Bar Publica, located at 82 Hanover St Suite 7 in Portland, Maine, is a vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly disco bar that offers a lively atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and a menu inspired by Latin American street food.

Drinks: 🍹

• Margaritas: At $10 each, these margaritas are a must-try, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

• Boulevardier: This classic cocktail is expertly crafted and served over a large, elegant ice cube, enhancing both its presentation and sipping experience.

Dessert: 🍨

• House-Made Churros with Maple Walnut Ice Cream and Strawberry Preserves: This dessert is a standout, featuring warm, crispy churros paired with creamy maple walnut ice cream and a side of strawberry preserves. The combination is delightful, with the ice cream deserving a 9/10 rating.

Food: 🍽️

• Schnebelhorn Cheese Plate: The cheese plate features a whole serving of Schnebelhorn cheese, accompanied by a generous portion of fresh bread. While the presentation requires patrons to cut the cheese themselves, it offers an interactive and enjoyable tasting experience. Rating: 5/10.

• Maine Potato, Cheese, and Aji Empanada: This empanada, filled with Maine potatoes, cheese, and aji, unfortunately lacks flavor and the desired crispiness, resulting in a 1/10 rating.

• Publica Nachos: These nachos are generously loaded with cheese sauce, aji green tomatillo sauce, and bean chili. While the toppings are abundant, the cheese sauce falls short in flavor, leading to a 5/10 rating.

• Wings with Cornbread Coating and House Ranch: The wings feature a unique cornbread coating and are served with house-made ranch dressing. However, they could benefit from additional sauce and seasoning to enhance their flavor. Rating: 5/10.

• Porky Way Sandwich: This sandwich includes tender pork, beer-braised cabbage, and fresh arugula. While some patrons appreciate the preparation of the pork, others find it less appealing, resulting in a mixed review and a 6/10 rating.

Ambiance: 🎉

Bar Publica boasts a fun and energetic atmosphere, complete with lively music and a welcoming crowd. The vibrant decor and friendly staff contribute to an overall enjoyable experience.

Affordability: 💵

With reasonably priced drinks and dishes, Bar Publica offers good value for the quality and portions provided.

Overall Experience:

Bar Publica excels in delivering a lively ambiance and quality cocktails, with the house-made churros and maple walnut ice cream dessert being particular highlights. While some food offerings may not stand out, the overall experience makes it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a fun night out.

Ratings:

• Food: 5/10

• Ambiance: 8/10

• Affordability: 8/10