I do feel bad nitpicking about this though-because again, it is a nice thought and I'm sure most people love it. Also, it does make it a little awkward for people who don't drink. This is very nice-and who wouldn't like that, right? I'm going to sound like a killjoy, but honestly I found it way too sweet and it's not how I wanted to start an elegant steak dinner. They give you a complementary cocktail when you arrive at your table. There are also great windows with nice views and they spared no expense on the finishes. There's so much going on-you see the open kitchen, they have a wine cellar with a private demonstration going on, the upstairs bar is happening. It's hard not to get energized by the exciting vibe. Also everyone looks great in candlelight-so that's a bonus! It's bustling with beautiful people on dates, rich tourists, and expense account types. The restaurant is still stunning inside! It's dimly lit with many candelabras and romantic candlesticks burning on the tables (I honestly don't know how it passes fire codes-but it looks awesome). So even though we were there first, the other parties got to exit the elevator before us and we had to wait for all of them to check in before we could do our (second) check in. Incidentally, my party got to the elevator first and then a couple large parties entered the elevator after us. Then they tell you to go all the way to the back and you have to take an elevator up to level 3 and check in again at the host stand upstairs (they may tell you at this point that your table is still not ready-despite your reservation-and you can wait or have a drink at the bar). Why can't they at least put a couple good steaks on the menu? -You have to check in first at host stand downstairs (not to be confused with outside host stand for patio restaurant). You can get the full menu on the patio at places like Gibson's and Chicago Cut. I understand they treat it as a separate restaurant-but this obviously confuses and annoys a lot of people. The only steak you could get was steak frites-obviously not what we want at a steakhouse. It was a beautiful night and we wanted to sit outside, however we were told that the menu was completely different for the patio. On the second visit, unfortunately there were some issues. On the first visit, I found the place to be spectacular-great food, fantastic service, and extremely swanky digs. I've actually been twice now to Maple & Ash and I had very different experiences both times. I would not go here for a romantic evening, but definitely if you want to dress up and go with a group for a spectacular meal! At times, it was hard to talk or hear my dinner companions. Dessert was coconut cream pie and bombe (chocolate dessert) - excellent (and I am very picky about desserts)! My only complaint is that is is quite loud and busy in the restaurant. We also had the following sides: charred sweet corn, asparagus, creamed spinach, mac & cheese and yukon gold gratin - all were very good. My husband thought the ribeye was quite good, but perhaps not worth the price tag. My brother-in-law had to send back the ribeye because it was not originally cooked the way he wanted, but they accommodated his request immediately. This is what we had for entrees: halibut, branzino, ricotta agnolotti, and grass fed Painted Hill Farm bone-in ribeye. We started with the seafood tower, which was pretty impressive. Food, service and ambience were all pretty amazing. We were visiting from out of town and went there with family to help celebrate my daughter's birthday and it was excellent. If you want to dress up for a special evening with a group of friends or family (and have the money to spend), this is the place to be. Maple & Ash is a beautiful space filled with beautiful people.
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