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Mars Restaurant & Bar

1400 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 472-3901
Mars Restaurant & Bar
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

Mars Restaurant & Bar

2003 Winner Austin Chronicle: Asian, Original Recipe, Favorites

  • Nightly specials
  • Reservations accepted by phone
  • Happy Hour 5pm-7pm, Mon-Fri

Chef Thomas Reeh offers an experience that draws from many lands. Most prevalent on the menu is the food of the Pacific Rim. An Indian tandoor roasts meats at high temperatures as well as slowly smoking items over the course of hours. Influences from Thailand are found in our curries and signature Thai Bouillabaisse. Nods are also given to Japan and China on this eclectic menu. In addition to all of that, there are Eastern Mediterranean and North African touches as well. All of this is bound with the tools of a classic education and a willingness to experiment with ancient methods and nothing but fresh ingredients. The collision of these styles is expressed in many dishes, such as cinnamon duck confit egg rolls, where east and west truly meet.

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 Money

Come in for happy hour 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and enjoy drink and appetizer specials.

When to Go

Dim 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 Time

Reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.

User Reviews for Mars Restaurant & Bar

Citysearch (60), Dine.com (1 ), AOL CityGuide (1 ), Trip Advisor (1 ), Judy's Book (5 ), All (68)

4 Star Rating: Recommended

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

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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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Editor's Review

This trendy, yet low-key Pan-Asian and eastern Mediterranean fusion restaurant on South Congress is bigger and better than the old location on the other side of town.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Save Money

Come in for happy hour 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and enjoy drink and appetizer specials.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Notable Chef

  • Reggie Ferguson

Parking

  • Lot
  • Street

Hours

  • Tue-Wed 11am-10:30pm
  • Thu-Sat 11am-11pm
  • Sun-Mon 11am-10pm

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • MasterCard

Cuisines

  • Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim
  • Seafood
  • Vegetarian

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • Date Spot
  • Local Favorites
  • Notable Chef
  • Group Dining
  • Bar Scene
  • Happy Hour
  • Late Night Dining
  • Open 7 Days

Recognition for Mars Restaurant & Bar

2006 Editorial Winner - Date Spot
2006 Editorial Winner - Romantic Dining

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