Next up on our list is Underground Public House. Led by by Chef Josh Klarer, Underground has brought its own elevated form of modern Americana cuisine to Carbondale. Their menu is an ever changing array of seasonal dishes, utilizing many local ingredients. You can find a wide range of delicious dishes, such as poutines, Banh Mi, and steak & frites. We have visited Underground numerous times, and have enjoyed the food and the service each time.
With so many amazing options, we found it once again hard to pick which dishes to feature. From the crispy crunchy chicharrones– crisped pork skin that has been seasoned with a chili lime dust and served with a side of cilantro crema, to the poutine– crispy house cut fries topped with a creamy cheese sauce topped and pastrami burnt ends.
The sandwiches and entrees are where the real heart of the menu lies. One of our favorites was the pork schnitzel–an oversized fried pork fritter topped with pickled onions, tomatoes, and arugula, all piled on a brioche bun. It’s an amazing experience at first bite. The crunchiness of the pork, the spicy tang of the mustard, and the acidity of the pickled onions play amazingly together, and will definitely leave you with cravings for a second taste. The pork belly reuben is another amazing creation from Chef Klarer. This is my go to sandwich, and never disappoints. It brings an interesting mix of salty fatty pork, the funk of a kimchi kraut, and a sweet “Russian dressing”, and is piled high on crisp sourdough bread. It is to die for. We’ve ordered it several times, and each time is better than the last. We’ve never managed to leave any room for dessert, but with the great experience we’ve received each visit, we are sure it wouldn’t disappoint.
Overall, this pub has consistently served up great food each visit. With the expansive selection of beer and a knowledgeable staff, this gem is great for a quick lunch or a fun dinner out. Try it out if you haven’t, and comment below with your thoughts.