Mars Restaurant & Bar

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1400 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

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(512) 472-3901
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Mars Restaurant & Bar - Austin, TX
Mars Restaurant & Bar - Austin, TX
Reviews
( 23 )
( 13 )
( 7 )
( 10 )
( 16 )

Best

Ok, I really miss Mars. Does anyone know why they closed? I have been looking for their wine list for awhile, but all I find are complaints about their wine list (lol). Regardl...

Worst

As I expected, the food was fantastic. My one and only complaint is the level of noise!! I found myself yelling across the small table at my date. By the time the food got ther...

Mars is close to Uranus! 2/5/2003

The atmosphere is dark. It's quiet enough to have a conversation and the service was very good. I wasn't impressed with the food. I'm used to fairly spicey or flavorful dishes and most of what we had was marginal. It would have been ok if it hadn't been as spendy. The dessert was, however, quite tasty. If mild salsa makes your eyes water this might be the spot for your next date. Pros: Good Service, Nice Desserts, Atmosphere Cons: Food is a bit mild, Not a good value more
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Nice and cozy! 1/20/2003

Mars has a fantastic atmosphere! It was cozy and ecclectic all at once! The food was unique and tasty! Definitely a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner and a bottle of wine! Pros: delightful atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, fantastic ambiance Cons: no reservations more
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Lamb was never this greasy 1/3/2003

I ordered a dish that consisted of ground lamb shaped into meatballs. I usually enjoy lamb, but this was disgusting--greasy greasy greasy--whatever seasonings were involved were drowned out. I find this restaurant overrated. It's a shame that the service was fantastic, the decor chic, and the other patrons friendly. My family and I did not enjoy the food overall. Pros: ambience, architectural design, service Cons: food, expensive more
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fabulous 10/3/2002

The atmosphere and the food were wonderful. The only thing I would change would be bigger table tops for parties of more then 2. There was just not enough room for drinks, appetizer, bread and main course. And I wish it were easier to get around the restaurant, forget going to the restroom, it was like being a sardine :) But overall, the food was well worth the crowding and the price. more
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hmmm...why did I pay this much? 8/31/2002

Don't get me wrong...I absolutely love the atmosphere at this place. It's cozy and romantic, yet groups will feel welcome. The food was all close to being very good and they use top quality ingredients, but there was always "something missing" in each dish that would have made it much better. At the end of the evening, I had a nice time, but thought perhaps I paid more that the food was really worth. Pros: Great atmospehere, Romantic Cons: food not that great, slightly overpriced more
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yummmm.... 8/19/2002

two words- beef tenderloin! it is succulent and amazing. the potstickers are fabulous with a to-die-for sauce. its all amazing!! mars is easily one of my favorite restaurants in town! Pros: cozy, martian frozen drink, great food Cons: loud, expensive, crowded more
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mars takes your taste buds to mars 7/5/2002

Mars is my favorite restaurant in Austin. The service and ambience are the perfect compliments to the best salmon and mashed potatoes I have ever had. more
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one of Austin's finest 5/20/2002

Mars has an eclectic feel and menu. This is the perfect spot for a date or anniversary dinner. Not too fancy, but, nice and intimate. Also, their patio area is great if the weather isn't too hot. I've never had a bad meal or bad service here. more
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all round good stuff 5/20/2002

Mars is my favorite place to take any visitor in Austin. It is quaint and cool with a funky decor and some of the best cuisine in the city. You can never lose with the beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin or greek bowl. This is truly fine dining Austin style. Pros: great decor, creative cuisine more
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Menu for Mars Restaurant & Bar


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Editorial

  • 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.

  • 10/15/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Payments: Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover
  • Neighborhoods: South River City, Greater South River City
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