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Marina’s Bistro (4554 N Magnolia) is a modern Puerto Rican restaurant opening in Uptown in early January 2023. Owner Eric Roldan decided to create a modern cafe that offers Puerto Rican food with a new Latin twist. During the pandemic, he opened Marina's Cafe in an Avondale ghost kitchen space. Now he's ready to unveil his first brick & mortar restaurant. 

Eric was born in Chicago but raised in Puerto Rico, working in the hospitality industry for most of his career, and he had a love for cooking with his grandmother's recipes from a young age. After the passing of his mother, Eric wanted to honor her by creating a concept inspired by her spirit and cooking. Food brought his family and friends together no matter the occasion. 

"We feel like we have found the perfect location in Uptown," said Eric Roldan, Owner of Marina's Bistro. "It's a diverse community currently lacking in Puerto Rican cuisine. As one of the only Puerto Rican restaurants in the area, we're excited to bring our flavors and style to the neighborhood."

Menu highlights

The menu is full of recipes from Puerto Rico with a modern Chicago twist. Marina’s Bistro will open with dinner service, with brunch launching soon after. The menu includes also vegetarian options. 

Starters  

  • Bolitas De Queso - fried cheeseballs with guava sauce 

  • Alcapurrias Dona Juan - stuffed yautia fritters

  • Morcillas - traditional Puerto Rican sausage

Salads 

  • Ensalada De Mariscos - a marinated blend of octopus, shrimp, avocado, and spices 

Mains 

  • Lechon Asado - slow-roasted pork, with citrus and marinated mojo

  • Chuleta Kan Kan - braised pork chops with garden vegetables 

  • Chicharron De Pollo - crispy bone-in fried chicken 

Mofongos 

  • A Puerto Rican dish made of deep fried green plantains mashed together with pork cracklings and garlic and served with choice of meat or vegetables. 

Vegetarian & Plant-Based 

  • Jibarito De Mariscos - marinated seafood salad with shrimp and octopus 

  • Tostones Rellenos De Zetas - stuffed fried plantains with marinated portabella mushrooms 

  • Jibarito De Plant Based - house seasoned Impossible meat

Desserts 

  • Flan De Caramelo 

  • Cheesecake Rolls with Guava or Strawberry Sauce


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