The Public House opens tonight with limited menu (preview)

Courtesy of The Public House

​We've got more details on the new North Loop restaurant, the Public House. The Hot Dish recently spoke with Brent Johanson, the eatery's general manager, in anticipation of its smaller opening tonight, which coincides with National Night Out.

Johanson couldn't give us the full menu, but we've got a peek at what's on the bill for tonight's smaller opening. Jonas Bakken, the kitchen lead, was in charge of creating the wide-ranging menu. Bakken's previous experience includes Brasa in Minneapolis.

Here's a look at tonight's menu:

Andouille with Yams
Poblano Chicken Sausage with Ratatouille
Pork Agrodolce with Corn Polenta
Merguez with White Bean and Carrot
Bibb with Honey Citrus Vinaigrette
Spicy Tuna Tartare Endive Salad
Goat Cheese Farm Salad
Tomato Bread
Dolce De Leche
Espresso Cake
Carrot Cake

According to Johanson, the Public House will be focusing mostly on small plate dishes that utilize seasonal ingredients. "The theme is a global fusion of sorts," said Johanson. "We'll have some staples, but we'll try to introduce new dishes periodically."

The Public House's owners, Doug and Jane Oyen, have run C. McGee's Deli for over 23 years, a New York-style deli focused primarily on sandwiches.

The perfect-for-sharing small plate menu will no doubt help the eatery live up to its name, which Johanson says co-owner Jane Oyen coined. "The Public House sort of means a central gathering point, a comfortable place for people to hang out, and that's what we wanted to create," Johanson says.

He also discussed some of the renovation work on building, which formerly housed the North Washington Cafe. In addition to 12 tap lines for their craft beer selection, Johanson and company focused on ridding the space of the cafe/coffehouse feel left over from the space's former tenants.

Stop by the Warehouse District tonight from 6:30 p.m. to midnight to sample a limited menu from the eatery, and maybe play a game of bags while you're at it. They will have a full beer and wine selection, though!

Previously on the Hot Dish
The Public House coming soon to the North Loop