My Trip to the Temecula Valley and lunch at Public House Restaurant in Old Town Temecula

My three day visit to Temecula, CA definitely wasn’t long enough, but long weekend trips never seem to linger. I have driven through Old Town Temecula many times but never walked through the Old Town itself. But now that one of my dearest friends recently moved near there, I had to make a trip.

The town was exactly what I expected. Quaint brick and wood buildings lined the main street that was full of antique stores, restaurants and gift shops. We stopped into most of the shops that look interesting to us. One in particular was a home and gift boutique. We LOVE home decor and decorating so we had to stop in and browse. The store was filled with local artists featuring many different types of cookery, table settings and antique-like decor. I stubbled upon door stops that were hand painted to look like various animals. They were simply beautiful and full of detail. 

After we had exhausted all there was to see and touch in this boutique, it was time for lunch and we were ravenous. We asked the boutique owner for a restaurant recommendation. He gave us a choice between Italian, Cuban and American (sandwiches, etc.). Andrea wasn’t in the mood for Cuban and Italian is everywhere, so we settled on the closest restaurant (the sandwich place) and headed across the street to Public House Restaurant.

Public House Restaurant wasn’t at all what we were expecting from a sandwich and salad establishment suggested by the shop proprietor! As we waited to be seated out on the patio where the misters were cooling the hot valley air, a beautiful salad and roasted vegetable dish whisked by us. We looked at each other and I said, “That looks sooo good! This was the right choice!” They sat us down under the covered patio next to the stone covered bar near the water feature. We sat at our table and gazed at the details of the patio and took in the outdoor ambiance. There was a fireplace at the corner of the patio and an open space rigged for a live band. 

Public House Restaurant

Now, let me mention the wait staff. Excellent. The hostess and our waiter, Brandon were awesome. He was very attentive, addressed us by our first names and described the specials in detail. He patiently went over the menu with us as we were so indecisive because we wanted to order just about everything. I can’t remember the last time I had that level of service.   

We finally ordered and I had the arugula salad with feta cheese, balsamic vinegar and candied almond bark and it was highly recommended that we try and share the lemon truffle oil french fries with Parmesan cheese and shredded basil. The best french fries I have ever eaten! . .  and the salad was great, too!

We loved Public House and would definitely return. The hostess said that they were opening another location in Murrieta, CA. I hope they remain successful and retain the quality of food and service at the Murrieta location, too. 

Now, off to find a bakery for dessert called Truly Madly Sweetly in Murrieta, CA.!  . . . to be continued.