Oh, the memories. I vaguely recall many a night in my 20s, hanging with a crew at what was formerly the Independent, drinking Shark Tanks (a bowl of cheap vodka floated with grenadine "blood" and a rubber shark toy...steal THAT, Johnny Michaels) and blacking out. So now Republic has slid in to replace the slimy co-ed bathrooms of the independent with some more classy pee-less seats.
Gluten-worshiping beer nerds rejoice. Republic has an extensive craft beer list. I tried to order a "light" beer once and was met with eyes of horror. (It's okay, I'm used to it. In fact, I often like to go to places that boast elite draught selections and order a Coors Light in a can. Often, I am awarded that option, to the dismay of many, but not here.)
Menu's got good stuff. Love me a classic brunch menu with all the staples: fritattas, omelettes, rancheros, biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs... Ya notice the $5 bloody bar banner? Yup. It's a good one.
The house mix is probably one of the best I've had in town. Tomato, horseradish and spices, with a kick (not too hard). The condiments are well cared for, unlike other bloody bars I've seen, where it looks like the garnish tray has been attacked by ravenous beasts, tearing their way through the piles of meat and cheese and olives, like it's their last hope for survival (okay, I've been there). Never fear. If you're too lazy to make your own, the bartender will graciously make one for you, but then you don't get the loaded life-giving skewer. You could basically survive armageddon with this bloody bar. I exaggerate, as everybody knows Ike's bloodies are the real "meal in a glass".
The mimosas are $5, too, and gigantic. Nicki made this nice cheese barbell.
On to the food. I got the walleye benny, cuz I'm a sucker for fish bennies. It's a new favorite for sure. Eggs: runny. Cakes: salty and tender. Spinach: perfectly wilted. Browns: crispy.
Nick veered off course from her usual "eggs your way" and got the juevos. Beautiful presentation and excellent flavor. Bravo. That fringe purse is getting famous...
The dining area is huge here. Bring all your friends. Bring your extended family. Bring your kickball team. Hell, this place could probably accommodate the zombie pub crawl. Bet they'd wreck that bloody bar...jerks.
Well, brunch is over. Time to go buy a hookah.
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