Ok, so this question is obviously for people familiar with Chicago. I am looking for a romantic/nice restaurant to take my girlfriend to before we go out on New Year's. Last year we went to Crofton on Wells, and it was excellent. Any Chicagoans with suggestions?

This is merely a coincidence (my initials are mk) but the restaurant 'mk' is excellent. I took my gf there last year for her b-day and she loved it. The menu is upscale, but not extravagant. You don't feel overwhelmed by pretentiousness, which is nice. It's near Wells and Chicago.

MK is a dive in the middle of the ghetto

check out www.metromix.com

a new one by my place is Carnaval, a party atmosphere that seems like it would be a blast for new yrs. It the old Drink

if you want a nice quiet dinner, Bella Notte might be the best romantic home cooked italian food in the city.

We actually just went to Carnaval last weekend. My gf loved it. Im looking for a quiet/romantic place before we go out and party. I'll look into Bella Notte.

Um, you're joking, right?

Um....no. go walk i block west across Orleans and see if you come back.

go buy a coke at Munchies on the corner......i dare you

do you think japonais is ghetto as well? that's even further west.

p.s. i live 3 blocks from mk.

but Japonese is on a busy st. head up north from Japonese on Larabie, walk all the way to division, its quite nice.

I just don't want Hoosier to get the wrong impression. mk is neither a dive nor is it in the ghetto. michael kornick is one of the best chefs in chicago. here's phil vittel's review:

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/dining/...0,3878900.story

How does Morton's rate on your scales? Its not super spendy but quality food. Thier Blue Crab cakes are freakin amazing. Then a chocolate souffle for desert YUMMS.

I think Morton's has the best steaks in the city. Better than Gibson's.

steaks = Gene and Georgetti's

that would be a nice spot for you and the honey

I enjoy Hugo's Frog Bar on Rush. Gibson's is good, also on Rush, more expensive more formal, the same exact steak. Nummy. Hugos and Gibsons are not quiet though.