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The Publican
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
The Publican
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Publican is a beer-focused hall where farmhouse-style pork, seafood, and bread anchor communal tables. It has evolved into a long-running West Loop fixture for big groups, hearty shared plates, and serious Belgian-leaning beer lists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Publican farm chicken with frites, Charcuterie and cheese board, Crispy pork rinds
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Beer hall–style room where pork, seafood, and beer share top billing.
Who should go: Groups that want rustic plates and serious beer lists.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when the communal tables buzz.
What to order: Farm chicken, charcuterie board, daily oysters.
Insider tip: If you’re beer-focused, ask servers for off-menu or limited kegs before choosing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Loud — communal tables and large groups make conversation energetic but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait without a reservation, often 45–75 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, though it can fill during peak business lunch periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options, especially among sides, salads, and seasonal plates.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — check daily menus and ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be adapted; servers are familiar with gluten-free needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to relaxed, social dates than intimate ones — the big communal tables and lively room create a fun, energetic environment rather than a quiet setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak times. Arriving early or later in the evening improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? It can be, especially earlier in the evening or at brunch, but the loud communal setting may suit older kids better than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, hearty shared plates, and beer lovers who want a true beer-hall-meets-farmhouse dining vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, extremely strict dietary control, or fine-dining style pacing.
The Publican
8.6
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Publican is a Fulton Market beer hall where oysters, shellfish towers, and heritage pork share space with farmhouse-style Midwestern cooking. Since 2008 it has drawn locals and visitors for its raw bar, hearty plates, and one of the city’s most respected Belgian-leaning beer lists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters from the raw bar, Farm chicken with frites, Housemade charcuterie board
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A beer-focused communal hall pairing serious oysters with hearty farmhouse plates.
Who should go: Beer-loving groups craving oysters, pork, and shareable plates.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when communal tables and bar buzz.
What to order: Raw oysters, farm chicken with frites, house charcuterie board.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu or limited kegs if you’re beer-focused.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited during peak hours; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished.
Noise level: Lively — expect a buzz; conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though prime hours can fill up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of thoughtful vegetarian plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Good — several seafood and meat dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you like lively energy and shared plates — the vibe is communal rather than intimate and quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits can be long on weekends. Arriving early or sitting at the bar helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally more adult-focused due to noise and communal seating, but well-behaved older kids are fine earlier in the evening or at brunch.
Best For
Better for: Groups who appreciate beer, oysters, and hearty shared plates in a buzzing hall-style setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth seafood experience or need extensive vegan options.
The Publican
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Publican turns a simple side into a calling card with beef fat fries that soak up pork- and beer-focused dinners in its big, communal hall. They’re built for sharing alongside farmhouse plates and Belgian-leaning beer lists that made this spot a long-running West Loop fixture.
Must-Try Dishes:
beef fat fries, publican chicken dinner for two with beef fat fries, farm chicken with fries
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Thick, beef fat–fried potatoes served in a beer hall built for sharing.
Who should go: Groups wanting serious beers, pork, and real-deal fries.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when communal tables buzz.
What to order: Beef fat fries, farm chicken, chicken dinner for two.
Insider tip: Order an extra bowl of beef fat fries early—they disappear fast at big tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be competitive in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible but expect a bustling beer hall buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can sometimes be adjusted, but options are not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be modified — ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you’re into lively, rustic dining. The communal seating and energetic atmosphere make it fun, but it’s not ideal if you want a super private, quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or earlier seatings — but waits can be long during prime weekend hours, so reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, though the space is loud and geared more toward adult groups. Older children who are comfortable in busy restaurants will do best.
Best For
Better for: Sharing big-format plates, thoughtfully sourced meats, and standout house fries in a communal, beer-forward setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, extensive vegan options, or quick counter-service dining.
The Publican
8.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
The Publican channels a European beer hall into a pork- and seafood-forward brunch built around farmhouse plates and serious charcuterie. Weekend brunch leans hearty, with thick bacon, egg dishes, and rustic breads in a big communal room that fills with families, groups, and beer lovers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Wine Poached Eggs with rustic toast, Publican-style thick-cut bacon, Seasonal waffle or griddled brunch special
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Beer-hall-style brunch where farmhouse cooking, pork, and serious beer share the spotlight.
Who should go: Groups wanting hearty, pork-heavy brunch in a lively room.
When to visit: Late morning reservations on weekends before peak mid-day rush.
What to order: Red wine poached eggs, thick-cut bacon, seasonal waffle or griddle special.
Insider tip: Request a communal table near the windows for natural light and easier conversation than the center of the hall.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop can be tight during brunch hours; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — sweaters, button-downs, and jeans fit right in.
Noise level: Lively — you can chat, but expect a buzzy, beer-hall atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Brunch-focused — expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak weekend hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait on weekdays when brunch is offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several charcuterie-free and veggie-focused plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some dishes are naturally gluten-free; always confirm with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, social vibe rather than something intimate — the communal tables and big-room feel make it fun but not private.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but weekends often mean a wait. Arrive early or be flexible about communal seating for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common at brunch, and the big tables work well for groups with kids, though the room can be loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, pork-forward farmhouse brunch with serious beer and a lively, communal energy.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, minimalist brunch plates or need extensive vegan options.
The Publican
8.5
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
The Publican turns a corner of Fulton Market into a pork-and-seafood beer hall with seasonal Midwestern sourcing and a lively sidewalk patio. Long tables, an excellent beer list, and a steady run of charcuterie and shareable plates make the outdoor seats feel like an urban farmhouse feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pork Rinds, Charcuterie Plate, Slagel Farm Half Chicken
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Farm-to-table pork, seafood, and beer served in a bustling beer-hall setting with streetside patio tables.
Who should go: Groups who want hearty plates, serious beer, and outdoor energy.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when the patio is buzzing.
What to order: Spicy Pork Rinds, Charcuterie Plate, Slagel Farm Half Chicken.
Insider tip: Request a patio or edge table for people-watching along Fulton Market.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Fulton Market; paid garages are nearby and fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished and put-together.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is doable but expect a steady beer hall buzz, especially outdoors.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though patio seats may still be requested.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, vegetable plates, cheeses, and some rotating specials.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Some options available and staff is helpful with guidance, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like buzzy, energetic settings — the patio is romantic in a casual, European beer garden way, but it’s not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early or later in the evening, but patio tables go fast—arrive early or plan for a wait during prime time.
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes for brunch and early dinner — high chairs are available and the communal vibe works well, but later evenings skew more adult.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want hearty Midwestern cooking, standout charcuterie, and one of the more serious beer programs in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal, primarily vegan choices, or a menu that avoids pork entirely.
The Publican
8.5
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
The Publican channels a European beer hall into a pork- and seafood-focused farmhouse restaurant that’s long highlighted whole animals and seasonal Midwestern produce. Communal tables, an expansive beer list, and a menu that leans heavily into charcuterie, off-cuts, and market-driven sides make it a go-to for hearty, farm-to-table dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farm chicken, Charcuterie plate, Spicy pork rinds
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A long-running Fulton Market farmhouse hall focused on whole animals, local produce, and serious beer.
Who should go: Groups who want hearty pork, seafood, and great beer in a lively room.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening dinners before the loudest peak.
What to order: Charcuterie plate, farm chicken, spicy pork rinds with seasonal sides.
Insider tip: Request a communal table if you’re with a group and plan to share everything family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market is limited; expect metered spots and nearby garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Loud during peak times with a buzzy beer hall feel — conversation can require raised voices.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, especially earlier in the service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — while pork-heavy, there are seasonal veggie-forward plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — possible but not the focus; verify with your server.
Gluten-free options: Good awareness — several dishes can be accommodated with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like lively, communal dining and craft beer — less ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits can be long on weekends. Arrive early or be flexible with communal seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but the menu and noise level skew more adult than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, pork-centric farm-to-table cooking, house-made charcuterie, and an excellent beer program in a communal setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet fine-dining environment, strictly vegetarian options, or a romantic, intimate room.
The Publican
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Publican channels a European beer hall into a pork- and seafood-focused brasserie that works for both celebratory client lunches and internal team outings. Long communal tables and smaller side booths give flexibility depending on how private you need the conversation to be. The menu leans into charcuterie, seasonal plates, and a serious beer list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Publican Burger, Pork Belly Entrée, Charcuterie Board with Housemade Sausages
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Beer hall-style space with standout charcuterie and pork-driven plates.
Who should go: Teams bonding over hearty plates and a serious beer list.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evenings before peak nightlife crowds.
What to order: Publican Burger, pork belly, shared charcuterie board.
Insider tip: Request a side booth instead of the main communal tables for business talk.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market can be limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option during lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — business casual works well; jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Moderate — communal seating means some background buzz, but side booths allow easier conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically requires a reservation; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Often manageable with a reservation; walk-in waits range from none to 20–30 minutes during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-focused and seafood options, though the menu leans pork-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — there may be 1–2 suitable dishes but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; communicate with your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to casual or social dates than intimate ones — the lively beer hall setting leans communal rather than cozy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for weekday lunches, but expect possible waits. Evenings and weekends are reservation-strongly-recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Families are welcome, but the vibe skews adult. Older kids or teens will be more comfortable than toddlers, especially during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Teams or groups who want hearty plates, top-tier charcuterie, and an elevated beer program in a lively, communal setting.
Skip if: You want a very quiet business meal, extensive vegan offerings, or a white-tablecloth fine dining atmosphere.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 10pm
Saturday4pm - 10pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm