mk The Restaurant

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

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

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

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/04/2007 Posted by chapoy22

Great hip place, excellent food. I personally recommend the mango and lobster salad (delicious) Superb service, our waiter was eager to service our every need. Endless wine list. The decoration is fenomenal, very trendy and modern. Spacious and open, not your usual crowded place fancy.

07/29/2007 Posted by mrgoalie35

Read the Reviews and MK did not let me down! Seated promptly, Armando G. covered each menu item with a description exceeding the well prepared menu. Every item peaked both our interest and our appetite, including Armando's comment about the best steak in Chicago - and the challenge was on! First the Korn Soup with Lobster and the Tuna Tartare - both wonderful - one of the best soups - simply phenomenal! Served in an ample bowl, lined with 3 mounds of lobster and then covered w/ the corn soup poured tableside over the lobster with a dash of sherry added- great touch!The wine list is extensive and we asked for advice from the Sommelier, Josh quickly appeared, introduced himself in a friendly and non-pretentious manner. His knowledge of both the menu and the wine list was exceptional and he recommended a Beits&Scholl '04 Syrah, an unfamiliar winery but trusted his judgement. Decanted tableside and was quite honestly - exceptional! The Steaks prepared and seasoned to perfection! I enjoy steaks rare and it had a nice charcoaled crust and a cool pink interior. Yes - one of the finest steaks that I have ever had in Chicago or anywhere for that matter! The pomme frites served w/ a spicy but delightful dipping sauce is highly recommended. While the deserts were appealing, we chose the 5 cheese plate and ordered it accompanied by a pleasant 10 year old port - and very contented smiles. Armando, Josh, Louis and all made it a splendid dining experience and while busy, we never lacked for attentive service nor the ability to engage in dinner conversation. A very nice balance! The 6 course tasting w/ a wine for each course and adding the cheese plate is a bargain at $79. Our meal was over $300 with the elegant wine - well worth the experience! And yes - The Best Steak in Chicago! Now if Chef Michael K. would only share the recipe for the corn and lobster soup - I will have died and gone to heaven! Please Chef - Our your listening??? Thank YOU MK!

Pros: Superb Service, Great Cuisine, Wonderful Wines, Ambiance and Perfect Steaks, The SOUP! And the exceptional Chefs and Wonderful Sommelier and Waitstaff.

Cons: Very Pricey - Should have free valet parking for dinners!

05/01/2007 Posted by chimd

This is the first time I have been motivated to write a review, but last nights dinner was so bad I have to help others avoid this place. There was an article a few years ago in the NY times that reported that MK tries to push it's customers along so that they can get them in and out as quickly as possible and flip the table. They started with serving our wine while we were still half way through our pre-dinner drinks. The appetizers came while we were still eating the amuse bouche. I could smell the burnt steak I ordered before it even came to the table. It was so dry and overcooked the manager even looked shocked. The lamb had so much fat and was so rare it was not even touched. To end the evening the manager did deduct the cost of the entrees but then asked us to finish our $120 wine in the bar so they could seat others I've been to many restaurants and I have been to MK before and its still one of the worse I have been too. I want to like the place but I'm done with it. Save your money.

Pros: trendy open brick and loft look, great windows in the bar, good fries

Cons: poor quality food, pre-made look to food, rushed

02/11/2007 Posted by nydishes

When I made reservations at mk a few days ahead of time, I made sure to ask whether their online menu was current. The person who took my call told me that their website was indeed up to date--but I guess she didn't know that the menu would be changing in a few days? That aside, I went there hoping that the positive reviews were true, and that the dishes would be the highlight of the evening... Well, I must say that I wasn't very impressed by the whole dining experience. While not all the dishes had problems, the quail appetizer tasted a little underseasoned and the pommes frites that the waitress claimed to be one of their specialties (and different from regular pommes frites) weren't special at all. Overall, I think the decor was nice and the food was just OK. I will not dine there again, though.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Uninspired dishes

01/17/2007 Posted by sharontip16

If I have guests coming in from NY, I take them to MK. If my boss is coming into town, I take her to MK. If I am celebrating..MK. This restaurant is a consistent winner...the food is exceptional, the service is truly good, and the wine list is terrific. After numerous visits over many years (since the month the restaurant opened)...it has been a wonderful addition to Chicago.

Pros: Consistently great food and service that bring you back...

Cons: Pricey, but worth it.

11/16/2006 Posted by bbummer

I recently went to MK Restaurant with my Mother to celebrate her 70th birthday. While my experience there was very pleasant (service, food, etc.) I was sorely disappointed to learn that my Amex Gift Card was over-charged by more than $40. I didn't realize this until after I phoned to check my gift card's balance. Amex advised that only the restaurant could put the funds back onto the card. After several attempts to reach the manager, I could not get this matter resolved. Essentially $40 was stolen from me by this establishment. No matter what restaurant you dine in, you should always review the final bill and your credit card statements because, unfortunately, there are bad people everywhere and, of course, the human error element. This seems to happen in restaurants more than any other place. I was really disappointed in the way this matter was addressed by MK's management and will never patronize this establishment again.

Cons: Shady Maneuvering of the Server's 'Tip'

11/16/2006 Posted by lzimont23

I first went to MK 5 years ago on the first date with my current wife. In addition, I also proposed to her at the same location. The food at MK is amazing, the service is incredible, and they are extremely professional. I always receive my requested seat, the private 2 person table, on the upper terrace without any problems. We have gone back every year on our anniversary and management always guarantees us "our" table. This past year, we did not receive our requested seat due to confusion with the hosting staff. As a result, the manager gave us 50% off our meal and a free $120 bottle of champagne. If that is not customer service and loyalty, I don't know what is. I will continue to go there every year as long as they are in Chicago.

Pros: Customer Service, Food, Atmosphere

Cons: None

11/04/2006 Posted by luvs2travel

We enjoyed ourselves more waiting for our table and had better service from the waitress in the foyer area. Once we were seated our waitress seemed put out to have to serve us and wasn't interested in answering any questions we had about the menu. We were crammed into a table with barely 6in of clearance on either side & literally knocking elbows with neighboring tables. Suffice it to say it was one of those restaurants where you had to strain to hear because the accoustics weren't very good. The food wasn't very good either. Which if it was, we could understand the popularity since the place didn't have much else going on for it. We felt that the prices didn't justify the food or service. We always like to try the latest greatest and top reviewed. But sometimes find that trendy equals just that: trendy. So beware of all the great reviews, it might be that this is the nicest restaurant the reviewer has been to & doesn't know any better. For those who do... don't bother.

Pros: If you like trendy, here's your place

Cons: If you like a bit more substance in your visits, keep looking