Fine-dining restaurant Atelier quickly outgrew its original brick-and-mortar after its 2023 debut. Opened under the helm of chef Christian Hunter (who is debuting his new solo concept, Hooligan, at Time Out Market Chicago), Atelier earned a Michelin star within its first year of service. After Hunter’s departure last year, executive chef Bradyn Kawcak (Elizabeth) retained the star during the same year Atelier was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant.
The restaurant has been closed since July while owner Tim Lacy sought a space larger than the 22-seater they opened two years ago. Thanks to a crowdfunding campaign that raised a whopping $500,000, Lacy’s team was able to renovate a 1,800-square-foot space at 4544 N. Western Ave., just a few blocks down from Atelier’s former location.
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The 36-seat restaurant opens its doors on Friday, Oct. 10, offering Kawcak’s inventive small plates, like rabbit liver mousse served with apricot preserves and sourdough, and orecchiette with retired dairy cow sugo, gremolata frico, parmesan and white truffles. Atelier will serve zero-proof drinks while it waits for its liquor license to take effect, at which point diners can indulge in a selection of cocktails crafted with leftover kitchen ingredients and eclectic wines highlighting female producers.
"Since the beginning, our goal has been for Atelier to be a welcoming, friendly neighborhood place where guests can enjoy Michelin-caliber cuisine," Lacey says. "I’ve lived in Lincoln Square for over 20 years, and the support we’ve received from the local community throughout the last few months has been overwhelming. We can’t wait for our new and returning guests to experience what we have in store for the future of Atelier."
During this soft-opening stage, Atelier will be open from 5-9pm for walk-ins only. And while the restaurant is not serving alcohol, BYOB is encouraged.