mfk. restaurant
| Address: | 432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-857-2540 |
| Site: | mfkrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 5–10PM 5–10PM 12–10PM 12–10PM 12PM–12AM 12PM–12AM 12–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 20
DA
David Oppenheimer
We discovered MFK in our neighborhood around a year ago and it has quickly climbed to the top ranks of our favorite restaurants in the Lakeview east neighborhood. Both the food and drink menus are concise and delicious; certainly on-par or better than most restaurants in the area. The menu is seasonal and includes fresh seafood-based dishes. There are also adorable, season-appropriate drinks. For example, last summer they served a drink for two in a copper pineapple.. and the drink was on fire (literally flaming). Where this restaurant has everything else beat is ambiance. MFK makes superb use of its intimate, garden-level space. There are a handful of tables in the entire restaurant and less than 20 bar-seats, almost small enough to give the feeling that you are at a dinner party. There is frequent banter between tables and it makes for a fun atmosphere. Music selection is deliberate and unexpected the last weekend they played Becks Midnight Vulture album in its entirety. The time before that Sky Ferreiras Night Time, My Time... in its entirety. Volume level of both ambient noise and music is kept in check, and unlike most restaurants, you can actually hear what people are saying. Never been disappointed.
MA
Marco Fleseri
If you appreciate excellent, fresh (nothing frozen!), skillfully and beautifully prepared food, especially seafood, you must eat here. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails and wine selection complement the cuisine, as does the knowledgeable and friendly staff. Two things of note if youve never been here: 1) Certain dishes do take longer than others (roasting a half-chicken is NOT a quick process, folks) so order accordingly, then order a drink and relax. Its all worth the wait. 2) Make a reservation, especially if you are coming in a group larger than two, as the space is very small — they are often solidly booked (yes, even on Mondays) — and the bar, which is quite comfortable and runs adjacent to the table area, is likely the only way youre going to get a seat if you DIDNT make a reservation. The menu has just enough options, in my opinion — there are some vegetarian choices and also a few meat dishes for you hardcore carnivores, but everything else features fish/seafood (the ceviche and boquerones are both exquisite). Most of the menu items are smaller plates, so you can try things you might not otherwise. Ive never been disappointed here, only impressed.
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Esther L.
Tried this on a summer night after a museum day. My favorite part was the seersucker pocketsquaresque napkins, and the cocktails. We were seated right away at the bar with no reservation. It was too crowded and too loud for a Chicago dinner. (Srsly... half of Dan the wine suppliers ass was on my barstool, but he and Kate made good on it by giving some awesome food recs in town). Around 8pm a huuuge party rolled in and the volume just escalated to beyond unpleasant... since everyone now had to yell to be heard. Food was okay. The standouts were the tempura avocado, and the 1/2 lb skewered shrimp. We also tried ceviche, fregola, boquerones... which were all so-so. Service was confused and disorganized, but im sure as its a new place theyll get it together soon. I would try this place again if im in the area and if they take out a few place settings so that im not eating off my neighbors plate or hearing about how hairy Jeffs back was. Fantabulous craft beer bar across the street!
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Virginia Chu
Small restaurant but everything is delicious. Theres usually seating at the bar for those walking in. Otherwise reservations are held with a credit card. The bread service is nice for groups since you can have unlimited bread. It does take a little time from when you ask since they toast the bread for you. Highly recommend the saffron toasted vermicelli noodles, squid ink tostada ceviche, as wells as the saffron rice seafood bowl. The menu does change on occasion.
KI
Kimberly Marquez
Went for dinner. Tip number one look at the specials board, there seems to be a good selection there beyond what is in the menu. You will need to order 2-4 plates each ranging lowest $10. Two if you are alone and double that if you are in pairs. The food is good, just the price points are a little high for items Ive had elsewhere that are better. Staff is also really helpful. Went in around 9PM on a Friday and there was no wait.
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Gene Murphy
Excellent dining experience. We sat at the bar and watch MaryAnn make us some really delicious cocktails. Ordered 4 different appetizers....all of them were spot on good, the ceviche and croquettes were my favorite. Shared an entree, the albondigas, which was delicious. Definitely coming back to this place next time I visit Chicago.
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Luis Bonet
Hidden gem of a restaurant. Healthy, fresh, TASTY, unique (mostly seafood) dishes. Short menu where all dishes are intended to be shared and are perfectly executed. Would definitely recommend the mussels and my girlfriend would urge you to order the ceviche. Well done MFK, keep it up!
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Woody Wolff
My favorite Chicago restaurant by far. Very intimate and its all about the food and drink. The food is very seafood focused but they always have a few good meat options. Drinks alone are worth coming for as well. You can tell there is real passion here.
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Fernando Garcia
Called and was told. "You dont need a reservation before 7pm. Drove in and arrived at 4pm to be received with the question "Do you have a reservation?" SMH So, tip of the day. Regardless of what they say. Make a reservation, or go elsewhere.
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Waltraud Beckmann
Food to remember. Each of the four dishes we shared were heavenly. Still thinking about them and the wonderful experience. Great passion in the air. I hope to get back to Chicago before the after taste wanes.
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Janice Espa
Sensational. Prawns with sobrasada, chilled cauliflower, seafood fideuà, green papaya salad & some txacolina to pair. Set up is small, intimate, service is efficient, helpful. Go, sit at the bar, and graze.
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Colin Rand
The prawns were seasoned shells, the goofy pallea I wouldnt feed to my dog, it takes them 40 minutes to make chicken, and they pout you at the bar because of it, while the tables are kept empty.
MA
Matt Moog
mfk is small, quiet, cool, great service and the food is fresh, flavorful and delicious. Our new favorite spot. Drinks are great too. Sitting at the bar for dinner is a fun casual way to go.
DA
Daniel Stoscup
Bit overpriced considering the portion sizes. Excellent bartender, server was not that friendly. Food was delicious though. Make sure to head across the street to Compass to finish your meal.
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Zachary Davis
Ive been here a half dozen times over the years since it opened. From major event celebrating to casual lunch, its been exquisite every time. My favorite restaurant in Chicago.
MA
Max Rothstein
Awesome place for tapas and mariscos in a relatively relaxed environment - their cocktails are also excellent. Definitely dont miss out on the mussels or scallops both amazing.
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John Osgood
Delicious food from start to finish with several interesting wines by the glass. Really fun place to share small plates and enjoy fresh and tasty Spanish inspired seafood.
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Judith Gold
Sari & Scott.... Wish we could eat at MFK every day! After our amazing dinner on July 4th, we cant wait to work our way through the rest of your menu! Congrats.
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Omar Montano
Just, WOW! This is definitely a Chicago must. Top notch sea food tapas. I cant say enough great things about this place. Staff is incredibly friendly as well.
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andrew antal
I love this place. Not your typical Spanish restaurant. Focus on Northern Coastal Spanish. Small but that adds to the experience. Great wait staff/service.
