Schwa

Schwa is a tasting-menu restaurant at 1466 N Ashland Ave in Wicker Park, run by chef and proprietor Michael Carlson since 2005. The menu changes with the seasons, and the cooks serve the courses themselves because the restaurant has no front-of-house staff, according to the Michelin Guide. Schwa held one Michelin star in the 2024 and 2025 Chicago guides. Dinner is by reservation, and guests bring their own wine or beer.

What to know

• Carlson was named a Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2006, according to the restaurant.
• The Jean Banchet Award for rising chef of the year went to Carlson in 2007.
• GQ called Schwa “The Most Revolutionary Restaurant In America” in 2009.
• The Infatuation describes a 12-course tasting menu.
• Michelin lists a price of about $150 per person.