5 /5 Jeanne. Marie G: This Valentine’s Day, my husband pulled off the ultimate surprise—reservations at The Public House in Amarillo. Neither of us had been before, but after this experience? We’d gladly make it a weekly tradition.
From the moment we walked in, everything was perfection. The service, the atmosphere, the food, the drinks—it all worked together in effortless harmony. The dim, intimate lighting, the elegantly displayed wine collection in the center of the restaurant… it was simply stunning.
Water was served from crystal-clear carafes, our waitress recited the specials without hesitation, and the manager was personally making his rounds—checking in, chatting with guests, even bussing tables. Now that’s leadership in action.
Appetizer
We kicked things off with the pimento cheese-stuffed armadillo eggs. If you’re not fluent in Southern eats, that’s just a fancy way of saying bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños. And while they weren’t spicy at all, they packed a serious punch of flavor. The smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and subtle heat from the jalapeño? Chef’s kiss.
Drinks
I started the evening with a glass of Moscato, but once I saw they had Honey Mead, there was no turning back. It was smooth, rich, and exactly what I wanted. My husband opted for a Yellow Rose beer followed by an Old Fashioned, both executed to perfection.
Entrées
Kevin went with the prime rib special, cooked to an impeccable medium-rare and paired with creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and drunken mushrooms—which he’s now thoroughly obsessed with.
I had a harder time deciding, so I went with two entrées (because why not?). First up, the elk tenderloin, rare, topped with jalapeño hollandaise and served with creamed spinach and roasted potatoes. It was hands-down the best elk I’ve ever had. My only critique? The plate had a lot of empty space, which felt a little odd presentation-wise, but flavor-wise? Flawless.
We also shared the shrimp and grits, which came loaded with red-eye gravy, bell peppers, shrimp, and jalapeño sausage. While the flavors were bold and comforting, the dish leaned more towards a soup than a creamy grit dish, and the bell peppers were abundant. Not a deal-breaker, just a personal preference.
Dessert
Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert. We couldn’t decide between the turtle cheesecake or the one topped with berry compote, so naturally, we got both. The turtle was my favorite, while Kevin fell for the berry—a perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Now, let’s be clear—this is not your standard two-dollar-sign restaurant. We came prepared for the check, and let me tell you, it was worth every single penny.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, celebrating an anniversary, or looking to impress the in-laws, The Public House delivers.
A huge thank you to the entire staff for an unforgettable Valentine’s dinner!
