PUBLIC KITCHEN AND BAR 295-B LANCASTER ST. W., KITCHENER 519-954-8111 WWW.MPCPUBLIC.COM

Hours Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wheelchair accessibility A ramp is available for wheelchair access to the restaurant, and the spacious, unisex washroom is easily accessible Atmosphere An inviting, relaxed and friendly tapas restaurant with a nice playlist that allows for conversation. The low light level is enlivened by many splashes of colour. Some of the nine tables are very close together, and with only 26 seats all told and another four stools at the bar, reservations made well ahead are strongly suggested to secure a table at your preferred time and date. Cuisine A rotating menu of shared plates using as many local ingredients as possible and inspired by a variety of cuisines from traditional Spanish to Southeast Asian. When we visited, there were 19 simple to complex dishes priced at $4 to $20, and three desserts. Certain dishes or variants have been on the menu since Public opened over four years ago, others change often. Drinks Seasonal cocktails, local beers and an interesting wine list with only a few Ontario wines. Service The service was warmly-attentive, unobtrusive, and accommodating. The bill $124.30 (including tax but not tip) for four tapas, two desserts and two cocktails In a nutshell Over four years since they first opened, Public Bar and Kitchen remains one of the top, and busiest, casual eateries in Waterloo Region.