Ladies, I think I may have found the key to a happy relationship. I have two words for you, Public House. Let me explain.
Frankly, I’m not a huge sports fan. Even when I’m trying to be the cute, supportive girlfriend, you can totally tell I’m not at my happiest whenever I’m hanging out at a sports bar watching 300 lb. men run into each other at full speed all in pursuit of a leather coated ball. This coupled with the greasy fried food (that was frozen first) and drunk guys screaming (for what seems like no reason) just doesn’t do it for me.
That’s why I am so excited to tell you all about Public House in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This gastro pub turned sports bar is fully equipped with 27 flat screen TVs and table-side beer taps (more on that later). Simply put, it’s a guys dream, but it’s an upscale environment with good (and not greasy food) that us girls can totally get behind. The restaurant is owned by Dine|Amic (the same people who brought Chicago the incredible Siena Tavern), so that alone should speak for itself.
I realize I’m being somewhat gender specific and many girls love sports (and many guys don’t), but I know a lot of you can relate!
I went over there for brunch this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited about my experience. Since the menu is huge, I figured I’d help you navigate it and give you 3 things to order when you go:
1) Fried Cheese Curds ($10): Since moving to Chicago, I’ve eaten a lot of cheese curds (their really popular out here). Honestly, they are all the same. They are usually pre-frozen and served with some standard bottled sauce that you buy at the grocery store. Well, the cheese curds at the Public House are simply (and deliciously) different.
These hand breaded curds are fried (almost like tempura) and served with not one, but TWO amazing sauces. The first is a cool parmesan peppercorn with a hint of truffle (insane) and the second is a warm tomato sauce. If you have an out of town guest visit and they ask about cheese curds, don’t even hesitate in bringing them there to try them. They are by far the best I’ve had in the city.
Fried Cheese Curds at Public House
2) Pulled Chicken Salad ($14): Who knew you could eat healthy (and have it taste good) at a gastropub? This salad has everything you could ever want in it! It’s a delicious combination of roasted chicken, mixed greens, apples, walnuts, dates, shaved fennel, avocado, goat cheese and corn bread croutons. The salad is served with a honey-cilantro dressing. Since the thought of cilantro makes me cringe, I opted for the balsamic (which worked perfectly).
What surprised me the most about this salad were those delicious cornbread croutons. Since cornbread is so crumbly, I can’t imagine it’s simple to make these. Somehow, Public House did it and they did it well! Oh, and insider tip, the salads are huge! If you want to split it, just let your server know and they will split it up in the back (they did that for me).
Pulled Chicken Salad at Public House
3) Chicken & Waffles ($14): I’ve heard of this food phenomena before, but never actually tried it because it’s one of the worst things for you. If you’re going to venture out and eat this dish, it should at least be worth the calories, right?
At Public House, it’s totally worth it. The waffle isn’t traditional. It’s sort a sugar waffle and a little more dense than what I am used to (I actually liked it better). Bad news, it’s only available during their brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. I guess you’ll just have to head over for brunch!
Chicken & Waffles at Public House
Bottom line, this place is SO cool. You can even reserve one of their booths that have the beer taps built right into the table. Once you book, they table pre-filled with 2 beers and one hard alcohol. The best part? You only pay for what you drink (you pay by the ounce). No crazy table or bottle service fees here!
Taps at the tables at Public House
Oh, and while I was there, I ran into my friend (and Top Chef alum) Fabio Viviani. If he’s hanging there, you know the place has to be good! So do yourself a favor, the next time you want to plan a fun time out for your guy and some friends, call and book a booth at Public House. You’ll look like a hero and eat like a queen.
Love always,
Erica
Public House is located at 400 N State Street, Chicago, IL
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