Public

the food, the service, the place, 5 star all the way. you will have to go and try it yourself to know what all the review is talking about. but go soon, they are moving... to China.

Excellent place. The atmosphere was wonderful. The service was great and the food was amazing. We went early to experience the bar and were enjoying ourselves when the hostess sent over an appetizer and apologized that we would have to wait a little for the table (it was only 10 minutes after our reservation and we hadn't even noticed). Will definitely go back and recommend to everyone.

This is a true find in the soma area. Went to the 11th st area for some drinks and discovered this gem. The late nite menu was excellent and affordable at $5 for gourmet food. Good times!!!

Most definitely. The Public is a great space in a great location. Stop by for drinks or a bite to eat before heading down the block to a show at Slim's. I recently went to the Public on a Friday night for dinner with my boyfriend. I expected the place to be packed already, but upon our arrival for a 7pm reservation, we were the first people in the loft space upstairs and a minute after that we were ordering our drinks. Our server was extremely nice and made some great recommendations on the food. If you like cabernet, try what they have on the list. You might as well just get the whole bottle. It's yummy. The gorgonzola salad and the endive salad are delicious. The gorgonzola salad is a little rich so if you want something a bit lighter to save room for your entree, go for the endive salad. It's got a nice citrus flavor and tastes very clean. For entrees, we had the short ribs and the duck. Both were good, the meats were so tender they just melted in your mouth. For dessert, if you ... Read more

Having read that this restaurant was good for large parties, a group of six of us went for dinner. My husband and I found the food and service to be average. There are only about 5-6 entree items to choose from, which is a problem when none of the choices are particularly exciting. I had the butternut squash risotto, which was a little too sweet and a little too mushy. Our server was unenergetic and deflated; an ill-match for the loud, trendy ambience. The music was too loud, and I could barely hear the person sitting across from me. The industrial-style decor and building is inarguably the strength of this establishment. Also, the MoMo cocktail is yummy.

If you into a casual place to hang out to in a loungy enivironment. This is a defintely a place you need to check. It's like having a party in a loft apartament. Very cool

I'm not surprised to see nothing but rave reviews for this place. I just moved to the city and must say I've never seen or experienced anything quite like this. I stopped in tonite for a brief while to meet up with a friend, who happens to know the owner. Yes, we got preferred treatment because the owner (who was bartending) was there, but I must say I really loved the ambiance, decor and the relaxed atmosphere of this place. It definitely gave me a very NYC feel. It's very chill. While I was lounging on the comfy couch it totally felt like home. I got to sample some of the food (the ribs & shepard's pie) and would not hesitate to go back to dine there (I'm already thinking about throwing my bday bash there next year). I'll definitely save room for the chocolate pudding cake people keep recommending in the reviews. The staff were also very attentive and super friendly (not in the annoying, in your face kinda way tho thank god). I watched the way they handled a situation w/some patrons ... Read more

Pleasantly surprised by walking into the hip & cool, yet casual atmosphere with main floor couches, two bars and a very attentive staff (after having no problem finding free parking in the street). The party of four I was with got there early enough on a Saturday night to have the couches downstairs to ourselves while we enjoyed drinks before dinner. We had an attentive waiter who was really helpful with suggestions and honest opinions. He also gave one of my friends a little wine tasting since she was asking for a comparison of three wines and he'd only tried one of them (it was his second week working there). I had a really good rum mojito. Dinner upstairs was very good. A little dark, but without making mention of it to the staff we were asked if we'd like the lights turned up a little. Our wait staff was excellent and everyone was happy with the appetizers, salads and entrees we ordered. I got the seafood risotto that had a nice, light curry flavor to it. Overall the ris... Read more

The Scene This loft-like space is surrounded by brick walls and rotating paintings that keep the scenery fresh. Dance tunes play at a whisper; black-clad waitresses serve mango mojitos from two bars. Fashionable clientele can mingle on designer couches in the center of the main room or head upstairs, where a dining room sits beneath an I-beam ceiling. The Food A seasonally updated menu features comfort cuisine with gourmet flare. Portions are generous, aside from a petite crab-and-shrimp cake starter. An entree-worthy smoked boar sausage is bolstered by white-bean puree and sweetened by balsamic figs. Chili flakes add spice to diced tuna poke, presented in a sesame-soy-dressed mold of cucumbers and shiitake mushrooms. A knife glides through braised short ribs bathed in a thin port-cabernet sauce; but the ling cod's saffron-tomato broth tastes like Spaghettios. Desserts shine, highlighted by a chocolate bread pudding.

We needed a place to have dinner and lounge with drinks...this place offered just that plus more. (we were a large group and most places could not seat us unless it was 10pm) The ambience is priceless: exposed brick walls, large windows, smooth lighting-art-decor and HBO series: "Sex in the City" feel. Feels like a place Keri, Miranda, Charlotte and (can't remember the other chic's name)...would lounge with their cosmos at hand. Felt like I was in New York again. Food is reasonably priced and delicious!!! Have dessert!!! really you should. Drinks before dinner...dine...repeat w/ drinks all over again after that at the bar or the cozy couches in the main floor. Meet the owner and manager...very nice fellows. Great Place!

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at The Public last night. The lounge area was modern and nicely appointed, but nothing outstanding and a bit cold. I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but we were pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was superb, knew the menu well and gave us great recommendations. We had the mussels (extraordinary) and the boar sausage (good, but not fantastic) for starters. We toyed with getting the Ahi Poke and the waiter was so exceptional that he brought us a sampling of it! Our service was efficient, but not rushed, atmosphere was lively, without being piercingly loud. My halibut entree was cooked perfectly and paired very well with the mussels. My husbands salmon was excellent as well. A pleasant surprise in a hit or miss location...we definitely recommend! Also, a bottle of wine, two entrees, and two appetizers came to $105 - a bargain for the quality!

We found this wonderful place quite by accident and it has quickly become such a favorite we make our plans around dinner. We love every aspect of this restaurant from the ambience, the food, the staff, location, drinks, the food and the food! With the parking garage nearby, that wasn't even an issue either. A definite recommendation.

The Public has quickly become one of my favorite places in the Bay Area! First, the space is unique and very comfortable both for dining or just drinks. Second, Chef Anna Bautista and crew do a sensational job of taking care of each and every customer. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed. I particularly like the poki or crabcake appetizer and the shortribs or seared ahi entree. Lastly, I highly recommend a drink that is unique to The Public....I think it's called the "Anna Flower" and it is one of the most refreshing, enjoyoable drinks I've had in a long time!! That, in itself, is worth the visit!

There are no tacky, bright signs outside, so it may be easy to miss. The Public is a special place. It's a great place to hang out for drinks and dinner. The ambiance is a mixture of the "in scene" of New York, but with the "relax feel" of San Francisco. Prices are quite reasonable too! Drinks are actually made by a proper bartender, and served in proper martini glasses... at a lower price than in the plastic cups in the bars adjacent! The ribs are to die for, so juicy and tender... and in hearty, "real people" portions. It's the ideal place for a date, AND also for a group of friends!

I think two words sums it up, ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!! My colleagues and I were looking for a spot to drink after a long day of work and suggestted The Public since I heard such great things about the spot. When we got there we were surprised to hear that they recently implemented a great Happy Hour there. We enjoyed 2 for 1 specials on all beers and coctails. To help us soak up the alcohol, we ordered some sliders that were the best i've ever had. After enjoying a few too many 2 for 1 drinks, I called my girlfriend to come pick me up and actually stayed for dinner. Thank you very much The Public as my girlfriend thoroughly enjoyed the meal and was happy I called her down. I will definately return as I'm sure the Happy Hour will start to pick up with such great drink deals.

We went here after being rudely turned away from the Tiki place down the street. What a refreshing difference! The greeting was very friendly and, even without a reservation, they got us a great table. The staff was incredibly friendly & service excellent. Food was VERY GOOD. Short-ribs were outstanding and the steak was perfectly prepared. Even the Ceasar Salad was fantastic, although a little large for my appetitie. It IS a young, hip crowd, but - being slightly over the agerage age - I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. A very fun evening! There is even a story to tell. When we went out for a smoke between courses, the bus person accidently cleared and reset our table, taking our cig packs in the process. The waiter actually sent someone to the store to replace our packs, while we had our entrees. That's above and beyond . . .

I was pleasantly surprised, nice addition to the neighborhood. Prices were good for the amount and quality of food. Service was spotty, hopefully they'll work out the kinks. The crabcakes came with banh mi vegetables, good pairing. The short ribs were good and the martinis well made. Wine list was not extensive but I was able to find some good bottles. Desserts were all very good but the coffee seemed stale. Overall not a bad meal for the neighborhood and with some time should be a very good place to take a group of friends.

Don't miss this place! They come by their "city loft" description honestly, as the building has been around for over a hundred years and maintains an authentic brick and industrial feel. There is a revolving art exhibit, which is what originally brought us to the restaurant. Currently, works from 3 talented, and yet very different artists are on display. Unfortunately, they're still trying to complete the outside signage and lighting situation, so it's not easily identifiable as a restaurant yet. But once inside, you're warmly greeted by one of the owners, Richard, followed by a host of friendly and competent staff. After having a drink in their lounge, we were seated for dinner. The meal was exceptional and the prices extremely reasonable. It was a nice touch that the owner came to our table to make sure we enjoyed our meal. We most certainly did and will return again.

The Public has become our standby for mellow dining, great service and wonderful food. It is ideal for a quiet dinner for two, or a large party of 10, complete with out-of-town guests. The Public is unpretentious and relaxed, and the service treats you like you have been coming there for years. TIP: The bar tenders will come up with custom cocktails for yoru party if you ask nicely.

I have dined there several times, and each time was excellent, memorable food, service, wine, everything. If I lived closer I probably be there every weekend.

yes the title is cheesy but its true. we've got all kinds of good restaurants around and i eat out a few times a week but i make sure i go to the public often. its unique, and its warm. food is delicious, service is casual and solid, and the price is right. its a little out of my neighborhood but its what the city needs---a restaurant with a good bar downstairs. lots of fun on the weekends.

I had heard lots of hype about the ambiance and vibe at this place, so didn't expect much out of the food or the service. Boy was i wrong. The servers, from the hostess to the bartender to the waitstaff, were all incredibly gracious and accomodating. The food (we tried the lamb shank and the a pasta dish) were tasty, rich, and amazing. Reasonable wine prices too. Definitely check it out.

I went to the Public a few months after it open over a year ago. Had a good time, liked the place, liked the food, got forgotten in all the new restaurants... We just recently went back and realized this place is the secret spot in the city. Awesome vibe, unique space and simple good food. Cool staff with good taste in music that doesn't involve a DJ, feels like a NYC spot. Shouldn't be forgotten.

Went on a busy Saturday night and the service was quite good. The drink selection is good too (if not a bit pricey) and the wine list is fairly good as well. The pork osso buco fell off the bone but the steak was a little chewy. Skip the lemon creme brulee and opt instead for the wonderful chocolate bread pudding!