MG_7445
Call him crazy, but Michael Hernandez, who has been a presence in town from when he launched Bistro 821 decades ago, has just founded Public House, his third restaurant in as many years—rounding out his current portfolio to include The New York Times-featured HobNob on Fifth Avenue South and MidTown Kitchen + Bar on U.S. 41 near Golden Gate Parkway.
Aiming to cater to an underserved dining public that has been gradually moving northward as Naples itself expands and grows, this casual rock-and-roll styled gathering spot will be open for lunch, dinner, drinks and, yes, daily happy hours.
Nestled in the new Creekside Corners on Immokalee Road at the corner of Goodlette-Frank, it is surrounded by great neighbors, including Bone Hook Brewery, which will have a symbiotic relationship with the restaurant (Bone Hook will supply them with a new draft each month; their patrons can have Public House’s food delivered to them at the bar).
A couple of dishes from Hernandez’s other projects have made the cut, including the sweet-savory deviled eggs with candied bacon. But the rest of the menu is similar yet different, with lots of bar bites like fried pickles, spicy house-roasted nuts (marked gluten-free, along with quite a number of other choices) and red pepper hummus. Lunch has a long list of sandwiches, salads and flatbreads, while dinner keeps those (minus some of the sandwiches) and adds small plates and heftier entrées (like Korean BBQ short ribs with kimchee sofrito and fried leeks).
Keeping with the vibe given off by denim-upholstered banquettes and vinyl album covers plastering the walls, live music will also be a draw as the restaurant gains its footing. Scroll down for a sneak peek in photos.
To plan a visit:
Public House
1514 Immokalee Road, Naples
(239) 232-2551
Get the Hot Dish every Wednesday and Friday online and every month in Gulfshore Life.