LOCAL EATS: PUB W

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Pub W Edmond’s Neighborhood Pub

The “pub”, short for “public house,” originated from a simple desire to gather with neighbors. In a time before there were restaurants on every corner, the British would swing open the doors to their living rooms and welcome the public to gather inside. The spirit within the pub was lively and beckoned its guests to eat, drink and stay a while. The pub became the neighborhood’s gathering place, and Pub W has become that place for Edmond.

There is plenty of seating for those who wish to belly up to the bar for a drink or two. The drink menu features a section titled “gas station beer” for those who enjoy the classics. The craft beer list is diverse, offering many local varieties and rotators. The beers on tap are served perfectly chilled, letting the complexity of flavors shine. Cocktails are offered on tap, shaken or stirred to order. The wine list is carefully curated with offerings by the bottle or glass. Pub W has a not-so-average happy hour worth checking out.

Community Comaraderie

Pub W accommodates larger groups and welcomes families. There are plenty of TVs to enjoy the game. Community and booth seating encourage conversation. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable and able to make recommendations or accommodations based on preference or dietary restrictions. At Pub W, you’ll find not-so-simple bar food. The Spicy Pimento Cheese Fritters are a great place to start, or make your way through the shareables and small plates and call it a meal.

A nod to the classic, The Fisherman’s Platter features fish and chips, fried shrimp, and squashpuppies served alongside housemade cocktail and tartar sauces. Previously a feature, The Fried Chicken is now served daily per demand. Pub W encourages eating the season’s best with special, season-limited dishes like the Winter Kale Salmon Salad served with brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, spiced pecans, feta and a maple vinaigrette. The Pork Ribeye is perfectly grilled, topped with pear onion compote, brown butter, spiced pecans, and served with green beans and mashed sweet potatoes. The menu has lighter options and something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Adventurous Cocktails

The bartenders eyes really light up at the order of a seasonal cocktail. Toasts for Tangerine is winter-style spiced orange tequila sour topped with a cherry. The Abominable Snowman cocktail is made with Bulleit bourbon, St. Elizabeth allspice dram, vanilla-spiced simple, half & half, an egg white and finished with a smoked cinnamon stick.

Hal Smith Restaurant Group brings Edmond another gem with an elevated iteration of the pub. Within weeks, Pub W had regulars, but welcomes new faces who happen upon their location on 2nd between Coltrane and Bryant. Pub W is open daily with weekday lunch specials and offers weekend brunch with accompanying brunch cocktail menu.