Publico Beach Club is a lively, beach inspired pop-up concept tucked away in the middle of South Boston. This summer oasis features a seasonal menu of summer-centric fare from Executive Chef, Joel Howard set against the backdrop of fresh, coastal décor, nautical-motifs, bright splashes of turquoise blues and oranges and plenty of maritime kitsch. Chef Joel’s beach Snack Shack inspired menu perfectly pairs with frozen craft cocktails and tropical drinks poured by the glass and pitcher, making for the perfect midweek or weekend mental escape to a more tropical locale.
This season, guests can expect to be transported to an upscale, island-style experience complete with three Cabanas outfitted in soft seating that are ideal for group outings or a day at the “beach.” Additional beach chic décor includes swaths of sea grass, eclectic shells, driftwood, swinging accent chairs and a replica lifeguard chair ideal for capturing an Instagrammable moment. Additional outdoor seating is also available in the front of the restaurant courtesy of the restaurant’s patio as well as a designated street seating outfitted with picnic tables enclosed by a colorful muraled wall perimeter.
To keep it cool on even the hottest summer days, the Publico Beach Club will be shaking up a variety of summer sips and island inspired cocktails, incuding a bevy of frozen favorites like the Mango Margarita, PinÞa Colada, Coconut Margarita, Strawberry Daiquiri, PainKiller, Miami Vice and a homemade house-favorite Froseì. More craft-cocktails focused elixirs include: I’m your Huckleberry (44 north huckleberry vodka, lavender, lemon, elderflower tonic, 14,) Summer in Oaxaca (mezcal union, passionfruit, cucumber, agave, lime, 14,) Green with Envy (blanco tequila, agave, cucumber, jalapeño, lime, 14) and Just a Spritz (ketel one rose, pomegranate, prosecco, lemon, 14) among others.
Publico is also featuring two summer-centric menus, one of which is inspired by the bounty of coastal New England alongside the restaurant’s regular 3 for $38 pre fixe menu that boasts a globe-trotting island theme for the month of July. The 3 of $38 menu is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the in the main dining room as well as the Beach Club. Chef Joel’s Beach Club menu features a variety of lighter bites and splurges to the likes of:
Lobster Roll (buttered brioche roll, butter poached or classic mayo with celery, french fries, $38
*“Sweet Blue” Oysters (half dozen – [gf] pei canada, briny, full meat, sweet finish, $21)
*Ceviche [gf] (white fish, shrimp, leche de tigre, pozole, tobiko, serrano chili, plantain crisps, $18)
*Shrimp Cocktail [gf] (cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon, each $4)
*Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar (1oz – sweet & buttery, served with toast points, $75)
*Seafood Tower [gf] (12 oysters, 6 shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, fresh lobster meat, seaweed salad, $75)
The 3 for $38 menu includes:
Salmon Tataki [GF] (aged ponzu, sesame, fresno chili, togarashi)
Squash Blossoms [V] (tempura fried, green tahini sauce, goat cheese, salted cashews)
Grilled Asparagus [V] (whipped ricotta, lemon & parsley crumb, fresh black truffle)
Grilled Swordfish (israeli cous cous, merguez sausage, spinach, pecorino, chimichurri)
Lamb Kofta Kebabs (chickpea hummus, seared halloumi cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled pita)
Vanilla Crème Brulèe [V] (pistachio gelato, biscotti cookie)
TRES LECHES [V] (dulce de leche sauce, whipped cream, cinnamon)
Publico Beach Club is currently open Wednesday – Sunday while the restaurant’s nightly dinner menu is served seven days a week until 11pm.
Publico Café is open for lunch service Thursday and Friday while weekend brunch is available both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11am. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly at 617.622.6700. Publico is located at 11 Dorchester Street in South Boston. You can also toast them socially @PublicoBoston.
Mon – Wed: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Thurs: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Fri & Sat: 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Thursday & Friday: Publico Café 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Brunch 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
I really love Publico, food, atmosphere, people, all of it. I went there yesterday, I sat at the bar while I was getting an order to go. So, summer and all, I ordered a Sangria. It was delish. Really hit the spot, but,
$18.00? Too much when they are $8 – $10 across the city.