http://publicfo.com/
Why Public?
Maybe it’s our New England roots or the oysters in our blood, but The Charlottesville 29 would not be complete without an oyster house. Fortunately, Charlottesville has a darned good one. With its tight space, airy atmosphere, and displays of oyster cans, Public Fish & Oyster would feel like a classic coastal oyster house if not for its landlocked location on West Main. “Rustic, but modern. Beautiful, yet relaxed,” a former Virginia First Lady once described it.
The dazzling array of fresh oysters and clams changes daily, with roughly a dozen varieties from Virginia, the Northeast, and the Pacific coast. Don’t want them raw? How about fried, stewed, or broiled? And, there’s more than just oysters. There’s serious cooking, too. Plus, owner Daniel Kaufman spent years as a sommelier and also owns a bottle shop, so the wines, cocktails, and beers are worthy. He’s usually around to suggest a pairing.
What to Order
Regulars know that the happy hour menu (4-6 pm daily) offers a few treats not on the regular menu, like lobster rolls. Besides happy hour, the menu ranges from elaborate entrees to classics like Oysters Rockefeller and various kinds of Moules Frites, such as Mariniere, Mumbai, and Fra Diavolo, each served with Belgian fries and aioli. Below is a list of our suggestions, the chef’s favorites, and appearances in Five Finds on Friday, where a local chef or personality has named a Public dish as one of the best in town.
Our Picks
- Raw Bar
- Buttermilk Fried Oysters
- Crispy Fried Fresh Calamari
- Moules Frites
- Seared Scallops
- Lobster Roll (Connecticut Style)
- Specials
Chef’s Picks
- Lobster Roll
- New England Clam Chowder
- Lump Crab Cakes
- Seared Scallops
Five Finds on Friday Picks
- Oysters, French Fries, and a Glass of Chablis — Jason Becton (MarieBette)
- Oysters and a Glass of Chablis — Derek Mansfield (Tilman’s)
- Oysters, French Fries, and Sauvignon Blanc — Jim Winecoff (Mona Lisa)
- Oysters and French Fries with Garlic Aioli — Trish Clinton (formerly, BBQ Exchange)
- Happy Hour Oysters — Laura Galgano (Blue Moon Diner); Elaina Mangione (formerly, Mangione’s on Main)
- Oysters — Elise Walter (formerly, The Flat Creperie)
- Lobster Roll — Tristan Wraight (Oakhart Social); Susan Jackiewicz; Rachel Gendreau (Bizou, Crush Pad, Luce); Lisa Richey
- Angels on Horseback — Kristyne Bouley (Ivy Inn)
- The Hodgepodge — Dani Landi (Kaas & Cure)
- PFO Pan Roast — Kristyne Bouley (Ivy Inn)
- Moules Frites — Kerrie Pierce (formerly, Vitae Spirits)
- Moules Frites Mariniere — Liz Nabi (Alight Flower Farm)
- Thai Mussels — Jeanette Peabody (The Oakhurst Inn); Emily Pelton (Veritas Vineyards and Winery)
- Clam Chowder — Elaina Mangione (formerly, Mangione’s on Main)
- Belgian Fries and Aioli — Mita Tembe (MarieBette)
- The Importance of Being Earnest — Matt Wolf (formerly, Banyan Day Provisions)
