The Publican
John Allie · 297 Google reviewsThe Publican — honest american in Fulton Market. The atmosphere is half the draw here. They're doing something different, and it works. "Smoky, sweet, perfectly charred, and big enough to share" — John Allie [$$$, patio]
What 2,992 diners keep saying
What 2,992 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Been a minute since I’ve been here, but the ham & cheese was incredible !!!! Those fries were some of the best I’ve had in years; perfectly crispy, soft inside, hot, salty. Waitress was mid but it was lunch so maybe she just wasn’t vibing with work. Atmosphere is okay but nothing crazy. It works. Thanks for having us”
“The Publican calls itself an homage to beer, pork, and oysters, which is the kind of mission statement that tells you exactly what you're walking into and also somehow undersells it. The space is built like a European beer hall, long communal tables down the center, high-backed wooden booths along the walls, pendant lights overhead, and a general sense of warmth and noise that makes the whole room feel like a celebration that started slightly before you arrived. It's been in Fulton Market for over seventeen years and shows no signs of slowing down. The oysters are the opening move and they're pristine, properly cold and briny with a good selection depending on what's coming in from the coasts that week. The maple-braised Publican bacon is the thing that confuses people who order it expecting something familiar and then receive a thick slab of pork belly glazed with maple syrup and cooked until the fat is properly rendered. It's its own thing and it's excellent. The fried oyster toast is another highlight: thick-cut brioche, tomato chili remoulade, smoked sausage, and fennel under a few golden fried oysters, a combination that sounds like it might be too much going on and instead lands perfectly. We also had the duck and pork rillettes with blueberry compote, which is the kind of charcuterie dish that makes you slow down and pay attention, rich and smooth with that tart fruit component doing exactly the work you'd want it to. The craft beer list is one of the best in the city, heavy on Belgian and farmhouse styles and featuring exclusive collaborations with local Chicago brewers. Whatever you're eating, something on that list will pair with it. Weekend brunch draws its own crowd and has its own energy, a little more relaxed and a little lighter on the menu. Patio seating out front is first come, first served and fills up fast on nice days.”
“One of the top restaurants I've been to in Chicago, the food and patio atmosphere were perfect.”
“The Publican looks from the outside like a lot of other Fulton Market spots, brick and glass, a crowd visible through the windows, a certain kind of energy you can feel from the street. But once you get inside and see the long communal tables, the vaulted ceilings, the open kitchen, and the raw bar along one wall, you realize this place has its own specific personality. It opened in 2009 under the Kahan restaurant group and has kept a devoted following ever since by doing something most restaurants can't pull off, making hearty, rich food feel effortless. The oysters from the raw bar are where you start if you want to ease in, always fresh and sourced from different parts of the country depending on the season, served with mignonette and horseradish. Then things get more serious. The heritage pork rinds arrive in a bowl looking like something you'd dismiss and tasting like something you'd reorder. They're airy, salty, and completely addictive. We did the roasted pork belly with pickled accompaniments, which arrived crispy-skinned and tender through, the fat rendered correctly and the brightness of whatever was pickled alongside keeping the whole thing from going too heavy. The whole roasted chicken is available to order ahead and serves the table, extraordinarily good if your group has the appetite. The beer program is curated carefully, with a particular focus on Belgian and farmhouse ales, and the staff know it well enough to give real guidance. Weekend brunch is also a strong option with a pork belly Benedict that people come specifically for.”
“Wonderful stop for brunch. Delightful staff from hostesses, to wait staff, to bus boys. Lorena was just a magnificent server - so friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!”
“We usually have dinner here, so brunch this weekend was a treat! We had the bread and spreads to start. The Pimento Cheese was spot on and the salmon spread didn’t disappoint. We had the omelette, stake sandwich, pork belly hash and so much more. All were delicious and the homemade sausage was drizzled with maple syrup. Yum! A nice cozy place to enjoy good food and good people. Great service is the cherry on top!”
“Farm to table food. Everything we ordered is delicious. Great service.”
“The Publican was a huge hit with my meat and potato loving parents. Publican bread is amazing and their spreads pair so well. Perhaps my favorite dish of the night! The chicken with summer sausage and ham chop highlighted how well they know how to cook meat. In addition to one meat dish each, four of us shared the BBQ carrots (a must order!) and the mixed lettuces. We all left stuffed with lots of leftovers. Our server was on point all night and I loved the unpretentious vibe. You can’t go wrong with a meal here!”
“Publican’s new happy hour menu offers many options, including some unique and indulgent bites, and it’s an excellent value. Alongside the standout maitake mushroom tempura—which mushroom lovers truly shouldn’t miss—you’ll find dishes like beef fat frites with garlic aioli, ham & cheese croquettes with pickled shallots, and beautifully roasted oysters with bone marrow, breadcrumb, and lemon. It’s a menu that makes it easy to try a few things and truly feel like you’re treating yourself. The space itself adds to the experience: warm globe lights hang in rows from the ceiling, casting a soft golden glow over the dining room. Tall wooden beams and booth dividers give the room a rustic, communal feel while still feeling lively and modern. Altogether, it’s a great setting for a relaxed happy hour. The service is excellent, too.”
“wow, the selection in Chef's menu was awesome... surprisingly great tastes”
“I learned about this place while on my Staycation in Chicago west loop. The was so very fresh and delicious!! All the staff were friendly and accommodating. We were outside on the beautiful patio, but the Bees were too. No problem they moved us inside to dine. We enjoyed our breakfast and pleasant interactions with the hostess, waiter and everyone. We can't wait to visit again.”
“Publican has become my new go-to happy hour spot! They have some of the best oysters in the city (for a very reasonable price) and their drinks pack a punch. Went twice in the span of a week and the food was consistently delicious. The oysters come from a variety of places and it was fun to hear both times where the current day’s selection was from. We also tried a variety of other food (and dessert) and everything was delicious! Staff is friendly and more than happy to answer questions. Outdoor patio is spacious and it makes for great people watching without being walked over. Am excited to come back in the winter and sit indoors.”
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