Finally made it in to eat here this afternoon after all of the great press or perhaps it was just people who kept talking about the restaurant. It's a very nice and out of the ordinary restaurant and bar. Very open and airy. No wonder why the brunch is such a good idea. They have a private area upstairs that is great for receptions and the such.
The food was just okay. Beautiful presentation on the salads and sandwiches, but it's nothing to rave about. If you want to dine at a standard locally owned American eatery without going to Chilis give this place a try. My Cobb salad arrived promptly, but it barely had any dressing and though I could have asked for more it should probably come on the side if they intend on adding it so sparingly. I thought the water from the freshly washed lettuce was the dressing. A dry salad is not an enjoyable salad.
The server wasn't really proactive or perhaps the water was shut off in the restaurant. Four people and myself didn't have a refill the entire time! I'm surprised the server didn't notice. Nor did they offer a to-go container for left over soup which comes in an enormous portion that should probably be scaled back.
Overall it was a great restaurant and the hostess was nice going in and out and if I'm on that side of town I'd go back just to verify my first review of Republic Kitchen and Bar.