New restaurants may lead Five Points resurgence

Will the opening of three restaurants in the past few months mean Five Points is once again becoming a major Columbia nightspot?

Five Points was once one of the city’s most popular evening destinations for University of South Carolina students, young professionals and long-time residents. But development of the Vista – along with some highly publicized crimes – took away some of Five Points’ allure.

The opening of Publico Kitchen and Tap at 2013 Greene St.; Rise Gourmet Goods and Bake Shop, 926 Harden St.; and Goat’s, 2017 Devine St., might signal new popularity for the retail district, which is centered around the intersection of Devine Street, Harden Street and Santee Avenue.

Publico opened at the former site of Garibaldi’s Italian restaurant, an upscale Italian restaurant that was popular with many Columbians. Publico serves specialty tacos such as cilantro lime shrimp, and the restaurant has an extensive beer-on-tap selection.

Rise Gourmet Goods and Bake Shop is owned by Spring Valley High School graduate Sarah Simmons, who also owns two New York restaurants. In 2013, Food & Wine magazine named Simmons one of America’s Best New Cooks. A year later, the magazine said she was one of the 50 best chefs in New York City.

Rise features traditional bakery favorites with some creative twists, according to Simmons.

Goat’s restaurant and bar opened in the former site of Goatfeather’s, which had been another popular spot for USC students and urban professionals. Opie Patterson, a former assistant manager and bartender at Goatfeather’s, opened Goat’s in October. The restaurant offers a wide selection of wines and signature cocktails.

With new restaurants opening in the former Garibaldi’s and Goatfeather’s buildings, as well as a bakery owned by a celebrate New York chef, Five Points could see more vibrancy in the new year.

Paul Osmundson