Publican Anker

Publican Anker took over the Francesca's Forno space at the corner of Milwaukee North and Damen this past November. We finally got there last night (a Thursday).

I arrived 7:30, it was busy but not terrible. There were seats available at the bar and at the window (side-by-side like the bar seats, but with a view outside). I think there might have been a short wait if we'd wanted a table. I think bar seats are FCFS - not sure though, as there wasn't a waiting line.

The food was pretty similar to Publican, it feels maybe a little more like a bar, just because the layout is two narrow rooms, rather than the big hall that Publican has, and the bar extends through most of the front room we were in.

Both food and service were good, as expected. I had just some of the veggie appetizers, D. had a fish stew. I liked the food, the atmosphere in the room, the music, and it's certainly a convenient location for me. Portion size was large on the apps, overall it seemed a good value.

Publican Anker
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago IL
https://www.publicananker.com/
773-452-9673

Went a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. For me, the only part that didn't live up to the hype was the burger. I agree about the food being largely similar to the Publican, but the original certainly wins out when it comes to the space and atmosphere. I found Anker a bit uncomfortable to navigate and I prefer the brighter lighting and higher chairs of the Publican to the more traditional restaurant setting you find at Anker; the more raucous atmosphere just fits better with the food for me.

That said, way rad to have this food a short walk away from my place. The One Off domination of that block seems almost unfair to other places at this point.

we thoroughly enjoyed a couple of recent visits, and set to work copying the spectacular apple manchego marcona chimichurri salad at home. we thought it was equal to Publican in quality (though the menu range is less) and superior to Publican in noise level (quieter here). we'll be back!

Gnarchef - the bar and window-view tables are all high chairs. I didn't notice if the regular tables had tall or normal-height chairs.

Publican Anker to close after brunch service on March 24. One Off Hospitality plans to replace it with a unique concept.

https://chicago.eater.com/2019/2/27/182 ... rk-chicago

Can we please get Soul Kitchen back!

BR wrote:Can we please get Soul Kitchen back!

I never liked that location as much as the original, but that was a blast from the pass!

pairs4life wrote:

BR wrote:Can we please get Soul Kitchen back!

I never liked that location as much as the original, but that was a blast from the pass!

Completely agree, we went to the original Chicago Ave location regularly.

Al Ehrhardt wrote:

pairs4life wrote:

BR wrote:Can we please get Soul Kitchen back!

I never liked that location as much as the original, but that was a blast from the pass!

Completely agree, we went to the original Chicago Ave location regularly.

i remember soul kitchen in wicker park; i didnt remember there had been a chicago ave. location. where was it? and can anyone remember the last name of debra, the chef owner- i'd like to see where she's landed. i loved their motto: 'cool food and hot music' (did i get that right???)

justjoan wrote:

Al Ehrhardt wrote:

pairs4life wrote:
I never liked that location as much as the original, but that was a blast from the pass!

Completely agree, we went to the original Chicago Ave location regularly.

i remember soul kitchen in wicker park; i didnt remember there had been a chicago ave. location. where was it? and can anyone remember the last name of debra, the chef owner- i'd like to see where she's landed. i loved their motto: 'cool food and hot music' (did i get that right???)

Hi Joan,

I forgot the exact building (it's been over 20 years ago), but I googled it and it was at 2152 W Chicago. Looks like it was next to where Ann's Bakery and Deli is now, don't recall if that was there back then.

Great food, cool vibe, and BYO. Couldn't ask for more.

Al

justjoan wrote:and can anyone remember the last name of debra, the chef owner- i'd like to see where she's landed. i loved their motto: 'cool food and hot music' (did i get that right???)

I believe Monique King was chef at both locations of Soul Kitchen, where the motto was "Loud Food, Spicy Music."

Rene G wrote:

justjoan wrote:and can anyone remember the last name of debra, the chef owner- i'd like to see where she's landed. i loved their motto: 'cool food and hot music' (did i get that right???)

I believe Monique King was chef at both locations of Soul Kitchen, where the motto was "Loud Food, Spicy Music."

thanks, i wonder why i thought the chef was named debra....it appears monique and her husband took over 2 long time casual california restaurants and are maintaining their names and traditions. i don't know if the food is loud or the music spicy...

JustJoan, perhaps you are thinking of Debra Sharpe who was the owner of both Feast and ConFusion in Wicker Park at the same time Soul Kitchen was open.

Pam Scariano was the original owner of the Chicago Ave Soul Kitchen. She partnered with Michael Noone and Terry Alexander (owners of Danny’s Tavern at the time) when the move to Wicker Park was made.

For some reason, I vaguely remember a small restaurant on Lincoln Avenue — probably in Lincoln Park — that used the slogan "Loud Food, Spicy Music." I think Aydin Dincer from Prairie Joe's was the chef. Can't remember the name, and doubt there was a connection to Soul Kitchen. Or am I just imagining things?

nr706 wrote:For some reason, I vaguely remember a small restaurant on Lincoln Avenue — probably in Lincoln Park — that used the slogan "Loud Food, Spicy Music." I think Aydin Dincer from Prairie Joe's was the chef. Can't remember the name, and doubt there was a connection to Soul Kitchen. Or am I just imagining things?

Another one of our favorites, Star Top Cafe. And yes, that was Aydin’s restaurant.

Pam Scariano was the original owner of the Chicago Ave Soul Kitchen. She partnered with Michael Noone and Terry Alexander (owners of Danny’s Tavern at the time) when the move to Wicker Park was made.

Pam Scariano, who'd worked at Mia Francescos for many years,
in The Front of The House, is a friend I've known, for many, many moons
(since High School).
I too miss Soul Kitchen- at both of their locations.

Sadly when issues arose over the ownership of the Liquor License at The Damen Avenue location (that replaced Jimo's- remember that place?!) Pam and Terry Alexander parted ways-Terry of course going on to partner up w/ Donnie J. Madia -Principal/Founder of One-Off-Hospitality, and my ol friend Pam's kinda flown off-the-radar.....
I too think- she really knew how to keep a joint Poppin'!
RIP- Soul Kitchen.