Publik Eds — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

This place used to have my favorite burger in all of Utah. I work at the U and it was a regular indulgence of mine that I could count on every time. However, the last four burgers I’ve gotten here the past six months have gradually declined to the point that I will no longer be coming back.

I don’t write reviews. But I really want my disappointment to me seen by whoever is in charge of this tragedy.

disclaimer the coffee and service is good. This is a review based on the burger, and I stand by it.

The public burger used to be a unique offering with a juicy thick house made patty with whole grain mustard in the patty, a soft buttery bun, a crispy leaf of butter lettuce, and thick juicy slice of tomato, and onion jam.

The first decline was when I was given a burger with a bun that was obviously just a cheap bun from the 7/11 next door. I was not informed that the regular buns were out, and I wouldn’t have ordered if I had known because that is a deal breaker. I was only told “ya sorry we were out of buns.” It ruined the burger for me.

I wanted to give it another chance. The next time I came, I asked to make sure the regular buns were in stock. They were. Great. I ordered it to go. The patty was practically raw, the lettuce and tomato were wimpy and thin. I couldn’t finish it. Strike two.

Now I’m thinking: Ok I’ll give it one more shot. 2 strikes could be random mistakes, but 3 strikes and you’re out. But this was the worst one yet. The “house-made” patty had been replaced with what was so obviously a frozen, thin, patty made by a machine, tasting like nothing. Completely ruined the originality of what I believed the Publik Burger to be. It is now no better than a burger I could make from the frozen aisle of a grocery store.

I resigned to never return. Months passed - until today.

“I’ll give it one last shot,” I think to myself. “I’ll ask to make sure the patty and the bun are the original.” I do so. I ask if they still make the patty in house and it has the whole grain mustard in it. They say yes. Great! Maybe last time they were out and didn’t tell me. I get excited, until it arrives.

This burger was terrible. Truly. The bun was cheap and flat and stale. The lettuce was one sad, limp piece that was barely detectable. There was no tomato and no onion jam, and when I asked about it I was told they were out. Again - after I’d already ordered, which would have been a dealbreaker before. Now the patty- I was so obviously lied to, or the worker was ill-informed. It was even worse than the last time. So sad, thin, and tasted like burnt plastic and/ or grill cleaner. One of the worst burgers I’ve ever bought.

I cannot come back. I’ve given too many chances. Do NOT order a burger here. Stick to the coffee, it’s fine.

I am extremely disappointed that one of my favorite burgers in the world has been reduced to something inedible. I understand cutting budget, but good grief I would rather pay double to have the original burger than waste my...

It's okay, nothing to rave about but not bad either. Tots, waffle and a small drip coffee came in at $11 after a tip. Not bad, but not exactly a cheap spot to grab lunch either. Comparable to campus prices, but we all know we are paying a premium for the convenience there.

The coffee was good, but I wasn't a fan of what I ordered. The waffle had a weird texture, more like a biscuit, but with a softer/chewy middle instead of a bread-y one. I overheard somebody say it's vegan so maybe that's why it's a little strange...ha. Honestly I was kinda hoping for a diner style waffle so I was disappointed. Tots were perfectly golden, but I thought they were a little underdone. Not quite crispy enough on the outside and the middle had a slight bite of an undercooked potato. Sauce that came with was good!

Staff was nice and friendly and it has a nice aesthetic. No public wifi-guessing that's to keep people from staying too long so they can turn over tables. Baked goods in the case under the register were no more than $3. I'd come back, but just for coffee and a pastry....skipping the menu...

The atmosphere is great, they do have access to WiFi for customers and it’s a convenient location being right off campus, but it’s definitely over priced for mediocre coffee and mediocre and inconsistent food. First time I ordered the big salad it was fantastic; lots of toppings, good amount of greens and had half of a large avocado on it and that day I felt I’d just about gotten my money’s worth for an $8 (maybe more, but definitely not less) price. Came back the following week and ordered the same thing, but this time did not get half my money’s worth... I received much less of everything and not one single slice of avocado and I know they weren’t out because someone who came in after I was served ordered the avocado toast. Was very disappointed that day. They’re also open until 8, but I’ve never seen a selection of baked goods in the afternoon with the exception of sometimes there being one scone left. This is a pro and a con since we know the baked goods are fresh daily, but really wish they made enough to last through for their...