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mk The Restaurant

868 N Franklin St
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 482-9179
Fax: (312) 482-9171
mk The Restaurant
Price:
$$$$
Cross Street:
Chestnut Street
Directions:
El: Brown Line to Chicago
Best of Citysearch:
Special Occasion Dining 2007
Hours:
Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

Message from mk The Restaurant

mk The Restaurant

Best of Citysearch 2007 Special Occasion Dining

  • Special occasion dining
  • Wonderful wine selection
  • Private room for groups

We believe..at our core, we're just a mom and pop establishment. that food is a metaphor for the good things in life. there's no substitute for live charcoal. that ingredients are more important than recipes. in honoring thy farmer. in sauces and history. forced formality is for fakers. our wine list rocks. if you're not enjoying yourself, neither are we. that a room full of people dressed for dinner is thing of beauty. that visual art makes great foreplay. in understated elegance and sensual minimalism. that excellence and consistency are our middle names.

We Believe in withstanding the test of time

Paid advertisement by mk The Restaurant.

Editorial Review for mk The Restaurant – by Robyn Galbos

The Scene
Exposed brick and wood beams lend an elegant loft-like character to this two-story space. A stylish crowd mingles at the bar and in the front lounge, which is outfitted with inviting plush leather chairs. The dining room, visually divided into two spaces with a mezzanine level on the left, features banquettes hugging the walls and linen-topped tables. A second-story dining area provides a birds-eye view of the room below.

The Food

Seasonal ingredients and innovative preparations are hallmarks of this new American menu. For starters, creamy butternut squash and lobster soup is poured tableside over delicate pieces of lobster meat, while cob-smoked bacon enhances the richness of tender sauteed veal sweetbreads. Roasted duck breast is perfectly complemented by nutty, toasted farro; seared rare ahi tuna is arranged on a bed of sauteed spinach and garlicky mashed potatoes. For dessert, "Cake and Shake": a mini vanilla milkshake alongside rich, layered buttermilk chocolate cake.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

The Extras

A private dining room upstairs can accommodate a group of 50 for a sit-down dinner, or 60 for a cocktail party. Parties of more than 50 can arrange to use the main dining room on available evenings.

What to Drink

The hefty wine list offers a wide range of varietals from around the world (several are available by the glass), and knowledgeable servers are happy to help you pair wines with your meal.

User Reviews for mk The Restaurant

Citysearch (36), Dine.com (3 ), OpenTable (1 ), Trip Advisor (5 ), All (45)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/08/2008 Posted by LasVegasLvr

Last time I was in Chicago was for the National Restaurant Assn. show at McCormick Place. Being that we, our group, are "Restaurant People" we decided to spend as much money as possible and get the full tour de force of Chicago's amazing restaurant scene. On with the tour... Like most places in the city, upon approaching you don't see much that is terribly inviting. MK has a painted sign on the side of the building and a globe shaped light above the door entrance and some windows that look into mostly the bar/lounge part of the restaurant. However, upon entry, the staff immediatly brings you into what I like to call the "comfort zone". When we walked in we felt like we were being hosted to a grand dinner party by people that truly cared about the art of food and service. People from Minnesota look at me funny when I tell them that not only did the culinary team at MK care about the experience but the entire service staff that we encountered seemed to emulate the same feeling for our enjoyment of the food and experience. MK transcended this amazing feeling of service and culinary talent all into one, creating one of the best experiences I've ever had in a restaurant. If i had to put it in one word it would be polished. Enough conceptualizing, do I even need to say that the food was way too good for this planet. I tried the Kobe steak (flank or hanger, can't remember), soft shell crab, pork and halibut. All of the dishes were to die for. I especially liked the Kobe steak, it was prepared to mid rare and had so much flavor I was very tempted in ordering another even after I was completely full. The pork was the best I have ever had, it was so succulent and full of meaty flavor it was hard to give the plate back with out licking it clean. Overall, MK was my favorite dining experience in Chicago, above Blackbird, The Signature Room and others we went to. I think one would be hard pressed to find a better dinner anywhere on Earth! Great Job, Well Done!

Pros: Everything

Cons: Only one location world wide

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/25/2008 Posted by AlwaysOnTheRoad1

Visiting in town from Atlanta and was looking for a great local experience. Sergio was my waiter. His recommendations were oustanding (the tuna, white wine, and cake shake) - enjoyed every bite. The ambiance was great - best for couples or business meetings. I would definitely recommend if you consider yourself a foodie.

Pros: Location, food, service - ask for Sergio!

Cons: It's a bit pricey - my bill for one person (with wine) was $71

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Editor's Review

This contemporary River North neighborhood favorite attracts an upscale crowd with its innovative new American cuisine.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

The Extras

A private dining room upstairs can accommodate a group of 50 for a sit-down dinner, or 60 for a cocktail party. Parties of more than 50 can arrange to use the main dining room on available evenings.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street
  • Valet

Coat Check

  • Yes

Hours

  • Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm
  • Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Discover
  • Diners Club

Cuisines

  • American (New)

Meal Price

  • $$$$

Amenities

  • Date Spot
  • Prix Fixe Menus
  • Notable Wine List
  • Dine at the Bar
  • Valet Parking
  • Bar Scene
  • Romantic Dining
  • Fine Dining
  • Business Dining
  • Special Occasion Dining
  • Group Dining

Recognition for mk The Restaurant

2007 Editorial Winner - Special Occasion Dining

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