Publico Mike Randolph THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Público

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Público Awards

Contemporary Mexican cuisine in The Loop elicits a collective "olé!"
Openings: Dinner Tues.-Sun.

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THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Público Restaurant Review:


Yes, that’s a real fire in the open kitchen. Chef Mike Randolph’s vision for high-end Mexican fare means cooking accoutrements Midwestern diners aren’t used to seeing --- a wood-burning hearth, custom-built smoker and stone molino that grinds corn for house-made tortillas, to name a few. There are pan-Latin dishes, too, like Puerto Rican arepas (cornmeal cakes) with sweet or savory toppings, including shredded duck gizzard. The menu is a special treat for lamb-lovers, with lamb tartare, hearts with smoked blackberries, spit-roasted leg and grilled sweetbreads. Desserts feel exotic. Try coconut shaved ice or rice pudding with fine shreds of foie gras. The bar dominates the shotgun-style space, and its cocktails are worthy of the extra attention. Margaritas are fresh and tasty, as expected, and the Latin spin on classics (think rum and mezcal versus whiskey) is a rare treat.