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 quaint and charming back in the day and I have many happy memories from that building on San Antonio. But the new space has cast its spell on me. I've been three or four times and I've always run into friends or acquaintances. That was a relief, as I was afraid of losing Mars to tourists and out-of-towners due to its new locale. It seems to be a happy mix of locals and visitors. The food hasn't changed, except for the better. I'm drooling thinking about the tuna tartare! Their ribs are stunningly delicious, and I've always loved their bouillabaisse (although it's been a little too salty once or twice). Definitely save room for the new doughnuts. They're yummy, as are the many other new elements to the menu. The staff was incredibly sweet and they seem to have worked out any kinks that new restaurants inevitably face (and they've accrued a slew of Austin's hottest hotties!) Despite our large table of nine (at the coolest booth on South Congress) the service was outstanding, and our libations were delivered promptly even though we kept the waiter running.
Happily, Mars is still the charmer it always was. It's an old friend that has grown along with Austin.
Pros: the food, staff, location and atmosphere
Cons: more crowded than the old one
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