The Publican vs Schwa
Both restaurants are praised by expert writers. Overall, Schwa ranks marginally better than The Publican. Schwa ranks #7 in Chicago with endorsements from 12 reviewers such as Gayot, BlackBook and Lonely Planet.
The Publican
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837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
From $25 /night
Concierge
"This Fulton Market District newcomer taps into the prevailing fashion for down-home dining and restaurant patrons' hunger for blue-ribbon meat."
Travel + Leisure
"The Publican’s huge list of global microbrews is complimented by such devilishly clever noshes as a pair of boudin sausages accompanied by a cluster of salamander-crisped grapes."
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Zagat
""Try everything" say fans of Paul Kahan's "inspired" West Loop New American, where the pork-centric menu allows for a "superb pigtastic experience"."
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Gayot
15.0
"From its large selection of oysters, to its grand, three-tiered seafood tower and aged ham with goat butter and peasant bread, there's munching of all kinds."
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Time Out
"I was sucked in by the effortless elegance; the beerhall-like communal tables; the old-world flatware; the gingham platters; the bulbous lights; and, of course, the food."
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Schwa
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1466 N Ashland, Chicago, IL
From $0 /night
Concierge
"Carlson's artfully displayed entrées... are so good we'd eat them on the curb in front of the tire shop across the street."
Travel + Leisure
"Known for his artful presentation, chef/proprietor and Chicagoland native Michael Carlson creates a rotating menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients from around the world."
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Zagat
4.6
""Super high-end food without the attitude" describes Michael Carlson's "very small" Wicker Park BYO."
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BlackBook
"The lackluster Microsoft-Word-looking logotype announcing the corny name on the dingy awning above the stained fabric port-hole door belies the culinary genius of Michael Carlson."
Gayot
16.0
"Blink and you'll miss Michael Carlson's contemporary, minimal (some would say barren) BYO storefront."
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