Pop's Public House — Restaurant in Gilroy

Roads less traveled by me found something exciting. I am a city boy from Texas and know little to nothing nothing about the town of Gilroy or what gems it may contain. During our travels we heard about a restaurant call Pop's Public House and we decided to give it a try. In my mind it could have been no worse than one of those bland chain restaurant. That could've been further from the truth. We were greeted by a very exceptional wait staff that promptly led us to our table. As I scanned over the menu. I was told that Pop's Public House was a fusion of Irish and Mexican food. I thought surly that cant work. I was wrong. But was happy to be wrong. We started with a calamari appetizer. I expected to have a that familiar taste of chain restaurants past with the fishy after taste. No... The calamari had an explosion of flavor on its own. No fishy after taste. The batter they used was something That I have never experienced. It was well seasoned with love and a hint of lime. The dipping sauce that was served with it bumped it up to a different level. I cant explain it but you cant go wrong trying it. For my entrée. I ordered the roasted chicken. Oh My My My.. Again my taste buds tasted heaven. The chicken was perfectly seasoned. It had a crispy skin and juicy tender meat. the chicken was paired with a green sauce. I don't know who came up with that combination, but complements to the chef for that. The roasted chicken was served with corn bread. Once again... This is the theme.. I expected one thing and was and got a flavor masterpiece. Not just corn bread or a corn bread stuffing. This can be a meal on its own. It was sweet and savory made with corn spices and meat. Don't ask me how it was prepared because I don't know. Just know that you will not be disappointed. The biggest surprise for me was the mixed drink called Pop's Dr. Pepper. I laughed when I was told that it taste like Dr. Pepper. I'm from Texas and I know what a good cold Dr. Pepper should taste like. Again, I had my doubts. How could this mixed cocktail of beer and bitters taste like a childhood favorite cola? I took a swig from the tajin rimed glass and was once again taken... I said to myself. This can't be... How !... I was a lost for words at this point. It was good and cold the combinations of flavors was spot on. Overall Pop's Public House is a true gem. I hope this place thrives. If and when I get a chance to come back to Gilroy. I know where I...

Update 08/2024: I tried it again, and the food was not good. I got a Reuben sandwich, and instead of shaved corned beef, I got a ball of fatty chunks. It was sloppy. I will not go again. I've been here several times and I want to like this place. There are three major things I look at: cleanliness, staff/atmosphere, and food quality. The place is clean and the staff is 5-star plus, very nice and attentive; they make you feel welcome. The only part lacking is the food and drinks. We had their stew last time, and it looked and tasted like it was days old and runny; the presentation wasn't good either. Another time, the English breakfast had raw tomatoes, the beans were soupy, and the rest was mediocre.

Today, we had the breakfast burrito and a small pozole. The burrito was good. I wasn't that hungry and was offered three options: kids' (or for an adult who is not that hungry, the menu says), small, and large ($9, $12, and $16, respectively). I opted for the small, and it was small even for a kids' menu. There were no condiments for the pozole; I had to ask for them. It was good but ridiculously small for $12.

The drinks are hit or miss. I had a Bloody Mary, but it was super watered down with some junk chamoy and Tajín on the rim. Don't get me wrong, I like that on some things, but on a classic Bloody Mary? And they garnish it with pickle chips! Come on! Do better!

Anyway, it's not a bad place; I just hope they read the reviews and improve. I've been going back because of the atmosphere and wonderful staff, hoping their food and drinks have...

This was our second time at Pop's Public House. Great service and food the first time (bf got the whiskey burger and a beer, I got the fish and chips and a Just Peachy cocktail). I got a cup of the potato soup and nearly fell out of my chair - best I've ever had. Yesterday, I ordered a bowl of the potato soup (didn't realize how big it would be with two bread slices!) and then my bf got the Cal Fusion burger - yes they are huge here! - and I also got the chicken parmesan after a nice discussion with Taylor, our server. EVERYTHING was amazing - even my Flavor Burst drink was to die for. All the servers and staff were great. I think Taylor may be my favorite server of all time - and I'm 51, so that's sayin' sumthin. I would have loved different or wiped down decor items on the wall along the entrance where we sat. It's not bad but could be zhuh'd up. Not even really a critique. We will be back here and bring our local friends. Simple a highly pleasant place with amazing food and drinks - just our kinda place. Taylor...