Schwa: User Reviews

As an early supporter of the restaurant pre-closing, I was looking forward to finally getting the chance to return to [the new] Schwa.

Unfortunately I had a family emergency and was unable to make my scheduled reservation. I called to reschedule within the restaurant's stated cancellation timeframe, and when after many attempts I got through to a person and asked to reschedule, all I got was a "thank you" and then silence on the line. I called back, assuming the person thought I merely wanted to cancel, and when I explained that I would like to reschedule, I was informed that I could call back another time and leave a message. Given the restaurant's notorious always-full voicemail box, I can assume what that means.

I have always been much more about food than service and had always forgiven Schwa's reservation mess as a result of their small and low-key operation, but it is difficult to forgive outright insults. There are amazing restaurants in the city that are happy to take a reservation without childish game playing.

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We went to Schwa for a celebratory birthday dinner with a few friends - 4 of us in total. We heard great things and read wonderful reviews online. Unfortuntely, the birthday boy has been sick almost since we left. Thank goodness we only got the 3-course meal and not the $110, 9 course meal. I am actually appalled at the cost of the 3-course meal ($55) for the amount of food that was actually brought to our table, very small dishes, all very eclectic and, frankly, a challenge to eat. We eat out a ton and always appreciate and often find fabulous meals. Not here. Additionally, we had to ask for wine refills several times because they kept our opened bottles in the kitchen. Take your money elsewhere!

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Half the negative reviews on the first page of this site are from people who have never been to Schwa. This is not appropriate -- whine somewhere else about that issue. The food here is sublime. There is intellect and seriousness about what is served. They are not doing pirouettes of service -- they are making amazing food for you. The complaints about the service miss the point of this place. They don't want to be obsequious and they don't have to be. I think a part of the problem is that some of the people who went here are uncomfortable with a different kind of fine dining -- one that they are unfamiliar with. The service is not fawning, it is matter of fact, sometimes brusque (getting people to eat pad that made out of jelly fish can probably be a bit hard). Get over it; change things up. If you have a curious and open mind, brave the wait and go.

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The food is morphing into Alinea-style stuff -- becoming both overly eccentric and miniscule. There were four of us who dined there recently (none of us for the first time) and afterward we went out for some espresso as they still don't serve coffee. Three of the four offhandedly ordered double-scoops of gelatto with their coffees. That just shouldn't be possible or even probable after a $105 umpteen-course meal. (And no, we're not "big" people.) The service was also an unpleasant surprise, in that it now borders on rude. I think their ego's are getting a little too big for the place. I won't return.

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Friday night was my first visit to Schwa and it was the most enjoyable dining experience for us in several years. They run the place on their terms and crank out amazing flavors and creations. The staff was friendly and spot on. I feel sorry for the people that mock the way these guys run their restaurant. Four stars gentlemen...well done.

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I think it should be addressed that this place is TOUGH to get into. Busy phone lines, full mailbox and a very tiny dining room. But WOW, the reviews below are not even about the restaurant they are about hard feeling because they could not get a reservation.
My night was filled with wonderful and innovativeflavors and presentations. I loved every bite.

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Some things never change -- voicemail box is full, you can't reach anybody for reservation... Is Schwa even open? I look forward to hearing about Schwa's permanent final curtain!

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That is all I am saying. Doesn't bode well for the customer service end, which is as important as the rumored food.
I'm already tired of trying to eat there.

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Schwa is one of the reasons that Chicago is a great place to "live". When I say live I don't mean reside, I mean getting your arse off of the couch and out of the door to hear a new band, or see a production, or in this case visit a tremendous restaurant. Schwa is something very special. I am not a food expert, I just love experiencing as many new interesting places as possible. I have hit every one of the "greats", in this city and elsewhere, and I have yet to experience something like I just did at Schwa. Very relaxed atmosphere, yet the service was extremely attentive and prompt. We did the 9 course which ended up being 12 as they added a few extras, most of the courses were great, some were exceptional. Michael Carlson and his team are literally making history here, and they are doing it in a very laid back and comfortable way that should be experienced by everyone.

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I have attempted 5 times to obtain a reservation. I have left 3 messages on the voice mail and were told it would be returned in 48 hours- no such luck. I have made 2 attempts in which the voice mail was full.
Can't help but to assume this poor service at the onset would trasfer over to into the dining experience.

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