Mars Restaurant & Bar
Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 472-3901
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Gibson Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Date Spot 2006, Romantic Dining 2006
- Hours:
- Tue-Wed 11am-10:30pm, Thu-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun-Mon 11am-10pm
Message from Mars Restaurant & Bar
2003 Winner Austin Chronicle: Asian, Original Recipe, Favorites
- Nightly specials
- Reservations accepted by phone
- Happy Hour 5pm-7pm, Mon-Fri
Paid advertisement by Mars Restaurant & Bar.
Editorial Review for Mars Restaurant & Bar – by Joshua Hinsdale
The Scene
Mars draws you in, sits you down and starts its relaxation technique. The deep-red interior, flecked with black and gold paint, hushes the harried spirit. Cozy banquettes line the windows and additional tables create romantic seating nooks throughout the interior. The space, though harmonious, is nearly always packed with first-daters, trendy scenesters and old timers reflecting about how the restaurant (and Austin) used to be. Service is affable, if sometimes slammed.
The Food
The chef draws from Indian, Thai, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, sometimes merging several into a single dish. Vegetarians are not forgotten, with at least 10 meatless items offered. The scallops and gyoza appetizer has buttery scallops that make you want to eat them in small bites. The tender rack of lamb has a mint demi glace and the tandoori mixed grill is the perfect way to sample the chicken, steak, pork and duck on a single plate.
Hits: The patio offers a relaxing spot to linger over a meal and watch the SoCo bustle.
Misses: Wait time during peak hours can exceed an hour and waiting areas are cramped, unless you luck into one of the outdoor bar tables.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyCome in for happy hour 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and enjoy drink and appetizer specials.
When to GoDim Sum is served Sundays from 11am to 3pm, featuring chicken lettuce cups, duck confit egg rolls, egg foo young, steamed dumplings and moo shoo pork with mandarin pancakes.
Save TimeReservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.
User Reviews for Mars Restaurant & Bar
04/28/2008 Posted by locallocal
I went on a recent weekend for the first time. We were part of a large group, and I was happy to see that our table was waiting for us per our reservation. We started with drinks from the happy hour menu, and everyone was happy! My date and I shared the Tuna appetizer and the Spring Roll appetizer. For dinner, she had the Flounder and I had the Flank Steak; both were perfect. We also enjoyed several bottles of wine with our friends. The waiter did a good job with a large group: he was always there when I wanted something, at least. It was a little on the loud side, but what can you expect with these crowded places? It was a very good first trip: I'll be back
04/28/2008 Posted by austexan
My girlfriend and I love Mars. We go at least 2-3 times a month, if not more. We love to sit outside (if it's not too hot or it's not packed with smokers; it only takes a few to ruin the smell of food). The Beef Tenderloin is not to be missed; also the Pork Tenderloin, the Wasabi Salmon, the Scallops, the Ricepaper Prawns and the Chocolate Pate. They also have a nice selection of wines by the glass (we usually don't get bottles). The servers are nice and attentive. Overall, this place is in our top 5 in Austin.
Pros: Food, ambience, wine
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