Welcome to MARINA'S BISTRO + RUM BAR

Marina’s is a chef-driven Puerto Rican kitchen rooted in heritage, hospitality, and the Uptown community of Chicago.Our menu honors the traditions of Puerto Rican cooking through thoughtful technique, careful sourcing, and deep respect for the culture behind the food. Rather than chasing trends, we focus on dishes that reflect history, balance, and intention. 

We work closely with local purveyors and responsible producers to support our community while remaining true to the integrity of Puerto Rican cuisine. From mofongo — plantains prepared with depth and care — to arroz con gandules made with house-crafted sofrito, our food is grounded in tradition and shaped by experience. 

 At Marina’s, the table is a place for connection, culture, and pride — where food carries memory and hospitality is treated as a responsibility.For those drawn to plantains in all their forms, dishes like tostones highlight simplicity done well — twice-fried for texture and served with house-made accompaniments that enhance rather than overpower.Desserts follow the same philosophy. Cheesecake rolls, finished with guava or seasonal fruit, offer a familiar sweetness grounded in Puerto Rican flavors, prepared with balance and care.While the food leads, the bar plays a supporting role rooted in the Caribbean.

For those who love plantains, we offer Tostones, which are crispy fried plantain slices that are served with a house made aioli. And for dessert, we highly recommend our cheesecake rolls served with guava or strawberry sauce, a sweet treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

While our cuisine is the star of the show, we also offer a selection of handcrafted cocktails that compliment our dishes perfectly. Our cocktail menu features a range of unique and flavorful drinks, each with its own distinct Caribbean twist.

From our signature El Viejo San Juan cocktail, made with coconut rum, pineapple rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, to the La Playita, our passion fruit mojito, our cocktails are sure to impress. But at Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar, we believe that great food and great drinks go hand in hand. So whether you're looking for a delicious meal or a refreshing drink, we've got you covered. Come visit us today and discover the flavors of Puerto Rico!

Owner's Bio

ERIC ROLDAN

Eric Roldan is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a passionate chef and owner of Marina's Bistro in Chicago. Born in the Windy City, Eric's life took a turn when he lost everything during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and returned to Chicago in 2017. He started his business as a ghost kitchen, offering innovative Latin fusion cuisine that marries Puerto Rican flavors with contemporary flair.

Eric's culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by his grandmother's delectable recipes. After his mother's untimely demise, Eric sought solace in his grandparents' embrace and later enrolled in a culinary school in Puerto Rico. With most of his professional life immersed in the hospitality industry. Eric honed his skills and refined his techniques to create unique and sophisticated dishes that epitomize the essence of his Latino heritage.

To honor his mother's memory, Eric named his avant-garde caf� after her and continues to showcase the unifying force that food has on bringing family and friends together. As a minority and a proud bearer of his family's traditions and recipes, Eric is determined to demonstrate that even the loftiest dreams can materialize with unwavering perseverance.

With each dish he crafts, Eric infuses a blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication, eager to captivate every patron's palate. He supports the LGBTQ+ community in various ways and strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment at Marina's Bistro. Whether you're a foodie, a local, or a tourist, Eric looks forward to indulging your appetite with his uniquely exquisite culinary creations.