The Warbler Holds Grand Opening In Lincoln Square

CHICAGO, IL — Chef Ken Carter and Restaurateur David Breo of Gather opened The Warbler Tuesday, a neighborhood restaurant that brings elevated comfort food to Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood at 4535 N. Lincoln Avenue. Named after the Midwestern-migrating bird known for congregating in large groups, The Warbler aims to be a sun-filled gathering place for both locals and visitors.

“Diners can expect the same heartfelt welcome and satisfying food they have come to know and love at Gather, with a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere,” said Breo.

The Warbler’s menu, crafted by Chef Carter, will offer a wide range of options, promising to be the "perfect fix for any occasion." Carter will bring the same food philosophy he’s perfected at Gather—high quality ingredients and simple flavors, prepared with advanced techniques—and expand on it.

“The Warbler will allow my team and I to spread our wings a bit more (pun intended) and create a larger menu,” said Carter. “In addition to being much larger, our state of the art kitchen also includes a top of the line pasta extruder and brick lined oven for flatbreads and an extensive fresh baked bread program while offering more room to experiment with a variety of influences and ingredients.”

Diners looking for a quick bite can share a selection of salads, like the Ancient Grains Salad with Freekah, Pomelo, Sherry Gastrique and Rosemary Crumble; appetizers, including Korean Style Chicken Wings with Tamarind Glaze and Baked Mussels with fresh-baked country bread; or a rotating selection of seasonal flatbreads such as Curry with Roasted Mushrooms and Ricotta and Italian Sausage with Garlic Soubise.

Diners who are interested in a heartier meal can enjoy speciality pastas such as the Risotto with Butternut Squash in Cardoon Cream or the artisanal Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, or larger format entrees like chef’s Cedar Roasted Salmon or juicy cheeseburger.

Conceptualized by Chicago-based SPACE Architects + Planners, The Warbler’s design is inspired by the 19th century German-English agricultural community that was prominent in Lincoln Square at the time. The space features a color palette of earthy neutrals, highlighted with natural light from The Warbler's many windows and attached greenhouse patio. The style is decidedly historic, yet modern—the perfect backdrop for a comfortable, neighborhood mainstay.

The 40 seat private dining room will open directly to a private patio, creating an indoor/outdoor experience, perfect for any weather. Opening in early summer, the 120 seat patio, located right on the Lincoln Avenue thoroughfare, will mimic the restaurant interior with an abundance of greenery and comfortable seating to be enjoyed during Chicago’s warmer months.

The Warbler will open its doors at 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.

Image via Google Maps Streetview