Welcome to Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar invites diners on a vibrant culinary journey through Puerto Rico. Founded by Eric Roldan, the restaurant emphasizes authentic flavors and warm hospitality, creating a welcoming ambiance that feels like a tropical escape. Each dish reflects deep-rooted traditions, from the tender Bistec Encebollado to the flavorful Mofongo, while their signature rum cocktails elevate the experience. Guests rave about the rich, inviting dishes and attentive service, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors. At Marina's, every meal is a celebration of culture, love, and unforgettable taste.
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4554 N Magnolia Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States Hotline: +1 773-739-9161
Welcome to Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar, an exquisite culinary haven nestled in the heart of Chicago at 4554 N Magnolia Ave. This vibrant establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine wrapped in warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere. With a focus on quality ingredients, each dish encapsulates the rich flavors and traditions of Puerto Rico, all while being paired with a unique selection of rum-based cocktails.
First impressions matter, and Marina’s does not disappoint. As you step through the doors, be greeted by an inviting ambiance that feels both exotic and familiar. The decor is tastefully curated, embodying a tropical charm that instantly transports you to the islands. The staff at Marina's, led by the passionate owner and chef Eric Roldan, goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and appreciated.
The menu here is a tantalizing journey through Puerto Rican comfort food. Starting small, the Sorullos, delightful cornmeal and cheese fritters, are a must-try appetizer at just $8.00. For something sweet, indulge in the Quesitos, sweet cream cheese pastries served with your choice of guava or strawberry sauce for $11.00. The flavors burst on your palate, creating a memorable opening act for what’s to come.
For entrees, you can’t go wrong with the Pollo Al Ajillo, marinated garlic chicken thighs stewed to perfection, priced at $14.00. Another standout dish is the Pernil, a tender lechon that melts in your mouth, paired beautifully with the famous Mofongo. Many guests rave about the chuleta frita and arroz con gandules, which are equally iconic. Every plate is crafted with care, reflecting profound love for culinary traditions.
But let's not overlook the drinks. The rum cocktails are where Marina’s shines even brighter. The bartenders, including the talented Katie, whip up creations that are not just beverages; they’re masterpieces in a glass. From refreshing piña coladas to innovative rum blends, each sip is a small journey to Puerto Rico.
Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar isn't just a meal; it's an experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, the flavors and warmth of this spot are bound to leave an impression. Guests from all walks of life have lauded this place as a hidden gem, a rare find in the bustling city. As one patron put it, “a true taste of Puerto Rico” awaits you here.
Don’t miss out on this culinary delight. Make your reservations today and prepare your taste buds for a flavorful adventure at Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar.
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
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 and full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with any of the cocktails as well. Highly recommend!
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 shrimp with arroz con gandules, were absolutely phenomenal! Owner, Eric Roldan, even took the time to introduce himself, adding a personal touch that made the night feel even more special. Perfect for date nights or celebrations—this spot is a must-visit. Highly recommend! Buen provecho!
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 we were blown away by the food. We tried Jibaritos and Mofongo. There's love in those recipes, full of flavor, and exceeding all expectations. This could be the best place we ate while visiting from out of state. Thank you to the chef for coming to offer a table touch.
Loved this place! First time here and absolutely loved everything we had. Would totally recommend but also suggest making reservations.
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, hands down the best I've had in Chicago. Then for entrees..my least favorite was bistec encebollado(unfortunately this one was very dry, definitely needs a sauce to go with it) we got the Puerto Rican rice but wasn't fond of it. Now the bistec sandwich was so good, we got that on sweet bread and came with a choice of white rice which was so good and beans. So choose the white rice over Puerto Rican! And then to my favorite dish, the chicken thigh mofongo, we did the mix of fried plantains and yucca, absolutely delicious!
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 (think mozzarella stick, but way better), and couldn’t get enough of the tamarind sauce—seriously, I’d put that on everything. The chef, Eric Roldan, who’s also the owner, is nothing short of amazing. You can taste the love and tradition in every dish. And Katie behind the bar? Absolute rockstar. She mixes up drinks like an artist. If you haven’t been here yet, fix that ASAP. This place is a hidden gem and deserves all the hype!
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.