learnedax ([personal profile] learnedax) wrote2008-10-22 10:20 pm

A disappointing development

C and I were in Brookline at dinner time today, and having fond memories of The Publick House from a visit with [livejournal.com profile] liamstliam some time ago, I steered us on over there. What a terrible mistake that was. While they remain very well provisioned with beers on tap (even lambics, the only beer I'm really into), their menu seems to have transformed from the pub-oriented style I remember. Surely this is as a result of their increased popularity, as all the dishes have become attempts at more fancy upscale versions of pub food, and not really succeeded. I deem them mostly acceptable food at wholly unacceptable prices. Go there to drink, but do not be lured into the trap of eating.

If you want real pub food, this is Boston, it's not hard to find (The Banshee, down near us, is a fine example). If you want upscale pub food, it's still not hard to find (The Asgard in Central Square is great, and has way more seating). If your main focus is on a huge array of beers on tap, go to The Sunset Grill a few blocks away from The Publick House. They've even got more flavours of lambic.

[identity profile] londo.livejournal.com 2008-10-23 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
I greatly enjoy the food at Phoenix Landing, but they're pretty Irish.

[identity profile] dernelof.livejournal.com 2008-10-23 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
How strange, when I was there Tuesday night (and why did y'all not join me) the menu seemed the same to me.

[identity profile] liamstliam.livejournal.com 2008-10-23 10:58 am (UTC)(link)
I am sorry about that, man.

Obviously, I have not been there in a long time.

The other recent reviews I have seen have been good, but it bothers me when my friends don't have a good time at places I recommend.

[identity profile] komos.livejournal.com 2008-10-23 11:13 am (UTC)(link)
There are plenty of pubs with pub food. Publick House is geared as a Belgian beer bar, and they do it pretty well. Granted, there are offerings that are just average, but I really like their moules-frites, the waterzooey is fantastic, and the mac & cheese has magical healing powers after a night of heavy Belgian ales.
laurion: (Default)

[personal profile] laurion 2008-10-23 01:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Might I suggest a trip out to Route 9 an the British Beer Company? Maybe while discussing Standoff?