Publican Quality Bread Oak Park — Restaurant in Oak Park

Today was my 3rd time stopping in and I loved the seasonal tartines, the almond croissant, really all the pastries we have tried have been good. The space is very nice, there is outdoor seating ..I thought I might have a new place, in my neighborhood to come enjoy a bite and a tea/coffee while I work. However, for me, each time I’ve been there, the cashier Kayla/Layla ( not sure which is her name, wears circle glasses) has never once been that warm, friendly face or demeanor that welcomes a patron in the morning and keeps them coming back. I agree with another reviewer that said it’s almost like they don’t want you there. And what may likely be my last time stopping in, today I ordered what I really only came for, the seasonal tartine, and she informed me that they were not ready which was fine even though just yesterday I was told they are set out at 10am each day (it was 1010-ish). When Kayla noticed I’d stepped to the side, she asked if I was going to wait, I said ‘yes if that’s ok’, to which she said “I don’t care!”. I thought about leaving at that point but they came out shortly after. She packed them in a box without the paper they usually put inside the to go boxes (bcz of my interactions with her I think she did it purposely) the tartine is quite oily and it leaked through the box and got on my clothes. I don’t believe being the cashier here (or working with people) is Kayla’s calling. I would typically be inclined to give someone the benefit of the doubt and say maybe she had an off day. But after 3 sour interactions with her in a row, this seems to be who she is. Another reviewer described a “snotty, curt” female employee, I’d be willing to bet it was Kayla. I also agree with other reviewers about the high prices (although I’m usually happy to pay for deliciousness) and that sneaky “hospitality charge” when there was no such hospitality! All in all, though my experience was unfortunate, I am Happy to see a new option in the...

I was so excited for this place to open, I live a block away. Unfortunately, the customer service from the counter people here is so bad, I feel bad giving this place any money.

The Service

Over the past 6 months or so, I've gone in probably 15 times, almost every time I feel like I've done something wrong by just ordering. This place is the epitome of bad service. I've tried all different types of approaches with the staff, each time I get a stone faced "I'm better than you and I hate my job" look. I thought it was me, but now I see a lot of other people are having the same experience. I'm probably going to stop going because of this reason, and something the owners should really consider fixing.

The Food

The bakery items are usually really good, to fantastic. There was a Cruffin with lemon that I still think about. The loaves of bread are really good, but sometimes overbaked imo. I like a good crust, but I don't want to cut my mouth on the bread because the crust is so overdone. This also holds true with the pizza about half the time, or more. I've gotten all the different pizza types and they are usually dried out, overbaked crust with burnt edges. I'm ok with charring, but not when it dries everything else out. They also seem underseasoned. The sandwiches are ok, but overpriced for the amount you get. As others have said, there's other better/cheaper options out there.

Overall, I understand the place has an award winning owner etc., but this type of commitment needs to be carried through to all the staff. It only takes a few bad apples to spoil the...

I may have been amongst the few that didn't know PBQ was coming to town. I've tried it a few times and while I'll likely return periodically for the occasional treat, the prices are rather high. Then there's the small add on hospitality fee added before the dreaded tip screen appears.... I usually still tip even when I'm taking to go but this is not unique to PBQ and speaks to a greater cultural phenomenon.

I've enjoyed thus far different sweet and savory pastries (financiers, ham and cheese croissants, maritozzi....) which were decadent and tasted scrumptious. I'm still undecided whether I like the pizza options. Thus far I've appreciated the pizza with potatoes which was rich with a robust buttery flavor. Some of the others tasted a bit too dry and salty imho.

The staff at the front have always been friendly and courteous with me.

I do want to say in regards to some of the reviews that comment stating people in Oak Park should be grateful for high quality bread and they should put up with whatever customer service they get.... that is soo beyond condescending. The food should speak for itself. Show and not tell. As they're from reviewers and presumably not representative of PBQs' thoughts regarding customers, my comment in now way is intended to discredit the effort of the folks working behind the scenes to make the food. It just makes it hard to take at face value the words of...