Located in the heart of Columbia, Publico offers a unique culinary experience that transcends the ordinary. This vibrant restaurant and bar blends fresh, scratch-made Latin-Asian cuisine with a lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of margaritas, inventive cocktails, a diverse draft list, and Cola’s favorite Sunday brunch spot! The spacious, inviting patio is the perfect spot to relax, and it’s also very dog-friendly, with a VIP (Very Important Puppy) menu for furry companions. Sales from the VIP menu are donated weekly to the Final Victory here in Columbia! It’s a gathering place for great food, memorable drinks, and good company. See you tomorrow!
John Doe
Publico was fine, but it wasn’t really my favorite Mexican experience. The chips, quesadilla, fries, and tacos I got were pretty average as compared to other Mexican restaurants, and nothing about them really stood out. In addition, my waitress was nice, but I would’ve liked it if she was a tad more attentive.
Although I didn’t drink on this occasion, I’ve been to Publico in the past, and I will say that their margaritas are much better than comparable Mexican places. So, perhaps if you’re looking for a Mexican place that has good drinks rather than great food, Publico seems like a nice option. As for the ambiance, it was a cool place. It was dimly lit, and they had TVs all over the back wall where you could watch the day’s sporting events. The bar looked like it had a cool vibe as well, and they have a back patio that’s perfect for outside dining.
All-in-all, I’d probably go back and recommend Publico for drinks and ambiance, but would likely head elsewhere if I’m looking for great Mexican food.
… moreLegree Chavis
It’s a Saturday, everyone has been on lock down by the snowstorm, so the crowd is expected! Besides, overall a great place to get food, drinks, and socialize.
Sat at the bar, and for some reason, the young female didn’t seem interested in serving us. ‘You want something to drink or plan to order?’ Well, that is why we came . Through the entire time, didn’t feel she was attentive to anyone at the bar.
Food: the chicken burrito barely had chicken! Literally ate rice, beans, and advacado; maybe a a bite of chicken was hidden in there. Would have asked about remake or added, but no check back on how our food is. The chicken sandwich with fries was amazing!
We’ll be back, but sit at a table and make sure it’s the cute little tattooed guy (hopefully!), even though he didn’t seem happy to be here either.
Oh, the cauliflower bites need seasoning and maybe offer a ‘toss in sauce’ option
… moreKyle Andrew
Ill start with the bad. Service was horrible. It felt like never never land. A bunch of college kids of course but no one to lead them. We walked in and there was no hostess. Walked to the back area to sit and was told to speak with the hostess. Well we walked in and were seen by at least 5 staff who just looked at us and kept doing what they were already doing (huddled at the bar near the kitchen talking) Sat at the bar and the initial service was decent , but then the beers ran dry. After about 5 minutes I held my glass in the air and made eye contact with the 4 or 5 staff near the kitchen who seemed annoyed to have to do their job. Was greeted by a snobby young girl who seemed perturbed that she had to serve people. We were not checked on one time and their were two girls working the bar. A total of 5 people including my friend and I at the bar. Probably 20 patrons here at this point not crowded at all. Ordered to go food and stepped out to make a phone call. Walked in to find my food ready but not sure if it was mine. Had to walk back over and ask if that was mine and every time I approached them they seemed bothered with my presence. Like not one friendly encounter. Additionally for my to go order None of the extra sauces I requested were in the bag. On top of that I got some poor souls food added into my bag that I didn’t pay for. Cool I guess but punctuated the incompetence of the staff IMO. I won’t be visiting this location again for sure. Let me add the food is amazing. Apparently all the effort is in the back of the house. I understand these are younger people, but I’ve been to chic fil a. Their staff are even younger. Do better Publico and train your staff to be kind and assertive for your patrons sake. Wish I could have back the 30% I tipped but I understand people need to make a living. End of rant
… moreDawn Marie
The young ladies we were greeted by are awesome! We sat outside and the young lady who sat us came out and checked on us and chatted for a while. Our server Cassie is the best! She gave my dog Gucci some ice water. Cassie is attentive, kind, and prompt. When it came to her describing Sunday Brunch and Thursday night Nashville Hot fried chicken, and even musical bingo, we were sold. Myself and my son, daughter in law, and two granddaughters were treated like they knew us for years. A very chill and laid back vibe! Super cool staff and amazing food! I will be a regular!
… moreAnthony Scoggin
Love this place. Prices are steep but it’s 5-Points, all the prices are steep here. Love the bar and the atmosphere is always chill. Food is always tasty but the drinks are a little weak. All told, come here when I’m Tue area so yeah, kinda like it here! Tue classic taco meat s amazing
… moreAlex W
My co workers decided on this place for the first time, for our monthly get together. We chose several appetizer’s, and a few drinks. The sticky ribs, were our favorite. Several of the other items didn’t meet our expectations. The Nacho Fries didn’t have any queso, and the Crab Ragoon was cold. Our waitress was exceptional, and met all of our needs! The atmosphere was awesome for a Thursday, especially with the music bingo!
… moreDiana Jones
This place was suggested by my cousin (who is new in town but saw the reviews and really wanted to try it) we were there (SC) for our sons Basic Training graduation! We had 11 ppl, called for reservation, they said unless its over 20ppl, we didnt need one for 12noon on a wednesday.? We asked if it got super packed during Family Day/graduation? Said nope, that they normally stay closer to the base. I am telling you, its about 20-30min away from Ft.Jackson, take you family or new Soldier there for a treat!! It is a small establishment But the they were right, only like 2 or 3 ppl there when we arrived. The waiter, sweet guy with BRIGHT BLUE eyes, welcomed us, took all our orders. Now it is Mexican/Asian Fusion Food. My husband wanted to try the tacos–nice selection, but he wasnt sure what to get, so he asked the waiter to select HIS 5 favorite tacos for him to try!! Every one of them were great! My DIL ordered a Crab Salad Poki Bowl, another ordered birria tacos, korean hotchicken bao buns, and pork barbacoa bao buns!!! I tried a bite and omg! Whoever thought of this fusion…awesomeness! For appetizer we had chips trio (homemade chips with queso, Guacamole, and warm salsa) i had a Short rib bowl (had Latin rice (im particular about my rice, Puerto Rican, and THIS RICE..had all kinds of spice, top notch! And it was all topped with a fried egg! And I had a side of ripe plantains with some spicy sauce drizzled on top. Man oh man. Everything was so perfectly FUSED together…oh and that wasnt even my original order! I wanted the Chicken & Puffles!! But they were all out! Listen to this…thai marinated fried chicken thigh Hong Kong Uber inspired bubble waffle with chili oil drizzle, spicy maple syrup, and Jalapeño butter medallion topped with green onions and served with side of kimchi and plantains! Be still my heart!! If anyone gets this, please let me know if its as good as it sounds…Hopefully my cousin will call me as she is eating it so I can see it! The only part that was alittle sad was when my cousins husband realized that his birria tacos was (shredded pork) any other time they got birria it was shredded beef! It was on the menu bright as day–but was skimmed over by my cousin on accident. He can’t eat pork (medical reason) he had already taken 1 bite and daughter told him she thinks its pork..and it was. Nothing bad happened, later probably, but I think it was that it was SO GOOD, and now he couldn’t continue eating it! So he was sad!! Other then THAT..everyone LOVED their food, and you know what…I reheated mine in the hotel that night…and it was even better!!! Absurdly phenomenal! Thank you to the chef, and the bright blue eyed waiter who was so kind to all of us!!
… moreAlyssa Tajanlangit
Super cute place. Service was slow, but server was upfront that they were short staffed. Tacos were incredible and only $2 on Monday! Great spot for good food and good vibes
… moreKrystal Owens
Food and portions were terrible. We got the 5 taco deal, along with 2 burgers and a kids grilled cheese (so bad the kid wouldn’t even eat it) and there was hardly any meat on the tacos and to charge $5.99/taco is insanity. The waiter did keep saying they were out of things but when we got our food the tacos were missing half the items that were listed on the menu. We asked the waiter for the missing items (cilantro, onions, mustard for the burger) just basic items and he brought them out so that tells me the cook either was lazy or just forgot how to make the menu items. We will not go back here.
… moreAsh B.
Tried this place months ago, thought it was pretty good. Over time they are inconsistent. I order last night the sauce they give you to dunk the birria tacos either comes in the 2-4 ounce condiment container or a big plastic container. Last night the 2 ounce container came with it. Those are for ketchup etc. The fries were changed from last time I came. These fries were seasoned with herbs and ALOT of salt. It was TOO salty couldn’t eat them. The sticky ribs tasted different wasn’t sticky and chewy/fatty. The corn have no description. One time I ordered it it came plain. I order it again it had stuff on it like Mexican street corn. I enjoyed the food first time I had it now this might be my last time :(.
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