Bar Marco

I realized something recently: When I have a dinner date with someone that works in the industry, whether they’re a local or a guest from out of town, I take them to Bar Marco. I’m not exactly sure why. But, well, I’m kind of sure why.

First of all, it’s congenial

It’s a converted old fire house, with no sign out front. It’s not a massive, take up the block, ghostbusters-style building. It stands tall(ish) and skinny, between two parking lots, smack dab in the middle of the Strip, but really a bit north of the action. it gets quieter up here, past the meat market and the Polish deli, where the streetlights are dimmer and the buildings are forever under construction. At night it’s easy to miss, though I have bad eyes and I’m slightly oblivious to my surroundings so it may just be me.

Inside, the front room is small and relaxed. Mostly shades of brown and white, a pressed tin ceiling and subway tiles, dark wood tables set with bistro napkins and Collins glasses, a handful of stools against a marble topped bar.

I’ve so far only sat at the bar, but there’s more to see. An upstairs dining room with a similar aesthetic and a dramatic window showing the sky above Penn Avenue. A ‘wine room’ in the cellar for an intimate dinner party, and a third-floor gallery / event space dubbed Union Hall for a larger reception. Don’t book the gallery for a daytime event unless you prefer to be bathed in gorgeous natural light.

Second, they know what they’re doing

The team here knows who they are and don’t aspire or pretend to be anything else. They fit neatly into a middle ground of interesting and accessible. Not too fancy-schmancy to alienate the neighbors, but not too simple as to be boring.

They take pride in what they serve, from the cocktails to the all-natural wine list to the entirety of the menu. There’s a reason behind all that they do, and they’ll tell you about it if you care to know.

Third, they take care of you

I’ve encountered the same folks in charge on multiple visits. They always seem to be there, and they seem like they’ve been there forever. They’re invested in the success of the place, and with that comes an all-too-rare-these-days feeling that the staff actually wants to be there. That translates into an atmosphere of real hospitality.

Last, but not least, it’s delish

I’m not sure when they began exclusively offering a pre fixe menu, but it seems that it’s here to stay. They charge for a 2-course dinner, and gratuity is included in the price. The idea behind the pricing strategy is that they can pay the entire staff, both front and back of house, a ‘livable’ wage. The idea has been tried and abandoned at some major restaurant groups on both coasts. It’s nice to see a local place able to keep it going.

The menu changes frequently, though some items remain as staples. I haven’t disliked anything I’ve tried, though some dishes do rise above others.

Pastas are reliably top-notch, interesting, and a great idea to share as an added mid-course.

What should you order? Don’t look at me, ask the staff (see reasons two and three above).

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Your online concerns, addressed (they won't do it, but The Monster will):

“Overrated! Great staff: hip, friendly, and attentive. One-dimensional, blandish food (at least the items we had). I'd call the décor "train station bathroom" - it seems hip, but it's just dingy and boring. In a bigger City, this place would struggle. sorry, but it's true”

THREE STARS

Ha! I Love it. Possibly a case of ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ because, while I really enjoy the ambience (if I were writing ad copy for them I might even call it ‘urban chic’ or something pretentious like that) I certainly can’t argue with your bathroom take.

Though I do imagine that in a bigger city this place would be PACKED.

Bar Marco

2216 Penn Ave

Strip District

https://www.barmarcopgh.com/