This may be one of the most delicious brunches I've had..... came here today thinking it would be good but pleasantly surprised at just how good it actually was. I had the soft scrambled eggs, these were the best scrambled eggs I've had in my life- creamy and delicious, served with a side salad and toast, every bite was wonderful with chives and perfectly melted cheese, I only WISH I could prepare eggs like this! We also ordered the fried chicken which was crispy, yet moist on the inside, perfection..... as were the pancakes! Highly recommend this restaurant for brunch, and an absolute bonus is that there is no tipping either. Nice to know that the employees are compensated for their work by the owner- very refreshing. I will be back for brunch again and will definitely try for dinner as well read more

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A gem in the Strip. I've enjoyed every meal and drink I've ever had at Bar Marco. It is apparent that they take food and hospitality seriously here. Only the best ingredients are selected to make up the seasonal dishes. Since it is seasonal, I highly suggest you come often if they are serving something you love as you never know when the menu will change. Some of my favorite dishes I've had so far are the donuts with lemon curd, any pesto dish, and the cheese plate gBar Marco caused me to become obsessed with Capital Brothers cheese). They have private events such as weddings, so reservations are recommended. You can check out their menu online before coming and it's updated pretty regularly so you know what to expect. It's also just far enough away from the busiest parts of the Strip so you can typically find street parking within a block. read more

Food was fantastic Had Spanish grilled octopus Told bartender I liked mezcal Got a great mezcal old fashioned Would definitely recommend ! read more

Ehh. So, I was here for a wedding and there wasn't any issues with the event. The food was good, nothing to rave about. We had a decent salad, very basic pasta, and pork loin that was cooked well. Unfortunately, the group wanted to go back for brunch and it was a very disappointing experience to say the least. Our group arrived before it opened, but we were waiting for a few more people. We waited 10 minutes after 10 (opening hours) and went inside. We were told that we had to sit outside because we didn't have reservations (definitely make them as it is a small spot). The many empty tables had reservations at 11 (odd). No fret. We sat, ordered, few more came and ordered and WAITED. It took an hour for the first plates to come out. I had three cups of coffee as we were waiting and watched as people came, dined, and left. We were commenting how hungry we were. Finally, a few plates arrive. Those who ordered the eggplant get their food first, follow by soft eggs get their food first. A friend sitting on one side of me whispered how he was glad he didn't order the eggs, seeing it arrive to hubby sitting on my other side. My orange pancakes with bacon comes next. Pancakes are very mediocre. The bacon was sticky with the glaze. Those who were waiting for crepes get their food last. It didn't make any sense. After we ate, a few of us were still hungry. One of our group members opted to get a bánh mì from the stall next to the restaurant as we waited for the check (yeah, that's how dissatisfying the food was). Worst, we were there because the bride wanted to come back. They messed up her order and gave her pancakes when she ordered eggs! They ultimately got eggs to her, but seriously?! The event manager was even talking to her during brunch! We got nothing for the inconvenience or anything. Rather odd since it was the same people as the night before for a private event..... Because the night before was fine, I'm giving them 2 stars. Based on Saturday brunch, I'd say no stars. No, thank you! read more

I've always loved it here. Great drinks, good food. Recently, they've been doing Parm nights and those have been getting me through the pandemic. It's a good deal - I usually get 1 eggplant and 1 chicken. Perfect for 2 people and a bit extra leftover for lunch the next day. read more

I have dined at bar marco several times and continue to walk away from the experience disappointingly underwhelmed. I really want to love it. The ambiance, drink and food menu are all quite lovely but the service is always dull, lifeless and is so glaringly not customer friendly that it is probably the last time I will be dining there. With so many incredible food options in Pittsburgh now there are many other places I'd prefer to go to have dinner where I would enjoy the overall experience. read more

This may be my favorite dining establishments in Pittsburgh. The old firehouse converted restaurant could be easily be missed, but you will regret it if you do. It is small, quaint, but so worth the trip. First the wine, the selection is specific and unique. With each selected for a perfect complement to each dish on the menu. I thought glasses were a little more than I would have expected; but after the delight of sampling so many; I would not hesitate in taking their recommendation for a pairing with your dinner. There was a host of top shelf liquor. The bartender clearly was an expert Mixologist who is intentional about his craft. The menu is specific; with each dish having intent on the menu. The gnocchi was better than I ever had, with the perfect mixture of cheese providing the most amazing smooth but rich zestful accompaniment. I have been to Italy many times and this is truly the best I have ever eaten. The staff, friendly to strangers equally as seasoned guests. The chef humble at his refined and exceptional culinary expertise was delightful, I can imagine seeing him on the food network soon. He has a completely European approach to his operation and was absolutely surprised by the no tipping policy. It's been several days and I have yet to be satisfied with a meal since eating here. Truly my new favorite place in Pittsburgh. You won't be disappointed in this gem of a dining experience. . read more

We had our first official meeting of the minds and stomachs here as Laura chose Bar Marco as the destination for our monthly PGH Brunch Club gathering. It was a nice sunny but chilly Sunday afternoon and we were seated right near the entrance to this quaint eatery. There was a good bit of natural light coming through the windows but unfortunately ever time the doors opened we received a reminder of how chilly this November day was. So chilly we had left our coats on for a majority of the meal. They did try to counterbalance the effect with drapes that semi-covered the entrance but it was still a little uncomfortable. We started with drinks. I ordered a bloody Mary while Matt had a Mimosa. The bloody was very tasty, nice horseradish flavor with the right amount of pepper and spice. I especially appreciated the toppings of olives, cheese, and meat. I was a little disappointed that the second one I ordered didn't include the meat...sigh. After viewing the brunch menu I decided on the Pork Belly. This dish came with one sunny side up egg, and a bed of black rice underneath. Matt chose the rigatoni that came with prosciutto, cipollini and sage. Our wait was short and out came our dishes. The pork belly was wonderful, savory, crispy, fattening little slab. The egg was prepared nicely and was a great balance to the rest of the dish. My husband also enjoyed his rigatoni. Unfortunately, I think the size of our entrees VS the cost was a complete miss. Good, oh yes very, very good! This is the reason for the rating. Flavor profile was excellent, but for $16.00 a plate I was expecting a bigger ration. Both plates should have sold for closer to $10.00. Poor Matt, his portion was tiny. It was really just a cup to a cup and half of noodles. Noodles! The cheapest thing around and that was his portion. He was still quite hungry after we left...sad face... Our server was nice and overall relatively attentive. I very much enjoyed the space and do want to try them again. Maybe for happy hour, I hear they have pretty good deals on Tuesdays! read more

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Prior to the Candlebox (hey, I'd have rather seen Candlemass, but Kay likes em...) concert at Altar Bar Friday night , we stopped into Bar Marco for a quick and light meal. This building of crimson brick with its chalk-inscribed logo has interested me for some time. I even planned to stop in before another concert night, but alas, it was a Monday, and they were closed. On this ideal end-of-the-week summer evening, Bar Marco was jumping with an eclectic clientele that included young bucks, old folks, hipsters, and goobers alike. The interiors are almost sepulchral, gothic. The lighting deliberately makes it seem as if you are viewing everything through lenses washed with red wine...or blood. In spite of Bar Marco's fairly creepy atmosphere, we found that the staff and patrons were welcoming. I didn't want much, so I went with the Duck BLT. Kay just wanted something sweet, so she treated herself to a rhubarb cobbler that was daringly topped with Ricotta cheese rather than whipped cream or ice cream. When one of the employees saw Kay's light blue Terminator t-shirt that read "SARAH CONNOR IS MY HOMEGIRL," he instantly concocted for her a drink that was coincidentally called "The Homegirl," which Bar Marco had just invented very recently. It contained a mint leaf, and according to Kay was ALL rum, leaving her with a healthy buzz. My aversion to rhubarb has ended completely thanks to BM's cobbler. The rhubarb was tart enough to make me pay attention but not so tart that I was puckering my lips like a character from a vintage Warner Brothers cartoon, and the ingenious addition of the mild Ricotta turned the cobbler into something that approached cheesecake. The Duck BLT was akin to a brilliant opening act as I was left wanting more. The bread resembled an English muffin with its crunchy texture and buttery cavities. Mayonnaise was involved along with arugala, and of course the sandwich's reason to be: the slithery, lardy, slender cuts of duck. And this brings me to one caveat I had about Bar Marco: the portions! For $9, I expected a serving that was adequate, substantial. Had I not savored the halved sandwich, I could have consumed it in two bites without difficulty. What was our total for a glass of ginger ale, and the aforementioned cobbler, sandwich, and mixed drink? Almost $30! So while I am tempted to knock off two stars, the food and service were splendid enough that I'll only deduct one. BM either needs to reconsider its rations, its prices, or both, but in the face of all of that, they are a business that I feel is worth watching and revisiting. That BM wasn't a rowdy cesspool at 10:00 PM on a warm Friday in the party-centric Strip District is enough to recommend it. I was comfortable here, and as someone who avoids bars, that alone should serve as sufficient credit for Bar Marco. read more

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I ordered a glass of wine,a white Pino Grigio. It was very nice yet the glass was only filled to the half way mark. It was half a glass for $14.00. read more

Bar Marco - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

OK I'll be honest. I was fending off visiting this place the first time I heard about it a few months ago. A coworker told me that a "wine bar" had replaced my beloved embury. I was in dismay. I loved firehouse, embury, & Spencer (yes in exactly that combo!). It was a great place to meet up friends, and bring out of towners, and really impress them. As i digress....... After a fun filled evening of doing taxes, and DH and I decided to hit up Bar Marco, in hopes of something good. I had seen some good yelp reviews, and I always trust my yelpers... so my expectations were set high! I was sorely disappointed. First off the place looks like it was just thrown together.. and I understand it's new blah blah blah. But please have some decency to put in some plush "comfortable" chairs and possibly um a heater? It wouldn't hurt. I kept my coat on the whole time (sad face). I ordered a glass of wine, which was good... but for being a "wine bar" they didn't have much selection. If in fact is that what they are? On to the food... I was totally unimpressed. The saffron arancini balls (serving size 2 for 8 dollars, um that's $4 a pop for fried rice&cheese balls... are you kidding!?! ). Now I'm one for good quality food, even if the portion size is small I don't mind paying for quality, this just wasn't good. Along with our thinly sliced cheese (it was transparent!) and flavorless meat platter I was shaking my head. Wishing that embury would magically appear... here's to hoping. read more

I realized that I hadn't gotten around to updating this review! To be fair, the first time I went to Bar Marco was when it had just opened. Hopefully you'd expect a biz to grow in time, and I really feel like they've hit their stride. Bar Marco is not just a bar. It's a restaurant. It's an art gallery. It's an event space. It's a creative space. It's really become so many things. And you'd think by being so many different things you wouldn't find your identity, but I think they've done a good job of cultivating a community rather than just a bar. But... just a bar they're doing quite fine! I love their creative cocktails. They always have expert bartenders at the helm. I'm a big fan of the infusion drinks, but also enjoy a classic one like the Aviation. And, if you sit at the bar, you may be lucky enough to try a taste of something they've just created! Their brunch is super tasty. I very much enjoyed my ricotta orange pancakes. I mean, like really enjoyed. To the point that I desperately wanted more. I do warn you, this is not a "stuff yourself silly" brunch, but a regular sized portion. So if you're looking for a buffet style meal, you may want to go elsewhere. But if you're looking for flavor and taste, this is your jam! I also love the concept of No Menu Mondays, where they bring in a guest chef to cook the dinner. It's usually tied with a charity that will benefit by the sales. It's just an amazing concept, because again, it's cultivating a community. I love to see restaurants getting along with other restaurants. More power to collaborating rather than being against! Writing this just makes me want a cocktail right now... see you at the bar! read more

Bar Marco - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Flavor. I couldn't stop saying the word "flavor"...if I felt I could have done it without being noticed I would've licked every tiny plate. We ordered bay scallops, roasted octopus, and steak frites... I also got a bartenders choice cocktail... And he nailed it... It's like a scene out of that movie about the chocolate shop where she knows what chocolate you want only this guy has alcohol and he knows what alcohol you want... read more

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My husband and I came by for brunch one Sunday around 1pm. We were quickly greeted and seated, and also served with free samples of champagne and tiny bite size cake. We waited about an hour for 2 burgers and side of potatoes. The couple who arrived 5 minutes before us had already finished their food (the same things we ordered) and left while we sat waiting for a good 30 more minutes before ours arrived. The burgers were definitely flavorful but undercooked. Inside the burger was almost raw when we had requested our burgers to be cooked medium. I didn't want to send them back, having waited an hour already but despite the nice waitstaff, somewhat tasty food, and free samples, we probably won't be coming back for more. read more

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I wanted to love this place. I raved about it to other people without even coming here first all due to the fact they don't accept gratuity. In America, this is extraordinary. All the servers here are salaried, get paid vacation days, sick days, holidays and insurance. Wow. This is a model I will always promote. Service was good but not exceptional. I got a newer server so he was timid and not overly knowledgeable. After reading the reviews here, I was expecting my cocktail to be grand, but it was...all right. I asked for fruit to be in the drink and that did not happen. Also, I thought my glass would be bigger than half a cup. And what free wine tastings are people talking about?! I did not see any of that! The food tasted delicious. The prices are exorbitant. The selection is tiny--like 5 entrees to choose from and 3 of them are vegetarian :(. I had the soft shell crab and it was magnificent, but was hungry immediately afterwards. My plate was the size of a large teacup saucer and the crab itself was the size of 2 ping pong balls. Seriously, I was embarrassed for the establishment when they served that thing. So...portions are a laughable size and if I hadn't come during the happy hour time, it would have cost me $21. Dang. It's super hip that Bar Marco refurbished a fire engine building, but could they have at least put up a sign that visibly said BAR MARCO? We drove past 3x before checking google maps again. In summary, all the stars are for the concept of this restaurant and how servers are FTEs here. Food is tasty but you'll have to order the entire menu to be full. Go during happy hour. read more

I took my parents here when they visited from out of town based on the great reviews I've read and it lived up to the hype! If you want delicious, authentic Italian food this is the place to go. We started out with the cheese board. The portions were pretty small but it was an excellent couple of bites. We got all the pastas besides the gnocchi . The ones I enjoyed the most were the risotto and rigatoni. The place had a intimate, date vibe. I would definitely recommend making reservations because the place was small. The server was very knowledgeable. read more

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Amazing food, drinks and staff! Definitely recommend for cocktails and the bartender with the beard(sorry didn't get his name) is the best!

I came here during restaurant week and wow it was amazing. Our appetizer was a 20-yolk pasta with oxtail ragu. The ragu was beefy, rich, and flavorful. What I really liked about it was the pasta. 20-yolk sounds kind of intimidating in an omg-my-cholesterol way but it's definitely worth it. It tasted very freshly made and perfect al dente texture. Our main course was Roast Quail. It pretty much tastes like chicken except maybe juicer and tender. The skin was crispy and overall it was seasoned very flavorfully. Our dessert was an Apple and Raisin Strudel with Goat Cheese Balsamic Ice cream. I didn't care for the ice cream since I don't like the flavor of goat cheese, but the strudel was a perfect end to the meal. It was the perfect amount of sweet with a flaky crust. Everything dish was paired up with a wine recommended by our waiter. After we ate, the manager invited us to their upstairs lounge for some free wine tasting. Overall, the food was amazing. I just wish they gave them in larger portions. For paying $30, I expected to be full, but I was still hungry after the meal. Although the friendly and knowledgeable staff and great tasting food made it all worth it. read more

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We had a baby shower brunch here Andrew and the staff great. Room is simple with white walls, coffered ceiling but pretty with high ceilings , floor to ceiling arch windows and light hardwood floors. There is also artwork that is changed periodically that an be purchased from local artists. It is also somewhat of a blank palette that was great for adding our pink themed decorations. The brunch was exquisite! Kudos to the chef! We had quiche, simple salad , maple bacon hash protostars with a delicious drizzle and the best French toast I have ever had. Andrew mentioned smit takes up to 3 days to prepare the French toast with a fruit jam accompaniment. All the guests were raving about the food. If you are looking to have a brunch or shower. I would highly recommend. read more

Bar Marco - Upstairs room of Bar Marco reserved for a baby shower brunch - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I love everything about this place, and after having been there for brunch and dinner, I can say with much confidence that this is a prime eating/drinking location in Pittsburgh. Brunch We arrived, and the host let us know that we could sit at any location, and we chose the bar. The bartender Carrie was awesome! She was able to mix whatever combination was asked for, and she was very attentive to detail. She even wrote down the recipe for a cocktail that I loved! Who does that?! We ordered the pork and beef meatballs that came on a bed of grits and capers with a tangy tomato sauce. Yum! Also split the espresso burger with rosemary aioli and the potatoes with hollandaise sauce. Everything was rich and filling, and all three of us were satisfied at the conclusion of the brunch. Wonderful experience and can't wait to return! read more

I was very hesitant going into this spot for two reasons, 1) cost, as I had heard that the staff is salaried and thus you don't tip; I figured the cost of the food would reflect that, and 2) an acquaintance had terrible service there before, according to him. We met there for dinner with a couple. I tried to call to make a reservation for 7 but j was informed they could take us at 8. I wasn't sure it would work for our friends so I promised to call back. I tried to call back to confirm but it went to voicemail; I left a really awkward voicemail. In the meantime I found out my husband has already made reservations. I called back and left a 2nd awkward voicemail . I received a call back and took the opportunity to say nevermind and apologize for my excessive awkwardness in 2 voicemails, ha! The caller, who we found out was the manager, was incredibly sweet and patient. We joked about poor husband/wife communication and how we both were recently married... 2 weeks prior. When we arrived, they gave us complimentary champagne to say congrats. Even though other tables were there, they made us feel like we were the only guests. They were so nice, so attentive, and had great suggestions. The venue is small and has really quirky decorations and the best mood lighting. The food was pricey but not anymore than any of the other restaurants we like to frequent. The food was very tasty! The only thing is that portions are exponentially smaller, but not too small. I actually prefer smaller portions , as I hate the feeling of being stuffed. During dessert my husband asked for Porto which they did not have. Instead they brought a few aperitifs and digestives for us to sample and we got to make conversation with the staff as we sample different bitters. Truly a great experience! read more

Bar Marco - Allow yourself to splurge on one of each. Then too it with dessert and coffee. You will thank yourself for it for ever. - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A cozy, quality establishment with a menu that changes from time to time so don't rely totally on menu items you may see on the Yelp website. Rest assured, I believe anything you order in the way of food or crafted cocktails will be enjoyed. During my visit this week, myself and dining companion ordered the kale Caesar salad, which was finely chopped and tossed with the light dressing evenly. Several strips of anchovies were on the top which easily could be removed if you don't prefer those. Had a delicious onion soup which didn't have the heavy cheese covering on the top which sometimes can be unmanageable to keep on your spoon. Our server was intimately familiar with all of the menu items and she also pointed out when presenting the check at the end that they don't accept tips and the service is included in the price of the items. read more

An invariably great brunch spot. Love the interior's industrial style and the minimalist vibe. I've ordered a variety of items over the few years I have been coming here- most recently the baked eggs and the house bacon, which were pretty good. Their breads and cakes (when they have them on the menu) are always mind blowing. I wish they would bring the olive oil cake back. The service is always fantastic and I love how tip is already included in the prices. More restaurants like this Pittsburgh please!! read more

Bar Marco - Baked eggs - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bar Marco is the strip's best kept secret. We went with a group of 6 for the first time on a Tuesday and we were not disappointed. We liked it so much we had to come back for the following Tuesday. Tuesday nights some of their menu items are $6 including their nifty cocktails and the Marco Burger. It was busy both nights, so if you decide to make a trip plan on making it an evening. Seating is a quaint room with tables and a small bar with dim lighting and candlelight. The edges of the room are lined with various wine bottles and a couple choice art pieces. Music is usually playing as well. Definitely a cool vibe for a night out with friends. The service is awesome, the staff are friendly and seem to genuinely care that you enjoy every part of your experience. The food- you can't come here without trying the Marco burger, one of the tastiest burgers I've eaten. The beef was juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The patatas bravas were great as a side to share with the table as well. The cocktails- you can definitely come here and make an evening trying their different cocktails. They have a rotating cocktail menu and make sure to pack a punch. If you can, try the Bees Knees and The Bitter End. I may just become a regular here. read more

Bar Marco - The bitter end - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I stopped by here this past Sunday morning for brunch with my wife. Bar Marco had been on my Yelp bookmarks for quite awhile so whenever my wife and I found ourselves in the strip with some free time, we decided to check it out. We got to the restaurant around 10:40 and were told that there would be a 15-20 minute wait. Since there is not much room to wait they actually take down your cell number and will give you a call whenever your table is ready. I enjoyed this quite a bit as you can easily waste time in the strip and its better than standing around inside a restaurant waiting for a table. At just before 11, we arrived back at the restaurant and they had our table ready for us. For my brunch entree I decided on going with the Bar Marco burger, medium, while my wife went with the butternut squash soup and the Fried Chicken. My Bar Marco burger consisted of espresso, rosemary aioli, bacon and onion with a small side salad. It ended up tasting pretty good even though I didn't really get any flavor of espresso coming through. The rosemary aoili and onion (it almost seemed like an onion marmalade) kept the perfectly cooked burger moist and the bacon added just the right amount of saltiness. I was also able to grab one of the pieces of my wife's fried chicken. The breading on the outside of it was crispy and great tasting while the inside was still moist and juicy. The black pepper gravy that came on it also gave it a nice little bite that I enjoyed. My wife was also a fan of the chicken although she enjoyed her butternut squash soup even more. The bottom line for me is that I would come back here again in the future. While I thought that the food was a little overpriced for what you got (I would have loved to see more substantial side items with the entrees), I still enjoyed everything that I tasted here. read more

Fantastic Brunch Spot. Our group of 6 made a reservation this past Sunday and had a fantastic brunch. All of the dishes came out perfect. Highlights: - Cinnamon pull aparts are amazing. Almost like monkey bread. - A.m. salad has greens with the perfect texture, bacon and egg on top - My favorite was the burger with espressor/tarragon aioli/bacon. Perfect. - Buttermilk pancakes with pear-cherry jam/bacon were fluffy and delicious. - Make a reservation as this place is small - Service is fantastic and parking is street parking. Free on Sundays. - They do not accept gratuity. "Our kitchen and front of house teams are paid a salary. Our prices reflect this." read more

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One of my absolute favorites in Pittsburgh. The ambiance is cool, and everything they serve is thoughful and delicious: food and drinks both. It is pricey, yes, but similar to many of the nicer places in Pittsburgh and with equally good food. The pork belly bites are outrageous, as is the marco burger, pork loin, and butternut squash soup. This place is tiny, so get reservations. It's one of my favorite date places. I went back for my first brunch here, and I should note that the service was sloooow. I was sitting at the bar, and waited 30-45 minutes for my food. The people next to me at the bar waited nearly that long for their table, even though they had a reservation. The apologized to all of us, but it made me wonder if they have some kinks to work out of the brunch service. On the plus side, The brunch cocktails looked ridiculously creative and delicious (I wasn't in a booze mood). I had the corn pancakes with bacon, and the bacon was possibly the most perfect and delicious bacon I've ever had-- smoky, peppery, and sweet. I'll be dreaming about that bacon. The music was perfect for brunch too, in the Van Morrison and Motown wheelhouse. I really want to come back here for an unhurried brunch after a late night out, and enjoy some comforting food, music, and Hair of the Dog. read more

Bar Marco - Corn pancakes and the world's most perfect bacon - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This is a review for the wine room. Went here for my boyfriend's birthday. The wine room serves a prix fixe 5 to 6 course menu every Saturday for a three hour dinner with two seatings, one at 5pm and one at 8pm. Limited strays are available so it's best to reserve in advance. The good: -Each dish was very tasty and beautifully plated -$130ish per person includes wine pairings with every dish and unlimited refills. also no tip needed -new menu each week so you could do it multiple times. Also, guest chefs prepare the meal sometimes -you can tell them any dietary restrictions ahead of time and they will accommodate -wonderful service The bad: -the room is a wine cellar, so it's cold. Nicely decorated but you are still in a basement. -it was one long table with 4 couples seated together. This kind of killed the romantic/intimate vibe, although we got to meet some nice folks -I walked away hungry! The plates, including our duck breast main dish, were too small. Perhaps it's because we had a guest chef, this might not be the case every week -the wines were ok, not great. They source organic wines so that might limit their selection. Some were way too sweet -they asked if we wanted cocktails to begin our meals when we were first seated. I should have realized they weren't part of the price, but for some reason I thought they were. So an additional $22 for two drinks to my bill at the end hurt... Overall the food was good and the atmosphere was nice, but for the price I think Isabella's and Altius provided better meals. read more

Bar Marco - Duck breast - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I came in for brunch and was really blown away. I heard good things about this place, but it wasn't overly hyped up as some other newer restaurants. We ordered cocktails, which took a bit to make, but were all delicious and inventive, well worth the extra wait. For my meal I ordered shrimp with polenta and chili oil. The chili oil was bland, but the polenta was great and the shrimp were large. My friend ordered the shirred eggs, it came with potatoes, bacon, and a creamy beschemel sauce... it was bomb. I wish I ordered that instead. If you see it on the menu, just order it. One more thing I noticed about the food: it was hot! All of it! That really impressed me. The service was ok. The server came around often enough, but was a bit too touchy-feely for my taste, but he was attentive and knowledgable. We had 4 people in our reservation and they had to push two two-tops together, but one still had people sitting in it, so they sat two of us in the one table and waited til the other got up, then pushed them together. It was weird. Besides the service, I'll be back plenty of times. The food and the cocktails were great. And one last thing: the playlist was outstanding! Outkast, Busta Rhymes, even Dead Prez "Hip Hop" played. Before the drinks and the food came, I knew I wanted to come back over and over based on the music selection. read more

Bar Marco - Saffron risotto with shrimp - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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In short: great cocktails, amazing staff, and tasty tapas-sized (for the most part) food. Great place in The Strip. Longer version: I cannot recommend this place enough. Walking through the Strip in the afternoon a few of the bartenders outside on a break struck up a conversation with my group. They invited us in, made us some cocktails, explained a lot of the process behind making up their drink menu, and generally were a bunch of cool guys and girls. Little did we know they were technically closed from 3-5pm between brunch and dinner. We thanked them, settled up and promised to return soon. We returned, not eight hours later, around 11:30pm, but they serve food until last call at 2am. The same bartenders were working and were just as friendly and professional even though it was much busier, being prime late night. Everything we had was great, they were able to recommend drinks based on what we liked prior and generally know their stuff. This is up there with my favorite cocktail bars in my hometown, Boston, and would fit right in in a place like New York or Chicago. Must go. read more

Bar Marco - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Not the vibe I was hoping for as I hadn't been to bar Marco in a while. But the sign on the door said enough and decided to take our business elsewhere. read more

I went back & forth on what to rate Bar Marco and at the end of the day, it came down to the unique and fabulous experience that I had here. Chris made reservations for Valentine's day here and I couldn't have been more excited! I always wanted to come here but never really had a reason (PSA to all couples... it was also a super romantic Valentine's day spot). The atmosphere inside is very intimate and delightful. It is also super small- so I would definitely recommend trying to get reservations before going. The minute I saw the interior, I knew this would be my kind of place! We were quickly greeted by our waiter (I wish I remembered his name). He was very attentive and provided spectacular service the whole night. I was so excited to order the bartender's choice drink & after describing to him what I was looking to drink- they delivered with a unique and delicious cocktail. This was probably my favorite part of the whole night! The only downside of Bar Marco is the high price for the small portions that you receive for the food. We started with 2 appetizers, the arancini & cheese board. The arancini came with 2 servings and quickly became the best arancini that I have ever had. I would say this is a must to try here! The cheese board was nothing special, it just had a few pieces of cheese and bread. For my meal, I decided on the bucatini carbonara, which was good, but not something I would order again & also a very small portion. Chris ordered the filet mignon that was melt in your mouth amazing- I wish I ordered that! Looking forward to coming back for more cocktails and brunch for my next visit! read more

Dinner tonight was really pleasant, starting from the rosé sampling we were offered upon arriving just because, as our waiter told us, "Rosé is fun!" Our opening dish was the arancini, which was delicately fried and plated on top of a truly delicious pork ragu. The pate board was flavorful with some clever accouterments (sweet apple butter, savory whipped butter, and aggressively pickled red onions are among the most memorable). The Marco Burger at $12 would be worth $21+ in New York; while it is undeniably tasty, I'm a purist when it comes to burgers (aka the simple the better). For me, the burger's thick cut bacon gets in the way of experiencing the patty, espresso, and rosemary aioli. We also ordered the patatas bravas that came drizzled with a sharp chili aioli. Service was welcoming and low-key. Try to avoid getting seated next to the door when the temperature is low because the curtains that block the door do little to block the cold drafts that swoop in. Will be coming back to take further advantage of all the smart innovating that Bar Marco has been up to! (P.S Bar Marco's "no-tip" policy begins in April 2015.) read more

Bar Marco - arancini- beware the lighting is super dim here! - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Great cocktails and a delicious twist on "bar food" here! I've wanted to make it down to this quaint establishment in the Strip for some time, but had just not found the right time until last night - glad I did! When we arrived, our waiter explained that the mixologists generally prefer that the patrons inform them of their desired base spirit, and that they will then make a hand-crafted mixed drink based on that preference, rather than the usual card menu of standard cocktails. They are big into using the freshest ingredients here, including house-made juices, mixers, and even have their own tonic for their G&T's. Ambience was good - although the attractive patterned ceiling did little to mute out the loudness of the music and conversations. The wait staff were friendly and efficient, offering nice suggestions for each person in our party after hearing our preferences. We had the fried smelts (yum!!), patatas bravas (yum!), bacon wrapped dates, and charcuterie plate to pick on while we enjoyed our beverages. All were tasty and well-presented. Overall, I agree with the people who have told me about how much they enjoy Bar Marco, and will definitely be back for more! read more

LOVED it. LOVED. I went to Bar Marco for brunch this past Sunday & took my kids (ages 11 & 13) with me. We LOVED it. From the moment we were seated, we were well taken care of by the wait staff and our needs tended to a fare-thee-well. The kiddos had fresh-squeezed orange juice (natch) and I had coffee (one of the coolest coffee presentations I've seen, by they way) and one of their handcrafted cocktails: the hot buttered Sazerac. Lemme take a minute to talk about the crazy goodness of this drink. It was mellower than a traditional Sazerac, but packed all the same, smooth, magnificent punch as anything you'd find in New Orleans. But on a day when it was damp, cold, and entirely too wintry outside, this drink's warmth was just the ticket. LOVED it. Our entrees were terrific. My daughter had Eggs Benedict which was "on fleek" and my son, their signature burger, which he reported was "the noms," as his eyes rolled back into his head. I had cornmeal pancakes with fresh blueberry conserve (and a few slices of bacon, to boot) that were fantastic. Not too sweet; just sweet enough. The only thing holding me back from giving the 5th star in the review here is that we were seated at the tiniest of tables (and we *did* have a reservation), so there was scarcely enough room on it for all our food. But, hey. First world problems, right? Bar Marco is GREAT and we'll definitely be back. read more

Loved finally trying this cute little restaurant at the end of the strip district! We made a reservation for brunch on a Saturday morning. We started off with mimosas and OHMYGOSH, seriously the best, freshest, crisp mimosa I ever had, and I've had a lot of mimosas. All the drinks are puns on pop songs and made with fresh ingredients. They are small, so sip slowly! I had the French toast with apples on top and the potatoes with hollandaise sauce. The food came out nice and hot. The French toast was very tasty. The potatoes were good too and the sauce had a little kick, mmm. I love the atmosphere here and service is sooo nice. They do not accept gratuity, so some of the prices reflect this, but I really liked the touch. That did not stop our server, Kyle, from being amazing! He was tentative and sooo friendly. It's a really nice spot for couples, I don't know if I'd come with a large group. The area is small and a bit intimate with a rustic feel. We will be back! (They also seasonally change their menu- so I cannot wait to see what the spring has in store!) read more

I visited Bar Marco a few Sundays ago for brunch. It was an unplanned visit, but a phenomenal visit. For a Steelers home game Sunday, the strip district and Bar Marco were relatively quiet. My Friend and I were seated at the bar and had some great interaction with one of the wait staff. I, honestly, can't say enough good things about Bar Marco. The food (polenta, meatball and fried egg with sauce) was hands down one of the best brunch items i have eaten in Pittsburgh. The donuts were amazing. The drinks were amazing. If you haven't been. Go. now. I can't wait to check it out for dinner! read more

We made reservations for brunch based on a friend's recommendation. This is a cute restaurant and a great place to go for brunch and cocktails! I ordered the shrimp and grits, which was delicious and I was surprised to find that grits can actually be good. I ordered the morning pick me up, a drink consisting of rum, oj, aperol and brut. They served the cocktail with a glass of champagne on the side because the drink itself wasn't a full 5oz, that was a happy surprise for both of us! Our waiter was nice, everything tasted great and if we lived in Pittsburgh, I think this would be one of our favorite spots. read more

Bar Marco - Shrimp and grits with a quail egg- delish! - Wine Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This is absolutely my least favorite brunch place ever. Their drinks are subpar and incredibly tiny, as are their portion sizes. The price just isn't worth what you get. read more

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Never even made it past the door... walked in today (Sunday 9/10/17) around 12:10pm... the host greets us at the door, confirms it's just the two of us, then proceeds to ask if we have a reservation. We say no reservation. He looks around the room, which has at least five (5) open tables of varying sizes, he looks at his reservations, then tells us they are full with reservations until 1pm. The host then smiles at us and doesn't move. Awkward silence moment. With five open tables in sight, Me and my lady are looking at him like like, you are not even going to try to find us somewhere to sit?!?! With no further acknowledgment from this host, we turn and leave. Two customers lost forever. If Sundays are reservation only, you need to list that somewhere in the restaurant AND on the website. To quickly turn away two patron without any effort to figure something out to keep their money in the door... piss poor people skills and piss poor management. read more