16. VIE
Western Springs, IL
17. PUBLICAN, THE
Chicago, IL
18. NORTH POND
Chicago, IL
19. TRU
Chicago, IL
20. KIHACHI
Columbus, OH

17

Photo Courtesy of: Ulterior Epicure

Publican, The
Chicago, IL

837 W FULTON MARKET
312-733-9555
WWW.THEPUBLICANRESTAURANT.COM

Super-popular as a place to drop in for a drink and a few small plates, this lively gastropub from the Blackbird team serves the type of hearty dinner fare one expects to see in London rather than Chicago. You can start with oysters, fried steamer clams with sweet potatoes, lemon and olive oil, or spicy pork rinds that are "absolutely addictive," then follow with entrées of boudin blanc, sweetbreads, calves' brains and a ham chop that is cooked in hay and served with wild rice and chestnut-bacon jam. The tempting array of dishes causes reviewers to say, "make sure you go hungry."