What’s Good Here? Cantina 76

What’s good here?

Tacos. And these are not your ordinary tacos. Each one is filled with ingredients that burst different flavors into the palate with each bite. The Pesto Chicken soft taco, for example, has pan-seared and shredded chicken breast, lettuce, pico de gallo and pesto aioli. The Smoked Pork soft taco’s secret is in its sweet mustard and ancho barbecue sauce.

The BBQ Brisket soft taco features honey chipotle barbecue sauce and a lime squeeze. It is best to try a plate of two or more soft tacos to experience a variety of ingredients and flavors. There are two types of shrimp tacos – barbecue and Peruvian (lightly fried shrimp with a sweet sesame chili sauce) – and there are choices of chimichangas, enchiladas, nachos, and quesadillas.

There are also house-made soups, salads, starters and sides, such as veggie-refried beans or jalapeno coleslaw. Three desserts options are fried ice cream, a Chimi cheesecake and Mexican brownie a la mode.

Executive Chef David Grillo, who wrote the menu, also comes up with weekly creative specials, such as the recent surf-and-turf taco and the fajita steak taco.

How did Cantina 76 get its start?

The Devine Street location was opened in 2009 by local owner-partners; in 2013, the Main Street location opened. It is touted as a Mexican-inspired taqueria bar, which means the focus is on tacos and drinks. The owners drew inspiration from other taqueria concepts around the country, and Grillo uses his culinary skills to come up with distinct combinations for tacos.

Customers also can experience a myriad of cleverly crafted drinks, such as The Cantina, which is tequila of choice, fresh lime juice and Agave nectar, chilled and served straight with a salted rim and slice of lime. The bar serves wines, and domestic, import, and craft beers that complement the flavors of the food.

What does the place look like?

Cantina 76 on Devine Street has a large bar, table seating near windows, booth seating, and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating, a covered patio, is especially popular with patrons, weather permitting. The restaurant can seat 130 total, including outdoor seating.

Who eats here?

All different demographics – from USC students to young professionals and middle-aged couples. It draws from the Shandon and surrounding neighborhoods, and even from Fort Jackson.

Deena C. Bouknight, Special to Go Columbia

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "What’s Good Here? Cantina 76."