The Local

This Nicollet Mall landmark is one of the most interesting pubs you'll ever see. The north side bar, designed and built by local craftsman Nathan Stanley, is a work of art rivaling the way The Local's bartenders pour a pint of Guinness. The south side is divided into several smaller nooks where you can escape the din to talk to your friends and enjoy real Irish salmon skewers, honest fish and chips, or curried chicken. Still drawing all walks of life at all times of the day, one of their best deals is the $10.99 weekday lunch which includes sandwich, soda, tax and tip. It should also be noted that The Local is the number one seller of Jameson Irish Whiskey in the world. Some credit for that goes to its signature "Big Ginger" drink: two shots of Jameson, mixed with ginger ale and finished with a lemon and lime wedge--the perfect summer cooler. For the winter, don't miss the Irish coffee when you need a little pick me up with your pick me up.

Rater Comments

11/2/2007
Dinner, Number in party 2, Check total $40.00, Visited 10/30/2007
Ambiance 9.0, Food 9.0, Service 10.0
The Local's food just gets better. We had the "wee burgers" -- five nice sized burgers for about $10. Two of us had two, and we were more than full. Fresh meat, perfectly grilled, lettuce tomato and a tasty bun, for the same price as McDonalds slop. The rest of the money was spent on delicious Finnegan's beer,which is also a lot better than you can get at McDonalds.

6/1/2007
Dinner, Number in party 2, Check total $50.00, Visited 5/31/2007
Ambiance 10.0, Food 10.0, Service 10.0
My friend and I each had the salmon skewers. Big chunks of Irish salmon (actually imported from Ireland) grilled simply and served with greens and a tangy but light sauce. May have been the best salmon I've ever had in the Twin Cities. They do know how to pour a pint there, too. Service was super fast and friendly, and everyone in the place seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely.

8/30/2006
Lunch, Number in party 2, Check total $37.00, Visited 7/28/2006
Ambiance 4.0, Food 5.0, Service 5.0
I'd heard so much about this place I wanted to give it a try, and made an appointment for a business lunch. We sat outside, on the Mall, which was nice but could use a little more shade (umbrellas or awnings.) The food came quickly, service was friendly, but the price (moderate, for lunch) was a bit high considering we just had salads. Interesting combinations, but nothing out of this world. I would return, but not with high expectations. Could be the fact they do Irish food perfectly...but not my style.

5/11/2006
Breakfast, Number in party 2, Check total $24.00, Visited 5/7/2006
Ambiance 6.0, Food 3.0, Service 1.0
Great for drinks, bad for food and service. We went for brunch and waited over 20 minutes for them to take our order (it wasn't busy) and then waited almost 30 minutes to get our food. They have very few vegetarian options. The one I ordered that the waitress suggested had bacon in it, but by the time they brought it out I didn't have time to order anything else. She didn't try and do anything such as reducing the bill or apologizing for the misunderstanding. I will go there for drinking, but never again for a meal.

12/13/2005
Other, Number in party 4, Check total $120.00, Visited 12/4/2005
Ambiance 10.0, Food 9.0, Service 3.0
We went for the Sunday brunch. Two of us had never been to The Local before. We all ordered the buffet brunch. The food was good and did not appear to have sat on the steam tables like you see at so many brunches. The creamy hashbrowns were a tasty, refreshing change from the usual brunch fare. I don';t think our waitress was aware that she worked there. She was so disorganized and had a very difficult time even taking our beverage order. She was never available to clear the dirty plates or bring more beverages. At one point she said her brain wasn't awake yet. This was at about 1:30 and brunch was served until 2. When we finally did receive our bill I finally took it to the hostess stand so they could process it as we had not seen our server for over 15 minutes after receiving the check. It wasn't as if it was busy and our server had other diners, I think we were her only table. I would go back but definitely request a different server who wanted to serve us.

10/31/2005
Lunch, Number in party 2, Check total $32.00, Visited 10/29/2005
Ambiance 6.0, Food 8.0, Service 9.0
Ambiance: Are ceilings that high in a real Irish pub? Also, polyfil used to look like spider webs as decorations are fine, I suppose, but not so close to my seat that I'm going to be wearing it for the rest of the day. Otherwise it was a nice place to sit and have lunch. Food: I went with a classic fish and chips and it was just great--competes with Coffee News Cafe in St. Paul. The mimosa I had with it was small and strong, but still hit the spot. Seeing the table next to us as their burgers arrived, I'd say be sure to check out the $9.99 weekday lunch special--the burgers look like an institution. Service: Even though our server was a friend, I will still give the Local a 9 for service because of how attentive EVERYONE else was. The man from the kitchen who brought the food, the woman who bused our plates--unobtrusive, pleasant and ready to fix a problem (the kitchen man brought the wrong meal) very promptly and with no haze or attitude--just a sincere friendliness.

8/5/2005
Lunch, Number in party 50, Check total $3.00, Visited 8/5/2005
Ambiance 10.0, Food 8.0, Service 9.0
It really doesn't get any better ambience than The Local. The place is just what you'd expect an Irish pub to be. The service is wonderfully friendly and the walleye sandwich is terrific. When we ordered a coke, the server suggested a Nutrisoda. Try one. They are great. And the Guinness tiramisu. I'm not sure there's actually any Guinness in there, but who cares?

7/22/2005
Dinner, Number in party 4, Check total $80.00, Visited 7/21/2005
Ambiance 10.0, Food 8.0, Service 10.0
While waiting in the bar for my friends to join me I was so impressed by the staff's constant attention and assurance that my table would be ready when they came. When we did sit, the service was right there. The drinks and food came quickly and was wonderful...especially the special bison steak. And, everyone was smiling the whole time. It's amazing how much that can improve the whole experience, right down to the taste of the food.

6/20/2005
Lunch, Number in party 2, Check total $20.00, Visited 5/26/2005
Ambiance 9.0, Food 7.0, Service 8.0
I was in for lunch and had their special deal where you get a sandwich, fries and drink. Decent value for good food. I like the ambience - busy, energetic, lively.

6/19/2005
Dinner, Number in party 4, Check total $40.00, Visited 6/16/2005
Ambiance 8.0, Food 8.0, Service 9.0
The Local proved to be as enjoyable of an experience for outside dining as indoor. Unfortunately, we were there too early to take advantage of the new ban on buses. The service was prompt and friendly, an accomplishment especially recognized since the patio was very busy and crowded. Definitely one of our favorites for downtown casual dining.

6/14/2005
Breakfast, Number in party 5, Check total $80.00, Visited 5/29/2005
Ambiance 10.0, Food 9.0, Service 9.0
First of all, the ambience doesn't get any better than The Local. From the front handmade bar to the actual Irish servers (well you've got a good chance of getting an Irish accent at least) it's the closest thing to what I remember from the old country. The breakfasts are great, filling and authentic. Real bangers and blood sausage. The creamy hash browns are to die for, both for taste and fat content. Yow.

These comments express the opinions of individual Restaurant Raters, not those of The Rake or any of its affiliates.

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