Publican Anker Opens in Wicker Park This Wednesday

By Anthony Todd in Food on Nov 28, 2016 7:00PM

Photo courtesy of Sandy Noto/One Off Hospitality Group

The moment you've been eagerly awaiting (at least if you've been walking past the construction walls at Damen and Milwaukee for months) is here: The Publican is opening its newest location, Publican Anker, in Wicker Park on Wednesday.

We first reported on the restaurant back in July, and today the Tribune broke the story about the opening. The restaurant will focus on "wood-roasted and raw seafood, vegetables, ramped-up coal-fired bar food" and, of course, craft beer and cocktails, befitting the fact that The Publican mother ship has one of the best beer lists in town. This opening firmly cements the One Off Hospitality presence in the neighborhood, with Violet Hour, Big Star and Dove's Luncheonette all within walking distance of the new spot.

Despite the cute logo that implies a seafood restaurant (and the fact that they will serve a large selection of seafood), the "Anker" comes from the "anchor" location of the building. Whatever, it's adorable and every ordinary dinner will assume that it's the seafood. While we're excited for another good dining option in this neighborhood, a more informal setting (plus the Publican's signature bustle) means that this place will likely be packed, loud and hard to get into, at least for the first few months.

Publican Anker is located at 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave.