Public House, the brainchild of Chef Jessica LaVeck, owner of Italian restaurant MoliPazzo in White House, brings the feel of an English pub tucked away in a rural village to the City of Springfield. Housed in a small building off the city square with red brick exterior walls and raw wood planks wrapped around large front windows, the restaurant and bar even looks like an authentic pub.
While Public House has the look of a pub, the food has a gourmet twist on both American and British bar traditions. Those who come for a beer and a small plate to share rave about both the Pimento Cheese dip served with local sourdough bread and the Spicy Crab Dip. Or if you are a truffle lover, they have baked PH French fries drizzled with white truffle oil and parmesan cheese.
Their salads get lots of thumbs up. Both the Seared Salmon Salad and the Buffalo Chicken Salad are favorites. Special seasonal salads also pop up on the menu. When fresh fruits and vegetables come in season, Chef LaVeck creates farm to table masterpieces. During their “Farm Week” in September, they offered a Farm Salad. The salad offered pickled red onions, Cherokee tomatoes, fresh bell peppers, jalapeños and crispy bacon from local Hancock Family Farm. It was finished off with roasted chick peas and cheddar cheese.
On a cold winter night, the place to be is Public House. They have a French Onion soup that would make Julia Child jealous. It is served in the traditional way with cheese melted over crusty bread floating on the top. So good!
All of the sandwiches are equally loved, including the Pimento Cheese BLT, the Crab Cake, the Public Burger, the Brat sandwich, and the Veggie Burger. LaVeck also offers a Wrap of the Week. All sandwiches are served with a choice of chips, fries or a side salad. For those wanting to add a few toppings, they have caramelized onions, several cheeses, bacon and dill pickles.
“My husband and I were in the area and the Public House was recommended to us so we stopped in for a late lunch,” said one recent visitor. “It did not disappoint! We had salads that were great along with the dressing. I tried the Irish Banger [sandwich] with caramelized onions, barbecue, and bacon, so good, full of flavor! My husband had the delicious cheese burger on a brioche bun, so tasty. We finished off with a peach cobbler that was warm served with whipped cream, so good. The atmosphere was cozy and quaint. People filled up the tables while we were there. It was a friendly, safe feeling place. I live 45 miles away and I would go back and enjoy the Public House again and recommend this place to others!”
Entrees have serious old-world flavors, including the Bangers and Mash and Shepherd’s Pie. They also have true Southern favorites like Crab Stuffed Shrimp and Grits and Pimento Cheese Smothered Chicken. Plus they have a great steak.
“We started off with the Pimento Cheese Dip, it’s really a spread, with Sourdough Bread,” said one reviewer from out of state. “Very enjoyable. We followed that with the House Salad. I had the Bacon Vinaigrette dressing which was delicious and my wife had the Ranch Dressing. [It was a] very generous portion and quite tasty. The highlight of the meal was the Char-Grilled Filet. A very good cut of beef, well-seasoned and grilled to a perfect warm pink center. One of the best steaks I’ve eaten anywhere. If you … eat here, I highly recommend the steak. We shared a warm Cinnamon Apple Tart for dessert. That was delicious, too.”
One of Public House’s favorite specials is Taco Tuesday. These are not traditional tacos, but a chance for LaVeck to play with flavors and textures. Anyone wanting the traditional will be disappointed, but the food adventurous will find the many different tacos that she creates an astounding delight. She has made Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with grilled teriyaki chicken, fresh citrus dressed greens, pineapple slaw, and fresh chopped herbs; Shrimp Tacos; and BBQ Pork Tacos dressed with fresh greens, sweet chili slaw, feta, and fresh herbs to name a few.
LaVeck produces a unique brunch every Sunday. The menu changes, so check Facebook before going. Over the holidays, the brunch included one of her one-of-a-kind stuffed French toast – Monte Christ-Mas. They have also offered Tiramisu Stuffed French Toast and Praline Bacon Stuffed French Toast. Other breakfast “tasties” include different types of hash and Benedicts. Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Martinis and ManMosas are available from the bar.
“What a hidden gem for a local place to eat,” said a visiting Nashville diner. “We finally made it for Sunday brunch and it was awesome. The burger was juicy and delicious and the special Hash was amazingly tasteful and fresh. The spicy Bloody Mary did not disappoint. Chef Jess is awesome. Can’t wait to come back! Eating local and fresh is the way to go.”
To go with the food, Public House offers a mix of local craft and imported beers, wine, cocktails and a selection of iced teas and soft drinks.
Public House
107 East 7th Avenue
Springfield, Tennessee
Phone: (615) 380-8063
https://publichousetn.com/
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
