Before the cocktails arrive or the first plate leaves the kitchen, Wayward quietly tells you who they are. Printed on the back of the menu is a simple page titled Places We Adore—not a list of awards or accolades, but a tribute to the restaurants and chefs who inspire them. It's an unexpectedly humble gesture that sets the tone for everything that follows.

Led by Executive Chef CJ Kahley, Wayward blurs the lines between Korean, Japanese, Latin, and French influences without ever feeling forced. Every dish challenges expectations while remaining deeply personal, reflecting a chef whose greatest inspiration isn't trends—it's curiosity, travel, and human connection.

From inventive cocktails inspired by Spaghetti Westerns to unforgettable dishes like the Bone Marrow Poutine, Pork Belly Tacos, and the communal Taco Board, Wayward isn't simply serving dinner—it's inviting guests to gather, question expectations, and linger a little longer.

More than a restaurant, Wayward is a story of reinvention, generosity, and fearless creativity—proof that sometimes the boldest thing you can create isn't a new dish, but a new version of yourself.

Chef Anthony Apolinar isn’t your average culinary leader.  This humble chef brings a deep passion for food and a commitment to fresh, from-scratch cooking to Keeler's Neighborhood Steakhouse.