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The Publican

4.5
4.5
5671 Reviews
$30 and under
American
From the team behind Blackbird and avec comes this homage to beer, pork, and fish. Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Dennis Bernard have developed a network of purveyors to supply the restaurant with hand-selected, sustainably-harvested fish and seafood as well as sustainably-raised heirloom pork to anchor a rustic menu of simple, eclectic fare. The extensive international beer list, developed by partners Eduard Seitan and Terry Alexander and now Beer Director Adam Vavrick, features 100 or so ales, lagers, stouts and ciders by the bottle, 12 of those available on tap. Like Blackbird and avec, The Publican is a design partnership from the James Beard Award-winning team of Thomas Schlesser and partner Donnie Madia.

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American

  • 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

  • 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

  • Neighborhood

    West Loop

  • Cross street

    Fulton/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, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 5,671 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseEnergetic

Sort by

  1. TinaM

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Reviewed on December 16, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    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!!!
  2. SusanH

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Reviewed on December 9, 2019

    overall2foodserviceambience
    Too much food. They encouraged double what we could consume.
  3. JonathanH

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on December 8, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    Tasting menu is a must! Mix of confort and refined food. Very cozy!
  4. Brit

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Reviewed on December 7, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    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!
  5. CBDChiTown

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Reviewed on December 4, 2019

    overall3foodserviceambience
    Crowded and noisy unless you arrive before 6pm during the week
  6. rmarso

    Mexico City

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Reviewed on November 30, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    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.
  7. Marcy

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on November 25, 2019

    overall3foodserviceambience
    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.
  8. MKBA

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Reviewed on November 19, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    Such a creative and thoughtful menu. Fit for foodies and a must-stop in Chicago!
  9. MarindaO

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    22 reviews

    Reviewed on November 18, 2019

    overall2foodserviceambience
    I would not go on a holiday. The service was alright but the food left a lot to be desired.
  10. LoraP

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Reviewed on November 4, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    This will grow to be a Chicago institution. The food is fantastic every time. The meals are hardy and flavorful with a European flare.
  11. LizfromChicago

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Reviewed on November 2, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    Excellent wine list, excellent service and the meal was wonderful. A bit snug.
  12. ESai

    New York Area

    60 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    60 reviews

    Reviewed on October 20, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    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
  13. LisaK

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Reviewed on October 15, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    Enjoyed my brother's birthday dinner here, though the place is LOUD. REALLY LOUD. Food was delicious, servers attentive.
  14. PaulaG

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Reviewed on October 14, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    Great ambiance. Great staff. Great food. Great owner! Love everything about this place.
  15. LincolnParkMVC

    Chicago

    32 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    32 reviews

    Reviewed on August 31, 2019

    overall3foodserviceambience
    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.
  16. Rbgirl

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Reviewed on August 4, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    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.
  17. cindyJ

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Reviewed on July 20, 2019

    overall3foodserviceambience
    In the minority of finding the menu overpriced - but everyone loves this place.
  18. ARFoodLover

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Reviewed on July 16, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    Decent food and innovative cocktails. Great energy and vibe. Good for large groups versus date night. Would love some more variety in the food
  19. MeredithO

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Special girls trip meant we ordered the chef’s tasting menu and it was amazing! Nine courses. Worth every penny.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    Very loud. Music didn’t fit the space. Food very over priced for what you got plus was just ok. Could have been better in my opinion.
  21. CameronB

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Took my girlfriend here for a nice birthday dinner. Menu is explained as family style and that dishes roll out of the kitchen in no particular order which isn't too uncommon of a concept for us to grasp. However, my gf orders a pasta dish, I order a steak, and a few sides and aps for the table. Expecting a shareable experience we didnt have a worry in the world. That is until food started coming out. Pasta dish first, which was 1 cup of noodles and sad, small, flavorless shrimp. Definitely not a sharable plate, so i let her have it, thinking that the sirloin would follow soon. 40 minutes later, shes done with her pasta and all sides are gone. The steak finally arrives but I did not want to subject her to simply sitting there to watch me eat. The steak was clearly rushed as it was plated with little care and a pool of blood floating around the plate. I sent it back and explained that I was not going to sit there and subject my date to watch me eat. Pasta was also way too aldente. You could barely curl it around your fork as it was still firm. I get the concept of this place and the concept of shareable plates that come out in no particular order, but they clearly did not execute in our experience. I don’t care who you are, you cannot serve one dish 40 minutes after the previous. For a concept like this to work, food must always be on the table, new plates arriving as others are leaving. There are too many other restaurants in the area that can actually execute this concept for us to want to return again to the Publican. I would not recommend.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing. The peas, carrots, and chicken were incredible. Loved the cocktails as well.
  23. Grace

    Fayetteville

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We really enjoyed our adventurous and delicious meal in the fun atmosphere at The Publican.
  24. slcfamily

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    True gem! We visited for Mother’s Day brunch and it was great...my mom is hard to please and she loved her salmon. Everything we ate was spectacular— that hash brown patty was amazing, along with the bacon and sausage! It was fun to order a bunch of dishes and share!
  25. Josh

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    excellent brunch food. interesting and delicious. service was good. be aware this place is kind of noisy
  26. notSamSifton

    Exclusive

    67 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2019

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    If there was a noise level to choose that said "standing next to a jet engine" I would have selected it. Seriously, I wanted my noise canceling headphones. Being good citizens, we took the CTA and were 15 minutes late, so our reservation was voided and we were sent back to the queue. This from a restaurant that requires telephone confirmation (that went to voicemail twice). We expected the common tables, but the couple who arrived 30 minutes after us got their fish order, which was the same as ours, before we did. Then someone came and asked how we liked the fish, and we replied we hadn't received ours. This explains my review on the service. The food was good, but nothing spectacular. We ordered the cookies to go (the pastry chef just got a Beard that evening). At least we could hear ourselves when we at them at home.
  27. Pmallozzi

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The Publican was fantastic! The porchetta was to die for. Everything we had was delicious. The waiter was on point and made great recommendations.
  28. PeterCherr

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been wanting to check this spot out for a while and now I wondering why the heck it took so long! Totally satisfied with the restaurant. We started off with the Publican Bread Plate, the bread was fresh and warm and the accompanying condiments were nicely made. Our party of 4 started with the Chef's selection of a dozen oysters. They were from coat to coast and all just as moist, fresh and tasty. Being an oyster fan I wanted more but saved my appetite. In addition, we ordered the perfectly made crunchy, spicy pork rinds, they went well with the oysters! We had a side of carrot and a side of asparagus suggested by our waiter Benny. They were sauced perfectly and they flavors went well with each side. We each order a different main dish. The Porchetta was fantastic and most wonderful, the dressing and French Peas were a nice touch. Country Rib was so moist with just the right amount of fat to make this dish superb and hearty! The Pork Belly had an amazing citrus & balsamic dressing paired with a chili crema! Not to be missed. The Dry Aged Sirloin with Sweet Potato was beautifully done and perfectly seasoned. Ended our meal with the cheesecake and sticky pudding, a perfect end to a perfect meal! As always with a review, I always rate to include the staff and ambiance. Our waiter Benny was awesome and gave great suggestions. They entire staff was quite attentive. Had a chance to chat with Leslie the GM about how much we all enjoyed the experience of The Publican! She was warm and friendly and genuinely appreciated the feedback! The restaurant was bustling and had a nice noise level, you can tell the other patrons were enjoying the evening with the chatter and laughter! Great night out and looking forward to trying the rest of the menu soon!
  29. MegD

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate at The Publican on a busy Friday night in celebration for my girlfriends birthday. We had an absolute blast! The booth situation is great because you feel like you're own secluded island in the restaurant. The entire table went with the Chefs tasting menu and we were all blown away by the amount of food and the quality. Every dish that came out was more delicious than the last!
  30. JohnB

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My girlfriend and I ordered the chef's menu, where they choose all your multicourse meal but your drinks. We both enjoyed every course without fail. Fresh quality ingredients perfectly prepared! And because they bring you a lot of food, the chef's menu is a good deal too. I felt like we had a first-class dining experience.
  31. ArturoC

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2019

    overall2food5service1ambience3
    The good is outstanding but unfortunately the service is terrible. The service was so bad it just ruined the experience.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Everyone enjoyed. Every dish great!!
  33. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I 💗 Publican! Great food, service and experience. When I leave I cannot wait to go back.
  34. sicilianlover1

    Milwaukee

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Made my Easter Birthday amazing
  35. JorgeV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite restaurant in Chicago. The food, staff and vibe of the place is always a memorable experience
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food for the price!
  37. Mark

    Houston

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Our brunch was overpriced and wildly average. Very disappointed as we’d heard such great things!
  38. tweepie

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2019

    overall3food4service4ambience1
    While the food a Publican is great, the noise level prohibits good conversation. It was SO loud at brunch on Saturday I wanted to leave shortly after being served.
  39. RyanS

    Baja California Sur

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love a brunch spot where you sit down and immediately have coffee and water, this place knows what's up. The food is excellent, service is wonderful/warm, and the ambiance is fun and energetic. It's loud, but not to the point where you can't hear the person across from you. They have a large assortment of unique cocktails, even at brunch, and their menu changes seasonally. We are from out of town, and have visited this spot twice, both times i ordered the same thing (a staple on their menu) though with a slight variation. Everyone i've gone with has thoroughly enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Great brunch spot :)
  40. MBChicago

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2019

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    First time I have been there and it was too loud. Age range from 20-75 and all thought music was too loud. Service is usually much better - had to ask for same drink 3 times. Food was excellent!

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Publican using the Order Online button.

The Publican is rated 4.5 stars by 5671 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for The Publican

837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Fulton/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

  • Cuisines

    American

  • 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, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • 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

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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