Sadly, we were very disappointed. Our party of four was seated 30 minutes after our reservation, although half the tables were open. Our daughter was becoming hypoglycemic so we immediately ordered several appetizers that were quickly eaten. We then ordered a second octopus appetizer that arrived with half the previous order (the first was small with only three pieces). The several of the main courses seemed overpriced for the portion size, after two of us had to change our orders because our first choice was sold out (it was only 7:30 pm). We were uncomfortably warm during the entire evening as the air conditioning was barely working with the temp over 90 outside. The dining room was lovely but the piped in 70's pop rock music was incongruous with the fine dining experience and decor. Our server was gracious and helpful to ensure that our food intolerances were accommodated. The evening was saved by several lovely desserts. We were celebrating our daughter's doctoral graduation but the experience was our worst ever that we've had for a fine dining restaurant. After much research for a special occasion restaurant (we are from the Pacific NW), we had high expectations for mk--it was a terrible evening and I feel compelled to be honest, as this is the first time that I've written a bad review.
MK is one of our favorites and we go there whenever in Chicago. Unfortunately they will be closing soon after an 18 year run. Glad we had one more outstanding dining experience before the doors are shuttered. Best of luck to the MK team.
Unfortunately for Chicago, this restaurant is closing after 18 years and it's not because it lacks popularity. Glad we could experience the great food, atmosphere and service one last time. Our best to the staff and God Bless.
Great every time I eat here. Would definitely recommend.
Every meal I have had at MK over the last 6 years has been outstanding. Never disappointed. Staff can easily accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Great atmosphere for conversation. Very special place.
Can't believe it's closed. Such a shame.
We have been going to MK for our wedding anniversary for the past 5-6 years. We have gone back each year because of the food, service, and the fact that, while fancy and fit for a special occasion, it never felt pretentious. We went for our 7 year anniversary last weekend and we both left a little sad and disappointed. There were a few changes that have been made since last year when we came and we did not feel those were for the better - and maybe it was an off night too with the service and the heat. One of things I'm completely a sucker for is when they used to give us our own menu with "happy anniversary" written on the top, as well as usually written on our dessert and we had received wishes from the hostess and our waiter (one year even a $25 gc to use on our next visit!). This year, the only person that said it (and was very sweet) was the woman who took us to our table. Second, the bread. Their focaccia bread is delicious and we would always get excited to look at the (free) bread basket and pick our favorites (sometimes a couple times!). Now it costs $7 for 4 pieces of focaccia bread and some radishes. Look, we can afford the $7 and we did of course order it because we love it. But it's a really hard sell to long-time customers that what they once offered for free is now $7. If you're going to make that decision in order to get more money or whatever, maybe just make it $3-$4 - or give a lot of bread and make it worth $7! Then my salmon was such a small piece. I have also ordered that before and it felt like it was half the size, and it took forever (which our waiter had warned us they were behind), but it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for!
Overall, the food as always was delicious. But where we used to leave feeling special, a little pampered, and money well spent, this time we left with disappointment. I would suggest management take a revised look at the changes they have implemented. I want to go back next year, but not sure we will.
Great dinner- food and service were impeccable as always!
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. The food is always fabulous, the wine list is comprehensive, and the waitstaff is incredibly attentive and friendly. We have a pied-à-terre in the Gold Coast and always book a table at MK when we're in town.
This is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. We have been there multiple times and never disappointed. The truffle fries are to die for! Those are a must. All around good value for the quality. I have recommended to friends and they are never disappointed either. A staple in Chicago.
I love the atmosphere of this restaurant: upscale without pretension. We recently stopped by prior to a theatre performance, and the service was quick and attentive. We ordered the risotto and hanger steak. The risotto was light and tasty and prepared to the right level of al dante. The hanger steak was flavorful, tender and prepared well with a red-wine sauce and blue cheese. We are never disappointed with this restaurant.
The food and service were impeccable.
We had the pre fixe menu, and every course was delicious . I would go back for a special occasion.
Food was well prepared but I was disappointed they no longer served their fine breads with the meal. Instead if you wanted bread, you had to pay seven extra dollars.. Pretty cheap if you ask me.
Food was good but I had a better memory of previous dinners... I didn't like very much some mix of flavours: I prefer cleaner dishes where the main food flavour is not hidden by sauces or too flavoury vegetables.
The service was very good, the overall experience good. Nice place where to dine.
Great dining experience. Loved the food and the staff we're awesome!
Never a question of Food Quality, Innovative Presentations: Wine List is exceptional. A great place for personal dining, excellent for business dining; Service is the best bar none in Chicago or any city for that matter.
MK is always a treat! We all enjoyed every bite and sip!
Excellent food, beautiful ambiance, delightful waitress (Claudia).
Tasty food, as always. Most importantly, these days MK is one of the few places where one can actually have a conversation without having to shout.
Mediocre meals at best. Tables are everywhere and no room between Literally, tables are in the hallways. Very noisy.
Dinner with friends we had not seen in 10 years. The restaurant was highly rated and deserves it! Service was attentive and allowed us to linger and we never felt rushed and allowed us to have long conversations. We shared small plates for starters. The bison entrée was perfectly cooked.
Birthday celebration! Wonderful evening.
Salmon was dry. Had to ask the server for some sauce to put on it. Server unfriendly. Nice decore. Small menu. Would not rush back.
We very much enjoyed MK. It was not our first time and it certainly will not be our last. Excellent menu, ambiance, & service.
Had no clue First Dates was filmed here. Saw the chef on the Today show and booked right away. Food was excellent and the waitress extremely friendly and on top of it!
Perfect in every way. Wait staff very attentive. Personalized dining experience. Food was delicious. Great plus was the quiet atmosphere so we were able to have great conversations around the table.
Terrific value! Three of us selected the tasting menue and the other chose from the larger menu. All of us considered the food exceptional. The service was impeccable. A month ago we dined at one of the most expensive restaurants in Chicago, and while that experience was most satisfying, our experience at MK cost us a bit less than half the other. We cannot say that we enjoyed MK any less than the more expensive restaurant. So that's why we rave, "Terrific value!" Certainly we will return.
MK was recommended by an acquaintance who had lived in Chicago. The service was great, food was excellent & the wine was enjoyed by our group of 4 ladies.
My husband and I had 'date night' at MK, when we were both in Chicago. It was nice to be greeted, by name, as we arrived. Great cocktails followed by a wonderful dinner. We both had the bison and it was cooked exactly as we asked. The wine pairing, suggested by our sommelier Jenn, was terrific, who remembered us from our previous visit, over a year ago!
Love the food and service at MK! Outstanding place!
Unlike the previous visit, the food was mediocre --- a disappointment.
But my biggest complaint is that this was the second time that the hostess tried to put us at one of two tables next to the restrooms. And when we asked for a different table, we were grudgingly seated on the second floor in the noisiest spot in the restaurant and in a cramped booth. It is not as if the restaurant was fully occupied, nor were we were walk-ins. WE had made a reservation more than a week in advance.
There is too much competition out there for the management to pay so little attention to its customers.
Everything's good
I have been coming to MK for at least five years, maybe more. It is hands down my husband's and my favorite restaurant. The food is consistently delicious and interesting. We find ourselves regularly ordering menu items outside our usual comforts because we know that it will be delicious. On our most recent visit, we ordered from the tasting menu and EVERY. SINGLE. DISH was amazing.
4 of us had the tasting menu. Each course was delicious and more than enough food the value was great. We all loved every bite and the entire experience.
the food was great and I would come back for the food. I thought that bread was absolutely out of this world and would come back just for that. However, I noticed everyone getting bread so I asked if we could have some bread and she said it was an appetizer on the menu, so I ordered. The waitress knew it was our first time at MK and should of suggested it. I mean she was nice enough and everything but really not that attentive.
The food and service is amazing but the restaurant seems dated and could use a little sprucing to match the creative menu!
This place was recommended to us by our friend to visit for our trip to Chicago. Food was very good but limited choice for our kids to select. The service was fantastic and of course you have to try their famous chocolate cake.
food was good but the service was terrible. waited over an hour for main course
MK has been one of our favorites. This restaurant works on all fronts: decor, ambience, service, food, wine-they have it figured out.
Always great