"A Midsummer Day's Dream"

February 2, 2012

• communal seating

• Food: Decidedly Medditerranean, with an American slant
• Decor: Homey, light and bright
• Service: Attentive and helpful, if a bit slow
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Delicious hard apple ciders

Overview:

My husband and I were lucky enough to get a patio table in the middle of last summer; and boy was I glad for it.

I'm not a huge fan of the communal seating, especially when I can't sit next to my husband. And, when the already seated parties are also already shouting at each other. Oy vey.

Twelve minutes later, we sat outside in the glorious Chicago sun. I had a hard apple cider that blows most apples out of the water, (ok, it was two!) and the food started showing up.

Fries with a fried egg on top are frakking genius, as is squid ink pasta. I wish I had taken better notes, because we ate a bunch of plates I can't remember. Oh well, just have to go back next summer! lol

One of my culinary highlights for the year! Hands down.

Recommended Dishes:

Fried eggy fries

"Incredible Eats"

December 22, 2011

• Shared plates

• Food: Sharing plates, pork and oysters
• Decor: Rustic, pig pens!
• Service: Perfect
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great

Overview:

Oh my god the Pork Belly. That's all I have to say...end of review.

Ok ok, this place was incredible. The interior is cool, definitely different, but the food really is the star. A friend and I had early reservations, so the server was able to hang out a bit and really go through the menu with us. We decided on the Bouchot Mussels and the Baccala Crostini- both great. The mussels were amazing, especially while dipping the rustic bread in the broth. We also shared the Pork Belly, and by "sharing" I mean I secretly resented my friend for having any access to this amazing plate of pork. I've been thinking about it since, and am definitely going back soon for more!

*Went back for brunch Sunday of New Years weekend and was just as impressed as with dinner! We ordered drinks, the Bouchot mussels again, maple-glazed pork shoulder, hoppin' john, red-wine poached eggs, and bucatini alla carbonara. Everything was fantastic, and the Publican bacon was decadent, thick cut and rich. The crowd was fun, there was a lot of dancing going on- blowing off some extra New Years steam I guess! I absolutely love this place!

Recommended Dishes:

Pork Belly. Bouchot Mussels. Publican Bacon.

"Meat/Seafood eater's delight!"

December 9, 2011

• community dining

• Food: American, plates to share
• Decor: communal dining
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: excellent wine and beer list

Overview:

Publican is a very cool space and definitely great option for a group of people. The plates are all intended to share and there is something for everyone. We sat at the long community table, but hope to sit at one of the "pig pen" booths next time. One of my favorite things about the seats is that they have a small shelf under each chair for your purse! BRILLIANT!

My favorite thing we got was the goat sausage. Comes with apples drizzled in a delciious sauce and really has an amazing mixture of flavors. So good.
Loved the beet salad, which is beautifully prepared and very tasty. We also had the brussel sprouts, which are prepared more like a salad and very different, but fantatsic taste.

GREAT restaraunt and I look forward to coming back again soon!

Recommended Dishes:

Goat sausage, oysters, beet salad

"One of my favorites"

August 22, 2011

• Food: Tapas
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great beer selection

Overview:

Excellent food, service, and beer

Recommended Dishes:

Blood Sausage

"One of my favorites"

August 22, 2011

• Food: Tapas
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great beer selection

Overview:

Excellent food, service, and beer

Recommended Dishes:

Blood Sausage

"All around wonderful"

July 19, 2011

• Community at it's best

• Food: American
• Decor: Lively
• Service: Excellent
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Delicious and reasonably priced (huge beer list)

Overview:

I really love the Publican. I have now tried almost every menu item and none of them have disappointed. Each dish is flavorful and beautifully presented. My advice - go with a group - and try one of everything!

Service is great (aside from one moderately cranky bartender in the waiting area...).

I love the communal table, but I was also able to sit in one of the 'jails' as we called it. It was so much fun to also sit in one fo the booths as you feel like you are part of a fun party, but can talk to your group and spy on the scene at the restaurant.

This is a great spot to take out of towners as well - to give them a good feel for the unique Chicago dining scene.

Recommended Dishes:

Everything

"Believe the hype."

April 10, 2011

• Food: Pork-a-palooza
• Decor: Big, bright, loud, but classy.
• Service: Wonderful
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great beer and wine selection.

Overview:

Hands-down, the best meal you will ever have from inside a hog pen (seriously, the hog pens are part of the decor). The Publican is the love child of uber-chef Paul Kahan (Blackbird, Avec), and chef de cuisine Brian Huston. The simple "beer, oysters, and pork" concept, fresh ingredients, skillful execution, generous portions, and friendly service make Publican a Chicago-foodie favorite. In my experience, the food is always great, the "scene" is always fun, and I always try to eat too much. Buy the kitchen a 6 pack (which is an option on the menu) and reap the rewards!

Recommended Dishes:

Pork rinds, oysters, cassoulet, Charcuterie. Anything "pig."

"Pork, Pork, Pork (and Beer)"

March 29, 2011

• Communal Table

• Food: All pork, all the time
• Decor: Communal dining tables
• Service: Well informed, friendly
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Great place to go with friends if you are looking for something different and delicious. Went with a group of 8 and were seated at one end of a large communal table. It was a bit tight, but made for a loud, fun atmosphere.

Great beer selection and all of the food was fantastic. They recommend sharing and I would as well because you are going to want to try everything that comes out of the kitchen. Also do not skip the Chartuterie Plate - might have been the highlight of the night.

Recommended Dishes:

Charcuterie Plate

"I love pork!!!"

February 2, 2011

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

OMG!!! The BACON!!! Okay, I officially have a new favorite for brunch!! Decided to go here for brunch on Sunday after had to cancel night prior's dinner reservation and all I can say is I can't wait to try out the dinner menu now! It was very busy but the service was still prompt and efficient. The bloody Mary was awesome, and I loved the pickled cauliflower addition! Their take on eggs benedict with eggs poached in red wine was incredible and I loved that it was on a slice of rustic bread rather than a soggy muffin! And again... the BACON!! Seriously delicious! Hoping my enthusiasm continues after I try dinner!

Recommended Dishes: