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Fly Through The Warbler, Lincoln Square’s Breezy New Spot From Gather

The restaurant/bar opens on Tuesday in Lincoln Square

The Warbler
Barry Brecheisen
Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

When The Warbler debuts on Tuesday, it will be the third restaurant/bar to open in the same Lincoln Square space in the last decade. But unlike the last two endeavors which shared the same ownership, the new entry is backed by the crew behind Gather, the neighboring popular restaurant that opened in 2012. Ken Carter — a chef who’s worked at Charlie Trotter’s — and business partner David Breo are determined to restore the luster at the former Bad Dog Tavern/Mash space at 4535 N. Lincoln Avenue by giving the neighborhood another restaurant that locals can brag about.

The new ownership have gutted the space, allowing more light to pass through. This transforms the insides of the former sports bar. Customers will be more prone to actually want to stay around and enjoy a full meal. The decor’s been upgraded and it feels more chic.

The space’s 100-seat patio is one of The Warbler’s biggest assets. When that partially-covered space opens later this year, one of the neighborhood’s most-popular places to drink outdoors will be back in action. By adding Carter’s culinary muscle, it won’t be just for drinks. Lincoln Square will have a bright new al fresco experience.

Check out the photos below. The Warbler opens on Tuesday.

The front facade has been remodeled.
Barry Brecheisen
No, that’s not the Twitter logo.
This is the third iteration of the space since 2008.
The U-shaped bar has 19 seats.
This is what visitors will see when the enter and turn to their right.
There’s another seven seats at the bar.
The Warbler is named after a bird.
The space has been gutted and it’s much brighter.
The art is consistent with the restaurant’s name.
The main dining room is now comfortable enough for diners to have a full meal.
Hanging planters are a nice touch.
Another shot of the main dining area.
Keep the hallway clear for servers.
Leather booths line the wall.
The windows open up for a nice breeze.
A close-up of the books and plates on the back wall’s shelf.
This room could double as a space for private events.
Through the window, visitors can see what will eventually become a remodeled patio.
The backroom keeps the exposed brick.

The Warbler

4535 North Lincoln Avenue, , IL 60625 (773) 681-0950 Visit Website