Mars Restaurant & Bar

I was shocked how bad the food was here. It looks like a really nice place and is relatively expensive, but I went with a group of friends, and everyone was disappointed in the food. Curry was bland, fish was dry, and the sauce they put on their chicken tastes wierd. more

We had been wanting to try Mars & left very disappointed. My husband ordered the Beef tenderlion "special" that wasn't special. I ordered the seared peanut crusted Ahi (the other special). The "seared" Ahi was cooked well done so it was sent back. Both portions were tiny for the price. Service started out good but by the middle of the meal we had to ask for the beverage we had ordered 10 minutes before. Would not recommend for dinner. Ambience is nice but that is about it. Pros: ambience Cons: food more

10 years ago this place was the second coming of what everyone hoped for. Now it is left to a lonely crowd and aging decor. I am unable to recommend the menu and would suggest its time to reinvent or move on. Pros: If you Still Like Going to an Old House that Was the iste of Many parties in the 60's Cons: Dark Dank Sad more

We've gone to this restaurant many times over the years but last Friday night (12/8) we went with a group of 8 and it was pretty much a disappointment for everyone.. after about 45 minutes of waiting for our food, I got the beef tenderloin that I'd gotten several times before and it was tiny, overdone, and almost cold. Same for someone else at the table. My wife's lamb was very gamey, barely warm, and not very seasoned. Sorry but if I'm going to pay $30 for a steak that size it should be excellent, and this was far from it. The restaurant was almost all big groups, which I supposed would cause the kitchen some problems, but if they have to cut corners they should at least admit it and comp us, not pretend that everything is fine and hand us the bill. We probably will be back, but not for a while, and not during the holidays. Pros: ambience, creative food Cons: inconsistent, expensive more

Mars bill itself as a fusion restaurant catering to the foodies that are seeking a trendy yet flavor filled meal. The restaurant lived up to its claims of fusion flavorful food, with influences from Chinese, American, French and Indian cooking. We were delighted by the appetizer, potstickers stuffed with duck. Since there was so much to choose from we chose the Tandori Mixed grill, consisting of Wagga Beef filet, duck with orange sauce, chicken with hoisin sauce, and pork marinated in sake and soy sauce. The food was very tasty with a rich layering of flavors but it was also very small portions. If you took all the meat and put it together you might have the equivalent of a small chicken breast. As a result of the small portions our party felt a bit cheated for the price, so come with the right expectations. We followed our snack of an entree with dessert. We had a warm flourless chocolate torte which and a chocolate box filled with Amy?s ice cream. The desserts were divine rich and decadent but like the entree very small in the portions, our torte was 1cm wide and about 1 tall by 2inches long. Gents, this is a great place to take a date and impress with a cool ambiance and sophisticated food. Pros: Tasty Food Cons: Over priced for tiny portions...noisy place too more

The Chef is very creative and it works. If there is any type of chocolate dessert on the menu, don't miss it! Small, intimate, great service and great food. more

After a wonderful dinner at Mars, I must comment on our waiter and our food. I'm sorry I didn't get his name, but our wait person was patient beyond the call. They offer a taste of wine before making a selection, and I went through two different wines before selecting a third. He never flinched, just patiently kept coming back. The appetizer mussels had a delicious sauce, although they were slightly less than totally fresh. The entrees were outstanding. I agree with the previous review about the ribs - try them - you won't be sorry! The steak with blue cheese and the parchment-wrapped prawns were also delicious. Oh - and for desert - try the pinion ice cream! The ambience is also totally relaxing - a great place for lingering over good food, good wine, and good conversation. Pros: Service, Food, Ambience more

I read all the reviews before I went, and I found none of the problems mentioned. The appetizer sampler was great, the sauce they put on the ribs is to die for. The service was impeccable, from our waiter and the bartender. The wine recommendations were spot on. I had the Jasmin Tea Smoked Duck A L'Orange and it was delicious, the smoked flavor of the duck was perfectly complimented by the sweetness of the orange. The atmosphere was intimate and warm, very inviting and relaxed. I would recommend this place to anyone who appreciates great subtle flavor combinations. But seriously try the ribs, they are amazing. Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Service Cons: I can't afford to eat there all the time, because I would more

the appetizer mini-buffet was excellent and the one for 2 is enough for 3, 4 if it's girls. we had two girls eating the spread appetizer for 2 ($15) and i was nicely satisfied for the evening. but, we continued to eat. the halibuit ($27) was over cooked, slightly tough and dry, but the tomatoes cooked in wine were to die for. they just melted in your mouth. the service was ok. it was a little slow and it took quite some time to get our food or attention from the waiter although he was very nice...just busy. overall the food was good, but i thought the halibut was overpriced for the quality. more

Mars is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. The food is always good, with interesting fusions and new specials to discover each visit. The ambience is eclectic yet cozy, although not for quiet coversation. The beef tenderloin is the best I've ever had, the pot stickers are amazing, and the escargot is incredible (although rarely on the menu). The main problems I've had is poor bar service and aloof hosts when it gets crowded. There's only one bartender for the whole restaurant and you can't get near the bar when waiting for a table. I've also had one or two instances where the wait for the food was long, but one time they provided complementary appetizer and dessert. The servers themselves are mostly friendly and helpful though. Also a bit overpriced for the portion size. Pros: Great food, Eclectic menu, Ambience Cons: Slow service, A bit pricey more

When I asked my husband to take me to Mars for our anniversary, he said "but their food is small"! I wanted to have an appetizer-fest, so we went. The dumplings were good, the goat cheese appetizer was OK. My husband asked the server (who was otherwise perfect) if he should order a salad with his steak & salmon entree. She said that it came with potatoes & vegetables. We nearly died laughing when she brought out his entree & the entire thing was about the size of 1/2 an orange! also, if you're over 40, you'd better bring a flashlight to be able to read the menu! Pros: Great food Cons: Tiny portions, Ambience more

My ex & I tried this restaurant, and I have to say, I like the atmosphere & location, but the food was not as good as I'd hoped. The scallops were perfectly cooked, though the sauce was lacking. For desert we had ice cream flavored with sage and served with fruit. The sage added an interesting flavor (in a good way), but we could have done without the actual pieces of it in the ice cream. Our servicer was attentive and knowledgeable. I'm glad we tried it & I would return again if someone else wanted to try it. Pros: ambiance more

I went to Mars earlier this week and had the BEST time! It was one of the best dining experiences that I have ever had. The service was superb...the food even better! Our server was very attentive and offered some great choices on their very different wine menu. I had read many review of this place and I never thought I'd go find my favorite Austin dining spot. I will definitely be back.......many times! Pros: service, food, ambience more

I found this restaurant disappointing. We waited more than half an hour to receive our appetizers - a table who sat down after us was already finishing their entrees! Our server did not apologize for the wait, nor was he particularly friendly or attentive. The appetizers were pretty good, but the entrees were a real disappointment. I paid $14 for three vegetarian kibbeh which was inventive, but overpriced. Also, the date chutney on top was very good, but would have better complemented a meat dish. My date liked his lamb kofta, but the couscous that accopmanied it wasn't seasoned at all. Well, I can also make a box of instant couscous, but that's not why I go to a restaurant! The ambience was a lot of fun and I would recommend it for that, but I will not be having dinner here again. Pros: ambience, drinks, romantic Cons: prices, slow service more

Mars might have been a great place to go a couple of years ago, but as of Feb 2005, this place is horrible! This place probably got such good reviews because the majority of ratings and reviews were from a long time ago. Management and cooks probably changed recently. Service was horrible. Appetizers took forever because they were delivered to the wrong table and had to be ordered again. Once they did come, they were delivered with our main course. If this is the case, why even get the appetizers? We also had to flag down our server to get any service. The dessert cake looked and tasted like something that came out of a play pillsbury bake oven. The main course was good, but that's the only positive comment I can give. Management and the main cook should have a better handle on what is going on here. Beware! more

My wife and i recently returned to one of our favaorites. The waitstaff was extremely helpful and prompt. The food was outstanding. I don't know whatthese other folks are complaining about, every time I've been to this restaurant the service has been impeccable, with little or no wait. Try it for yourself. Pros: Great atmosphere, Good variety, Great drinks Cons: a little loud more

What a let down! We have been to Mars on many occasions prior to this Saturday evening, but I will not be back. We waited 1 & 1/2 hours (exactly as quoted), had drinks, spoke to the wonderful bartender, and finally was offered a table outside. We declined and were promptly seated at an inside table. Drinks and appetizers arrived quickly; however, the evening declined from there. Food did not arrive until 50 minutes after the appetizers. The ribs were so so, and the vegetarian plate was horrific and lukewarm. The server chose to ignore us after the appetizers were taken away. No apology or reason for the entree wait was offered. You would think that when Valentine's Day falls on a work day that Mars would expect a crowd such as this on the previous weekend and be prepared. Consequently, not so. Pros: great bartender Cons: poor service, inedible food more

Was very excited about trying this restaurant. The service was excellent. It made up for our dissapointment in the food. For a high-end restaurant it was lacking in substance. For example: The $10 Napolian appetizer was nothing more than a couple of nacho looking crisps and a dip. The atmosphere was fun and great for a date, but too small for even a little group. Pros: Atmosphere, Service more

Cute, Quaint home turned into a restaurant...Cozy atmosphere with amazing ambience. Not only is the decor cosmic, but so is the food. From the Hummus to the dessert, the food is truly Out Of This World. The service from our waiter, Jim was exceptional. He really took his time and made enjoyable suggestions. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys an upscale meal. A great date place too! more

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 there, we didn't take the time to enjoy it. We just wanted to eat and get away from the noise. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a romantic dinner. If they could do something about the sound, I would definitely go back..but not until then. Pros: Great atmosphere, Good wine selection, Great service Cons: WAY TOO LOUD!!, Needs sound control more