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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
The Publican
8 / 10
837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
From $25 /night
Concierge 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 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." Full review
Zagat 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"." Full review
Gayot 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." Full review
Time Out 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." Full review
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Schwa
Schwa
8 / 10
1466 N Ashland, Chicago, IL
From $0 /night
Concierge 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 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." Full review
Zagat Zagat
4.6
""Super high-end food without the attitude" describes Michael Carlson's "very small" Wicker Park BYO." Full review
BlackBook 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 Gayot
16.0
"Blink and you'll miss Michael Carlson's contemporary, minimal (some would say barren) BYO storefront." Full review
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