Schwa
Chicago, IL 60622-2263
Phone: (773) 252-1466
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Le Moyne Street
- Directions:
- El: Blue Line to Division; bus: 9 to Le Moyne St; 72 to Ashland Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 5:30pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Schwa – by John Gerard McLaughlin
The Scene
The restaurant's gritty surroundings and drawn shades read "Out of Business," but an intimate interior awaits. White linens top 10 cozy tables, crystal chandeliers hang in the two window niches, and the walls and tin ceiling glow a warm light green. Hip-hop beats coming from a semi-open kitchen rock the chefs and keep diners on low-key groove.
The Food
Chefs Michael Carlson and Nathan Klingbail emphasize organic ingredients and local growers on their seasonal menu of contemporary American dishes. Table conversation ultimately focuses on the presentation and ambitious flavors, beginning with the plump quail egg-filled ravioli in brown butter and sage sauce. For taste, there's the crunchy and subtly sweet pistachio crust of the monkfish, thanks to a butternut squash ragout and handy swoop of cranberry. For art, there's the vertical band of braised pork belly and sliced tenderloin climbing whimsically onto the shelf of a Villeroy and Boch plate.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe restaurant is B.Y.O.B., so diners on a budget can splurge on the food and not the beverages.
Where to SitFoodies will want the table next to the large open window overlooking the tidy kitchen
The ExtrasThe $85 per person tasting menu consists of an eight- to 12-course sampling of the entire menu.
User Reviews for Schwa
05/20/2007 Posted by ange83
I must preface my review, I came to Schwa for the first time in fall of 2006--I went w/ 3 friends (we're all early 20s) and fell in love w/ the atmosphere, music, gorgeous staff (I think at the time just the chef plus two), byob aspect and obviously the food. Every one of the 9 courses was delicious and innovative, minus the dessert which seems to be the trend. Although there was a truffle milkshake that I can't be to harsh about. I could not wait to go back. I returned early this year, the menu was now $105 and there were some additional bodies in the back. The food just wasn't reminiscent of my first visit, the menu changed but most dishes were hits or misses. More misses than hits unfortunately for me. And I had to leave abruptly due to some stomach rumblings--long story short my second experience has ended my love affair w/ Schwa.
04/30/2007 Posted by selvaggia
I dined at Schwa shortly after it opened and had a fantastic experience. The food was delicious and inventive. I was hoping to go back for a special occasion and tried to make a reservation six weeks in advance. I was told I was first on the wait list. When I called the day before I was to dine, I was very abruptly cut off and told, "we'll call you tomorrow if there's a spot." It seemed strange to me that after six weeks of remaining on the wait list, they couldn't tell me if someone had canceled. Wanting to make alternative plans if need be, I asked what time they thought they would call. The response was, "I don't know. In the afternoon." No one ever called the next day. While some may focus solely on the quality of food, I believe my money is for both the food and the service. Based on this aloof attitude that seems to have developed along with Schwa's success, I will never go back. There is better food and far better service in Chicago.
Pros: Unique and delicious food
Cons: Horrible service far outweighs the value of the food
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