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What to order
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Sunday Brunch Items (including chicken and waffles, steak egg and home fries, plantain pancakes, avocado toast, B.A.L.T.)
Sunday brunch is repeatedly praised for great food, excellent service, and a fun atmosphere. Specific dishes like chicken and waffles, steak egg and home fries with kimchi, plantain pancakes, avocado toast, and the B.A.L.T. sandwich are mentioned as favorites.
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Crab Salad Poke Bowl
Noted as a popular choice for its fresh and flavorful fusion of Mexican and Asian influences.
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Short Rib Bowl
Recommended for its perfectly spiced Latin rice, topped with a fried egg and complemented by ripe plantains with spicy sauce, showcasing excellent fusion flavors.
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4
Chicken & Puffles
Mentioned as a sought-after item featuring Thai marinated fried chicken thigh with Hong Kong Uber inspired bubble waffle, chili oil drizzle, spicy maple syrup, jalapeño butter medallion, served with kimchi and plantains.
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5
Cuban Nachos with Baked Cod
Praised as some of the best food by a reviewer, highlighting the unique and delicious twist on nachos.
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6
Cauliflower Bites
Described as awesome and a great appetizer option.
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7
Chips Trio (homemade chips with queso, guacamole, and warm salsa)
Frequently enjoyed as a starter, appreciated for quality and flavor.
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8
Sticky Rice (served with birria tacos)
Liked especially when paired with the consommé for birria tacos, enhancing the flavor experience.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 10 PM |
About Publico
Publico is a restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina, serving Mexican and Asian fusion food. It is known for tacos, poke bowls, plantains, bao buns, and a vegan menu, with many reviews also praising the beer selection and outdoor seating. Reviewers consistently mention fast service, a casual trendy atmosphere, and a strong mix of drinks including cocktails, wine, and happy hour options. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and is located in the 5-Points area.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Publico known for?
Publico is best known for its fusion tacos and other Mexican-Asian dishes, especially the taco selections, poke bowls, and plantains. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the beer selection, outdoor seating, and happy hour food and drinks as part of the draw.
What dishes are most recommended at Publico?
Reviewers most often highlight the tacos, including the $2 Taco Monday special, along with the crab salad poke bowl, birria tacos, Korean hot chicken bao buns, pork barbacoa bao buns, and the chicken sandwich with fries. The brussel sprouts, Cuban nachos with baked cod, and ripe plantains also come up as standouts.
What is the atmosphere like at Publico?
The vibe is casual and trendy, with outdoor seating, sports on TV, games on the tables, and a lively bar area. Reviews describe it as a good fit for groups, families, and solo diners, though the music and crowd can make it loud at busy times.
Is Publico good value, and what is the price range?
Publico is in the $10 to $20 price range, and reviewers often point to the $2 Taco Monday deal as especially good value. People mention getting filling meals and drinks without spending a lot, though some note that a few tacos can be smaller than at other places.
When is the best time to visit Publico?
Weekday lunch and Sunday brunch are both mentioned positively, and one review noted that even a group of ten did not wait long for brunch. Monday is also a popular day because the restaurant runs its Taco Tuesday special early, which draws people looking for the deal.
Is parking available at Publico?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does Publico have vegetarian options?
Yes, Publico offers vegan options.
