Really good food & service!!! We hosted our niece's graduation dinner there as she called it one of her favorite restaurants near where she grew up. The manager was great to work with & our server was awesome. We pre- ordered appetizers and they came out nice & hot when most of the guests arrived - server was paying attention to the later than planned arrivals. The Irish flatbread was surprisingly great - mashed potatoes on flatbread - who would have thought?!? Short rib nachos were also a big hit! Mains were ordered off the menu and well received by all. Heard especially good things about the meatloaf and burgers. Absolutely would go again!! read more

Not Worth It Service mediocre. $130 for a salad and pastrami sandwich (split) and 3 drinks (beer and wine) no one in the dining room. 10 people at the bar. Food was decent No ambience. No volume for the patriots game. Underwhelming. read more

Underwhelming and disappointing brunch. Vibe: Clean and modern, bar + tables. Service: Fine, the server was kind enough to change our bill with regards to the below issue. Food: Lots of appetizing looking menu items but the food I got was disappointing. Ordered the French toast off of the brunch menu that lists real maple syrup in the description. The French toast was a good portion with lots of blueberries and strawberries on top, but it was rather dry and served with fake maple syrup. The server said it was the only type that they had and she didn't realize real maple syrup was listed on the menu...I took it to go to eat at home with real maple syrup. Value: The disappointing French toast with fake maple syrup was $21...way over valued, even with the current economy's inflated prices. Accessibility: Side parking lot, street parking, ramp to entrance. Overall food was overpriced, not very good, and not as listed on the menu, would not return. read more

Inside is very clean and inviting. Other than that, if you want to pay eye-poppingly exorbitant prices for average pub food and have the chance to be met with a. ambivalence and avoidance from a server and b. indignation from the kitchen manager re: biting into a piece of fish and finding tons of inch and a half long pin bones, this is your place. Do yourself a favor and never come here. read more

Service by Jackie was excellent. Ambiance was excellent. My burger looked delicious but had no taste whatsoever. Fries were excellent. If I were to return, I would need to try something else. read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Burger - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Bartender was fun and the food was good. I had the tomato soup and mini grill cheese and it hit the spot on a cold afternoon. Great beer selection. Great find! read more

The 2 stars were earned entirely by the food which was quite good. The service was painfully slow. We were seated and didn't see our waitress for almost 15 minutes. The restaurant was not full or close to it so we weren't sure what was taking so long. Our drinks and food both took a very long time as well. When the beers were finally served they were in cans and we had to ask for glasses for them which was difficult as our waitress was no where to be found. The back of the restaurant away from the bar is incredibly loud. We were hopeful this would be a nice dinner spot in town, and while the food was good, the rest of the experience left a lot to be desired. read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Crispy chicken sandwhich - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

I've been here before but had a recent experience that was 100% positive We were able to have dinner on the beautiful patio. I tried something very different for me- a shaved Brussel sprout salad. It had other yummy things like cheese, pears and nuts. I added steak tips which were done perfectly. The dressing was just the right amount. I had enough for another meal. My husband enjoyed his fish and chips very much Service was excellent read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Brussel sprout salad with steak tips. - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Food and atmosphere are great. We've had bad service a few times but not bad enough to not go back until today. Service was painfully slow/non existent, waitress was seemingly in a bad mood, no drink refills, no ice cream that came with the kids meal. My daughter's dinner came without the included fries and after we asked for them they added $7 to the bill. We were too ready to leave to bother arguing about it, we just won't go back. read more

Surprised that a nice restaurant like this only serves syrupy iced tea from the soda gun instead of homemade.

The rest of my family loves this place so unfortunately we order out from here relatively often, but I have never had a good meal. Last night I ordered steak tips - they weren't steak tips, it was a steak sliced into 4 pieces and grilled. They've been around for years, how do they not know what New England steak tips are? Half the mashed potatoes were very good and seasoned, the other half seemed to not be seasoned and flavorless, luckily I could just mix it. The broccoli I got wasn't seasoned and not as soft as I prefer. The poutine was pretty good, despite there not appearing to be any gravy - hard to go wrong with short rib, cheese and fries. Other items in the past I've had that weren't very good: the enchiladas, short rib & mozz stick grilled cheese, crispy chicken sandwich. I'm sure there have been others over the years as well. The rest of my family seems to really like the fish & chips, and mushroom & truffle flatbread, neither of which I'm interested in. read more

I love pk!!! Morgan and Maureen are the standard of hospitality. The service at public kitchen is astounding and amazing! Please visit them for a drink or two. read more

Busy but a lively spot for dinner. Portions were large and tasted great - our fave app was the sweet chili garlic shrimp! We'd come back!

The food is too expensive to not be delicious and most of it is under seasoned or soggy! I feel like it used to be good here, but with passing time, they've lost it. The wait staff isn't attentive enough either. Save your money and go somewhere else. read more

Food was surprisingly delicious but noise level too loud and annoying. Low tin tiles Echoed . Large groups, families with small children all added to the cacophony. Take out or outdoor patio.next time. Hard to find parking on street. Most Lots said 8-5p, no parking at a few banks so parallel pk on street. read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Salmon coconut risotto brocollini. Meatloaf slice wrapped in bacon , mashed, Asparagus. Gastropub. Nice wait staff. - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Lunch at this amazing restaurant was perfect. We were happily greeted by the staff and enjoyed a really delicious lunch. We both chose the haddock fish sandwich and were surprised to see how huge a portion we received. Fish was perfectly cooked and the home made French Fries were over the top. Could not have asked for a better meal. Will be back for certain. read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Haddock sandwich - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Went and met a friend here and glad we did. Food and service were good. Will be back.

We were delighted to have lunch here yesterday, Monday the 16th, as we have been to the Wakefield location multiple times over the last five years. The Reading location has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The silver tin ceilings nicely reflect the amber lighting making it cozy and romantic. There is a large bar with ample seating and high tops to complete the lounge area; in the back is regular seating, and at this location, they can seat larger parties. There is even a glass fireplace to keep it cozy! When the weather warms up, there is a large patio area that is going to be so much fun! Another great thing about this location is there is a parking lot; it is not huge but is nice compared to the wakefield location, which is street parking only. Food: We started with the grilled sourdough bread that had whipped ricotta with black garlic, mango puree, and prosciutto. When reading the menu, I was super intrigued about this combination and wondered will it work. Boy, does it! The salty, sweet, rich umami flavors are layered and make the mouth sing! It's 7 AM, and I am craving this bread right now! We also got the buffalo cauliflower, this was a large serving, and the heat was just right on the cauliflower. Entrees: I got the fish tacos which were cooked perfectly, crispy outside, and tender fish in. They do grill the tortillas; they are so tasty! A friend got the nachos and loved them; huge serving! Hubs got the steak tips, and they were grilled to perfection and so tender and flavorful. Our other friend got the meatloaf which he loved, and asked for a side of mac and cheese, part way thru he decided the meatloaf belonged with the mac and cheese and finished his mashed potatoes before delving into that combo, which he said was really good! The drinks were great, it is a full bar, so they can make you your regular orders, but they have a pretty creative cocktail menu, too, I tried the 5 3 0, and it was really well balanced. Great bourbon and whiskey lineup as well. Since we were celebrating the hubs pre bday, we got the churros and to our surprise, we were given a beautiful plating of the churros and their caramel lava cake, which, omg, soooo good! Service: From the management all the way to the food runner, service is top-notch here, and you can tell that they care if customers are having a good time! Michelle was our server and was so gracious while we were waiting for our friends to arrive. She chatted with us a bit about the Wakefield location and how it was going here. Prices are fair for what you get. As you can see, the serving sizes are large! read more

See all

Public Kitchen opened another location in Reading last month, in the former Biltmore & Main/Grumpy Doyle's/Emperor's Choice building on Main Street The place has a noisy atmosphere with seating around the bar (with 6 TVs), high top table seating and an adjacent dining room with regular table seating and "glass fireplace" in the center. They have a 20 beers on tap (order by number), beer cans, wine, cocktails, martinis, and non-alcoholic libations. The food menu offers burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, flatbreads, entrees (seafood, steak tips, cauliflower fried rice, short rib, meatloaf, mac & cheese) and tacos. The prices here are moderate high. I stopped in at Public Kitchen in Reading recently after work. The place was crazy busy with waits to be seated. I decided to head up to the bar which was also very busy with 3 bartenders working. I found an open chair and a bartender brought over menus and a glass of ice water in a Ronald McDonald glass. It took a moment to decide and I was initially going to order a public burger with hand cut fries, which has positive reviews at the Wakefield location. I decided on the Irish Public Flatbread ($16 plus tax) and the Tuna Poke Nachos ($21 plus tax). My food was brought out to me in 10 minutes by a kitchen runner. The 12" round Irish Public Flatbread was topped with a dense spread of soft mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, scallions and sour cream on topped of the thin soft crust, crisp on the edges. The Tuna Poke Nachos were stacked with crunchy fried wonton chips, ginger soy vinaigrette, seaweed salad, bean sprouts, fresh jalapeño, avocado slices, spicy mayo, soy reduction. The food I ordered was quite good. I did need a to go box for most of the pizza. The service was adequate as I was helped by two bartenders and the check was $39.59 with tax and before tip. During my meal at the bar, it started to get crowded at the bar and I ended up moving a couple seats over to make room for bigger parties at the bar. There was still a wait for a table when I was done and people waiting inside and outside. read more

Went with people who raved about their previous visit. Love the design and set up. Bar is great focal point. I knew food serving would be large so I changed my mind from the short rib grill cheese to the short rib street tacos. Amazing- so flavorful and mix of spices and veggie like cabbage with the light sauce was great! My friend got the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, it was huge. Already telling more friends to go. Prices and food quality all seem appropriate. Service was mediocre, for a not so busy weeknight. Will be back for sure! read more

Food is great!!! Wait staff is always helpful Wings are great Burgers are fantastic Wakefield location is also great read more

This place has a cool vibe. Very big bar and a nice patio out back. The service was friendly and attentive. Great draft beer selection and my wife had a very delicious cocktail as well. The Asian short rib entree was outstanding as well as the potato croquettes that we had a for an appetizer. Looking forward to coming back here. read more

See all

Chef has little attention to detail, and a heavy hand with the salt. I'd come back for a drink

To say I love it here is an understatement. I'm obsessed. We come at LEAST once a week. And no matter what we eat it's fantastic. We used to frequent the one in Wakefield then once reading opened we never turned back. I'm so so happy Reading now has the lettuce wraps on the menu. My life is complete. The service is always fast and efficient. Michelle and Scott are running this place like a well oiled machine! No matter how busy the staff is always welcoming and friendly and the food comes out fast and hot! This location is much larger than Wakefield, and includes a patio, which is always nice in the warmer months. I'm a huge fan of Public kitchen, I'll continue to visit especially since they have an ever changing menu but stick to the basics as well. 10/10 for me, always. read more

We had the Asian short ribs. They were extremely tender and flavorful. My wife and I split the dish and it was plenty for the two of us. An Asian style rice also came with the dish. read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Asian short ribs - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Service at the bar was good. Food looked pretty good, but it expensive. $10 for a draft beer is absurd. Would not repeat. read more

Food menu is broad and varied. Superb draft beer selections with a moderately priced sampler flight of 4. Staff is eager to please and good drink and delicious nibbles help them accomplish their mission. Great outdoor space on the far end. Sharp addition to Reading! read more

See all

I've been to the Reading location twice and the Wakefield location once. All decent meals for a basic American place. We've had the burrata, beet salad, Cobb salad, burger. Decent drink selection and service. read more

Menu is diverse with a broad selection. Blackened swordfish BLT was delicious, best fish sandwich I've had for a while. My husband really enjoyed his nachos and draft beer. Scott, the owner, and his Team were super nice and attentive. We'll bring our parents next time, glad you are in our neighborhood. read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Swordfish BLT - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Love this place so far! We've been here many times since they took over! Cozy atmosphere, great service, food is always consistently delicious! I hope they keep it up! read more

Great food, fast and courteous service. Very family friendly and the beer selection is amazing. Highly recommend!

Lovely ambiance, very kind staff, and DELICIOUS! They were incredibly kind to me when the burrata appetizer came with strawberries (I'm allergic) and brought me a whole new platter without them! Will be coming back! read more

Public Kitchen Reading - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Walked in, several empty tables. Took the high school aged hostess 10 minutes to figure out where to seat is. It wasn't that hard. Took another 10-15 minutes on a not busy Thursday night in Reading for the server to acknowledge us. I was ready to walk out. Food is just ok and severely overpriced. Never a refill on our water. For the price we paid, Red Heat tavern just over the line on Wilmington is a much better option for food and service. This place with be closed in less than a year. read more

This spot probably has the best vibe inside of any restaurant in Reading/North Reading. The food and drinks are good, and there are a lot of appealing items on the menu. Looking forward to going back and trying more new items! read more

This was my first time eating at Public Kitchen. The food was decent and came out hot (we didn't get anything fancy - a burger, pretzel and wings), but the server disappeared for about 40 minutes while we sat there with finished plates waiting for our check to be brought over. I think she may have been the only one working so it's not her fault, but not a great first experience. read more

Was in this afternoon. Will never return. We got two seats at the bar, bartender greeted us after a couple minutes by placing menus in front of us, no verbal acknowledgment. Then a ton of people came in after a local road race and we were completely ignored. Bartender proceeded to get drinks for about 30 others when they arrived after us and we never even got a drink. We were totally forgotten about. Our order would have been pretty simple but we would have had a few drinks. Our tab would have been about $200 had we stayed....but we left. Will never return. read more

sometimes you go to a restaurant and you look at the menu and go oh no! is this rich people food for dieters. nothing wrong with that. it just sucks to go to Wendy's afterwards because everything is new and expensive. fortunately this is one of those new expensive restaurants where the portions are big. well the Mac and cheese with short rib in it was enough got me. anyway I am always nervous at restaurants like that but this was enough food thanks read more

Food was okay. Place is loud and I was cold, despite sitting next to fireplace. Waitress disappeared halfway through dinner: had to walk around looking for her. read more

Very good food, decent service. Solid pub environment, great beer selection. Bustling environment, wide range of ages and groups, great neighborhood spot. read more

PK has been go to spot ever since it opened, and the new location is so beautiful! The outside dining area is so spacious and the bar is massive! Best food and drinks, always my Sunday funday go to!! read more

Public Kitchen Reading - Cinco de Mayo marg! - New American Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts