Bar is the spot you didn’t know you needed in your life. The first Puerto Rican restaurant in Chicago to be featured twice in Restaurant Week—deservedly so! We tried the pigeon peas with plantains (incredible), devoured the fried cheese...Read More
Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5La Playita, El Viejo San JuanHighly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishesPlenty of parkingPerfectly wheelchair accessible! YES.
Angela Rodriguez
Angela Rodriguez -Google user
a year ago
The food was to die for. Very friendly environment There’s a variety of meals including vegetarian. The drinks whether it was virgin or non were like I’ve never taste it before. A combination of different natural juices combine together making a...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
NIYATI VYAS
NIYATI VYAS -Google user
11 months ago
The service and atmosphere was top notch 👌 we had pastelillos, which were amazing. The flavors were great with the amazing sauce on the side. It was awesome. Then we had Queso Frito Con Tamarindo, which was ok Jibaritos, it was awesome and something new. we...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Highly recommendLarge vegetarian selectionThey have great selection for vegetarians and vegan options
Sone
Sone -Google user
Edited a year ago
Oh my goddddd. All this restaurant needs is a conga so we can play it in the way out while yelling “weeeeepppppaaaaa”!!! Lord, I don’t think people know what they’re getting - the food is so darn amazing I could cry. This is real Puerto...Read More
Isaac Jones
Isaac Jones -Google user
a year ago
I went here for restaurant week and had the absolute best time! The staff was incredibly friendly, the drinks were smooth, the vibes were vibing, and everything tasted so, so good. The guava butter was also made with pure magic, I'm sure; you have to...Read More
Christine Shook
Christine Shook -Google user
4 months ago
This unassuming small family-owned restaurant was such a great find. The restaurant is attractive and offers a pleasant dining atmosphere. Anna, our bartender/server was immediately welcoming and made us feel appreciated for our patronage. The highlight at the place is the interesting rum drinks and...Read More
DinnerAtmosphere: 5
Ali Ortiz
Ali Ortiz -Google user
a month ago
Amazing food with a modern but still cozy & friendly atmosphere. Staff went above and beyond. I’ll absolutely be back the next time I’m in the city!
Dinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Loud, but you can still talkNo waitSomewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lot
Francisco Javi Ramirez
Francisco Javi Ramirez -Google user
a year ago
A true taste of Puerto Rico. From the get go, I felt welcomed and attended to. Staff is super friendly and the environment is inviting. We had two dishes, and they were cooked to perfection. The beef was so tender and the pork was juicy...Read More
Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Lechon, Bistec Encebollado, Lechon with Mofongo De YuccaHighly recommendPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Chris Eyo
Chris Eyo -Google user
a year ago
Oooooh this is definitely getting added to the rotation. The food was mad good and the service was A+. The chef himself took care of me and my friends the whole time. …
Adamm
Adamm -Google user
6 months ago
Omg, the food here is fuego. Got the Puerto Rican deep fried cheese and PR piña colada, both were great. My friends loved their food too
Sunny Patel
Sunny Patel -Google user
a week ago
I tried Marinas today for the first time and it was delicious. They have a number of veggie options and one of the front-house staff was also a vegetarian so it was reassuring. The jibarrito was delicious, but the mushroom was a bit too salty....Read More
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseNo waitHighly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishesPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Karla Torres
Karla Torres -Google user
3 months ago
I was in Chicago this past weekend and tried Marina’s Bistro in Uptown for the first time. I loved it so much I went back twice in the same week. The food was incredibly delicious and comforting. It honestly tasted like someone’s mom or grandma...Read More
Lunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkIndoor dining area, Bar areaHighly recommendLarge vegetarian selectionPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Betsy Mullappallil
Betsy Mullappallil -Google user
11 months ago
Authentic Puerto Rican food! They are so friendly! Food is amazing! Drinks are amazing! It’s small but the atmosphere is trendy. We tried- El Yabucoa, Calle Loiza and La Playita(this is the sweetest out of all 3 we tried). We started with the beef empanadas,...Read More
Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5
Ullisses Alonzo
Ullisses Alonzo -Google user
4 months ago
Delicioso... Thank you for creating such an excellent experience. Every part of our evening was amazing. From our sweet hostess/waitress. To the cozy family atmosphere, the soft music where we could hear each other without having to yell. The food could not have been more...Read More
Dinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkHighly recommend
Zuinda M
Zuinda M -Google user
3 months ago
Anna took excellent care of our party of 5 for my last minute birthday shenanigans. A+ chef for the best avocado salad, and mofongo in ChiTown. I had a mofongo made with yuca and platano. YUM! We will be back to try everything we didn’t...Read More
Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan -Google user
6 months ago
Don't let the discreet location deceive you, this place is a slice of paradise! Each cocktail was a well-crafted, well-presented rum exploration. The lechon was tender, and the mofongo flavorful. The service was attentive, and the music and atmosphere vibrant and tastefully tropical.
Meria Kolathu
Meria Kolathu -Google user
a year ago
Incredible service and food. We came here for my husband's birthday. Had the most gracious server (I forgot her name). Chef was super nice. I think whatever you try here will be amazing. Each dish was delicious. We had a wonderful dessert …
kevin rice
kevin rice -Google user
a week ago
This is one of my favorite places in the city. My wife and I have been going since they opened and it had not changed. The platano soup may be the best soup I have ever had. Each dish is authentic and full of the...Read More
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseNo wait
Lindsay Bermudez
Lindsay Bermudez -Google user
a month ago
This place is decorated with a cute and tropical vibe. I really forgot I was in Chicago for a bit. The cocktails were absolutely amazing. Well-balanced and not too sweet. The food was flavorful and well seasoned. Great service too! Will be going back.
Lunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseNo waitHighly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Matt Cardoni
Matt Cardoni -Google user
3 months ago
This place is fantastic! The food is cooked with love -- it tastes like home cooked comfort food from Puerto Rico. The beans and rice, marinated chicken, pork, fried cheese, plantains, every single dish was a home run. I am so happy right now. The decor is...Read More
Take outDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Highly recommendVegetarian menu or sectionExcellent robust selection of gluten-free options.
Michael S
Michael S -Google user
2 months ago
I don't often review restaurants, but my experience here was so fantastic that I need to share. The service was great, and the food was amazing. The fried plantain sandwich was unlike anything I have had before, and I am so glad that I …
Bella miller
Bella miller -Google user
2 months ago
Every cocktail was so refreshing (we tried them all they were so good). You can tell they use very fresh ingredients. Our server was the only server there and yet, will a packed restaurant, we never felt neglected. All of our dishes were incredible. We...Read More
Nia Taylor-Colino
Nia Taylor-Colino -Google user
a month ago
OMFG! This was absolutely delicious! I am not a fan of rum so I was skeptical of the cocktails, but they were a 0/10 as well! nwe tried 6 cocktails and they were delicious, but the food was even better. None of us had the...Read More

Features

From the business

check icon Identifies as Latino-owned
check icon Identifies as veteran-owned

Service options

check icon Delivery
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Live music
check icon Sports

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom
check icon Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Happy hour drinks
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Late-night food
check icon Organic dishes
check icon Quick bite
check icon Small plates
check icon Vegan options
check icon Vegetarian options
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Catering
check icon Dessert
check icon Seating

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Gender-neutral restroom
check icon Restroom
check icon Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon Family-friendly
check icon Groups
check icon LGBTQ+ friendly
check icon Tourists
check icon Transgender safespace

Planning

check icon Reservations required
check icon Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Checks
check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Parking

check icon Free parking lot
check icon Paid street parking
check icon Parking

Pets

check icon Dogs allowed

Other

check icon LGBTQ+ friendly
check icon Identifies as veteran-owned
check icon Identifies as Latino-owned