Publican Quality Bread

For Illinois residents traveling through Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), finding high-quality, local food can be a welcome relief from standard airport fare. Publican Quality Bread (PQB) offers precisely that experience. While the renowned bakery is famous throughout the Chicagoland area for supplying over 50 of the city's top restaurants with their exceptional loaves, their presence in Terminal 5 at O’Hare brings a taste of that commitment to craft directly to travelers. This establishment is not just another kiosk; it represents a commitment to whole-grain, long-fermented baking, led by James Beard Award-winning baker Greg Wade.

The PQB philosophy centers on the idea that great bread starts long before it reaches the oven. They partner directly with Midwest farmers, such as Spence Farm and Janie's Mill, to source organic heritage grains that are stone-milled to maximize flavor and nutritional integrity. This dedication to process and ingredients is what sets Publican Quality Bread apart and makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking genuinely "feel-good bread." The O’Hare location, specifically designed for the quick pace of an international airport, marries this artisan approach with the essential need for speed and convenience, offering everything from fresh loaves and decadent pastries to excellent coffee and ready-to-go meal options.

This article is for the Illinois local looking for a detailed, factual overview of the Publican Quality Bread experience available right in the heart of Chicago’s major travel hub. Whether you are catching an international flight from Terminal 5 or simply passing through, PQB offers an elevated bakery experience that reflects Chicago’s world-class culinary scene.

Introduction / Overview

Publican Quality Bread (PQB) is an extension of the highly respected Publican brand from the One Off Hospitality Group, bringing its expertise in artisan baking to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Unlike many airport dining options, PQB maintains a singular focus on craft, specializing in breads and pastries made with locally sourced, whole-grain, and heritage flours that undergo long, natural fermentation. This commitment results in loaves that are deeply flavorful, nutrient-rich, and distinctively "unruly" in the best possible way, moving beyond straight-laced white bread to offer something truly memorable.

Located strategically within the recently modernized Terminal 5, PQB serves as a multi-faceted stop for travelers. It functions as a traditional bakery, selling its signature hearth loaves, baguettes, and sandwich breads. However, recognizing its location, it also operates efficiently as a café and grab-and-go spot. Customers can find high-quality coffee—notably from La Colombe—and a curated selection of pastries, quickbreads, and prepared sandwiches designed for convenience and quality. The store reflects the culinary gravitas of its James Beard-winning head baker, ensuring that even a quick meal before a flight is a chance to enjoy the finest baked goods Chicago has to offer.

Location and Accessibility

Publican Quality Bread is easily accessible to travelers passing through the international terminal at O'Hare.

Address: 10000 West, Chicago, IL 60666, USA

Specific Placement: The bakery is located within Terminal 5 (Concourse M) of O'Hare International Airport, specifically noted to be near Gate M5. Terminal 5 is the primary gateway for international flights and is also used by some domestic carriers.

Accessibility for Travelers:

• Airside Location: The location is post-security, meaning it is perfectly situated for passengers who have cleared check-in and security and are awaiting their departure from Terminal 5.
• O'Hare Connection: As O’Hare is a central hub for Illinois and global travel, this location provides easy access via the Airport Transit System (ATS) connecting all terminals and the CTA Blue Line stop.
• Walk-Up Convenience: As a bakery counter concept in a bustling airport environment, it is designed for maximum flow, allowing passengers to quickly grab items and proceed to their gate.

Services Offered

Publican Quality Bread offers a focused menu tailored for both the dedicated bread enthusiast and the hurried traveler:

• Artisan Bread Sales: Selling whole loaves of their signature hearth breads, including Sourdough, Malted Rye, “1979” Multigrain, and Baguettes, for customers to take home or on their journey.
• Freshly Baked Pastries: A rotating selection of whole-grain pastries, such as Croissants, Almond Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, and various sweet and savory brioche buns.
• Prepared Sandwiches and Tartines: Featuring sandwiches, often made on their signature breads, which may include options like a Jambon Beurre (ham and butter) on a fresh demi baguette or a Veggie Big Sandwich.
• Gourmet Grab-and-Go Meals: Offering quick, convenient options like Tuna Grab N Go Sandwiches, Kale Salads, various pasta and vegetable salads, and Yogurt & Berry Parfaits.
• Premium Coffee Service: Serving high-quality espresso and drip coffee from La Colombe, with options including Lattes, Cappuccinos, Cold Brew, and Specialty Lattes.
• Quick Visit and Counter Service: The format is optimized for a speedy, efficient transaction, ideal for travelers who are short on time before their flight.

Features / Highlights

The Publican Quality Bread location in O’Hare Terminal 5 stands out for several key highlights:

• James Beard Award-Winning Pedigree: The bakery’s overall bread program is overseen by James Beard Award-winning Head Baker Greg Wade, ensuring that the bread's quality is nationally recognized and respected.
• Commitment to Whole-Grain and Local Sourcing: PQB emphasizes the use of locally-farmed, organic heritage grains from Midwest partners like Spence Farm, focusing on a long, natural fermentation process for superior flavor and digestibility.
• High-Quality Coffee Program: The inclusion of premium La Colombe coffee and specialty espresso drinks offers travelers a significant upgrade from generic airport coffee, perfect for starting a journey.
• Taste of Local Chicago Cuisine: As part of the prestigious One Off Hospitality Group (known for restaurants like The Publican and Publican Quality Meats), the O’Hare location provides a genuine, local Chicago culinary experience to both Illinois residents and visitors.
• Decadent Pastries and Unique Treats: Beyond the bread, the array of unique pastries, such as the Big Ol' Cinnamon Roll and various savory biscuits and sweet tarts, offers an indulgent treat for those with time to spare.
• Airport Convenience Focus: The operational model is perfectly suited for an airport, prioritizing quick service and offering a substantial range of prepared, travel-friendly options for all-day dining needs, from breakfast to lunch.

Contact Information

As an airport location, direct contact is best made on-site, though the address is tied to the O'Hare complex:

Address: 10000 West, Chicago, IL 60666, USA (Located in O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 5, near Gate M5)

Phone: (As a specific airport concession, the direct counter phone number is not always publicly advertised for travelers. General inquiries should be directed to the airport or the parent hospitality group.)

What is Worth Choosing

Publican Quality Bread is absolutely worth choosing for any Illinois traveler passing through O'Hare Terminal 5 because it offers authenticity and quality that is rare in a travel environment. The core value is the incredible bread—the careful sourcing of whole grains and the slow fermentation process result in a final product that is complex, deeply satisfying, and far superior to standard commercial offerings. This is a place where even a simple sandwich, though potentially texturally challenging for some tastes as noted in customer feedback, is built on a foundation of award-winning, honest-to-goodness artisan baking.

For the local traveler, PQB serves two vital purposes: first, it provides a superior fuel source, whether a quality latte paired with a fresh-baked pastry or a hearty grab-and-go meal. Second, it offers a small but proud connection to Chicago’s renowned culinary scene right before you fly out. Choosing Publican Quality Bread means selecting a product that respects tradition, quality ingredients, and the craft of baking, rather than opting for mass-produced convenience. For an early morning flight, the combination of their famed whole-grain bread—perfect for a long-lasting energy source—and the excellent La Colombe coffee makes for an ideal, high-quality start to any journey.

Publican Quality Bread

10000 West, Chicago, IL 60666, USA