Atelier’s Michelin-starred tasting room has resurfaced in a larger Lincoln Square home at 4544 N. Western Avenue, swapping its tight original quarters for an easier-going dining room plus a fresh bar and lounge. Owner Tim Lacey is still running the show with executive chef Bradyn Kawcak in charge of the kitchen, and the reworked space now fits up to 36 guests between the dining room, bar, and lounge. The tasting format remains by the course, leaning into locavore ingredients with pronounced Meso American influences and a few global detours.
In a Dec. 1 review, critic Karin McKie dubbed the lineup a “Meso American (and more) foodie feast,” calling out highlights like an infladita gobernador, kampachi crudo, miso butter poached Lake Superior walleye, and a bison teres major. As detailed by Third Coast Review, the meal moves from a lively Larder section into a Kitchen sequence of richer, more textural plates before wrapping with whimsical pantry desserts.
What you'll eat
Atelier’s posted tasting menu opens with a Larder section titled “Viva Mexico,” featuring escabeche con nopales, aguachile with kampachi, an infladita gobernador topped with salsa macha and pipián, and carnitas tacos arabes. The Kitchen portion lists a kale course with puffed rice, marraqueta bread service, buckwheat crepe walleye with rutabaga and kimchi, a bison dish, and a parmesan focaccia foie gras, followed by a pantry finish of sorbets and an opera cake. The full course lineup, pricing, and pairing options are laid out on Atelier’s menu.
Drinks and pairings
Beverage director Ali Martin is behind curated pairings that spotlight mostly female producers along with offbeat labels such as Ashanta Wines, Responsible Hedonist, and Hirsch Vineyards, according to Third Coast Review. The same review walks through specific wine matches and an herbal Spanish sherry pairing for the pantry course, underlining how every step of the tasting has been considered.
Why the move mattered
The relocation grew out of a community and investor push that helped the team land a more visible storefront and the room to expand service. Block Club Chicago documented the fundraising campaign that made the move possible, while Eater Chicago reported that the restaurant began soft openings in October as the team wrapped up installs and inspections.
Reservations, hours and dietary notes
Reservations run through Resy, and the tasting menu comes with optional wine and sommelier pairings at the restaurant’s published rates. Atelier’s reservations page notes a six person maximum for private parties and explains that the kitchen can accommodate vegetarian and pescatarian diners with 48 hours’ notice, but is currently unable to provide vegan or dairy free menus. The restaurant’s contact page lists the new address and phone number for private event inquiries.
Starred status and takeaway
Atelier’s cooking has been recognized in the Michelin Guide with a one star listing in 2023, 2024 and 2025, which makes this larger Lincoln Square chapter a rare neighborhood setting for a full scale tasting menu experience. For the guide’s official listing and inspector notes, visit the restaurant’s Michelin Guide profile.
