Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileCantina 76
Columbia, SC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Cantina 76 runs a serious margarita program. The dedicated 'Margaritas Muy Bueno' section lists eight variations, from the straight-ahead The Cantina to the jalapeño-spiked The Jalapeño. A guest's choice of tequila and an exclusive Patrón Barrel Select Reposado give the bar a distinct agave identity. Wine and beer are conventional but supported by Wednesday half-price bottles and Friday $3.50 Mexican beer specials. Margaritas remain the reason to visit.
- What should I order?
- Start with The Cantina, the house margarita built on tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar, served straight with a salted rim and a lime slice. For heat, The Jalapeño muddles jalapeño peppers with fresh lime and agave. Those wanting a specific pour can choose their tequila, with premium options like the exclusive Patrón Barrel Select Reposado.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Margarita devotees will find a menu with eight variations and a choice of premium tequilas. The exclusive Patrón Barrel Select Reposado gives agave enthusiasts a reason to explore the spirits list. Happy hour specials on house margaritas and Mexican beers suit groups looking for value.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour brings the most value: $5 Original House Margaritas and $20 pitchers at the Main Street location, plus $5 wine glasses and half-price bottles on Wednesdays. Thursday features $2 off select tequilas at some locations.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Pricing is approachable: $5 house margaritas during happy hour and $3.50 Mexican beers on certain days. Pitchers of margaritas run $20 at the Main Street happy hour.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The exclusive Patrón Barrel Select Reposado, aged in American and French oak, sets the bar apart. The website highlights premium tequilas, and the margarita list gives guests a choice of tequila, reinforcing a focused agave-forward identity unusual for a taqueria-style bar.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A dedicated 'Margaritas Muy Bueno' section features eight variations, from The Cantina's straightforward tequila-lime-agave to fruit-forward and spicy options. The program emphasizes fresh juice and agave nectar, with hand-crafted positioning. Happy hour pricing makes the house margarita a strong value.
Menu strengths
- — Eight margarita variations provide clear range and choice.
- — Happy hour values include $5 house margaritas and $20 pitchers.
Standout selections
- — The Cantina: tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, served straight with a salted rim.
- — The Jalapeño: muddled jalapeño peppers, tequila, fresh lime, and agave nectar.
- — Strawberry Basil: tequila with muddled strawberries and basil.
Pricing: Happy hour: $5 Original House Margaritas, $20 pitchers at Main Street location.
Wine
The wine list covers standard red, white, and sparkling categories: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Prosecco. The offering is conventional, but Wednesday half-price bottles add value.
Menu strengths
- — Includes both red and white varietals plus a sparkling option.
- — Half-price bottles on Wednesdays at some locations improve value.
Standout selections
- — Prosecco as the sparkling choice.; Cabernet Sauvignon for red-wine drinkers.
Pricing: Happy hour: $5 wine glasses, half-price bottles on Wednesdays at some locations.
Beer
Beer spans domestic, import, and craft selections. Mexican imports like Corona and Modelo Especial anchor the list, with Bud representing domestic and Angry Orchard covering craft. Regular $3.50 specials make it a dependable, low-cost option.
Menu strengths
- — Broad range covering domestic, import, and craft.; Consistent $3.50 Mexican beer specials on multiple days.
Standout selections
- — Bud — Domestic beer.; Corona — Import beer.
Pricing: Happy hour: $3.50 Mexican beers on Fridays and Tuesdays at some locations.
Spirits
Spirits focus on tequila, with the website highlighting premium labels and an exclusive Patrón Barrel Select Reposado aged in American and French oak. Thursday specials discount Casamigos Blanco, Patron Blanco, and Espolon Blanco, and margaritas can be made with a guest's choice of tequila.
Menu strengths
- — Exclusive Patrón Barrel Select Reposado is a distinctive draw.
- — Guest's choice of tequila in margaritas elevates the cocktail program.
Standout selections
- — Patrón Barrel Select Reposado: exclusive selection aged in American and French oak.
- — Casamigos Blanco, available at a discount on Thursdays.
Pricing: Happy hour: $2 off select tequilas on Thursdays at some locations.
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