Schwa Restaurant
New American restaurant · Wicker Park ·
Inventive tasting menus served in an unpretentious, intimate space
Inventive tasting menus served in an unpretentious, intimate space
"Year after year, like a punky teenager who refuses to grow up, this restaurant sticks to its guns with no servers, rap music booming overhead, and wildly imaginative, over-the-top cooking. Its divisiveness and fiercely independent spirit are memorable. As for what might come out of this kitchen, it’s anybody’s guess. How about gumbo but serve it chilled, aerated, and with a blue crab chip dotted with hoja santa aioli? A flaky, buttery cinnamon tart shell could arrive filled with foie gras ice cream and apples. Medallions of quail might be dusted in jerk seasoning and plated with onion rings and candied guava. Ever had a milk bun dusted in powdered mustard? At the meal’s end, the chefs may offer you a shot of whiskey. Have at it." - The MICHELIN Guide
"Schwa is not only one of the best restaurants in Wicker Park—it also happens to be one of the most unique dining experiences in Chicago. For a long time, they only accepted reservations by phone, but now they’ll let you reserve a table online. Once you’re there, you can expect an incredible 12-course tasting menu set to a soundtrack of independent hip hop, as well as a fun environment. Bonus: It’s BYOB." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor
"Schwa is making po’boys and offering curbside delivery." - adrian kane
"This tasting menu spot doesn’t have a team of servers in uniform, wine pairings, or a hushed atmosphere filled with couples who just dusted off their anniversary outfits. It’s a BYOB place in Wicker Park that serves an incredible 14-course dinner for $175 set to the soundtrack of alt hip-hop. The chefs are also the servers, and they’ll casually drop foie gras pancakes in a raisin-miso broth on the table as if they aren’t about to change your life. The restaurant is tiny, the bathroom is in the center of the kitchen, and speaking of the kitchen, yes, the table next to you just gave them a six-pack. The food is phenomenal, with just enough molecular gastronomy to let you know whoever’s cooking can’t be that drunk. Expect to be offered shots of whiskey at the end of your meal." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"A low-fi Michelin-starred restaurant where there’s no delineation between the back and front of the houses, Schwa has a habit of sparking vigorous discussion. While Schwa isn’t quite as wild as it was in the early years, the restaurant retains a rebellious streak in the fine dining world." - Ashok Selvam