We went for brunch on a Saturday. The food was very tasty! I got the scramble with capers and my friends got a Benedict, mushroom soup and potatoes with hollandaise, Everything was yummy and the cocktails were great! The server talks to you about what you like then concord something from your preferences. We would have gotten more than two each if it weren't for the slow service. This is where bar Marco looses a star. Really they should lose 2 but the food was so good and the drinks so tasty I am only deducting one. They have recently switched to paying all their servers a living wage and benefits so you don't need to tip. I would heartily support this if our service hadn't been so poor. The guy was very nice and friendly but he took forever to get to us and then u sat around with an empty glass wanting another drink too often and for too long. It was busy, but the not that busy. Maybe when you don't work for tips you don't have to care about good service. I really love that they pay their people a living wage, but for the price I paid for brunch (even factoring in the tip) I really expect better service. read more

This review is for the drinks and the space only. The space is a lovely open room with a great classic tile floor. The cocktails were extremely good matched on my short trip to Pittsburgh only by those at the Butcher and the Rye. read more

the minute we sat down we were presented with a taste of lovely prosecco and a corn bread amuse bouche with some divine butter on top. a friend ordered a bloody mary with "very nice garnishes" which turned out to be a vodka sidecar. yasssss. at this point we were ready to move in. i got a dressed up pasta dish with duck and beemster cheese that was great. not food related, but when we were visiting they had a portion of arthur o'shaughnessy's ode poem on the website. this place had my heart before i even entered. read more

Absolutely enamored with Bar Marco. I'm here at least once a month -- whenever I have visitors in town, I bring them here. The food is delicious and Chef is always cooking up something new! The menu changes seasonally and caters to local availability. You can eat upstairs in their bar room or downstairs for a special 6 course meal. Their wine selection is limited but impeccable (it's paired with current dishes) and their no-menu bar/bartenders are phenomenal... just tell them what you like and they will whip something up. (For example, A "bourbon + citrus" order is my favorite). Also love that they pay their staff a salary - menu items are priced accordingly as tip is included. The staff is wonderful and rounds out the experience beautifully. Highly recommended for Brunch or Dinner!! read more

I recently had brunch with some friends at Bar Marco for the first time. I had previously read some of the most recent reviews on Yelp before going that complained about the service. I found the service to be up to par and very accommodating. Our reserved table was still occupied when we first arrived. The server greeted us, apologized a couple of times for the wait, and offered us drinks while we waited. The food was pretty good, but not the most amazing I've ever had. The bacon appetizer was delicious and all three of us were happy with our brunch entrees- soft scrambled eggs, lemon pancakes, and baked eggs. I would return to try dinner. read more

I arranged a birthday dinner for my husband this past Saturday for 8 people. My experience was wonderful from start to finish. While this was not my first time at Bar Marco (I already knew I loved it), this experience was even better than our previous ones. Making a reservation - I called to see if the wine room was available, but thought it would be difficult with a party of 8. While they said that they could fit us in at 5:30 (a bit early for us), the person I spoke with also said he could fit us in the main dining room and we could choose to have a similar menu up there. Since timing fit better, we decided to do that, but I was so pleasantly surprised at how friendly and accommodating they were. Dinner - We were seated first at a pretty small table (or two tables) for 8 people, but were promptly (without even asking) given an additional table when the one next to us opened up, before even our whole party had arrived. The dinner started out with a complimentary rose "sipper" and we decided to do the family style dinner - I would recommend this to anyone, especially a larger party. It's 4-5 courses, and each course has a few different dishes. I thought the value was tremendous - but you do need to be hungry! For the first course, we had a pork rillette, chicken terrine, and arancini. All were phenomenal! The second course - a fish (can't remember name) carpaccio and DELICIOUS lamb ribs. The third - housemade pasta and mushroom ravioli. Fourth - two pork dishes and a DELECTABLE fried chicken. And, dessert. While dessert wasn't the must scrumptious dessert ever, it was very good, and we were all pretty full by that point anyway. Drinks - they don't have a drink menu, but ask what your "go-to" liquor is,and general drink profile/favorite cocktail. All the drinks were phenomenal. And, sometimes, when they explain the drink, you think "how did they get to that?" but once I tried it, it was always spot on. As well, they brought us an after dinner apertif in honor of my husband's birthday. The whole staff was incredibly welcoming and accommodating - from setting up the reservation until the last minute. Also, the dinner was incredibly leisurely, and they didn't rush the courses or try to hurry us out. It truly made the night very special. read more

Never have I ever been disappointed with a cocktail that was made for me by these mixologists! Love the drinks!! If you know what you like, and can articulate those likes to the bartenders, they are sure to make you an awesome cocktail! Magical drink artists, I thank you! ;)! read more

Superb cocktails and excellent food. Came alone on a business trip and sat at the bar. Not at all crowded at 8:30 on a Wednesday. Gave the bartender some vague guidance but mostly let him do what he wanted, which turned out great. Menu changes frequently but for what it's worth, the pig head croquettes were exceptional, the kale and faro salad was very good, and the rigatoni bolognese was "merely" good. My only complaint is that the rigatoni fell victim to the trend of serving pasta too al dente to the point of just being kind of chewy. But the sauce was on point with deep but subtle flavor and nice fall spices, which were complimented by a bourbon drink featuring similar spice notes. read more

I stopped one rainy night because the outside looked very interesting being an old firehouse in the strip. The inside didn't disappoint from the food and wine to the service. It has very relaxed and European feel to it. I look forward to my return. read more

I was blown away by Bar Marco's professional staff. The intimate atmosphere is something you might expect in Manhattan, so it was nice to see it in Pittsburgh's strip. The manager was the epitome of genuine class and hospitality. The sommelier knew his stuff and between the two we were recommended the perfect cocktail (a Negroni riff using a splash of champagne) the perfect wine pairing for dinner (a tannic, yet fruity Bordeaux) and the perfect after-meal digestif (Fernet Branca, aka the Bartender's Handshake). Then, the barkeep really knew his way around a two-piece shaker to pull the whole thing together and the waitress had impeccable timing. I wanted to punch a baby in the face the osso buco was so good. The service was so great, it was nearly impossible for me not to leave a 20% tip -- even though the servers have the living wage rule and gratuity is factored into the total balance. I could ramble on all day, or you could try it yourself. Which you should do. read more

The no tipping policy, does not give the server the right to insult the guest, because he will still get paid. That being said we went on a Sunday morning for brunch. While the portions are small and the price expensive it did not meet up to my expectations. read more

Great place. Small on the seating end, but that's my only real complaint. Delicious food on a rotating menu. Craft cocktails intelligently designed. Menu is limited in scope, but it's a small place and all the options are stellar. read more

There brunch is fresh and refreshing. Arrived Sunday around noon and got lucky to get a seat without a reservation. I had there home made French toast and a few mimosas. The service was excellent and they are the first gratuity free restaurant in Pittsburgh. I have heard there wine room experience is amazing and I will be looking into booking reservations for that in the near future. read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about the chef here. Jamilka Borges is truly an amazing chef and an awesome human being, and we are truly lucky to have her in Pittsburgh! I recently went to Bar Marco with a group of friends who chose to do the family style dinner. Jamilka, knowing and remembering my food allergies (we went back to check with her before the meal and she ticked them off without a thought), made me a unique but equally complex dish for each serving. I can't begin to say how delicious they all were!! Numerous fresh ramps and lovely vegetables cooked to perfection, including a chicken dish that was delicious. After thanking her for the meal she said that she would always accommodate my needs. She is truly wonderful and talented. I cannot wait to return for dinner! read more

Really nice service. We stopped in for a glass of wine, and were presented with several to taste, and also given a complimentary mini-crudité platter. Sat outside because the weather was nice. All around lovely experience. P.S. I've also been here for brunch and would come back :) read more

Cool place. Nice vibe. Modern feel..... The server checked my I.d. And didn't wish me a happy birthday. Needless to say, I didn't tip. read more

Excellent service, food, and cocktails! Bartender was friendly and loved the atmosphere, and the food was delicious. Had the charcuterie plate, which had a really good bean dip with it, then a salad and the lamb fettuccine. Homemade pasta was perfect! Definitely go here, you won't regret it! read more

This place gets stars for its atmosphere, it's hours (5 p.m. to 2 a.m) and because it serves food late. The drinks we had were good, it has free wifi-- pretty great, but the food was only ok and much of it was too pricey. Overall though, this place is a great asset to Pittsburgh. read more

Went here with a group of 4 for brunch. Service was excellent. You can either sit at the bar or table. They served us complimentary fresco. Brunch menu is very unique. In particular, the quail and pork belly were excellent. The cornpancakes were also a solid choice but the jam wasn't anything special. If you're looking for a good morning drink and unique brunch experience, this is the place for you. read more

My friend and I chose to dine at Bar Marco during restaurant week. We were originally just going to do the happy hour special, but the pri fixe menu looked so good we opted to spend the $35/person for it...totally worth it! The presentation of each course was so pretty, and I was excited for the next course each time. Our waitress was extremely pleasant and attentive! It was a little chilly in the bar when we were there because it was also freezing outside, but our drinks were perfect and the environment was so cute! I will definitely have to come back! read more

The pros: Smart, clean atmosphere in a renovated firehouse. Excellent focaccia for a starter. Good drinks. Cons: The service. Had it not been for the condescending server (and the atrocious dessert, sesame semifreddo, that resembled dried out halvah) Bar Marco would have received 3 stars. It began by the server telling our group of 4 that arrived at 6 PM that we had to be out by 7:30 b/c our table was reserved; the restaurant was half empty at 6 so we could have easily been seated at another table. (At 8 PM, when we walked back to our car after visiting the Strip District, Bar Marco had only a handful of customers. No one was at the table at which we had sat.) The server answered my question of "Do you serve small plates, tapas?" with "we HATE the term 'tapas.' the chef calls them medium plates." Chastised, my friends and I ordered 5 medium plates. After placing our order, the server said we should have ordered 2 plates per person, information that would have been helpful when I first inquired about plate size. As I don't eat meat, I asked if a sausage could be held or if it was already blended into the dish, a dish that I wouldn't have necessarily ordered but was put on the spot to order more food. No, every ingredient in the food was "essential." Traditionally, if a restaurant doesn't allow ingredients to be withheld or substituted, this is stated on the menu. Likewise, if a chef recommends ordering more than 1 plate per person or if the plate size differs from the norm, the customers are told this up front. Not a huge deal but the patronizing way that the information was conveyed was. (Also, as an FYI, 5 shared dishes would be enough food for 4 people. We didn't come close to finishing what we'd ordered.) Fast forward to 1 of the 3 dessert options, toffee pudding. Apparently it should have been labeled pear pudding b/d the server informed us that pear, the last ingredient listed, was, again, an "essential ingredient" prepared three ways so to withhold it would ruin the dessert. So, we had the $12 sesame semifreddo, which was so unappealing that each of us took just one sample bite and left the rest. As an aside, I grew around Pittsburgh and had always raved to my East Coast friends what a friendly, kind city it was. I visited Bar Marco with friends who had never been to the 'burgh and I was eager to show them how hip while nice Pittsburgh was. This was not the introduction that they received. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE. I can't get enough. Brunch is amazing. Dinner is amazing. Staff is amazing. Drinks are amazing. I am a sucker for a restaurant with a good atmosphere too and I love how small this space is. Next up on the list is to try their wine room 6 course meal! read more

Came late on a weekday and ate at the bar. Their special Tuesday menu had a bunch of interesting things on it, and I went with the caesar salad and orecchiette with shrimp. The salad was fresh and flavorful, but maybe a bit overdressed, and the pasta was great (very al dente) with just the right amount of heat. Look forward to trying this place again! read more

Cool new bar in an old firehouse that seriously knows drinks. I'd been to that location when it was Embry and even though the decor has changed to a more modern, sleek look, this is spot still has a great vibe and savvy owners. I was pleasantly surprised by their original food and bar snack menu as well as their accurate knowledge of spirits and wines. Marco himself mixed me a perfect Aperol Spritz which is one of my favorite drinks. When visiting Pittsburgh, I will definitely be back to indulge. I just wish the free appetizer coupon that the owner gave me hadn't fallen out of my coat pocket walking back to my hotel! read more

Industrial chic, great people, almost like having dinner at a friends house, only better. Great food! Amazing really. They use local and fresh ingredients. The menu is always changing. The wine list is nice, and the craft cocktails have won me over... Especially that good "Bourbon Lemonade." oh and the brunch is so good! The croque madam with a mango bloody Mary changed my life. read more

Great wine selection and excellent tapas! The arancini and fritto misto were my favorites! :)

I really enjoy their happy hour. And I maintain that they make the best Black Manhattan in town!

I'm currently on a two week exploration into restaurants and bars that are new to me, and I keep finding great spots and Bar Marco is a place that I will find myself frequenting. As someone's review mentioned, the space is a work in progress, but it currently has a industrial style feel to it that I love. Polished concrete floors, stainless steel bar, unique light fixtures, and glazed brick walls that you cannot find in a newly constructed space. After a fairly good meal at Andrew's Steakhouse in Rivers Casino (and paying for the meal by playing Roulette after), the idea came into my head to head to Bar Marco after reading a few of the reviews on Yelp, and missing Embers and Fire House Lounge. The Bar is owned by four friends, that you can tell are having fun with what they do. We weren't there to eat, but to have a few cocktails, and so I ordered a Perfect Manhattan and told the bartender (Bobby) to use which ever bourbon he preferred. He instead talked me into having their Bar Marco Manhattan, and gave me the story behind his creation which was based on recreating some famous turn of the century mixologist, but didn't have exactly what the receipt called for so heused what was on hand and came up with the Bar Marco Manhattan. This was very tasty so for rounds two and three he was given the right to decide what I wanted to drink, which was apparently the Gimblet, and the 'treuse. The ice melted too fast for the Gimblet because the first few sips were watery, but half way thru it was excellent. Especially with the red pepper garnish. The 'treuse was also excellent, and with rosemary incorporated into it it became really exceptional. As I mentioned we weren't there to eat, but I kept eyeing everyone's food. And the owner's kept giving me food to try, and I must say it was very good. Especially the duck...actually I think everything I tried was duck (it must have been the theme of the night) The atmosphere was great, the drinks were great, but the friendliness and passion of the staff is what will bring me back again. The one thing that they need for the winter is a way to keep the draft out as the door opens. read more

Bar Marco (in the old Firehouse Lounge structure) is a pleasant surprise. It's an intimate yet not claustrophobic space with very knowledgeable and kind staff. While they may be known for their amazing cocktail and spirit selection (yamazaki, carpano antica, fernet branch, amaris peychaud's bitters, and a great variety of scotch), equally worthwhile is their menu, particularly their small plates. Arancini and bacon-wrapped dates are standouts, as is the local Crested Duck charcuterie and regional cheese selection. Highly recommended. read more

Brunch was really good here, very tasty and healthy. Their mixed drinks were a lot of fun and inventive. We had raw oysters to start, rye toast, grilled cheese, salmon Benedict, and shrimp around the table. Everyone was happy with their food. A bit pricey though read more

Had the best brunch here! I got the soft scrambled eggs that had basil pesto in it and was served with a piece of buttered crusty bread. I tried several brunch cocktails on the menu and I was not disappointed at all! Their daily cheese changes with dishes and they will let you know what it is. Would highly advise you come here! read more

Mimosa's and small plate Americana fare plus service with a smile.

My boyfriend and I went to a tasting in the Wine Room. It was a little pricey but totally worth it if you are looking to splurge or treat yourself to something different. Unlike many tastings we have been to, this one is in a secluded area and the atmosphere is really neat. There is a Sommelier (I forget his name) but he was awesome! He did a great job describing the meal, the wine he paired with it and why he chose that wine. The table is for ten people so you may be sitting with people you don't know. However, another couple sat across from us and the table was wide enough that we could have our own conversation but still chat as a group. read more

So angry wanted to come here to celebrate our 2 year anniversary we are here 6oclock and it's all closed up. I'm very disappointed since hearing great things. read more

My boyfriend and i went there for brunch today and the food was fonominal! He got the quiche and a bloody Mary, the spice in the bloody Mary was on point and the alcohol to juice ratio was great. His quiche was delicious, it was very cheesy and there was a perfect amount of spinach... i had a mimosa and the buttermilk pancakes with bacon. The mimosa was good and the pancakes were delicious! The pear/cherry compote/jam on the pancakes was refreshing and a nice twist on traditional pancakes. The bacon was the absolute best bacon i have ever had. Just fantastic food and great atmosphere :) i would highly recommend this place if you are in the strip district looking for a bite to eat at a fair price read more

Decent... wish the menu had more variety. Nothing stood out... nothing I would write a stellar review for. I think 'fine' is the right adjective. I guess I would say if you were in that exact area give it a try, but I wouldn't recommend for an out-of-towner. read more

This is by far my new favorite place in Pittsburgh. Its such a hidden gem. Sitting at the bar making new friends and chatting with the bar tenders is always a good time. The food is awesome and the cocktails are amazing. No menu Monday is also so much fun when they bring in a different local chef every Monday to serve instead of their regular menu. When coming here, don't expect quick rushed service. Come here to relax and have a good time! read more

Charming restaurant in an old firehouse. Great drinks, wine and food. If you are a foodie that enjoys eating in a place with a lot of character ( old brick charm within an up and coming industrial area) you will love bar Marco. Plates are small but oh so tasty!!! My man's "old fashioned " was mixed perfectly. Visit soon. read more

Love this place! The food and drinks were delish. My friend got an old-fashioned and it was good. I told them I wanted something spicy for the cocktail and man, it was amazing! The cocktail had tequila, pineapple juice, muddled jalapeno, and other ingredients I don't remember. The food was simple, homey, and hearty. Love the atmosphere and service too. i'd say this place rival many restaurants in NYC. read more

After one visit, the degree to which I love this place can't be overstated. Everything we tried was outstanding. The gemelli with anchovies and tomatoes was a particular favorite and changed the way I make a similar dish at home. The drinks were out of this world...no drink menu, just some questions from your server about what kind of tastes you like. Bourbon? Boozy? I miss at have had that look in my eyes. This is a no gratuity place -- and we had the best service we've had anywhere for years. read more