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Publico, Boston, MA

Publico

4.6
4.6
758 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Imagine yourself wandering through a local public market, enjoying culturally unique street foods, socializing and immersing yourself in new or familiar surroundings. We believe, for the public good, everyone should have the chance to experience this magic.
We proudly invite you to join us at Publico, where our goal is to channel the senses of exploring a new locale through globally inspired fare, libations, and mid-century meets rustic décor.
Our simple plates meld elements and flavors from Europe, South and North America. Prepared with traditional techniques and time tested recipes, our approachable offerings highlight the season’s freshest, sensibly sourced ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Paired with wine selections from around the world, a selection of local craft beers, or indulgent cocktails, your experience is designed to leave you with a modestly priced passport stamp for your palette.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, International
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–12:00 am Thu, Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am Fri, Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Lunch Thu, Fri 10:00 am–2:45 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 622-5700
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Joel Howard
  • Private party facilities
    We are open for small and large events, private and semi-private space is available. For more details please visit www.publicoboston.com or email events@publicoboston.com
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator : (617) 894-4947
  • Neighborhood
    South Boston
  • Cross street
    West First Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • 3 For $38 Menu! (Tuesdays and Wednesdays Only)

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - Thu - 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a 3 course chef inspired menu! Each course provides 3 or 4 choices to make this mid week meal a hit.

What 758 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

758 Reviews
  1. diningdiva

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great space, ambiance, service, decor and last but certainly not least, great food and beverages.

    Is this helpful?

  2. AnaF

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Nice for brunch, we enjoyed our time. Food was good and so were the drinks

    Is this helpful?

  3. CityReviews

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    It was not the best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had. The poached eggs were very watery and made the rest of the dish unappetizing. I did enjoy the French toast sticks however! Eggs Benedict 2/10 French Toast Sticks 7/10 Bloody Mary 4/10

    PublicoResponded 3 days ago

    Much like your eggs benedict, this isn't the best review we've ever had. If there is ever a problem with a dish, we can't fix it in a review the next day. Please let us know in the moment and we can do our best to make it right.

    Is this helpful?

  4. MNOPartyof4

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The dining service was very slow and my meal (salmon) was extremely dry. Probably would have been faster to sit at the bar.

    PublicoResponded 3 days ago

    I'm sorry to hear about your service and salmon. Saturday nights are pretty busy, no excuse for service to lag but it can happen. Food can always be fixed though. Please let us know in the moment and we will do everything we can to make it better.

    Is this helpful?

  5. FriendlyDiner

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great this time. Can’t complain. Good value for money

    PublicoResponded 3 days ago

    thank you! I hope we're great every time but if we weren't in the past or ever are in the future please let us know immediately and we will do everything we can to remedy the situation.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Amelia was our server, she was so lovely! Food, vibes, and service good.

    PublicoResponded 3 days ago

    So glad to hear. We'll be sure to let her know!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. SharonS

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great food and service. Only complaint is the noise levels. So loud you could not carry on a conversation at the table. Otherwise, fantastic place!

    Is this helpful?

  8. BostonGal

    Greater Boston

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We live very this place. Never a bad experience. Great food. Excellent service. Chill vibe. Perfect for groups. Awesome brunch. Steak and Eggs are my go to breakfast. Maybe the best fries anywhere - always cooked perfectly.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the truffle fries, green salad and fish tacos. Fun ambiance, great food, good service.

    PublicoResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank You! We hope to see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. MrGee

    Greater Boston

    42 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    We love the decor of the place. The service staff seems pretty friendly but forgetful. We had to ask a few times for the same things. We went on the 3 for 38th night. We ordered an appetizer we didn't like and sent it back in order street corn which we wanted to have before we had the meal it never came out then they bought us an appetizer from the three for 38 and we still hadn't gotten the street corn we ended up just canceling it. The food's presentation is very impressive we found a lot of the things because of the sauces that seem to contain soy to be salty. All of the proteins were cooked perfectly but lacked seasoning other than the sauces that was on them. I really enjoyed the Oreo cheesecake but wish there was a thinner layer of Oreos and more cheesecake and not such a thick layer of chocolate on the top but the presentation of the dessert was Top shelf. The duck was cooked to perfection but would have been better with more vegetables and a starch and less sauce. We will try and one more time next month. The three for 38 is a very good deal and the portions are a good size.

    PublicoResponded on October 25, 2023

    Hi MrGee. Sorry we weren't up to par on this visit but appreciate you giving us another shot. The 3 for $38 menu does change monthly so please keep a look out for next months menu on our website and social media. Hopefully we don't disappoint again, but please do feel free to bring anything lacking to our attention during your visit and we will do our best to remedy the situation.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Nanci

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was in Boston visiting family and we were looking for a spot for brunch. The food, ambiance and service were all excellent. Everyone in our party enjoyed their food choices.

    PublicoResponded on October 25, 2023

    Thank You Nanci! Next time try us for dinner too!

    Is this helpful?

  12. honestfeedback

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, service great , and not crazy expensive. Took some friends from the suburbs and they were very impressed. 😊

    PublicoResponded on October 25, 2023

    We appreciate the honestfeedback! Hope to see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  13. CallieF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an amazing time celebrating my best friends birthday! Food is always great service is always great went on a Sunday so music was fun and the game was on! Waitress was so great

    PublicoResponded on October 25, 2023

    Thank you so much Callie! Hope to see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  14. BOSFED

    Greater Boston

    30 reviews

    2.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall2food3service5ambience2
    Music was bad and way too loud. Food was fair to good. Steak tips were the best. The pizza was fair. The bolognese was good and hot, but it would have been better if you got a piece of bread with it. The Caesar salad was good but had way too much dressing. My G&T was fine but it could have come with more ice. Our waitress was outstanding. Really nice which helped make the dining experience better.

    Is this helpful?

  15. WestUDiner

    Houston

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    Very very loud sports bar atmosphere although food is good and service is friendly

    PublicoResponded on October 19, 2023

    Thanks for the review. While we agree with the food and service, we are anything but a sports bar. Weekends are very lively for sure, but please do give us another chance Sunday - Thursday and I think we'll change your mind.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Denise

    Philadelphia

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Lively restaurant with very good food. A great choice in Southie. A bit loud for a date night, so bring a group and have some fun sharing diverse menu items.

    PublicoResponded on October 19, 2023

    Thanks Denise! Weekends are a little loud for sure, but we're a great date spot Sunday - Thursday! We offer a 3 course menu for $38 every Tuesday and Wednesday that changes monthly. Add a featured bottle of wine and you have dinner for 2.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Server was awesome! Great food, drinks were watered down!

    PublicoResponded on October 19, 2023

    Great to hear about the service and food. All our cocktails are made to standard, but please don't hesitate to tell us if there is an issue next time

    Is this helpful?

  18. BruceBanner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    The food was really very good, but the noise level was way too high for us. Maybe we're just old lol. The servers were friendly but there weren't enough of them.

    PublicoResponded on September 28, 2023

    Thanks for not going Hulk on us Bruce! Weekends do get a little busy in here. Next time don't hesitate to ask about being sat in a quieter area of the restaurant and we're working on staff levels to better serve our guests. Hope we see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  19. JoeP

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food and beverages are spot on! Chef Joel and his crew are outstanding. Can’t wait to return.

    Is this helpful?

  20. DanielB

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great time at Pubblico. Food excellent as always. Noise level could ramp up as the night goes on. Maybe toned down between 7-10 as a suggestion. But overall great atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Shannon

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The best!!! Delicious drinks & always good food, always busy and good service!

    PublicoResponded on September 28, 2023

    Thank you Shannon!!! Hope to see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  22. peterb

    Cheshire

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good mix of food in menu and my daughter loved the $1 oyster night !!

    Is this helpful?

  23. LeenaK

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the lamb shop lollipops!! Great ambiance and good. Would recommend for anyone visiting or loving in Boston Seaport area.

    Is this helpful?

  24. janeH

    Coastal Georgia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Good food, nice surroundings - only problem was the game was on TV so very noisy. Would go again.

    PublicoResponded on September 14, 2023

    Thanks Jane! Try us during week for sure. We offer some great specials and promotions during the week that offer a little bit more than our regular menu as well.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a fun spot on a Sunday for brunch and to watch the game! Awesome food and one of the best espresso martinis ever 

    Is this helpful?

  26. SharonA

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Serivce was amazing from start to finish! Food was amazing. I loved the tacos, super yummy!

    PublicoResponded on September 21, 2023

    That's great to hear Sharon! Please come again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  27. FriendlyDiner

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Food was excellent, drinks were excellent, but unfortunately our server was not. We were sat by the host and waited 20+ minutes to be acknowledged by our server. The host had to nudge our server to acknowledge us. When she did come, there was no apology. She didn’t follow our instructions and was checked out. This is a shame since we like coming to Publico for the excellent food and drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  28. BenitoK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very good for a dinner bite with the family. Thanks

    PublicoResponded on September 7, 2023

    Thank You Benito!

    Is this helpful?

  29. KailaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks were fantastic. Waitress was super friendly

    PublicoResponded on September 7, 2023

    Thanks Kaila! Please come again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  30. DanielB

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere and food/drink/service was excellent.

    PublicoResponded on September 7, 2023

    Great to hear. Thanks Daniel!

    Is this helpful?

  31. SuzyD

    Greater Boston

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great night, fantastic service, the food was delicious, our table was perfect, there were 6 of us, we sat in the open air section! Loved everything!!

    PublicoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Thanks so much Suzy!!

    Is this helpful?

  32. Christinef

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    The food and the cocktails were top notch. But we were there for my 56 birthday and we were about 30 years older than everyone else there. I didn't mind but some in my party felt out of place

    1 person found this helpful

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very good food and waitress was awesome! Definitely recommend

    PublicoResponded on August 30, 2023

    Thank You!!!

    Is this helpful?

  34. LisaL

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The person who waited on us (apologies for not knowing her name, we were the first party in the restaurant at 10 am that morning so could be tracked back) was wonderful! She was training a new person and she was being incredibly kind and patient with her. She (and her trainee) gave us wonderful and attentive service, truly one of the best ever brunches we've had (and we've eaten many!) in the Boston area. You should definitely highlight your retractable ceiling, we went into that area for a drink afterward and it was lovely, relaxed, comfortable and welcoming. Very happy with Publico will definitely be back!

    PublicoResponded on August 23, 2023

    Thank you so much Lisa! We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Katie ;-) Follow us on Instagram! @publicoboston We try to post as often as we can when the roof is open, weather permitting!

    Is this helpful?

  35. Merediddy

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Some of my favorite food in Southie and my go-to. Always delicious. Their tzatziki is so creamy and delightful, I feel guilty not licking the bowl and request more pita nearly every time. Their arancini is unparalleled - a pungent truffle without being overwhelming and melts in your mouth. (They're piping hot, so take a beat.) I have to refrain from shoving an entire meatball slider in my mouth in one bite; and for awhile, they served filet mignon sliders... guyssss. So tender. Last night, I thought I'd be "good" and have a salad. The beet salad has a yummy tahini aioli with cotija cheese and was substantial enough that it didn't feel like I was being good at all. Suffice it to say, I'm a fan. You should definitely go. But don't steal my seat. ;-)

    PublicoResponded on August 23, 2023

    Wow. It sounds like we need to give you your own personal dedicated seat so we keep getting reviews like this! THANK YOU SO MUCH. We really love seeing reviews like this.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Greg

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place to eat reasonable close to leader bank pavilion. Had the steak frites with chimichuri sauce and it was well executed. Good cocktail menu and choices for more pub food or elevated entrees depending on your mood. Sat outside on patio on a nice night, would definitely go back.

    PublicoResponded on August 23, 2023

    Thanks Greg! Hope to see you again soon for another pre-concert meal or just a night out.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We usually go on the earlier side, around 7pm. We are in our 50s and at that hour it's not too loud or busy for us. Food is always great!

    PublicoResponded on August 23, 2023

    Visit us anytime, as long as we keep you happy and well fed we'll be here.

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    love it every time—definitely loud but food is so worth it

    PublicoResponded on August 23, 2023

    Sorry about the noise but glad to hear we're still worth it. =)

    Is this helpful?

  39. NatashaB

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice restaurant tucked in a corner in Southie . Great food , friendly staff . Indoor and outdoor seating a plus. Sports bar feel if you want to watch the game with nice decor for a date night , girls night out or fellas getting together . I will recommend to guest at the hotel I work at in the Seaport District . A Short walk from D street . Hidden Jewel !

    PublicoResponded on August 23, 2023

    Thanks NatashaB! Please tell all your friends and hotel guests =)

    Is this helpful?

  40. ddemarco

    Greater Boston

    59 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Brunch was in impressive. Not Foodie quality and more like a hang out for drunk kids

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Publico does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Publico also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 622-5700.

Publico is rated 4.6 stars by 758 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Publico

11 Dorchester St, Boston, MA 02127

Additional information

  • Cross street
    West First Street
  • Neighborhood
    South Boston
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–12:00 am Thu, Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am Fri, Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Lunch Thu, Fri 10:00 am–2:45 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joel Howard
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (617) 622-5700
  • Private party facilities
    We are open for small and large events, private and semi-private space is available. For more details please visit www.publicoboston.com or email events@publicoboston.com
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator : (617) 894-4947
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