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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 (34), Dine.com (3 ), Trip Advisor (5 ), OpenTable (1 ), All (43)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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!

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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
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • MasterCard

Cuisines

  • American (New)

Meal Price

  • $$$$

Amenities

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

Recognition for mk The Restaurant

2007 Editorial Winner - Special Occasion Dining

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