Wizard Needs Food Badly: Lunch On The Porch At Public House

  • Monday, May 2, 2016
  • Paquita Maria Sanchez

It was a lovely, warm weekday and I was out and about downtown, dipping in and out of a few eclectic, local stores. Walking down Market Street, I noticed the porch at Public House, packed with people enjoying the sun and a late lunch. I decided to stop by.

With a pale wooden floor and white napkins already set in place at the tables, the vibe inside the restaurant was classy. I immediately understood that it was the kind of place where servers box up your leftovers for you—the kind of place where people order a glass of wine and appetizers in the middle of the day to meet up with friends or chat with business partners.

Without even looking at a menu, I also realized Public House was perhaps a little fancier and a little pricier than the typical restaurants Lionel and I frequent, but since it was just lunch, and I was alone, I figured I'd give it a shot.

I got a small, wooden table outside where I sat on a long, cushioned bench. The atmosphere was really fantastic, right down to the background music coming in through the speakers and the plants growing over the rails of the porch. I could tell it would be beautiful at night in the summer.

The water was served in tall, glass bottles that stayed at your table while you ate. I would have preferred my glass iced, but I didn't bother asking.

My server was knowledgeable and attentive. The soup of the day was Southern Vegetable Minestrone with black beans and okra ($5.00), but it was too warm out for me to imagine eating something so hot and hearty. The selection of salads was nice, and there was a whole list of cheese to choose from if that's what you wanted to snack on with your wine.

Though there were items as basic as fried chicken ($8.50 – included two sides and a cheddar muffin), there was also a decent amount of seafood on the menu, as well as some pretty interesting dishes like Duck Confit ($14.00) or a small plate of Stuffed Quail Andouille with apple and grits ($11.00).

I went with a marinated mushroom and goat cheese grilled cheese sandwich, which came with seasoned shoestring fries ($10.00). The fries and the sandwich were both good, but it wasn't a lot of food, and for a grilled cheese there was hardly any cheese at all.

I was still a bit hungry, so I decided to order dessert. They happened to have my very favorite dessert of all time so I splurged. I couldn't help it. A couple minutes later, out came an order of crème brûlée ($6.00).

I have to say, I was a little hesitant to order a dessert that cost almost the same amount as my entree, but I sure didn't regret it. It was delicious, creamy and rich. I always love cracking that brittle caramelized shell, and this one was perfect.

The late lunchers finished up around me, and after a while I really had the porch to myself. I used the free restaurant wi-fi to dash out a couple articles as I enjoyed the nice weather. Lionel was going to be very jealous of my crème brûlée.

Location: Warehouse Row, 1110 Market St., Chattanooga, Tn 37402


Hours: M - Sat 11 am - 2:30 pm5 pm - 9 pm
            Sun - Closed


Latest Headlines
Dining
Kitchen Incubator Of Chattanooga's First KIC Nights Postponed To March 22
Kitchen Incubator Of Chattanooga's First KIC Nights Postponed To March 22
  • 3/13/2024

Food Truck Fridays has established itself as the place to grab lunch on the first Friday of each month. Now, the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga announces that KIC Nights, an evening of food ... more

Taco Mamacita Opening At Hamilton Place
  • 3/8/2024

Taco Mamacita at Hamilton Place is scheduled to open soon. The owner, Michael Monen, owns seven other restaurants in Chattanooga and three in Nashville that already have beer licenses. The ... more

Broads Opening On 10th Street; To Feature Spirits From Female-Owned Businesse
  • 3/8/2024

Bailey Cole and Kristiana Mallo are opening Broads at 124 East 10 th St. They also own Cashews in North Chattanooga. Broads will feature spirits from female-owned businesses and cocktails ... more