Introducing Publican Quality Meats

Photo: Publican Quality Meats/Facebook

Publican Quality Meats is working hard for Americans to live a tad bit more like the Europeans. Forget the big-box grocery store chains, and step into your new local butcher, now open just across the street from its sister restaurant Publican.

The focus on quality here is stellar, even as the crowds of people come pouring in at all times during the week. People come for the wonderful choices in meat and dishes that you often can’t find in other places in the city.

In ways, it is somewhat reminiscent of the other uber-popular Chicago butcher, Paulina Meat Market, but it’s offerings seem quite different. While Paulina continues to be a go-to place for all things sausage, Publican Quality Meats has some more hard-to-find and unusual items for sale, like duck rillette, pork shoulder confit, charcuterie, duck confit preserved in duck fat... and a number of other high-quality, delectable meats… Everything in the deli case is also nicely labeled in handwriting, a special touch.

Another big difference between the two meat stores is that Publican offers sandwiches. After fighting your way to the butcher and then the cashier (you just get the attention of one of the butchers here, rather than get a number when you walk in the door), you can order a sandwich and take a seat at the communal tables. And don’t forget to stop at the coffee bar.

I went for the first time last Sunday with my hubby (who has been here so many times already that he knows some of the butchers), and the place was absolutely packed, even at 3pm. Getting the attention of a butcher wasn’t difficult, and within just a few minutes we were loaded up on a ton of groceries, more than I would have expected. But when you get a sample taste of their prosciutto, it’s hard not to fall in love and buy some to take home.

After the groceries were picked out, we headed to the cashier, ordered some sandwiches and paid. I got the tuna muffaletta, not what one might imagine getting at a butcher shop. But one bite? And you can tell it’s house made and worth savoring.

I know I’ll be back soon -- but I won’t be forgetting about Paulina Meat Market either!

Publican Quality Meats
825 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
312-445-8977