Chicken Sandwich at Publichouse 255 – December 20, 2025

I went to Publichouse 255 on December 20, 2025 to pay my respects after they announced they were closing. It was meant to be one last visit, a quiet send-off for a place I liked. I’m a little bitter about this restaurant’s closing because it highlights the state of Washington’s overwhelming taxation on every business here. That reality makes any restaurant’s success tough to come by. The state of Washington is not friendly to small businesses, and that fact hung over the meal like a low cloud.

What I Ordered

  • Appetizers: shrimp lettuce wraps, butternut squash soup
  • Main entrée: Chicken sandwich
  • Side entrée: fries

The timing of our visit meant the place was winding down. We were the last table served and the mood was a little somber. Even so, the staff handled the night with calm professionalism; the service was great and Paul took great care of us. That attentiveness made the goodbye feel respectful rather than rushed.

What Stood Out

The flavors were there. The shrimp lettuce wraps had a clean, bright snap from the greens and a light seasoning that let the shrimp shine. The butternut squash soup was smooth, subtly sweet, and comforting on a cold night without being overdone.

The Chicken sandwich held its own. The chicken had a crunchy exterior and stayed juicy on the inside. It had a balanced seasoning and a tangy sauce that cut through the richness. A crisp slaw and a few pickles added texture and brightness, and the bun held up without getting soggy. The fries were well seasoned and hit the right note as a side—simple, effective, and reliably good.

Final Thoughts

There’s an undercurrent of frustration in seeing places like this close when the food and care are clearly there. Publichouse 255 did solid work on a lot of dishes; the chicken sandwich, among other dishes on their menu, is proof that they knew how to execute. If they were to stay open, I’d have this meal on my list of contenders. For now, I’m glad I went by to say goodbye and to enjoy one last honest dinner from a place that deserved more of a fighting chance.