Publican Tavern — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

The Publican Tavern is a dining establishment in the Chicago O’Hare airport featuring locally grown organic food, such as sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.

We arrived at the place on a Sunday afternoon between 4:30 and 5:00. We had to wait about a minute or two before an individual table became available. There is also a single table that runs the length the restaurant, where patrons can opt to eat and watch travelers go about their business. Finally, a bar is available with televisions for those who perhaps want to catch a ballgame.

Our meals arrived approximately 15 minutes after we ordered. The smoked turkey sandwich consisted of shredded turkey, avocado, piri piri, organic arugula, red onion & multigrain bread. All the fixings blended well with the meat, and was quite enjoyable.

The Pub Burger included American cheese, gem lettuce, balsamic onion, and a special sauce, with a fried egg added for good measure. After the first bite, the burger became a bit messy, so a knife and fork were necessary to complete the meal. The dish came with homemade potato chips, of which I'm never a fan. They always taste burnt, and these were no exception. Although the burger patty was a bit small, the meal was filling, but quite average.

As one would expect dining at an airport, , the menu is quite pricey. You can pay by cash, card, or through a QR code located on each table. I had a problem with the last option, as it didn't register my name or credit card, so I ultimately paid in cash. The place was neat and clean, despite the amount of customers visiting during dinner hours.

The Publican Tavern is a place where I'd return, especially if I have a comfortable buffer of time between flights. Unlike eating at chains in your average airport food court, the Publican Tavern has its own personality and atmosphere. If you have some downtime at the O’Hare airport, you may want to give this...

Really good food. Some of the people giving the food bad reviews for being weird...might be the same people dining at the Olive Garden, where the CEO said they have to overcook the pasta or customers will complain. If you would entertain the Olive Garden you'd probably be happier at McDonalds or the Macaroni Grill.

The service is a bit odd. You have to wait a long time to be seated then they tell you the bar is open, would you like to sit there. Or they try to cram you onto the counter when there are open tables. Instead of the please wait to be seated sign, make the counter and bar open and seat yourself, and wait here for a table.

Then they don't give you a menu and expect you to use thr QR code. So I did that and got my order ready and it said it wasn't working, the server didn't open a ticket. And are they expecting a 20% tip if you use the online ordering?

Then when I ordered with the waitress they never refilled my water. It might be because many are European and they might not do that there. Why don't you order another drink you might say? I did and it never came out.

I think labor at airport restaurants has been a challenge. My fish sandwich was extremely crispy, high quality fish, really nice sauces. But service is like a fight, worse than a stereotypical no frills...

Is it the best food in the world? Not so much, but the HMS dining sign on the wall should be indication enough that you’re about to have a throughly consistent - if mediocre - experience. How exactly this was James Beard award winning may have predated current ownership, or perhaps cost cutting was involved.

The positives when I went (mid-afternoon on a Saturday) were plentiful staff and seating, and a power outlet right on the counter of the island. The beer selection is reasonably large for the airport, and there are some unexpected breweries on the list (I got Firestone Walker). Service was prompt, and the beer got to me quick.

I ordered the burger, which was reasonably cooked, and covered with a good amount of cheese. Their special sauce added a nice amount of tang, and the whole thing was well seasoned. The burger was probably a solid 4 stars, but brought down by the fries, which cost an extra $2 and are very much frozen, bagged, and uninspired. I don’t like ketchup, and I used ketchup for them to give you an idea of the quality.

Service was quick and polite.

Overall, for $32+ tip, it’s fine for the airport. If you’re looking to save money, skip this and opt for McDonald’s or Rick Bayless’ counter...