Republic: Restaurant Review

Republic combines the speed, convenience and affordability of fast-food with the quality of cuisine typically available at more expensive restaurants. Republic, specializing in asian-inspired noodle dishes, is a welcome addition to Union Square, as it is affordable and can appeal to a variety of guests.

Republic features minimalistic, functional decor -- from long communal tables to bins below the table for storing bags and coats, each detail has been thought out. Once seated, it rarely takes more than a few minutes for someone to offer to take your order -- if you're not ready, as them for more time. The menu is broken down into small dishes, broth noodles, noodles and rice dishes. All portions are generous and service is quick, so there's little need to order an appetizer, though the spicy seafood salad ($6) we shared was quite good. On one occassion, the waiter discouraged me from getting the Chicken Udon($8) (warm udon noodles with marinated chicken, cucumber, bean sprouts, peanuts and a coconut milk-spinach sauce) saying that few guests liked it. I reconsidered and tried the BBQ Pork($8) which was a generous serving of moist, marinated pork slices served atop cold vermicelli, with bean sprouts, mint and scallions. It was fresh tasting and very filling with less kick than the versions I've had at Vietnamese restaurants. My companion had the seared marinated salmon($9) which was served with curried rice and cooked perfectly. When I returned on a rainy afternoon, I had the spicy beef and my companion had the spicy coconut chicken. Both were the perfect foil to the weather outside and spicy without being overpowering. Republic is a great option for refueling while exploring Union Square -- you'll leave full, refreshed and ready to continue your travels.