Publican Anker Brings One of Chicago’s Best Brunches to Wicker Park

The arrival of Publican Anker’s brunch service gives Wicker Park another stellar weekend option. Brunch will initially only be served on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting on Jan. 15. They’ll eventually add Saturday service. Executive chef Cosmo Goss hopes the good brunch vibes from the original Publican on Fulton Market will make it to Wicker Park, but they’re not intent on delivering a carbon copy of the original, which is consistently ranked as one of the best brunches in Chicago.

“The last thing we wanted is for people to come in and think nothing is changed, that this is just Publican in a different area,” Goss said.

As Paul Kahan and One Off Hospitality’s original moved away from pork toward more seafood, Anker’s brunch reflects that. It’s more veggie-friendly: their biscuits and gravy is made with mushrooms. There’s also a roasted pepper scramble with feta. But carnivores shouldn’t feel alienated. Anker’s burger is available and dressed up with an egg for brunch. The Pub bacon, a staple at the original, is also on the menu.

If diners want more than Sparrow coffee they can pick one of the two bloody Marys on the menu. There’s a traditional red made with black peppers and vodka. The second is made with cucumbers, roasted tomatillos, Serranos and tequila. Goss called it a bloody verde.

Brunch will be first come, first served. If there’s a line, the host will collect a phone number and text diners when their table’s ready.

Check out the menu below. Publican Anker’s brunch debuts next week on Sunday, Jan. 15.