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Mars Restaurant and Bar

Based on 127 votes
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Local(512) 472-3901

1400 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

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Listing
Mars Restaurant and Bar
Local(512) 472-3901

1400 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

http://austin.citysearch.com/tracker/link/website_redirect/10202491?brandCode=marchex_website

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Message From Mars Restaurant and 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.

Expert Reviews of Mars Restaurant and Bar

Citysearch | 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.

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...
citysearch.com - expert review - 10/16/2007
Full Review »

User Reviews of Mars Restaurant and Bar

Yelp.com Review - by Amber D.

4.0 of 5 stars. I love the happy hour specials, you can't find a better value on good red wine and hummus. The food is nice, the cocktails are lush, and the location can't be beat.
yelp.com - user review - 06/24/2008
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food was really bad and overpriced.

I had the veggie wrap and even the wrap bread around it was bad. Even the french fries were awful even when they renamed them pommes frites. My friend had crab cakes and got sick an hour later. She told me she...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/22/2008
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Must try this place!

I have been to Mars a few times and I am planning on going back next week. I absolutely love this place. The people that are on here leaving negative remarks must have larger issues in life, because this place...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Brooke S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I really love Mars but the only downfall is it gets super crowded and you can hardly get to the bar as you wait for a table if you don't have reservations, and it's pretty pricey. Do not, and I…
yelp.com - user review - 06/17/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Lorena O.

4.0 of 5 stars. "7:30 @ Mars, lovers!" My friend Amanda had been gearing up for her birthday dinner here for weeks and it did not disappoint. There were seventeen of us, count 'em 17!!! I figured we'd be getting…
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2008
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really???

I am the chef at Mars Restaurant and I would like to point out that I indeed take pride in the food that myself and my cooks put out every day. Was the food too bland or too salty?? I am not from the Mid -...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/31/2008
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Lazy service, bland food, and incompetent management

They sat us immediately and jokingly told us our server would be with us in "4-5 seconds". About 15 minutes later the manager finally came around and told us that the server asked her to take our drink order -...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/31/2008
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First time was very good

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/28/2008
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Great deck, food, service, but can the smokers just go away?

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/28/2008
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Extremely slow service

This has got to be the slowest service in Austin, or anywhere and I come from Europe so I'm used to slow service!! Myself and my husband decided to give Mars a try for happy hour last week. We decided to enjoy...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/28/2008
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Great food & attentive staff

I wasn't planning on leaving a review, but then read the one below and had to point out the coincidence that I was there last Sunday, sitting next to the large, disruptive table of obnoxious drunks to which...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/26/2008
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Worst experience ever! Rude management

Ate, or at least tried to eat there on a Sunday night with about ten people and had one of the worst experiences ever! We had a nice waitress who seemed overwhelmed with the size of our party but she kept our...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Alon B.

3.0 of 5 stars. Man... I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to love Mars. I'd been to their old location maybe 4-5 times and tried their new location on S. Congress last night and had the same experience I always seem to…
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Kimberly K.

5.0 of 5 stars. As the last century was winding down and everyone was FREAKING OUT about Y2K and the end of the world, I was arduously searching for a home to buy in Austin. It had to be under 200 K, have SOME…
yelp.com - user review - 04/05/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Ryan S.

4.0 of 5 stars. The interior of this place is moody enough to make a vampire feel at home. Or, you and your date might feel like getting all close and salacious without even drinking a drop of wine. But you're…
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2008
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Great food, great choices, great place to go with your family

I have been to Mars several times with my family and I LOVED IT! The food is great, the service is spectacular, and every time I finish dinner I am always disappointed because i don't want it to end. I loved...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jaye J.

4.0 of 5 stars. While I've been to Mars a few times for happy hour (nice!), I've never actually had a meal there until recently. The prices seemed about average for the type of food, and the selection was really…
yelp.com - user review - 03/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jennifer T.

4.0 of 5 stars. I give 4 stars for atmosphere but, 2 for service. I love to sit outside and sip champagne in the sun. But, once I had to get up from my table of books and food to get a drink refill from the bar.…
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2008
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Great Atmosphere

I have been to Mars many times and I am always amazed at how consistently great the food and service is. The atmosphere is unbelievable, both inside and out. However, my friends and I always love sitting on...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Catherine Y.

4.0 of 5 stars. I have only been to the new Mars on S. Congress so I can't compare which is better. However, I like what Mars offer: interesting and creative asian fusion menu, Red-Fez alike decor, good cocktail list…
yelp.com - user review - 02/29/2008
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great evening

After several excellant dinners at Mars in the last few months I began to wonder if I was becoming jaded by the cool atmosphere or the friendly wait staff. So on a recent weekend I decided to take some out of...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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Where's the best beef tenderloin? It's at Mars!

A large group of us went to Mars 2 weeks ago for my nephew's 21st and we had a great experience. Even though we had 13 folks in our party, we were seated promptly at the time we made our reservation in a very...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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wonderful night at mars

went to mars the other night for the first time since their move to congress ave- loved the decor- absolutely loved the patio-sat outside while we waited for a table inside being that the night was getting...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by michele s.

5.0 of 5 stars. i am so happy to have mars closer to my house- have been a fan since they were on san antonio but would forget about them a lot because they were in a weird location- now right there on congress ave-…
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Julie B.

3.0 of 5 stars. One word: meh. Let me back up a bit and say that we knew what we were getting into when we decided to try Mars; my boyfriend, though not a Yelper, read through the reviews and warned me that people…
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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Good atmosphere, bad value

This was one of the worst eating experiences I've had in the 22 years I have lived in Austin. I went for my sister's birthday, and they charged me for the birthday cake (that took them 15 minutes to bring). My...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/16/2008
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Perhaps the most overpriced and frustrating brunch ever!

My husband and I went to Mars upon reading a great review for their Sunday dim sum brunch. When we arrived we were the only people at the place, so you would expect very prompt and attentive service. That was...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/14/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sam E.

5.0 of 5 stars. Asian-fusion on world cuisine... yes, please!!! When I first read a review of this place ages ago, I knew I had to try it. Rolling up to the small house it was in, I remember thinking that I was in…
yelp.com - user review - 02/12/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Zach H.

1.0 of 5 stars. This place is totally overrated. I had thai red curry that tasted exactly like ketchup. Reminded me of some uber-trendy fusion places in LA such as Toi, although not nearly as tasty. If you're in this…
yelp.com - user review - 02/12/2008
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Great eclectic menu ---- think "Indochine".

My friend and I went to Mars last night after hearing they had hired a new chef. We had a great time with prompt service and a nice Cabernet by the glass recommendation. I started with the tuna tataki...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/02/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Shane S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I love this place, especially for happy hour. The prices are reasonable, the service is good, and the food is delicious. The portion size is just right too. I've been quite a few times and I've never…
yelp.com - user review - 01/29/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Noel R.

1.0 of 5 stars. A "Concept" restaurant. It is a great place if you like to yell at your table mates. The drinks were "O.K." I had an almost raw plate of Lamb. You couldn't tell how raw it was until you tried to cut…
yelp.com - user review - 01/25/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jaime Patricio M.

2.0 of 5 stars. Mars may be big on appearance for Austin's young and mobile scene. I think it is a fun and very urban decor. However, the food is entirely lacking focus; I didn't understand what the cuisine was…
yelp.com - user review - 01/05/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Michelann Q.

3.0 of 5 stars. I loved Mars at the old location, though I felt the quality slipped a little in the last couple of years. Still, it was pretty dang tasty, especially the Thai Bouillabaisse. I went to the new location…
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sam S.

2.0 of 5 stars. I like the South Congress area. But I don't like what Mars has done to their new location, compared to the old location the interior is cold and to dark. I couldn't read the menu or the check. What…
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2008
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FOR BLAND FOOD LOVERS EVERYWHERE, MARS IS THE PLACE!

We decided to try Mars, which opened recently in our 'hood, after being downtown for many years. We ate there years ago and never went back, for no particular reason except that it wasn't memorable & we just...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/02/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Minnie N.

4.0 of 5 stars. Impressive place with a great ambience. The service is excellent. The menu has a selection and our waiter was very knowledgeable. I had a bite of the filet and omg...it was awesome! I ordered the…
yelp.com - user review - 01/01/2008
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Adequate food, poor service

My wife and I visit Austin from New York every December, and we always set aside one evening for dinner with my sister and brother-in-law. They select the restaurant, always one of their favorites. They have...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/31/2007
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Great Happy Hour!

Me and my Boyfriend stopped in there for the Happy Hour and ended up having a four appetizers and wine, I must say that I was quite impressed. The Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare paired with crispy wontons was my...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Rebekah W.

4.0 of 5 stars. We had dinner here last weekend and were impressed. The food was nicely presented and tasted even better than it looked. We got there close to 7 p.m. on Saturday and there weren't many tables filled,…
yelp.com - user review - 12/10/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Tara H.

3.0 of 5 stars. We celebrated a birthday there recently and the entire group was disappointed. Our group included a chef, service industry folks, and others and we were all very patient and open to try everything. We…
yelp.com - user review - 11/06/2007
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Not worth Price

We celebrated a birthday there recently and the entire group was disappointed. Our group included a chef, service industry folks, and others and we were all very patient and open to try everything. We started...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by j b.

5.0 of 5 stars. Let me say that this is not my favorite restaurant in Austin, but its always surprisingly good. The food is unique. Its a relaxing with their huge patio. Service is always impressive. If your…
yelp.com - user review - 10/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Melissa D.

4.0 of 5 stars. The old Mars used to be one of my favorite restaurants in Austin so I was really excited when they moved south. I went last night and had no idea they had such a good happy hour. I had a glass of…
yelp.com - user review - 10/19/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Shanna H.

4.0 of 5 stars. We recently checked out the new Mars location for my honey's birthday. Late on a Sunday night was just about perfect, with only three tables or so with customers, so it was intimate. They've carried…
yelp.com - user review - 10/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Prissy C.

4.0 of 5 stars. Thai Green Curry, Halibut with Potatoes, Prawn Salad and Scallops with Raspberry, Peach Ginger Martinis. The food was full of flavor and the patio dining at this place are TOPS! I felt the staff was…
yelp.com - user review - 10/03/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by kate s.

4.0 of 5 stars. Disclaimers: 1. I have never been to the old Mars. 2. I have only been to happy hour here. Twice. Mars is a great place to go for happy hour if you want quality beverages and appetizers for a good…
yelp.com - user review - 10/02/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by David A.

3.0 of 5 stars. So I decided to take my wife there yesterday for our 21st anniversary. I got interested in this place based on the reviews that I saw here and thought that it sounded interesting. We called for…
yelp.com - user review - 09/30/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Isabelle K.

4.0 of 5 stars. New location experience--- Great outdoor patio. It has the best patio in Soco area. No wonder it attracted so many people. There is a big parking lot in north of the restaurant.
yelp.com - user review - 09/22/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ashley R.

3.0 of 5 stars. i give it 2 star service - 4 star food... i miss he old location terrrribly! the staff atthis new one isnt as helpful and friendly either. the new seating is awful- cocktails? appetizers? dinner? i…
yelp.com - user review - 09/13/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Stephanie S.

3.0 of 5 stars. 3 stars is misleading. Its really a rollercoaster of 5 and 1 star issues. I stopped by early on a Sunday evening by myself and thought it'd be fun to try. The deck is huge, but it was over 90…
yelp.com - user review - 09/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Aga N.

1.0 of 5 stars. ewwww. never again. tuna tartar was over spiced - in fact, everything was. You know - in the olden days ppl over spiced and salted to hide any potential rotten food smells. Not that I'm suggesting…
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by matt S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I usually don't get too excited about "Pan-Asian" or "Asian Fusion" places but the new Mars is really good. I liked the old location and found it to be very romantic with the dark red walls. The new…
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by BB F.

5.0 of 5 stars. I have only been to the old location. Cute little house building with a patio. Disclaimer*Dont remember anything about the food or service there. However, did meet my boyfriend there. Ahhh, our first…
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Chris N.

4.0 of 5 stars. OH, they moved! I remember the little house location well. I was fortunate enough to eat there twice. My initial experience was on a first date and then years later with the same wonderful girl.…
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by trish c.

4.0 of 5 stars. yum-o!
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Tara M.

5.0 of 5 stars. I do miss the original location as I have a thing for old houses; but the new location is very hip and the food is still delicious. My favorite is still the wasabi salmon. If you do not make a…
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Cheyne M.

3.0 of 5 stars. ***Disclaimer: I am a restaurant Manager, sometimes my reviews are a bit harsher than what some might think, but I am very critical*** 'm torn on this review... I have never been to the original Mars,…
yelp.com - user review - 08/26/2007
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Too pricey and over-seasoned entrees - Just average!

A group of six eating there recently reports that the Satay is too spicey, the Salmon is not what you'd expect for the price and overall the food is not up to par, very average. Hopefully they will upgrade the...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/24/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gweirful G.

4.0 of 5 stars. Dear Mars. Tonight, great food, great service! My eggplant was delish, and the patio cooled off nicely after the sun went out. Dear Lady whose powder pink thong got snapped by the toddler at the table…
yelp.com - user review - 08/12/2007
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Slow service, but food was really good

Went here with a party of 8 based on a recommendation from a friend and the atmosphere is great. Very cool spot. However, it took about an hour to get our entrees once we were seated (and we had reservations)....
citysearch.com - user review - 08/11/2007
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Terrible in every way

I went to Mars on a weekday for lunch with some friend. I was hoping for a good experience from all the good reviews however our experience was terrible. First we went on our lunch break. It took over 45...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/31/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Nikki G.

4.0 of 5 stars. Great service, delicious food. Only minor complaint I have is that it took quite a long time for our food to arrive, and it was a very quiet time of the afternoon.
yelp.com - user review - 07/30/2007
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Fun place, but food not as good and sloooooow

This location is much more hip and fun than the old location - definitely a great spot for happy hour. The drinks are fantastic (love the people-watching patio, too), but maybe it would have been best to stop...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/28/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Toonces ..

4.0 of 5 stars. After walking by Mars so many times and seeing the food on people's plates, I finally decided to try it out myself. First of all, they don't take reservations for groups less than 3, so I had to wing…
yelp.com - user review - 07/25/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Kevin N.

4.0 of 5 stars. Read enough and you discover that almost nothing's for everyone: somewhere, someone's got a differing take on that spot you found so wonderous and engaging. So I'm sure that Mars isn't for…
yelp.com - user review - 07/16/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Melissa S.

3.0 of 5 stars. Oh, how I mourned the loss of the original Mars location... Hands-down one of the neatest, most eclectic locations of any restaurant I've ever been to. With its black red walls, black window…
yelp.com - user review - 07/10/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by carolyn v.

4.0 of 5 stars. The Good: :: the location. it's located on south congress so it's very accessible
yelp.com - user review - 07/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by dotsandloop s.

3.0 of 5 stars. We celebrated a special occasion at Mars late last night in an attempt to soak in as much of the cool weather as possible. After running into friends who were seated outside, we joined them for a few…
yelp.com - user review - 07/02/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by tyler A.

4.0 of 5 stars. the quite is still good like their old location -- good but not fantastic. I had the ribs last night and was quite happy with the choice. As other reviewers have said -- why didnt they mix it up?…
yelp.com - user review - 07/02/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Brian S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I've been to the new Mars location on South Congress twice now. Once, I just went with some friends from out of town as we barhopped our way down South Congress. I got some rather effeminate drink…
yelp.com - user review - 06/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by rob m.

2.0 of 5 stars. brilliant design, but I do miss the old location. I can't help it. lord, please explain how I used to love this place when it was in a semi-hidden location, but now that it is on display for the world…
yelp.com - user review - 06/24/2007
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scrumptious!

I had a lovely evening at the new Mars this week with a group of friends. I'm the first to say that it was a bit of an attitudinal shift for me to leave the cozy shadowy house where Mars used to be. It was so...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/14/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jaime M.

5.0 of 5 stars. Delicious. Loud.
yelp.com - user review - 06/14/2007
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Great Food!

Excellent food and service. Beautiful new location on south congress. I had the ribs and they fell of the bone. You must eat here and experience a real austin treat.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Eric S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I ate here when it was on San Antonio (it has since moved to South Congress) and thought it was amazing. I loved the atmosphere (it was in a converted house), but I wasn't entirely impressed with the…
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2007
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bet beef tenderloin ever, crowded on the weekends

finally had a chance to go to the new and improved mars on congress ave- what an amazing space- the inside is so beautiful- they did a great job of keeping the feel of the old mars but updating it- the...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/09/2007
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Had a great experience there...

Finally had a chance to have dinner at the new Mars on South Congress and loved it. The design was sophisticated, the deck is great, and I was glad to see some of the hints of the old Mars. The bar is a...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/07/2007
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Don't Go There

Okay so I used to LOVE Mars, not anymore. I went to dinner with a group of friends, and we had a reservation. We notified the hostess that we had arrived, she asked us to sit while she prepared our table, we...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/01/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Michelle C.

5.0 of 5 stars. I had been to Mars at their old location many times over the years for various occasions. I was sad to see them leave their old digs, as I'd always had a fondness for their mosaic-y decor with the…
yelp.com - user review - 05/21/2007
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Terrible Lunch Service

Went to Mars for lunch on Saturday. The server seemed rushed, tho only one fifth of the tables inside were full. That should have been the first warning sign since it was graduation weekend and every other...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2007
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Mars staff/Manager are on another planet!

I moved to Austin two years ago via San Francisco and have been eating at Mars since day one... It has been my #1 favorite place so you can imagine how excited I was to experience the new location. Friday...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/13/2007
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Great Location and Deck, Sub Par Food, Very Poor Service

Went to check out the new location on SoCo. Great spot. Inside decor was visually pleasant but on the chintzy side (red and black paint over particle board), but very nice, large comfortable leather chairs for...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/13/2007
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Very Disappointing

I've been a fan of Mars since it opened. I loved the food and the ambiance at the old location. The new location is bigger and more central, but the rest is hardly recognizable from the place I knew. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Andrew T.

1.0 of 5 stars. the only thing cool about this place is one person that works there.
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Tara H.

5.0 of 5 stars. It could be the copious amounts of "South Austin Rickshaw" that I consumed at the bar before the ladies showed up, but I loved my Mars experience. First off, the interior designer did a great job of…
yelp.com - user review - 04/23/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Allison P.

5.0 of 5 stars. I've never been to the original Mars, so I was really excited when my (somewhat) monthly girls' dinner decided to hit up the new Mars on S. Congress. Luckily, the organizer was smart enough to call…
yelp.com - user review - 04/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Larry M.

4.0 of 5 stars. 4 1/2 stars...I'm down with former mayor Kirk Watson who lists this as his favorite restaurant. I've gone with peeps without a reservation...waited for an hour on the porch of this…
yelp.com - user review - 03/19/2007
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expensive, terrible food

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/04/2007
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I should have eaten at Bill Miller BBQ...

I had the 'Jasmine Tea Smoked Duck a l'orange' and could only choke down about 1/3 of it. It tasted like a cross between bbq brisket gristle and beef jerky. The smoke flavor was overwhelming, the meat was dry,...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/19/2007
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terrible dinner.... very disappointed

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/04/2007
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Time to Make a Change

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.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/01/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Nicole A.

5.0 of 5 stars. let's be honest folks: mars is one of the last remaining spots in austin where one can smoke. (don't worry, health freaks: cigarettes are restricted to the (heated) patio)
yelp.com - user review - 01/12/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by John D.

3.0 of 5 stars. Not to sound like a cheap bastage, but I don't get it. Why is it that just because a place has put more then 30 minutes into the decor and the menu is a little different ("fusion" is what all the…
yelp.com - user review - 12/22/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Eva C.

4.0 of 5 stars. The atmosphere at Mars is low-key, with soft lighting and friendly service. Located in Central Austin, near the Guadalupe strip area, the restaurant sits inconspicuously in the midst of a quiet…
yelp.com - user review - 12/13/2006
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great ambiance, inconsistent food

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/11/2006
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Tasty but very priecy for very tiny portions

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,...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/03/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Susie G.

3.0 of 5 stars. Although when I entered Mars I was taken in by the mysterious low lit, red wall environment, I was pretty shocked at the prices. ( please do remember, I am pretty cheap.) After debating between a…
yelp.com - user review - 11/21/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by phil h.

3.0 of 5 stars. Mars was the perfect venue for my first dinner out in Austin...a funky little space that felt comfortable from the start. We split an appetizer plate that was really tasty (and since there were four…
yelp.com - user review - 09/19/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Manny A.

4.0 of 5 stars. I like this place because it is Austin wierd, and the food is good. The Asian I tend to go for at a few other places around Austin, but the Mediterranean, is just right. It is a nice place to take a…
yelp.com - user review - 09/11/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Meridith H.

4.0 of 5 stars. The other reviewers are spot on. Mars is a unique restaurant with interesting decor and a dark, yet inviting interior. Everytime I have been to Mars (he he), the food and service have both been…
yelp.com - user review - 09/11/2006
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Great inventive, fine dining in Austin

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.
citysearch.com - user review - 09/04/2006
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Outstanding Service - Great Food

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/16/2006
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Spectacular!

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/21/2006
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overpriced for quality

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/03/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by S. V.

4.0 of 5 stars. Mars is a small converted house, a warm and mysterious place with dark lighting and an intimate settting. Mars serves fusion cusine with a mix of South Asian, Southeast Asian and Mediterranean…
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2006
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Great food/ambience, hit-and-miss service

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/30/2005
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great food, but tiny portions

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/14/2005
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User Review

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/27/2005
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Impeccable service, food AND ambience!!!!!!!!

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/12/2005
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good ambience, so-so food

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,...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/17/2005
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Stay Away from this Place

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2005
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Always a favorite

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/16/2005
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Food mediocre; service indifferent

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/13/2005
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Too Bad

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/04/2004
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Out Of This World...

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/05/2004
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Food great, but it's WAY TOO LOUD!!!

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/12/2003
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Mars is close to Uranus!

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/06/2003
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Nice and cozy!

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!
citysearch.com - user review - 01/21/2003
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Lamb was never this greasy

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/04/2003
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fabulous

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/04/2002
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hmmm...why did I pay this much?

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...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/01/2002
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yummmm....

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!
citysearch.com - user review - 08/20/2002
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mars takes your taste buds to mars

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.