The Publican

Name: The Publican
Address: 837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, United States, 60607
Telephone: (312) 733-9555
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

5688 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

A homage to oysters, pork and beer, Executive Chef Paul Kahan's eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, European, Beer Garden
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday*, 3:30pm - 10:00pm Friday*, 3:30pm - 11:00pm Weekend Brunch: Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm Sunday, 9:00am-2:00pm Weekend Dinner: Saturday, 3:30pm - 11:00pm Sunday, 5:00pm-10:00pm * Abbreviated afternoon menu available between 3:30pm-5:30pm
Phone number
(312) 733-9555
Website
http://thepublicanrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Paul Kahan
Private party facilities
Publican Quality Meats, located just across the street from the Publican, can accommodate up to 38 for a Seated Dinner, up to 75 for a Cocktail Reception, or up to 24 at the Chef's Prep Table. The Publican can accommodate up to 125 for seated luncheons, or evening Buyouts and 175 for Receptions.
Private party contact
Kirsten Trelenberg: (312) 496-0012

Location
837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood
West Loop
Cross street
W Fulton Market & N Green St
Parking details
Valet parking & limited street parking available
Public transit
- #8 Halsted Bus, exit on Fulton Market Stop. <br /><br />- 3 blocks east of Morgan Green/Pink Line stop.
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 5,688 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

5,688 Reviews

S
Sarah
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places! They were so wonderful accommodating us for my dads birthday even though we had a very late reservation. Lovely staff and fabulous food!
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AG
AmyG
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Publican continues to have Fulton Market’s best combination of great happy hour deals, terrific service, and fantastic food and drinks.
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HE
HollyE
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing! The food was outstanding. Each item we ordered was top notch. It was hard to choose. I love that the menu is relatively small but the selections work for almost everyone. We tried something from each group and all were wonderful. Loved ohr server as well. Will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always great food. Seating can be a little tricky for a big party. Can also be a little loud, but the food and service prevail!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Superb food and service. The yogurt and shrimp and grits were outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Ordered the Chefs Menu and not only was the food amazing but the amount if food was a terrific value! Definitely come hungry as their portions are generous and you will want to eat every bite.
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MA
MATTHEWJ
Portland
14 reviews
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Publican is nice, but it wasn’t quite as good or novel as I was expecting. There was a fun more Eastern European wines by the glass but the overall selection of wines by the glass was limited. My experience was consistent with the spirits. Food wise, I had the rib. It was okay. Given the meat orientation of the restaurant, I expected it to be better than how it showed up.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Was looking forward to this as I had heard good things. The service was quite good, and the food was very tasty. But we had no idea how HUGE the portions were. We ordered a bread and spread appetizer, which was really tasty, but there was so much fish spread and pimentp cheese spread for the six large slices of bread that it would be impossible to eat it all between two people, and we didn’t have a fridge at the hotel to store it in. Main meal arrived. Husband got a steak and I got 1/2 chicken, summer sausage and frites. He enjoyed the taste but had to send it back as it was cold and when he got a new one it too wasn’t very warm. My plate was good, but certainly not a serving for one. Didn’t eat many of the frites so I could concentrate on the meats, since it was $45 worth. When I had looked at the menu on Open Table, this dish was priced at $27! When the manager stopped by to see how we were doing, I showed him the Open Table menu, just so he would be aware. He mentioned that many of the items they served 2 years ago were still on the menu, and it appears the prices were from 2 years ago, too. He said Open Table was a new platform for them, and they appeared to just grab the old menu and moved it to Open Table…they should have proofread the website before they let Open Table publish it. I think it would be a great place to go with a group and share plates. But for a couple it was too much food and at a high price tag…should have been told about the portions before we ordered…
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ES
EdwardS
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ever since Publican opened in 2008 it has been my go-to restaurant in downtown Chicago. The farmhouse menu, with pork and oysters the stars, hasn't changed much, but it doesn't have to, as they consistently deliver some of the best flavors in the city. From gourmet pork rinds, to the incredible BBQ carrots, to the Chicken and sausages with frites, I have NEVER had a disappointing meal here. If you do get the Chicken with frites, or the plate of beef fat frites, be sure to have them put an over-easy egg on top – it's breakfast heaven on a plate!
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l
libertyegg
Chicago
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great family dining experience. Wonderful food. Attentive service. Tasty cocktails. Publican never disappoints!
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P
Paige
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Brunch at The Publican was amazing! My boyfriend and I had the Nashville hot chicken livers, smoked salmon dip, poached eggs, and crispy potatoes. Everything came out EXTREMELY fast and tasted great.
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JP
JaredP
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was INCREDIBLE! Loved the ambiance as well.
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D
Dawson
Chicago
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a very good experience - we had a great table for 6, the staff was friendly and efficient, and we all enjoyed our drinks and the shareable entrees that we selected - starting off with pastries (apple fritter, cinnamon roll), granola (that was a suprising treat), charcuterie board, gem salad, poached eggs, smoked salmon (a favorite), schnitzel (another favorite), and the shrimp and grits. Those of us who had been to Publican before were disappointed that the menu had a lot less choices for brunch than we remember (e.g. no frites, mussels,etc.) but we were all satisfied with what we ordered and so next time we will plan on coming back for the afternoon or dinner menu.
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NC
NateC
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Publican is a wonderful place for creative, delicious food!
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BS
BernieS
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every time we come to Chicago! Can’t pass this place up. It’s creative and interesting and they’re all very nice people working there.
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MS
MarkS
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The raw oyster selection was splendid. And the carrots were superb. Overall, this was a very pleasant dining experience.
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t
thrilltastic
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was fantastic! I had the half charcuterie plate and the artichokes. Both were amazing. The service was also excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible. Get the chicken!! Drink menu is off the chain! Out of this world service.
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S
Steph
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Meal was great and the service was amazing. Definitely a restaurant to try while in Fulton Market.
The PublicanResponded on November 9, 2023
Hi Steph. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. we were so happy to hear that you and your guests had an enjoyable experience. we hope to see you again soon!
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NB
NoahB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing as usual. My favorite restaurant of all time. The food, service and atmosphere never disappoints!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely amazing experience. Dave and Liz were a pleasure
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AM
AnnMarie
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place to eat! Food is exceptional! Great for a bigger group too - can’t say that about many restaurants
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SR
SueR
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
When had a res for 4 and a request for a highchair. They upgraded us to a table for 5 which was appreciated. Our server was wonderful. Friendly, attentive and never left us wanting. He let us know that most items were single portions (ie not meant for sharing) and that was fine. I did find that the policy of not serving everyone together was kind of a cop out. Items would be brought out when they were ready. It seemed to be a way of not having to coordinate a table's meals. I like when everyone has their main courses together. Is this a hard thing for them? I don't know. I guess. Food: I had the shakshuka which was very tasty but I requested my eggs with runny yolks and solid whites. They were very overcooked. And it was tepid, not hot. It was edible so I didn't say anything. (And aren't shashuka's eggs supposed to poached?) The other person's shakshuka was piping hot. Go figure. Another person's eggs (different dish) were also not cooked as requested. The portion for the burrata was shamefully small. The waffles were lovely though. This was my 3rd time at Publican. Our first was years ago when it opened was very disappointing, 2nd time was very good. I would probably not try a 4th time.
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TM
TinaM
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Reviewed on December 16, 2019
1. Overall 5
The food, service and atmosphere is AMAZING at The Publican! The meat, veggies, desserts are wonderful, but my favorite or the varying daily pickles! Give them a try, they will blow your mind!!!
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SH
SusanH
Detroit
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Reviewed on December 9, 2019
1. Overall 2
Too much food. They encouraged double what we could consume.
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JH
JonathanH
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Reviewed on December 8, 2019
1. Overall 5
Tasting menu is a must! Mix of confort and refined food. Very cozy!
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B
Brit
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Reviewed on December 7, 2019
1. Overall 5
I love this spot for dinner or for brunch. When it comes to inventive small plates, they do it right. I love how they somehow maintain intimacy despite the communal tables. Overall, I will always recommend the Publican!
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CB
CBDChiTown
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Reviewed on December 4, 2019
1. Overall 3
Crowded and noisy unless you arrive before 6pm during the week
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r
rmarso
Mexico City
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Reviewed on November 30, 2019
1. Overall 5
The best place for weekend brunch. Every dish is great and the term pornfood in never better applied in here. You feel guilty with some of the (not cardiologist endorsed) dishes. The best bloody mary in Chicago.
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M
Marcy
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Reviewed on November 25, 2019
1. Overall 3
I felt very crowded because we were seated between other dining groups. Not my kind of place. I supposed we could have asked for separate seating, but we weren't given an option....just seated in between two other groups.
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MK
MKBA
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Reviewed on November 19, 2019
1. Overall 5
Such a creative and thoughtful menu. Fit for foodies and a must-stop in Chicago!
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MO
MarindaO
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
2.0
23 reviews
Reviewed on November 18, 2019
1. Overall 2
I would not go on a holiday. The service was alright but the food left a lot to be desired.
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LP
LoraP
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Reviewed on November 4, 2019
1. Overall 5
This will grow to be a Chicago institution. The food is fantastic every time. The meals are hardy and flavorful with a European flare.
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LC
LizfromChicago
Chicago
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Reviewed on November 2, 2019
1. Overall 4
Excellent wine list, excellent service and the meal was wonderful. A bit snug.
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ES
ESai
New York Area
61 reviews
vip
4.0
61 reviews
Reviewed on October 20, 2019
1. Overall 4
Casual yet sleek interior and attentive staff. Great food. Had a dozen of oysters for appetizers that was so fresh! 3 kinds of ham, clams, pork chops and fish of the day. Both pork dish and fish dish were perfectly done with good flavor. 2 bottles of wine and 3 deserts, 2 cups of coffee and above food was about $380 with a tip. Highly recommend
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LK
LisaK
Chicago
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Reviewed on October 15, 2019
1. Overall 4
Enjoyed my brother's birthday dinner here, though the place is LOUD. REALLY LOUD. Food was delicious, servers attentive.
1 person found this helpful
PG
PaulaG
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Reviewed on October 14, 2019
1. Overall 5
Great ambiance. Great staff. Great food. Great owner! Love everything about this place.
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LP
LincolnParkMVC
Chicago
34 reviews
vip
3.0
34 reviews
Reviewed on August 31, 2019
1. Overall 3
Too pricey for the food experience. Six of us, seven items (three were veggies) about 8 glasses of wine total. Tab was $450. Won't be back. Many more options that are significantly better and less expensive.
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R
Rbgirl
Chicago
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Reviewed on August 4, 2019
1. Overall 4
Food was very good. The inside dining space is VERY loud. I'd suggest trying to eat outside. Server was good-natured and non-intrusive. She did, however, overcharge us so review your bill carefully.
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J
cindyJ
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Reviewed on July 20, 2019
1. Overall 3
In the minority of finding the menu overpriced - but everyone loves this place.
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Publican using the Order Online button. The Publican also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 733-9555.

The Publican is rated 4.7 stars by 5688 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

Order delivery or takeout

837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

Cross street
W Fulton Market & N Green St
Neighborhood
West Loop
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday*, 3:30pm - 10:00pm Friday*, 3:30pm - 11:00pm Weekend Brunch: Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm Sunday, 9:00am-2:00pm Weekend Dinner: Saturday, 3:30pm - 11:00pm Sunday, 5:00pm-10:00pm * Abbreviated afternoon menu available between 3:30pm-5:30pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, European, Beer Garden
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet parking & limited street parking available
Public transit
- #8 Halsted Bus, exit on Fulton Market Stop. - 3 blocks east of Morgan Green/Pink Line stop.
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Paul Kahan
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://thepublicanrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(312) 733-9555
Private party facilities
Publican Quality Meats, located just across the street from the Publican, can accommodate up to 38 for a Seated Dinner, up to 75 for a Cocktail Reception, or up to 24 at the Chef's Prep Table. The Publican can accommodate up to 125 for seated luncheons, or evening Buyouts and 175 for Receptions.
Private party contact
Kirsten Trelenberg: (312) 496-0012

The Publican

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Chicken Liver Pâté

Half Chicken

Farm Chicken

Menu

What 5,688 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does The Publican offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Publican restaurant rated?

Is The Publican currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information