The PublicanUpscale family-style diningWe would have liked to sit in a booth, but even though they were mostly empty when we arrived, we were informed they must be reserved ahead. Lesson learned. The long tables would be great for groups. The restaurant is noisy, but we were still able to talk. I really liked the fact that sharing is encouraged, as the food is all interesting. Service was slow because it was Mother's Day, but we were actually glad not to be rushed, and our waiter was terrific.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBest brunch definitely warrantedIt is always tough to live up to the hype, but Publican's Sunday Brunch does just that! Wowed by every aspect - execution, variety, creativity, service, we could go on and on!!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMSolid brunch spotThe Publican is a great spot for brunch (and I'm sure other meals as well); the atmosphere is lively and cozy. The oysters were fantastic, and the Bloody Marys come with a small beer to chase which was quite interesting. The braised pork shoulder was so-so; the curry was not as flavorful as it could have been. I would recommend the maple-cured bacon (delicious) and the tartuffe eggs (so fluffy and perfect for brunch!). They are generous with coffee refills and all in all, a great experience.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFor those in the know, orderingFor those in the know, ordering is the key to getting the best experience at Publican. Order the largest dish first, as these take the longest and normally arrive after you are too full of the many smaller bites to fully appreciate them.
Also, the 3 hams is an amazing sampler of the extremely thin and pleasingly salty cured hams.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDeliciousHusband and I went for a late-night dinner after going to the theater and loved it. Food was interesting and delicious, beer selection was fantastic, and service was really good. The only nitpicky problem we had was the inconsistency in the volume of the music and the overall noise level. It's a very open space, and the tables/seats are close together, which already lends itself to an above-average, but not intolerable, level of noise, but the fact that the music would go from soft to loud and back again without warning was kind of odd. Regardless, I would highly recommend Publican and would visit again next time we're in town.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ambiance and foodLoved the asparagus and the bread pudding. The ham entree was pretty good, but the rib-eye that the couple next to us ordered (and let us taste) was by far superior.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBalance and ExecutionThe flavors in each dish were perfectly balanced and each element was well-executed.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMVery Good BrunchI took a friend to a pre-Cubs game birthday brunch. The gouda omelet with mushrooms and asparagus was outstanding. The veggies came with the omelet, as opposed to inside it, which was great and the cheese was in every bite! The bacon is to die for. The wine poached eggs are a little too strong of the wine flavor for my tastes. We also had the pretzel with pimiento cheese as a tasty appetizer. We took a sticky bun to the game to enjoy later - tasty. The waiter was great (sorry, I don't recall his name).5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for lunch and it wasWe went for lunch and it was great! Delicious and original brunch options. It was a bit loud though, couldn't talk too much.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMLike London's Smithfield Market...sAte at The Publican with three friends for brunch over the weekend. The area, restaurant and ambiance was nearly identical to London's Smithfield Market, particularly Smith's of Smithfield. We each enjoyed a fantastic bloody mary to start, followed by a range of wonderfully cooked dishes (flatbread, ham, fried quail with mashed potato). Sides like the bacon, sour cream coffee cake and hash browns were very good indeed. We left feeling totally full and happy. Only minor gripe was that sitting outside was a tad chilly and perhaps lifting the awning would have allowed the sun to warm us a bit. Otherwise service was excellent and friendly.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreatest meal my Fiancé and I had!My fiancé and I came here on a Thursday night and let me tell you, we were blown away by the amazing atmosphere, wonderful food, large selection of wine and beers and unique items on the menu! It was fun, energetic, the staff is super friendly- we would go back in a heart beat!!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMPublicanSecond time I've been there and as before the meal offerings make for a unique experience. Excellent selection of Belgian Trappist beers. Service was always present and not in my face as I am not a big fan of the service person who feels like they have to join you for the meal.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe BestI love The Publican- it's become our go-to dinner spot for clients and new employees to really showcase the amazing food scene in Chicago. The menu changes seasonally but everything is always delicious- you really can't go wrong with any item. Our vegan and vegetarian friends also love coming because the kitchen is so thoughtful and flexible in creating AMAZING veggie plates that are so good sometimes I contemplate just lying and saying I'm vegan, too.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMNice spot in Fulton MarketMade a reservation 3 weeks before I made my trip to Chicago, and I was really looking forward to it.
Place was boppin' by the time I got there around 7+pm, and we managed to take a seat outside. Service was prompt and server was very friendly. She also made good recommendations on the food.
We had the pork rinds (delish), a dozen oysters (slurp), and the pork belly (oh, the sauce!) to share. The craft beer list is great too, and the ones we picked out went really well with the meal. Great vibe in the midst of the meatpacking district, comes highly recommended!4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMBruch is Good, Dinner was BetterI have been here twice before for dinner but this was the first time for brunch. Overall everything was very good. The pork products (brown sugar ham and publican bacon) were outstanding. The pretzel and pimento cheese was good but nothing special. My only complaint would be some of the eggs were not quite cooked to temp. Many of them were closer to over hard or hard boiled instead of over medium and soft poached. I would definitely go back for brunch.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was good, but notThe food was good, but not the best that I've ever had. I was very let down by the quality of their duck preparation. The duck had relativly no flavor and the dandelion greens it was served with were so fiberous and very difficult to eat. We had the ham sampler and pork rindes which were very tasty, but the best part was the waffle we had for dessert! It was by far the best I had every had. I would definately go back to try something else. Fantastic beer selection as well.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply amazingAmazing food. Had one of the best steaks I've ever experienced before and the suckling pig was to die for!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Publican was our favoriteThe Publican was our favorite restaurant of our Chicago trip. We had a hard time picking dishes because everything sounded so good. We ended up getting a bunch and splitting which worked out great. The beer selection was fantastic.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGo! Now!Just great. One of the best meals I've had in a long time. Great spot to go with a few friends to share everything on the table.
Good beer list, unbelievable food and a great ambiance make this a must. A little pricey, so save for a special occasion, but if you like food and haven't been, get there.
Oh, and the dessert menu is out of control. We tried three different sweets and each was better than the last. Especially the chocolate tart and rhubarb ice cream deal. Phenomenal.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Publican is one of ourThe Publican is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago and, again, it did not disappoint. The food is awesome and the beer - be ready and able to try several! Also, we've found it's best to go with at least 3-4 people so you can try more menu items because it's really hard to choose (actually it's hard to decide what not to choose!). I didn't check "kid-friendly" because it is kind of a "grown up" place and they do not have high chairs or booster chairs. However! We've taken my grandson several times, brought our own booster seat and requested a booth and it's been awesome each time. He's a two year old foodie and eats everything and the noise level disguises any loud kid noises :).4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Dining Experience inBest Dining Experience in Chicago to date!
Thank you!
Molly & Dave Tebbe4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you are into craft beersIf you are into craft beers and complimentary salted and fried offerings this is the place for you. Solid wine list and standard spirits are available as well. "Bar" is more a collection of stand up tables.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMJust the fun, eclectic placeJust the fun, eclectic place we were looking for. Food was amazing.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMSeating took awhile.......overallSeating took awhile.......overall outstanding for CHI Town!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMJet Engine FoodBest bacon I have ever had in my life. Their fresh made pork rinds were unbelievable and the brunch was perfect with friends. It is very hard to hear as it is very loud in the establishment so if you are hard of earring like me you will find yourself asking "say again" and yelling most of the time, but I would eat this food if the only way to so it was sitting next to a get engine. I will dream of the bacon for the rest of my life.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOur brunch was so good! IOur brunch was so good! I had the sour dough pancake and it could not have been better. The menu had a variety of items and it all sounded delicious!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is the focal point here.Excellent food. Halibut Crudo was one of the more interesting dishes I've had. Tangerine and red jalapeno garnish on big, meaty chunks of Halibut. Additionally, they have an expansive beer menu of rare and delicious brews. The place was jam-packed, which correlated to some less-than-stellar service, easily forgiven once the food arrived.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat, For Meat LoversGreat restaurant - a lot of "odd" things on the menu. Would recommend if you are looking for a unique dining experience.
Not too many vegetarian options - but the kitchen made me a great veggie plate. So I appreciate them accommodating me.
I will be back to try their brunch!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways love it here, althoughAlways love it here, although a bit loud. We always request a private booth, b/c if we had to share tables in the center it would really take away from the experience.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMCelebrated a birthday withCelebrated a birthday with a Sunday brunch at Publican. Everything was wonderful and everyone had an incredible time.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for Saturday BrunchWe went for Saturday Brunch and were pleasantly suprised. The bacon is to die for. The seating ranges from small tables to booths with doors to large farm style tables that are shared but multiple parties. I didn't see a kids menu but the restaurant is kid friendly.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe interior of the restaurantThe interior of the restaurant is very sophisticated French country from a previous century.
The communal tables, high ceilings, stone floors, simple comfortable wood furniture, and the
exquisite execution create a dining atmosphere that is from another time. The architect surely
deserved the James Beard award for this fine restaurant. The food was fresh, seasonal, and
very tasty for the carnivore in all of us. The service was superb. They have a new pastry chef
and the chocolate sunday was out of this world tasty. We had to order a second one it was so good.
Bravo.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time visit and our entireFirst time visit and our entire party loved the communal theme throughout the restaurant. Ambiance was fun and up-beat; not stuffy or pretentious which we liked. Our server was extremely laid back yet knowledgeable, fun and helpful. Food was fresh and delicious. We really loved the way in which it was served as well. We would highly recommend this restaurant and would definitely visit again.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI had reservations for twoI had reservations for two @ 9:30 on a Friday night. We should up with another friend about 30 min early and they were still able to accomodate us no problem. Hostess was very nice and helpful. Waiting staff answered questions and gave great suggestions with smiles on their faces. Perfect experience and excited for my next visit.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMCool place Missing ValueVery cool place. Hip. Beautiful people. Vibrant. Great place social place. It has bench seating which I found to be pretty cool.
However, the food and most of the beers are severely overpriced and missing value.
There are many places with equally good food and good beer selections that are far more reasonably priced. I probably would not go back.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, The Publican deliveredAs always, The Publican delivered again. Went there with some clients before the Blackhawks game and received great food and timeley, prompt attention from our server. I have the pork chop, which was just O.K., but everythig else we had was outstanding: Chicken Liver Pate, Chef's Selection of Fresh Oysters, Charcterrie and Chesse plate, awesome beer pairings. My clients thoroughly enjoyed their meals as well. Great job on everything...4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't skip the veggies!The walleye is so delicious as is the swiss chard and asparagus. Preparation of vegetable side dishes is really perfect.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent as always. I wasExcellent as always. I was looking forward to having the schnitzel but it was rotated out of the menu. Our server gave us a free piece of coffee cake (delicious) as a "sorry" which she totally didn't have to do. I really appreciated it though3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and service are amazingThe food and service are amazing . They always make us feel welcome the staff are wonderful . The food is amazing . We always come to this restaurant when we are in Chicago and it's always great. The brunch is the best in the city.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for brunch, loved ourWent for brunch, loved our entrees, our Bloody Mary's, cinnamon bun and BACON! Service was outstanding as was the atmosphere. Walked across the street to their store to pick up bread, coffee and chorizo to bring home to Florida!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe've been to The PublicanWe've been to The Publican a couple of times for dinner, but this was the first for brunch. The food was great as always, and there was no lack of action. It's a high energy place with just enough room to squeeze everyone in. This place is known for pork, so if you are not a pork eater at all, then it's probably not for you. We brought our 1 year old with us, and it was as kid friendly as you could ask for. He wasn't that into the noise level, but it drowned out his whining at times. (It was just distracting for him.) The servers were very good to us and were very helpful with the baby. I brought my brother chef from out of town with us, and he was impressed with everything from the decor to the food. Always enjoyable.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, excellent serviceGreat food, excellent service and a great place for a celebration. Wine list was lacking USA reds, but that's not a huge deal.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time and duly impressed.First time and duly impressed. Great food. We liked that it is served family style and everyone shared. Will return again.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMoutstandinggreat menu, lots of differant choices, seafood was outstanding, had oysters (east coast),fish stew and crab, some great ham, and an awesome hay smoked porkchop. not to mention great beer menu. Katelyn our server was outstanding,new the menu inside out
thanks3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic restaurant in theFantastic restaurant in the Fulton Market area. Moderate walk from downtown Chicago (maybe 15 minutes). Lots of other bars/lounges nearby. Great oysters, great aged meats, very good wine and beer selection (and spirits). Many communal tables (individual group tables available too). Highly recommended.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique combination of craftUnique combination of craft beers from around the world. Food had some flare with unique options and combinations.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a true Chicago gem.This is a true Chicago gem. The house cured meats are delicious and the head cheese reminds me of those varieties I have eaten in France. Our group shared the charcuterie plate, mussels,spring veggie salad and sardines. The meat plate and mussels were our favorites. And that bread...amazing. Our waiter suggested an excellent Trappist ale for me and friends had cidre. His recommendations were perfect. Since it was our first time at Publican, he explained each part of the menu as there are both large and small plates.
We arrived early and sat at the communal tables. Within 2 hours the restaurant was hopping and conversation was difficult. I'd clearly return for the good food and beer!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, service and beersGreat food in a fun atmosphere. We went with high expectations and were not disappointed. Our waitress was terrific, there when we needed her but not hovering. She recommended a perfect beer for me ( they have an awesome selection) and made our night even more enjoyable. The food was amazing. We will definitely recommend to others.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI was visiting friends whoI was visiting friends who I hadn't seen in almost 14 years, and despite having arrived a half-hour before the kitchen's closing, the our server did not rush us and made us feel welcome and appreciated. She was knowledgeable about all of the menu items as well as being able to describe exactly how a wine or beer tasted before we committed to it. And the FOOD, holy cow, was INCREDIBLE. The four of us ordered a ton of dishes to share, but our favorites were: smoked char, Brussels sprouts, suckling pig, bread pudding (the best this bread pudding lover has ever had), sun chokes, clams, cauliflower, and the sardines. My friends had trouble getting into the crab, but that was great, too, albeit frustrating for their princess fingers. YUM!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was awesome! I wish IFood was awesome! I wish I could have stuffed more of it in my belly. And the beer list is incredible! Service was also really amazing.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AM