Schwa Restaurant

"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

"Once known as “the most revolutionary restaurant in America,” Schwa has held onto its Michelin star since 2011. Chef-owner Michael Carlson continues to serve what is described on Tock as a “fucking mind-blowing menu” in the same tiny space in Wicker Park. Reservations are still scarce, and liquor is still BYOB." - Eater Staff

"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 $165 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

"Schwa is known for its excellent food and unconventional atmosphere. This place is one of the best tasting menu spots in the city, but to call it casual is an understatement—the chefs serve you, you’re probably going to hear at least one f-bomb, and the bathroom is located in the tiny kitchen. Plus, it’s BYOB. So plan on bringing enough drinks to go with a roughly three-hour-long meal. If you want to look like a regular, go ahead and bring extra for the staff. " - josh barnett, adrian kane, john ringor

"Imagine your friends won’t answer your calls, don’t care about your feelings, and are generally unconcerned with your needs. Now imagine those friends are some kick-ass chefs who let you come to their restaurant, bring your own booze, drink as much as you want, and serve you the culinary creations that only eight-pound six-ounce omnipotent baby Jesus himself could concoct. Welcome to Schwa, where the small team of chefs share all the duties in the restaurant. They may not actually be our friends, but that’s the feeling we get when we walk in the door. Schwa offers a bit of everything, including some molecular gastronomy, a fun atmosphere, a rotating tasting menu, and great music. Don’t overlook the music. Name another restaurant where you can eat quail egg ravioli with truffle while listening to rap, hip-hop, and metal, because you can’t. It’s a 12-course $165-$195 tasting menu, and is also BYOB, so feel free to bring an abundance of whatever your preferred drink of choice is to accompany the progression of dishes and lengthy meal (plan for about three hours). 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 yes, the table next to you is now taking shots with one of the chef that just brought you some pancakes. Stop at your local liquor store before heading this way because there isn’t a convenient one near the restaurant, and while it’s not necessary, it certainly doesn’t hurt to bring the chefs a six-pack or bottle of whisky, should you so choose. Whatever you decide, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Food Rundown Movie Snacks Pizza cotton candy. Popcorn drink. “Nacho.” A sophisticated take on some childhood favorites. Use your imagination. Quail Egg Ravioli There’s a reason this seems to be the only standing dish on a constantly changing menu – it’s that good. There’s also a reason you don’t get any silverware with it. You’re not allowed to use any. Lobster Picture tea and crumpets with the Queen of England turned into a lobster dish. Perfectly cooked, butter poached lobster, with lavender biscuits and some serious floral tastes. Elk Sniped From a Helicopter No, but really, that was the description. Elk is a lean meat, and it’s delicious. So give it a shot (not literally) if you’ve never had it before." - Sam Faye