There were positives and negatives about today's visit. We have been here a number of times and I love their dinner, but brunch here has not been my favorite in the past. Our wait time this morning was long (the kitchen was slammed just as we got there), but the food this morning was excellent. Good eggs, home-fries and great bacon. There were a couple of errors (nuts on the house donuts when we stated we had an allergy at the table, and inclusion of an English muffin on one order when it was expressly ordered without), but these were compensated by taking our drinks off the bill, along with the meal that was wrong. The server was very kind and attentive. Mistakes/errors happen, and the staff made up for them. I'm looking forward to trying Local 188 for brunch again soon.
(3)
Michael D.
Went during happy hour in a weeknight. $4 beers and wine, nothing special, but a nice, casual vibe. Somewhat noisy, but that made intimate conversation all the easier. The crowd struck me as largely local--small groups of employees ending the working day.
(4)
Melissa B.
God, where do I EVEN start with this wonderful place? The staff: The waitstaff here are amazing. They are friendly, helpful, and clearly love where they work because both times I came here (Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch) everyone was pleasant and there wasn't a scowl in the place. One thing I noticed on Sunday was that the staff are very efficient: tables didn't sit empty long before they were bussed, cleaned, and seated. The food: OH MY GOD the food. My partner had made reservations on Saturday night for my birthday dinner, as I had expressed I wanted to try it. We were definitely not disappointed. At first glance of the menu, your first thought is "wow, this is kind of expensive," however it's well worth it. Our appetizer was the charcuterie board which had house-made pate featuring a traditional chicken liver base but bits of smoked pork blended throughout, and paper-thin slices of a house-cured Serrano-style ham that was lovingly aged and melted in your mouth. I was in meaty heaven. I ordered the paella for my meal, which was huge and was loaded with house-made chorizo, chicken, mussels, and littleneck clams. My partner was adventurous and got the steak tartare, which was AMAZING. All the food was of such a high quality, and with such attention to detail to make so many things in-house, I was very impressed. Definitely worth the money for the craftmanship alone. The next morning we came back for brunch and had the chocolate peanut brittle doughnuts which were okay... the brittle got chewy since it was exposed to the moisture of the sauce. I got the biscuits and gravy and the portion was so huge I couldn't finish it all, but I wanted to! It was topped with (my choice) soft-poached eggs, which were cooked to perfection. The drinks: Local 188 knows how to make a drink! I had the lychee black tea mojito, which tasted a bit like a bottled Sobe green tea (which I love) and a very refreshing blueberry vodka drink (no surprise they infuse their own vodkas, too). Amazing staff, amazing food, and amazing drinks in a beautiful restaurant, the Local 188 is a new favorite of mine. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)
Marla C.
Headed in to Portland on a sunny Sunday morning, and my Yelp ad led me to the Local 188 for brunch. I was NOT disappointed. We arrived around 10am, which was perfect b/c there was zero wait. We started with the from-scratch biscuits with honey butter. Do NOT miss out on these. They were heavenly. Then I had the smoked salmon scramble with homefries and savored every delicious bite. They didn't skimp on the salmon, which made the dish extra savory. My husband had the mushroom & herb scramble and I snuck a bite. WOW--so perfectly seasoned!! He cleaned his plate as well. Loved the atmosphere of this place, even if the pace was a bit slow. That's part of what made it so nice.
(5)
Eshita G.
While my dish was very yummy (breakfast burrito, but I asked for no rice)and we enjoyed the comfortable seating while we waited for our table, the service could've been much better as our waitress was slow, messed up our order, and we waited a long time for our food (45 minutes)...and in the end, we didn't get much of a discount. I would return and hope for another server.
(3)
Eric N.
Been to this place twice and loved it both times First off: Great drinks. In particular the Smokey The Bear (Tequila drink) Smaller size portions because they focus on tastes and flavors Very good main dishes. I had the Charcuterie plate my wife got the Gnocchi. Service was excellent -very nice waitress who took our orders promptly and with a smile. Wasn't afraid to recommend a dish. Never had desert but they looked good. This place is a solid lock for a nice dinner. Expensive but worth it.
(5)
J-a T.
Been there twice eating at bar n table. Food been very good each time. On sunday nite around 9/10pm a liveband came in , settled in like a "unplugged concert" around the sofas in middle. Very cool.
(5)
Leigh H.
Great tapas. The gnocchi and mussels are outstanding. I wasn't sure about the chicken livers but they were very good also.
(5)
Chris H.
So I started with a roasted squash organic salad with a sage vinaigrette. I know it sounds like ground hog day with me and gnocchi but it's everywhere and this is the best yet. Ricotta gnocchi caramelized onion in a cream sauce with goat cheese and micro greens on top. Didn't see that coming. Now that is a day changer. Grateful!
(5)
Lindsey P.
Bad service can ruin a good meal.. and that is what i received at Local. The drinks were great, food was pretty good but my group of friends and I were completely turned off by the terrible service. Our waitress finished her shift immediately after we got our food. She didn't say anything to us; just left! We finally asked some random waiter for condiments, another drink, etc. and 2 mins later another random waitress came over to us and gave us our check... we are all super easy going people so we laughed it off but come on.... talk about bad communication all around! Maybe someday I will go back for drinks and brunch but i will definitely sit at the bar to avoid the flaky waitresses.
(3)
Maine D.
This is such a nice place with neat people , gracious service ; but the last three times we have been here the experience has been fair, meh indeed. This time , have to comment that despite great draft beer and hummus and flatbread to start , the two orders we got of whitefish were appetizer portion , as in about 3 ounces . That and a few miniscule pieces of broccoli. I am so not into huge portions , but our group of four left hungry ; the place was empty in mid-August. Maybe for a good reason .
(3)
Gwen B.
I live very close to Local 188 and haven't been there for a while. High prices and small portions. I really dislike paying that kind of money and coming out hungry.
I am always impressed by Local 188. The atmosphere is open and inviting and the food is delicious! Friendly staff and couch seating makes it even better. The Bloody Mary selection is killer!
(5)
Sophie M.
We were asked if we had reservations when we walked in. No, but were seated near the bar at a small table that was unbalance. Our experience was similar to another reviewer's on same weekend July 17-19. ( Gina B.) Expensive and not enough to eat. Tasty though. Waitress did not refill water glass although that was my only beverage. She did not know about the soup of the day-which was great, a creamy gazpacho. We would have chosen entrees, but nothing particularly struck our fancy. To be fair, peeking at other diner's orders showed large entree portions. And it was LOUD in there. Glancing over at the real dining area, thinking if I have to have reservations, I expect a quieter place with more elbow room. The bathroom was nice:)
(2)
T K.
One of Longfellow Sq's longest standing spots, the food, atmosphere and crowd have gone through many iterations but Jay always seems to find the right mix. A hidden spot for vegetarians (they always have creative options) and a good bar make it an easy choice when we have guests in town. Their brunch can get packed though. The house paella remains one my favorite (it's delicious and huge).
(5)
Zhiyu L.
Service is great here and food is awesome. I came here for. Ranch and had their special pancake. That thing was huge and delicious. For people that aren't pancake fans, you'll enjoy their pancake. It's literally one huge pancake, but it's home made and worth it.
(5)
Mary F.
AWFUL SERVICE and MEDIOCRE FOOD (SMALL PORTIONS) I came here on a Thursday night ~8:30PM (i.e. it was not that busy) with 3 friends and got seated right away. At first glance, the vibe of the place was very hipster chic and the menu looked quite imaginative. But boy were we in for an unpleasant surprise. The food was mediocre; the portions were very small relative to the price. An order of mussels has about a dozen of them and the short ribs had 2 small ribs. One of my friends ordered an autumn butternut squash salad and it came with just a few tiny pieces of squash that you could barely see. Everything was pretty standard at best. The service, on the other hand, made it feel like we were on an episode of Restaurant Impossible as a demonstration of everything that shouldn't be done by the wait staff, including: 1. RUDENESS to cover up lack of knowledge about the beer list. I asked the waitress to tell me about one of the porters and the response I received was very condescending, "Have you every had a porter? It tastes like a porter, a really good porter. I've never had it, but it's a really good porter." Well, I've a lots of porters so that wasn't quite the answer I was looking for ... does it have undertones of coffee, or milk, or oatmeal? Also, it must be enlightening to know what stuff tastes like without ever having to taste it ... best diet ever! 2. INATTENTIVENESS. I lost count of how many times one of us asked to have our water glasses or bread basket refilled. We had mussels and usually that comes with bread and when our came, our bread basket was already empty ... I actually ate the leftover pieces from my friend's plate because I couldn't hail down a waiter. I had to wave my hands in the air for about a whole minute to get salt (it was on every table but ours) and we did not receive any pepper. Two of us had hefty red meat dishes, but no one gave us steak knives ... one came about 5 minutes after receiving the dish and another 10 minutes later. 3. FOOD DID NOT COME TOGETHER. Three of us ordered hot dishes and one of my friends ordered a salad. The salad came about 10 minutes after the hot dishes and being polite we waited until everyone got their food which meant that we all ate cold dishes that night. I asked the waiter who brought the food if our friend's salad was coming (it was very obvious that we were waiting to start) and the snarky response we got was "It should be!". Once it arrived, it was just plopped down emphatically and no apology was issued. 4. NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAULT. I asked to speak to the manager and it turned it it was our waitress! I told her the service we received there was the worst of any restaurant I'd every been to and she seemed really upset (like angry at us). She blamed everything on the kitchen being busy (though that was not the case from my perspective). She offered to comp our meal (I insisted that that was not our purpose for complaining that we'd still like to pay for it), but she left in a huff and did not give us a bill. During that whole argumentative exchange, I did not get any inkling of an apology. We wanted dessert, but felt like pariahs at that point and left in a hurry (and left our 20% tip ... not sure why, but I guess because we always tip that much). Having read the other recent reviews about the health violations (and again those meals were comped too ... hmmm I'm starting to see a trend here), diners should beware of this place as it seems to be going down a slippery hill!
(1)
Michelle E.
Such a disappointment. We arrived to a long line of people waiting to get in to put their names in. Good sign usually? All these people could not be getting it wrong? But they were and in fact it makes me wonder what they were ordering and who their servers were. To say that this was a bad experience does not do it justice. We waited for 30+ minutes. No big deal. It's Sunday, it's what you do. We sat down and our hipster waitress seemed pissed that she was working and extra pissed that we didn't order alcohol and that we had a child. It took far too long to get 2 orange juices and when she returned to take our order, she informed us that the pancake (which is actually just corn bread in the shape of a pancake) takes a really long time to cook. Ok, that's fine. Bring out the food as it comes so that we can give our child something to eat. Nothing. Maybe 20 minutes in, with no food in sight, the hostess (who was super sweet) came over and asked us if she could bring us an English muffin while we were waiting. Not even our own server had this forethought?We politely declined thinking that surely our food would arrive soon, but it didn't. When it finally did arrive, I hoped it would be worth the wait. It wasn't. Not even close. I ordered the huevos rancheros. Not difficult to make good. The eggs I ordered were overhard. The eggs I received were well done. The salsa had zero flavor. Basically looked like canned tomatoes with some onion. The black beans were also from a can. I actually like canned black beans, I don't think they should end up on my plate at a restaurant, but if you must use canned black beans, please use the flavorful kind. They literally looked like they had been opened, dumped into a pot (not drained and rinsed) and left to sit on low for days. The plate lacked imagination and flavor. Do yourself a favor and go someplace else. About the only thing I enjoyed was the playlist, but I'm pretty sure I have the same station on pandora. And the hostess was great-she should get promoted or get a job at a place that prides itself on service. Not enough to get me to return. Your bad, Local 188. We eat out. And we write reviews. Sometimes you get one shot. We should have gone to Empire Chinese kitchen-their staff is amazing and the food is good.
(1)
Logan C.
We sat at the bar and it seemed like a decent place. Th drink we ordered was recommended by the bartender and it truly was hard to actually drink it tasted so bad. The bartender was even proud because he invented it and it was named after him... Not being terribly hungry we decided just to try a few of their appetizers and we were less than satisfied with them. The meatballs were too dry and bland. And everything else we tried was merely disappointing. There are way better restaurants in Portland that serve local food...
(1)
Bryan V.
Been here twice in three months, which in Portland ME says something given its abundant choices. First time was four stars. Great energy, decor, food and drinks selection. Second time for my birthday. I still love the energy, decor and drinks selection but my meal -- $38 paella-- was so salty my lips are dry this morning. I mentioned it to the dude who cleared out table and he said "if I had made it, it would have worse". Sorry. Come again?! Our waitress was much more interested and said there was a new sauce cook and would be sure to mention it. Deciding to make a third visit will be hard. It should be easy.
I have dined here a few times now and just don't know why we end up going there. The food is just not good. I am a vegetarian so am limited by their menu, but how do you mess up hummus? I have never liked any of the dishes I have tried. The atmosphere is fun and the service friendly. But I can't be the only one that thinks the food is terrible?
(1)
Dennis D.
Came here because there was no wait and was seated right away, looked over the menu and ordered the BBQ hash with eggs, and my wife ordered a breakfast sandwich. 45 minutes later and we came to find out they forgot to put our order in. The server and manager were very apologetic and offered to "make it right." When the food arrived it was excellent, the meat was soft and tender, the english muffin was large and chewy and the blueberry jam was a great spread.
(4)
Susan R.
I didn't even want to go. my gf and on walked by a few times and judged this place as 'trendy yuppie'. We were wrong, local. I am sorry. the brunch wait was OBSCENE. there was a road race in town. they ran out of a lot of food. it was a hellish hell show of unprecedented proportions. but through it all- a few things shone through. 1) our host- server and back waiter were lovely. 2) the food here is very good and worth the $$ but most importantly 3) the brunch cocktails were perfect. perfect. PERFECT. I never find my cocktail to be perfect. I ordered a bit of a negroni-lini (negroni bellini) concoction that was off-menu. I took me aback. I literally lost my train of thought and stared blank faced at my cocktail. GF: "uh oh, what's wrong with your drink?" ME: "it's perfect."
(4)
T U.
Good solid effort Spice up the seasoning on the Huevos Rancheros... But we'll prepared. Good prices... Especially on liquor... If you say your donuts are house made... And they are not on the sweet bread platter on a Sunday morning... Drop the price...the biscotti were stale but the coffee cake was good...but I paid for donuts. Local 188 fits right in to the Portland landscape. I guess we just have to deal with the hipsters with kids who walk around annoying others... Control the spawn or put them back into their designer carry all cases.
(3)
Renee B.
So i wanted to love it...i was primed to love it....but I just did not have enough good dishes to get it into the win column. The gnocchi was just not that good - dense...meh. The cheese platter was well thought out that was great! Spanish tortilla was so over cooked and that was how the night went. The space is beautiful. The staff was friendly.
(3)
Justin S.
I have mixed feelings here. The cocktails are great, and i love the selection of tapas plates, but the music is way too loud, and some of the staff's "too cool for school" attitude really turns me off. We even saw the staff doing shots with the bartender. I will go to Local 188 only out of convenience, but otherwise it is not on my list of places I like to visit...
(2)
Kathleen F.
I started with a martini made with grapefruit and honey--their most popular and delicious. The mushroom tapas was very flavorful and satisfying. The shorts ribs were flavorful and tender. I love all the flavors that the chef melds into the dishes. It was a gift to my tastebuds. I wish they had some gluten-free bread to serve.
(4)
Sam M.
Local 188 has the best brunch I have ever had, it was absolutely delicious. The English muffins were fluffy and tasted very fresh. The smoked salmon scrambled eggs were my favorite and I also got a side of cheddar grits which were great as well. The service were wonderful all the way through. If I lived closer this would be a weekend must for me.
(5)
Rachel K.
Finally went here after living in the West End for almost a year (I know what have we been waiting for!?). Just went for drinks on a Wednesday evening. I was surprised to see they have a large lounge area and were happy to seat us at a table there even though we said we weren't eating. HUGE drink menu with lots of creative cocktails. Per the server's recommendation I had a Blond Redhead- house stawberry vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of cran. It was tasty and strong (no ice though which I would have liked). I really liked the atmosphere. It was hip, but not off-putting. They have some couch areas in the lounge which would be great for large groups. Service was amazing- they even had a guy re-filling water glasses. I would definitely like to go back and try their food. I hear their brunch is delish!
(4)
Ryan C.
We journeyed to Local 188 for my wife's birthday with high hopes. We began our meal by letting our waitress know that we had to be at the theater by 7:00 P.M. for the ballet. When we were seated, we were positioned next to another couple that had just sat down, leaving several tables open immediately to our left that were open and slightly more private. The menus consisted of two pieces of paper, clipped together with a paper clip (a little too pretentious). We were pleasantly surprised that our waitress surprised us with a complementary amuse-bouche which consisted of chicken liver pate. I really wish she would have asked if we were interested before she put it down and walked away. Not wanting to have it go to waste, my wife and I both ate and very much enjoyed the pate. I hate tapas restaurants; I always leave poor and hungry. We ordered mushroom, meatballs and olive tapas as appetizers. The mushroom was delicious, while the meatballs were a little dry and the marinara sauce was WAY to sweet. The bountiful portion of olives consisted of many very well cured oil packed olives and a few that tasted a little past their prime. My wife had the gnocchi and warm beet salad and I had the paella for dinner. My paella was very flavorful and packed with a bounty of seafood and chicken and chorizo sausage coins. A downside to my paella was that there were a good amount of pulverized clam shell bits mixed in among the rice, which made eating very difficult. A few bites in I came to terms with the fact that I was going to be doing a lot of crunching and swallowing rather than spitting or sending my meal back to the kitchen to be remade. My wife's gnocchi was amazing and by far the highlight of meal for the both of us. Neither of us very much cared for the warm beet salad, which consisted of a lot of beets, gouda and a very mild dressing. By the time we reached the end of our meal our waitress had not visited our table since we had our appetizers delivered. The busboys and other servers had been delivering food and refilling glasses of water. We waited for a while for the server to get us a box and bring the bill. Finally, I asked a busboy to accommodate us and he did so very quickly and in a friendly manor. By the time we got out of Local 188, it was 7 minutes before the rise of the curtain. We only made it to the show in time by flagging down a taxi cab and tipping the driver well. In summation, we spent over $100 for the two of us and were not overly enthralled with the meal. While I would consider going back for cocktails and perhaps a single tapa before heading downtown for drinks or dinner, I doubt I will be back to Local 188 for an actual meal.
(2)
Darren F.
We stopped in here while walking through Portland on a rainy Sunday for drinks. The inside is huge, but dark and needs to be updated badly. We sat at the bar and poured over the massive wine, beer and cocktail list. The Great North Woods, with whisky and maple syrup was great. The service was slow, despite the lack of customers, the bartender was missing from behind the bar 75% of the time we were there. I'd be likely to try another place first as the mostly black interior is dated and service poor. It seems like a place with little pride in what they do.
(3)
Matthew D.
Great atmosphere. Food is average and small portions, even the large plates. Paella is fairly good. Very overpriced.
(3)
Brianna M.
Great service, delicious light fare. Nice atmosphere for a romantic night out or a group outing. We sat at the bar where we could see the chefs work in the open kitchen. They also had outdoor seating which would have been lovely if it weren't raining. We only had a couple of plates here before the place closed early for the holiday. Their menu was impressive but we weren't able to try enough of a variety to make a 5-star review. They had good local beers on tap too!
(4)
Mike S.
so sometimes you just go on a hunch when you look at a restaurants pictures on their website, and you get a certain vibe. I went onto local 188's website before taking an overnighter to portland and just decided to randomly make a res and give it a shot without looking at the reviews. What a solid idea!!! The entire space is huge but really well utilized. the vibe is chilled-out-urban. No pretention here!!! The menu is small but eclectic. The service was mellow but on point. The wine selection was wide and varied to suit all tastes(we had a cab franc that was tasty and affordable, to key indicators for a good time). Our service from multiple staff members was excellent, unpressured and attentive. We had multiple tapas dishes:chicken pinchons(amazing), patatas bravas(delish aioli), the steak tartare(way too salty and garlicky), and the deviled eggs(spot on!). after all the wine and tapas we were kinda stuffed but pushed on with their house salad(perfect palate cleanser and delish). and for dessert we finished off with moscato and bread pudding(indescribably awesome, you'd be a fool not to get this!!!) all in all, great experience!! thanks local 188, you guys rock!! cheers
(4)
Ashley T.
We visited this establishment on impulse. And, we were 100% satisfied. The staff was friendly and fun. The food was excellent. We started with a couple snacks off their tapas menu, then decided to stay for an entree. We had the short rib and it was to die for. The music over the speaker system was an exciting blast from the past. We couldn't have chosen a better lineup! Drink menu was beyond impressive. The ambience of the restaurant was so unique and eclectic. I believe we have found our new date night spot :-) thanks for an excellent evening Local 188!
(5)
Daniella L.
Drinks at the bar are good. And..that's about it... We went here with our family for breakfast and the food was REALLY bad. First off, the eggs were cooked sloppy and runny- the food on the plate looked really gross. The "pancakes" we ordered were in fact, NOT pancakes at all, but a MASSIVE, thick, dry, 12 inch round, "corn bread muffin-like" cake. If you are going to put pancakes on the menu, I think they should make them like what the rest of the US refers to as a pancake; otherwise, the word "pancake" should not be use to describe whatever that thing was. The home fries were awful, too. They were almost "rolled" in some bright red-orange spice, which perhaps was paprika?...they were covered in this stuff and it made them so dry and unpleasant to eat. I didn't think it was possible to cook up such a horrible breakfast when ordering basic items such as: eggs, pancakes and home fries, but Local 188 managed to prove otherwise! I'd recommend passing on breakfast food from here and going elsewhere.
(1)
Simon S.
I don't eat seafood but I had the Goat Cheese salad and the Gnocchi, and both were great. My girlfriend had the Seafood Paella and said it was the best meal she ever had. You get a tremendous, diverse plate. 5 Stars for sure.
(5)
Sam B.
Nothing is better on a mild summer evening than sitting outside at one of the patio tables at Local 188 while all the world passes by on Congress St. Just last evening my friends and I discourteously planted ourselves at one of their outside tables for three hours ordering just carafes of sangria and glasses of wine while we caught up on life stuff. We were asking for terse service but instead were treated very well by our server who regularly checked on us and not once pressured us to leave. If you're not interested in the hustle and bustle, the interior is spacious and moody, perfect for friendly conversations. The high ceilings and open kitchen can make it a little bit noisy, particularly on a raucous Saturday night. They have an expansive drink menu, signature cocktails, and a food menu of tapas, salads, and entrees. Theirs is foodie food so, if you're into charcuterie, you might just love it.
(4)
Kim S.
Very retro, trendy place with a light fate. Lots of small plates. Salads were all delish and the seafood was very tasty too. First time I ever had cooked radishes... They were very good. Visiting Portland but would go back!
(4)
Richard T.
Great beer selection, great food, and an extremely courteous staff. Arrived at three in the afternoon and begrudgingly left around eight. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)
Mark H.
We recently visited this restaurant with a large group for a graduation party. All people in the group were very disappointed. For instance the hot tapas deep fried garlic was a plate with 5 tiny cloves of garlic each about the size of a pea. As a server or an owner I would be embarrassed to serve this plate. The pan seared scallops was a plate with 3 scallops a little smaller than a quarter for $13.00. My daughter ordered the seafood paella for $39.00 this dish had 1 Maine lobster claw and 1 tiny rock lobster tail, last I knew rock lobster is not indigenous along the Maine coast. I could go on but it was the same disappointment for every one. The staff was very nice but not very organized. All in all we would never go back way over priced I truly mean way over priced. We walked to the restaurant, there was no on street parking.
(1)
Laura P.
We are currently food drunk off of the paella and spiced hash breakfasts! If that were our last meal of life we wouldn't be disappointed, unless we would have forgot to get an English muffin! Got seated and served very quickly! Definitely a spot all have to try!
(5)
Bazza G.
Two stars is being generous because they comped my meal. Sat at the grill bar, we immediately noticed that the cooks and the guy on the pass were handling food with no gloves let alone not washing their hands. The servers were also handling bread without washing their hands. I ordered the brisket hash, which just seemed to be burnt, dry and mashed up meat. The wife had the eggs, home fries, muffin and a side of bacon. Bacon was burnt, seemed to be more like charchol and the scrambled eggs came out as an omelette and rubbery. After we got our meals we saw the chef pick his ear, scratch his hair and then without washing his hands picked up food with same hand. Never go back ever again.
(2)
Jenn F.
Steak was bland, fatty and overpriced. Paella was delicious. Flan was wonderful. Atmosphere was loud and I don't think I fit in as I am not a hipster. Server was good. The Spanish tortilla was really quiche like. Overall not bad but very high price for what you get.
(3)
Portland F.
The food at Local 188 is delicious. Everything has not only a great presentation but wonderful flavor. This is a great place to go for a date night or girls night out. Wine by the bottle is fairly priced and they do a good job of pacing the meal. Make reservations if you can as it's always busy. I recommend the deviled eggs to start! Word to the wise: this is not a traditional Spanish restaurant but is a good American-Spain fusion.
(4)
Amy B.
Meh. I wasn't impressed. My bacon was burned, hardly saw my server so I was only able to have ONE mimosa (the horror!!) and felt rushed out since there was a wait for the table.
(2)
Allison B.
Fantastic food and awesome service! The tapas were wonderful, we had the naan bread and meatballs, and the food was even better! Word of advice, if you get the seafood paella, share it with someone. It was huge! Our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive, and it was very quick service for how gourmet the food was. I highly recommend!
(5)
Colin M.
Went here twice, one just for drinks, once for tapas. The drinks are delicious but pretty pricey ($9-$12). The food has amazing flavor but the tapas were tiny portions even by tapas standards. Decent beer list and they'll even do flights of 4 local beers, which most places (non-breweries ) don't. Service was great.
(4)
Xiaoshan Z.
Ambiance was lovely as usual. It was the perfect place to end our long-drowsy day on an airplane and between airports. Seafood paella: so far still the best I've ever had. It was so rich in flavors and so very fresh. Most paellas I've had in the past usually use truckload of oil and salt to cover the fact that they lack real flavors. But this one blended the taste of veggies, garlic as well as the seafood well. The portion was generous, not just the rice itself, but the seafood too. I loved the white sauce mussels too. Again, so fresh tasting and so juicy. Somehow in my biased mind Maine mussels are just bigger&fatter than those I usually get in California. BUT, we did wait a good 40 min between our salad and the Paella.... It was a Monday night and the place was not even that busy. Yep I get it. The "laid back" life style and no need to rush. But I was HUNGRY.........
(4)
Judy L.
Came here for restaurant week. Ambience was interesting. It was a packed house on a Saturday night. We saw some parties that were seated on sofas. That looked like a slightly awkward seating arrangement for a fancy dinner place. We were lucky and had a corner table. Meatball: slightly on the dry side, but reasonably tasty. Salad: healthy. House paella: amazing! Flavorful. Packed with seafood and chicken. Hake: cooked and seasoned perfectly. Trifle: first time I tried a trifle. It was very interesting and quite tasty. Also felt incredibly fattening though. . . . layers and layers of sweets. Flourless chocolate torte: a little on the dry side for a chocolate torte, but the whipped cream made it all better.
(4)
S S.
We went to Local 188 for dinner and we're not disappointed! They do a variety of small plates all of which are excellent. We have eaten at other small plate restaurants around Portland and I think this one is the best of all of them. Our waiter was great, he even gave two of us to go cups for coffee and tea as we had to catch a ferry. They are definitely allergen friendly here and make sure that they check ingredients before you commit to an order. I appreciate that being celiac. The atmosphere is nice and laid back, a good way to spend an evening with friends!
(4)
Justine J.
I've visited Local 188 countless times -- for brunch, drinks, lunch, and dinner. My husband and I frequented Local when they were at their first location, and we've been there MANY times in their new location as well. The wait staff is always very quick with drinks, and extremely attentive to your needs, not to mention knowledgeable about both the food and wine/beer selections. The food has always, ALWAYS been top notch. My husband and I frequently comment that you could just close your eyes and point to a meal on the menu, and there's a pretty damn good chance you'll LOVE whatever it is. Desserts, too. Yum!
(5)
C M.
Ohhh.... we ordered way too much. But it was all so gooooood. We lucked out and arrived before the crowd that filled the place soon after we got our food. Server described the wines very well and led us each to the perfect choice for the food we were ordering. Our mistake was ordering appetizers before deciding on the meal. Patatas bravas and chicken pinchos were both delish. But then we decided on the seafood paella. MAN was it good! But we had to take half of it home. Gee. What a pity.
(4)
Ella R.
Food was good, but not worth the wait. Absolutely terrible service. Took almost 3 hours for 6 people to eat dinner. Drinks were even forgotten about. Will never go back.
(1)
Colleen J.
This place rules. So chill, and the bartender was very great. There were pillows on the benches and the chairs were very comfy. I love this! Every time I come visit family I plan on making an appearance here.
(5)
Kevin C.
First time here. Wasn't sure what to expect based on other reviews. Was pleasantly surprised (although may need to take out a second mortgage for next time - those small plates can add up fast for a party of four!) Deviled eggs were good, though could have used a little mustard to balance the richness of the yolk filling. We also enjoyed the flatbread with hummus. It was a large piece of flatbread nicely grilled and the hummus was very good. My wife had the hanger steak and I chose the short ribs. Both were very good. The steak came with a bacon jam (she shared, it paired really well with the ribs). Service was attentive, though not overly so.
(4)
Q S.
Food: Unique brunch selections - loved the lobster & grits and pecan pancake. Buttered fluffy English muffins were oh-so-good. Heard from others at the table that the corned beef hash was tasty with it's tomato-based sauce. Service: Not so great. Long wait, absent-minded servers. Got coffee but with no cream or spoons and then was told that they ran out of spoons and had to check with the dishwasher... Um... Someone at our table ordered a beer on draught and had to change his order 3 times because there was a problem with what was on tap... it look him 30 minutes to get his drink. We ordered pancake for the table and it didn't arrive until the end of the meal - at which point, we don't remember/or cared about whatever excuses they had. Charged us an extra entree on the bill. In Summary: Expect good food/drinks - but a lot of pain getting to eat it.
(3)
KC G.
My wife and I enjoyed Sunday brunch on a beautiful fall morning. Reviews said "come early to avoid lines" I wasn't sure what that meant...we arrived at 10 am and we're seated immediately, but there was a wait forming by 10:15. Great hip vibe, creative libations menu and outstanding food. We sat next to the window, the server noticed the sun in my eyes and closed the curtains without having to be asked. Awesome. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Anna W.
We had an alright experience here- it was restaurant week and our main dishes were quite good. I wouldn't recommend the Spanish tortilla as a tapa...they haven't quite gotten that down yet. It is a bit bland. The deserts were also nothing spectacular. Someone in my party got the paella and thought it was amazing. The sangria was also delicious (although we had to ask about it because I didn't find it on the menu). The service was not great either...our server seemed distracted and never announced the specials to us (rookie mistake, I suppose). All in all, there was some great food and some unimpressive food...which don't quite make the prices worth it in my book.
(3)
Diane L.
I had the best huevos rancheros i've ever tasted here. The help was amazingly helpful, smiling as they brought us our food, gladly offering to bring more coffee, providing bowls of home-made jam (blueberry basil!), and more. The pancake is wonderful, great to split with others, and top with real maple syrup or the wonderful jams. This is a great place, comfortable, spacious, featuring local artists on the walls, and fresh flowers on every table (that's not easy to do!) as well as giant bouquets around the restaurant. I would go back to Portland just to return.
(5)
Jess S.
I've been here twice now -- once for brunch and once for drinks and dessert. The drinks were fine (although my mixed drink -- lime juice, bourbon, and maple syrup -- was heavy-handed and clunky), and the ice cream that we got was quite delicious (black pepper and chocolate chip were my two favorites -- made in-house). However, the brunch was really below par. Temperatures on the foods were hit-or-miss, and my pancake was not very tasty. Great atmosphere, though, and love sitting on the couch.
(3)
Anna B.
Excellent! Went here on a recommendation from our inn keeper; it did not disappoint. We started with the red sangria. It was perfection. Not too sweet, but very tasty. We started with three tapas - the marinated feta, anchovies, and chicken. OMG, so good. We then ordered the classic paella - more than enough for two people to share. It was out of this world!
(5)
Richard M.
Not too fancy, but not too casual either, offering consistently excellent food and service. Equally suitable for a quick but delicious meal at the end of a hard day or a long-planned romantic date night. As others have noted, the Paella is spectacular.
(5)
Mairead O.
Visually, the most fun and in interesting restaurant in all of Portland. I love to show this place off to visiting guests! Whether you're a couple enjoying the counter, a large or small group on the couches or at the retro tables and chairs in the lounge, or seated in the dining room, there isn't a bad spot in the room! The fact that the food is outstanding is definitely a bonus. The quirky combinations of ingredients almost makes one question whether or not the owner/chef has a peyote addiction. The extensive, ever-changing, creative food (and drink) menu guarantees one will always leave utterly satisfied on every level.
(5)
Jamie A.
LOVE IT! Great food, awesome atmosphere! Love the downtown location, A must go!
(5)
Doc A.
Came here for brunch. Got here at 11. Food arrived 1145. My over easy eggs are well done. Its eggs - get it right. The pancake is not a pancake. It's a weird loafy thing that's more like blueberry bread. Prob cornmeal based. English muffin is okay but with no yolk to dip into ... Blech. I woulda sent em back but who wants to wait for more eggs when you've waited this long. I'm so done. I should take a pic. Let me make my over easy eggs look as runny as possible. Oh and I should show the pancake. Place looks cool and clientele and staff look cool buuuuuuut.. You know, expect to stir your coffee with your fork (no spoon) and/or place your tea bag on the table (no dish). Pass. Big time.
(2)
Kyle D.
Always excellent cocktails. Try their home-made infusions if you're into trying new things. Most nights there is table service outside but it usually ends pretty early. Don't expect to wait long for a drink, there bartenders are on their game! Local has some excellent food, but why not offer tapas, or a late night appetizer menu to keep the drinkers fat and happy?
(4)
Bruce D.
Great dinner. Kids loved the meatballs and the pollock was excellent. Cool atmosphere. Not exactly kid friendly but not unfriendly either.
(4)
Nathan K.
I've never been a big fan of Local 188. I don't like the way it's taken for granted by so many Portlanders. I don't like the way it's held up as a representation of the great food here. I don't like that it's the place that everyone suggests we meet for drinks. There are better restaurants and bars in town, that really represent high quality cooking and innovation. There are far better places to meet for drinks, places where one need not scream at the person sitting across from them in order to be heard. For two years, I've avoided the place, after I was accosted by the then-bartender - a local personality - who was drunk on the job. Between that and a friend relating her horrible treatment as a server there I thought "there are better places to spend my money." But a few months ago I decided to give it a shot. I knew the bartender was no longer there and figured maybe things had mellowed. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was great, no one being rude or condescending, as was always the case every time I'd gone previously. It's incredibly loud at all times, even when it's empty, which I'll never be able to get over, but that's my thing. Also, I really hate the crowd that tends to show up there (aloof hipsters, too preoccupied discussing the albums their bands are recording to pull their chairs in a bit when you are trying to get by; parents who let their kids treat the the place like a chucky cheese without so much as word). The food is good. It's not great. I've twice ordered a burger there and had the bun be completely soaked and disintegrating by the time it was put in front me. They're at their best when they keep it simple. The mushroom and herb omelet was delicious. Came with home fries and a biscuit, both of which were perfect. This is definitely not a place I'll go regularly. I just can't stand the noise and the crowd there. But if a friend is in town and really wants to go, or if all the other places I like to get brunch are too crowded, I'll happily go here and get a scramble.
(3)
Anh T.
One of the spots I tried for breakfast food. The restaurant decoration is very nice and cozy. My friend tried the salmon scramble eggs and it is really good!! Highly recommended dish!! I got a BBQ hash and eggs, was a little dry and not very tempting thought. Good service. Everyone is super friendly as usual in Maine
(3)
Bets R.
LOVE going to brunch at Local. The smoked salmon bagel plate is amazing. It has a ton of everything and comes served DIY so you can build it however you like. The Alarm Clock is a great drink however I always get the Cucumber Bloody Mary! It's my favorite bloody in the city. The outside seating is nice but be prepared to get hollered at by passersby. The black raspberry jam is amazing, and the servers all wear cute aprons.
(5)
Jeff H.
We ordered several appetizers and had mixed reviews. First, the "Spanish tortilla" is more like a frittata, but instead of making it to order, they reheat previously cooked food. This dries out the egg at the edges and is not worth the cost of the dish. I highly recommend skipping this dish. The hummus is good for American hummus. The highlight of the meal was the gnocchi. They pan sear it, and it has a wonderful crispy outside while staying internally moist. I recommend this for any gnocchi lovers. In the end, this restaurant felt very yuppie, trying to appeal to the "foodie" crowd. It is a perfect spot for people who like to call themselves "foodies" without really understanding food. Everything is fresh and made with care, but not made in a style that is exceptional or worth the cost.
(3)
Crystal D.
Came here with a group of friends from NY. Definitely legit brunch spot. Had the smoked salmon scramble and it was perfect! Their English muffins and peach blueberry jam are amazing! We were seated within 5 minutes. I enjoyed the atmosphere and decor as well.
(5)
Kate S.
The service was good, and our waitress apologetic and attentive. The bloodmary was the worst I've ever had. Tasted like salt, too much horseradish and spoiled tomato juice. No balance whatsoever. When I went up to order another drink the bar tender ignored me completely for 10 minutes, not even making eye contact or a "I'll be right with you." The english muffin was the best thing on my scramble plate with completely overcooked scrambled eggs with negligible amounts of herbs and no goat cheese (they forgot and brought me a bowl of it later), the breakfast potatoes had no crispiness, flavor or salt. My friend's french toast was burnt. Great ambiance and decor, good looking people.
(2)
Karen R.
This is a great place to meet up with friends and grab a few drinks. I have never eaten here, but looking at others' plates the food looks pretty good. I was tempted to grab a bite here on my last visit but the service was rather poor. The waiter actually handed us a check for the drinks while I was looking at the menu! I am sure it was a misunderstanding but it was still rather awkward! After looking at the menu I could not find anything that I wanted to have so I just stuck with my drink and went elsewhere for food. They have a great bar and open seating that allows for a larger group. They also have off street parking which is a definite bonus in this part of Portland!
(3)
Chang T.
Local 188 never ever disappoints! Great food, great wine and beer selection and the bar has some fantastic mixed drinks. Great vibe here and the staff are fantastic.
(5)
Dave N.
Came here for a pre-concert feast and loved it. I can't recommend the seafood paella more highly--nothing like a little lobster in your saffron rice! We also tried some of the tapas plates, I'd recommend the steak plate, the quail eggs, and the hummus. Atmosphere was surprisingly cozy for a bigger space, great lighting and artwork really set the mood. As an out-of-towner, this was exactly what I was looking for in terms of great Portland cuisine. High regards to local.
(5)
Joanna F.
When your co-diners are pressuring you to give this a five star review at all costs, you know it's good! I kicked myself when I realized this restaurant was here after staying around the corner for years and having no idea it existed. A group of 6 of us walked in at 5 pm on a Saturday and the only unreserved seats were at the bar. The menu is made up of a few small plates, medium sized plates and entrees. I wasn't starving, so I opted to split a cheese plate and a quiche with my husband. He also got a salad. Welp, the cheese plate was super filling and large for a small plate, as was the quiche. Everything was absolutely delicious. Upon seeing the hummus flatbread that my bro and his fiancee got, I decided I need a side of hummus as soon as possible. They were able to accommodate my request and it was some of the best hummus I've ever had (and I'm a bit of a hummus connoisseur. Service was amazing, drink menu was great, every morsel I put in my mouth was delicious and locally sourced. I cannot WAIT to come back here when I'm in Portland again.
(5)
Ross C.
The bartender has been stood staring at the register screen for - I kid you not - 15 minutes, and I'm the only person at the bar. I was waiting to order food, but that desire waned 12 minutes ago.
(2)
Paul W.
My wife and I had dinner here with two very close friends whom I've known for over 30 years who now live in Cape Elizabeth. We all had a great time - interesting eclectic ambience as well as their menu. Servings were a little on the high side, but they were prepared and served in considerable portions. The desert was so huge that the four of us shared it, and there was still some of it left over!! The drinks were above adequate - and the service was excellent. I'd go here again! Nice choice, B&K!!!!!
(5)
Caitlin P.
This is the best brunch I've ever had. Our food took about 45 minutes because it was so busy but it was completely worth the wait. Get the blueberry pancake!
(5)
Diana C.
We went for breakfast because Hot Suppa had a long wait time. Huge mistake!!! We were seated at a nice table in front of the window and that was the only good part about our visit. We ordered our meals, my husband got the steak and eggs ($15) and I ordered the hash and eggs. I didn't read the description very well and didn't realize it had hollandaise sauce on it. I hate hollandaise so that was my mistake. As we waited for our food, two tables who were seated after us were served their food. We were getting ready to walk out and our food arrived. My eggs were covered in hollandaise sauce so I asked the server to remove the eggs for me (I was happy to just eat the hash and potatoes). He brought it back to the kitchen to remove the eggs and when I got my plate back, it was laughable. They took the eggs off, scraped off the hollandaise and put them back on the plate. My husband's steak and eggs were completely cold. He got 4 thin pieces of steak and he said it was as tough as shoe leather. Really, $15 for 4 tiny pieces of steak. They come around to refill your coffee but the coffee in the filthy pot is not even remotely hot. They ended up removing my meal from the check but it still cost us $30 dollars with the tip. I will pay top dollar for a good breakfast but this was one of the worst meals we have ever had in Portland. Do yourself a favor and wait in line at Hot Suppa if you want a amazing breakfast.
(1)
Brave G.
first stop in portland maine after checking in at the West End Inn was Local 188, located just off longfellow square on congress st. we were still fresh off the plane, since the rooms weren't ready and we left our bags under the stairs. we asked about breakfast and our host suggested we make the ten-minute walk to the square. walking through the west end for the first time was like falling in love with a neighborhood. we turned left at the square and passed by first a corner brunch pub, then a japanese noodle bar also serving brunch sporting an extremely fresh-faced large japanese family at the window table, and a french bistro with their croque monsieurs, but decided to continue on across congress to Local 188 since i wanted a real egg-based breakfast to start things off. we looked through the window and at first it seemed a little like a tourist destination for middle america with really big plate portions, but we went inside anyway. it was a big open room, and crowded, and loud, with awful music, something resembling beer-bar 70s white rock. yikes, it's 11 am. must be for the rebelling-against-the-world-by-getting-drunk hangover people who for some reason want to re-live the particularly righteous night before. and there was a wait, but you know that can be both good and bad, since no one waits for bad food - yelp pretty much put a stop to that, right? so we waited a little, but waiting for breakfast always makes me feel like a chump. we gave up and went off in search of someplace else. there were a couple of other good places, like Hot Suppa, which we were told had better eating, but the wait there was close to an hour. how do people do that? i think we wandered a while, passing some coffee places with just pastries, and ended up going thrifting, and in the end came back to Local, and this time got seated right away. so all of the above redux, and a waitstaff of females seemingly not yet out of school, but there was also food, and it was an open kitchen and we could see them working it. coffee arrived, and it was real coffee, the local roasters are kind of the portland signature it seems, but the drink was weak since a bit of milk diluted it right down to tan. but - and i can't emphasize this enough - the eating was terrific. absolutely terrific. for some reason, who knows why, as soon as i saw hash and eggs on the menu i had to have it. but i also know that it usually comes out of a can, even in pretty hip places, so i asked and they said it was housemade. and it was great, seriously great, with some sort of fatty pulled beef and a perfect scrambled. so many ways this could have gone wrong but it went perfectly right. but it was the english muffin that put it over the top. not Thomas' English lite white, but a whole grain chewy sourdough with good butter. it was real food heaven. and that was all we had, but it was like firing a warning shot across the bow: portland food standards are high, and this is a food/beverage town. portland coffees are ridiculous, portland restaurants rock. there are people doing great things here. they've got their eye on the prize. so maybe Local wasn't the best place to hang out, but the eating, at least for one breakfast, was superb.
(4)
Lauren L.
A longtime favorite for the hubby and me! My favorite breakfast item is the SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLE - cream cheese, capers, red onion, and dill. YUM! Second to that is the steak tartare- never knew how great raw meat could be. We also enjoy the tomato soup with the house bread. Great assortment of beers and flavored vodkas as well.
(5)
Bill Z.
Local 188 caught my attention when looking for dinner locally, and that magic word - tapas - appeared. Though the number of tapas - which evidently change regularly on the menu - is maybe around a dozen. Other magic words included "sangria" and "paella." I was initially disappointed that there was no ice in the water we were served, which seemed unusual because the glasses we were given with our red sangria (carafe for $22) were packed full of ice, and also blueberries and slices of oranges and strawberries. The sangria itself was rich and deep-colored and potent. I moved a little ice from my sangria glass to my water glass, and all was well. Our appetizer, the Charcuterie Plate ($12) was an assortment of smoked sausage, pork, and chicken accompanied by pickled white grape tomatoes, apple, and almonds. It went well with the bread, on which olive oil was drizzled and sea salt lightly sprinkled. Between us we ordered the Lavender Chicken and the House Paella, both $21. The Lavender chicken was a generous half-chicken on a bed of greens (turnip?) and was, according to the person who ordered it, "unexpectedly awesome!" My house paella was delicious, but not quite authentic. It was long-grain rice instead of short-grain, and it looked like it was yellow instead of a red-orange with the saffron or tomato base you would expect. Perhaps it is their risotto. All the meats were tender and flavorful. My favorite was the clams, and I wish there had been a few more clams and a few less mussels. It also included some sauteed thinly-sliced onions and pepers and some roasted red peppers. Everything tasted great together, but it really didn't feel like everything was cooked together for very long - if at all - so I'm not sure if all the wonderful flavors really had a chance to blend together. Yet for all my nit-picking here, I would definitely order it again. When leaving, we saw the restaurant's smoker in the alley on our way back to the parking lot where our car was parked. They are very trusting people... it was awfully tempting to open it and abscond with more of the delicious meat.
(4)
Kaitlin M.
A really cute little place. Cozy and sweet. I went last night after a day out on the boat. We wanted to watch the sunset and so we called to extend our reservation and they were really nice about it. Dinner was fabulous-I had the Hake and cheese plate. The cheese plate had all sorts of great nibbles-Marcona almonds, dried fruit, jam and crackers, and everything was well-seasoned. The Hake was light and cooked to perfection, the quinoa was coconutty and really good. I didn't love the sangria. It was too juicy for me. And our waitress was in a bad mood, but super knowledgable, so you win some you loose some. Overall highly recommended.
(4)
Imo M.
This place has a 1990's Austin, Texas feel. Funky, low-key, and serves good food. Good for lunch and dinner. At dinner, the place was packed with a private party on one side, and the full house on the other, but it was still tolerable (noise level wise). Try the Hake dish. It's like a deconstructed seafood paella, saffron infusion and all. The bar is fully stocked and the drinks are totally acceptable.
(4)
MJ J.
Stuff your skinny jeans into your bean boots and throw on your best flannel. We are going to local for brunch. This place has got an artsy, hip vibe to it. The management is apparently really good at thrift shopping, particularly for mugs. I think the best thing about this place has to be the mug collection, kittens to worlds best grandma mugs - probably all second hand but that doesn't bother me a bit. Bloody may mays galore and some other really great Sunday cocktails. The food you ask? Meh- it's decent, but I guess you come here for the experience and to feel like a hipster more than be all into the food - especially for brunch. Dinner might be a different story but it's been a long while since I've had dinner here so I'll hold off on commenting on that.
(4)
Tony S.
It started with the chicken liver. Not the most sexy sounding appetizer I'll admit, but when it was presented in a creamy au jus bed of the most amazing flavors, I knew I was sold.... and in trouble. That South Beach diet went completely out the window. The dish was the epitome of succulence, and there could not be enough bread to dip and absorb every last morsel..... (wow.... I'm actually sweating as I'm reliving that experience...). Then came the brind roasted chicken. Every inch of this half chicken entree had flavor. Even the center of the thickest white meat revealed hidden pockets of divine glory. I didn't want it to end. It was oral erotica without the sex. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the less than stellar dessert. To be fair, it could have been simply because I was full, but this apple-pie-ish dessert we had was a bit of a disappointment. I promise to give it another try when I return in a couple weeks. You'll absolutely love the casual, calm atmosphere. It reminded me of an evening dinner on one of the beach cafes in Southern California during winter. Calm, friendly, airy, and with absolutely no air of pretentiousness. I could have stayed there all night and just people watched. Highly recommend this place.
(4)
Jennifer W.
My birthday dinner was spent at Local 188 and I couldn't be happier! The only reason this is 4 stars is because the AC couldn't keep up with the kitchen and we were a little warm! We were sat immediately with a table that had a bench with pillows. Very comfy. Kyle was our server and he was amazing! Knowledgeable, helpful, kind and competent!! We started off with the chicken pinchos which were marinated chicken skewers served with an aioli. The chicken was tender, perfectly cooked and the right size to start with!!! Bread is served with the meal, local bakery, covered in olive oil and seasonings!!! Delicious!!! My entree was the braised short ribs which were fall off the bone tender. My husband had the Black Risotto which was to die for! Flavorful and unique!!!! You should visit...wear cool clothing, eat, drink and be merry!!!!
(4)
Hilary H.
I wanted to eat everything on the menu, but I practiced restraint and had the bagel with lox and the most delicious smoked-shallot relish known to me. I'm serious. What I really like about this place is the ambiance - their vibe just can't be beat. The room is large, open and airy, filled with natural light and a homey clamor from the kitchen. The service was great, friendly and well-timed by an adorable waitress in a patchwork apron. We we all very happy with our breakfasts - cinnamon buns, scrambled eggs with local vedge, and a hearty take on a huevos rancheros/frittata hybrid. Yummy. Go here for breakfast or brunch, kids - you won't be sorry.
(5)
Sara S.
Great as always! Drinks are spectacular, the steak was great... Desserts were amazing. As always great to support local.
(5)
Megan N.
Had brunch at Local 188 yesterday with a group of friends (and a baby!) We were seated immediately, and had coffees in front of us within minutes. The assorted Bloody's were tasty, and my Alarm Clock was a hit. (So much so that everyone changed ordered one for a second round. Who doesn't love second round brunch cocktails?) The Huevos Rancheros were delish, and the eggs cooked perfectly. The salmon bagel plate was beautifully presented, as well. Our server - didn't catch his name - was lovely and funny, and attentive without being overly conspicuous. Would love to return next time we're in the area.
(4)
Mary L.
This is my favorite place for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. They have an array of Bloody Mary choices and they infuse their own liqueur. Their honey bombs you must try if you like mimosa type drinks. I go there just for their honey bombs even at night.
(5)
Lee L.
Good service. Nice decor. Excellent food. Got the BBQ hash. A little on the salty side for me but still five stars. English muffins were amazing. I will be dreaming about them tonight
(5)
D H.
Was here last weekend. The service was as good as it could be, but the kitchen was abominably slow. We waited over for an hour for our food. Brunch food. Nothing fancy. Other people had the lobster grits and rated them as ok/mediocre. And you definitely don't get a true half lobster. More like a small claw and a small portion of tail, which they didn't de-vein. I had an open sandwich (ham, sunny side egg, something like hollandaise sauce) with an extra side of bacon. The bacon was overcooked by a good 20 minutes. Completely charred and awful. The sandwich was a complete "meh". Perhaps it was an off day given all the other reviews. I wouldn't return though.
(2)
Dionyse J.
Are at Local188 for Saturday Brunch. Great music, good vibe and excellent salmon scramble and huevos rancheros. Plan to come back next time we are in Portland. Fresh ingredients, house made Pico de gallo and coffee just strong enough!
(4)
Blair H.
Best pancakes in the WORLD!!! I horseshit you not. Now, some key words so everyone can find the best pancakes in the WORLD. Tags: Best pancakes, mucho flapjacks, best panjacks, flippy floppy cakes, hotcakes, hotpanflappyjackcakes, ate so many pancakes i no longer look like a pancake, most amazing pancakes evar, the world is flat, flatpancakejacks, all I want for Christmas is my two pancakes, panmuffins.
(5)
Kristen M.
I've been here 3 times now and have never been disappointed. The fresh, locally inspired dishes are absolutely delicious and the presentation is stunning. I'm not much of a drinker, but I hear the drinks are great too. The service is always great and the ambiance is very pleasant. A must when I'm in Portland.
(5)
Chelsea A.
Service was great and the food was delicious. Menu had good healthy/vegetarian options.
(4)
Bill G.
I honestly don't get it. Any of it. I don't want to slight Maine, but I can't imagine how this place, would be able to stay open anywhere else. Maybe I am jaded because we have so many amazing restaurants near us, I don't know. We ended up here at the insistence of some travel companions who have relatives in the area that love the place. First off, I don't think I've ever seen such a limited menu from somewhere that is considered a tapas place. I think there were 4 or 5 hot tapas items, and an equal amount of cold options. In addition, I find it odd that somewhere that claims to be big on locally sourced ingredients would have Mahi Mahi as the fish special for the night. In addition to the very limited menu, our server was a mix of incompetent and discourteous, if not just plain rude. We were a large party (13), which I suppose can be daunting, however - since there's an automatic 20% gratuity added onto the bill due to the size of the party, maybe at least try to do your job without acting so annoyed about it. The place was maybe slightly more than half full, and I'm still not sure which was slower - the service or the kitchen. The length of time it took to get the food ordered and out would've been far more tolerable had someone at least come over to check and see if we needed any more drinks, but alas, that didn't seem to be a huge priority. The reason that it gets 2 starts instead of 1 is that when we arrived earlier than the rest of our party, the host was very accommodating, as was the bartender while we had a cocktail at the bar while waiting for our table to be ready. Also, our cocktails were both very well balanced and tasty. The short rib appetizer I ordered was decent enough. My girlfriend's food, once she figured out which of the few options she would settle for, was also adequate, but certainly not memorable. When swapping notes with most of the others in our party later on, we found that most of them came to the same conclusion - totally underwhelmed. Well, except for the few folks from Maine. They really still like it. And they can have it. Maybe the brunch is decent, I don't know, but if I was back in the area, I honestly don't imagine bothering to find out.
(2)
Jay H.
Local does a five star brunch. It can be a bit crowded, but that's how you know it's good! The coffee is nice and strong, though it's a bit disconcerting that they do not refrigerate their cream. $5 bloody's is probably the best deal you'll find in town. Their burger obliterates hangovers. It's so juicy, and so tasty that I'd consider ordering it at 9AM. Today they had a special with mushrooms, bacon and gruyere... mmmmmm. I've eaten dinner here a number of times and the food quality has run the gamut of totally freaking awesome to extremely lackluster and overpriced. If you are good at ordering then it shouldn't be a problem, but know going in that there are pitfalls on the menu. I think they do meat really well (steak, braised shortrib) but the times I've had fish I've felt unsatisfied. The paella was extremely over salted, but it had the potential to be legendary. This is the best place in town to get torte and port if you're into that sort of thing. Their dessert chef is like Picasso with chocolate and caramel.
(4)
James H.
Great quality and service, selection not so great, no value in the pricing. Excellent fresh ingredients.
(3)
Liam S.
Was good, but not great. I had heard a lot of good things, and it was alright.
(3)
Lee T.
It is a Spanish restaurant but the decor does not looks too Spanish. It is a old building with open ceiling. It is a open dining room even with the open kitchen. Windows open to the street along the whole width of the restaurant. The dim light inside can let you see what is outside better. This is my second time here but is half empty on a Sunday night. Last time we are here was all packed. It is another highly rated specialty local restaurant. Then menu is very limited only one page. It is one stand letter size page with any binder or folder. I cannot eat the same entry all the time. However I ordered the same house paella as last time. It is fairly good with more mussels than I would needed. It is good but not outstanding. Especially I just returned from Spain. Other fish entries are very good also. Service are adequate but not as good as Olive Garden. The waitress offered a free dessert because the food take longer than usual to serve. Price are at the high side of $ 25-$30 entries for casual dining. I would say it is average in Old Portland downtown area. I think it is better a a three stars but less than a 4.
(3)
Ms. Review S.
A group of five us had dinner here on Friday night. We made a last minute reservation for 6:30pm. We were running a little late and they held our table with no problems. Our waitress was AWESOME! She was attentive but helped us to pace our meal so we could enjoy all of the food, drinks, and the moment. The first bite was something creamy and made with cauliflower. It was so good, I would have licked the bowl clean if I could have gotten my hands on it. My group ordered a couple appetizers, two salads, and a couple smaller entrees. The gnocchi and short ribs were amazing. The blueberry salad was fantastic as well. The appetizers were good as well, but nothing compared to the short ribs! We didn't try the desserts but we ended our meal with a nice cup of hot coffee. This was my favorite meal during this trip to Portland! I will be back for sure!
(5)
Krystle G.
This meal was fantastic! My boyfriend got the huevos rancheros and I got the eggs, home fries and English muffin. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We got a great table outside, which had a small town feel as you looked around. Great filling breakfast! I would definitely go back!
(5)
David F.
This was a nice place to have a relaxed breakfast around 10am on a Saturday. The place was large and not tightly packed so it was comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed and not loud. I ordered the huevos rancheros and thought the meal was good, though on the smaller side for the price. Generally it seemed as though the prices were higher than they should have been. Overall I would return if I was looking for that kind of atmosphere. Note: I was visiting from Boston so I do not know how it compares to other places in the area.
(4)
Stacey B.
What a great experience. Our server Julia was a delight. They didn't have a table so they sat 3 of us at the counter to watch the kitchen show right away. I cannot say enough about the mussels In white sauce. The sauce was fabulous but the quality of the mussels was the best I have ever had. I am from the west coast so I know my mussels. (Sounds a little dirty!) Loved the Champagne cocktail the monk's dream. My boy friend had the gin and tonic with a local spirit cold river and it too was fabu! Totally recommend it!
(5)
Jax A.
After many a lobster shack and lobster roll on my Maine trip, I was ready for something different. Stopped in for dinner and drinks during my stay in Portland. I think the biggest draw was the location (close to the Pomegranate Inn where I was staying). Munched on their yummy bread while I tried to decide on an entree. Since it was a "Spanish" restaurant I decided on the House Paella and some Spanish wine. It was one of the best paella dishes I have ever had! The decor is a bit eclectic and the bar section has a much cooler vibe than the dinning area but I still enjoyed the ambiance overall. The paella is definitely enough for two people to share and my boyfriend and I were totally satisfied sharing the dish. We ended up ordering their apple tart dessert, which I loved. In fact, I liked it so much I ordered another glass of their delicious Spanish wine.
(4)
Joe C.
Stopped in for brunch and was impressed with everything we tried. Corned beef hash was homemade and delicious, the special Bolognese with poached eggs was amazing as were the Bloody Marys and deviled eggs. Great service and they were able to sit us very quickly.
(4)
Lindsay F.
Hubby & I stopped here for Brunch on our way up to Camden. The fact they do brunch Saturday & Sunday is a bonus! The prices and portions are a great deal. Plus $5-6 brunch cocktails & Bloody Mary's, you can't go wrong! I had the smoked salmon platter, which had capers, onions, dill cream cheese, tomatos, etc... Such a great spread! My hubs got the Caribbean seasoned corned beef. He was nice enough to give me a bite, and man that tasted good too! I've noticed some people on Yelp complained of the service. We had a good experience with our waiter and the timeliness. The place was hoppin and he did come back to double check on something, but nothing wrong w/ that! Friendly people, great vibes and beverage... def give it a try. I'd love to go back for dinner!
(4)
TJ S.
One of the first restaurants I visited when moved to the area. Heard a lot of good things. As always taking hype with a grain of salt, was still really unimpressed, This is the kind of place that brings the foodie scene to a town and then rests on it laurels and gets played. Would be a good place for the burgeoning food scene in this country circa 1999 but otherwise now is a joke. Menu is so standard its ridiculous. Wow, mediocre beef tartare and a beet salad with goat cheese! Get outta town! I can't even review this place in detail considering how unmemorable it was. Waitstaff was ok, good downtown parking scenario. Obnoxious kitchen, dated decor, weird inbetween lounge area, overpriced. Who are you local 188? Who will you be?
(2)
Taylor P A.
brunch experience. totally honest. we had the worst waiter in really long time, we are here at least twice a month and have a toddler and even sometimes ask for a particular waitress who is lovely and sweet but i think they hired new people since when we came last and it is not pretty. regardless of how he looked to us (bad hygiene and really realkyyyyy baggy pants aalong with dirty face and hair) we waited 30 minutes to receive our coffee, 25 minutes f or our entrees, 40 minutes for a check/box, 15 minutes to get the card swiped. food was fine enough. sorry local, but why two hours for a fprtyfive minute meal :(?
(2)
AJ P.
Good food and good drinks, can't complain. The first time I walked by this place, I was a little wary as it seemed a little too hipster with the couches, mismatched furniture, and eclectic artwork. But upon entering and sitting there for the first time, I can't believe I almost passed this place up. They have a great selection of beer and wine to try out. Their menu of tapas is also wonderful if you just want to eat a little portion, or if you want to go with a few friends to try a bunch of different items.
(4)
James H.
What a dump Overpriced over complicated rubbish Just paid 214 dollars (not including tip)for 4 people- two decent but overpriced bottles of red Friends food was ok-not exactly plentiful! Don't ever eat the vegetable dumplings in broth with coconut rice- rice is dumped in broth under three soggy dumplings A soggy horrid mess Left half What bothered me more was no-one asking if it was ok or why I left a pile of mush Also topped BTW with some odd salad Pleasant service- nice desert Don't go Had better crab cakes/haddock fillets in bread earlier on the nearby Peaks Island for $9.50 each Go check out the awesome local food instead
(2)
James S.
Large open space that is popular with the locals. This place is loud (in a good way), full of fun and is very hip. It has a Spanish menu with a touch of Maine goodness and freshness. My daughter and I went here. I started with the White Sangria that was very, very good. Maybe the best sangria that I have had outside of Ibiza! My daughter had several tapas, she loved the homemade meatballs. I had the seafood paella. The paella was outstanding, full of seafood. This is Maine, so I expected good seafood, but this was FULL of scallops, mussels, a half of lobster and fish. It was delicious, plus the rice was tasty! My daughter had a frozen dessert and was very happy with it. Service was good, friendly and quick. They did have a few tables outdoors, but the inside is open and lively. We walked, but I understand they also offer free parking. I would go back here on my next visit and if I lived here I would be a regular!
(5)
Paul L.
Great brunch food, and even better people-watching. When you're one of the only sober dudes in that place on the Sunday morning, you can sit back and take in all the hilarity. I like this place a lot.
(5)
Justin S.
Great brunch, great atmosphere. Never eaten dinner here but have had their brunch numerous times. Best place in town to get a good meal for brunch on the weekend.
(5)
Kyle S.
An unbelievable experience not only based on the food, but on the total atmosphere. Completely surprised when I walked in. Went with a group, and we were treated to some of the best service I had seen in awhile. Loved how there were different seating options (anything from classic restaurant table to couch), and the pricing was more than fair based on the portions and quality of the food served. Each person at my table ordered something different and we were all impressed. Even more impressive is the drink menu, which is more like a bible. I haven't seen that much beer listed at a restaurant in my life. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone traveling in or through the Portland area.
(5)
Timothy H.
Friends brought us here for drinks and they were great. Didn't get any food but would definitely come back to give it a go.
(4)
Ed T.
A solid 4 out of 5. I had a breakfast burrito that was very tasty. I loved the style and character of the place. Fun 70s music was playing too. I imagine it would be an excellent dinner or hangout spot after dinner. The service was a bit slow, but not bad. The workers were all friendly.
(4)
Kristin L.
My family decided to try all the tapas for dinner. It was a great way to get a little taste of everything. We loved them all. The muscles were our favorite. highly recommended.
(4)
Paul P.
I did give it a second chance...But second chances don't always mean better. In fact, it was quite possibly worse then the first time I tried it. 3 Tapas for a table of 5. The tartare was over portioned and unseasoned, the ceviche was under portioned and tasteless, and the hummus although tasty overwhelmed the soggy pita. The server was polite and sweet, but obviously over taxed with the number of tables. Is it too much to ask for a cup of coffee to be refilled...or even the water carafe? Anthony Bourdain warns about fish on a Monday, but, when it comes to Local 188 the poor quality exists on Sunday too. I should have known, I guess, the Tuna, was a special. The temperature was right on, it was unfortunate that the skin was sporadically left on and the only spice used was the heavy-handed salt. I was surprised that here pink in the middle equals dry! To be fair, the pollack was tasty and at least, in our group, there was one diner pleased with her meal. By the way, the hanger steak needs to go back in the closet. Normally a hanger steak is known for its flavor, so why drown it in a romesco that tasted like a bad chipotle sauce. We couldn't bear to stay for dessert, besides, the service had been so long at that point we were all falling asleep.
(1)
Aubrey T.
Stopped here on New Years Eve day (Sunday) and had a great breakfast. Only ~20 min wait at 11:15, but a star was lost for really slow service. If I hadn't been ravenously hungry and thus more willing to enjoy the super laid back atmosphere (lots of couches, mismatched dishes, etc.) at this spot, it would been 5 star. My (only $6) eggs + breakfast potatos + english muffin breakfast was amazing. A simple order but the eggs and potatoes were awesome, and even the english muffin was way better than a typical breakfast joint. My boyfriend had the salmon bagel plate, which came with a tasty herbed cream cheese, cukes, tomato, and a shallot relish. Also delish! Stop by if you're in Portland for a weekend, just go before you're starving.
(4)
Chris W.
Good food, reasonably priced, great for a group.
(4)
Cody S.
Ive only been for brunch, but we do go here 2 sundays a month. their menu is great, it varies every time we are in, and the staff is generally good. Every once and a while we get a bar tender that hates making Mojitos and makes a big deal about it, but other than that, all the staff has been great ... The atmosphere is very relaxed (there are couches to sit on ) and the decor is very artsy. My favorite part about this place is in the summer they have a couple of tables outside and you can sit, enjoy a cool beverage and people watch forever. They have this steak burrito that is amazing, and any of the special Benedict's are a must have !! Awesome Brunch place and GREAT for Big groups, as they have plenty of table space. But get in early as they always have a wait ....
(4)
Pete S.
Skip to number 5 below for the real memory that will stick with us. Otherwise this would have been a 4- or 5-star review. 1. Food: very good. Beautifully presented bagel/lox platter with fresh ingredients, and "Caribbean seasoned corned beef hash with eggs however" (however what?) -- basically sweet/spicy empanada filling in a cup alongside some nice charry homefries with a lot of thyme and rosemary on them. Good stuff. 2. Drinks: very good. Nicely spiced and presented bloody mary and tasty variety of light mixed drinks for brunch, all with a price that's right. 3. Price: again, very good. Most brunch entrees under $10, not bad for this kind of place. 4. Setting -- big, kind of loud, but fun, and not overpowering. Couches and benches add nice seating variety, and interesting art and lamps are a nice touch. 5. Service -- MY GOD, THE WAIT. It should not have taken two hours to get in and out of here, particularly when we were told 20 minutes, 30 tops, to get a seat. You know when you've invested too much time waiting when a kind of spicy bloody mary sits in an empty stomach for so long that you just want to put anything at all in there to settle it down. Took closer to 45 minutes to sit, then the waitress was so overstretched that things like getting drink refills became unpleasantly long waits. Seriously, just before our order was taken we were about to walk out, and only stayed because we were so abominably hungry. We would return here for a late brunch again, but only on, say, a Wednesday -- never again a Sunday. Such a shame, because it is a nice place.
(3)
Mandy H.
Decent brunch fare. Salty and hot. Spacious and varied seating. Great for a rainy Saturday morning date with friends.
(4)
Erin H.
We were visiting friends in town so this was a local recommendation and wow very good! The atmosphere is great with a variety of seating options and a nice open, airy feel. We were there for brunch/lunch so our party was split on what they ordered. I had the muffalatta sandwich - yummy and fresh and my boyfriend had the open faced cordon bleu - such awesome, fresh ingredients. Being brunch I tried their special bloody mary with cucumber infused vodka - delish! The service was spectacular - especially since we had a 5 year old with us who just wanted some eggs and toast - no problem! Will definitely go back when I'm in Portland again.
(4)
Kristen B.
I dined alone for brunch at their counter. It was pretty busy for Saturday brunch, but no line out the door. The menu was standard American/casual fare. Nothing on the menu really stood out to me. Brunch drinks looked interesting though, but I wasn't up for drinking. I got an egg scramble with roasted garlic, bacon, and American cheese. It came with a toasted english muffin and home fried potatoes. It was good, but I was hungover, so anything would've worked. There's a bar area as well, a mix of wooden tables/booths/chairs and even some couches I think. The staff seemed nice and attentive. Crowd is mostly 20-30 something hipster types, but they are nothing like Brooklyn hipster snobs.
(4)
Emily D.
Local is by far one of the BEST restaurants in Portland. Local veggies and seafood and very innovative flavors with a sexy & relaxed atmosphere. If you are visiting and you are a foodie - this is a must see. Many tourist directories will point you towards Fore St and St & Company which are very good but no where near as creative and delightful as Local 188. They are well known for their excellent, laid back and knowledgeable service. The menu changes all the time so I highly recommend getting the specials as they are always fresh and very creative flavors. The braised short ribs are crazy good - and I don't even like meat dishes normally. Also the mussels are always amazing. Just go - you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Will S.
Local 188's cardamom maple glazed pork belly. 'Nuff said. Well, ok. I lied. I have more to say. Local 188 is a great spot in Portland. The atmosphere is comfortable, the service has always been exemplary, the prices aren't that bad. Almost every time I've been there (mostly for brunch), I've tried something different and have yet to to be disappointed. My favorite brunch-time dish has to be the Caribbean spiced corned beef hash. That's complete awesomeness at 10:30 on a foggy sunday morning. Combine that with a simple yet very well made Harvey Wallbanger ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha… ), and you have a recipe for a great day. Even if that means you're really just going to go back home and nap for a while. I have to say that my most recent meal there was among the best I've had in a while, anywhere. I ordered the cardamom maple glazed pork belly on a bed of scrambled eggs (which had a few other ingredients that seem to be slipping my mind...) and a green salad with goat cheese. Combined with a fine Rioja, it was a most satisfactory experience. I will be returning to Local 188 often for either brunch or dinner. You can't lose either way. 'Nuff said.
(4)
Natalie K.
One of the best meals I have ever had. Beautiful interior with murals, wildflower centerpieces, and a comfy sprawl of dining and bar space. Immaculate presentation and fresh, local ingredients. The highlight for me was the homemade gnocchi with paprika cream sauce, crushed heirloom tomatoes, basil, and grana cheese. The gnocchi was light and chewy--not that dense, gummy stuff you've probably had elsewhere. The tomatoes were bursting with color and flavor. We also enjoyed the curry mussels, fresh scallops, kohlrabi cakes (!!), goat cheesecake, and lemon pot de creme. Service was the weak link at this restaurant, but I was too elated to notice much. For what you are getting, the price was reasonable, about $30/person for drinks, dinner, and dessert.
(5)
Sara M.
Honestly, our meal just did not live up to our expectations here. We ordered a selection of small plates (5 of them) and split an entree. The food was good, but not spectacular given the price. The service was also rather slow.
(3)
Liz A.
Local 188 was on the list from our innkeeper so we took a shot to get in, though OpenTable said they didn't have any tables until late. Score - snagged a table in the bar! Our shy server was adorable and attentive. The drinks were STRONG and very tasty. The food, however, was the star. My mom and I shared a few dishes and never looked back. Radish and pea shoot salad w buttermilk dressing: check. Paprika gnocchi over chicken gravy: could have eaten this all night long. Lamb keftedes: mmmm. Braised short ribs: perfection on a rainy night. Flourless chocolate torte: yeah, that's right - rich and creamy. This place is definitely funky but also fun and relaxed. Highly recommended!
(5)
Evie K.
great local hipster vibe, and the food is superb. the Pancake is actually a 10" pan of cornbread-like cake.... waaaaaay too much for one person, but a great side to share amongst a few people. The blueberry pancake was excellent. Bacon is well done and smoky - just as I like it. Bloody Mary was right on the mark with flakes of chili to give a nice kick. I like the edge in this neighborhood as well - it's shows the other side of Portland.
(5)
Charley Z.
First thing's first: DO NOT come here for brunch. Okay? That being said, this is my favorite place in Portland to come for dinner. Or just for drinks. Or just drinks and an olive and cheese plate. Really. The food is phenomenal. And, as such, you get great food as well as some not-so-great things. For instance, the staff, god bless 'em waitresses like I, are a bunch of hipsters who really just don't care if your water glass is empty, or you've been waiting for drinks for twenty minutes. Again, that being said, so the hell what. The food is amazing. And once you've been there enough, it's kind of like waiting for your family to hurry up and serve your food. So what? It's delicious no matter how long it takes. And really their cocktails are amazing. And great wine list!
(5)
Amy L.
Holy crap was this a good brunch! I had the caribbean hash, which was just the right balance of rich, spicy and beefy, topped with runny poached egg goodness. My mimosa was also of the approved "champagne with a splash of orange juice" variety. Also I loved the atmosphere - old couches, mismatched furniture, but also big windows and lots of space to keep it from looking like your grandmother's parlor. Service was slooooow, but we weren't in a hurry, and this was a great place to linger.
(5)
Sally B.
Disappointing visit to this place this morning. After we had taken our seat, my plan was to get.one of their Super Bowl special cheeseburgers. I asked where they sourced their beef and was told from somewhere in Wisconsin. They could not tell me whether the beef was industrial. This restaurant bills itself as local. I think not. They said they stopped sourcing their beef locally because the product wasn't dependable. Huh? That's what you should expect. And that's what I expect when I go someplace called Local 188. Maybe the place should be renamed "local, when convenient, 188". So, I got the Huevos Rancheros instead. I had to send back the beans because they were cold. The corn tortillas were under the eggs and smothered with a hunk of melted cheese. My husband got a scrambled something. He had to send back his soggy potatoes. The English muffin was good, though. And my tea was hot. This is diner food in a restaurant that bills itself as something more. The waitress was lovely though. And they did take half off our breakfast. That was prudent. At that point I thought that I might not do a write up on yelp, but then when I saw a cigarette butt in the toilet on my way out....clearly left there by staff, I changed my mind. Next time, I will be sure to jump in line at Hot Suppa next door.
(1)
Erin S.
If I decide to go here again for dinner, I'll remember to eat beforehand. While I give Local 188 credit for a great ambiance and friendly waitstaff, there is something left to be desired by their food...and the size of the portions. Okay, okay...I am the only one here who is not raving about the food. But, let's be honest. Taste isn't everything. And while the two dishes I had were well seasoned and tasted fine, I did not feel as though the price I paid was worth it. The meatballs had a hint of cumin in them and were served with a delicious marinara sauce that had a bite to it. But you only got three small ones and it cost you $7. And by small, I mean...one bite. I had the pan seared quail as an entree and I had to laugh when it arrived at our table, because it was so incredibly small. In all seriousness, I ate the tiny bird in four bites. The bird was 1/2" thick and could fit in the palm of your hand. Surprisingly, the best part of our meal was the dessert. For $4, we got two huge brownies and a glass of milk -- delicious. In fact, I paid 1/4 of the price of dinner for the brownie, and received 4 times the amount of food. If I ever go back again, it'll only be for a drink, because I'll be heading someplace else for dinner.
(2)
Quinn F.
Had been once before for late night drinks and enjoyed it and hoped to go back. Went back recently for a rehearsal dinner. Great food and well made drinks. Waitress was very nice and had a sense of humor. (If you don't have a sense of humor, you cannot be a good waitperson. It's the law.) If Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Pepperland (S. Berwick, ME) had a baby, it would be Local 188.
(4)
Amelia M.
I live in Portland. I've been to Local a handful of times but never anxious to go back. Why? THE SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. Buzz-kill terrible. Here is a water down version of events of my night last night. The drinks, however are NOT watered down and that's worth a star alone! (DO try the Basil Lemonade!) We sat ourselves, waited 20 minutes for the first round of drinks, were brought an extra and then CHARGED for the mistake. After AN HOUR passed without seeing a waitress for refills, I went up the bar and got carded again. The seating is very eclectic and mostly cozy but it seems too confusing for the waitstaff to maintain. Our waitress was just completely absent for hours but nice enough. There is one real D-Bag of a bartender (hipster-ish blond guy with a beard) who has no people skills. Trying to return an extra drink was met with "That happens. Well? Are you going to drink it?" When I went up to the bar to ask if table service stopped at a certain time (we had been sitting there for an hour) and to order another glass of wine, I got carded. When explaining I had been sitting at my table, I got "Yeah. CAN I SEE YOUR I.D." I understand liability laws so the 'tude was unnecessary. It was justified to me that unless you're a regular of a year or more, the staff will act very pretentious because they don't know you. I don't think there's any justification for that. Everyone should be treated with courtesy.
(2)
Filteq B.
This is our "go to" restaurant in Portland. Never had a bad meal here. We have tried many other places but always end up coming back to Local. Don't miss the Braised Short Ribs!
(5)
Geoff F.
We had a wonderful meal. Great service and hip atmosphere.
(5)
Karen D.
Funky and flavorful. Not sure if I'm cool enough to be here, but I think I just made the cut. This place has an artsy style and the food is really good.For brunch I had the breakfast burrito and my campanion had the Cordon Blue sandwich. That doesn't sound like anything special, but the presentation and the flavor were excellent. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly, attentive, and played good music. While we were eating we saw someone getting a pancake that looked like a big fluffy cushion and every other dish looked beautiful. If I lived here, this would be one of the stops on my local route.
(4)
Tamar A.
You know those places you drive by while tooling around a new city on vacation and even though it's only noon and you've just eaten a huge brunch you still swear you'll go back and try it for dinner because it just looks so darn funky and else what's a vacation for other than eating and tooling? This place is all low light and mismatched furniture and wobbly mosaic tables. It's draping on the walls and surprisingly friendly hipster waitresses with patchwork aprons. It's big, swirly glasses of red and crusty baguette, ripe cheeses and marinated olives. It's a chop the size of your head and fish drenched in an impossibly savory red sauce you can't quite describe except that you know it has capers. This place is 188 kinds of pure flavor, both culinary and, of course, local. Go Maine.
(5)
Nicole M.
I was in Portland for a week taking a jewelry design class. The woman who runs the studio recommended this restaurant and so after an intense day of sucking in new information like a little sponge for 8 hours followed by 3 hours of work, I was ready for a good meal and a few drinks. Lucky for me, Local 188 was only a few blocks from my hotel. I liked the vibe right off the bat and sat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. The waitress who served me was incredibly nice and attentive. I ordered a sangria which was good (I prefer mine on the sweeter/spicier side) and the seared tuna special with caper sauce. The food was absolutely delicious. I'm one of those people that tends to eat pretty quickly but I made an effort to take my time with this meal. The tuna was cooked perfectly, the caper sauce was amazing and the vegetables looked and tasted like they had just been pulled out of a garden 5 minutes prior to being cooked. All in all, a lovely experience. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for the quality...I'd be there once a week if I lived in Portland for sure.
(5)
Andrew F.
Not small, yet awfully cozy feeling, Local 188 is a great place for drinks or a full meal (although you'll want to take into consideration just how busy it can get). It would be wise to try their Caparinha (they definitely have a Latin flair); plus the added bonus that you will get it served to you by their look-alike celebrity bar staff (Zach Galifianakis and Cameron Frye working side by side!) The food is terrific, especially the short ribs (pricey and altogether worth it), and the flatbread (most inexpensive item on the menu and one of the largest).
(4)
Christina F.
Stopped by here for brunch, very good food. Lots of families waiting around in the communal area. No one seemed to mind the wait. Some of the seating is a bit awkward (benches, sofas), but that's no matter when the food is tasty! Highly recommend the Caribbean spiced eggs!
(4)
Nicole B.
My husband and I ate here last Saturday. We walked in without a reservation, and there was a little bit of a wait, but we found seats at the bar and enjoyed the impressive beer menu while we were waiting. We ordered several small plates and ate way more than we intended because everything was so good. I was particularly impressed by the gnocchi, since I've never liked a gnocchi dish before--it was so light and fluffy! Everything was just spectacular; nothing to complain about.
(5)
J S L.
Fun place. Good food. Extensive wine and beer list. Don't know if chandelier lights were out by design. Part of a vibrant downtown scene.
(3)
Marc A.
My absolute favorite restairant in Portland. I don't know exactly why, but every single thing I've ever eaten here is one of the best things I've ever eaten. Seriously.
(5)
Walleyecrue W.
Bring the seafood paella. Now, bring the sorbet. Both of 'em. But not before you slide into a Corpse Reviver, or three.
(5)
Casey J.
Tasty drinks, good tapas, amazing brunch. The service can be a bit slow though, so relax and have a drink.
(4)
C. B.
Two words: Don't go! This place was such a disappointment, it moved me to actually create a yelp account and write my first review ever. My husband worked in fine dining for over 15 years and I work in the food industry now, so we have a few pet peeves: First, if you can't remember an order, then WRITE IT DOWN. Don't try and wow us with your amazing memory and then proceed to get the order wrong. Twice. Second, if you ask diners how their meal is and they answer with , "ummmm....okay, I guess?", don't reply with, "It's good? Great!" and spin on your heel, walking away as fast as possible. Meaning, if you ask how the meal is, then actually be interested in talking about it. And if you make mistakes as a server, be apologetic and humble, not dismissive. Third, if you as an establishment are going to charge high end prices that rival bigger cities, then your food and service had better match up. Out bill totaled $122 plus tax, for 1 app, 2 salads, 2 entries, and 2 glasses of wine. That would have been fine if the food had actually been good. It wasn't. The short rib, which I had been looking forward to all day, (I'm pregnant with a big red meat craving) was under-seasoned, and the cut of meat wasn't trimmed which meant that half of the portion was fat or bone. Worse, the sauteed greens, (usually one of my favorite parts of a meal) were inedibly salty and full of sand. Yes, SAND. The salads were underwhelming in taste and texture. When we read the description of the bleu cheese salad on the menu, it sounded good, but the flavors just didn't come together at all. The gnocchi was pretty good, although incredibly rich-- but we knew it would be when we ordered it. All in all, a massive waste of our time and a huge letdown for our one night out in Portland.
(2)
Joel C.
Get. The. Pancake. Crazy good! But be warned, it's actually a pan cake, not those flat disc things you find everywhere else. Also, unless you're dining with your pet elephant, better ask for the smaller version. The brunch cocktails are creative and perfect for 11am drinks. The salmon scramble was great and full of salmon. New favorite brunch place in Portland!
(5)
jumanna s.
The bar serves some of the best drinks I have ever had. Delicious! We ordered tapas and while the mussels were AMAZING everything else was underwhelming except the bok choy salad which was indelible.
(3)
Sam A.
Quiet, Dark, and intimate restaurant with parking tn the back. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. Portion size is good.
(3)
L B.
Loved this place! Creative menu, interesting decor, great drinks. What else can you ask for?
(4)
David Z.
For me the greatness of this place is really a combination of the food and the atmosphere. I feel incredibly at home here. I love Spanish food and paella and although you don't get the crusty rice on the bottom here, it is excellent. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I had to send a steak back once for it being overcooked and they got me a new one in no time. I always get the mussels as a starter. They are cheap, the serving size is generous, and they are great. Plus they come with good bread to dip in the broth. It is always my first recommendation for dinner in Portland.
(5)
Jules V.
Local 188 is aces in my book. I highly recommend this place to anyone searching for powerful coffee, large portions and reasonable prices. My dish - the Caribbean corned beef hash - was delicious, huge and only about $6.50. The Lovely Girlfriend's omelet was similarly enormous and also well under ten bucks. They've got a full bar at Local 188 and while we didn't indulge a couple of girls seated next to us slugged down a handful of large orange-ish cocktails. I think they were Mimosas but they could have been Screwdrivers. Either way the girls were a little wobbly when they left so while I cannot directly recommend any drinks to you I can tell you by the looks of it they pour em strong. I can also tell you that they serve a Sazerac which is a sure sign of a bar inhabited by serious drinkers, another good sign. Since Portland is a favorite spot (read that as the only spot) of the Lovely Girlfriend to visit when in Maine I'm sure we will return to sample their libations at a later date. For all my reviews find my blog on my yelp profile page.
(4)
Jimmy C.
It's hard to explain Local 188 without noting the yuppie/GenXish kind of vibe that engulfs you inside. There's a mix of sofas and living room, type chairs in the middle of the wide open space. Decor is rather busy but it seems to work there. Another thing that hit me was the noise level, which I'd describe as an unrelenting low roar. Menu was varied and prices were a bit high, but nothing outrageous. I had opted in for a Groupon valued at $50 for $25 so, I was already up $25. Being a vegan limited my choices. There was only one dish considered vegetarian and to be honest, it was awful. Chick peas ladled on to a hunk of some type of squash that reminded me of that weird monolith in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. My partner and I both ordered it foolishly. Needless to say, the dish did not work at all. All and all it was about average or slightly below average. It always baffles me why places like Local 188 don't make an effort to accommodate all types of diners.
(3)
jen p.
We stopped by for the first time one winter evening. It was busy, loud and exactly the kind of food we wanted. Our party of three sat at the bar area over looking the kitchen and had a great time. The food was amazing.. the best meal i had since leaving brooklyn.
(5)
Liz H.
Two words: hot mess. I went for New Year's Day brunch around noon. The hostess told us it would be a 20-30 minute wait. Fine. We got our coffee and sat on the couches. 10 minutes later, she told us that the dining room was full, but we could be served at the couches. Again, fine. We placed our orders, and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. We waited for longer than an hour for our brunch, as did all the other customers. Our server was inattentive with coffee and water, and provided no apologies for the wait. When our food finally did arrive, my boyfriend's meal was good, but my eggs were burnt. They comped the coffee, but I would have rather had the last hour of my life back. I understand that it was New Year's, and that places get swamped. However, it's completely ridiculous for a place as popular and well-established as Local 188 to be so woefully unprepared for the holiday rush. The hostess should have given us some indication of how backed-up the kitchen was, at the very least. I've had some good food and pleasant experiences at Local 188, but, with so many restaurants of equal price and quality in Portland, there's no reason to risk this sort of sub-par service again.
(2)
Kristen L.
This place is a solid find. It's a bit outside of downtown, but easily walkable. I went here for dinner on a Saturday night with 3 other people. The place was full, but luckily we didn't have to wait. it's pretty industrial looking with an open kitchen and spread out so it feels more intimate than it looks. This place is known for using only local fresh ingredients with a constantly changing menu. While not a long menu, it had your choice of tapas, salads, entrees and desserts with a little bit of something for every palette. We decided to split some tapas and have drinks. VERY GOOD beer and wine selection and a list of pretty creative cocktails too. The cheese and meat plates were an awesome choice....shrimp ceviche was ok...a little bit too much vinegar and not enough lime for me, but it still wasn't bad. The crown jewel was the steak tare tare though....excellent flavor with garlic and truffle oil and just the right amount of salt. Could've eaten the whole plate of that myself. Definitely worth a try if you want something a little different.
(4)
Lyndsay C.
We were looking for a cool spot for dinner our first night in Portland and we stumbled upon Local 188. What a great stumble. The atmosphere was really nice. In addition to regular dining room seating they had comfy sofas for lounging, socializing and drinking. First things first...Sangria! We ordered a pitcher for the two of us. This was the largest pitcher of Sangria I have ever scene and it was delicious! For food we decided to just do tapas. We had the tomato soup for starters. It was so flavorful and well seasoned. We at it up and loved it! Then we had the Tortilla of the day which had pistachios in it. This traditional Tortilla de Espana was so good. I almost wished I didn't have to share. Lastly we had the cheese plate which we probably could have passed on in exchange for something else. I'm a vegetarian so I didn't have too many menu choices so we opted for cheese. I'm not a big fancy cheese eater so I wasn't too satisfied. My boyfriend however loved every last bit. We still had 1/2 a pitcher of sangria left so the server which the wicked cool squid tattoo, gave us some bread to snack on. All in all, the service was good, the food was tasty and the sangria was lethal. We will be back!
(4)
James C.
Stopped for Friday afternoon drinks at 4 and stayed until 6:30. Really enjoyed sitting outside with my White Lotus cocktail, my companion had a Caipirinha, we moved on to white wine when we split some wonderful mussels in a saffron cream sauce. All this prandial bliss was slightly marred when the owner asked us to use our third chair, on which we'd piled our bags and coats. When we demurred as we didn't want those things on the sidewalk, he sat at a table nearby and bad mouthed us to his companions. Later he had a waiter offer us a round of drinks, we declined as we were disinclined. When we got our check, he'd cleared the tab but wrote, "next time give up the chair". I'd like to remind him that he has at least a hundred chairs to pick from. Moreover, buying us off but admonishing us with the same gesture did not win our hearts. Luckily his skill in the kitchen does not leave one wanting. We'll go back, and perhaps bring a folding chair for our coats and bags.
(2)
Joe R.
I personally enjoyed every bite of my fiddlehead scramble and the service is always pleasant!!!
(5)
Cara S.
I'd like to give this place a 3.5 I came with a friend last night and was happy to find no wait; we were promptly seated by a friendly hostess. The ambiance and atmosphere were nice and welcoming. Our server was nice, but not especially speedy. We ordered a cheese plate, olives and a salad with seasonal vegetables as appetizers and the shrimp risotto and hake for our entrees. The cheese plate was really good, one of the highlights of the meal. There was a nice variety and they served dried apricots, cranberries, pistachios, and this AMAZING jam with the cheeses. We were also really happy with the olives served. The seasonal vegetables salad was OK at best. There definitely could have been more goat cheese and more vegetables. The entrees were average. The hake was cooked well, but had very little flavor. The presentation was beautiful, but there was a lot to be desired with the taste. Also, the fingerling potatoes served with this were almost black and were not appealing in any way. The taste was awful and they looked even worse. The risotto was average as well. Again, really lacking in flavor, and they used tiny shrimp which made the dish seem cheap. The sangria tasted mostly like juice with very little wine and no fruit in the pitcher, they give you a lot, but it seems you are getting a lot less than what you pay for. The dessert was really great. Roasted poblano chocolate chip ice cream served with a brownie, spun sugar and sliced apple garnish. This and the cheese plate were the absolute highlights of this meal. Also, they give you some great bread with oil and sea salt drizzled and sprinkled on top. That was a nice addition to our cheese plate.
(3)
T.H. J.
A bit overpriced and the room is loud.
(4)
Alexa B.
Lunch here is very good, it has actual parking and a great atmosphere, but dinner time around the weekend sucks. My friend and I waited for 1.5 hours for dinner when they weren't even that busy. We ended up having to leave because we'd paid to see a play, so we had no dinner. If you're aiming to get out by a certain time, try somewhere else. But if you can take your time, Local 188 is a great place for amazing drinks, metropolitan food and Portland's own brand of hip ambiance. It's not the hipster trash spoken of on earlier posts -- but you can find plenty of that elsewhere. Local 188 stands on it's own.
(3)
Sarah M.
We came here for brunch on a recent visit to Portland. It's very kid friendly which was great since we had our 6 year old with us. The food was good. I had the homemade granola with fruit (lots of fresh fruit - bananas, pineapple, strawberries, star fruit) and my husband had the bagel and lox platter which he enjoyed. My son just had an english muffin, but he was very happy with the apple jelly he was able to put on it. The service was also good especially since the restaurant was busy. One thing that bothered me a little - on the tables with the ketchup, salt and pepper, etc. there were small coca cola bottles with a spout on top and a white liquid in it. When I asked what it was the waitress said it was cream for the coffee. It just grossed me out that the cream was sitting in those bottles on the table for the whole morning (it doesn't look appetizing in them either) so I ordered a separate milk to put in my coffee.
(3)
Nick C.
We came here after dinner at Five Fifty Five. We asked our waitress for a recommendation on where to grab a couple post dinner drinks and she pointed us to Local 188. It has a nice atmosphere, filled with couches, benches and tables for groups to gather at. The problem was there was no where to sit. Although thats to be expected at this time of night. My review score was based on this one bartenders attitude. We walked in and up to the bar for a drink. After literally standing in front of a male bartender at the side bar (our party was two couples) for a couple of minutes (the bar was busy but we were still able to find standing room at the right end of the bar) who barely even glanced at us (he was not helping anyone during the time we were standing there) I finally asked if we could order some drinks with him (none of us knew if he was a bartender or a bust boy). He gave us this rude look like "yeah obviously, now what do you want" and had a complete attitude. His reaction was like surprise and disgust that we would even ask. We were all kind of throw off by this. He made our drinks and was not friendly at all. Ok, here's your dollar tip which was more than he deserved. After that we moved to the bar backed by the open kitchen where a different bar tender (a taller skinny man with glasses) was bartending. He was much friendlier and although we now had two bar seats, we had a sour taste in our mouth and decided to finish our drinks and leave. I would've given it 2.5 stars simply because of the atmosphere and 2nd bar tender we dealt with (drinks werent bad either) but the first bartender was so unfriendly that he drove us to leave (a blond or brown haired bartender with short hair and a black vest, in case management reads this review).
(2)
Seth J.
In my top 3 places to eat in Portland. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for meals made with quality local ingredients. Wine menu is very diverse and the drinks are stiff. I've never had a bad night dining here!
(5)
Holland T.
Loved everything! from the bread and crostini they brought when we first sat down and the friendly server, to our main course I can't see enough. Also a great spot if you are doing a drinks and appetizer craw.
(5)
Salamander J.
Yum! Breakfast served up by a young cute staff (our waitor was a sexy ducky from pretty in pink). Everything slides down wonderfully with their cucumber infused vodka bloodys! Go early for quiet and later to be drunk by noon! They like to cook but not serve. Mainehigh: 3.5
(4)
L P.
I went a few months ago with a couple of friends before seeing a concert up in Portland - and positively loved everything we ate. The paella was amazing and the best I've had since Spain - and I'm Boston-based. There's some mean tapas restaurants down here, but Local 1898 paella was AMAZING. I want to go back just to eat it again.
(5)
Francis C.
This review is for the bar only, and not the food. The picture of the hipsters out front is spot on - it pervades both inside and out. Upon entering, I saw two fellows at the bar waiting to get someone's attention, and there were two bartenders, one lady and another hipster-type gent. I was kind of waiting behind the two guys, and it must have been a good couple of minutes before the two guys basically gave up and walked out. I walked closer to the bar and did my thing, attempting to get eye contact, and I succeeded with the gent (there is no mistake when you make eye contact), but he was busy chatting with one other guy and basically ignored me. Then, two other people sat down and the lady tending bar got them a couple drinks, so I basically ignored the guy and was able to get a drink from the woman. Even so, it seemed like she didn't *really* want to be there, and a smile was something of a struggle (perhaps it was a long day, not sure), but I got my Sidecar which was ok. She was attentive when I asked for a glass of ice water. In general, I wouldn't hit this place alone - it's somewhat lounge-y, and if you're not being made welcome at the bar, you probably won't be made welcome elsewhere. As a 32 year old yuppie with a glimmer of fashion sense (please hold the jokes about fashion from the 14th C. - 18th C.), I felt a bit older than the average, but I did see a couple of groups of 2 or 3 a bit older than I.
(3)
Inna B.
Unusual treatment of fresh, local ingredients. My mussels with tamarind, ginger and orange broth were outstanding - after devouring the mussels, I inhaled the broth (and bread is delicious and great for dunking). You also get great theatre - we sat at the bar by the open kitchen and watched the cooking.
(5)
Elyse A.
The food at Local 188 was really fantastic--great bread, amazing mussels and my special albacore tuna meal was delicious! Unfortunately, the service was pretty terrible. We had a reservation for 8 p.m. and did not end up sitting down until about 15-20 minutes after that. And then didn't get drinks/bread until almost an hour later. After things started rolling out, it was better, but the service was slow all night. I like to linger over a meal, but this was just irritating. We could've had a reservation at Fore Street that same night for 9:15 but deemed that too late. After it took so long to get things at Local 188, I almost wish we had gone there instead. Food was four stars, but service was two.
(3)
David B.
I had lots of tapas and couldn't eat my entree. Everything had a wonderful complexity of tastes, nice pairings, looked wonderful like little pieces of art. Drinks are strong, wine is great. Great food. Great service. Very nice.
(5)
Susie Q.
We came in for brunch on a Saturday morning and Local 188 exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. Everything from the strong coffee and fresh (complimentary) fruit plate to our egg dishes was delicious. We had the baked eggs in sofrito over grilled bread and the Caribbean Spiced Corned Beef Hash. Great presentation and use of flavors. We will be back for dinner and brunch again to try to delicious looking Bloody Mary's. Oh, and I read some of the other reviews regarding the service but our server was friendly and very attentive. Overall, everything was perfect; Local 188 is a must go-to in Portland.
(5)
Jennifer R.
Avoid Sunday brunch unless you have your entire day off to devote to the experience. Arrived with group of 6 and was told 30 min wait. Over 45 min later and only after I checked in again were we seated. WORST SERVICE EVER! Took forever to be acknowledged, took longer for drink/food order. Waitress incorrectly described food (stated there were black beans in meal when it was pinto/described raspberry strudel but it was plain, dry coffee cake) and then we never saw here again until we hunter her down for the check. A food runner brought us our food. My soup came AFTER my burger? Food was average, decent drink prices/choices, its a shame we were never able to order more than one since not one person ever checked on us during entire meal. This ordeal took two hours from the time we arrived, no thanks, never again. The only reason for the two stars-food was ok, good am drink selection for $5 each.
(2)
Elizabeth A.
One of my favorite places to eat (and drink) in Portland. The epitome of Gemütlichkeit. The vibe is hip, but the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and cheery. A great place to gather with friends, or to enjoy some down time alone. Reasonable prices, friendly service, great (slow) food all around. Always nice to see a menu featuring local ingredients. On my last visit, I enjoyed the best olive tapas I've had to date; warm, crusty bread with olive oil; and an amazing salad topped with roasted winter squash, pine nuts, and a touch of ginger. Yum. I was really impressed by the wine list - not your average selections at all. Worth a visit, even going out of your way to visit.
(5)
Steve B.
no need to worry about walking out of there with leftovers, left very hungry. Heirloom tomato salad was disappointing, 4 thinly sliced slices of tomato and two cherry tomatos, disappointing with the cost. Had to ask for bread. atmosphere was nice but screaming child reminded us why we left the kid at home. Alice waters chez panisse was a bargin compared to this place. On a good note, mixed drink menu was interesting and tasty!!
(2)
Milton G.
While visiting friends in Portland, they took us to Local 188 and I must say it is one of the best restaurants I have ever enjoyed. Great food, cool atmosphere, good service, and reasonable prices. I would gladly go there again.
(5)
Deborah L.
Food was ok. Location, decor, service, ambiance was very good. We had the Tortilla del Dia with sweet potatoes and onions. It was just ok, certainly not great. I had a fish dish which was ok.
(3)
Kim S.
I came for brunch here with a couple of girlfriends while I was in town and I loved the place: the vibe, the food, the people. If I lived in Portland I would definitely be a regular.
(5)
Kate M.
I love Portland, Maine, and I LOVED eating here!! Delicious cocktails and cute guys behind the bar made the few moments we waited for a table wonderful. The place had a real funky vibe and the music was great too. Excellent paella in particular!
(4)
Rachel E.
My boyfriend and I came here after arriving in portland. We were cranky, thirsty, and hungry. This was a little more upscale and pricey than we anticipated, but the food and service and atmosphere were good. I would suggest you request the oil on the side for the bread. They doused our bread in oil to the point where it wasn't edible. The Spanish tortilla appetizer was good, but it came out at room temperature. Not sure if they meant to do that, but maybe it should say so on the menu. We were wondering if they forgot to heat it up- but we were so hungry we didn't ask. I got the gnocchi with goat cheese in a dijon cream sauce, and I'm not sure what they gave me but it wasn't gnocchi. It was more like fried bits of mashed potatoes. Still very delicious, but not gnocchi, and the dish could have used a squeeze of lemon for some oomph and could have come with the option of some scallops (I stole some from my bf and dipped in the sauce -- SO GOOD!!!)... My bf got the seafood paella and said the seafood part was awesome (half of a lobster with fish, scallops, mussels, clams, and shrimp) but the rice was lackluster. His was $32, and he said it was barely worth the money. We didn't get any cocktails but the bar area looked quite nice. Definitely a hipster, mellow, upscale and romantic ambiance to the place. Good for a dinner date for sure, or maybe some post-dinner cocktails.
(4)
Ian H.
Dinner so delicious I ate mud and sand. The food here is perfectly cooked, very flavorful, and creative without being "creative" in a celebrity-chef kind of way (no foam soups or pickled ramps here.) I would have given this place five stars, except the paella had a dead, mud-filled clam shell in it, which leaked grit into the whole dish and gave everything a disconcerting crunchyness. (This may not be an isolated quality control issue: a friend of ours once found a worm in his salad). When we told the waitress about this, however, she was unresponsive; and when our check arrived there were no discounts or apologies. The flavors were so spot on, though, that I'd still be willing to go back, although I would perhaps take my first few bites tentatively. Overall, still a positive experience. Prices are upscale reasonable. Cocktails are delicious. Braised shortribs are a must.
(4)
Alana P.
Pros: Food is great, in general--a little pricey, but you have to pay a little more for local ingredients. That just the way it is, and that's fine with me. Enjoyable and low-key place to grab a drink (lounge-esque) with a late-20s to mid-40s crowd that I would normally attribute to the "hipster trash" a previous [clearly unbalanced] reviewer referred to. It used to be a lot easier to get a seat if all you want is booze, but now the bar fills up pretty rapidly. I would recommend getting there earlier in the evening if you'd like to snag something other than the church pew by the doors. Cons: I've had a few problems with Local 188 making significant errors when running my card; actually with paying in general. Once, it involved triple-charging a friend $100+ when her bill was $15. Another time, a clearly tipsy bartender came up to me several times insisting that I hadn't paid for my drink and apologizing for "embarrassing me in front of my friends". He eventually located the cash, which another bartender had picked up, and failed to apologize for basically creating an incredibly awkward situation for no reason whatsoever. Additional thoughts: It's too bad that John left [for the Grill Room], because he's a peerless bartender.
(4)
Callan C.
Wow! Nice place up on the hill in Portland. There is a younger vibe here and it was nice to get to explore something different than the wharf area. Following the name, there is a focus on local provisions here. The menu is not huge but everything we had was delicious. There is a section with tapas type dishes and also entrees to choose from. My favorite selection was the house paella. It included mussels, chorizo and chicken and was extremely enjoyable. My table also ordered some mussels in some kind of sauce and they were some of the best I've ever had. Everything else I tasted was great as well - good marks for food! Service was standard, nothing out of the ordinary. I liked the feel of the space, very open and separated in a few areas - dining, casual living room lounge type area and then a nice bar. The decor is kind of bohemian and artsy. I will make it a point to come again!
(4)
Jay F.
had the house paella. sucked. no crunchy rice. shell fish was dry. house sausage was good. but still, expect much better for $20+. I was flying solo so it was the only thing I ate. Well, I guess the bread was okay.
(1)
Ben S.
Wonderful brunch, overwhelmed staff.
(4)
Steve M.
Delicious Sunday brunch. Great scrambles and sandwiches, amazing soup of the day (split pea). Fresh and rootsy, and the restaurant and food both look beautiful. Crammed full of locals, and maybe that's why the service was a little slow. I'd definitely come back here.
(4)
Monique G.
Every meal I've ever had here has been reeeeeally good. Somewhat expensive, but quality stuff.
(4)
Gina K.
Love the atmosphere especially near the bar area. Wait staff is very informed and helpful. We had the grilled flatbread for an app and I had the gnocchi special (w/ goat cheese, grapes & marcona (?) almonds in a creamy sauce. Really delicious. We shared the warmed brownie & cheesecake for desert. Brownie gets a thumbs up but I could skip the ginger cheesecake. Nice wine & beer selection.
(4)
Shanna R.
It was a cold, rainy day followed by an even colder, rainy night. My room mate and I needed to get out, but wanted to go somewhere cozy where we could curl up like cats and eat sumptiuous food. Local was the place we chose, and what a lovely meal. Seasonal (I had the Autumn Squash and she had the risotto of the night), prepared well, and served by a chill girl who knew the specials but did a good job not rushing through them. Go to this restaurant if you want cocktails (they have lots of infusions behind the bar) and maybe a couch to sink into. Go for brunch, go for the live music (on Tuesday night?). Just go, relax, and enjoy a meal.
(4)
Sarah G.
We stopped in for brunch not expecting much and were pleasantly surprised. The interior is great - beautiful high ceilings, ornate and fully stocked bar, random knick knacks and fabric all over etc. Staff was very friendly and food was reasonably priced and very very tasty. I don't remember the last time I got excited over an english muffin but this one was really good. My eggs were very delicately cooked and the potatoes were great. We'll definitely be going back for brunch and to check out the bar.
(4)
donaurora r.
Went for Sunday brunch. As a party of 3 we were seated quickly though the place was packed. Host has no idea what specials were, told us to ask wait person. No coffee or beverages were offered. I would describe her as "indifferent". Our waitperson was friendly, but took a long time to bring us coffee and water. Water glasses small and did not stay filled. Waitperson wasn't sure if they could serve ice coffee(?) Food was okay. Pancakes a little too cakey and more like dessert. Had to ask for maple syrup. Scrambles were fresh and appeared to have fresh ingredients. The worse part of the whole experience was the flies. Yes FLIES. That kept landing on us and trying to land on our food. I realize flies can fly in and out of doors this time of year, but we were seated far from the door, and the flies seemed to have been around for awhile. Landing on tables besides us as well. No attempt was made by staff to shoo or swat them. After our food arrived and we asked for one water and coffee refill we were pretty much forgotten. Had to wait a long time for server to get payment. Very disappointing service and attention to diners. I've eaten here a few times before and this was by far the worse experience. I don't like that this restaurant may have devolved to a "hit or miss". Service needs vast improvement.
(2)
Quinn C.
Once in a blue moon the siren song of their tasty, tasty cocktails will get the best of me and I'll enjoy a seat outside and a boozy treat, but never, ever again will I go for dinner. I always go hopeful, and never leave impressed. Some of the worst service I've had in my life, probably because I have managed to have the same dopey-screw-it-all-up waitress each time I have eaten there.
(3)
lisa r.
Super funky, fun spot. The food was good- could have been a little better, but between the atmosphere, the amazing (virgin) bloody mary for $2 and the great music -we will go back next time we are in town....
(4)
Vio -.
Adorable place with decent food but I wouldn't mind a faster service. It took about 20 minutes to get our drinks and around an hour before the food came. I ordered a salmon scramble, wish there was more than trace amount of salmon in it. Some people at a table were complaining that the home fries were burned, but if you like them well done, like I do, you should be fine. The highlight was blueberry jelly served on the side - really great, possibly homemade.
(3)
V W.
Went to this restaurant for dinner on a friend's recommendation and we were very pleased. The ambiance was casual yet felt hip - current, busy, young, vibrant. There's a lounge area and also a dining room area. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable - and went out of her way to make us comfortable (we had to switch tables from outside to inside because of rain). The food was delicious! My husband and I own a walking tour company in Spain, so you could say that we know what Spanish food tastes like, and this is NOT it. Nevertheless, the food was great (scallops, gnocchi, harpooned swordfish from Nova Scotia) - all prepared with plenty of garlic and olive oil (here lies the Spanish influence) - The menu is organized into "tapas", "raciones", and "entrees" - We love this way of eating: ordering lots of different smaller plates to share. The menu seems to have a leaning for local and organic - though not all dishes subscribe. Would definitely recommend this place for a good eat that's affordable in Portland.
(4)
Anne C.
From the moment we were seated our dining expeience was first rate. It is a place with a tad bit of bohemian atmosphere, however don't be led astray by the comments of not "fitting in". Our waitress was probabsly the most efficient, pleasant and professional we have had in years. She nailed it and I wish I had gotten her name. Anyhow, the food was straight up delicious. Each of our dishes had just enough of a creative and flavorful twist to it that said " this place is special". Three of us ordered seafood paella and one the hanger steak. Shaved radish and pea shoot salad was light and heavenly. I wanted to order a perfect wine to go with our paella and our waitress once again listened to our tastes and we couldn't have been more pleased with her recommendation. We had an early reservation for dinner so it was rather peaceful and laid back upon arrival, but as the evening progressed it got very busy and the acoustics were such that it got quite loud, but we weren't distracted by it. Oh....and the desserts. We normally don't indulge but the lemon and ginger sorbet was the perfect ending and my husband swooned over the peach bread pudding. This is obviously a popular place and we have made a point of visiting many city of Portland eateries of many different styles and flavors and this is easily one of our favorites. Plenty of parking behind the restaurant which is a great feature in a city setting.
(5)
at S.
In a very large new space now... almost TOO large. Doesn't open for breakfast until 10am. Sometimes the pancake is mindbogglingly good... sometimes it's raw. I just can't play roulette before coffee.
(2)
Alexander K.
hip, cool and fly, local 188 is a restaraunt with fantastic soul appeal. PBR for two dollars. sure they are still cashing in PBRs new hipster image that somehow is still being perpetuated two years later, but at least they got the price right. the food is excellent. a tapas style menu with entree's for those who never learned to share. it is hard to pin the food's origin's down. sure there is asurface element of spanish flavors, but really in the end i would have to say eclectic american is the over whelming theme. which is fine by me because it is done exceptionally well and for reasonable prices. have a beer and a meal for under 15 bucks, and feel cool while you are doing it. good place.
(3)
Miss M.
I am completely shocked by all of the positive reviews of this restaurant! I am new to the Portland area, and on the advice of many locals, decided to give it a try. It was easily one of the worst meals I have ever been subjected to. The mussels were overrun with undercooked fennel which gave them a terrible licorice flavor. Contrary to the fennel, the meatballs were insanely overcooked, and had a fresh from the freezer taste. Passable short rib appetizer and mushroom tapa. The mushroom fusilli lacked any flavor whatsoever as did the night's special - N.Y. Strip. The biggest disappointment came in the form of "paella". I use quotation marks, because it was not in fact paella. Missing was even one strand of saffron that gives paella its signature bright yellow color as well any chorizo which would've provided some flavor to what can only be described as white rice and steamed fish. The space itself is pleasant enough, not cramped with too many tables, but Portlanders can't be so naive as to be taken in by pure aesthetics! When you go out for dinner, it should be about the food! While I can overlook one, even two, culinary missteps, the majority of the meal should be at least palatable.
(1)
Maddie G.
We went to Local 188 with a party of 11 on Labor Day weekend. Our server was outstanding. He was patient and attentive. He answered questions helpfully and seemed to magically know when we needed him. We wanted to eat slowly and enjoy the evening in the true Spanish tapas fashion, and we didn't feel rushed at all so were able to do that. We ordered tapas at intervals and sipped our wine while enjoying the fun decor, great ambience and the company of our party. Once the food came out, it was delicious and the portions were not giant like they are at so many restaurants these days. We lingered 3 hours and were completely relaxed. The food was delicious and interesting. We had vegetarians in our party, and they were well able to find options. This restaurant was right up our alley, and we would go back any time we are in Portland. If you want the mammoth portions and quick in-and-out service that is typical of many American restaurants, or if you're in some sort of time crunch, it is true that this is not the right choice. However, if you are able to keep an open mind, want to enjoy an inspired meal, and eat in European fashion (as is this restaurant's self-described modus operandi) this is the restaurant for you.
(5)
Helen W.
From Los Angeles, so I get the foodie thing. But $6 for two five inch roasted leek spears is a joke of an appetizer. The white fish I ordered was fresh, but unremarkable. The restaurant is way too dark for dinner. Neighboring diners also found this a big problem. That being said, my friend's tuna was unbelievably delicious. Truly outstanding. So it seems like it is hit and miss with the menu. I was still hungry after eating two appetizers and an entree. I am not a big person. And given the somewhat high prices, that's an unhappy ending.
(2)
Gina B.
I went on Saturday night with five other people. Our waitress was excellent. She was very attentive and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu. Glasses were never empty for long and the drinks were amazing. Unfortunately we left hungry. I ordered four tapas for the table to start. They were out of mussels so it was suggested I order the scallops instead. Three of the tiniest scallops I've ever seen arrived on a very fancy plate for 13 dollars. At one point I asked for more bread because we were so hungry and really feeling our drinks due to lack of food. I was pretty surprised when our entrees arrived. I ordered the hanger steak, which cost 17 dollars. It arrived on a very large plate, but the portion was tiny. The steak itself took up about one fifth of the plate and was served with nothing more than garnish. It was cooked perfectly, but it was so little! I understand that with fine dining portions sometimes are smaller, but I thought some of the portions were pretty ridiculous for the prices. The quality of the food is good, the cocktails are great, the ambiance is fantastic, and our server was amazing. We ended up going to a Mexican place later for tacos after spending a lot of money on a little food.
(2)
Shirley D.
3 stars because of the decor!! Such a cool/chill place. I wish there was a place like that in Jersey!! The whole place is filled with antique furniture, couches, a cool bar, and a live (you can see the cooks) kitchen area. Now, on to the food. I have to start off by telling you guys how hungry I was. I seriously was starving searching for a restaurant with the best reviews and found this one. First off, the good thing was that they start you off with a complimentary plate of bread with olive oil and salt which tasted delicious. As for the entree, I ordered the Flank steak and it was good... but incredibly small (maybe I just eat too much haha). My boyfriend had the rib entree and it was so small too, it was mostly bone and just a few pieces of meat. This would probably only apply to those who are searching for a decent sized meal. Seriously, I was so disappointed. I was still so hungry afterwards I had to search for a pizzeria. With that being said, Local 188 is still perfect for a nice place to hang out and enjoy a drink just don't come here hungry.
(3)
Yan T.
We only had one night in Portland, and although I initially wanted to have some kind of fancy dinner, neither I nor my gf were particularly eager to go to a stuffy restaurant in Portland. And, after a pretty heavy lunch, we decided to venture out for some late bites. Local 188 was a somewhat random choice, but fit the bill. As soon as you walk in, a cozy feeling settles in. It's a big, open, beautiful space with lots of modern, local touches. There are regular tables, couches, bar seats, and fanciful oversize lounge chairs fit for giants. It's an artist's paradise. The kitchen was closing around 10, so we quickly ordered some drinks and bites. I got the charcuterie (house cured ham, Montreal smoked brisket, guanciale, oxbow spam) and a flight of some fantastic beers (including "Lunch" by Maine Beer Co.), as well as a Bourbon hot toddy. Our waitress was friendly and rolled with the punches, even as she was preparing to wrap up kitchen service. Highly recommended any time of day!
(5)
Meli L.
Two of us popped in the morning of fourth of July for some fuel for the day, we were sat at the bar and told one special, served our waters and left to look over the menu. They have a pastry special and pancake special of the day, we weren't told about so we had to ask (which why wouldn't our waiter just tell us while he gave us the breakfast special?). We started with the donuts, which were delicious, perfect bit of lemon and served with strawberry jam. For my meal I ordered the salmon plate, my dining companion went with the corned beef hash. Since we sat at the bar, we had a clear view of the kitchen, which was unfortunate as I watched my salmon plate sit for a solid 15 minutes while the hash was made. Aside from the cold bagel, the dish was good. Small portions and very slow service.
(3)
Claudio C.
My first visit to Local 188 was today for a Father's Day brunch. It was very crowded, as we had a 45 minute wait. There were seats at the entrance and people watching made the time pass quickly. There is ample seating...and a roomy sort of hippy like atmosphere. The brunch cocktails looked excellent...my son said the Bloody Mary was excellent. They have an extensive bottled and draft beer selection with several Belgian options, which I sampled. The baked goods are very good. We sampled the scratch donuts and the biscuits...both very good. We also tried an order of the deviled eggs...which were very good...light creamy and some bacon on top. The brunch options are somewhat limited....I'd say about seven items. I tried the Paella with eggs....it was a baked skillet with chicken, sausage, mussels, rice, and bacon....with baked eggs in the center....hot sauce added to the decent mix of flavors....I felt that both the eggs and the mussels were slightly overcooked....which took a bit of pizzaz out of the dish. Overall, it was decent, but not great. My mom has the huervos ranchero.....she enjoyed it...but the black beans tasted canned to me...maybe a nitpick... Others had steak and eggs....the breakfast burrito....and a pastrami Reuben....everyone felt that their meals were fine. I tried a bite of the Reuben....it was hot, juicy, and flavorful. The waitress and overall service was decent based on the large crowd on Father's Day....ours did a good job. One kitchen misstep did occur....the Reuben was the only non egg dish ordered....apparently, the kitchen is separated by egg verses traditional food items for brunch.....the five egg based meals all came out in unison....my dads Reuben....ten plus minutes later...so that's something they need to fix. Overall....I liked the place....I wasn't wowed by anything in particular....but it was good and decent price to value. I'd try dinner here. 3 1/2 stars
(3)
Joe Y.
My new favorite Bloody Mary is found here and it is called the Cilantro. It was crisp, flavorful and not too spicy. For me, the cilantro gave it the right amount of zest. This place has always been a go to for a cocktail but now I can add brunch to the list. I had a great time hanging out with friend in a cool environment eating breakfast and drinking bloody marys. I have always been impressed with the the bartenders accommodating special drink orders and the staff's consideration of food allergies and preferences. Local 188 is a solid establishment and one of my all time favorites in Portland.
(4)
Anna E.
Friday I stopped into Local 188 for a cappuccino to go after enjoying happy hour and ramen at Pai Men Miyaki. I'd heard a lot about this place but hadn't been until this night. It was busy at the peak of dinner service on a Friday night. Young families and couples arrived at a steady pace while I waited; those with reservations were seated immediately while others who were drop-ins were told there would be an hour or so wait. Like some of the other neighborhood joints, Local 188 also has an open kitchen allowing patrons to get a view of the oft behind the scenes action - even more so if you are seated at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the room, there is the actual bar, the wall behind it fully stocked. The dining room has a long table that made me think of community dining, as well as smaller tables for parties with less people, and some lounge areas with couches for socializing over drinks and small plates. I had a sample of one of the in-house made ice creams while waited, the chocolate chip. It was good but I was more impressed by my cappuccino. It was made with Coffee By Design espresso and at $4.00 it wasn't inexpensive, but it was a good size and quality. It kept me awake on my drive from Portland to Lewiston after not enough sleep and a cocktail at dinner. I look forward to coming back and trying the food!
(4)
Jennifer L.
My husband and I went here on a whim the other night. We arrived around 5 on a Monday and it was nice and quiet. My sangria was delicious and my hubby had a local beer. The menu was a little smaller than we expected but we are not fussy eaters so it didn't prove to be a problem. We had some of their tapas and 2 entrees. The pickled veggies were great and had a bit of Indian flair to them. The deviled eggs were so much better than my mom's (shh dont tell her). the last tapas plate we had was a Chicken croquette. The filling needed a touch of salt but other than that it was really good. For entrees I had the ricotta gnocchi and my hubby had the hanger steak. Both were out of this world! The steak was perfectly cooked and the sauces were on point. The gnocchi were browned on all sides which added an unexpected texture and flavor that was amazing. The mushroom sauce was the perfect accompaniment.
(4)
Kylie D.
Let me preface this by saying that normally I like Local 188. While I haven't ever had a stellar experience here, I've always left satisfied. This 3-Star review is just for my last brunch experience. I still don't understand why they would leave two six-tops and one four-top empty during Sunday brunch while people sat waiting for 30 minutes or more. The six tops easily convert to four-tops and there you have it, everyone seated, happy and eating instead of walking out in frustration. I loved my giant dutch pancake (though I could only eat about a quarter of it) and my friends' meals were great but the sub-par service by the hostess and server made me feel like we just weren't very important.
(3)
Trinh T.
Local 188 is a Spanish restaurant in Portland, Maine that serves up tapas style dishes. There are a number of great items that you'll be able to find here including a delicious Spanish paella with tons of seafood. My Overall Rating - 3 1/2 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Local 188 is a very nice restaurant. It has a very welcoming feel, and you want it you will find a nice seating area in the middle. There are plenty of tables and booths to accommodate any size party. However, one of the best features is something that you do not find often in Maine: parking! There is a private lot that you can park in. It is also free to park. 1 Star. Service - our server was quite nice; however, what I really like about them was that they were very knowledgeable about the menu. If you visit a restaurant that serves up dishes tapas style, it is all about being smart about what you order because the dishes are meant to be shared. So I really like it when the server is extremely knowledgeable about the dishes, and taking recommends that the allotments based on what you like or don't. 1 Star. Food - but when it comes to tapas style dishes, there are always going to be some dishes that are said and some that are not. The goal is to try to catch on as many as possible. I did find quite a number dishes that I enjoyed including an excellent Spanish paella do that is loaded with clams, scallops, and even some lobster. They also had an excellent risotto that was creamy and full of garlic flavor. My favorite dish was the gnocchi. This beautiful pasta was a joy to eat as I love the pillow like texture. There were a few other items that we didn't particularly like including the Mediterranean meatballs. I would stick to the seafood items only. Also their carne asada was a bit bland and forgettable. In fact, we did order more tapas dishes but for the life of me I cannot remember what they all were, so they really did not make that big of an impression on me. 1 Star. Will I Return? - Probably not. This has more to do with the number of excellent restaurants left to try in Portland vs. Local 188's quality. It was a good but not fantastic/return worthy enough. Then again, I won't say no if someone suggested it for dinner. 1/2 Star. My Yelp Rating Scale (Sum of all parts): 1 Star - Atmosphere - Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I'll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm. 1 Star - Service - You can have a great meal with bad service. But that's also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It's important to the dining experience that service is great and on point. 2 Stars - Food - I'll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it's really all about the food. 1 Star - Will I come back? - If I know for a fact I'll return, I'll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return. Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Yelp score.
(3)
Josh M.
It's cool. It's sexy. It's classy. Went here for my mellow bachelor party. It's nice and inviting and modern. The owners also own Andys in the old port. I don't know what those people are doing right but I want some stock in them. A little pricey but worth it.
(4)
Diana K.
Good service, good food! I especially like the liver! So good! I go there for business meetings sometimes.
(5)
Steff D.
Alright, I give in. I really, really, REEEEEEEEAAALLLLLY like Local 188. I've been many, many times and outside of my first experience there 'lo those many years ago (and dinner - dinner here just doesn't do it for me), I usually have a great time.... The cocktails are amazing: + White Lotus (Cold River vodka, Canton ginger liqueur, lemon juice with a candied ginger slice), $11: makes my ginger loving heart very, very happy. It's the perfect balance of ginger bite without being over the top. + Mark and Bubbly (Makers Mark, champagne, and peach bitters with a cherry), $9: this drink, while delicious, is very, very strong. I think it's definitely one of the "most bang for your buck" drinks in town! You gotta really love Makers, though. + Pinky and the Brain (strawberry vodka, champagne and a splash of Chambord), $9: this cocktail is so simple and elegant that I'm never not happy when I order it, and frequently jealous of those at my table who do when I don't. + Ruby Honey Jam (house grapefruit rosemary gin, lime juice, St. Germain and honey syrup), $10: outside of the traditional mimosa, THIS is the fruity drink you want to have at brunch. I don't even like gin, but could easily have two or three of these mid-morning! + ALL of their housemade kombucha is delicious! The Spanish Tortilla for $7 is consistently delicious regardless of what time you order it at (and has become one of my late night cravings post-drinking in Portland). And I just recently had brunch here... and it's easily one of my favorite places in town now for this ever important meal: + Bloody Mary's contain Worcestershire. Worcestershire contains fish. Nearly every single place in town (not an exaggeration) pre-makes their bloody mix with Worcestershire and won't make a fresh drink for vegetarians because it's too much work. Local 188 is the opposite of everyone else in town. They went above and beyond accommodating my request for a vegetarian bloody (and I had mine with the garlic vodka... SO. DAMN. GOOD [though, it could have been more garlicky]), and as such as gained a fan for life. + If they have cinnamon rolls on their brunch menu.... GET IT. You will not be disappointed. All that soft dough and icing goo. Yum. + The mushroom, herb, and goat cheese scramble is so delicious that I can't stop thinking about it. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the pockets of goat cheese were plentiful and flavorful, and the mushrooms were earthy and meaty. Also, the English muffin that came with it was unexpected and a carboholic's dream. The only thing I wish was better (and that I still find confusing, for those of you who read my first review from 2011) is the initial communication between staff members and customers. Every time we're here it takes three to six employees to seat us (regardless if they're busy or not). One person says they'll get us table, walks away, and is never seen or heard from again. Literally, this process repeats over and over. Once we do get seated, though? Those servers are so intuitive and on top of things, I want to give them a standing ovation. Anyway... thanks, Local 188, for being patient with me until I finally came around! And, seriously, fan for life because of the bloody's!
(4)
Ken J.
We were visiting this fine city during the Old Port Festival walking around and listening to some of the bands playing Live! We ended up on Congress abit parched noticed the Local 188 was open so we walked in greeted by the hostess, seated us and informed us that brunch was ending very soon. Our waiter Andy arrived seconds after the hostess left an told us that brunch was ending so Me and my Girlfriend decided to have 2 frothy cold beers, Andy took our beer order, returned with the beers then he told us he had a surprise for us...So we're chatting away me and my girl, Andy returned with 2 very warm turnovers with a rhubarb and berry filling Very Good Eats! Also he brought over another in house made item a doughnut with a grapefruit glaze! Kickass! We became huge fans of the Local 188 an not because of the turnovers or the doughnut, Andy was very attentive, He made us feel at Home and I hope you all checkout The Local 188 an ask for Andy, you'll be in Good hands.
(5)
Becky M.
I seem to find myself here from time to time, especially meeting a friend for a drink, but I don't know why. I just don't like it. Like, at all... Sometimes I think its a good "settling" option, but always want to walk out after I walk in. In the summer, the restaurant is extremely hot. No AC the few times I've been in (and then left immediately.) The layout of the tables is open, but seems disorganized. The bar is comfy enough, but I don't have any memorable experiences regarding drinks or friendly bartenders. The meals that I have had were just simply bad and over priced. The menu is boring. Service has been very slow. Breakfast plates were big, greasy and salty; not in a good way. Bloody marries bland. I had some type of Spanish pie once which was just awful, and cold. Also, some appetizer of fried potatoes. These were good enough, but paid a whole bunch of money for fancy french fries. Deserving of 2 stars because nothing AWFUL has every happened. Definitely not worth a stop by.
(2)
Karen L.
Let me start by saying that this is definitely a beloved place in Portland. I give it three stars because the drinks are EXCELLENT. Basil Lemonade is amazing and they have tons of house infused liquors that are awesome. They even have a spicy margarita-- and though I can't drink a whole one of those (too spicy for me!) if you love spice and margaritas, you will love it! I love meeting friends here for drinks and they sometimes have local live music, which is awesome. The vibe is very cool and relaxed and it is a nice place to hang out. I can't give it more than 3 stars though because I cannot eat here. It's sad, but true. I have heard many people rave about the food, but I have searched high and low on this menu and have been unable to find anything vegan. Last time we went here for dinner with friends who suggested it, I asked the waiter if there was anything he could recommend that could be easily catered to a vegan diet. He scoffed a bit (a little off-putting) and then went off (presumably to the kitchen to inquire). When he returned the only thing he could offer me was a salad with no dressing. Being hungry, I took his suggestion and ended up paying $14 for a plate of lettuce with a couple slices of celery on it. It was extremely disappointing and WAY overpriced for what I got. I have learned my lesson and will not try to eat there again in the future. So, vegans beware. The drinks are awesome and you will not be disappointed by the bartenders or the cocktails, but you will be disappointed by the food.
(3)
Kelly P.
So Local 188 has just been promoted to my favourite all time yummy spot to feed my need for yumminess. Over a short visit to Portland, we ate/drank twice there in less than 24 hours. Of course we started our first round of bites off with some devilled eggs, Flatbread with hummus and some house pickles. The flat bread was just that, with a tasty garlic hummus. I love anything and everything when it comes to pickles so it was very hard to disappoint BUT when I saw what came to our plate I was amazed at the artistry that came along with a "house pickle". All the different veggies were pickles to perfection. The devilled eggs were very nice and tasty. A great start to Local 188! The beverages of this evening were Alagash White and Dog Fish Head IPA. Both were refreshing and hit the spot. This is where Local 188 wins a billion gold stars...the chefs of the evening were epic and became over the top epic when they presented us (a party of four foodies) with TWO tapas cold dishes that I don't even see on the menu yet...some sort of peas in a sauce and a plate of roasted garlic. Both were absolutely wonderful! When these two plates were devoured we continues on with our adventure in eating with an order of North Spore Mushrooms and Ricotta Gnocchi. The mushrooms were very tender and flavourful and the gnocchi was just amazing with the ricotta cheese. Now fast forward 22 ish hours or so... Day two of Local 188. We enter the restaurant, were seated at the bar, ordered some drinks and BAM! A beautiful dish is placed in front of us by the chef! Stuffed Squash Flowers! The chef saw us come in and decided to give us a third dish to taste! The blossoms were so different and fun, that we ordered a second plate. For this second visit we ordered up some tapas plates as well...beautiful leeks, devilled eggs, mussels, short ribs, orange glazed chicken wings and a clam stew! We ate and ate and ate. During this eating adventure I sipped on a Long Island Iced Tea! Yum. All of the dishes were melt in your mouth amazing! We finished off with an order of the Classic Paella to share. So many tastes all in one! Alright, alright, alright!! Want an amazing time with food and drink? Local 188 is the spot!
(5)
Katy N.
Love the atmosphere here. It's like you are in someone's hippy den. The drinks are better than the food and brunch is better than dinner. I think dinner is a little overpriced for what it is.. no dish I've had has really been all that great (not bad, just not memorable) Still - I always bring out of town friends here because I think it's very "Portland." I've never had a drink here that wasn't worth the price tag or that wasn't absolutely delicious.
(4)
Karen H.
Unintentionally walked into this place when looking for another place with a similar name---and so glad we stayed! The atmosphere here is more than half of what earned the five-star rating, and once the food and drinks arrived, the five-star rating was secured! The decor and attitude of staff combine for the kind of Portland casual, local feel we were looking for. Even a conversation pit in the center makes waiting for your table a pleasure. Delicious local food- amazing, truly incredible, roasted potatoes and the best English Muffin ever! Great locally harvested tea and good coffee.
(5)
Natalie C.
Very expensive and very eclectic. It is not traditional American food. It's Mexican tapas with some eclectic options. I'll admit it was a difficult menu to read unless you are well versed in food which I am not.
(2)
allie z.
This was our last stop on my best friend's bachelorette weekend, and boy, was I glad this was the place that was chosen. We were not feeling at the top of our game after a very busy and fun weekend exploring Portland's finest bar establishments, but this was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip. They had a table for 8 all ready to go, which is hard to find on a Sunday morning. Their iced coffee was delicious and a welcome refreshment on a hot day. Those that got the various types of bloody mary's were very impressed with the flavors (and alcohol content). The real star of the meal was everyone's meal, especially mine. The majority of us ordered their corned beef hash with eggs and hollandaise. This was after the waitress recommended due to popularity. I'm so glad she did. There were crisp chunks of potato homefries covering the bottom of the gigantic dish (really a crater in itself). Then came the 100% corned beef hash. Literally nothing but delicious Grade A, well seasoned beef. No potatoes or fillers. Just meat. Amazing and slightly crispy with the brining seasoning packed right in! Gently laid over the top were my two over easy eggs, perfectly runny, yet perfectly firm. Finally, the shining star of this meal was the homemade hollandaise sauce. Man oh man, was this delicious. One would expect this type of sauce to be heavy and rich. Rich it was, but not overly so. But, the one thing I have to say was refreshing was the brightness of the citrus you could taste. AMAZING! Every element on it's own was delicious, but when you mixed them together, it was a whole other experience. Finally, to wash all of this down, they give you a giant homemade, freshly baked english muffin along with a raspberry-almond-vanilla jam and an apple spice compote. These were so amazing and were a great finish to a wonderful and enjoyable brunch. Next time I'm in Portsmouth, I will definitely be returning to Local 188. Food was amazing and service was good. This was the cherry on top of an already amazing weekend!
(5)
Joe M.
Tried the corned beef hash which came with poached eggs (little over cooked) home fries, hollandaise and English muffin. Food was good, English muffin tasted home made? Think I would've enjoyed more menu options, wasn't really super excited to order anything. Place is good though and I would return for sure but I'm not in a big hurry. My wife LOVED her garlic bloody Mary.
(3)
Michaela M.
I just want to love it so much more than I actually do. It's one of "those"places in Portland. The places that everyone claims to love, but no one can really tell you why. They're good for big groups, because it kind of always feels like a free-for-all when you're there, so the bigger groups tend to take over. It's hard to feel comfortable with only two. You feel forgotten kind of. And the host seems constantly stressed out, which almost makes me feel bad for making her seat me. The food is OK. I've been several times because this was the only place that could either a) seat us immediately or b) the only place everyone could agree on. There is no food item out of all the times I've been there that makes me say "OHMYGODIWANTTHATAGAIN". Which, food should make you do.
(3)
Tony W.
I have to admit that Local 188 was not our first choice for brunch on a Sunday, but since Hot Suppa! had like a 7-year wait, we decided to relocate...and I'm certainly glad we did! Local 188 was fantastic. First, a special shout-out to our server Andy - and I never give server shout-outs. He was very attentive and helpful, and handled my friend's food substitutions without a problem. We were seated immediately upon entering. Apparently showing up at 1:30pm is a good way to ensure this at (most) places. We started with a coffee, Bloody Mary and fancy donuts. My coffee was meh, but my friend's Bloody Mary was very good - and I'm not usually a fan of 'em. I won't begin to understand the complex and interwoven relationship that donuts have with Portland, but this is quite possibly the only city where you can find donuts on every single restaurant menu. And I am quite happy with that because I am quite happy with donuts. They frequently vary their donut offerings, and on this particular Sunday they were chocolate donuts glazed with MORE chocolate, mint and powdered sugar. I usually only like mint in my toothpaste and gum, but this was an extraordinarily delicious exception. My friend ordered a breakfast sandwich that she tricked out and customized, and I ordered one of their scramble specials. Mine was very tasty - although the tomatoes made it slightly watery. The English muffins served on the side were damned fine, and made even finer with the homemade apple maple jam. Off the hook. My friend's breakfast sandwich was also incredible - made with a brioche roll, and included one of the best sausage patties I've ever tasted. Total for everything was about $32. Not bad, considering what we ordered! What I especially like about this place is how, in addition to the reliable set menu and quirky daily specials, the little things like daily pastries, daily donuts and daily jams are always rotating. Even if you're a Basic Brad and like ordering the same breakfast every time you go, you can always tweak it in a slightly different way to make it a new and special culinary experience. After this experience...Hot Suppa! who? I can think of 188 reasons why I'm coming back here again...soon.
(5)
Steph G.
Really good Huevos Rancheros! We came back twice in two days for this dish at brunch! I also had the Alarm Clock, a sweet vanilla alcoholic coffee beverage, which was also delicious!
(5)
John C.
Cocktails, 5 stars. Meatball appetizer phenomenal. Next the chicken livers. Ok, now in heaven. I would skip the salad. We split the short ribs and seafood paella. Great choices! Must tries for sure. We rounded it off with the sticky toffee bread pudding. Wow, Portland I'm impressed. Enjoy...
(5)
Jameson B.
Local 188 is out in the West End which in of itself is a very boho neighborhood. We came in for brunch and were not disappointed. The inside is very cool and almost like an open concept mish mosh of cool furniture and decor from an antique store or flea market. The staff here is super friendly as we came just before they were changing over for the dinner menu, but let us get our orders in. Have heard good things about their dinner menu and would like to come by to check it out again.
(4)
Mr B.
Decent environs and ambitious food menu at first scared me to be honest as I didn't know if it was going to be all presentation but they delivered without a doubt. The bar has a good dozen infusions worthy as well as beers and craft hard cider. This is a filled to the rim weekend spot and the ambiance is sort of a mixed bag with hipster and intimate couples along with groups out for a good time. I particularly liked the layout but unfortunately it left most not being able to hear well as the notes se is hight. Gnocchi is great, tuna was perfect, soup nothing to write home about but flatbread and hummus with garlic was divine. In fact it actually was my favorite appetizer. Squash salad was quite impressive too but portions are small across the entire menu. Unless you load up on drinks you may leave hungry. Oh, honey apple sorbet was amazing as a mix of tart and sweet to finish the meal off with.
(4)
Margaret M.
I have driven by this place for months, meaning to stop by and finally made it in! From the outside I was expecting a wide open bar type space, and was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic decor and layout when we came inside. Half of the place is more of a bar environment with bar seating, tables, couches and cozy chairs, while the other half is more of a traditional restaurant layout. I adore this concept - it's something I wish more places would do actually. I enjoy the separation of space, and it makes the bar feel like something you would want in your house. I also loved the light fixtures. Great interior design! Now onto the food & drinks...which also did not disappoint. They have a variety of craft cocktails that are both tasty and strong - and I do mean strong. Like they may knock you on your ass strong. I opted for the champagne cocktail with vodka, muddled fruit and champs...so yummy! The rest of our group sampled their beers, gin cocktails and champs cocktail with whisky (weird...but also delish). We also shared some appies, my favorite being the meatballs & steak tartare which were creative in their presentation and absolutely delicious. The flavors were intense & we polished off every last bite. The service was also stellar, we were greeted at the door, promptly seated and our waitress was friendly & attentive. Not much more you can ask for from an establishment - I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(5)
Anna V.
Cute little spot for breakfast. Small menu, not great if you don't like eggs (like myself) but I was able to DIY a meal out of sides, as usual. It was delicious. The home fries (not listed as a side on the menu but i just asked for 'em) were amazing. The biscuits and honey butter were so moist and had that homemade taste, so good :) ordered a side salad (also not on the menu) and it was approximately 3 pieces of mesclun and a sliver of carrot, so definitely not worth the $6 they charged, but still tasty hahaha
(4)
Don M.
Awesome Tapas! We got the Thai wings, hanger steak, and the ribs. Everything was perfect. Can't wait to go back. The 188 Mai Tai was great great too!! The best service!
(5)
Jeff C.
Food was excellent, but the Bloody Mary tasted more like pickle juice than anything else. Waited 40 min more than estimated wait time and tables could have been put together to accommodate our party. Server was rude after we were finally seated. Overall not super impressed.
(3)
Brian G.
Had a very nice experience here Friday night. We were seated up against the front window to the right of the front door, which gave us a nice view of the street action and a cozy, intimate atmosphere at the table. Our informative server greeted us soon after, detailing the specials and offering insights to our the questions about the different cocktails, tapas and entrees. The cocktails were VERY strong - one was all I needed to sustain me through the meal. We ordered three tapas that ranged from OK to good. I wouldn't say any of them blew us away. The Spanish Tortilla was my favorite, with the consistency of a good quiche and some pretty good flavor. The dinners were very, very good. My wife got the paella, which was fantastic. Beautifully seasoned, dressed with meaty mussels and clams and delectable meats (the sausage was outstanding). Absolutely without a doubt the best paella I've tasted...I'm not a paella expert and have only had it a couple of times, but Local 188's version is tattooed in my memory. When we eventually return, I will be ordering it. I ordered the whitefish, which was also delicious. It was served in a light and flavorful beef broth with a nice pearl pasta underneath. However, the portion was very small and at $23, WAY overpriced. Thankfully, the paella balanced that out - it was by comparison an enormous portion, and very fairly priced at $26. It also balanced out my hunger, as my wife couldn't come close to finishing it. I was happy to devour the rest, and left satisfied. I think we'll skip the tapas next time we come, which weren't super impressive, and instead order a dish off the "Raciones" menu, which are supposedly somewhere in between the tapas and entrees in terms of size. However, this was a great dining experience overall.
(4)
Leslie P.
Made reservations to dine while in Maine visiting family. Their menu is on the smaller side, but everything sounded fantastic. The ambience was nice and servers very attentive and knowledgable. We had the flash fried crab, beef tartare with quail egg, anchovies and tortilla for starters with gnocchi, classic paella and seafood paella to share for entrees. The crab, tortilla and tartare were mediocre. The remaining dishes were delicious. The classic paella had the perfect crust around the rice with an appropriate balance of proteins to satisfy. We also had to try their key lime pie for dessert which was one of the better I have tasted. Cool, creamy and just a tad tart. Worth a try when in Portland.
(4)
Keri G.
Until the staff start using gloves when handling food, STAY AWAY!! I really wanted to like this place since it had a hippy feel to it. First, we were told it'd be at least 30 minutes for a table when there was no one waiting for a table. So we were forced to sit at the bar even though there were plenty of tables open. As we waited for our food, we watched and could see staff member after staff member handle the food with their bare hands. Wait staff opened up the English muffin bags and put each one by hand into the toaster. The expediter = no gloves. NONE of the cooks had any gloves on either. Cooks were not wearing any hats to cover their hair either. Saw a cook scratch his head, then proceed to continue cooking. Needless to say, we didn't eat much of the food at all. They all need a food safety course. STAT.
(1)
Rachel D.
I finally tried Local for dinner! It was fantastic. The host was super gracious and very polite. We were seated immediately and the ambiance was also appealing. I chose the back corner benches. We started off with the chili garlic shrimp, recommended by our waitress. I had the Garden of Bees cocktail and my fiance had a Rising Tide beer. Bread was brought to the table with olive oil (!) and I was so happy about it that we ate it up before I could enjoy the bread with the shrimp. Don't make the same mistake I did! For entrees I ordered the clam stew and my fiance ordered the paella. I wasn't too hungry so the clam stew was the right amount of food. I got about 6 clams but they were all good quality and good size. The broth was slightly saltier than I'd like but that's why they're getting four starts instead of five. The Paella was also delicious and cooked fresh. The wait was quite long (because they were making the paella from scratch) but worth it. Paella was filled with clams and mussels, as well as chicken and sausage. It was also quite salty and lacking a spiciness, but overall the consistency was on point and the dish was quite hearty with protein. If you're used to going here for brunch definitely mix it up and head to Local for dinner! I had no idea that they were even a Spanish restaurant (but now I do!).
(4)
Neil W.
We had a great time with our seven month old in a corner booth we ordered about four little plates. the mussels Leeks I can't remember the other one The cocktail The service was quick and unobtrusive.
(5)
Jessica M.
I came here when I first moved to Portland and it has always been a favorite since! The food is delicious, the service friendly and fast! It is a bit pricey.
(4)
Patrick C.
Had brunch at Local 188 this morning. Nice open space, good vibe, eclectic look. Good service and good food. I had the Herb Mushroom Scramble, with local herbs and goat cheese. Not something I would normally venture, but very happy I did. It was tasty and really quite good. My girl had the hash eggs , said it was very good, tasty homemade hash, with light hollandaise. The Cilantro Bloody Mary was highly rated, and per her report was solid, but not the best around. All in all, very good, will definitely do again. Maybe supper next.
(4)
Leigh H.
Have had several great experiences at Local 188 over the past few years. The staff is knowledgeable and they have a great beer and wine list. I do wish their menu was a little bigger and more varied, but all of the food I've eaten there has been delicious!
(4)
Kelly R.
Instead of indulging on the food menu, I really only go here to drink & socialize. The drinks are yummy & the atmosphere is killer. The bartender, Jeb is also super cool & knows his booze! They make all kinds of infused liquors which I am a huge fan of. If you can't find a seat at the bar they have comfy couches in the center of the space where you can definitely feel at home.
(5)
Chrissy H.
I'll be honest. Mostly I drink at 188. There is usually a great special cocktail, a featured beer, or an interesting (and cheap) glass of wine to try. But the best drink of them all- in my opinion- is the Bloody Mary served at brunch on the weekends. It isn't garnished with a suckling pig or whole pizza hanging out of it like some other trendier places I've seen advertised. Its simple, not too thick or too watery, spiced to perfection and $5. Thats right- $5! I've had cups of coffee in this town that cost more than that! Mostly I've eaten brunch here. I really like some of their "hangover specials" which tend to be a mash up of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees. Once we had a breakfast bolognese. We were intrigued. It was pretty good. They also have pretty decent biscuits with honey butter and berries. But I ADORE their English muffins. So big and delicious. They also do some pretty great veggie scrambles. The only disappointing breakfast item is the pancake. Not quite a pancake or a flapjack... it's more like a giant piece of dry cornbread with syrup. Very grainy. Not super flavorful. It was a little upsetting. But thats okay- the bloody mary made up for it. I also enjoy their tapas. I'm a huge fan of the small plate in general- anyone who has dined with my husband and I know that we can't commit to just one entree each. We must sample everything! My favorites are the meatballs, the Spanish tortilla and- probably one of my favorite dishes in the entire world (I fell in love in Spain)- the patatas bravas. It always amazes me how delicious something so simple like a potato can be! Every Tuesday night they also have live music and the place gets surprisingly packed. Last Halloween, we had an incredibly fun evening sitting at the window watching the costumed revelers walk by and sipping drinks while a string quartet played scores of classic horror movies. And another time the bartender allowed us to listen to the whole Muppets/John Denver Christmas album while drinking at the bar one quiet Sunday afternoon. All in all- everybody here is very friendly. There's something on the menu for everyone... kids, vegetarians, carnivores.... lots of delicious local ingredients. And its a nice big space so you rarely have to wait for a table. Also, be sure to check out their featured artists. It changes pretty frequently.
(5)
Dorian G.
Great breakfast in walking distance from our hotel. I had the smoked salmon scramble (hold the capers). I recently became a "lox and eggs" fan so a dish like this has become my go-to at brunch. Though when the menu said it had cream cheese, i assumed it meant blended in to make for fluffier scrambled eggs. Nope...globs of cream cheese had been folded in just prior to serving. At first I was like "oh no" (i love cream cheese, but this had a warning flag to me at first glance). then i had a bite and i was like "oh yes!!!" its basically protein packed cream cheese and lox. pile it on to your awesome toasted english muffin and, BOOM, bagels and lox AND eggs. all was right with the world, and them some. solid coffee in mismatched thrift store type mugs. i love that sort of detail in a breakfast place. my friend had the blueberry pancakes which was basically enough for 3 people. she took a huge portion home.
(4)
Chris D.
LOVE THIS PLACE!! I've never been disappointed in almost 15 years of coming here. It's hands down one of my favorite Portland spots. Don't pass it up!
(5)
Michaela M.
I just want to love it so much more than I actually do. It's one of "those"places in Portland. The places that everyone claims to love, but no one can really tell you why. They're good for big groups, because it kind of always feels like a free-for-all when you're there, so the bigger groups tend to take over. It's hard to feel comfortable with only two. You feel forgotten kind of. And the host seems constantly stressed out, which almost makes me feel bad for making her seat me. The food is OK. I've been several times because this was the only place that could either a) seat us immediately or b) the only place everyone could agree on. There is no food item out of all the times I've been there that makes me say "OHMYGODIWANTTHATAGAIN". Which, food should make you do.
(3)
Tony W.
I have to admit that Local 188 was not our first choice for brunch on a Sunday, but since Hot Suppa! had like a 7-year wait, we decided to relocate...and I'm certainly glad we did! Local 188 was fantastic. First, a special shout-out to our server Andy - and I never give server shout-outs. He was very attentive and helpful, and handled my friend's food substitutions without a problem. We were seated immediately upon entering. Apparently showing up at 1:30pm is a good way to ensure this at (most) places. We started with a coffee, Bloody Mary and fancy donuts. My coffee was meh, but my friend's Bloody Mary was very good - and I'm not usually a fan of 'em. I won't begin to understand the complex and interwoven relationship that donuts have with Portland, but this is quite possibly the only city where you can find donuts on every single restaurant menu. And I am quite happy with that because I am quite happy with donuts. They frequently vary their donut offerings, and on this particular Sunday they were chocolate donuts glazed with MORE chocolate, mint and powdered sugar. I usually only like mint in my toothpaste and gum, but this was an extraordinarily delicious exception. My friend ordered a breakfast sandwich that she tricked out and customized, and I ordered one of their scramble specials. Mine was very tasty - although the tomatoes made it slightly watery. The English muffins served on the side were damned fine, and made even finer with the homemade apple maple jam. Off the hook. My friend's breakfast sandwich was also incredible - made with a brioche roll, and included one of the best sausage patties I've ever tasted. Total for everything was about $32. Not bad, considering what we ordered! What I especially like about this place is how, in addition to the reliable set menu and quirky daily specials, the little things like daily pastries, daily donuts and daily jams are always rotating. Even if you're a Basic Brad and like ordering the same breakfast every time you go, you can always tweak it in a slightly different way to make it a new and special culinary experience. After this experience...Hot Suppa! who? I can think of 188 reasons why I'm coming back here again...soon.
(5)
Steph G.
Really good Huevos Rancheros! We came back twice in two days for this dish at brunch! I also had the Alarm Clock, a sweet vanilla alcoholic coffee beverage, which was also delicious!
(5)
John C.
Cocktails, 5 stars. Meatball appetizer phenomenal. Next the chicken livers. Ok, now in heaven. I would skip the salad. We split the short ribs and seafood paella. Great choices! Must tries for sure. We rounded it off with the sticky toffee bread pudding. Wow, Portland I'm impressed. Enjoy...
(5)
Jameson B.
Local 188 is out in the West End which in of itself is a very boho neighborhood. We came in for brunch and were not disappointed. The inside is very cool and almost like an open concept mish mosh of cool furniture and decor from an antique store or flea market. The staff here is super friendly as we came just before they were changing over for the dinner menu, but let us get our orders in. Have heard good things about their dinner menu and would like to come by to check it out again.
(4)
Mr B.
Decent environs and ambitious food menu at first scared me to be honest as I didn't know if it was going to be all presentation but they delivered without a doubt. The bar has a good dozen infusions worthy as well as beers and craft hard cider. This is a filled to the rim weekend spot and the ambiance is sort of a mixed bag with hipster and intimate couples along with groups out for a good time. I particularly liked the layout but unfortunately it left most not being able to hear well as the notes se is hight. Gnocchi is great, tuna was perfect, soup nothing to write home about but flatbread and hummus with garlic was divine. In fact it actually was my favorite appetizer. Squash salad was quite impressive too but portions are small across the entire menu. Unless you load up on drinks you may leave hungry. Oh, honey apple sorbet was amazing as a mix of tart and sweet to finish the meal off with.
(4)
Margaret M.
I have driven by this place for months, meaning to stop by and finally made it in! From the outside I was expecting a wide open bar type space, and was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic decor and layout when we came inside. Half of the place is more of a bar environment with bar seating, tables, couches and cozy chairs, while the other half is more of a traditional restaurant layout. I adore this concept - it's something I wish more places would do actually. I enjoy the separation of space, and it makes the bar feel like something you would want in your house. I also loved the light fixtures. Great interior design! Now onto the food & drinks...which also did not disappoint. They have a variety of craft cocktails that are both tasty and strong - and I do mean strong. Like they may knock you on your ass strong. I opted for the champagne cocktail with vodka, muddled fruit and champs...so yummy! The rest of our group sampled their beers, gin cocktails and champs cocktail with whisky (weird...but also delish). We also shared some appies, my favorite being the meatballs & steak tartare which were creative in their presentation and absolutely delicious. The flavors were intense & we polished off every last bite. The service was also stellar, we were greeted at the door, promptly seated and our waitress was friendly & attentive. Not much more you can ask for from an establishment - I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(5)
Kelly R.
Instead of indulging on the food menu, I really only go here to drink & socialize. The drinks are yummy & the atmosphere is killer. The bartender, Jeb is also super cool & knows his booze! They make all kinds of infused liquors which I am a huge fan of. If you can't find a seat at the bar they have comfy couches in the center of the space where you can definitely feel at home.
(5)
Sarah H.
There were positives and negatives about today's visit. We have been here a number of times and I love their dinner, but brunch here has not been my favorite in the past. Our wait time this morning was long (the kitchen was slammed just as we got there), but the food this morning was excellent. Good eggs, home-fries and great bacon. There were a couple of errors (nuts on the house donuts when we stated we had an allergy at the table, and inclusion of an English muffin on one order when it was expressly ordered without), but these were compensated by taking our drinks off the bill, along with the meal that was wrong. The server was very kind and attentive. Mistakes/errors happen, and the staff made up for them. I'm looking forward to trying Local 188 for brunch again soon.
(3)
Brian G.
Had a very nice experience here Friday night. We were seated up against the front window to the right of the front door, which gave us a nice view of the street action and a cozy, intimate atmosphere at the table. Our informative server greeted us soon after, detailing the specials and offering insights to our the questions about the different cocktails, tapas and entrees. The cocktails were VERY strong - one was all I needed to sustain me through the meal. We ordered three tapas that ranged from OK to good. I wouldn't say any of them blew us away. The Spanish Tortilla was my favorite, with the consistency of a good quiche and some pretty good flavor. The dinners were very, very good. My wife got the paella, which was fantastic. Beautifully seasoned, dressed with meaty mussels and clams and delectable meats (the sausage was outstanding). Absolutely without a doubt the best paella I've tasted...I'm not a paella expert and have only had it a couple of times, but Local 188's version is tattooed in my memory. When we eventually return, I will be ordering it. I ordered the whitefish, which was also delicious. It was served in a light and flavorful beef broth with a nice pearl pasta underneath. However, the portion was very small and at $23, WAY overpriced. Thankfully, the paella balanced that out - it was by comparison an enormous portion, and very fairly priced at $26. It also balanced out my hunger, as my wife couldn't come close to finishing it. I was happy to devour the rest, and left satisfied. I think we'll skip the tapas next time we come, which weren't super impressive, and instead order a dish off the "Raciones" menu, which are supposedly somewhere in between the tapas and entrees in terms of size. However, this was a great dining experience overall.
(4)
Leslie P.
Made reservations to dine while in Maine visiting family. Their menu is on the smaller side, but everything sounded fantastic. The ambience was nice and servers very attentive and knowledgable. We had the flash fried crab, beef tartare with quail egg, anchovies and tortilla for starters with gnocchi, classic paella and seafood paella to share for entrees. The crab, tortilla and tartare were mediocre. The remaining dishes were delicious. The classic paella had the perfect crust around the rice with an appropriate balance of proteins to satisfy. We also had to try their key lime pie for dessert which was one of the better I have tasted. Cool, creamy and just a tad tart. Worth a try when in Portland.
(4)
Keri G.
Until the staff start using gloves when handling food, STAY AWAY!! I really wanted to like this place since it had a hippy feel to it. First, we were told it'd be at least 30 minutes for a table when there was no one waiting for a table. So we were forced to sit at the bar even though there were plenty of tables open. As we waited for our food, we watched and could see staff member after staff member handle the food with their bare hands. Wait staff opened up the English muffin bags and put each one by hand into the toaster. The expediter = no gloves. NONE of the cooks had any gloves on either. Cooks were not wearing any hats to cover their hair either. Saw a cook scratch his head, then proceed to continue cooking. Needless to say, we didn't eat much of the food at all. They all need a food safety course. STAT.
(1)
Rachel D.
I finally tried Local for dinner! It was fantastic. The host was super gracious and very polite. We were seated immediately and the ambiance was also appealing. I chose the back corner benches. We started off with the chili garlic shrimp, recommended by our waitress. I had the Garden of Bees cocktail and my fiance had a Rising Tide beer. Bread was brought to the table with olive oil (!) and I was so happy about it that we ate it up before I could enjoy the bread with the shrimp. Don't make the same mistake I did! For entrees I ordered the clam stew and my fiance ordered the paella. I wasn't too hungry so the clam stew was the right amount of food. I got about 6 clams but they were all good quality and good size. The broth was slightly saltier than I'd like but that's why they're getting four starts instead of five. The Paella was also delicious and cooked fresh. The wait was quite long (because they were making the paella from scratch) but worth it. Paella was filled with clams and mussels, as well as chicken and sausage. It was also quite salty and lacking a spiciness, but overall the consistency was on point and the dish was quite hearty with protein. If you're used to going here for brunch definitely mix it up and head to Local for dinner! I had no idea that they were even a Spanish restaurant (but now I do!).
(4)
Neil W.
We had a great time with our seven month old in a corner booth we ordered about four little plates. the mussels Leeks I can't remember the other one The cocktail The service was quick and unobtrusive.
(5)
Jessica M.
I came here when I first moved to Portland and it has always been a favorite since! The food is delicious, the service friendly and fast! It is a bit pricey.
(4)
Patrick C.
Had brunch at Local 188 this morning. Nice open space, good vibe, eclectic look. Good service and good food. I had the Herb Mushroom Scramble, with local herbs and goat cheese. Not something I would normally venture, but very happy I did. It was tasty and really quite good. My girl had the hash eggs , said it was very good, tasty homemade hash, with light hollandaise. The Cilantro Bloody Mary was highly rated, and per her report was solid, but not the best around. All in all, very good, will definitely do again. Maybe supper next.
(4)
Leigh H.
Have had several great experiences at Local 188 over the past few years. The staff is knowledgeable and they have a great beer and wine list. I do wish their menu was a little bigger and more varied, but all of the food I've eaten there has been delicious!
(4)
Michael D.
Went during happy hour in a weeknight. $4 beers and wine, nothing special, but a nice, casual vibe. Somewhat noisy, but that made intimate conversation all the easier. The crowd struck me as largely local--small groups of employees ending the working day.
(4)
Chrissy H.
I'll be honest. Mostly I drink at 188. There is usually a great special cocktail, a featured beer, or an interesting (and cheap) glass of wine to try. But the best drink of them all- in my opinion- is the Bloody Mary served at brunch on the weekends. It isn't garnished with a suckling pig or whole pizza hanging out of it like some other trendier places I've seen advertised. Its simple, not too thick or too watery, spiced to perfection and $5. Thats right- $5! I've had cups of coffee in this town that cost more than that! Mostly I've eaten brunch here. I really like some of their "hangover specials" which tend to be a mash up of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees. Once we had a breakfast bolognese. We were intrigued. It was pretty good. They also have pretty decent biscuits with honey butter and berries. But I ADORE their English muffins. So big and delicious. They also do some pretty great veggie scrambles. The only disappointing breakfast item is the pancake. Not quite a pancake or a flapjack... it's more like a giant piece of dry cornbread with syrup. Very grainy. Not super flavorful. It was a little upsetting. But thats okay- the bloody mary made up for it. I also enjoy their tapas. I'm a huge fan of the small plate in general- anyone who has dined with my husband and I know that we can't commit to just one entree each. We must sample everything! My favorites are the meatballs, the Spanish tortilla and- probably one of my favorite dishes in the entire world (I fell in love in Spain)- the patatas bravas. It always amazes me how delicious something so simple like a potato can be! Every Tuesday night they also have live music and the place gets surprisingly packed. Last Halloween, we had an incredibly fun evening sitting at the window watching the costumed revelers walk by and sipping drinks while a string quartet played scores of classic horror movies. And another time the bartender allowed us to listen to the whole Muppets/John Denver Christmas album while drinking at the bar one quiet Sunday afternoon. All in all- everybody here is very friendly. There's something on the menu for everyone... kids, vegetarians, carnivores.... lots of delicious local ingredients. And its a nice big space so you rarely have to wait for a table. Also, be sure to check out their featured artists. It changes pretty frequently.
(5)
Dorian G.
Great breakfast in walking distance from our hotel. I had the smoked salmon scramble (hold the capers). I recently became a "lox and eggs" fan so a dish like this has become my go-to at brunch. Though when the menu said it had cream cheese, i assumed it meant blended in to make for fluffier scrambled eggs. Nope...globs of cream cheese had been folded in just prior to serving. At first I was like "oh no" (i love cream cheese, but this had a warning flag to me at first glance). then i had a bite and i was like "oh yes!!!" its basically protein packed cream cheese and lox. pile it on to your awesome toasted english muffin and, BOOM, bagels and lox AND eggs. all was right with the world, and them some. solid coffee in mismatched thrift store type mugs. i love that sort of detail in a breakfast place. my friend had the blueberry pancakes which was basically enough for 3 people. she took a huge portion home.
(4)
Chris D.
LOVE THIS PLACE!! I've never been disappointed in almost 15 years of coming here. It's hands down one of my favorite Portland spots. Don't pass it up!
(5)
Melissa B.
God, where do I EVEN start with this wonderful place? The staff: The waitstaff here are amazing. They are friendly, helpful, and clearly love where they work because both times I came here (Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch) everyone was pleasant and there wasn't a scowl in the place. One thing I noticed on Sunday was that the staff are very efficient: tables didn't sit empty long before they were bussed, cleaned, and seated. The food: OH MY GOD the food. My partner had made reservations on Saturday night for my birthday dinner, as I had expressed I wanted to try it. We were definitely not disappointed. At first glance of the menu, your first thought is "wow, this is kind of expensive," however it's well worth it. Our appetizer was the charcuterie board which had house-made pate featuring a traditional chicken liver base but bits of smoked pork blended throughout, and paper-thin slices of a house-cured Serrano-style ham that was lovingly aged and melted in your mouth. I was in meaty heaven. I ordered the paella for my meal, which was huge and was loaded with house-made chorizo, chicken, mussels, and littleneck clams. My partner was adventurous and got the steak tartare, which was AMAZING. All the food was of such a high quality, and with such attention to detail to make so many things in-house, I was very impressed. Definitely worth the money for the craftmanship alone. The next morning we came back for brunch and had the chocolate peanut brittle doughnuts which were okay... the brittle got chewy since it was exposed to the moisture of the sauce. I got the biscuits and gravy and the portion was so huge I couldn't finish it all, but I wanted to! It was topped with (my choice) soft-poached eggs, which were cooked to perfection. The drinks: Local 188 knows how to make a drink! I had the lychee black tea mojito, which tasted a bit like a bottled Sobe green tea (which I love) and a very refreshing blueberry vodka drink (no surprise they infuse their own vodkas, too). Amazing staff, amazing food, and amazing drinks in a beautiful restaurant, the Local 188 is a new favorite of mine. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)
Anna V.
Cute little spot for breakfast. Small menu, not great if you don't like eggs (like myself) but I was able to DIY a meal out of sides, as usual. It was delicious. The home fries (not listed as a side on the menu but i just asked for 'em) were amazing. The biscuits and honey butter were so moist and had that homemade taste, so good :) ordered a side salad (also not on the menu) and it was approximately 3 pieces of mesclun and a sliver of carrot, so definitely not worth the $6 they charged, but still tasty hahaha
(4)
Don M.
Awesome Tapas! We got the Thai wings, hanger steak, and the ribs. Everything was perfect. Can't wait to go back. The 188 Mai Tai was great great too!! The best service!
(5)
Jeff C.
Food was excellent, but the Bloody Mary tasted more like pickle juice than anything else. Waited 40 min more than estimated wait time and tables could have been put together to accommodate our party. Server was rude after we were finally seated. Overall not super impressed.
(3)
Eric N.
Been to this place twice and loved it both times First off: Great drinks. In particular the Smokey The Bear (Tequila drink) Smaller size portions because they focus on tastes and flavors Very good main dishes. I had the Charcuterie plate my wife got the Gnocchi. Service was excellent -very nice waitress who took our orders promptly and with a smile. Wasn't afraid to recommend a dish. Never had desert but they looked good. This place is a solid lock for a nice dinner. Expensive but worth it.
(5)
J-a T.
Been there twice eating at bar n table. Food been very good each time. On sunday nite around 9/10pm a liveband came in , settled in like a "unplugged concert" around the sofas in middle. Very cool.
(5)
Leigh H.
Great tapas. The gnocchi and mussels are outstanding. I wasn't sure about the chicken livers but they were very good also.
(5)
Chris H.
So I started with a roasted squash organic salad with a sage vinaigrette. I know it sounds like ground hog day with me and gnocchi but it's everywhere and this is the best yet. Ricotta gnocchi caramelized onion in a cream sauce with goat cheese and micro greens on top. Didn't see that coming. Now that is a day changer. Grateful!
(5)
Lindsey P.
Bad service can ruin a good meal.. and that is what i received at Local. The drinks were great, food was pretty good but my group of friends and I were completely turned off by the terrible service. Our waitress finished her shift immediately after we got our food. She didn't say anything to us; just left! We finally asked some random waiter for condiments, another drink, etc. and 2 mins later another random waitress came over to us and gave us our check... we are all super easy going people so we laughed it off but come on.... talk about bad communication all around! Maybe someday I will go back for drinks and brunch but i will definitely sit at the bar to avoid the flaky waitresses.
(3)
Maine D.
This is such a nice place with neat people , gracious service ; but the last three times we have been here the experience has been fair, meh indeed. This time , have to comment that despite great draft beer and hummus and flatbread to start , the two orders we got of whitefish were appetizer portion , as in about 3 ounces . That and a few miniscule pieces of broccoli. I am so not into huge portions , but our group of four left hungry ; the place was empty in mid-August. Maybe for a good reason .
(3)
Gwen B.
I live very close to Local 188 and haven't been there for a while. High prices and small portions. I really dislike paying that kind of money and coming out hungry.
I am always impressed by Local 188. The atmosphere is open and inviting and the food is delicious! Friendly staff and couch seating makes it even better. The Bloody Mary selection is killer!
(5)
Sophie M.
We were asked if we had reservations when we walked in. No, but were seated near the bar at a small table that was unbalance. Our experience was similar to another reviewer's on same weekend July 17-19. ( Gina B.) Expensive and not enough to eat. Tasty though. Waitress did not refill water glass although that was my only beverage. She did not know about the soup of the day-which was great, a creamy gazpacho. We would have chosen entrees, but nothing particularly struck our fancy. To be fair, peeking at other diner's orders showed large entree portions. And it was LOUD in there. Glancing over at the real dining area, thinking if I have to have reservations, I expect a quieter place with more elbow room. The bathroom was nice:)
(2)
T K.
One of Longfellow Sq's longest standing spots, the food, atmosphere and crowd have gone through many iterations but Jay always seems to find the right mix. A hidden spot for vegetarians (they always have creative options) and a good bar make it an easy choice when we have guests in town. Their brunch can get packed though. The house paella remains one my favorite (it's delicious and huge).
(5)
Zhiyu L.
Service is great here and food is awesome. I came here for. Ranch and had their special pancake. That thing was huge and delicious. For people that aren't pancake fans, you'll enjoy their pancake. It's literally one huge pancake, but it's home made and worth it.
AWFUL SERVICE and MEDIOCRE FOOD (SMALL PORTIONS) I came here on a Thursday night ~8:30PM (i.e. it was not that busy) with 3 friends and got seated right away. At first glance, the vibe of the place was very hipster chic and the menu looked quite imaginative. But boy were we in for an unpleasant surprise. The food was mediocre; the portions were very small relative to the price. An order of mussels has about a dozen of them and the short ribs had 2 small ribs. One of my friends ordered an autumn butternut squash salad and it came with just a few tiny pieces of squash that you could barely see. Everything was pretty standard at best. The service, on the other hand, made it feel like we were on an episode of Restaurant Impossible as a demonstration of everything that shouldn't be done by the wait staff, including: 1. RUDENESS to cover up lack of knowledge about the beer list. I asked the waitress to tell me about one of the porters and the response I received was very condescending, "Have you every had a porter? It tastes like a porter, a really good porter. I've never had it, but it's a really good porter." Well, I've a lots of porters so that wasn't quite the answer I was looking for ... does it have undertones of coffee, or milk, or oatmeal? Also, it must be enlightening to know what stuff tastes like without ever having to taste it ... best diet ever! 2. INATTENTIVENESS. I lost count of how many times one of us asked to have our water glasses or bread basket refilled. We had mussels and usually that comes with bread and when our came, our bread basket was already empty ... I actually ate the leftover pieces from my friend's plate because I couldn't hail down a waiter. I had to wave my hands in the air for about a whole minute to get salt (it was on every table but ours) and we did not receive any pepper. Two of us had hefty red meat dishes, but no one gave us steak knives ... one came about 5 minutes after receiving the dish and another 10 minutes later. 3. FOOD DID NOT COME TOGETHER. Three of us ordered hot dishes and one of my friends ordered a salad. The salad came about 10 minutes after the hot dishes and being polite we waited until everyone got their food which meant that we all ate cold dishes that night. I asked the waiter who brought the food if our friend's salad was coming (it was very obvious that we were waiting to start) and the snarky response we got was "It should be!". Once it arrived, it was just plopped down emphatically and no apology was issued. 4. NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAULT. I asked to speak to the manager and it turned it it was our waitress! I told her the service we received there was the worst of any restaurant I'd every been to and she seemed really upset (like angry at us). She blamed everything on the kitchen being busy (though that was not the case from my perspective). She offered to comp our meal (I insisted that that was not our purpose for complaining that we'd still like to pay for it), but she left in a huff and did not give us a bill. During that whole argumentative exchange, I did not get any inkling of an apology. We wanted dessert, but felt like pariahs at that point and left in a hurry (and left our 20% tip ... not sure why, but I guess because we always tip that much). Having read the other recent reviews about the health violations (and again those meals were comped too ... hmmm I'm starting to see a trend here), diners should beware of this place as it seems to be going down a slippery hill!
(1)
Michelle E.
Such a disappointment. We arrived to a long line of people waiting to get in to put their names in. Good sign usually? All these people could not be getting it wrong? But they were and in fact it makes me wonder what they were ordering and who their servers were. To say that this was a bad experience does not do it justice. We waited for 30+ minutes. No big deal. It's Sunday, it's what you do. We sat down and our hipster waitress seemed pissed that she was working and extra pissed that we didn't order alcohol and that we had a child. It took far too long to get 2 orange juices and when she returned to take our order, she informed us that the pancake (which is actually just corn bread in the shape of a pancake) takes a really long time to cook. Ok, that's fine. Bring out the food as it comes so that we can give our child something to eat. Nothing. Maybe 20 minutes in, with no food in sight, the hostess (who was super sweet) came over and asked us if she could bring us an English muffin while we were waiting. Not even our own server had this forethought?We politely declined thinking that surely our food would arrive soon, but it didn't. When it finally did arrive, I hoped it would be worth the wait. It wasn't. Not even close. I ordered the huevos rancheros. Not difficult to make good. The eggs I ordered were overhard. The eggs I received were well done. The salsa had zero flavor. Basically looked like canned tomatoes with some onion. The black beans were also from a can. I actually like canned black beans, I don't think they should end up on my plate at a restaurant, but if you must use canned black beans, please use the flavorful kind. They literally looked like they had been opened, dumped into a pot (not drained and rinsed) and left to sit on low for days. The plate lacked imagination and flavor. Do yourself a favor and go someplace else. About the only thing I enjoyed was the playlist, but I'm pretty sure I have the same station on pandora. And the hostess was great-she should get promoted or get a job at a place that prides itself on service. Not enough to get me to return. Your bad, Local 188. We eat out. And we write reviews. Sometimes you get one shot. We should have gone to Empire Chinese kitchen-their staff is amazing and the food is good.
(1)
Logan C.
We sat at the bar and it seemed like a decent place. Th drink we ordered was recommended by the bartender and it truly was hard to actually drink it tasted so bad. The bartender was even proud because he invented it and it was named after him... Not being terribly hungry we decided just to try a few of their appetizers and we were less than satisfied with them. The meatballs were too dry and bland. And everything else we tried was merely disappointing. There are way better restaurants in Portland that serve local food...
(1)
Bryan V.
Been here twice in three months, which in Portland ME says something given its abundant choices. First time was four stars. Great energy, decor, food and drinks selection. Second time for my birthday. I still love the energy, decor and drinks selection but my meal -- $38 paella-- was so salty my lips are dry this morning. I mentioned it to the dude who cleared out table and he said "if I had made it, it would have worse". Sorry. Come again?! Our waitress was much more interested and said there was a new sauce cook and would be sure to mention it. Deciding to make a third visit will be hard. It should be easy.
(3)
Elizabeth T.
I have dined here a few times now and just don't know why we end up going there. The food is just not good. I am a vegetarian so am limited by their menu, but how do you mess up hummus? I have never liked any of the dishes I have tried. The atmosphere is fun and the service friendly. But I can't be the only one that thinks the food is terrible?
(1)
Dennis D.
Came here because there was no wait and was seated right away, looked over the menu and ordered the BBQ hash with eggs, and my wife ordered a breakfast sandwich. 45 minutes later and we came to find out they forgot to put our order in. The server and manager were very apologetic and offered to "make it right." When the food arrived it was excellent, the meat was soft and tender, the english muffin was large and chewy and the blueberry jam was a great spread.
(4)
Susan R.
I didn't even want to go. my gf and on walked by a few times and judged this place as 'trendy yuppie'. We were wrong, local. I am sorry. the brunch wait was OBSCENE. there was a road race in town. they ran out of a lot of food. it was a hellish hell show of unprecedented proportions. but through it all- a few things shone through. 1) our host- server and back waiter were lovely. 2) the food here is very good and worth the $$ but most importantly 3) the brunch cocktails were perfect. perfect. PERFECT. I never find my cocktail to be perfect. I ordered a bit of a negroni-lini (negroni bellini) concoction that was off-menu. I took me aback. I literally lost my train of thought and stared blank faced at my cocktail. GF: "uh oh, what's wrong with your drink?" ME: "it's perfect."
(4)
T U.
Good solid effort Spice up the seasoning on the Huevos Rancheros... But we'll prepared. Good prices... Especially on liquor... If you say your donuts are house made... And they are not on the sweet bread platter on a Sunday morning... Drop the price...the biscotti were stale but the coffee cake was good...but I paid for donuts. Local 188 fits right in to the Portland landscape. I guess we just have to deal with the hipsters with kids who walk around annoying others... Control the spawn or put them back into their designer carry all cases.
(3)
Renee B.
So i wanted to love it...i was primed to love it....but I just did not have enough good dishes to get it into the win column. The gnocchi was just not that good - dense...meh. The cheese platter was well thought out that was great! Spanish tortilla was so over cooked and that was how the night went. The space is beautiful. The staff was friendly.
(3)
Justin S.
I have mixed feelings here. The cocktails are great, and i love the selection of tapas plates, but the music is way too loud, and some of the staff's "too cool for school" attitude really turns me off. We even saw the staff doing shots with the bartender. I will go to Local 188 only out of convenience, but otherwise it is not on my list of places I like to visit...
(2)
Kathleen F.
I started with a martini made with grapefruit and honey--their most popular and delicious. The mushroom tapas was very flavorful and satisfying. The shorts ribs were flavorful and tender. I love all the flavors that the chef melds into the dishes. It was a gift to my tastebuds. I wish they had some gluten-free bread to serve.
(4)
Ryan C.
We journeyed to Local 188 for my wife's birthday with high hopes. We began our meal by letting our waitress know that we had to be at the theater by 7:00 P.M. for the ballet. When we were seated, we were positioned next to another couple that had just sat down, leaving several tables open immediately to our left that were open and slightly more private. The menus consisted of two pieces of paper, clipped together with a paper clip (a little too pretentious). We were pleasantly surprised that our waitress surprised us with a complementary amuse-bouche which consisted of chicken liver pate. I really wish she would have asked if we were interested before she put it down and walked away. Not wanting to have it go to waste, my wife and I both ate and very much enjoyed the pate. I hate tapas restaurants; I always leave poor and hungry. We ordered mushroom, meatballs and olive tapas as appetizers. The mushroom was delicious, while the meatballs were a little dry and the marinara sauce was WAY to sweet. The bountiful portion of olives consisted of many very well cured oil packed olives and a few that tasted a little past their prime. My wife had the gnocchi and warm beet salad and I had the paella for dinner. My paella was very flavorful and packed with a bounty of seafood and chicken and chorizo sausage coins. A downside to my paella was that there were a good amount of pulverized clam shell bits mixed in among the rice, which made eating very difficult. A few bites in I came to terms with the fact that I was going to be doing a lot of crunching and swallowing rather than spitting or sending my meal back to the kitchen to be remade. My wife's gnocchi was amazing and by far the highlight of meal for the both of us. Neither of us very much cared for the warm beet salad, which consisted of a lot of beets, gouda and a very mild dressing. By the time we reached the end of our meal our waitress had not visited our table since we had our appetizers delivered. The busboys and other servers had been delivering food and refilling glasses of water. We waited for a while for the server to get us a box and bring the bill. Finally, I asked a busboy to accommodate us and he did so very quickly and in a friendly manor. By the time we got out of Local 188, it was 7 minutes before the rise of the curtain. We only made it to the show in time by flagging down a taxi cab and tipping the driver well. In summation, we spent over $100 for the two of us and were not overly enthralled with the meal. While I would consider going back for cocktails and perhaps a single tapa before heading downtown for drinks or dinner, I doubt I will be back to Local 188 for an actual meal.
(2)
Darren F.
We stopped in here while walking through Portland on a rainy Sunday for drinks. The inside is huge, but dark and needs to be updated badly. We sat at the bar and poured over the massive wine, beer and cocktail list. The Great North Woods, with whisky and maple syrup was great. The service was slow, despite the lack of customers, the bartender was missing from behind the bar 75% of the time we were there. I'd be likely to try another place first as the mostly black interior is dated and service poor. It seems like a place with little pride in what they do.
(3)
Matthew D.
Great atmosphere. Food is average and small portions, even the large plates. Paella is fairly good. Very overpriced.
(3)
Sam M.
Local 188 has the best brunch I have ever had, it was absolutely delicious. The English muffins were fluffy and tasted very fresh. The smoked salmon scrambled eggs were my favorite and I also got a side of cheddar grits which were great as well. The service were wonderful all the way through. If I lived closer this would be a weekend must for me.
(5)
Rachel K.
Finally went here after living in the West End for almost a year (I know what have we been waiting for!?). Just went for drinks on a Wednesday evening. I was surprised to see they have a large lounge area and were happy to seat us at a table there even though we said we weren't eating. HUGE drink menu with lots of creative cocktails. Per the server's recommendation I had a Blond Redhead- house stawberry vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of cran. It was tasty and strong (no ice though which I would have liked). I really liked the atmosphere. It was hip, but not off-putting. They have some couch areas in the lounge which would be great for large groups. Service was amazing- they even had a guy re-filling water glasses. I would definitely like to go back and try their food. I hear their brunch is delish!
(4)
Brianna M.
Great service, delicious light fare. Nice atmosphere for a romantic night out or a group outing. We sat at the bar where we could see the chefs work in the open kitchen. They also had outdoor seating which would have been lovely if it weren't raining. We only had a couple of plates here before the place closed early for the holiday. Their menu was impressive but we weren't able to try enough of a variety to make a 5-star review. They had good local beers on tap too!
(4)
Mike S.
so sometimes you just go on a hunch when you look at a restaurants pictures on their website, and you get a certain vibe. I went onto local 188's website before taking an overnighter to portland and just decided to randomly make a res and give it a shot without looking at the reviews. What a solid idea!!! The entire space is huge but really well utilized. the vibe is chilled-out-urban. No pretention here!!! The menu is small but eclectic. The service was mellow but on point. The wine selection was wide and varied to suit all tastes(we had a cab franc that was tasty and affordable, to key indicators for a good time). Our service from multiple staff members was excellent, unpressured and attentive. We had multiple tapas dishes:chicken pinchons(amazing), patatas bravas(delish aioli), the steak tartare(way too salty and garlicky), and the deviled eggs(spot on!). after all the wine and tapas we were kinda stuffed but pushed on with their house salad(perfect palate cleanser and delish). and for dessert we finished off with moscato and bread pudding(indescribably awesome, you'd be a fool not to get this!!!) all in all, great experience!! thanks local 188, you guys rock!! cheers
(4)
Ashley T.
We visited this establishment on impulse. And, we were 100% satisfied. The staff was friendly and fun. The food was excellent. We started with a couple snacks off their tapas menu, then decided to stay for an entree. We had the short rib and it was to die for. The music over the speaker system was an exciting blast from the past. We couldn't have chosen a better lineup! Drink menu was beyond impressive. The ambience of the restaurant was so unique and eclectic. I believe we have found our new date night spot :-) thanks for an excellent evening Local 188!
(5)
Daniella L.
Drinks at the bar are good. And..that's about it... We went here with our family for breakfast and the food was REALLY bad. First off, the eggs were cooked sloppy and runny- the food on the plate looked really gross. The "pancakes" we ordered were in fact, NOT pancakes at all, but a MASSIVE, thick, dry, 12 inch round, "corn bread muffin-like" cake. If you are going to put pancakes on the menu, I think they should make them like what the rest of the US refers to as a pancake; otherwise, the word "pancake" should not be use to describe whatever that thing was. The home fries were awful, too. They were almost "rolled" in some bright red-orange spice, which perhaps was paprika?...they were covered in this stuff and it made them so dry and unpleasant to eat. I didn't think it was possible to cook up such a horrible breakfast when ordering basic items such as: eggs, pancakes and home fries, but Local 188 managed to prove otherwise! I'd recommend passing on breakfast food from here and going elsewhere.
(1)
Simon S.
I don't eat seafood but I had the Goat Cheese salad and the Gnocchi, and both were great. My girlfriend had the Seafood Paella and said it was the best meal she ever had. You get a tremendous, diverse plate. 5 Stars for sure.
(5)
Sam B.
Nothing is better on a mild summer evening than sitting outside at one of the patio tables at Local 188 while all the world passes by on Congress St. Just last evening my friends and I discourteously planted ourselves at one of their outside tables for three hours ordering just carafes of sangria and glasses of wine while we caught up on life stuff. We were asking for terse service but instead were treated very well by our server who regularly checked on us and not once pressured us to leave. If you're not interested in the hustle and bustle, the interior is spacious and moody, perfect for friendly conversations. The high ceilings and open kitchen can make it a little bit noisy, particularly on a raucous Saturday night. They have an expansive drink menu, signature cocktails, and a food menu of tapas, salads, and entrees. Theirs is foodie food so, if you're into charcuterie, you might just love it.
(4)
Kim S.
Very retro, trendy place with a light fate. Lots of small plates. Salads were all delish and the seafood was very tasty too. First time I ever had cooked radishes... They were very good. Visiting Portland but would go back!
(4)
Richard T.
Great beer selection, great food, and an extremely courteous staff. Arrived at three in the afternoon and begrudgingly left around eight. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)
Mark H.
We recently visited this restaurant with a large group for a graduation party. All people in the group were very disappointed. For instance the hot tapas deep fried garlic was a plate with 5 tiny cloves of garlic each about the size of a pea. As a server or an owner I would be embarrassed to serve this plate. The pan seared scallops was a plate with 3 scallops a little smaller than a quarter for $13.00. My daughter ordered the seafood paella for $39.00 this dish had 1 Maine lobster claw and 1 tiny rock lobster tail, last I knew rock lobster is not indigenous along the Maine coast. I could go on but it was the same disappointment for every one. The staff was very nice but not very organized. All in all we would never go back way over priced I truly mean way over priced. We walked to the restaurant, there was no on street parking.
(1)
Laura P.
We are currently food drunk off of the paella and spiced hash breakfasts! If that were our last meal of life we wouldn't be disappointed, unless we would have forgot to get an English muffin! Got seated and served very quickly! Definitely a spot all have to try!
(5)
Bazza G.
Two stars is being generous because they comped my meal. Sat at the grill bar, we immediately noticed that the cooks and the guy on the pass were handling food with no gloves let alone not washing their hands. The servers were also handling bread without washing their hands. I ordered the brisket hash, which just seemed to be burnt, dry and mashed up meat. The wife had the eggs, home fries, muffin and a side of bacon. Bacon was burnt, seemed to be more like charchol and the scrambled eggs came out as an omelette and rubbery. After we got our meals we saw the chef pick his ear, scratch his hair and then without washing his hands picked up food with same hand. Never go back ever again.
(2)
Jenn F.
Steak was bland, fatty and overpriced. Paella was delicious. Flan was wonderful. Atmosphere was loud and I don't think I fit in as I am not a hipster. Server was good. The Spanish tortilla was really quiche like. Overall not bad but very high price for what you get.
(3)
Portland F.
The food at Local 188 is delicious. Everything has not only a great presentation but wonderful flavor. This is a great place to go for a date night or girls night out. Wine by the bottle is fairly priced and they do a good job of pacing the meal. Make reservations if you can as it's always busy. I recommend the deviled eggs to start! Word to the wise: this is not a traditional Spanish restaurant but is a good American-Spain fusion.
(4)
Amy B.
Meh. I wasn't impressed. My bacon was burned, hardly saw my server so I was only able to have ONE mimosa (the horror!!) and felt rushed out since there was a wait for the table.
(2)
Allison B.
Fantastic food and awesome service! The tapas were wonderful, we had the naan bread and meatballs, and the food was even better! Word of advice, if you get the seafood paella, share it with someone. It was huge! Our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive, and it was very quick service for how gourmet the food was. I highly recommend!
(5)
Colin M.
Went here twice, one just for drinks, once for tapas. The drinks are delicious but pretty pricey ($9-$12). The food has amazing flavor but the tapas were tiny portions even by tapas standards. Decent beer list and they'll even do flights of 4 local beers, which most places (non-breweries ) don't. Service was great.
(4)
Xiaoshan Z.
Ambiance was lovely as usual. It was the perfect place to end our long-drowsy day on an airplane and between airports. Seafood paella: so far still the best I've ever had. It was so rich in flavors and so very fresh. Most paellas I've had in the past usually use truckload of oil and salt to cover the fact that they lack real flavors. But this one blended the taste of veggies, garlic as well as the seafood well. The portion was generous, not just the rice itself, but the seafood too. I loved the white sauce mussels too. Again, so fresh tasting and so juicy. Somehow in my biased mind Maine mussels are just bigger&fatter than those I usually get in California. BUT, we did wait a good 40 min between our salad and the Paella.... It was a Monday night and the place was not even that busy. Yep I get it. The "laid back" life style and no need to rush. But I was HUNGRY.........
(4)
Judy L.
Came here for restaurant week. Ambience was interesting. It was a packed house on a Saturday night. We saw some parties that were seated on sofas. That looked like a slightly awkward seating arrangement for a fancy dinner place. We were lucky and had a corner table. Meatball: slightly on the dry side, but reasonably tasty. Salad: healthy. House paella: amazing! Flavorful. Packed with seafood and chicken. Hake: cooked and seasoned perfectly. Trifle: first time I tried a trifle. It was very interesting and quite tasty. Also felt incredibly fattening though. . . . layers and layers of sweets. Flourless chocolate torte: a little on the dry side for a chocolate torte, but the whipped cream made it all better.
(4)
S S.
We went to Local 188 for dinner and we're not disappointed! They do a variety of small plates all of which are excellent. We have eaten at other small plate restaurants around Portland and I think this one is the best of all of them. Our waiter was great, he even gave two of us to go cups for coffee and tea as we had to catch a ferry. They are definitely allergen friendly here and make sure that they check ingredients before you commit to an order. I appreciate that being celiac. The atmosphere is nice and laid back, a good way to spend an evening with friends!
(4)
Justine J.
I've visited Local 188 countless times -- for brunch, drinks, lunch, and dinner. My husband and I frequented Local when they were at their first location, and we've been there MANY times in their new location as well. The wait staff is always very quick with drinks, and extremely attentive to your needs, not to mention knowledgeable about both the food and wine/beer selections. The food has always, ALWAYS been top notch. My husband and I frequently comment that you could just close your eyes and point to a meal on the menu, and there's a pretty damn good chance you'll LOVE whatever it is. Desserts, too. Yum!
(5)
C M.
Ohhh.... we ordered way too much. But it was all so gooooood. We lucked out and arrived before the crowd that filled the place soon after we got our food. Server described the wines very well and led us each to the perfect choice for the food we were ordering. Our mistake was ordering appetizers before deciding on the meal. Patatas bravas and chicken pinchos were both delish. But then we decided on the seafood paella. MAN was it good! But we had to take half of it home. Gee. What a pity.
(4)
Ella R.
Food was good, but not worth the wait. Absolutely terrible service. Took almost 3 hours for 6 people to eat dinner. Drinks were even forgotten about. Will never go back.
(1)
Colleen J.
This place rules. So chill, and the bartender was very great. There were pillows on the benches and the chairs were very comfy. I love this! Every time I come visit family I plan on making an appearance here.
(5)
Kevin C.
First time here. Wasn't sure what to expect based on other reviews. Was pleasantly surprised (although may need to take out a second mortgage for next time - those small plates can add up fast for a party of four!) Deviled eggs were good, though could have used a little mustard to balance the richness of the yolk filling. We also enjoyed the flatbread with hummus. It was a large piece of flatbread nicely grilled and the hummus was very good. My wife had the hanger steak and I chose the short ribs. Both were very good. The steak came with a bacon jam (she shared, it paired really well with the ribs). Service was attentive, though not overly so.
(4)
Q S.
Food: Unique brunch selections - loved the lobster & grits and pecan pancake. Buttered fluffy English muffins were oh-so-good. Heard from others at the table that the corned beef hash was tasty with it's tomato-based sauce. Service: Not so great. Long wait, absent-minded servers. Got coffee but with no cream or spoons and then was told that they ran out of spoons and had to check with the dishwasher... Um... Someone at our table ordered a beer on draught and had to change his order 3 times because there was a problem with what was on tap... it look him 30 minutes to get his drink. We ordered pancake for the table and it didn't arrive until the end of the meal - at which point, we don't remember/or cared about whatever excuses they had. Charged us an extra entree on the bill. In Summary: Expect good food/drinks - but a lot of pain getting to eat it.
(3)
KC G.
My wife and I enjoyed Sunday brunch on a beautiful fall morning. Reviews said "come early to avoid lines" I wasn't sure what that meant...we arrived at 10 am and we're seated immediately, but there was a wait forming by 10:15. Great hip vibe, creative libations menu and outstanding food. We sat next to the window, the server noticed the sun in my eyes and closed the curtains without having to be asked. Awesome. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Anna W.
We had an alright experience here- it was restaurant week and our main dishes were quite good. I wouldn't recommend the Spanish tortilla as a tapa...they haven't quite gotten that down yet. It is a bit bland. The deserts were also nothing spectacular. Someone in my party got the paella and thought it was amazing. The sangria was also delicious (although we had to ask about it because I didn't find it on the menu). The service was not great either...our server seemed distracted and never announced the specials to us (rookie mistake, I suppose). All in all, there was some great food and some unimpressive food...which don't quite make the prices worth it in my book.
(3)
Diane L.
I had the best huevos rancheros i've ever tasted here. The help was amazingly helpful, smiling as they brought us our food, gladly offering to bring more coffee, providing bowls of home-made jam (blueberry basil!), and more. The pancake is wonderful, great to split with others, and top with real maple syrup or the wonderful jams. This is a great place, comfortable, spacious, featuring local artists on the walls, and fresh flowers on every table (that's not easy to do!) as well as giant bouquets around the restaurant. I would go back to Portland just to return.
(5)
Jess S.
I've been here twice now -- once for brunch and once for drinks and dessert. The drinks were fine (although my mixed drink -- lime juice, bourbon, and maple syrup -- was heavy-handed and clunky), and the ice cream that we got was quite delicious (black pepper and chocolate chip were my two favorites -- made in-house). However, the brunch was really below par. Temperatures on the foods were hit-or-miss, and my pancake was not very tasty. Great atmosphere, though, and love sitting on the couch.
(3)
Anna B.
Excellent! Went here on a recommendation from our inn keeper; it did not disappoint. We started with the red sangria. It was perfection. Not too sweet, but very tasty. We started with three tapas - the marinated feta, anchovies, and chicken. OMG, so good. We then ordered the classic paella - more than enough for two people to share. It was out of this world!
(5)
Richard M.
Not too fancy, but not too casual either, offering consistently excellent food and service. Equally suitable for a quick but delicious meal at the end of a hard day or a long-planned romantic date night. As others have noted, the Paella is spectacular.
(5)
Mairead O.
Visually, the most fun and in interesting restaurant in all of Portland. I love to show this place off to visiting guests! Whether you're a couple enjoying the counter, a large or small group on the couches or at the retro tables and chairs in the lounge, or seated in the dining room, there isn't a bad spot in the room! The fact that the food is outstanding is definitely a bonus. The quirky combinations of ingredients almost makes one question whether or not the owner/chef has a peyote addiction. The extensive, ever-changing, creative food (and drink) menu guarantees one will always leave utterly satisfied on every level.
(5)
Jamie A.
LOVE IT! Great food, awesome atmosphere! Love the downtown location, A must go!
(5)
Doc A.
Came here for brunch. Got here at 11. Food arrived 1145. My over easy eggs are well done. Its eggs - get it right. The pancake is not a pancake. It's a weird loafy thing that's more like blueberry bread. Prob cornmeal based. English muffin is okay but with no yolk to dip into ... Blech. I woulda sent em back but who wants to wait for more eggs when you've waited this long. I'm so done. I should take a pic. Let me make my over easy eggs look as runny as possible. Oh and I should show the pancake. Place looks cool and clientele and staff look cool buuuuuuut.. You know, expect to stir your coffee with your fork (no spoon) and/or place your tea bag on the table (no dish). Pass. Big time.
(2)
Kyle D.
Always excellent cocktails. Try their home-made infusions if you're into trying new things. Most nights there is table service outside but it usually ends pretty early. Don't expect to wait long for a drink, there bartenders are on their game! Local has some excellent food, but why not offer tapas, or a late night appetizer menu to keep the drinkers fat and happy?
(4)
Bruce D.
Great dinner. Kids loved the meatballs and the pollock was excellent. Cool atmosphere. Not exactly kid friendly but not unfriendly either.
(4)
Nathan K.
I've never been a big fan of Local 188. I don't like the way it's taken for granted by so many Portlanders. I don't like the way it's held up as a representation of the great food here. I don't like that it's the place that everyone suggests we meet for drinks. There are better restaurants and bars in town, that really represent high quality cooking and innovation. There are far better places to meet for drinks, places where one need not scream at the person sitting across from them in order to be heard. For two years, I've avoided the place, after I was accosted by the then-bartender - a local personality - who was drunk on the job. Between that and a friend relating her horrible treatment as a server there I thought "there are better places to spend my money." But a few months ago I decided to give it a shot. I knew the bartender was no longer there and figured maybe things had mellowed. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was great, no one being rude or condescending, as was always the case every time I'd gone previously. It's incredibly loud at all times, even when it's empty, which I'll never be able to get over, but that's my thing. Also, I really hate the crowd that tends to show up there (aloof hipsters, too preoccupied discussing the albums their bands are recording to pull their chairs in a bit when you are trying to get by; parents who let their kids treat the the place like a chucky cheese without so much as word). The food is good. It's not great. I've twice ordered a burger there and had the bun be completely soaked and disintegrating by the time it was put in front me. They're at their best when they keep it simple. The mushroom and herb omelet was delicious. Came with home fries and a biscuit, both of which were perfect. This is definitely not a place I'll go regularly. I just can't stand the noise and the crowd there. But if a friend is in town and really wants to go, or if all the other places I like to get brunch are too crowded, I'll happily go here and get a scramble.
(3)
Anh T.
One of the spots I tried for breakfast food. The restaurant decoration is very nice and cozy. My friend tried the salmon scramble eggs and it is really good!! Highly recommended dish!! I got a BBQ hash and eggs, was a little dry and not very tempting thought. Good service. Everyone is super friendly as usual in Maine
(3)
Bets R.
LOVE going to brunch at Local. The smoked salmon bagel plate is amazing. It has a ton of everything and comes served DIY so you can build it however you like. The Alarm Clock is a great drink however I always get the Cucumber Bloody Mary! It's my favorite bloody in the city. The outside seating is nice but be prepared to get hollered at by passersby. The black raspberry jam is amazing, and the servers all wear cute aprons.
(5)
Jeff H.
We ordered several appetizers and had mixed reviews. First, the "Spanish tortilla" is more like a frittata, but instead of making it to order, they reheat previously cooked food. This dries out the egg at the edges and is not worth the cost of the dish. I highly recommend skipping this dish. The hummus is good for American hummus. The highlight of the meal was the gnocchi. They pan sear it, and it has a wonderful crispy outside while staying internally moist. I recommend this for any gnocchi lovers. In the end, this restaurant felt very yuppie, trying to appeal to the "foodie" crowd. It is a perfect spot for people who like to call themselves "foodies" without really understanding food. Everything is fresh and made with care, but not made in a style that is exceptional or worth the cost.
(3)
Crystal D.
Came here with a group of friends from NY. Definitely legit brunch spot. Had the smoked salmon scramble and it was perfect! Their English muffins and peach blueberry jam are amazing! We were seated within 5 minutes. I enjoyed the atmosphere and decor as well.
(5)
Kate S.
The service was good, and our waitress apologetic and attentive. The bloodmary was the worst I've ever had. Tasted like salt, too much horseradish and spoiled tomato juice. No balance whatsoever. When I went up to order another drink the bar tender ignored me completely for 10 minutes, not even making eye contact or a "I'll be right with you." The english muffin was the best thing on my scramble plate with completely overcooked scrambled eggs with negligible amounts of herbs and no goat cheese (they forgot and brought me a bowl of it later), the breakfast potatoes had no crispiness, flavor or salt. My friend's french toast was burnt. Great ambiance and decor, good looking people.
(2)
Karen R.
This is a great place to meet up with friends and grab a few drinks. I have never eaten here, but looking at others' plates the food looks pretty good. I was tempted to grab a bite here on my last visit but the service was rather poor. The waiter actually handed us a check for the drinks while I was looking at the menu! I am sure it was a misunderstanding but it was still rather awkward! After looking at the menu I could not find anything that I wanted to have so I just stuck with my drink and went elsewhere for food. They have a great bar and open seating that allows for a larger group. They also have off street parking which is a definite bonus in this part of Portland!
(3)
Chang T.
Local 188 never ever disappoints! Great food, great wine and beer selection and the bar has some fantastic mixed drinks. Great vibe here and the staff are fantastic.
(5)
Joanna F.
When your co-diners are pressuring you to give this a five star review at all costs, you know it's good! I kicked myself when I realized this restaurant was here after staying around the corner for years and having no idea it existed. A group of 6 of us walked in at 5 pm on a Saturday and the only unreserved seats were at the bar. The menu is made up of a few small plates, medium sized plates and entrees. I wasn't starving, so I opted to split a cheese plate and a quiche with my husband. He also got a salad. Welp, the cheese plate was super filling and large for a small plate, as was the quiche. Everything was absolutely delicious. Upon seeing the hummus flatbread that my bro and his fiancee got, I decided I need a side of hummus as soon as possible. They were able to accommodate my request and it was some of the best hummus I've ever had (and I'm a bit of a hummus connoisseur. Service was amazing, drink menu was great, every morsel I put in my mouth was delicious and locally sourced. I cannot WAIT to come back here when I'm in Portland again.
(5)
Ross C.
The bartender has been stood staring at the register screen for - I kid you not - 15 minutes, and I'm the only person at the bar. I was waiting to order food, but that desire waned 12 minutes ago.
(2)
Paul W.
My wife and I had dinner here with two very close friends whom I've known for over 30 years who now live in Cape Elizabeth. We all had a great time - interesting eclectic ambience as well as their menu. Servings were a little on the high side, but they were prepared and served in considerable portions. The desert was so huge that the four of us shared it, and there was still some of it left over!! The drinks were above adequate - and the service was excellent. I'd go here again! Nice choice, B&K!!!!!
(5)
Caitlin P.
This is the best brunch I've ever had. Our food took about 45 minutes because it was so busy but it was completely worth the wait. Get the blueberry pancake!
(5)
Kaitlin M.
A really cute little place. Cozy and sweet. I went last night after a day out on the boat. We wanted to watch the sunset and so we called to extend our reservation and they were really nice about it. Dinner was fabulous-I had the Hake and cheese plate. The cheese plate had all sorts of great nibbles-Marcona almonds, dried fruit, jam and crackers, and everything was well-seasoned. The Hake was light and cooked to perfection, the quinoa was coconutty and really good. I didn't love the sangria. It was too juicy for me. And our waitress was in a bad mood, but super knowledgable, so you win some you loose some. Overall highly recommended.
(4)
Imo M.
This place has a 1990's Austin, Texas feel. Funky, low-key, and serves good food. Good for lunch and dinner. At dinner, the place was packed with a private party on one side, and the full house on the other, but it was still tolerable (noise level wise). Try the Hake dish. It's like a deconstructed seafood paella, saffron infusion and all. The bar is fully stocked and the drinks are totally acceptable.
(4)
Brave G.
first stop in portland maine after checking in at the West End Inn was Local 188, located just off longfellow square on congress st. we were still fresh off the plane, since the rooms weren't ready and we left our bags under the stairs. we asked about breakfast and our host suggested we make the ten-minute walk to the square. walking through the west end for the first time was like falling in love with a neighborhood. we turned left at the square and passed by first a corner brunch pub, then a japanese noodle bar also serving brunch sporting an extremely fresh-faced large japanese family at the window table, and a french bistro with their croque monsieurs, but decided to continue on across congress to Local 188 since i wanted a real egg-based breakfast to start things off. we looked through the window and at first it seemed a little like a tourist destination for middle america with really big plate portions, but we went inside anyway. it was a big open room, and crowded, and loud, with awful music, something resembling beer-bar 70s white rock. yikes, it's 11 am. must be for the rebelling-against-the-world-by-getting-drunk hangover people who for some reason want to re-live the particularly righteous night before. and there was a wait, but you know that can be both good and bad, since no one waits for bad food - yelp pretty much put a stop to that, right? so we waited a little, but waiting for breakfast always makes me feel like a chump. we gave up and went off in search of someplace else. there were a couple of other good places, like Hot Suppa, which we were told had better eating, but the wait there was close to an hour. how do people do that? i think we wandered a while, passing some coffee places with just pastries, and ended up going thrifting, and in the end came back to Local, and this time got seated right away. so all of the above redux, and a waitstaff of females seemingly not yet out of school, but there was also food, and it was an open kitchen and we could see them working it. coffee arrived, and it was real coffee, the local roasters are kind of the portland signature it seems, but the drink was weak since a bit of milk diluted it right down to tan. but - and i can't emphasize this enough - the eating was terrific. absolutely terrific. for some reason, who knows why, as soon as i saw hash and eggs on the menu i had to have it. but i also know that it usually comes out of a can, even in pretty hip places, so i asked and they said it was housemade. and it was great, seriously great, with some sort of fatty pulled beef and a perfect scrambled. so many ways this could have gone wrong but it went perfectly right. but it was the english muffin that put it over the top. not Thomas' English lite white, but a whole grain chewy sourdough with good butter. it was real food heaven. and that was all we had, but it was like firing a warning shot across the bow: portland food standards are high, and this is a food/beverage town. portland coffees are ridiculous, portland restaurants rock. there are people doing great things here. they've got their eye on the prize. so maybe Local wasn't the best place to hang out, but the eating, at least for one breakfast, was superb.
(4)
Lauren L.
A longtime favorite for the hubby and me! My favorite breakfast item is the SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLE - cream cheese, capers, red onion, and dill. YUM! Second to that is the steak tartare- never knew how great raw meat could be. We also enjoy the tomato soup with the house bread. Great assortment of beers and flavored vodkas as well.
(5)
Diana C.
We went for breakfast because Hot Suppa had a long wait time. Huge mistake!!! We were seated at a nice table in front of the window and that was the only good part about our visit. We ordered our meals, my husband got the steak and eggs ($15) and I ordered the hash and eggs. I didn't read the description very well and didn't realize it had hollandaise sauce on it. I hate hollandaise so that was my mistake. As we waited for our food, two tables who were seated after us were served their food. We were getting ready to walk out and our food arrived. My eggs were covered in hollandaise sauce so I asked the server to remove the eggs for me (I was happy to just eat the hash and potatoes). He brought it back to the kitchen to remove the eggs and when I got my plate back, it was laughable. They took the eggs off, scraped off the hollandaise and put them back on the plate. My husband's steak and eggs were completely cold. He got 4 thin pieces of steak and he said it was as tough as shoe leather. Really, $15 for 4 tiny pieces of steak. They come around to refill your coffee but the coffee in the filthy pot is not even remotely hot. They ended up removing my meal from the check but it still cost us $30 dollars with the tip. I will pay top dollar for a good breakfast but this was one of the worst meals we have ever had in Portland. Do yourself a favor and wait in line at Hot Suppa if you want a amazing breakfast.
(1)
Bill Z.
Local 188 caught my attention when looking for dinner locally, and that magic word - tapas - appeared. Though the number of tapas - which evidently change regularly on the menu - is maybe around a dozen. Other magic words included "sangria" and "paella." I was initially disappointed that there was no ice in the water we were served, which seemed unusual because the glasses we were given with our red sangria (carafe for $22) were packed full of ice, and also blueberries and slices of oranges and strawberries. The sangria itself was rich and deep-colored and potent. I moved a little ice from my sangria glass to my water glass, and all was well. Our appetizer, the Charcuterie Plate ($12) was an assortment of smoked sausage, pork, and chicken accompanied by pickled white grape tomatoes, apple, and almonds. It went well with the bread, on which olive oil was drizzled and sea salt lightly sprinkled. Between us we ordered the Lavender Chicken and the House Paella, both $21. The Lavender chicken was a generous half-chicken on a bed of greens (turnip?) and was, according to the person who ordered it, "unexpectedly awesome!" My house paella was delicious, but not quite authentic. It was long-grain rice instead of short-grain, and it looked like it was yellow instead of a red-orange with the saffron or tomato base you would expect. Perhaps it is their risotto. All the meats were tender and flavorful. My favorite was the clams, and I wish there had been a few more clams and a few less mussels. It also included some sauteed thinly-sliced onions and pepers and some roasted red peppers. Everything tasted great together, but it really didn't feel like everything was cooked together for very long - if at all - so I'm not sure if all the wonderful flavors really had a chance to blend together. Yet for all my nit-picking here, I would definitely order it again. When leaving, we saw the restaurant's smoker in the alley on our way back to the parking lot where our car was parked. They are very trusting people... it was awfully tempting to open it and abscond with more of the delicious meat.
(4)
MJ J.
Stuff your skinny jeans into your bean boots and throw on your best flannel. We are going to local for brunch. This place has got an artsy, hip vibe to it. The management is apparently really good at thrift shopping, particularly for mugs. I think the best thing about this place has to be the mug collection, kittens to worlds best grandma mugs - probably all second hand but that doesn't bother me a bit. Bloody may mays galore and some other really great Sunday cocktails. The food you ask? Meh- it's decent, but I guess you come here for the experience and to feel like a hipster more than be all into the food - especially for brunch. Dinner might be a different story but it's been a long while since I've had dinner here so I'll hold off on commenting on that.
(4)
Tony S.
It started with the chicken liver. Not the most sexy sounding appetizer I'll admit, but when it was presented in a creamy au jus bed of the most amazing flavors, I knew I was sold.... and in trouble. That South Beach diet went completely out the window. The dish was the epitome of succulence, and there could not be enough bread to dip and absorb every last morsel..... (wow.... I'm actually sweating as I'm reliving that experience...). Then came the brind roasted chicken. Every inch of this half chicken entree had flavor. Even the center of the thickest white meat revealed hidden pockets of divine glory. I didn't want it to end. It was oral erotica without the sex. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the less than stellar dessert. To be fair, it could have been simply because I was full, but this apple-pie-ish dessert we had was a bit of a disappointment. I promise to give it another try when I return in a couple weeks. You'll absolutely love the casual, calm atmosphere. It reminded me of an evening dinner on one of the beach cafes in Southern California during winter. Calm, friendly, airy, and with absolutely no air of pretentiousness. I could have stayed there all night and just people watched. Highly recommend this place.
(4)
Jennifer W.
My birthday dinner was spent at Local 188 and I couldn't be happier! The only reason this is 4 stars is because the AC couldn't keep up with the kitchen and we were a little warm! We were sat immediately with a table that had a bench with pillows. Very comfy. Kyle was our server and he was amazing! Knowledgeable, helpful, kind and competent!! We started off with the chicken pinchos which were marinated chicken skewers served with an aioli. The chicken was tender, perfectly cooked and the right size to start with!!! Bread is served with the meal, local bakery, covered in olive oil and seasonings!!! Delicious!!! My entree was the braised short ribs which were fall off the bone tender. My husband had the Black Risotto which was to die for! Flavorful and unique!!!! You should visit...wear cool clothing, eat, drink and be merry!!!!
(4)
Hilary H.
I wanted to eat everything on the menu, but I practiced restraint and had the bagel with lox and the most delicious smoked-shallot relish known to me. I'm serious. What I really like about this place is the ambiance - their vibe just can't be beat. The room is large, open and airy, filled with natural light and a homey clamor from the kitchen. The service was great, friendly and well-timed by an adorable waitress in a patchwork apron. We we all very happy with our breakfasts - cinnamon buns, scrambled eggs with local vedge, and a hearty take on a huevos rancheros/frittata hybrid. Yummy. Go here for breakfast or brunch, kids - you won't be sorry.
(5)
Dave N.
Came here for a pre-concert feast and loved it. I can't recommend the seafood paella more highly--nothing like a little lobster in your saffron rice! We also tried some of the tapas plates, I'd recommend the steak plate, the quail eggs, and the hummus. Atmosphere was surprisingly cozy for a bigger space, great lighting and artwork really set the mood. As an out-of-towner, this was exactly what I was looking for in terms of great Portland cuisine. High regards to local.
(5)
Sara S.
Great as always! Drinks are spectacular, the steak was great... Desserts were amazing. As always great to support local.
(5)
Megan N.
Had brunch at Local 188 yesterday with a group of friends (and a baby!) We were seated immediately, and had coffees in front of us within minutes. The assorted Bloody's were tasty, and my Alarm Clock was a hit. (So much so that everyone changed ordered one for a second round. Who doesn't love second round brunch cocktails?) The Huevos Rancheros were delish, and the eggs cooked perfectly. The salmon bagel plate was beautifully presented, as well. Our server - didn't catch his name - was lovely and funny, and attentive without being overly conspicuous. Would love to return next time we're in the area.
(4)
Mary L.
This is my favorite place for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. They have an array of Bloody Mary choices and they infuse their own liqueur. Their honey bombs you must try if you like mimosa type drinks. I go there just for their honey bombs even at night.
(5)
Lee L.
Good service. Nice decor. Excellent food. Got the BBQ hash. A little on the salty side for me but still five stars. English muffins were amazing. I will be dreaming about them tonight
(5)
D H.
Was here last weekend. The service was as good as it could be, but the kitchen was abominably slow. We waited over for an hour for our food. Brunch food. Nothing fancy. Other people had the lobster grits and rated them as ok/mediocre. And you definitely don't get a true half lobster. More like a small claw and a small portion of tail, which they didn't de-vein. I had an open sandwich (ham, sunny side egg, something like hollandaise sauce) with an extra side of bacon. The bacon was overcooked by a good 20 minutes. Completely charred and awful. The sandwich was a complete "meh". Perhaps it was an off day given all the other reviews. I wouldn't return though.
(2)
Dionyse J.
Are at Local188 for Saturday Brunch. Great music, good vibe and excellent salmon scramble and huevos rancheros. Plan to come back next time we are in Portland. Fresh ingredients, house made Pico de gallo and coffee just strong enough!
(4)
Blair H.
Best pancakes in the WORLD!!! I horseshit you not. Now, some key words so everyone can find the best pancakes in the WORLD. Tags: Best pancakes, mucho flapjacks, best panjacks, flippy floppy cakes, hotcakes, hotpanflappyjackcakes, ate so many pancakes i no longer look like a pancake, most amazing pancakes evar, the world is flat, flatpancakejacks, all I want for Christmas is my two pancakes, panmuffins.
(5)
Bill G.
I honestly don't get it. Any of it. I don't want to slight Maine, but I can't imagine how this place, would be able to stay open anywhere else. Maybe I am jaded because we have so many amazing restaurants near us, I don't know. We ended up here at the insistence of some travel companions who have relatives in the area that love the place. First off, I don't think I've ever seen such a limited menu from somewhere that is considered a tapas place. I think there were 4 or 5 hot tapas items, and an equal amount of cold options. In addition, I find it odd that somewhere that claims to be big on locally sourced ingredients would have Mahi Mahi as the fish special for the night. In addition to the very limited menu, our server was a mix of incompetent and discourteous, if not just plain rude. We were a large party (13), which I suppose can be daunting, however - since there's an automatic 20% gratuity added onto the bill due to the size of the party, maybe at least try to do your job without acting so annoyed about it. The place was maybe slightly more than half full, and I'm still not sure which was slower - the service or the kitchen. The length of time it took to get the food ordered and out would've been far more tolerable had someone at least come over to check and see if we needed any more drinks, but alas, that didn't seem to be a huge priority. The reason that it gets 2 starts instead of 1 is that when we arrived earlier than the rest of our party, the host was very accommodating, as was the bartender while we had a cocktail at the bar while waiting for our table to be ready. Also, our cocktails were both very well balanced and tasty. The short rib appetizer I ordered was decent enough. My girlfriend's food, once she figured out which of the few options she would settle for, was also adequate, but certainly not memorable. When swapping notes with most of the others in our party later on, we found that most of them came to the same conclusion - totally underwhelmed. Well, except for the few folks from Maine. They really still like it. And they can have it. Maybe the brunch is decent, I don't know, but if I was back in the area, I honestly don't imagine bothering to find out.
(2)
Jay H.
Local does a five star brunch. It can be a bit crowded, but that's how you know it's good! The coffee is nice and strong, though it's a bit disconcerting that they do not refrigerate their cream. $5 bloody's is probably the best deal you'll find in town. Their burger obliterates hangovers. It's so juicy, and so tasty that I'd consider ordering it at 9AM. Today they had a special with mushrooms, bacon and gruyere... mmmmmm. I've eaten dinner here a number of times and the food quality has run the gamut of totally freaking awesome to extremely lackluster and overpriced. If you are good at ordering then it shouldn't be a problem, but know going in that there are pitfalls on the menu. I think they do meat really well (steak, braised shortrib) but the times I've had fish I've felt unsatisfied. The paella was extremely over salted, but it had the potential to be legendary. This is the best place in town to get torte and port if you're into that sort of thing. Their dessert chef is like Picasso with chocolate and caramel.
(4)
James H.
Great quality and service, selection not so great, no value in the pricing. Excellent fresh ingredients.
(3)
Kristen M.
I've been here 3 times now and have never been disappointed. The fresh, locally inspired dishes are absolutely delicious and the presentation is stunning. I'm not much of a drinker, but I hear the drinks are great too. The service is always great and the ambiance is very pleasant. A must when I'm in Portland.
(5)
Chelsea A.
Service was great and the food was delicious. Menu had good healthy/vegetarian options.
(4)
Lee T.
It is a Spanish restaurant but the decor does not looks too Spanish. It is a old building with open ceiling. It is a open dining room even with the open kitchen. Windows open to the street along the whole width of the restaurant. The dim light inside can let you see what is outside better. This is my second time here but is half empty on a Sunday night. Last time we are here was all packed. It is another highly rated specialty local restaurant. Then menu is very limited only one page. It is one stand letter size page with any binder or folder. I cannot eat the same entry all the time. However I ordered the same house paella as last time. It is fairly good with more mussels than I would needed. It is good but not outstanding. Especially I just returned from Spain. Other fish entries are very good also. Service are adequate but not as good as Olive Garden. The waitress offered a free dessert because the food take longer than usual to serve. Price are at the high side of $ 25-$30 entries for casual dining. I would say it is average in Old Portland downtown area. I think it is better a a three stars but less than a 4.
(3)
Ms. Review S.
A group of five us had dinner here on Friday night. We made a last minute reservation for 6:30pm. We were running a little late and they held our table with no problems. Our waitress was AWESOME! She was attentive but helped us to pace our meal so we could enjoy all of the food, drinks, and the moment. The first bite was something creamy and made with cauliflower. It was so good, I would have licked the bowl clean if I could have gotten my hands on it. My group ordered a couple appetizers, two salads, and a couple smaller entrees. The gnocchi and short ribs were amazing. The blueberry salad was fantastic as well. The appetizers were good as well, but nothing compared to the short ribs! We didn't try the desserts but we ended our meal with a nice cup of hot coffee. This was my favorite meal during this trip to Portland! I will be back for sure!
(5)
Krystle G.
This meal was fantastic! My boyfriend got the huevos rancheros and I got the eggs, home fries and English muffin. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We got a great table outside, which had a small town feel as you looked around. Great filling breakfast! I would definitely go back!
(5)
David F.
This was a nice place to have a relaxed breakfast around 10am on a Saturday. The place was large and not tightly packed so it was comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed and not loud. I ordered the huevos rancheros and thought the meal was good, though on the smaller side for the price. Generally it seemed as though the prices were higher than they should have been. Overall I would return if I was looking for that kind of atmosphere. Note: I was visiting from Boston so I do not know how it compares to other places in the area.
(4)
Stacey B.
What a great experience. Our server Julia was a delight. They didn't have a table so they sat 3 of us at the counter to watch the kitchen show right away. I cannot say enough about the mussels In white sauce. The sauce was fabulous but the quality of the mussels was the best I have ever had. I am from the west coast so I know my mussels. (Sounds a little dirty!) Loved the Champagne cocktail the monk's dream. My boy friend had the gin and tonic with a local spirit cold river and it too was fabu! Totally recommend it!
(5)
Jax A.
After many a lobster shack and lobster roll on my Maine trip, I was ready for something different. Stopped in for dinner and drinks during my stay in Portland. I think the biggest draw was the location (close to the Pomegranate Inn where I was staying). Munched on their yummy bread while I tried to decide on an entree. Since it was a "Spanish" restaurant I decided on the House Paella and some Spanish wine. It was one of the best paella dishes I have ever had! The decor is a bit eclectic and the bar section has a much cooler vibe than the dinning area but I still enjoyed the ambiance overall. The paella is definitely enough for two people to share and my boyfriend and I were totally satisfied sharing the dish. We ended up ordering their apple tart dessert, which I loved. In fact, I liked it so much I ordered another glass of their delicious Spanish wine.
(4)
Joe C.
Stopped in for brunch and was impressed with everything we tried. Corned beef hash was homemade and delicious, the special Bolognese with poached eggs was amazing as were the Bloody Marys and deviled eggs. Great service and they were able to sit us very quickly.
(4)
Lindsay F.
Hubby & I stopped here for Brunch on our way up to Camden. The fact they do brunch Saturday & Sunday is a bonus! The prices and portions are a great deal. Plus $5-6 brunch cocktails & Bloody Mary's, you can't go wrong! I had the smoked salmon platter, which had capers, onions, dill cream cheese, tomatos, etc... Such a great spread! My hubs got the Caribbean seasoned corned beef. He was nice enough to give me a bite, and man that tasted good too! I've noticed some people on Yelp complained of the service. We had a good experience with our waiter and the timeliness. The place was hoppin and he did come back to double check on something, but nothing wrong w/ that! Friendly people, great vibes and beverage... def give it a try. I'd love to go back for dinner!
(4)
TJ S.
One of the first restaurants I visited when moved to the area. Heard a lot of good things. As always taking hype with a grain of salt, was still really unimpressed, This is the kind of place that brings the foodie scene to a town and then rests on it laurels and gets played. Would be a good place for the burgeoning food scene in this country circa 1999 but otherwise now is a joke. Menu is so standard its ridiculous. Wow, mediocre beef tartare and a beet salad with goat cheese! Get outta town! I can't even review this place in detail considering how unmemorable it was. Waitstaff was ok, good downtown parking scenario. Obnoxious kitchen, dated decor, weird inbetween lounge area, overpriced. Who are you local 188? Who will you be?
(2)
Taylor P A.
brunch experience. totally honest. we had the worst waiter in really long time, we are here at least twice a month and have a toddler and even sometimes ask for a particular waitress who is lovely and sweet but i think they hired new people since when we came last and it is not pretty. regardless of how he looked to us (bad hygiene and really realkyyyyy baggy pants aalong with dirty face and hair) we waited 30 minutes to receive our coffee, 25 minutes f or our entrees, 40 minutes for a check/box, 15 minutes to get the card swiped. food was fine enough. sorry local, but why two hours for a fprtyfive minute meal :(?
(2)
Liam S.
Was good, but not great. I had heard a lot of good things, and it was alright.
(3)
AJ P.
Good food and good drinks, can't complain. The first time I walked by this place, I was a little wary as it seemed a little too hipster with the couches, mismatched furniture, and eclectic artwork. But upon entering and sitting there for the first time, I can't believe I almost passed this place up. They have a great selection of beer and wine to try out. Their menu of tapas is also wonderful if you just want to eat a little portion, or if you want to go with a few friends to try a bunch of different items.
(4)
James H.
What a dump Overpriced over complicated rubbish Just paid 214 dollars (not including tip)for 4 people- two decent but overpriced bottles of red Friends food was ok-not exactly plentiful! Don't ever eat the vegetable dumplings in broth with coconut rice- rice is dumped in broth under three soggy dumplings A soggy horrid mess Left half What bothered me more was no-one asking if it was ok or why I left a pile of mush Also topped BTW with some odd salad Pleasant service- nice desert Don't go Had better crab cakes/haddock fillets in bread earlier on the nearby Peaks Island for $9.50 each Go check out the awesome local food instead
(2)
James S.
Large open space that is popular with the locals. This place is loud (in a good way), full of fun and is very hip. It has a Spanish menu with a touch of Maine goodness and freshness. My daughter and I went here. I started with the White Sangria that was very, very good. Maybe the best sangria that I have had outside of Ibiza! My daughter had several tapas, she loved the homemade meatballs. I had the seafood paella. The paella was outstanding, full of seafood. This is Maine, so I expected good seafood, but this was FULL of scallops, mussels, a half of lobster and fish. It was delicious, plus the rice was tasty! My daughter had a frozen dessert and was very happy with it. Service was good, friendly and quick. They did have a few tables outdoors, but the inside is open and lively. We walked, but I understand they also offer free parking. I would go back here on my next visit and if I lived here I would be a regular!
(5)
Paul L.
Great brunch food, and even better people-watching. When you're one of the only sober dudes in that place on the Sunday morning, you can sit back and take in all the hilarity. I like this place a lot.
(5)
Justin S.
Great brunch, great atmosphere. Never eaten dinner here but have had their brunch numerous times. Best place in town to get a good meal for brunch on the weekend.
(5)
Kyle S.
An unbelievable experience not only based on the food, but on the total atmosphere. Completely surprised when I walked in. Went with a group, and we were treated to some of the best service I had seen in awhile. Loved how there were different seating options (anything from classic restaurant table to couch), and the pricing was more than fair based on the portions and quality of the food served. Each person at my table ordered something different and we were all impressed. Even more impressive is the drink menu, which is more like a bible. I haven't seen that much beer listed at a restaurant in my life. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone traveling in or through the Portland area.
(5)
Timothy H.
Friends brought us here for drinks and they were great. Didn't get any food but would definitely come back to give it a go.
(4)
Ed T.
A solid 4 out of 5. I had a breakfast burrito that was very tasty. I loved the style and character of the place. Fun 70s music was playing too. I imagine it would be an excellent dinner or hangout spot after dinner. The service was a bit slow, but not bad. The workers were all friendly.
(4)
Kristin L.
My family decided to try all the tapas for dinner. It was a great way to get a little taste of everything. We loved them all. The muscles were our favorite. highly recommended.
(4)
Paul P.
I did give it a second chance...But second chances don't always mean better. In fact, it was quite possibly worse then the first time I tried it. 3 Tapas for a table of 5. The tartare was over portioned and unseasoned, the ceviche was under portioned and tasteless, and the hummus although tasty overwhelmed the soggy pita. The server was polite and sweet, but obviously over taxed with the number of tables. Is it too much to ask for a cup of coffee to be refilled...or even the water carafe? Anthony Bourdain warns about fish on a Monday, but, when it comes to Local 188 the poor quality exists on Sunday too. I should have known, I guess, the Tuna, was a special. The temperature was right on, it was unfortunate that the skin was sporadically left on and the only spice used was the heavy-handed salt. I was surprised that here pink in the middle equals dry! To be fair, the pollack was tasty and at least, in our group, there was one diner pleased with her meal. By the way, the hanger steak needs to go back in the closet. Normally a hanger steak is known for its flavor, so why drown it in a romesco that tasted like a bad chipotle sauce. We couldn't bear to stay for dessert, besides, the service had been so long at that point we were all falling asleep.
(1)
Erin H.
We were visiting friends in town so this was a local recommendation and wow very good! The atmosphere is great with a variety of seating options and a nice open, airy feel. We were there for brunch/lunch so our party was split on what they ordered. I had the muffalatta sandwich - yummy and fresh and my boyfriend had the open faced cordon bleu - such awesome, fresh ingredients. Being brunch I tried their special bloody mary with cucumber infused vodka - delish! The service was spectacular - especially since we had a 5 year old with us who just wanted some eggs and toast - no problem! Will definitely go back when I'm in Portland again.
(4)
Aubrey T.
Stopped here on New Years Eve day (Sunday) and had a great breakfast. Only ~20 min wait at 11:15, but a star was lost for really slow service. If I hadn't been ravenously hungry and thus more willing to enjoy the super laid back atmosphere (lots of couches, mismatched dishes, etc.) at this spot, it would been 5 star. My (only $6) eggs + breakfast potatos + english muffin breakfast was amazing. A simple order but the eggs and potatoes were awesome, and even the english muffin was way better than a typical breakfast joint. My boyfriend had the salmon bagel plate, which came with a tasty herbed cream cheese, cukes, tomato, and a shallot relish. Also delish! Stop by if you're in Portland for a weekend, just go before you're starving.
(4)
Chris W.
Good food, reasonably priced, great for a group.
(4)
Cody S.
Ive only been for brunch, but we do go here 2 sundays a month. their menu is great, it varies every time we are in, and the staff is generally good. Every once and a while we get a bar tender that hates making Mojitos and makes a big deal about it, but other than that, all the staff has been great ... The atmosphere is very relaxed (there are couches to sit on ) and the decor is very artsy. My favorite part about this place is in the summer they have a couple of tables outside and you can sit, enjoy a cool beverage and people watch forever. They have this steak burrito that is amazing, and any of the special Benedict's are a must have !! Awesome Brunch place and GREAT for Big groups, as they have plenty of table space. But get in early as they always have a wait ....
(4)
Pete S.
Skip to number 5 below for the real memory that will stick with us. Otherwise this would have been a 4- or 5-star review. 1. Food: very good. Beautifully presented bagel/lox platter with fresh ingredients, and "Caribbean seasoned corned beef hash with eggs however" (however what?) -- basically sweet/spicy empanada filling in a cup alongside some nice charry homefries with a lot of thyme and rosemary on them. Good stuff. 2. Drinks: very good. Nicely spiced and presented bloody mary and tasty variety of light mixed drinks for brunch, all with a price that's right. 3. Price: again, very good. Most brunch entrees under $10, not bad for this kind of place. 4. Setting -- big, kind of loud, but fun, and not overpowering. Couches and benches add nice seating variety, and interesting art and lamps are a nice touch. 5. Service -- MY GOD, THE WAIT. It should not have taken two hours to get in and out of here, particularly when we were told 20 minutes, 30 tops, to get a seat. You know when you've invested too much time waiting when a kind of spicy bloody mary sits in an empty stomach for so long that you just want to put anything at all in there to settle it down. Took closer to 45 minutes to sit, then the waitress was so overstretched that things like getting drink refills became unpleasantly long waits. Seriously, just before our order was taken we were about to walk out, and only stayed because we were so abominably hungry. We would return here for a late brunch again, but only on, say, a Wednesday -- never again a Sunday. Such a shame, because it is a nice place.
(3)
Mandy H.
Decent brunch fare. Salty and hot. Spacious and varied seating. Great for a rainy Saturday morning date with friends.
(4)
Kristen B.
I dined alone for brunch at their counter. It was pretty busy for Saturday brunch, but no line out the door. The menu was standard American/casual fare. Nothing on the menu really stood out to me. Brunch drinks looked interesting though, but I wasn't up for drinking. I got an egg scramble with roasted garlic, bacon, and American cheese. It came with a toasted english muffin and home fried potatoes. It was good, but I was hungover, so anything would've worked. There's a bar area as well, a mix of wooden tables/booths/chairs and even some couches I think. The staff seemed nice and attentive. Crowd is mostly 20-30 something hipster types, but they are nothing like Brooklyn hipster snobs.
(4)
Emily D.
Local is by far one of the BEST restaurants in Portland. Local veggies and seafood and very innovative flavors with a sexy & relaxed atmosphere. If you are visiting and you are a foodie - this is a must see. Many tourist directories will point you towards Fore St and St & Company which are very good but no where near as creative and delightful as Local 188. They are well known for their excellent, laid back and knowledgeable service. The menu changes all the time so I highly recommend getting the specials as they are always fresh and very creative flavors. The braised short ribs are crazy good - and I don't even like meat dishes normally. Also the mussels are always amazing. Just go - you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Will S.
Local 188's cardamom maple glazed pork belly. 'Nuff said. Well, ok. I lied. I have more to say. Local 188 is a great spot in Portland. The atmosphere is comfortable, the service has always been exemplary, the prices aren't that bad. Almost every time I've been there (mostly for brunch), I've tried something different and have yet to to be disappointed. My favorite brunch-time dish has to be the Caribbean spiced corned beef hash. That's complete awesomeness at 10:30 on a foggy sunday morning. Combine that with a simple yet very well made Harvey Wallbanger ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha… ), and you have a recipe for a great day. Even if that means you're really just going to go back home and nap for a while. I have to say that my most recent meal there was among the best I've had in a while, anywhere. I ordered the cardamom maple glazed pork belly on a bed of scrambled eggs (which had a few other ingredients that seem to be slipping my mind...) and a green salad with goat cheese. Combined with a fine Rioja, it was a most satisfactory experience. I will be returning to Local 188 often for either brunch or dinner. You can't lose either way. 'Nuff said.
(4)
Natalie K.
One of the best meals I have ever had. Beautiful interior with murals, wildflower centerpieces, and a comfy sprawl of dining and bar space. Immaculate presentation and fresh, local ingredients. The highlight for me was the homemade gnocchi with paprika cream sauce, crushed heirloom tomatoes, basil, and grana cheese. The gnocchi was light and chewy--not that dense, gummy stuff you've probably had elsewhere. The tomatoes were bursting with color and flavor. We also enjoyed the curry mussels, fresh scallops, kohlrabi cakes (!!), goat cheesecake, and lemon pot de creme. Service was the weak link at this restaurant, but I was too elated to notice much. For what you are getting, the price was reasonable, about $30/person for drinks, dinner, and dessert.
(5)
Sara M.
Honestly, our meal just did not live up to our expectations here. We ordered a selection of small plates (5 of them) and split an entree. The food was good, but not spectacular given the price. The service was also rather slow.
(3)
Liz A.
Local 188 was on the list from our innkeeper so we took a shot to get in, though OpenTable said they didn't have any tables until late. Score - snagged a table in the bar! Our shy server was adorable and attentive. The drinks were STRONG and very tasty. The food, however, was the star. My mom and I shared a few dishes and never looked back. Radish and pea shoot salad w buttermilk dressing: check. Paprika gnocchi over chicken gravy: could have eaten this all night long. Lamb keftedes: mmmm. Braised short ribs: perfection on a rainy night. Flourless chocolate torte: yeah, that's right - rich and creamy. This place is definitely funky but also fun and relaxed. Highly recommended!
(5)
Evie K.
great local hipster vibe, and the food is superb. the Pancake is actually a 10" pan of cornbread-like cake.... waaaaaay too much for one person, but a great side to share amongst a few people. The blueberry pancake was excellent. Bacon is well done and smoky - just as I like it. Bloody Mary was right on the mark with flakes of chili to give a nice kick. I like the edge in this neighborhood as well - it's shows the other side of Portland.
(5)
Charley Z.
First thing's first: DO NOT come here for brunch. Okay? That being said, this is my favorite place in Portland to come for dinner. Or just for drinks. Or just drinks and an olive and cheese plate. Really. The food is phenomenal. And, as such, you get great food as well as some not-so-great things. For instance, the staff, god bless 'em waitresses like I, are a bunch of hipsters who really just don't care if your water glass is empty, or you've been waiting for drinks for twenty minutes. Again, that being said, so the hell what. The food is amazing. And once you've been there enough, it's kind of like waiting for your family to hurry up and serve your food. So what? It's delicious no matter how long it takes. And really their cocktails are amazing. And great wine list!
(5)
Amy L.
Holy crap was this a good brunch! I had the caribbean hash, which was just the right balance of rich, spicy and beefy, topped with runny poached egg goodness. My mimosa was also of the approved "champagne with a splash of orange juice" variety. Also I loved the atmosphere - old couches, mismatched furniture, but also big windows and lots of space to keep it from looking like your grandmother's parlor. Service was slooooow, but we weren't in a hurry, and this was a great place to linger.
(5)
Sally B.
Disappointing visit to this place this morning. After we had taken our seat, my plan was to get.one of their Super Bowl special cheeseburgers. I asked where they sourced their beef and was told from somewhere in Wisconsin. They could not tell me whether the beef was industrial. This restaurant bills itself as local. I think not. They said they stopped sourcing their beef locally because the product wasn't dependable. Huh? That's what you should expect. And that's what I expect when I go someplace called Local 188. Maybe the place should be renamed "local, when convenient, 188". So, I got the Huevos Rancheros instead. I had to send back the beans because they were cold. The corn tortillas were under the eggs and smothered with a hunk of melted cheese. My husband got a scrambled something. He had to send back his soggy potatoes. The English muffin was good, though. And my tea was hot. This is diner food in a restaurant that bills itself as something more. The waitress was lovely though. And they did take half off our breakfast. That was prudent. At that point I thought that I might not do a write up on yelp, but then when I saw a cigarette butt in the toilet on my way out....clearly left there by staff, I changed my mind. Next time, I will be sure to jump in line at Hot Suppa next door.
(1)
Erin S.
If I decide to go here again for dinner, I'll remember to eat beforehand. While I give Local 188 credit for a great ambiance and friendly waitstaff, there is something left to be desired by their food...and the size of the portions. Okay, okay...I am the only one here who is not raving about the food. But, let's be honest. Taste isn't everything. And while the two dishes I had were well seasoned and tasted fine, I did not feel as though the price I paid was worth it. The meatballs had a hint of cumin in them and were served with a delicious marinara sauce that had a bite to it. But you only got three small ones and it cost you $7. And by small, I mean...one bite. I had the pan seared quail as an entree and I had to laugh when it arrived at our table, because it was so incredibly small. In all seriousness, I ate the tiny bird in four bites. The bird was 1/2" thick and could fit in the palm of your hand. Surprisingly, the best part of our meal was the dessert. For $4, we got two huge brownies and a glass of milk -- delicious. In fact, I paid 1/4 of the price of dinner for the brownie, and received 4 times the amount of food. If I ever go back again, it'll only be for a drink, because I'll be heading someplace else for dinner.
(2)
Quinn F.
Had been once before for late night drinks and enjoyed it and hoped to go back. Went back recently for a rehearsal dinner. Great food and well made drinks. Waitress was very nice and had a sense of humor. (If you don't have a sense of humor, you cannot be a good waitperson. It's the law.) If Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Pepperland (S. Berwick, ME) had a baby, it would be Local 188.
(4)
Amelia M.
I live in Portland. I've been to Local a handful of times but never anxious to go back. Why? THE SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. Buzz-kill terrible. Here is a water down version of events of my night last night. The drinks, however are NOT watered down and that's worth a star alone! (DO try the Basil Lemonade!) We sat ourselves, waited 20 minutes for the first round of drinks, were brought an extra and then CHARGED for the mistake. After AN HOUR passed without seeing a waitress for refills, I went up the bar and got carded again. The seating is very eclectic and mostly cozy but it seems too confusing for the waitstaff to maintain. Our waitress was just completely absent for hours but nice enough. There is one real D-Bag of a bartender (hipster-ish blond guy with a beard) who has no people skills. Trying to return an extra drink was met with "That happens. Well? Are you going to drink it?" When I went up to the bar to ask if table service stopped at a certain time (we had been sitting there for an hour) and to order another glass of wine, I got carded. When explaining I had been sitting at my table, I got "Yeah. CAN I SEE YOUR I.D." I understand liability laws so the 'tude was unnecessary. It was justified to me that unless you're a regular of a year or more, the staff will act very pretentious because they don't know you. I don't think there's any justification for that. Everyone should be treated with courtesy.
(2)
Filteq B.
This is our "go to" restaurant in Portland. Never had a bad meal here. We have tried many other places but always end up coming back to Local. Don't miss the Braised Short Ribs!
(5)
Geoff F.
We had a wonderful meal. Great service and hip atmosphere.
(5)
Karen D.
Funky and flavorful. Not sure if I'm cool enough to be here, but I think I just made the cut. This place has an artsy style and the food is really good.For brunch I had the breakfast burrito and my campanion had the Cordon Blue sandwich. That doesn't sound like anything special, but the presentation and the flavor were excellent. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly, attentive, and played good music. While we were eating we saw someone getting a pancake that looked like a big fluffy cushion and every other dish looked beautiful. If I lived here, this would be one of the stops on my local route.
(4)
Tamar A.
You know those places you drive by while tooling around a new city on vacation and even though it's only noon and you've just eaten a huge brunch you still swear you'll go back and try it for dinner because it just looks so darn funky and else what's a vacation for other than eating and tooling? This place is all low light and mismatched furniture and wobbly mosaic tables. It's draping on the walls and surprisingly friendly hipster waitresses with patchwork aprons. It's big, swirly glasses of red and crusty baguette, ripe cheeses and marinated olives. It's a chop the size of your head and fish drenched in an impossibly savory red sauce you can't quite describe except that you know it has capers. This place is 188 kinds of pure flavor, both culinary and, of course, local. Go Maine.
(5)
Nicole M.
I was in Portland for a week taking a jewelry design class. The woman who runs the studio recommended this restaurant and so after an intense day of sucking in new information like a little sponge for 8 hours followed by 3 hours of work, I was ready for a good meal and a few drinks. Lucky for me, Local 188 was only a few blocks from my hotel. I liked the vibe right off the bat and sat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. The waitress who served me was incredibly nice and attentive. I ordered a sangria which was good (I prefer mine on the sweeter/spicier side) and the seared tuna special with caper sauce. The food was absolutely delicious. I'm one of those people that tends to eat pretty quickly but I made an effort to take my time with this meal. The tuna was cooked perfectly, the caper sauce was amazing and the vegetables looked and tasted like they had just been pulled out of a garden 5 minutes prior to being cooked. All in all, a lovely experience. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for the quality...I'd be there once a week if I lived in Portland for sure.
(5)
Andrew F.
Not small, yet awfully cozy feeling, Local 188 is a great place for drinks or a full meal (although you'll want to take into consideration just how busy it can get). It would be wise to try their Caparinha (they definitely have a Latin flair); plus the added bonus that you will get it served to you by their look-alike celebrity bar staff (Zach Galifianakis and Cameron Frye working side by side!) The food is terrific, especially the short ribs (pricey and altogether worth it), and the flatbread (most inexpensive item on the menu and one of the largest).
(4)
Christina F.
Stopped by here for brunch, very good food. Lots of families waiting around in the communal area. No one seemed to mind the wait. Some of the seating is a bit awkward (benches, sofas), but that's no matter when the food is tasty! Highly recommend the Caribbean spiced eggs!
(4)
Nicole B.
My husband and I ate here last Saturday. We walked in without a reservation, and there was a little bit of a wait, but we found seats at the bar and enjoyed the impressive beer menu while we were waiting. We ordered several small plates and ate way more than we intended because everything was so good. I was particularly impressed by the gnocchi, since I've never liked a gnocchi dish before--it was so light and fluffy! Everything was just spectacular; nothing to complain about.
(5)
J S L.
Fun place. Good food. Extensive wine and beer list. Don't know if chandelier lights were out by design. Part of a vibrant downtown scene.
(3)
Marc A.
My absolute favorite restairant in Portland. I don't know exactly why, but every single thing I've ever eaten here is one of the best things I've ever eaten. Seriously.
(5)
Walleyecrue W.
Bring the seafood paella. Now, bring the sorbet. Both of 'em. But not before you slide into a Corpse Reviver, or three.
(5)
Casey J.
Tasty drinks, good tapas, amazing brunch. The service can be a bit slow though, so relax and have a drink.
(4)
C. B.
Two words: Don't go! This place was such a disappointment, it moved me to actually create a yelp account and write my first review ever. My husband worked in fine dining for over 15 years and I work in the food industry now, so we have a few pet peeves: First, if you can't remember an order, then WRITE IT DOWN. Don't try and wow us with your amazing memory and then proceed to get the order wrong. Twice. Second, if you ask diners how their meal is and they answer with , "ummmm....okay, I guess?", don't reply with, "It's good? Great!" and spin on your heel, walking away as fast as possible. Meaning, if you ask how the meal is, then actually be interested in talking about it. And if you make mistakes as a server, be apologetic and humble, not dismissive. Third, if you as an establishment are going to charge high end prices that rival bigger cities, then your food and service had better match up. Out bill totaled $122 plus tax, for 1 app, 2 salads, 2 entries, and 2 glasses of wine. That would have been fine if the food had actually been good. It wasn't. The short rib, which I had been looking forward to all day, (I'm pregnant with a big red meat craving) was under-seasoned, and the cut of meat wasn't trimmed which meant that half of the portion was fat or bone. Worse, the sauteed greens, (usually one of my favorite parts of a meal) were inedibly salty and full of sand. Yes, SAND. The salads were underwhelming in taste and texture. When we read the description of the bleu cheese salad on the menu, it sounded good, but the flavors just didn't come together at all. The gnocchi was pretty good, although incredibly rich-- but we knew it would be when we ordered it. All in all, a massive waste of our time and a huge letdown for our one night out in Portland.
(2)
Joel C.
Get. The. Pancake. Crazy good! But be warned, it's actually a pan cake, not those flat disc things you find everywhere else. Also, unless you're dining with your pet elephant, better ask for the smaller version. The brunch cocktails are creative and perfect for 11am drinks. The salmon scramble was great and full of salmon. New favorite brunch place in Portland!
(5)
jumanna s.
The bar serves some of the best drinks I have ever had. Delicious! We ordered tapas and while the mussels were AMAZING everything else was underwhelming except the bok choy salad which was indelible.
(3)
Sam A.
Quiet, Dark, and intimate restaurant with parking tn the back. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. Portion size is good.
(3)
L B.
Loved this place! Creative menu, interesting decor, great drinks. What else can you ask for?
(4)
David Z.
For me the greatness of this place is really a combination of the food and the atmosphere. I feel incredibly at home here. I love Spanish food and paella and although you don't get the crusty rice on the bottom here, it is excellent. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I had to send a steak back once for it being overcooked and they got me a new one in no time. I always get the mussels as a starter. They are cheap, the serving size is generous, and they are great. Plus they come with good bread to dip in the broth. It is always my first recommendation for dinner in Portland.
(5)
Jules V.
Local 188 is aces in my book. I highly recommend this place to anyone searching for powerful coffee, large portions and reasonable prices. My dish - the Caribbean corned beef hash - was delicious, huge and only about $6.50. The Lovely Girlfriend's omelet was similarly enormous and also well under ten bucks. They've got a full bar at Local 188 and while we didn't indulge a couple of girls seated next to us slugged down a handful of large orange-ish cocktails. I think they were Mimosas but they could have been Screwdrivers. Either way the girls were a little wobbly when they left so while I cannot directly recommend any drinks to you I can tell you by the looks of it they pour em strong. I can also tell you that they serve a Sazerac which is a sure sign of a bar inhabited by serious drinkers, another good sign. Since Portland is a favorite spot (read that as the only spot) of the Lovely Girlfriend to visit when in Maine I'm sure we will return to sample their libations at a later date. For all my reviews find my blog on my yelp profile page.
(4)
Jimmy C.
It's hard to explain Local 188 without noting the yuppie/GenXish kind of vibe that engulfs you inside. There's a mix of sofas and living room, type chairs in the middle of the wide open space. Decor is rather busy but it seems to work there. Another thing that hit me was the noise level, which I'd describe as an unrelenting low roar. Menu was varied and prices were a bit high, but nothing outrageous. I had opted in for a Groupon valued at $50 for $25 so, I was already up $25. Being a vegan limited my choices. There was only one dish considered vegetarian and to be honest, it was awful. Chick peas ladled on to a hunk of some type of squash that reminded me of that weird monolith in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. My partner and I both ordered it foolishly. Needless to say, the dish did not work at all. All and all it was about average or slightly below average. It always baffles me why places like Local 188 don't make an effort to accommodate all types of diners.
(3)
jen p.
We stopped by for the first time one winter evening. It was busy, loud and exactly the kind of food we wanted. Our party of three sat at the bar area over looking the kitchen and had a great time. The food was amazing.. the best meal i had since leaving brooklyn.
(5)
Liz H.
Two words: hot mess. I went for New Year's Day brunch around noon. The hostess told us it would be a 20-30 minute wait. Fine. We got our coffee and sat on the couches. 10 minutes later, she told us that the dining room was full, but we could be served at the couches. Again, fine. We placed our orders, and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. We waited for longer than an hour for our brunch, as did all the other customers. Our server was inattentive with coffee and water, and provided no apologies for the wait. When our food finally did arrive, my boyfriend's meal was good, but my eggs were burnt. They comped the coffee, but I would have rather had the last hour of my life back. I understand that it was New Year's, and that places get swamped. However, it's completely ridiculous for a place as popular and well-established as Local 188 to be so woefully unprepared for the holiday rush. The hostess should have given us some indication of how backed-up the kitchen was, at the very least. I've had some good food and pleasant experiences at Local 188, but, with so many restaurants of equal price and quality in Portland, there's no reason to risk this sort of sub-par service again.
(2)
Kristen L.
This place is a solid find. It's a bit outside of downtown, but easily walkable. I went here for dinner on a Saturday night with 3 other people. The place was full, but luckily we didn't have to wait. it's pretty industrial looking with an open kitchen and spread out so it feels more intimate than it looks. This place is known for using only local fresh ingredients with a constantly changing menu. While not a long menu, it had your choice of tapas, salads, entrees and desserts with a little bit of something for every palette. We decided to split some tapas and have drinks. VERY GOOD beer and wine selection and a list of pretty creative cocktails too. The cheese and meat plates were an awesome choice....shrimp ceviche was ok...a little bit too much vinegar and not enough lime for me, but it still wasn't bad. The crown jewel was the steak tare tare though....excellent flavor with garlic and truffle oil and just the right amount of salt. Could've eaten the whole plate of that myself. Definitely worth a try if you want something a little different.
(4)
Lyndsay C.
We were looking for a cool spot for dinner our first night in Portland and we stumbled upon Local 188. What a great stumble. The atmosphere was really nice. In addition to regular dining room seating they had comfy sofas for lounging, socializing and drinking. First things first...Sangria! We ordered a pitcher for the two of us. This was the largest pitcher of Sangria I have ever scene and it was delicious! For food we decided to just do tapas. We had the tomato soup for starters. It was so flavorful and well seasoned. We at it up and loved it! Then we had the Tortilla of the day which had pistachios in it. This traditional Tortilla de Espana was so good. I almost wished I didn't have to share. Lastly we had the cheese plate which we probably could have passed on in exchange for something else. I'm a vegetarian so I didn't have too many menu choices so we opted for cheese. I'm not a big fancy cheese eater so I wasn't too satisfied. My boyfriend however loved every last bit. We still had 1/2 a pitcher of sangria left so the server which the wicked cool squid tattoo, gave us some bread to snack on. All in all, the service was good, the food was tasty and the sangria was lethal. We will be back!
(4)
James C.
Stopped for Friday afternoon drinks at 4 and stayed until 6:30. Really enjoyed sitting outside with my White Lotus cocktail, my companion had a Caipirinha, we moved on to white wine when we split some wonderful mussels in a saffron cream sauce. All this prandial bliss was slightly marred when the owner asked us to use our third chair, on which we'd piled our bags and coats. When we demurred as we didn't want those things on the sidewalk, he sat at a table nearby and bad mouthed us to his companions. Later he had a waiter offer us a round of drinks, we declined as we were disinclined. When we got our check, he'd cleared the tab but wrote, "next time give up the chair". I'd like to remind him that he has at least a hundred chairs to pick from. Moreover, buying us off but admonishing us with the same gesture did not win our hearts. Luckily his skill in the kitchen does not leave one wanting. We'll go back, and perhaps bring a folding chair for our coats and bags.
(2)
Joe R.
I personally enjoyed every bite of my fiddlehead scramble and the service is always pleasant!!!
(5)
Cara S.
I'd like to give this place a 3.5 I came with a friend last night and was happy to find no wait; we were promptly seated by a friendly hostess. The ambiance and atmosphere were nice and welcoming. Our server was nice, but not especially speedy. We ordered a cheese plate, olives and a salad with seasonal vegetables as appetizers and the shrimp risotto and hake for our entrees. The cheese plate was really good, one of the highlights of the meal. There was a nice variety and they served dried apricots, cranberries, pistachios, and this AMAZING jam with the cheeses. We were also really happy with the olives served. The seasonal vegetables salad was OK at best. There definitely could have been more goat cheese and more vegetables. The entrees were average. The hake was cooked well, but had very little flavor. The presentation was beautiful, but there was a lot to be desired with the taste. Also, the fingerling potatoes served with this were almost black and were not appealing in any way. The taste was awful and they looked even worse. The risotto was average as well. Again, really lacking in flavor, and they used tiny shrimp which made the dish seem cheap. The sangria tasted mostly like juice with very little wine and no fruit in the pitcher, they give you a lot, but it seems you are getting a lot less than what you pay for. The dessert was really great. Roasted poblano chocolate chip ice cream served with a brownie, spun sugar and sliced apple garnish. This and the cheese plate were the absolute highlights of this meal. Also, they give you some great bread with oil and sea salt drizzled and sprinkled on top. That was a nice addition to our cheese plate.
(3)
T.H. J.
A bit overpriced and the room is loud.
(4)
Alexa B.
Lunch here is very good, it has actual parking and a great atmosphere, but dinner time around the weekend sucks. My friend and I waited for 1.5 hours for dinner when they weren't even that busy. We ended up having to leave because we'd paid to see a play, so we had no dinner. If you're aiming to get out by a certain time, try somewhere else. But if you can take your time, Local 188 is a great place for amazing drinks, metropolitan food and Portland's own brand of hip ambiance. It's not the hipster trash spoken of on earlier posts -- but you can find plenty of that elsewhere. Local 188 stands on it's own.
(3)
Sarah M.
We came here for brunch on a recent visit to Portland. It's very kid friendly which was great since we had our 6 year old with us. The food was good. I had the homemade granola with fruit (lots of fresh fruit - bananas, pineapple, strawberries, star fruit) and my husband had the bagel and lox platter which he enjoyed. My son just had an english muffin, but he was very happy with the apple jelly he was able to put on it. The service was also good especially since the restaurant was busy. One thing that bothered me a little - on the tables with the ketchup, salt and pepper, etc. there were small coca cola bottles with a spout on top and a white liquid in it. When I asked what it was the waitress said it was cream for the coffee. It just grossed me out that the cream was sitting in those bottles on the table for the whole morning (it doesn't look appetizing in them either) so I ordered a separate milk to put in my coffee.
(3)
Nick C.
We came here after dinner at Five Fifty Five. We asked our waitress for a recommendation on where to grab a couple post dinner drinks and she pointed us to Local 188. It has a nice atmosphere, filled with couches, benches and tables for groups to gather at. The problem was there was no where to sit. Although thats to be expected at this time of night. My review score was based on this one bartenders attitude. We walked in and up to the bar for a drink. After literally standing in front of a male bartender at the side bar (our party was two couples) for a couple of minutes (the bar was busy but we were still able to find standing room at the right end of the bar) who barely even glanced at us (he was not helping anyone during the time we were standing there) I finally asked if we could order some drinks with him (none of us knew if he was a bartender or a bust boy). He gave us this rude look like "yeah obviously, now what do you want" and had a complete attitude. His reaction was like surprise and disgust that we would even ask. We were all kind of throw off by this. He made our drinks and was not friendly at all. Ok, here's your dollar tip which was more than he deserved. After that we moved to the bar backed by the open kitchen where a different bar tender (a taller skinny man with glasses) was bartending. He was much friendlier and although we now had two bar seats, we had a sour taste in our mouth and decided to finish our drinks and leave. I would've given it 2.5 stars simply because of the atmosphere and 2nd bar tender we dealt with (drinks werent bad either) but the first bartender was so unfriendly that he drove us to leave (a blond or brown haired bartender with short hair and a black vest, in case management reads this review).
(2)
Seth J.
In my top 3 places to eat in Portland. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for meals made with quality local ingredients. Wine menu is very diverse and the drinks are stiff. I've never had a bad night dining here!
(5)
Holland T.
Loved everything! from the bread and crostini they brought when we first sat down and the friendly server, to our main course I can't see enough. Also a great spot if you are doing a drinks and appetizer craw.
(5)
Salamander J.
Yum! Breakfast served up by a young cute staff (our waitor was a sexy ducky from pretty in pink). Everything slides down wonderfully with their cucumber infused vodka bloodys! Go early for quiet and later to be drunk by noon! They like to cook but not serve. Mainehigh: 3.5
(4)
L P.
I went a few months ago with a couple of friends before seeing a concert up in Portland - and positively loved everything we ate. The paella was amazing and the best I've had since Spain - and I'm Boston-based. There's some mean tapas restaurants down here, but Local 1898 paella was AMAZING. I want to go back just to eat it again.
(5)
Francis C.
This review is for the bar only, and not the food. The picture of the hipsters out front is spot on - it pervades both inside and out. Upon entering, I saw two fellows at the bar waiting to get someone's attention, and there were two bartenders, one lady and another hipster-type gent. I was kind of waiting behind the two guys, and it must have been a good couple of minutes before the two guys basically gave up and walked out. I walked closer to the bar and did my thing, attempting to get eye contact, and I succeeded with the gent (there is no mistake when you make eye contact), but he was busy chatting with one other guy and basically ignored me. Then, two other people sat down and the lady tending bar got them a couple drinks, so I basically ignored the guy and was able to get a drink from the woman. Even so, it seemed like she didn't *really* want to be there, and a smile was something of a struggle (perhaps it was a long day, not sure), but I got my Sidecar which was ok. She was attentive when I asked for a glass of ice water. In general, I wouldn't hit this place alone - it's somewhat lounge-y, and if you're not being made welcome at the bar, you probably won't be made welcome elsewhere. As a 32 year old yuppie with a glimmer of fashion sense (please hold the jokes about fashion from the 14th C. - 18th C.), I felt a bit older than the average, but I did see a couple of groups of 2 or 3 a bit older than I.
(3)
Inna B.
Unusual treatment of fresh, local ingredients. My mussels with tamarind, ginger and orange broth were outstanding - after devouring the mussels, I inhaled the broth (and bread is delicious and great for dunking). You also get great theatre - we sat at the bar by the open kitchen and watched the cooking.
(5)
Elyse A.
The food at Local 188 was really fantastic--great bread, amazing mussels and my special albacore tuna meal was delicious! Unfortunately, the service was pretty terrible. We had a reservation for 8 p.m. and did not end up sitting down until about 15-20 minutes after that. And then didn't get drinks/bread until almost an hour later. After things started rolling out, it was better, but the service was slow all night. I like to linger over a meal, but this was just irritating. We could've had a reservation at Fore Street that same night for 9:15 but deemed that too late. After it took so long to get things at Local 188, I almost wish we had gone there instead. Food was four stars, but service was two.
(3)
David B.
I had lots of tapas and couldn't eat my entree. Everything had a wonderful complexity of tastes, nice pairings, looked wonderful like little pieces of art. Drinks are strong, wine is great. Great food. Great service. Very nice.
(5)
Susie Q.
We came in for brunch on a Saturday morning and Local 188 exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. Everything from the strong coffee and fresh (complimentary) fruit plate to our egg dishes was delicious. We had the baked eggs in sofrito over grilled bread and the Caribbean Spiced Corned Beef Hash. Great presentation and use of flavors. We will be back for dinner and brunch again to try to delicious looking Bloody Mary's. Oh, and I read some of the other reviews regarding the service but our server was friendly and very attentive. Overall, everything was perfect; Local 188 is a must go-to in Portland.
(5)
Jennifer R.
Avoid Sunday brunch unless you have your entire day off to devote to the experience. Arrived with group of 6 and was told 30 min wait. Over 45 min later and only after I checked in again were we seated. WORST SERVICE EVER! Took forever to be acknowledged, took longer for drink/food order. Waitress incorrectly described food (stated there were black beans in meal when it was pinto/described raspberry strudel but it was plain, dry coffee cake) and then we never saw here again until we hunter her down for the check. A food runner brought us our food. My soup came AFTER my burger? Food was average, decent drink prices/choices, its a shame we were never able to order more than one since not one person ever checked on us during entire meal. This ordeal took two hours from the time we arrived, no thanks, never again. The only reason for the two stars-food was ok, good am drink selection for $5 each.
(2)
Elizabeth A.
One of my favorite places to eat (and drink) in Portland. The epitome of Gemütlichkeit. The vibe is hip, but the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and cheery. A great place to gather with friends, or to enjoy some down time alone. Reasonable prices, friendly service, great (slow) food all around. Always nice to see a menu featuring local ingredients. On my last visit, I enjoyed the best olive tapas I've had to date; warm, crusty bread with olive oil; and an amazing salad topped with roasted winter squash, pine nuts, and a touch of ginger. Yum. I was really impressed by the wine list - not your average selections at all. Worth a visit, even going out of your way to visit.
(5)
Steve B.
no need to worry about walking out of there with leftovers, left very hungry. Heirloom tomato salad was disappointing, 4 thinly sliced slices of tomato and two cherry tomatos, disappointing with the cost. Had to ask for bread. atmosphere was nice but screaming child reminded us why we left the kid at home. Alice waters chez panisse was a bargin compared to this place. On a good note, mixed drink menu was interesting and tasty!!
(2)
Milton G.
While visiting friends in Portland, they took us to Local 188 and I must say it is one of the best restaurants I have ever enjoyed. Great food, cool atmosphere, good service, and reasonable prices. I would gladly go there again.
(5)
Deborah L.
Food was ok. Location, decor, service, ambiance was very good. We had the Tortilla del Dia with sweet potatoes and onions. It was just ok, certainly not great. I had a fish dish which was ok.
(3)
Kim S.
I came for brunch here with a couple of girlfriends while I was in town and I loved the place: the vibe, the food, the people. If I lived in Portland I would definitely be a regular.
(5)
Kate M.
I love Portland, Maine, and I LOVED eating here!! Delicious cocktails and cute guys behind the bar made the few moments we waited for a table wonderful. The place had a real funky vibe and the music was great too. Excellent paella in particular!
(4)
Rachel E.
My boyfriend and I came here after arriving in portland. We were cranky, thirsty, and hungry. This was a little more upscale and pricey than we anticipated, but the food and service and atmosphere were good. I would suggest you request the oil on the side for the bread. They doused our bread in oil to the point where it wasn't edible. The Spanish tortilla appetizer was good, but it came out at room temperature. Not sure if they meant to do that, but maybe it should say so on the menu. We were wondering if they forgot to heat it up- but we were so hungry we didn't ask. I got the gnocchi with goat cheese in a dijon cream sauce, and I'm not sure what they gave me but it wasn't gnocchi. It was more like fried bits of mashed potatoes. Still very delicious, but not gnocchi, and the dish could have used a squeeze of lemon for some oomph and could have come with the option of some scallops (I stole some from my bf and dipped in the sauce -- SO GOOD!!!)... My bf got the seafood paella and said the seafood part was awesome (half of a lobster with fish, scallops, mussels, clams, and shrimp) but the rice was lackluster. His was $32, and he said it was barely worth the money. We didn't get any cocktails but the bar area looked quite nice. Definitely a hipster, mellow, upscale and romantic ambiance to the place. Good for a dinner date for sure, or maybe some post-dinner cocktails.
(4)
Ian H.
Dinner so delicious I ate mud and sand. The food here is perfectly cooked, very flavorful, and creative without being "creative" in a celebrity-chef kind of way (no foam soups or pickled ramps here.) I would have given this place five stars, except the paella had a dead, mud-filled clam shell in it, which leaked grit into the whole dish and gave everything a disconcerting crunchyness. (This may not be an isolated quality control issue: a friend of ours once found a worm in his salad). When we told the waitress about this, however, she was unresponsive; and when our check arrived there were no discounts or apologies. The flavors were so spot on, though, that I'd still be willing to go back, although I would perhaps take my first few bites tentatively. Overall, still a positive experience. Prices are upscale reasonable. Cocktails are delicious. Braised shortribs are a must.
(4)
Alana P.
Pros: Food is great, in general--a little pricey, but you have to pay a little more for local ingredients. That just the way it is, and that's fine with me. Enjoyable and low-key place to grab a drink (lounge-esque) with a late-20s to mid-40s crowd that I would normally attribute to the "hipster trash" a previous [clearly unbalanced] reviewer referred to. It used to be a lot easier to get a seat if all you want is booze, but now the bar fills up pretty rapidly. I would recommend getting there earlier in the evening if you'd like to snag something other than the church pew by the doors. Cons: I've had a few problems with Local 188 making significant errors when running my card; actually with paying in general. Once, it involved triple-charging a friend $100+ when her bill was $15. Another time, a clearly tipsy bartender came up to me several times insisting that I hadn't paid for my drink and apologizing for "embarrassing me in front of my friends". He eventually located the cash, which another bartender had picked up, and failed to apologize for basically creating an incredibly awkward situation for no reason whatsoever. Additional thoughts: It's too bad that John left [for the Grill Room], because he's a peerless bartender.
(4)
Callan C.
Wow! Nice place up on the hill in Portland. There is a younger vibe here and it was nice to get to explore something different than the wharf area. Following the name, there is a focus on local provisions here. The menu is not huge but everything we had was delicious. There is a section with tapas type dishes and also entrees to choose from. My favorite selection was the house paella. It included mussels, chorizo and chicken and was extremely enjoyable. My table also ordered some mussels in some kind of sauce and they were some of the best I've ever had. Everything else I tasted was great as well - good marks for food! Service was standard, nothing out of the ordinary. I liked the feel of the space, very open and separated in a few areas - dining, casual living room lounge type area and then a nice bar. The decor is kind of bohemian and artsy. I will make it a point to come again!
(4)
Jay F.
had the house paella. sucked. no crunchy rice. shell fish was dry. house sausage was good. but still, expect much better for $20+. I was flying solo so it was the only thing I ate. Well, I guess the bread was okay.
(1)
Ben S.
Wonderful brunch, overwhelmed staff.
(4)
Steve M.
Delicious Sunday brunch. Great scrambles and sandwiches, amazing soup of the day (split pea). Fresh and rootsy, and the restaurant and food both look beautiful. Crammed full of locals, and maybe that's why the service was a little slow. I'd definitely come back here.
(4)
Monique G.
Every meal I've ever had here has been reeeeeally good. Somewhat expensive, but quality stuff.
(4)
Gina K.
Love the atmosphere especially near the bar area. Wait staff is very informed and helpful. We had the grilled flatbread for an app and I had the gnocchi special (w/ goat cheese, grapes & marcona (?) almonds in a creamy sauce. Really delicious. We shared the warmed brownie & cheesecake for desert. Brownie gets a thumbs up but I could skip the ginger cheesecake. Nice wine & beer selection.
(4)
Shanna R.
It was a cold, rainy day followed by an even colder, rainy night. My room mate and I needed to get out, but wanted to go somewhere cozy where we could curl up like cats and eat sumptiuous food. Local was the place we chose, and what a lovely meal. Seasonal (I had the Autumn Squash and she had the risotto of the night), prepared well, and served by a chill girl who knew the specials but did a good job not rushing through them. Go to this restaurant if you want cocktails (they have lots of infusions behind the bar) and maybe a couch to sink into. Go for brunch, go for the live music (on Tuesday night?). Just go, relax, and enjoy a meal.
(4)
Sarah G.
We stopped in for brunch not expecting much and were pleasantly surprised. The interior is great - beautiful high ceilings, ornate and fully stocked bar, random knick knacks and fabric all over etc. Staff was very friendly and food was reasonably priced and very very tasty. I don't remember the last time I got excited over an english muffin but this one was really good. My eggs were very delicately cooked and the potatoes were great. We'll definitely be going back for brunch and to check out the bar.
(4)
donaurora r.
Went for Sunday brunch. As a party of 3 we were seated quickly though the place was packed. Host has no idea what specials were, told us to ask wait person. No coffee or beverages were offered. I would describe her as "indifferent". Our waitperson was friendly, but took a long time to bring us coffee and water. Water glasses small and did not stay filled. Waitperson wasn't sure if they could serve ice coffee(?) Food was okay. Pancakes a little too cakey and more like dessert. Had to ask for maple syrup. Scrambles were fresh and appeared to have fresh ingredients. The worse part of the whole experience was the flies. Yes FLIES. That kept landing on us and trying to land on our food. I realize flies can fly in and out of doors this time of year, but we were seated far from the door, and the flies seemed to have been around for awhile. Landing on tables besides us as well. No attempt was made by staff to shoo or swat them. After our food arrived and we asked for one water and coffee refill we were pretty much forgotten. Had to wait a long time for server to get payment. Very disappointing service and attention to diners. I've eaten here a few times before and this was by far the worse experience. I don't like that this restaurant may have devolved to a "hit or miss". Service needs vast improvement.
(2)
Quinn C.
Once in a blue moon the siren song of their tasty, tasty cocktails will get the best of me and I'll enjoy a seat outside and a boozy treat, but never, ever again will I go for dinner. I always go hopeful, and never leave impressed. Some of the worst service I've had in my life, probably because I have managed to have the same dopey-screw-it-all-up waitress each time I have eaten there.
(3)
lisa r.
Super funky, fun spot. The food was good- could have been a little better, but between the atmosphere, the amazing (virgin) bloody mary for $2 and the great music -we will go back next time we are in town....
(4)
V W.
Went to this restaurant for dinner on a friend's recommendation and we were very pleased. The ambiance was casual yet felt hip - current, busy, young, vibrant. There's a lounge area and also a dining room area. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable - and went out of her way to make us comfortable (we had to switch tables from outside to inside because of rain). The food was delicious! My husband and I own a walking tour company in Spain, so you could say that we know what Spanish food tastes like, and this is NOT it. Nevertheless, the food was great (scallops, gnocchi, harpooned swordfish from Nova Scotia) - all prepared with plenty of garlic and olive oil (here lies the Spanish influence) - The menu is organized into "tapas", "raciones", and "entrees" - We love this way of eating: ordering lots of different smaller plates to share. The menu seems to have a leaning for local and organic - though not all dishes subscribe. Would definitely recommend this place for a good eat that's affordable in Portland.
(4)
Anne C.
From the moment we were seated our dining expeience was first rate. It is a place with a tad bit of bohemian atmosphere, however don't be led astray by the comments of not "fitting in". Our waitress was probabsly the most efficient, pleasant and professional we have had in years. She nailed it and I wish I had gotten her name. Anyhow, the food was straight up delicious. Each of our dishes had just enough of a creative and flavorful twist to it that said " this place is special". Three of us ordered seafood paella and one the hanger steak. Shaved radish and pea shoot salad was light and heavenly. I wanted to order a perfect wine to go with our paella and our waitress once again listened to our tastes and we couldn't have been more pleased with her recommendation. We had an early reservation for dinner so it was rather peaceful and laid back upon arrival, but as the evening progressed it got very busy and the acoustics were such that it got quite loud, but we weren't distracted by it. Oh....and the desserts. We normally don't indulge but the lemon and ginger sorbet was the perfect ending and my husband swooned over the peach bread pudding. This is obviously a popular place and we have made a point of visiting many city of Portland eateries of many different styles and flavors and this is easily one of our favorites. Plenty of parking behind the restaurant which is a great feature in a city setting.
(5)
at S.
In a very large new space now... almost TOO large. Doesn't open for breakfast until 10am. Sometimes the pancake is mindbogglingly good... sometimes it's raw. I just can't play roulette before coffee.
(2)
Alexander K.
hip, cool and fly, local 188 is a restaraunt with fantastic soul appeal. PBR for two dollars. sure they are still cashing in PBRs new hipster image that somehow is still being perpetuated two years later, but at least they got the price right. the food is excellent. a tapas style menu with entree's for those who never learned to share. it is hard to pin the food's origin's down. sure there is asurface element of spanish flavors, but really in the end i would have to say eclectic american is the over whelming theme. which is fine by me because it is done exceptionally well and for reasonable prices. have a beer and a meal for under 15 bucks, and feel cool while you are doing it. good place.
(3)
Miss M.
I am completely shocked by all of the positive reviews of this restaurant! I am new to the Portland area, and on the advice of many locals, decided to give it a try. It was easily one of the worst meals I have ever been subjected to. The mussels were overrun with undercooked fennel which gave them a terrible licorice flavor. Contrary to the fennel, the meatballs were insanely overcooked, and had a fresh from the freezer taste. Passable short rib appetizer and mushroom tapa. The mushroom fusilli lacked any flavor whatsoever as did the night's special - N.Y. Strip. The biggest disappointment came in the form of "paella". I use quotation marks, because it was not in fact paella. Missing was even one strand of saffron that gives paella its signature bright yellow color as well any chorizo which would've provided some flavor to what can only be described as white rice and steamed fish. The space itself is pleasant enough, not cramped with too many tables, but Portlanders can't be so naive as to be taken in by pure aesthetics! When you go out for dinner, it should be about the food! While I can overlook one, even two, culinary missteps, the majority of the meal should be at least palatable.
(1)
Trinh T.
Local 188 is a Spanish restaurant in Portland, Maine that serves up tapas style dishes. There are a number of great items that you'll be able to find here including a delicious Spanish paella with tons of seafood. My Overall Rating - 3 1/2 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Local 188 is a very nice restaurant. It has a very welcoming feel, and you want it you will find a nice seating area in the middle. There are plenty of tables and booths to accommodate any size party. However, one of the best features is something that you do not find often in Maine: parking! There is a private lot that you can park in. It is also free to park. 1 Star. Service - our server was quite nice; however, what I really like about them was that they were very knowledgeable about the menu. If you visit a restaurant that serves up dishes tapas style, it is all about being smart about what you order because the dishes are meant to be shared. So I really like it when the server is extremely knowledgeable about the dishes, and taking recommends that the allotments based on what you like or don't. 1 Star. Food - but when it comes to tapas style dishes, there are always going to be some dishes that are said and some that are not. The goal is to try to catch on as many as possible. I did find quite a number dishes that I enjoyed including an excellent Spanish paella do that is loaded with clams, scallops, and even some lobster. They also had an excellent risotto that was creamy and full of garlic flavor. My favorite dish was the gnocchi. This beautiful pasta was a joy to eat as I love the pillow like texture. There were a few other items that we didn't particularly like including the Mediterranean meatballs. I would stick to the seafood items only. Also their carne asada was a bit bland and forgettable. In fact, we did order more tapas dishes but for the life of me I cannot remember what they all were, so they really did not make that big of an impression on me. 1 Star. Will I Return? - Probably not. This has more to do with the number of excellent restaurants left to try in Portland vs. Local 188's quality. It was a good but not fantastic/return worthy enough. Then again, I won't say no if someone suggested it for dinner. 1/2 Star. My Yelp Rating Scale (Sum of all parts): 1 Star - Atmosphere - Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I'll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm. 1 Star - Service - You can have a great meal with bad service. But that's also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It's important to the dining experience that service is great and on point. 2 Stars - Food - I'll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it's really all about the food. 1 Star - Will I come back? - If I know for a fact I'll return, I'll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return. Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Yelp score.
(3)
Josh M.
It's cool. It's sexy. It's classy. Went here for my mellow bachelor party. It's nice and inviting and modern. The owners also own Andys in the old port. I don't know what those people are doing right but I want some stock in them. A little pricey but worth it.
(4)
Diana K.
Good service, good food! I especially like the liver! So good! I go there for business meetings sometimes.
(5)
Steff D.
Alright, I give in. I really, really, REEEEEEEEAAALLLLLY like Local 188. I've been many, many times and outside of my first experience there 'lo those many years ago (and dinner - dinner here just doesn't do it for me), I usually have a great time.... The cocktails are amazing: + White Lotus (Cold River vodka, Canton ginger liqueur, lemon juice with a candied ginger slice), $11: makes my ginger loving heart very, very happy. It's the perfect balance of ginger bite without being over the top. + Mark and Bubbly (Makers Mark, champagne, and peach bitters with a cherry), $9: this drink, while delicious, is very, very strong. I think it's definitely one of the "most bang for your buck" drinks in town! You gotta really love Makers, though. + Pinky and the Brain (strawberry vodka, champagne and a splash of Chambord), $9: this cocktail is so simple and elegant that I'm never not happy when I order it, and frequently jealous of those at my table who do when I don't. + Ruby Honey Jam (house grapefruit rosemary gin, lime juice, St. Germain and honey syrup), $10: outside of the traditional mimosa, THIS is the fruity drink you want to have at brunch. I don't even like gin, but could easily have two or three of these mid-morning! + ALL of their housemade kombucha is delicious! The Spanish Tortilla for $7 is consistently delicious regardless of what time you order it at (and has become one of my late night cravings post-drinking in Portland). And I just recently had brunch here... and it's easily one of my favorite places in town now for this ever important meal: + Bloody Mary's contain Worcestershire. Worcestershire contains fish. Nearly every single place in town (not an exaggeration) pre-makes their bloody mix with Worcestershire and won't make a fresh drink for vegetarians because it's too much work. Local 188 is the opposite of everyone else in town. They went above and beyond accommodating my request for a vegetarian bloody (and I had mine with the garlic vodka... SO. DAMN. GOOD [though, it could have been more garlicky]), and as such as gained a fan for life. + If they have cinnamon rolls on their brunch menu.... GET IT. You will not be disappointed. All that soft dough and icing goo. Yum. + The mushroom, herb, and goat cheese scramble is so delicious that I can't stop thinking about it. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the pockets of goat cheese were plentiful and flavorful, and the mushrooms were earthy and meaty. Also, the English muffin that came with it was unexpected and a carboholic's dream. The only thing I wish was better (and that I still find confusing, for those of you who read my first review from 2011) is the initial communication between staff members and customers. Every time we're here it takes three to six employees to seat us (regardless if they're busy or not). One person says they'll get us table, walks away, and is never seen or heard from again. Literally, this process repeats over and over. Once we do get seated, though? Those servers are so intuitive and on top of things, I want to give them a standing ovation. Anyway... thanks, Local 188, for being patient with me until I finally came around! And, seriously, fan for life because of the bloody's!
(4)
Ken J.
We were visiting this fine city during the Old Port Festival walking around and listening to some of the bands playing Live! We ended up on Congress abit parched noticed the Local 188 was open so we walked in greeted by the hostess, seated us and informed us that brunch was ending very soon. Our waiter Andy arrived seconds after the hostess left an told us that brunch was ending so Me and my Girlfriend decided to have 2 frothy cold beers, Andy took our beer order, returned with the beers then he told us he had a surprise for us...So we're chatting away me and my girl, Andy returned with 2 very warm turnovers with a rhubarb and berry filling Very Good Eats! Also he brought over another in house made item a doughnut with a grapefruit glaze! Kickass! We became huge fans of the Local 188 an not because of the turnovers or the doughnut, Andy was very attentive, He made us feel at Home and I hope you all checkout The Local 188 an ask for Andy, you'll be in Good hands.
(5)
Becky M.
I seem to find myself here from time to time, especially meeting a friend for a drink, but I don't know why. I just don't like it. Like, at all... Sometimes I think its a good "settling" option, but always want to walk out after I walk in. In the summer, the restaurant is extremely hot. No AC the few times I've been in (and then left immediately.) The layout of the tables is open, but seems disorganized. The bar is comfy enough, but I don't have any memorable experiences regarding drinks or friendly bartenders. The meals that I have had were just simply bad and over priced. The menu is boring. Service has been very slow. Breakfast plates were big, greasy and salty; not in a good way. Bloody marries bland. I had some type of Spanish pie once which was just awful, and cold. Also, some appetizer of fried potatoes. These were good enough, but paid a whole bunch of money for fancy french fries. Deserving of 2 stars because nothing AWFUL has every happened. Definitely not worth a stop by.
(2)
Karen L.
Let me start by saying that this is definitely a beloved place in Portland. I give it three stars because the drinks are EXCELLENT. Basil Lemonade is amazing and they have tons of house infused liquors that are awesome. They even have a spicy margarita-- and though I can't drink a whole one of those (too spicy for me!) if you love spice and margaritas, you will love it! I love meeting friends here for drinks and they sometimes have local live music, which is awesome. The vibe is very cool and relaxed and it is a nice place to hang out. I can't give it more than 3 stars though because I cannot eat here. It's sad, but true. I have heard many people rave about the food, but I have searched high and low on this menu and have been unable to find anything vegan. Last time we went here for dinner with friends who suggested it, I asked the waiter if there was anything he could recommend that could be easily catered to a vegan diet. He scoffed a bit (a little off-putting) and then went off (presumably to the kitchen to inquire). When he returned the only thing he could offer me was a salad with no dressing. Being hungry, I took his suggestion and ended up paying $14 for a plate of lettuce with a couple slices of celery on it. It was extremely disappointing and WAY overpriced for what I got. I have learned my lesson and will not try to eat there again in the future. So, vegans beware. The drinks are awesome and you will not be disappointed by the bartenders or the cocktails, but you will be disappointed by the food.
(3)
Kelly P.
So Local 188 has just been promoted to my favourite all time yummy spot to feed my need for yumminess. Over a short visit to Portland, we ate/drank twice there in less than 24 hours. Of course we started our first round of bites off with some devilled eggs, Flatbread with hummus and some house pickles. The flat bread was just that, with a tasty garlic hummus. I love anything and everything when it comes to pickles so it was very hard to disappoint BUT when I saw what came to our plate I was amazed at the artistry that came along with a "house pickle". All the different veggies were pickles to perfection. The devilled eggs were very nice and tasty. A great start to Local 188! The beverages of this evening were Alagash White and Dog Fish Head IPA. Both were refreshing and hit the spot. This is where Local 188 wins a billion gold stars...the chefs of the evening were epic and became over the top epic when they presented us (a party of four foodies) with TWO tapas cold dishes that I don't even see on the menu yet...some sort of peas in a sauce and a plate of roasted garlic. Both were absolutely wonderful! When these two plates were devoured we continues on with our adventure in eating with an order of North Spore Mushrooms and Ricotta Gnocchi. The mushrooms were very tender and flavourful and the gnocchi was just amazing with the ricotta cheese. Now fast forward 22 ish hours or so... Day two of Local 188. We enter the restaurant, were seated at the bar, ordered some drinks and BAM! A beautiful dish is placed in front of us by the chef! Stuffed Squash Flowers! The chef saw us come in and decided to give us a third dish to taste! The blossoms were so different and fun, that we ordered a second plate. For this second visit we ordered up some tapas plates as well...beautiful leeks, devilled eggs, mussels, short ribs, orange glazed chicken wings and a clam stew! We ate and ate and ate. During this eating adventure I sipped on a Long Island Iced Tea! Yum. All of the dishes were melt in your mouth amazing! We finished off with an order of the Classic Paella to share. So many tastes all in one! Alright, alright, alright!! Want an amazing time with food and drink? Local 188 is the spot!
(5)
Katy N.
Love the atmosphere here. It's like you are in someone's hippy den. The drinks are better than the food and brunch is better than dinner. I think dinner is a little overpriced for what it is.. no dish I've had has really been all that great (not bad, just not memorable) Still - I always bring out of town friends here because I think it's very "Portland." I've never had a drink here that wasn't worth the price tag or that wasn't absolutely delicious.
(4)
Natalie C.
Very expensive and very eclectic. It is not traditional American food. It's Mexican tapas with some eclectic options. I'll admit it was a difficult menu to read unless you are well versed in food which I am not.
(2)
allie z.
This was our last stop on my best friend's bachelorette weekend, and boy, was I glad this was the place that was chosen. We were not feeling at the top of our game after a very busy and fun weekend exploring Portland's finest bar establishments, but this was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip. They had a table for 8 all ready to go, which is hard to find on a Sunday morning. Their iced coffee was delicious and a welcome refreshment on a hot day. Those that got the various types of bloody mary's were very impressed with the flavors (and alcohol content). The real star of the meal was everyone's meal, especially mine. The majority of us ordered their corned beef hash with eggs and hollandaise. This was after the waitress recommended due to popularity. I'm so glad she did. There were crisp chunks of potato homefries covering the bottom of the gigantic dish (really a crater in itself). Then came the 100% corned beef hash. Literally nothing but delicious Grade A, well seasoned beef. No potatoes or fillers. Just meat. Amazing and slightly crispy with the brining seasoning packed right in! Gently laid over the top were my two over easy eggs, perfectly runny, yet perfectly firm. Finally, the shining star of this meal was the homemade hollandaise sauce. Man oh man, was this delicious. One would expect this type of sauce to be heavy and rich. Rich it was, but not overly so. But, the one thing I have to say was refreshing was the brightness of the citrus you could taste. AMAZING! Every element on it's own was delicious, but when you mixed them together, it was a whole other experience. Finally, to wash all of this down, they give you a giant homemade, freshly baked english muffin along with a raspberry-almond-vanilla jam and an apple spice compote. These were so amazing and were a great finish to a wonderful and enjoyable brunch. Next time I'm in Portsmouth, I will definitely be returning to Local 188. Food was amazing and service was good. This was the cherry on top of an already amazing weekend!
(5)
Joe M.
Tried the corned beef hash which came with poached eggs (little over cooked) home fries, hollandaise and English muffin. Food was good, English muffin tasted home made? Think I would've enjoyed more menu options, wasn't really super excited to order anything. Place is good though and I would return for sure but I'm not in a big hurry. My wife LOVED her garlic bloody Mary.
(3)
Marla C.
Headed in to Portland on a sunny Sunday morning, and my Yelp ad led me to the Local 188 for brunch. I was NOT disappointed. We arrived around 10am, which was perfect b/c there was zero wait. We started with the from-scratch biscuits with honey butter. Do NOT miss out on these. They were heavenly. Then I had the smoked salmon scramble with homefries and savored every delicious bite. They didn't skimp on the salmon, which made the dish extra savory. My husband had the mushroom & herb scramble and I snuck a bite. WOW--so perfectly seasoned!! He cleaned his plate as well. Loved the atmosphere of this place, even if the pace was a bit slow. That's part of what made it so nice.
(5)
Eshita G.
While my dish was very yummy (breakfast burrito, but I asked for no rice)and we enjoyed the comfortable seating while we waited for our table, the service could've been much better as our waitress was slow, messed up our order, and we waited a long time for our food (45 minutes)...and in the end, we didn't get much of a discount. I would return and hope for another server.
(3)
Maddie G.
We went to Local 188 with a party of 11 on Labor Day weekend. Our server was outstanding. He was patient and attentive. He answered questions helpfully and seemed to magically know when we needed him. We wanted to eat slowly and enjoy the evening in the true Spanish tapas fashion, and we didn't feel rushed at all so were able to do that. We ordered tapas at intervals and sipped our wine while enjoying the fun decor, great ambience and the company of our party. Once the food came out, it was delicious and the portions were not giant like they are at so many restaurants these days. We lingered 3 hours and were completely relaxed. The food was delicious and interesting. We had vegetarians in our party, and they were well able to find options. This restaurant was right up our alley, and we would go back any time we are in Portland. If you want the mammoth portions and quick in-and-out service that is typical of many American restaurants, or if you're in some sort of time crunch, it is true that this is not the right choice. However, if you are able to keep an open mind, want to enjoy an inspired meal, and eat in European fashion (as is this restaurant's self-described modus operandi) this is the restaurant for you.
(5)
Helen W.
From Los Angeles, so I get the foodie thing. But $6 for two five inch roasted leek spears is a joke of an appetizer. The white fish I ordered was fresh, but unremarkable. The restaurant is way too dark for dinner. Neighboring diners also found this a big problem. That being said, my friend's tuna was unbelievably delicious. Truly outstanding. So it seems like it is hit and miss with the menu. I was still hungry after eating two appetizers and an entree. I am not a big person. And given the somewhat high prices, that's an unhappy ending.
(2)
Gina B.
I went on Saturday night with five other people. Our waitress was excellent. She was very attentive and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu. Glasses were never empty for long and the drinks were amazing. Unfortunately we left hungry. I ordered four tapas for the table to start. They were out of mussels so it was suggested I order the scallops instead. Three of the tiniest scallops I've ever seen arrived on a very fancy plate for 13 dollars. At one point I asked for more bread because we were so hungry and really feeling our drinks due to lack of food. I was pretty surprised when our entrees arrived. I ordered the hanger steak, which cost 17 dollars. It arrived on a very large plate, but the portion was tiny. The steak itself took up about one fifth of the plate and was served with nothing more than garnish. It was cooked perfectly, but it was so little! I understand that with fine dining portions sometimes are smaller, but I thought some of the portions were pretty ridiculous for the prices. The quality of the food is good, the cocktails are great, the ambiance is fantastic, and our server was amazing. We ended up going to a Mexican place later for tacos after spending a lot of money on a little food.
(2)
Shirley D.
3 stars because of the decor!! Such a cool/chill place. I wish there was a place like that in Jersey!! The whole place is filled with antique furniture, couches, a cool bar, and a live (you can see the cooks) kitchen area. Now, on to the food. I have to start off by telling you guys how hungry I was. I seriously was starving searching for a restaurant with the best reviews and found this one. First off, the good thing was that they start you off with a complimentary plate of bread with olive oil and salt which tasted delicious. As for the entree, I ordered the Flank steak and it was good... but incredibly small (maybe I just eat too much haha). My boyfriend had the rib entree and it was so small too, it was mostly bone and just a few pieces of meat. This would probably only apply to those who are searching for a decent sized meal. Seriously, I was so disappointed. I was still so hungry afterwards I had to search for a pizzeria. With that being said, Local 188 is still perfect for a nice place to hang out and enjoy a drink just don't come here hungry.
(3)
Yan T.
We only had one night in Portland, and although I initially wanted to have some kind of fancy dinner, neither I nor my gf were particularly eager to go to a stuffy restaurant in Portland. And, after a pretty heavy lunch, we decided to venture out for some late bites. Local 188 was a somewhat random choice, but fit the bill. As soon as you walk in, a cozy feeling settles in. It's a big, open, beautiful space with lots of modern, local touches. There are regular tables, couches, bar seats, and fanciful oversize lounge chairs fit for giants. It's an artist's paradise. The kitchen was closing around 10, so we quickly ordered some drinks and bites. I got the charcuterie (house cured ham, Montreal smoked brisket, guanciale, oxbow spam) and a flight of some fantastic beers (including "Lunch" by Maine Beer Co.), as well as a Bourbon hot toddy. Our waitress was friendly and rolled with the punches, even as she was preparing to wrap up kitchen service. Highly recommended any time of day!
(5)
Meli L.
Two of us popped in the morning of fourth of July for some fuel for the day, we were sat at the bar and told one special, served our waters and left to look over the menu. They have a pastry special and pancake special of the day, we weren't told about so we had to ask (which why wouldn't our waiter just tell us while he gave us the breakfast special?). We started with the donuts, which were delicious, perfect bit of lemon and served with strawberry jam. For my meal I ordered the salmon plate, my dining companion went with the corned beef hash. Since we sat at the bar, we had a clear view of the kitchen, which was unfortunate as I watched my salmon plate sit for a solid 15 minutes while the hash was made. Aside from the cold bagel, the dish was good. Small portions and very slow service.
(3)
Karen H.
Unintentionally walked into this place when looking for another place with a similar name---and so glad we stayed! The atmosphere here is more than half of what earned the five-star rating, and once the food and drinks arrived, the five-star rating was secured! The decor and attitude of staff combine for the kind of Portland casual, local feel we were looking for. Even a conversation pit in the center makes waiting for your table a pleasure. Delicious local food- amazing, truly incredible, roasted potatoes and the best English Muffin ever! Great locally harvested tea and good coffee.
(5)
Claudio C.
My first visit to Local 188 was today for a Father's Day brunch. It was very crowded, as we had a 45 minute wait. There were seats at the entrance and people watching made the time pass quickly. There is ample seating...and a roomy sort of hippy like atmosphere. The brunch cocktails looked excellent...my son said the Bloody Mary was excellent. They have an extensive bottled and draft beer selection with several Belgian options, which I sampled. The baked goods are very good. We sampled the scratch donuts and the biscuits...both very good. We also tried an order of the deviled eggs...which were very good...light creamy and some bacon on top. The brunch options are somewhat limited....I'd say about seven items. I tried the Paella with eggs....it was a baked skillet with chicken, sausage, mussels, rice, and bacon....with baked eggs in the center....hot sauce added to the decent mix of flavors....I felt that both the eggs and the mussels were slightly overcooked....which took a bit of pizzaz out of the dish. Overall, it was decent, but not great. My mom has the huervos ranchero.....she enjoyed it...but the black beans tasted canned to me...maybe a nitpick... Others had steak and eggs....the breakfast burrito....and a pastrami Reuben....everyone felt that their meals were fine. I tried a bite of the Reuben....it was hot, juicy, and flavorful. The waitress and overall service was decent based on the large crowd on Father's Day....ours did a good job. One kitchen misstep did occur....the Reuben was the only non egg dish ordered....apparently, the kitchen is separated by egg verses traditional food items for brunch.....the five egg based meals all came out in unison....my dads Reuben....ten plus minutes later...so that's something they need to fix. Overall....I liked the place....I wasn't wowed by anything in particular....but it was good and decent price to value. I'd try dinner here. 3 1/2 stars
(3)
Joe Y.
My new favorite Bloody Mary is found here and it is called the Cilantro. It was crisp, flavorful and not too spicy. For me, the cilantro gave it the right amount of zest. This place has always been a go to for a cocktail but now I can add brunch to the list. I had a great time hanging out with friend in a cool environment eating breakfast and drinking bloody marys. I have always been impressed with the the bartenders accommodating special drink orders and the staff's consideration of food allergies and preferences. Local 188 is a solid establishment and one of my all time favorites in Portland.
(4)
Vio -.
Adorable place with decent food but I wouldn't mind a faster service. It took about 20 minutes to get our drinks and around an hour before the food came. I ordered a salmon scramble, wish there was more than trace amount of salmon in it. Some people at a table were complaining that the home fries were burned, but if you like them well done, like I do, you should be fine. The highlight was blueberry jelly served on the side - really great, possibly homemade.
(3)
Anna E.
Friday I stopped into Local 188 for a cappuccino to go after enjoying happy hour and ramen at Pai Men Miyaki. I'd heard a lot about this place but hadn't been until this night. It was busy at the peak of dinner service on a Friday night. Young families and couples arrived at a steady pace while I waited; those with reservations were seated immediately while others who were drop-ins were told there would be an hour or so wait. Like some of the other neighborhood joints, Local 188 also has an open kitchen allowing patrons to get a view of the oft behind the scenes action - even more so if you are seated at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the room, there is the actual bar, the wall behind it fully stocked. The dining room has a long table that made me think of community dining, as well as smaller tables for parties with less people, and some lounge areas with couches for socializing over drinks and small plates. I had a sample of one of the in-house made ice creams while waited, the chocolate chip. It was good but I was more impressed by my cappuccino. It was made with Coffee By Design espresso and at $4.00 it wasn't inexpensive, but it was a good size and quality. It kept me awake on my drive from Portland to Lewiston after not enough sleep and a cocktail at dinner. I look forward to coming back and trying the food!
(4)
Jennifer L.
My husband and I went here on a whim the other night. We arrived around 5 on a Monday and it was nice and quiet. My sangria was delicious and my hubby had a local beer. The menu was a little smaller than we expected but we are not fussy eaters so it didn't prove to be a problem. We had some of their tapas and 2 entrees. The pickled veggies were great and had a bit of Indian flair to them. The deviled eggs were so much better than my mom's (shh dont tell her). the last tapas plate we had was a Chicken croquette. The filling needed a touch of salt but other than that it was really good. For entrees I had the ricotta gnocchi and my hubby had the hanger steak. Both were out of this world! The steak was perfectly cooked and the sauces were on point. The gnocchi were browned on all sides which added an unexpected texture and flavor that was amazing. The mushroom sauce was the perfect accompaniment.
(4)
Kylie D.
Let me preface this by saying that normally I like Local 188. While I haven't ever had a stellar experience here, I've always left satisfied. This 3-Star review is just for my last brunch experience. I still don't understand why they would leave two six-tops and one four-top empty during Sunday brunch while people sat waiting for 30 minutes or more. The six tops easily convert to four-tops and there you have it, everyone seated, happy and eating instead of walking out in frustration. I loved my giant dutch pancake (though I could only eat about a quarter of it) and my friends' meals were great but the sub-par service by the hostess and server made me feel like we just weren't very important.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Sarah H.
There were positives and negatives about today's visit. We have been here a number of times and I love their dinner, but brunch here has not been my favorite in the past. Our wait time this morning was long (the kitchen was slammed just as we got there), but the food this morning was excellent. Good eggs, home-fries and great bacon. There were a couple of errors (nuts on the house donuts when we stated we had an allergy at the table, and inclusion of an English muffin on one order when it was expressly ordered without), but these were compensated by taking our drinks off the bill, along with the meal that was wrong. The server was very kind and attentive. Mistakes/errors happen, and the staff made up for them. I'm looking forward to trying Local 188 for brunch again soon.
(3)Michael D.
Went during happy hour in a weeknight. $4 beers and wine, nothing special, but a nice, casual vibe. Somewhat noisy, but that made intimate conversation all the easier. The crowd struck me as largely local--small groups of employees ending the working day.
(4)Melissa B.
God, where do I EVEN start with this wonderful place? The staff: The waitstaff here are amazing. They are friendly, helpful, and clearly love where they work because both times I came here (Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch) everyone was pleasant and there wasn't a scowl in the place. One thing I noticed on Sunday was that the staff are very efficient: tables didn't sit empty long before they were bussed, cleaned, and seated. The food: OH MY GOD the food. My partner had made reservations on Saturday night for my birthday dinner, as I had expressed I wanted to try it. We were definitely not disappointed. At first glance of the menu, your first thought is "wow, this is kind of expensive," however it's well worth it. Our appetizer was the charcuterie board which had house-made pate featuring a traditional chicken liver base but bits of smoked pork blended throughout, and paper-thin slices of a house-cured Serrano-style ham that was lovingly aged and melted in your mouth. I was in meaty heaven. I ordered the paella for my meal, which was huge and was loaded with house-made chorizo, chicken, mussels, and littleneck clams. My partner was adventurous and got the steak tartare, which was AMAZING. All the food was of such a high quality, and with such attention to detail to make so many things in-house, I was very impressed. Definitely worth the money for the craftmanship alone. The next morning we came back for brunch and had the chocolate peanut brittle doughnuts which were okay... the brittle got chewy since it was exposed to the moisture of the sauce. I got the biscuits and gravy and the portion was so huge I couldn't finish it all, but I wanted to! It was topped with (my choice) soft-poached eggs, which were cooked to perfection. The drinks: Local 188 knows how to make a drink! I had the lychee black tea mojito, which tasted a bit like a bottled Sobe green tea (which I love) and a very refreshing blueberry vodka drink (no surprise they infuse their own vodkas, too). Amazing staff, amazing food, and amazing drinks in a beautiful restaurant, the Local 188 is a new favorite of mine. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Marla C.
Headed in to Portland on a sunny Sunday morning, and my Yelp ad led me to the Local 188 for brunch. I was NOT disappointed. We arrived around 10am, which was perfect b/c there was zero wait. We started with the from-scratch biscuits with honey butter. Do NOT miss out on these. They were heavenly. Then I had the smoked salmon scramble with homefries and savored every delicious bite. They didn't skimp on the salmon, which made the dish extra savory. My husband had the mushroom & herb scramble and I snuck a bite. WOW--so perfectly seasoned!! He cleaned his plate as well. Loved the atmosphere of this place, even if the pace was a bit slow. That's part of what made it so nice.
(5)Eshita G.
While my dish was very yummy (breakfast burrito, but I asked for no rice)and we enjoyed the comfortable seating while we waited for our table, the service could've been much better as our waitress was slow, messed up our order, and we waited a long time for our food (45 minutes)...and in the end, we didn't get much of a discount. I would return and hope for another server.
(3)Eric N.
Been to this place twice and loved it both times First off: Great drinks. In particular the Smokey The Bear (Tequila drink) Smaller size portions because they focus on tastes and flavors Very good main dishes. I had the Charcuterie plate my wife got the Gnocchi. Service was excellent -very nice waitress who took our orders promptly and with a smile. Wasn't afraid to recommend a dish. Never had desert but they looked good. This place is a solid lock for a nice dinner. Expensive but worth it.
(5)J-a T.
Been there twice eating at bar n table. Food been very good each time. On sunday nite around 9/10pm a liveband came in , settled in like a "unplugged concert" around the sofas in middle. Very cool.
(5)Leigh H.
Great tapas. The gnocchi and mussels are outstanding. I wasn't sure about the chicken livers but they were very good also.
(5)Chris H.
So I started with a roasted squash organic salad with a sage vinaigrette. I know it sounds like ground hog day with me and gnocchi but it's everywhere and this is the best yet. Ricotta gnocchi caramelized onion in a cream sauce with goat cheese and micro greens on top. Didn't see that coming. Now that is a day changer. Grateful!
(5)Lindsey P.
Bad service can ruin a good meal.. and that is what i received at Local. The drinks were great, food was pretty good but my group of friends and I were completely turned off by the terrible service. Our waitress finished her shift immediately after we got our food. She didn't say anything to us; just left! We finally asked some random waiter for condiments, another drink, etc. and 2 mins later another random waitress came over to us and gave us our check... we are all super easy going people so we laughed it off but come on.... talk about bad communication all around! Maybe someday I will go back for drinks and brunch but i will definitely sit at the bar to avoid the flaky waitresses.
(3)Maine D.
This is such a nice place with neat people , gracious service ; but the last three times we have been here the experience has been fair, meh indeed. This time , have to comment that despite great draft beer and hummus and flatbread to start , the two orders we got of whitefish were appetizer portion , as in about 3 ounces . That and a few miniscule pieces of broccoli. I am so not into huge portions , but our group of four left hungry ; the place was empty in mid-August. Maybe for a good reason .
(3)Gwen B.
I live very close to Local 188 and haven't been there for a while. High prices and small portions. I really dislike paying that kind of money and coming out hungry.
(1)John D.
Great spot, however food is largely underwhelming. I have thought this for sometime, however every time I go back I try to go back with open mind and pallet. Today, the menu hadn't change at all. Boring, typical food off at ridiculously overpriced wages. The fish entrée for $25 slated to be served a local greens, was A frozen piece of haddock over three leaves of spinach. Depressing and grossly unsatisfying. I suffer Great Depression for those who love this restaurant.
(2)Abbie M.
I am always impressed by Local 188. The atmosphere is open and inviting and the food is delicious! Friendly staff and couch seating makes it even better. The Bloody Mary selection is killer!
(5)Sophie M.
We were asked if we had reservations when we walked in. No, but were seated near the bar at a small table that was unbalance. Our experience was similar to another reviewer's on same weekend July 17-19. ( Gina B.) Expensive and not enough to eat. Tasty though. Waitress did not refill water glass although that was my only beverage. She did not know about the soup of the day-which was great, a creamy gazpacho. We would have chosen entrees, but nothing particularly struck our fancy. To be fair, peeking at other diner's orders showed large entree portions. And it was LOUD in there. Glancing over at the real dining area, thinking if I have to have reservations, I expect a quieter place with more elbow room. The bathroom was nice:)
(2)T K.
One of Longfellow Sq's longest standing spots, the food, atmosphere and crowd have gone through many iterations but Jay always seems to find the right mix. A hidden spot for vegetarians (they always have creative options) and a good bar make it an easy choice when we have guests in town. Their brunch can get packed though. The house paella remains one my favorite (it's delicious and huge).
(5)Zhiyu L.
Service is great here and food is awesome. I came here for. Ranch and had their special pancake. That thing was huge and delicious. For people that aren't pancake fans, you'll enjoy their pancake. It's literally one huge pancake, but it's home made and worth it.
(5)Mary F.
AWFUL SERVICE and MEDIOCRE FOOD (SMALL PORTIONS) I came here on a Thursday night ~8:30PM (i.e. it was not that busy) with 3 friends and got seated right away. At first glance, the vibe of the place was very hipster chic and the menu looked quite imaginative. But boy were we in for an unpleasant surprise. The food was mediocre; the portions were very small relative to the price. An order of mussels has about a dozen of them and the short ribs had 2 small ribs. One of my friends ordered an autumn butternut squash salad and it came with just a few tiny pieces of squash that you could barely see. Everything was pretty standard at best. The service, on the other hand, made it feel like we were on an episode of Restaurant Impossible as a demonstration of everything that shouldn't be done by the wait staff, including: 1. RUDENESS to cover up lack of knowledge about the beer list. I asked the waitress to tell me about one of the porters and the response I received was very condescending, "Have you every had a porter? It tastes like a porter, a really good porter. I've never had it, but it's a really good porter." Well, I've a lots of porters so that wasn't quite the answer I was looking for ... does it have undertones of coffee, or milk, or oatmeal? Also, it must be enlightening to know what stuff tastes like without ever having to taste it ... best diet ever! 2. INATTENTIVENESS. I lost count of how many times one of us asked to have our water glasses or bread basket refilled. We had mussels and usually that comes with bread and when our came, our bread basket was already empty ... I actually ate the leftover pieces from my friend's plate because I couldn't hail down a waiter. I had to wave my hands in the air for about a whole minute to get salt (it was on every table but ours) and we did not receive any pepper. Two of us had hefty red meat dishes, but no one gave us steak knives ... one came about 5 minutes after receiving the dish and another 10 minutes later. 3. FOOD DID NOT COME TOGETHER. Three of us ordered hot dishes and one of my friends ordered a salad. The salad came about 10 minutes after the hot dishes and being polite we waited until everyone got their food which meant that we all ate cold dishes that night. I asked the waiter who brought the food if our friend's salad was coming (it was very obvious that we were waiting to start) and the snarky response we got was "It should be!". Once it arrived, it was just plopped down emphatically and no apology was issued. 4. NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAULT. I asked to speak to the manager and it turned it it was our waitress! I told her the service we received there was the worst of any restaurant I'd every been to and she seemed really upset (like angry at us). She blamed everything on the kitchen being busy (though that was not the case from my perspective). She offered to comp our meal (I insisted that that was not our purpose for complaining that we'd still like to pay for it), but she left in a huff and did not give us a bill. During that whole argumentative exchange, I did not get any inkling of an apology. We wanted dessert, but felt like pariahs at that point and left in a hurry (and left our 20% tip ... not sure why, but I guess because we always tip that much). Having read the other recent reviews about the health violations (and again those meals were comped too ... hmmm I'm starting to see a trend here), diners should beware of this place as it seems to be going down a slippery hill!
(1)Michelle E.
Such a disappointment. We arrived to a long line of people waiting to get in to put their names in. Good sign usually? All these people could not be getting it wrong? But they were and in fact it makes me wonder what they were ordering and who their servers were. To say that this was a bad experience does not do it justice. We waited for 30+ minutes. No big deal. It's Sunday, it's what you do. We sat down and our hipster waitress seemed pissed that she was working and extra pissed that we didn't order alcohol and that we had a child. It took far too long to get 2 orange juices and when she returned to take our order, she informed us that the pancake (which is actually just corn bread in the shape of a pancake) takes a really long time to cook. Ok, that's fine. Bring out the food as it comes so that we can give our child something to eat. Nothing. Maybe 20 minutes in, with no food in sight, the hostess (who was super sweet) came over and asked us if she could bring us an English muffin while we were waiting. Not even our own server had this forethought?We politely declined thinking that surely our food would arrive soon, but it didn't. When it finally did arrive, I hoped it would be worth the wait. It wasn't. Not even close. I ordered the huevos rancheros. Not difficult to make good. The eggs I ordered were overhard. The eggs I received were well done. The salsa had zero flavor. Basically looked like canned tomatoes with some onion. The black beans were also from a can. I actually like canned black beans, I don't think they should end up on my plate at a restaurant, but if you must use canned black beans, please use the flavorful kind. They literally looked like they had been opened, dumped into a pot (not drained and rinsed) and left to sit on low for days. The plate lacked imagination and flavor. Do yourself a favor and go someplace else. About the only thing I enjoyed was the playlist, but I'm pretty sure I have the same station on pandora. And the hostess was great-she should get promoted or get a job at a place that prides itself on service. Not enough to get me to return. Your bad, Local 188. We eat out. And we write reviews. Sometimes you get one shot. We should have gone to Empire Chinese kitchen-their staff is amazing and the food is good.
(1)Logan C.
We sat at the bar and it seemed like a decent place. Th drink we ordered was recommended by the bartender and it truly was hard to actually drink it tasted so bad. The bartender was even proud because he invented it and it was named after him... Not being terribly hungry we decided just to try a few of their appetizers and we were less than satisfied with them. The meatballs were too dry and bland. And everything else we tried was merely disappointing. There are way better restaurants in Portland that serve local food...
(1)Bryan V.
Been here twice in three months, which in Portland ME says something given its abundant choices. First time was four stars. Great energy, decor, food and drinks selection. Second time for my birthday. I still love the energy, decor and drinks selection but my meal -- $38 paella-- was so salty my lips are dry this morning. I mentioned it to the dude who cleared out table and he said "if I had made it, it would have worse". Sorry. Come again?! Our waitress was much more interested and said there was a new sauce cook and would be sure to mention it. Deciding to make a third visit will be hard. It should be easy.
(3)Megh R.
This review has been a long time coming. I truly believe that everything owner Jay Villani touches is gold. This shouldn't come as a surprise if you've read my review of Sonny's. Local 188 is exceptional because it's an experience. The entire staff delivers in ways that are hard for me to describe, with relaxed precision and cautionary eagerness. Makes sense, right? Known for the tapas menu, some of the best gnocchi in Portland, and paella that will cause you to never look anywhere else, Local 188 always promises smart and simple preparations of fresh, local food. They feature a daily fish special, always adorned with the brightest, most colorful produce and/or purées. The traditional aspects of their flatbread, Spanish tortilla, and paella deserve celebration. The cocktails at Local are nearly as good as sister restaurant's, Sonny's. The bread and olive oil, heavily salted, that comes out just after ordering is some of my favorite pre-dinner bread around. Whether you're snacking or dining, Local has the menu for you. Don't overlook the dessert menu. Far more often than not, dessert options in my favorite restaurants can't stand up to their savory siblings. Not at Local. It's clear that the desserts are held to the same exact standard, and the options are so wonderful that last summer, I actually excused my frequent desserting at Local as 'research' for the dessert menu I was writing at the time. I hope you love it as much as I do. Dare I say Local 188 is my Portland #1? I don't dare...yet. It's surely worthy.
(5)Elizabeth T.
I have dined here a few times now and just don't know why we end up going there. The food is just not good. I am a vegetarian so am limited by their menu, but how do you mess up hummus? I have never liked any of the dishes I have tried. The atmosphere is fun and the service friendly. But I can't be the only one that thinks the food is terrible?
(1)Dennis D.
Came here because there was no wait and was seated right away, looked over the menu and ordered the BBQ hash with eggs, and my wife ordered a breakfast sandwich. 45 minutes later and we came to find out they forgot to put our order in. The server and manager were very apologetic and offered to "make it right." When the food arrived it was excellent, the meat was soft and tender, the english muffin was large and chewy and the blueberry jam was a great spread.
(4)Susan R.
I didn't even want to go. my gf and on walked by a few times and judged this place as 'trendy yuppie'. We were wrong, local. I am sorry. the brunch wait was OBSCENE. there was a road race in town. they ran out of a lot of food. it was a hellish hell show of unprecedented proportions. but through it all- a few things shone through. 1) our host- server and back waiter were lovely. 2) the food here is very good and worth the $$ but most importantly 3) the brunch cocktails were perfect. perfect. PERFECT. I never find my cocktail to be perfect. I ordered a bit of a negroni-lini (negroni bellini) concoction that was off-menu. I took me aback. I literally lost my train of thought and stared blank faced at my cocktail. GF: "uh oh, what's wrong with your drink?" ME: "it's perfect."
(4)T U.
Good solid effort Spice up the seasoning on the Huevos Rancheros... But we'll prepared. Good prices... Especially on liquor... If you say your donuts are house made... And they are not on the sweet bread platter on a Sunday morning... Drop the price...the biscotti were stale but the coffee cake was good...but I paid for donuts. Local 188 fits right in to the Portland landscape. I guess we just have to deal with the hipsters with kids who walk around annoying others... Control the spawn or put them back into their designer carry all cases.
(3)Renee B.
So i wanted to love it...i was primed to love it....but I just did not have enough good dishes to get it into the win column. The gnocchi was just not that good - dense...meh. The cheese platter was well thought out that was great! Spanish tortilla was so over cooked and that was how the night went. The space is beautiful. The staff was friendly.
(3)Justin S.
I have mixed feelings here. The cocktails are great, and i love the selection of tapas plates, but the music is way too loud, and some of the staff's "too cool for school" attitude really turns me off. We even saw the staff doing shots with the bartender. I will go to Local 188 only out of convenience, but otherwise it is not on my list of places I like to visit...
(2)Kathleen F.
I started with a martini made with grapefruit and honey--their most popular and delicious. The mushroom tapas was very flavorful and satisfying. The shorts ribs were flavorful and tender. I love all the flavors that the chef melds into the dishes. It was a gift to my tastebuds. I wish they had some gluten-free bread to serve.
(4)Sam M.
Local 188 has the best brunch I have ever had, it was absolutely delicious. The English muffins were fluffy and tasted very fresh. The smoked salmon scrambled eggs were my favorite and I also got a side of cheddar grits which were great as well. The service were wonderful all the way through. If I lived closer this would be a weekend must for me.
(5)Rachel K.
Finally went here after living in the West End for almost a year (I know what have we been waiting for!?). Just went for drinks on a Wednesday evening. I was surprised to see they have a large lounge area and were happy to seat us at a table there even though we said we weren't eating. HUGE drink menu with lots of creative cocktails. Per the server's recommendation I had a Blond Redhead- house stawberry vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of cran. It was tasty and strong (no ice though which I would have liked). I really liked the atmosphere. It was hip, but not off-putting. They have some couch areas in the lounge which would be great for large groups. Service was amazing- they even had a guy re-filling water glasses. I would definitely like to go back and try their food. I hear their brunch is delish!
(4)Ryan C.
We journeyed to Local 188 for my wife's birthday with high hopes. We began our meal by letting our waitress know that we had to be at the theater by 7:00 P.M. for the ballet. When we were seated, we were positioned next to another couple that had just sat down, leaving several tables open immediately to our left that were open and slightly more private. The menus consisted of two pieces of paper, clipped together with a paper clip (a little too pretentious). We were pleasantly surprised that our waitress surprised us with a complementary amuse-bouche which consisted of chicken liver pate. I really wish she would have asked if we were interested before she put it down and walked away. Not wanting to have it go to waste, my wife and I both ate and very much enjoyed the pate. I hate tapas restaurants; I always leave poor and hungry. We ordered mushroom, meatballs and olive tapas as appetizers. The mushroom was delicious, while the meatballs were a little dry and the marinara sauce was WAY to sweet. The bountiful portion of olives consisted of many very well cured oil packed olives and a few that tasted a little past their prime. My wife had the gnocchi and warm beet salad and I had the paella for dinner. My paella was very flavorful and packed with a bounty of seafood and chicken and chorizo sausage coins. A downside to my paella was that there were a good amount of pulverized clam shell bits mixed in among the rice, which made eating very difficult. A few bites in I came to terms with the fact that I was going to be doing a lot of crunching and swallowing rather than spitting or sending my meal back to the kitchen to be remade. My wife's gnocchi was amazing and by far the highlight of meal for the both of us. Neither of us very much cared for the warm beet salad, which consisted of a lot of beets, gouda and a very mild dressing. By the time we reached the end of our meal our waitress had not visited our table since we had our appetizers delivered. The busboys and other servers had been delivering food and refilling glasses of water. We waited for a while for the server to get us a box and bring the bill. Finally, I asked a busboy to accommodate us and he did so very quickly and in a friendly manor. By the time we got out of Local 188, it was 7 minutes before the rise of the curtain. We only made it to the show in time by flagging down a taxi cab and tipping the driver well. In summation, we spent over $100 for the two of us and were not overly enthralled with the meal. While I would consider going back for cocktails and perhaps a single tapa before heading downtown for drinks or dinner, I doubt I will be back to Local 188 for an actual meal.
(2)Darren F.
We stopped in here while walking through Portland on a rainy Sunday for drinks. The inside is huge, but dark and needs to be updated badly. We sat at the bar and poured over the massive wine, beer and cocktail list. The Great North Woods, with whisky and maple syrup was great. The service was slow, despite the lack of customers, the bartender was missing from behind the bar 75% of the time we were there. I'd be likely to try another place first as the mostly black interior is dated and service poor. It seems like a place with little pride in what they do.
(3)Matthew D.
Great atmosphere. Food is average and small portions, even the large plates. Paella is fairly good. Very overpriced.
(3)Brianna M.
Great service, delicious light fare. Nice atmosphere for a romantic night out or a group outing. We sat at the bar where we could see the chefs work in the open kitchen. They also had outdoor seating which would have been lovely if it weren't raining. We only had a couple of plates here before the place closed early for the holiday. Their menu was impressive but we weren't able to try enough of a variety to make a 5-star review. They had good local beers on tap too!
(4)Mike S.
so sometimes you just go on a hunch when you look at a restaurants pictures on their website, and you get a certain vibe. I went onto local 188's website before taking an overnighter to portland and just decided to randomly make a res and give it a shot without looking at the reviews. What a solid idea!!! The entire space is huge but really well utilized. the vibe is chilled-out-urban. No pretention here!!! The menu is small but eclectic. The service was mellow but on point. The wine selection was wide and varied to suit all tastes(we had a cab franc that was tasty and affordable, to key indicators for a good time). Our service from multiple staff members was excellent, unpressured and attentive. We had multiple tapas dishes:chicken pinchons(amazing), patatas bravas(delish aioli), the steak tartare(way too salty and garlicky), and the deviled eggs(spot on!). after all the wine and tapas we were kinda stuffed but pushed on with their house salad(perfect palate cleanser and delish). and for dessert we finished off with moscato and bread pudding(indescribably awesome, you'd be a fool not to get this!!!) all in all, great experience!! thanks local 188, you guys rock!! cheers
(4)Ashley T.
We visited this establishment on impulse. And, we were 100% satisfied. The staff was friendly and fun. The food was excellent. We started with a couple snacks off their tapas menu, then decided to stay for an entree. We had the short rib and it was to die for. The music over the speaker system was an exciting blast from the past. We couldn't have chosen a better lineup! Drink menu was beyond impressive. The ambience of the restaurant was so unique and eclectic. I believe we have found our new date night spot :-) thanks for an excellent evening Local 188!
(5)Daniella L.
Drinks at the bar are good. And..that's about it... We went here with our family for breakfast and the food was REALLY bad. First off, the eggs were cooked sloppy and runny- the food on the plate looked really gross. The "pancakes" we ordered were in fact, NOT pancakes at all, but a MASSIVE, thick, dry, 12 inch round, "corn bread muffin-like" cake. If you are going to put pancakes on the menu, I think they should make them like what the rest of the US refers to as a pancake; otherwise, the word "pancake" should not be use to describe whatever that thing was. The home fries were awful, too. They were almost "rolled" in some bright red-orange spice, which perhaps was paprika?...they were covered in this stuff and it made them so dry and unpleasant to eat. I didn't think it was possible to cook up such a horrible breakfast when ordering basic items such as: eggs, pancakes and home fries, but Local 188 managed to prove otherwise! I'd recommend passing on breakfast food from here and going elsewhere.
(1)Simon S.
I don't eat seafood but I had the Goat Cheese salad and the Gnocchi, and both were great. My girlfriend had the Seafood Paella and said it was the best meal she ever had. You get a tremendous, diverse plate. 5 Stars for sure.
(5)Sam B.
Nothing is better on a mild summer evening than sitting outside at one of the patio tables at Local 188 while all the world passes by on Congress St. Just last evening my friends and I discourteously planted ourselves at one of their outside tables for three hours ordering just carafes of sangria and glasses of wine while we caught up on life stuff. We were asking for terse service but instead were treated very well by our server who regularly checked on us and not once pressured us to leave. If you're not interested in the hustle and bustle, the interior is spacious and moody, perfect for friendly conversations. The high ceilings and open kitchen can make it a little bit noisy, particularly on a raucous Saturday night. They have an expansive drink menu, signature cocktails, and a food menu of tapas, salads, and entrees. Theirs is foodie food so, if you're into charcuterie, you might just love it.
(4)Kim S.
Very retro, trendy place with a light fate. Lots of small plates. Salads were all delish and the seafood was very tasty too. First time I ever had cooked radishes... They were very good. Visiting Portland but would go back!
(4)Richard T.
Great beer selection, great food, and an extremely courteous staff. Arrived at three in the afternoon and begrudgingly left around eight. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)Mark H.
We recently visited this restaurant with a large group for a graduation party. All people in the group were very disappointed. For instance the hot tapas deep fried garlic was a plate with 5 tiny cloves of garlic each about the size of a pea. As a server or an owner I would be embarrassed to serve this plate. The pan seared scallops was a plate with 3 scallops a little smaller than a quarter for $13.00. My daughter ordered the seafood paella for $39.00 this dish had 1 Maine lobster claw and 1 tiny rock lobster tail, last I knew rock lobster is not indigenous along the Maine coast. I could go on but it was the same disappointment for every one. The staff was very nice but not very organized. All in all we would never go back way over priced I truly mean way over priced. We walked to the restaurant, there was no on street parking.
(1)Laura P.
We are currently food drunk off of the paella and spiced hash breakfasts! If that were our last meal of life we wouldn't be disappointed, unless we would have forgot to get an English muffin! Got seated and served very quickly! Definitely a spot all have to try!
(5)Bazza G.
Two stars is being generous because they comped my meal. Sat at the grill bar, we immediately noticed that the cooks and the guy on the pass were handling food with no gloves let alone not washing their hands. The servers were also handling bread without washing their hands. I ordered the brisket hash, which just seemed to be burnt, dry and mashed up meat. The wife had the eggs, home fries, muffin and a side of bacon. Bacon was burnt, seemed to be more like charchol and the scrambled eggs came out as an omelette and rubbery. After we got our meals we saw the chef pick his ear, scratch his hair and then without washing his hands picked up food with same hand. Never go back ever again.
(2)Jenn F.
Steak was bland, fatty and overpriced. Paella was delicious. Flan was wonderful. Atmosphere was loud and I don't think I fit in as I am not a hipster. Server was good. The Spanish tortilla was really quiche like. Overall not bad but very high price for what you get.
(3)Portland F.
The food at Local 188 is delicious. Everything has not only a great presentation but wonderful flavor. This is a great place to go for a date night or girls night out. Wine by the bottle is fairly priced and they do a good job of pacing the meal. Make reservations if you can as it's always busy. I recommend the deviled eggs to start! Word to the wise: this is not a traditional Spanish restaurant but is a good American-Spain fusion.
(4)Amy B.
Meh. I wasn't impressed. My bacon was burned, hardly saw my server so I was only able to have ONE mimosa (the horror!!) and felt rushed out since there was a wait for the table.
(2)Allison B.
Fantastic food and awesome service! The tapas were wonderful, we had the naan bread and meatballs, and the food was even better! Word of advice, if you get the seafood paella, share it with someone. It was huge! Our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive, and it was very quick service for how gourmet the food was. I highly recommend!
(5)Colin M.
Went here twice, one just for drinks, once for tapas. The drinks are delicious but pretty pricey ($9-$12). The food has amazing flavor but the tapas were tiny portions even by tapas standards. Decent beer list and they'll even do flights of 4 local beers, which most places (non-breweries ) don't. Service was great.
(4)Xiaoshan Z.
Ambiance was lovely as usual. It was the perfect place to end our long-drowsy day on an airplane and between airports. Seafood paella: so far still the best I've ever had. It was so rich in flavors and so very fresh. Most paellas I've had in the past usually use truckload of oil and salt to cover the fact that they lack real flavors. But this one blended the taste of veggies, garlic as well as the seafood well. The portion was generous, not just the rice itself, but the seafood too. I loved the white sauce mussels too. Again, so fresh tasting and so juicy. Somehow in my biased mind Maine mussels are just bigger&fatter than those I usually get in California. BUT, we did wait a good 40 min between our salad and the Paella.... It was a Monday night and the place was not even that busy. Yep I get it. The "laid back" life style and no need to rush. But I was HUNGRY.........
(4)Judy L.
Came here for restaurant week. Ambience was interesting. It was a packed house on a Saturday night. We saw some parties that were seated on sofas. That looked like a slightly awkward seating arrangement for a fancy dinner place. We were lucky and had a corner table. Meatball: slightly on the dry side, but reasonably tasty. Salad: healthy. House paella: amazing! Flavorful. Packed with seafood and chicken. Hake: cooked and seasoned perfectly. Trifle: first time I tried a trifle. It was very interesting and quite tasty. Also felt incredibly fattening though. . . . layers and layers of sweets. Flourless chocolate torte: a little on the dry side for a chocolate torte, but the whipped cream made it all better.
(4)S S.
We went to Local 188 for dinner and we're not disappointed! They do a variety of small plates all of which are excellent. We have eaten at other small plate restaurants around Portland and I think this one is the best of all of them. Our waiter was great, he even gave two of us to go cups for coffee and tea as we had to catch a ferry. They are definitely allergen friendly here and make sure that they check ingredients before you commit to an order. I appreciate that being celiac. The atmosphere is nice and laid back, a good way to spend an evening with friends!
(4)Justine J.
I've visited Local 188 countless times -- for brunch, drinks, lunch, and dinner. My husband and I frequented Local when they were at their first location, and we've been there MANY times in their new location as well. The wait staff is always very quick with drinks, and extremely attentive to your needs, not to mention knowledgeable about both the food and wine/beer selections. The food has always, ALWAYS been top notch. My husband and I frequently comment that you could just close your eyes and point to a meal on the menu, and there's a pretty damn good chance you'll LOVE whatever it is. Desserts, too. Yum!
(5)C M.
Ohhh.... we ordered way too much. But it was all so gooooood. We lucked out and arrived before the crowd that filled the place soon after we got our food. Server described the wines very well and led us each to the perfect choice for the food we were ordering. Our mistake was ordering appetizers before deciding on the meal. Patatas bravas and chicken pinchos were both delish. But then we decided on the seafood paella. MAN was it good! But we had to take half of it home. Gee. What a pity.
(4)Ella R.
Food was good, but not worth the wait. Absolutely terrible service. Took almost 3 hours for 6 people to eat dinner. Drinks were even forgotten about. Will never go back.
(1)Colleen J.
This place rules. So chill, and the bartender was very great. There were pillows on the benches and the chairs were very comfy. I love this! Every time I come visit family I plan on making an appearance here.
(5)Kevin C.
First time here. Wasn't sure what to expect based on other reviews. Was pleasantly surprised (although may need to take out a second mortgage for next time - those small plates can add up fast for a party of four!) Deviled eggs were good, though could have used a little mustard to balance the richness of the yolk filling. We also enjoyed the flatbread with hummus. It was a large piece of flatbread nicely grilled and the hummus was very good. My wife had the hanger steak and I chose the short ribs. Both were very good. The steak came with a bacon jam (she shared, it paired really well with the ribs). Service was attentive, though not overly so.
(4)Q S.
Food: Unique brunch selections - loved the lobster & grits and pecan pancake. Buttered fluffy English muffins were oh-so-good. Heard from others at the table that the corned beef hash was tasty with it's tomato-based sauce. Service: Not so great. Long wait, absent-minded servers. Got coffee but with no cream or spoons and then was told that they ran out of spoons and had to check with the dishwasher... Um... Someone at our table ordered a beer on draught and had to change his order 3 times because there was a problem with what was on tap... it look him 30 minutes to get his drink. We ordered pancake for the table and it didn't arrive until the end of the meal - at which point, we don't remember/or cared about whatever excuses they had. Charged us an extra entree on the bill. In Summary: Expect good food/drinks - but a lot of pain getting to eat it.
(3)KC G.
My wife and I enjoyed Sunday brunch on a beautiful fall morning. Reviews said "come early to avoid lines" I wasn't sure what that meant...we arrived at 10 am and we're seated immediately, but there was a wait forming by 10:15. Great hip vibe, creative libations menu and outstanding food. We sat next to the window, the server noticed the sun in my eyes and closed the curtains without having to be asked. Awesome. We will definitely be back!
(5)Anna W.
We had an alright experience here- it was restaurant week and our main dishes were quite good. I wouldn't recommend the Spanish tortilla as a tapa...they haven't quite gotten that down yet. It is a bit bland. The deserts were also nothing spectacular. Someone in my party got the paella and thought it was amazing. The sangria was also delicious (although we had to ask about it because I didn't find it on the menu). The service was not great either...our server seemed distracted and never announced the specials to us (rookie mistake, I suppose). All in all, there was some great food and some unimpressive food...which don't quite make the prices worth it in my book.
(3)Diane L.
I had the best huevos rancheros i've ever tasted here. The help was amazingly helpful, smiling as they brought us our food, gladly offering to bring more coffee, providing bowls of home-made jam (blueberry basil!), and more. The pancake is wonderful, great to split with others, and top with real maple syrup or the wonderful jams. This is a great place, comfortable, spacious, featuring local artists on the walls, and fresh flowers on every table (that's not easy to do!) as well as giant bouquets around the restaurant. I would go back to Portland just to return.
(5)Jess S.
I've been here twice now -- once for brunch and once for drinks and dessert. The drinks were fine (although my mixed drink -- lime juice, bourbon, and maple syrup -- was heavy-handed and clunky), and the ice cream that we got was quite delicious (black pepper and chocolate chip were my two favorites -- made in-house). However, the brunch was really below par. Temperatures on the foods were hit-or-miss, and my pancake was not very tasty. Great atmosphere, though, and love sitting on the couch.
(3)Anna B.
Excellent! Went here on a recommendation from our inn keeper; it did not disappoint. We started with the red sangria. It was perfection. Not too sweet, but very tasty. We started with three tapas - the marinated feta, anchovies, and chicken. OMG, so good. We then ordered the classic paella - more than enough for two people to share. It was out of this world!
(5)Richard M.
Not too fancy, but not too casual either, offering consistently excellent food and service. Equally suitable for a quick but delicious meal at the end of a hard day or a long-planned romantic date night. As others have noted, the Paella is spectacular.
(5)Mairead O.
Visually, the most fun and in interesting restaurant in all of Portland. I love to show this place off to visiting guests! Whether you're a couple enjoying the counter, a large or small group on the couches or at the retro tables and chairs in the lounge, or seated in the dining room, there isn't a bad spot in the room! The fact that the food is outstanding is definitely a bonus. The quirky combinations of ingredients almost makes one question whether or not the owner/chef has a peyote addiction. The extensive, ever-changing, creative food (and drink) menu guarantees one will always leave utterly satisfied on every level.
(5)Jamie A.
LOVE IT! Great food, awesome atmosphere! Love the downtown location, A must go!
(5)Doc A.
Came here for brunch. Got here at 11. Food arrived 1145. My over easy eggs are well done. Its eggs - get it right. The pancake is not a pancake. It's a weird loafy thing that's more like blueberry bread. Prob cornmeal based. English muffin is okay but with no yolk to dip into ... Blech. I woulda sent em back but who wants to wait for more eggs when you've waited this long. I'm so done. I should take a pic. Let me make my over easy eggs look as runny as possible. Oh and I should show the pancake. Place looks cool and clientele and staff look cool buuuuuuut.. You know, expect to stir your coffee with your fork (no spoon) and/or place your tea bag on the table (no dish). Pass. Big time.
(2)Kyle D.
Always excellent cocktails. Try their home-made infusions if you're into trying new things. Most nights there is table service outside but it usually ends pretty early. Don't expect to wait long for a drink, there bartenders are on their game! Local has some excellent food, but why not offer tapas, or a late night appetizer menu to keep the drinkers fat and happy?
(4)Bruce D.
Great dinner. Kids loved the meatballs and the pollock was excellent. Cool atmosphere. Not exactly kid friendly but not unfriendly either.
(4)Nathan K.
I've never been a big fan of Local 188. I don't like the way it's taken for granted by so many Portlanders. I don't like the way it's held up as a representation of the great food here. I don't like that it's the place that everyone suggests we meet for drinks. There are better restaurants and bars in town, that really represent high quality cooking and innovation. There are far better places to meet for drinks, places where one need not scream at the person sitting across from them in order to be heard. For two years, I've avoided the place, after I was accosted by the then-bartender - a local personality - who was drunk on the job. Between that and a friend relating her horrible treatment as a server there I thought "there are better places to spend my money." But a few months ago I decided to give it a shot. I knew the bartender was no longer there and figured maybe things had mellowed. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was great, no one being rude or condescending, as was always the case every time I'd gone previously. It's incredibly loud at all times, even when it's empty, which I'll never be able to get over, but that's my thing. Also, I really hate the crowd that tends to show up there (aloof hipsters, too preoccupied discussing the albums their bands are recording to pull their chairs in a bit when you are trying to get by; parents who let their kids treat the the place like a chucky cheese without so much as word). The food is good. It's not great. I've twice ordered a burger there and had the bun be completely soaked and disintegrating by the time it was put in front me. They're at their best when they keep it simple. The mushroom and herb omelet was delicious. Came with home fries and a biscuit, both of which were perfect. This is definitely not a place I'll go regularly. I just can't stand the noise and the crowd there. But if a friend is in town and really wants to go, or if all the other places I like to get brunch are too crowded, I'll happily go here and get a scramble.
(3)Anh T.
One of the spots I tried for breakfast food. The restaurant decoration is very nice and cozy. My friend tried the salmon scramble eggs and it is really good!! Highly recommended dish!! I got a BBQ hash and eggs, was a little dry and not very tempting thought. Good service. Everyone is super friendly as usual in Maine
(3)Bets R.
LOVE going to brunch at Local. The smoked salmon bagel plate is amazing. It has a ton of everything and comes served DIY so you can build it however you like. The Alarm Clock is a great drink however I always get the Cucumber Bloody Mary! It's my favorite bloody in the city. The outside seating is nice but be prepared to get hollered at by passersby. The black raspberry jam is amazing, and the servers all wear cute aprons.
(5)Jeff H.
We ordered several appetizers and had mixed reviews. First, the "Spanish tortilla" is more like a frittata, but instead of making it to order, they reheat previously cooked food. This dries out the egg at the edges and is not worth the cost of the dish. I highly recommend skipping this dish. The hummus is good for American hummus. The highlight of the meal was the gnocchi. They pan sear it, and it has a wonderful crispy outside while staying internally moist. I recommend this for any gnocchi lovers. In the end, this restaurant felt very yuppie, trying to appeal to the "foodie" crowd. It is a perfect spot for people who like to call themselves "foodies" without really understanding food. Everything is fresh and made with care, but not made in a style that is exceptional or worth the cost.
(3)Crystal D.
Came here with a group of friends from NY. Definitely legit brunch spot. Had the smoked salmon scramble and it was perfect! Their English muffins and peach blueberry jam are amazing! We were seated within 5 minutes. I enjoyed the atmosphere and decor as well.
(5)Kate S.
The service was good, and our waitress apologetic and attentive. The bloodmary was the worst I've ever had. Tasted like salt, too much horseradish and spoiled tomato juice. No balance whatsoever. When I went up to order another drink the bar tender ignored me completely for 10 minutes, not even making eye contact or a "I'll be right with you." The english muffin was the best thing on my scramble plate with completely overcooked scrambled eggs with negligible amounts of herbs and no goat cheese (they forgot and brought me a bowl of it later), the breakfast potatoes had no crispiness, flavor or salt. My friend's french toast was burnt. Great ambiance and decor, good looking people.
(2)Karen R.
This is a great place to meet up with friends and grab a few drinks. I have never eaten here, but looking at others' plates the food looks pretty good. I was tempted to grab a bite here on my last visit but the service was rather poor. The waiter actually handed us a check for the drinks while I was looking at the menu! I am sure it was a misunderstanding but it was still rather awkward! After looking at the menu I could not find anything that I wanted to have so I just stuck with my drink and went elsewhere for food. They have a great bar and open seating that allows for a larger group. They also have off street parking which is a definite bonus in this part of Portland!
(3)Chang T.
Local 188 never ever disappoints! Great food, great wine and beer selection and the bar has some fantastic mixed drinks. Great vibe here and the staff are fantastic.
(5)Dave N.
Came here for a pre-concert feast and loved it. I can't recommend the seafood paella more highly--nothing like a little lobster in your saffron rice! We also tried some of the tapas plates, I'd recommend the steak plate, the quail eggs, and the hummus. Atmosphere was surprisingly cozy for a bigger space, great lighting and artwork really set the mood. As an out-of-towner, this was exactly what I was looking for in terms of great Portland cuisine. High regards to local.
(5)Joanna F.
When your co-diners are pressuring you to give this a five star review at all costs, you know it's good! I kicked myself when I realized this restaurant was here after staying around the corner for years and having no idea it existed. A group of 6 of us walked in at 5 pm on a Saturday and the only unreserved seats were at the bar. The menu is made up of a few small plates, medium sized plates and entrees. I wasn't starving, so I opted to split a cheese plate and a quiche with my husband. He also got a salad. Welp, the cheese plate was super filling and large for a small plate, as was the quiche. Everything was absolutely delicious. Upon seeing the hummus flatbread that my bro and his fiancee got, I decided I need a side of hummus as soon as possible. They were able to accommodate my request and it was some of the best hummus I've ever had (and I'm a bit of a hummus connoisseur. Service was amazing, drink menu was great, every morsel I put in my mouth was delicious and locally sourced. I cannot WAIT to come back here when I'm in Portland again.
(5)Ross C.
The bartender has been stood staring at the register screen for - I kid you not - 15 minutes, and I'm the only person at the bar. I was waiting to order food, but that desire waned 12 minutes ago.
(2)Paul W.
My wife and I had dinner here with two very close friends whom I've known for over 30 years who now live in Cape Elizabeth. We all had a great time - interesting eclectic ambience as well as their menu. Servings were a little on the high side, but they were prepared and served in considerable portions. The desert was so huge that the four of us shared it, and there was still some of it left over!! The drinks were above adequate - and the service was excellent. I'd go here again! Nice choice, B&K!!!!!
(5)Caitlin P.
This is the best brunch I've ever had. Our food took about 45 minutes because it was so busy but it was completely worth the wait. Get the blueberry pancake!
(5)Diana C.
We went for breakfast because Hot Suppa had a long wait time. Huge mistake!!! We were seated at a nice table in front of the window and that was the only good part about our visit. We ordered our meals, my husband got the steak and eggs ($15) and I ordered the hash and eggs. I didn't read the description very well and didn't realize it had hollandaise sauce on it. I hate hollandaise so that was my mistake. As we waited for our food, two tables who were seated after us were served their food. We were getting ready to walk out and our food arrived. My eggs were covered in hollandaise sauce so I asked the server to remove the eggs for me (I was happy to just eat the hash and potatoes). He brought it back to the kitchen to remove the eggs and when I got my plate back, it was laughable. They took the eggs off, scraped off the hollandaise and put them back on the plate. My husband's steak and eggs were completely cold. He got 4 thin pieces of steak and he said it was as tough as shoe leather. Really, $15 for 4 tiny pieces of steak. They come around to refill your coffee but the coffee in the filthy pot is not even remotely hot. They ended up removing my meal from the check but it still cost us $30 dollars with the tip. I will pay top dollar for a good breakfast but this was one of the worst meals we have ever had in Portland. Do yourself a favor and wait in line at Hot Suppa if you want a amazing breakfast.
(1)Brave G.
first stop in portland maine after checking in at the West End Inn was Local 188, located just off longfellow square on congress st. we were still fresh off the plane, since the rooms weren't ready and we left our bags under the stairs. we asked about breakfast and our host suggested we make the ten-minute walk to the square. walking through the west end for the first time was like falling in love with a neighborhood. we turned left at the square and passed by first a corner brunch pub, then a japanese noodle bar also serving brunch sporting an extremely fresh-faced large japanese family at the window table, and a french bistro with their croque monsieurs, but decided to continue on across congress to Local 188 since i wanted a real egg-based breakfast to start things off. we looked through the window and at first it seemed a little like a tourist destination for middle america with really big plate portions, but we went inside anyway. it was a big open room, and crowded, and loud, with awful music, something resembling beer-bar 70s white rock. yikes, it's 11 am. must be for the rebelling-against-the-world-by-getting-drunk hangover people who for some reason want to re-live the particularly righteous night before. and there was a wait, but you know that can be both good and bad, since no one waits for bad food - yelp pretty much put a stop to that, right? so we waited a little, but waiting for breakfast always makes me feel like a chump. we gave up and went off in search of someplace else. there were a couple of other good places, like Hot Suppa, which we were told had better eating, but the wait there was close to an hour. how do people do that? i think we wandered a while, passing some coffee places with just pastries, and ended up going thrifting, and in the end came back to Local, and this time got seated right away. so all of the above redux, and a waitstaff of females seemingly not yet out of school, but there was also food, and it was an open kitchen and we could see them working it. coffee arrived, and it was real coffee, the local roasters are kind of the portland signature it seems, but the drink was weak since a bit of milk diluted it right down to tan. but - and i can't emphasize this enough - the eating was terrific. absolutely terrific. for some reason, who knows why, as soon as i saw hash and eggs on the menu i had to have it. but i also know that it usually comes out of a can, even in pretty hip places, so i asked and they said it was housemade. and it was great, seriously great, with some sort of fatty pulled beef and a perfect scrambled. so many ways this could have gone wrong but it went perfectly right. but it was the english muffin that put it over the top. not Thomas' English lite white, but a whole grain chewy sourdough with good butter. it was real food heaven. and that was all we had, but it was like firing a warning shot across the bow: portland food standards are high, and this is a food/beverage town. portland coffees are ridiculous, portland restaurants rock. there are people doing great things here. they've got their eye on the prize. so maybe Local wasn't the best place to hang out, but the eating, at least for one breakfast, was superb.
(4)Lauren L.
A longtime favorite for the hubby and me! My favorite breakfast item is the SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLE - cream cheese, capers, red onion, and dill. YUM! Second to that is the steak tartare- never knew how great raw meat could be. We also enjoy the tomato soup with the house bread. Great assortment of beers and flavored vodkas as well.
(5)Bill Z.
Local 188 caught my attention when looking for dinner locally, and that magic word - tapas - appeared. Though the number of tapas - which evidently change regularly on the menu - is maybe around a dozen. Other magic words included "sangria" and "paella." I was initially disappointed that there was no ice in the water we were served, which seemed unusual because the glasses we were given with our red sangria (carafe for $22) were packed full of ice, and also blueberries and slices of oranges and strawberries. The sangria itself was rich and deep-colored and potent. I moved a little ice from my sangria glass to my water glass, and all was well. Our appetizer, the Charcuterie Plate ($12) was an assortment of smoked sausage, pork, and chicken accompanied by pickled white grape tomatoes, apple, and almonds. It went well with the bread, on which olive oil was drizzled and sea salt lightly sprinkled. Between us we ordered the Lavender Chicken and the House Paella, both $21. The Lavender chicken was a generous half-chicken on a bed of greens (turnip?) and was, according to the person who ordered it, "unexpectedly awesome!" My house paella was delicious, but not quite authentic. It was long-grain rice instead of short-grain, and it looked like it was yellow instead of a red-orange with the saffron or tomato base you would expect. Perhaps it is their risotto. All the meats were tender and flavorful. My favorite was the clams, and I wish there had been a few more clams and a few less mussels. It also included some sauteed thinly-sliced onions and pepers and some roasted red peppers. Everything tasted great together, but it really didn't feel like everything was cooked together for very long - if at all - so I'm not sure if all the wonderful flavors really had a chance to blend together. Yet for all my nit-picking here, I would definitely order it again. When leaving, we saw the restaurant's smoker in the alley on our way back to the parking lot where our car was parked. They are very trusting people... it was awfully tempting to open it and abscond with more of the delicious meat.
(4)Kaitlin M.
A really cute little place. Cozy and sweet. I went last night after a day out on the boat. We wanted to watch the sunset and so we called to extend our reservation and they were really nice about it. Dinner was fabulous-I had the Hake and cheese plate. The cheese plate had all sorts of great nibbles-Marcona almonds, dried fruit, jam and crackers, and everything was well-seasoned. The Hake was light and cooked to perfection, the quinoa was coconutty and really good. I didn't love the sangria. It was too juicy for me. And our waitress was in a bad mood, but super knowledgable, so you win some you loose some. Overall highly recommended.
(4)Imo M.
This place has a 1990's Austin, Texas feel. Funky, low-key, and serves good food. Good for lunch and dinner. At dinner, the place was packed with a private party on one side, and the full house on the other, but it was still tolerable (noise level wise). Try the Hake dish. It's like a deconstructed seafood paella, saffron infusion and all. The bar is fully stocked and the drinks are totally acceptable.
(4)MJ J.
Stuff your skinny jeans into your bean boots and throw on your best flannel. We are going to local for brunch. This place has got an artsy, hip vibe to it. The management is apparently really good at thrift shopping, particularly for mugs. I think the best thing about this place has to be the mug collection, kittens to worlds best grandma mugs - probably all second hand but that doesn't bother me a bit. Bloody may mays galore and some other really great Sunday cocktails. The food you ask? Meh- it's decent, but I guess you come here for the experience and to feel like a hipster more than be all into the food - especially for brunch. Dinner might be a different story but it's been a long while since I've had dinner here so I'll hold off on commenting on that.
(4)Tony S.
It started with the chicken liver. Not the most sexy sounding appetizer I'll admit, but when it was presented in a creamy au jus bed of the most amazing flavors, I knew I was sold.... and in trouble. That South Beach diet went completely out the window. The dish was the epitome of succulence, and there could not be enough bread to dip and absorb every last morsel..... (wow.... I'm actually sweating as I'm reliving that experience...). Then came the brind roasted chicken. Every inch of this half chicken entree had flavor. Even the center of the thickest white meat revealed hidden pockets of divine glory. I didn't want it to end. It was oral erotica without the sex. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the less than stellar dessert. To be fair, it could have been simply because I was full, but this apple-pie-ish dessert we had was a bit of a disappointment. I promise to give it another try when I return in a couple weeks. You'll absolutely love the casual, calm atmosphere. It reminded me of an evening dinner on one of the beach cafes in Southern California during winter. Calm, friendly, airy, and with absolutely no air of pretentiousness. I could have stayed there all night and just people watched. Highly recommend this place.
(4)Jennifer W.
My birthday dinner was spent at Local 188 and I couldn't be happier! The only reason this is 4 stars is because the AC couldn't keep up with the kitchen and we were a little warm! We were sat immediately with a table that had a bench with pillows. Very comfy. Kyle was our server and he was amazing! Knowledgeable, helpful, kind and competent!! We started off with the chicken pinchos which were marinated chicken skewers served with an aioli. The chicken was tender, perfectly cooked and the right size to start with!!! Bread is served with the meal, local bakery, covered in olive oil and seasonings!!! Delicious!!! My entree was the braised short ribs which were fall off the bone tender. My husband had the Black Risotto which was to die for! Flavorful and unique!!!! You should visit...wear cool clothing, eat, drink and be merry!!!!
(4)Hilary H.
I wanted to eat everything on the menu, but I practiced restraint and had the bagel with lox and the most delicious smoked-shallot relish known to me. I'm serious. What I really like about this place is the ambiance - their vibe just can't be beat. The room is large, open and airy, filled with natural light and a homey clamor from the kitchen. The service was great, friendly and well-timed by an adorable waitress in a patchwork apron. We we all very happy with our breakfasts - cinnamon buns, scrambled eggs with local vedge, and a hearty take on a huevos rancheros/frittata hybrid. Yummy. Go here for breakfast or brunch, kids - you won't be sorry.
(5)Sara S.
Great as always! Drinks are spectacular, the steak was great... Desserts were amazing. As always great to support local.
(5)Megan N.
Had brunch at Local 188 yesterday with a group of friends (and a baby!) We were seated immediately, and had coffees in front of us within minutes. The assorted Bloody's were tasty, and my Alarm Clock was a hit. (So much so that everyone changed ordered one for a second round. Who doesn't love second round brunch cocktails?) The Huevos Rancheros were delish, and the eggs cooked perfectly. The salmon bagel plate was beautifully presented, as well. Our server - didn't catch his name - was lovely and funny, and attentive without being overly conspicuous. Would love to return next time we're in the area.
(4)Mary L.
This is my favorite place for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. They have an array of Bloody Mary choices and they infuse their own liqueur. Their honey bombs you must try if you like mimosa type drinks. I go there just for their honey bombs even at night.
(5)Lee L.
Good service. Nice decor. Excellent food. Got the BBQ hash. A little on the salty side for me but still five stars. English muffins were amazing. I will be dreaming about them tonight
(5)D H.
Was here last weekend. The service was as good as it could be, but the kitchen was abominably slow. We waited over for an hour for our food. Brunch food. Nothing fancy. Other people had the lobster grits and rated them as ok/mediocre. And you definitely don't get a true half lobster. More like a small claw and a small portion of tail, which they didn't de-vein. I had an open sandwich (ham, sunny side egg, something like hollandaise sauce) with an extra side of bacon. The bacon was overcooked by a good 20 minutes. Completely charred and awful. The sandwich was a complete "meh". Perhaps it was an off day given all the other reviews. I wouldn't return though.
(2)Dionyse J.
Are at Local188 for Saturday Brunch. Great music, good vibe and excellent salmon scramble and huevos rancheros. Plan to come back next time we are in Portland. Fresh ingredients, house made Pico de gallo and coffee just strong enough!
(4)Blair H.
Best pancakes in the WORLD!!! I horseshit you not. Now, some key words so everyone can find the best pancakes in the WORLD. Tags: Best pancakes, mucho flapjacks, best panjacks, flippy floppy cakes, hotcakes, hotpanflappyjackcakes, ate so many pancakes i no longer look like a pancake, most amazing pancakes evar, the world is flat, flatpancakejacks, all I want for Christmas is my two pancakes, panmuffins.
(5)Kristen M.
I've been here 3 times now and have never been disappointed. The fresh, locally inspired dishes are absolutely delicious and the presentation is stunning. I'm not much of a drinker, but I hear the drinks are great too. The service is always great and the ambiance is very pleasant. A must when I'm in Portland.
(5)Chelsea A.
Service was great and the food was delicious. Menu had good healthy/vegetarian options.
(4)Bill G.
I honestly don't get it. Any of it. I don't want to slight Maine, but I can't imagine how this place, would be able to stay open anywhere else. Maybe I am jaded because we have so many amazing restaurants near us, I don't know. We ended up here at the insistence of some travel companions who have relatives in the area that love the place. First off, I don't think I've ever seen such a limited menu from somewhere that is considered a tapas place. I think there were 4 or 5 hot tapas items, and an equal amount of cold options. In addition, I find it odd that somewhere that claims to be big on locally sourced ingredients would have Mahi Mahi as the fish special for the night. In addition to the very limited menu, our server was a mix of incompetent and discourteous, if not just plain rude. We were a large party (13), which I suppose can be daunting, however - since there's an automatic 20% gratuity added onto the bill due to the size of the party, maybe at least try to do your job without acting so annoyed about it. The place was maybe slightly more than half full, and I'm still not sure which was slower - the service or the kitchen. The length of time it took to get the food ordered and out would've been far more tolerable had someone at least come over to check and see if we needed any more drinks, but alas, that didn't seem to be a huge priority. The reason that it gets 2 starts instead of 1 is that when we arrived earlier than the rest of our party, the host was very accommodating, as was the bartender while we had a cocktail at the bar while waiting for our table to be ready. Also, our cocktails were both very well balanced and tasty. The short rib appetizer I ordered was decent enough. My girlfriend's food, once she figured out which of the few options she would settle for, was also adequate, but certainly not memorable. When swapping notes with most of the others in our party later on, we found that most of them came to the same conclusion - totally underwhelmed. Well, except for the few folks from Maine. They really still like it. And they can have it. Maybe the brunch is decent, I don't know, but if I was back in the area, I honestly don't imagine bothering to find out.
(2)Jay H.
Local does a five star brunch. It can be a bit crowded, but that's how you know it's good! The coffee is nice and strong, though it's a bit disconcerting that they do not refrigerate their cream. $5 bloody's is probably the best deal you'll find in town. Their burger obliterates hangovers. It's so juicy, and so tasty that I'd consider ordering it at 9AM. Today they had a special with mushrooms, bacon and gruyere... mmmmmm. I've eaten dinner here a number of times and the food quality has run the gamut of totally freaking awesome to extremely lackluster and overpriced. If you are good at ordering then it shouldn't be a problem, but know going in that there are pitfalls on the menu. I think they do meat really well (steak, braised shortrib) but the times I've had fish I've felt unsatisfied. The paella was extremely over salted, but it had the potential to be legendary. This is the best place in town to get torte and port if you're into that sort of thing. Their dessert chef is like Picasso with chocolate and caramel.
(4)James H.
Great quality and service, selection not so great, no value in the pricing. Excellent fresh ingredients.
(3)Liam S.
Was good, but not great. I had heard a lot of good things, and it was alright.
(3)Lee T.
It is a Spanish restaurant but the decor does not looks too Spanish. It is a old building with open ceiling. It is a open dining room even with the open kitchen. Windows open to the street along the whole width of the restaurant. The dim light inside can let you see what is outside better. This is my second time here but is half empty on a Sunday night. Last time we are here was all packed. It is another highly rated specialty local restaurant. Then menu is very limited only one page. It is one stand letter size page with any binder or folder. I cannot eat the same entry all the time. However I ordered the same house paella as last time. It is fairly good with more mussels than I would needed. It is good but not outstanding. Especially I just returned from Spain. Other fish entries are very good also. Service are adequate but not as good as Olive Garden. The waitress offered a free dessert because the food take longer than usual to serve. Price are at the high side of $ 25-$30 entries for casual dining. I would say it is average in Old Portland downtown area. I think it is better a a three stars but less than a 4.
(3)Ms. Review S.
A group of five us had dinner here on Friday night. We made a last minute reservation for 6:30pm. We were running a little late and they held our table with no problems. Our waitress was AWESOME! She was attentive but helped us to pace our meal so we could enjoy all of the food, drinks, and the moment. The first bite was something creamy and made with cauliflower. It was so good, I would have licked the bowl clean if I could have gotten my hands on it. My group ordered a couple appetizers, two salads, and a couple smaller entrees. The gnocchi and short ribs were amazing. The blueberry salad was fantastic as well. The appetizers were good as well, but nothing compared to the short ribs! We didn't try the desserts but we ended our meal with a nice cup of hot coffee. This was my favorite meal during this trip to Portland! I will be back for sure!
(5)Krystle G.
This meal was fantastic! My boyfriend got the huevos rancheros and I got the eggs, home fries and English muffin. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We got a great table outside, which had a small town feel as you looked around. Great filling breakfast! I would definitely go back!
(5)David F.
This was a nice place to have a relaxed breakfast around 10am on a Saturday. The place was large and not tightly packed so it was comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed and not loud. I ordered the huevos rancheros and thought the meal was good, though on the smaller side for the price. Generally it seemed as though the prices were higher than they should have been. Overall I would return if I was looking for that kind of atmosphere. Note: I was visiting from Boston so I do not know how it compares to other places in the area.
(4)Stacey B.
What a great experience. Our server Julia was a delight. They didn't have a table so they sat 3 of us at the counter to watch the kitchen show right away. I cannot say enough about the mussels In white sauce. The sauce was fabulous but the quality of the mussels was the best I have ever had. I am from the west coast so I know my mussels. (Sounds a little dirty!) Loved the Champagne cocktail the monk's dream. My boy friend had the gin and tonic with a local spirit cold river and it too was fabu! Totally recommend it!
(5)Jax A.
After many a lobster shack and lobster roll on my Maine trip, I was ready for something different. Stopped in for dinner and drinks during my stay in Portland. I think the biggest draw was the location (close to the Pomegranate Inn where I was staying). Munched on their yummy bread while I tried to decide on an entree. Since it was a "Spanish" restaurant I decided on the House Paella and some Spanish wine. It was one of the best paella dishes I have ever had! The decor is a bit eclectic and the bar section has a much cooler vibe than the dinning area but I still enjoyed the ambiance overall. The paella is definitely enough for two people to share and my boyfriend and I were totally satisfied sharing the dish. We ended up ordering their apple tart dessert, which I loved. In fact, I liked it so much I ordered another glass of their delicious Spanish wine.
(4)Joe C.
Stopped in for brunch and was impressed with everything we tried. Corned beef hash was homemade and delicious, the special Bolognese with poached eggs was amazing as were the Bloody Marys and deviled eggs. Great service and they were able to sit us very quickly.
(4)Lindsay F.
Hubby & I stopped here for Brunch on our way up to Camden. The fact they do brunch Saturday & Sunday is a bonus! The prices and portions are a great deal. Plus $5-6 brunch cocktails & Bloody Mary's, you can't go wrong! I had the smoked salmon platter, which had capers, onions, dill cream cheese, tomatos, etc... Such a great spread! My hubs got the Caribbean seasoned corned beef. He was nice enough to give me a bite, and man that tasted good too! I've noticed some people on Yelp complained of the service. We had a good experience with our waiter and the timeliness. The place was hoppin and he did come back to double check on something, but nothing wrong w/ that! Friendly people, great vibes and beverage... def give it a try. I'd love to go back for dinner!
(4)TJ S.
One of the first restaurants I visited when moved to the area. Heard a lot of good things. As always taking hype with a grain of salt, was still really unimpressed, This is the kind of place that brings the foodie scene to a town and then rests on it laurels and gets played. Would be a good place for the burgeoning food scene in this country circa 1999 but otherwise now is a joke. Menu is so standard its ridiculous. Wow, mediocre beef tartare and a beet salad with goat cheese! Get outta town! I can't even review this place in detail considering how unmemorable it was. Waitstaff was ok, good downtown parking scenario. Obnoxious kitchen, dated decor, weird inbetween lounge area, overpriced. Who are you local 188? Who will you be?
(2)Taylor P A.
brunch experience. totally honest. we had the worst waiter in really long time, we are here at least twice a month and have a toddler and even sometimes ask for a particular waitress who is lovely and sweet but i think they hired new people since when we came last and it is not pretty. regardless of how he looked to us (bad hygiene and really realkyyyyy baggy pants aalong with dirty face and hair) we waited 30 minutes to receive our coffee, 25 minutes f or our entrees, 40 minutes for a check/box, 15 minutes to get the card swiped. food was fine enough. sorry local, but why two hours for a fprtyfive minute meal :(?
(2)AJ P.
Good food and good drinks, can't complain. The first time I walked by this place, I was a little wary as it seemed a little too hipster with the couches, mismatched furniture, and eclectic artwork. But upon entering and sitting there for the first time, I can't believe I almost passed this place up. They have a great selection of beer and wine to try out. Their menu of tapas is also wonderful if you just want to eat a little portion, or if you want to go with a few friends to try a bunch of different items.
(4)James H.
What a dump Overpriced over complicated rubbish Just paid 214 dollars (not including tip)for 4 people- two decent but overpriced bottles of red Friends food was ok-not exactly plentiful! Don't ever eat the vegetable dumplings in broth with coconut rice- rice is dumped in broth under three soggy dumplings A soggy horrid mess Left half What bothered me more was no-one asking if it was ok or why I left a pile of mush Also topped BTW with some odd salad Pleasant service- nice desert Don't go Had better crab cakes/haddock fillets in bread earlier on the nearby Peaks Island for $9.50 each Go check out the awesome local food instead
(2)James S.
Large open space that is popular with the locals. This place is loud (in a good way), full of fun and is very hip. It has a Spanish menu with a touch of Maine goodness and freshness. My daughter and I went here. I started with the White Sangria that was very, very good. Maybe the best sangria that I have had outside of Ibiza! My daughter had several tapas, she loved the homemade meatballs. I had the seafood paella. The paella was outstanding, full of seafood. This is Maine, so I expected good seafood, but this was FULL of scallops, mussels, a half of lobster and fish. It was delicious, plus the rice was tasty! My daughter had a frozen dessert and was very happy with it. Service was good, friendly and quick. They did have a few tables outdoors, but the inside is open and lively. We walked, but I understand they also offer free parking. I would go back here on my next visit and if I lived here I would be a regular!
(5)Paul L.
Great brunch food, and even better people-watching. When you're one of the only sober dudes in that place on the Sunday morning, you can sit back and take in all the hilarity. I like this place a lot.
(5)Justin S.
Great brunch, great atmosphere. Never eaten dinner here but have had their brunch numerous times. Best place in town to get a good meal for brunch on the weekend.
(5)Kyle S.
An unbelievable experience not only based on the food, but on the total atmosphere. Completely surprised when I walked in. Went with a group, and we were treated to some of the best service I had seen in awhile. Loved how there were different seating options (anything from classic restaurant table to couch), and the pricing was more than fair based on the portions and quality of the food served. Each person at my table ordered something different and we were all impressed. Even more impressive is the drink menu, which is more like a bible. I haven't seen that much beer listed at a restaurant in my life. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone traveling in or through the Portland area.
(5)Timothy H.
Friends brought us here for drinks and they were great. Didn't get any food but would definitely come back to give it a go.
(4)Ed T.
A solid 4 out of 5. I had a breakfast burrito that was very tasty. I loved the style and character of the place. Fun 70s music was playing too. I imagine it would be an excellent dinner or hangout spot after dinner. The service was a bit slow, but not bad. The workers were all friendly.
(4)Kristin L.
My family decided to try all the tapas for dinner. It was a great way to get a little taste of everything. We loved them all. The muscles were our favorite. highly recommended.
(4)Paul P.
I did give it a second chance...But second chances don't always mean better. In fact, it was quite possibly worse then the first time I tried it. 3 Tapas for a table of 5. The tartare was over portioned and unseasoned, the ceviche was under portioned and tasteless, and the hummus although tasty overwhelmed the soggy pita. The server was polite and sweet, but obviously over taxed with the number of tables. Is it too much to ask for a cup of coffee to be refilled...or even the water carafe? Anthony Bourdain warns about fish on a Monday, but, when it comes to Local 188 the poor quality exists on Sunday too. I should have known, I guess, the Tuna, was a special. The temperature was right on, it was unfortunate that the skin was sporadically left on and the only spice used was the heavy-handed salt. I was surprised that here pink in the middle equals dry! To be fair, the pollack was tasty and at least, in our group, there was one diner pleased with her meal. By the way, the hanger steak needs to go back in the closet. Normally a hanger steak is known for its flavor, so why drown it in a romesco that tasted like a bad chipotle sauce. We couldn't bear to stay for dessert, besides, the service had been so long at that point we were all falling asleep.
(1)Aubrey T.
Stopped here on New Years Eve day (Sunday) and had a great breakfast. Only ~20 min wait at 11:15, but a star was lost for really slow service. If I hadn't been ravenously hungry and thus more willing to enjoy the super laid back atmosphere (lots of couches, mismatched dishes, etc.) at this spot, it would been 5 star. My (only $6) eggs + breakfast potatos + english muffin breakfast was amazing. A simple order but the eggs and potatoes were awesome, and even the english muffin was way better than a typical breakfast joint. My boyfriend had the salmon bagel plate, which came with a tasty herbed cream cheese, cukes, tomato, and a shallot relish. Also delish! Stop by if you're in Portland for a weekend, just go before you're starving.
(4)Chris W.
Good food, reasonably priced, great for a group.
(4)Cody S.
Ive only been for brunch, but we do go here 2 sundays a month. their menu is great, it varies every time we are in, and the staff is generally good. Every once and a while we get a bar tender that hates making Mojitos and makes a big deal about it, but other than that, all the staff has been great ... The atmosphere is very relaxed (there are couches to sit on ) and the decor is very artsy. My favorite part about this place is in the summer they have a couple of tables outside and you can sit, enjoy a cool beverage and people watch forever. They have this steak burrito that is amazing, and any of the special Benedict's are a must have !! Awesome Brunch place and GREAT for Big groups, as they have plenty of table space. But get in early as they always have a wait ....
(4)Pete S.
Skip to number 5 below for the real memory that will stick with us. Otherwise this would have been a 4- or 5-star review. 1. Food: very good. Beautifully presented bagel/lox platter with fresh ingredients, and "Caribbean seasoned corned beef hash with eggs however" (however what?) -- basically sweet/spicy empanada filling in a cup alongside some nice charry homefries with a lot of thyme and rosemary on them. Good stuff. 2. Drinks: very good. Nicely spiced and presented bloody mary and tasty variety of light mixed drinks for brunch, all with a price that's right. 3. Price: again, very good. Most brunch entrees under $10, not bad for this kind of place. 4. Setting -- big, kind of loud, but fun, and not overpowering. Couches and benches add nice seating variety, and interesting art and lamps are a nice touch. 5. Service -- MY GOD, THE WAIT. It should not have taken two hours to get in and out of here, particularly when we were told 20 minutes, 30 tops, to get a seat. You know when you've invested too much time waiting when a kind of spicy bloody mary sits in an empty stomach for so long that you just want to put anything at all in there to settle it down. Took closer to 45 minutes to sit, then the waitress was so overstretched that things like getting drink refills became unpleasantly long waits. Seriously, just before our order was taken we were about to walk out, and only stayed because we were so abominably hungry. We would return here for a late brunch again, but only on, say, a Wednesday -- never again a Sunday. Such a shame, because it is a nice place.
(3)Mandy H.
Decent brunch fare. Salty and hot. Spacious and varied seating. Great for a rainy Saturday morning date with friends.
(4)Erin H.
We were visiting friends in town so this was a local recommendation and wow very good! The atmosphere is great with a variety of seating options and a nice open, airy feel. We were there for brunch/lunch so our party was split on what they ordered. I had the muffalatta sandwich - yummy and fresh and my boyfriend had the open faced cordon bleu - such awesome, fresh ingredients. Being brunch I tried their special bloody mary with cucumber infused vodka - delish! The service was spectacular - especially since we had a 5 year old with us who just wanted some eggs and toast - no problem! Will definitely go back when I'm in Portland again.
(4)Kristen B.
I dined alone for brunch at their counter. It was pretty busy for Saturday brunch, but no line out the door. The menu was standard American/casual fare. Nothing on the menu really stood out to me. Brunch drinks looked interesting though, but I wasn't up for drinking. I got an egg scramble with roasted garlic, bacon, and American cheese. It came with a toasted english muffin and home fried potatoes. It was good, but I was hungover, so anything would've worked. There's a bar area as well, a mix of wooden tables/booths/chairs and even some couches I think. The staff seemed nice and attentive. Crowd is mostly 20-30 something hipster types, but they are nothing like Brooklyn hipster snobs.
(4)Emily D.
Local is by far one of the BEST restaurants in Portland. Local veggies and seafood and very innovative flavors with a sexy & relaxed atmosphere. If you are visiting and you are a foodie - this is a must see. Many tourist directories will point you towards Fore St and St & Company which are very good but no where near as creative and delightful as Local 188. They are well known for their excellent, laid back and knowledgeable service. The menu changes all the time so I highly recommend getting the specials as they are always fresh and very creative flavors. The braised short ribs are crazy good - and I don't even like meat dishes normally. Also the mussels are always amazing. Just go - you will not be disappointed.
(5)Will S.
Local 188's cardamom maple glazed pork belly. 'Nuff said. Well, ok. I lied. I have more to say. Local 188 is a great spot in Portland. The atmosphere is comfortable, the service has always been exemplary, the prices aren't that bad. Almost every time I've been there (mostly for brunch), I've tried something different and have yet to to be disappointed. My favorite brunch-time dish has to be the Caribbean spiced corned beef hash. That's complete awesomeness at 10:30 on a foggy sunday morning. Combine that with a simple yet very well made Harvey Wallbanger ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha… ), and you have a recipe for a great day. Even if that means you're really just going to go back home and nap for a while. I have to say that my most recent meal there was among the best I've had in a while, anywhere. I ordered the cardamom maple glazed pork belly on a bed of scrambled eggs (which had a few other ingredients that seem to be slipping my mind...) and a green salad with goat cheese. Combined with a fine Rioja, it was a most satisfactory experience. I will be returning to Local 188 often for either brunch or dinner. You can't lose either way. 'Nuff said.
(4)Natalie K.
One of the best meals I have ever had. Beautiful interior with murals, wildflower centerpieces, and a comfy sprawl of dining and bar space. Immaculate presentation and fresh, local ingredients. The highlight for me was the homemade gnocchi with paprika cream sauce, crushed heirloom tomatoes, basil, and grana cheese. The gnocchi was light and chewy--not that dense, gummy stuff you've probably had elsewhere. The tomatoes were bursting with color and flavor. We also enjoyed the curry mussels, fresh scallops, kohlrabi cakes (!!), goat cheesecake, and lemon pot de creme. Service was the weak link at this restaurant, but I was too elated to notice much. For what you are getting, the price was reasonable, about $30/person for drinks, dinner, and dessert.
(5)Sara M.
Honestly, our meal just did not live up to our expectations here. We ordered a selection of small plates (5 of them) and split an entree. The food was good, but not spectacular given the price. The service was also rather slow.
(3)Liz A.
Local 188 was on the list from our innkeeper so we took a shot to get in, though OpenTable said they didn't have any tables until late. Score - snagged a table in the bar! Our shy server was adorable and attentive. The drinks were STRONG and very tasty. The food, however, was the star. My mom and I shared a few dishes and never looked back. Radish and pea shoot salad w buttermilk dressing: check. Paprika gnocchi over chicken gravy: could have eaten this all night long. Lamb keftedes: mmmm. Braised short ribs: perfection on a rainy night. Flourless chocolate torte: yeah, that's right - rich and creamy. This place is definitely funky but also fun and relaxed. Highly recommended!
(5)Evie K.
great local hipster vibe, and the food is superb. the Pancake is actually a 10" pan of cornbread-like cake.... waaaaaay too much for one person, but a great side to share amongst a few people. The blueberry pancake was excellent. Bacon is well done and smoky - just as I like it. Bloody Mary was right on the mark with flakes of chili to give a nice kick. I like the edge in this neighborhood as well - it's shows the other side of Portland.
(5)Charley Z.
First thing's first: DO NOT come here for brunch. Okay? That being said, this is my favorite place in Portland to come for dinner. Or just for drinks. Or just drinks and an olive and cheese plate. Really. The food is phenomenal. And, as such, you get great food as well as some not-so-great things. For instance, the staff, god bless 'em waitresses like I, are a bunch of hipsters who really just don't care if your water glass is empty, or you've been waiting for drinks for twenty minutes. Again, that being said, so the hell what. The food is amazing. And once you've been there enough, it's kind of like waiting for your family to hurry up and serve your food. So what? It's delicious no matter how long it takes. And really their cocktails are amazing. And great wine list!
(5)Amy L.
Holy crap was this a good brunch! I had the caribbean hash, which was just the right balance of rich, spicy and beefy, topped with runny poached egg goodness. My mimosa was also of the approved "champagne with a splash of orange juice" variety. Also I loved the atmosphere - old couches, mismatched furniture, but also big windows and lots of space to keep it from looking like your grandmother's parlor. Service was slooooow, but we weren't in a hurry, and this was a great place to linger.
(5)Sally B.
Disappointing visit to this place this morning. After we had taken our seat, my plan was to get.one of their Super Bowl special cheeseburgers. I asked where they sourced their beef and was told from somewhere in Wisconsin. They could not tell me whether the beef was industrial. This restaurant bills itself as local. I think not. They said they stopped sourcing their beef locally because the product wasn't dependable. Huh? That's what you should expect. And that's what I expect when I go someplace called Local 188. Maybe the place should be renamed "local, when convenient, 188". So, I got the Huevos Rancheros instead. I had to send back the beans because they were cold. The corn tortillas were under the eggs and smothered with a hunk of melted cheese. My husband got a scrambled something. He had to send back his soggy potatoes. The English muffin was good, though. And my tea was hot. This is diner food in a restaurant that bills itself as something more. The waitress was lovely though. And they did take half off our breakfast. That was prudent. At that point I thought that I might not do a write up on yelp, but then when I saw a cigarette butt in the toilet on my way out....clearly left there by staff, I changed my mind. Next time, I will be sure to jump in line at Hot Suppa next door.
(1)Erin S.
If I decide to go here again for dinner, I'll remember to eat beforehand. While I give Local 188 credit for a great ambiance and friendly waitstaff, there is something left to be desired by their food...and the size of the portions. Okay, okay...I am the only one here who is not raving about the food. But, let's be honest. Taste isn't everything. And while the two dishes I had were well seasoned and tasted fine, I did not feel as though the price I paid was worth it. The meatballs had a hint of cumin in them and were served with a delicious marinara sauce that had a bite to it. But you only got three small ones and it cost you $7. And by small, I mean...one bite. I had the pan seared quail as an entree and I had to laugh when it arrived at our table, because it was so incredibly small. In all seriousness, I ate the tiny bird in four bites. The bird was 1/2" thick and could fit in the palm of your hand. Surprisingly, the best part of our meal was the dessert. For $4, we got two huge brownies and a glass of milk -- delicious. In fact, I paid 1/4 of the price of dinner for the brownie, and received 4 times the amount of food. If I ever go back again, it'll only be for a drink, because I'll be heading someplace else for dinner.
(2)Quinn F.
Had been once before for late night drinks and enjoyed it and hoped to go back. Went back recently for a rehearsal dinner. Great food and well made drinks. Waitress was very nice and had a sense of humor. (If you don't have a sense of humor, you cannot be a good waitperson. It's the law.) If Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Pepperland (S. Berwick, ME) had a baby, it would be Local 188.
(4)Amelia M.
I live in Portland. I've been to Local a handful of times but never anxious to go back. Why? THE SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. Buzz-kill terrible. Here is a water down version of events of my night last night. The drinks, however are NOT watered down and that's worth a star alone! (DO try the Basil Lemonade!) We sat ourselves, waited 20 minutes for the first round of drinks, were brought an extra and then CHARGED for the mistake. After AN HOUR passed without seeing a waitress for refills, I went up the bar and got carded again. The seating is very eclectic and mostly cozy but it seems too confusing for the waitstaff to maintain. Our waitress was just completely absent for hours but nice enough. There is one real D-Bag of a bartender (hipster-ish blond guy with a beard) who has no people skills. Trying to return an extra drink was met with "That happens. Well? Are you going to drink it?" When I went up to the bar to ask if table service stopped at a certain time (we had been sitting there for an hour) and to order another glass of wine, I got carded. When explaining I had been sitting at my table, I got "Yeah. CAN I SEE YOUR I.D." I understand liability laws so the 'tude was unnecessary. It was justified to me that unless you're a regular of a year or more, the staff will act very pretentious because they don't know you. I don't think there's any justification for that. Everyone should be treated with courtesy.
(2)Filteq B.
This is our "go to" restaurant in Portland. Never had a bad meal here. We have tried many other places but always end up coming back to Local. Don't miss the Braised Short Ribs!
(5)Geoff F.
We had a wonderful meal. Great service and hip atmosphere.
(5)Karen D.
Funky and flavorful. Not sure if I'm cool enough to be here, but I think I just made the cut. This place has an artsy style and the food is really good.For brunch I had the breakfast burrito and my campanion had the Cordon Blue sandwich. That doesn't sound like anything special, but the presentation and the flavor were excellent. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly, attentive, and played good music. While we were eating we saw someone getting a pancake that looked like a big fluffy cushion and every other dish looked beautiful. If I lived here, this would be one of the stops on my local route.
(4)Tamar A.
You know those places you drive by while tooling around a new city on vacation and even though it's only noon and you've just eaten a huge brunch you still swear you'll go back and try it for dinner because it just looks so darn funky and else what's a vacation for other than eating and tooling? This place is all low light and mismatched furniture and wobbly mosaic tables. It's draping on the walls and surprisingly friendly hipster waitresses with patchwork aprons. It's big, swirly glasses of red and crusty baguette, ripe cheeses and marinated olives. It's a chop the size of your head and fish drenched in an impossibly savory red sauce you can't quite describe except that you know it has capers. This place is 188 kinds of pure flavor, both culinary and, of course, local. Go Maine.
(5)Nicole M.
I was in Portland for a week taking a jewelry design class. The woman who runs the studio recommended this restaurant and so after an intense day of sucking in new information like a little sponge for 8 hours followed by 3 hours of work, I was ready for a good meal and a few drinks. Lucky for me, Local 188 was only a few blocks from my hotel. I liked the vibe right off the bat and sat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. The waitress who served me was incredibly nice and attentive. I ordered a sangria which was good (I prefer mine on the sweeter/spicier side) and the seared tuna special with caper sauce. The food was absolutely delicious. I'm one of those people that tends to eat pretty quickly but I made an effort to take my time with this meal. The tuna was cooked perfectly, the caper sauce was amazing and the vegetables looked and tasted like they had just been pulled out of a garden 5 minutes prior to being cooked. All in all, a lovely experience. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for the quality...I'd be there once a week if I lived in Portland for sure.
(5)Andrew F.
Not small, yet awfully cozy feeling, Local 188 is a great place for drinks or a full meal (although you'll want to take into consideration just how busy it can get). It would be wise to try their Caparinha (they definitely have a Latin flair); plus the added bonus that you will get it served to you by their look-alike celebrity bar staff (Zach Galifianakis and Cameron Frye working side by side!) The food is terrific, especially the short ribs (pricey and altogether worth it), and the flatbread (most inexpensive item on the menu and one of the largest).
(4)Christina F.
Stopped by here for brunch, very good food. Lots of families waiting around in the communal area. No one seemed to mind the wait. Some of the seating is a bit awkward (benches, sofas), but that's no matter when the food is tasty! Highly recommend the Caribbean spiced eggs!
(4)Nicole B.
My husband and I ate here last Saturday. We walked in without a reservation, and there was a little bit of a wait, but we found seats at the bar and enjoyed the impressive beer menu while we were waiting. We ordered several small plates and ate way more than we intended because everything was so good. I was particularly impressed by the gnocchi, since I've never liked a gnocchi dish before--it was so light and fluffy! Everything was just spectacular; nothing to complain about.
(5)J S L.
Fun place. Good food. Extensive wine and beer list. Don't know if chandelier lights were out by design. Part of a vibrant downtown scene.
(3)Marc A.
My absolute favorite restairant in Portland. I don't know exactly why, but every single thing I've ever eaten here is one of the best things I've ever eaten. Seriously.
(5)Walleyecrue W.
Bring the seafood paella. Now, bring the sorbet. Both of 'em. But not before you slide into a Corpse Reviver, or three.
(5)Casey J.
Tasty drinks, good tapas, amazing brunch. The service can be a bit slow though, so relax and have a drink.
(4)C. B.
Two words: Don't go! This place was such a disappointment, it moved me to actually create a yelp account and write my first review ever. My husband worked in fine dining for over 15 years and I work in the food industry now, so we have a few pet peeves: First, if you can't remember an order, then WRITE IT DOWN. Don't try and wow us with your amazing memory and then proceed to get the order wrong. Twice. Second, if you ask diners how their meal is and they answer with , "ummmm....okay, I guess?", don't reply with, "It's good? Great!" and spin on your heel, walking away as fast as possible. Meaning, if you ask how the meal is, then actually be interested in talking about it. And if you make mistakes as a server, be apologetic and humble, not dismissive. Third, if you as an establishment are going to charge high end prices that rival bigger cities, then your food and service had better match up. Out bill totaled $122 plus tax, for 1 app, 2 salads, 2 entries, and 2 glasses of wine. That would have been fine if the food had actually been good. It wasn't. The short rib, which I had been looking forward to all day, (I'm pregnant with a big red meat craving) was under-seasoned, and the cut of meat wasn't trimmed which meant that half of the portion was fat or bone. Worse, the sauteed greens, (usually one of my favorite parts of a meal) were inedibly salty and full of sand. Yes, SAND. The salads were underwhelming in taste and texture. When we read the description of the bleu cheese salad on the menu, it sounded good, but the flavors just didn't come together at all. The gnocchi was pretty good, although incredibly rich-- but we knew it would be when we ordered it. All in all, a massive waste of our time and a huge letdown for our one night out in Portland.
(2)Joel C.
Get. The. Pancake. Crazy good! But be warned, it's actually a pan cake, not those flat disc things you find everywhere else. Also, unless you're dining with your pet elephant, better ask for the smaller version. The brunch cocktails are creative and perfect for 11am drinks. The salmon scramble was great and full of salmon. New favorite brunch place in Portland!
(5)jumanna s.
The bar serves some of the best drinks I have ever had. Delicious! We ordered tapas and while the mussels were AMAZING everything else was underwhelming except the bok choy salad which was indelible.
(3)Sam A.
Quiet, Dark, and intimate restaurant with parking tn the back. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. Portion size is good.
(3)L B.
Loved this place! Creative menu, interesting decor, great drinks. What else can you ask for?
(4)David Z.
For me the greatness of this place is really a combination of the food and the atmosphere. I feel incredibly at home here. I love Spanish food and paella and although you don't get the crusty rice on the bottom here, it is excellent. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I had to send a steak back once for it being overcooked and they got me a new one in no time. I always get the mussels as a starter. They are cheap, the serving size is generous, and they are great. Plus they come with good bread to dip in the broth. It is always my first recommendation for dinner in Portland.
(5)Jules V.
Local 188 is aces in my book. I highly recommend this place to anyone searching for powerful coffee, large portions and reasonable prices. My dish - the Caribbean corned beef hash - was delicious, huge and only about $6.50. The Lovely Girlfriend's omelet was similarly enormous and also well under ten bucks. They've got a full bar at Local 188 and while we didn't indulge a couple of girls seated next to us slugged down a handful of large orange-ish cocktails. I think they were Mimosas but they could have been Screwdrivers. Either way the girls were a little wobbly when they left so while I cannot directly recommend any drinks to you I can tell you by the looks of it they pour em strong. I can also tell you that they serve a Sazerac which is a sure sign of a bar inhabited by serious drinkers, another good sign. Since Portland is a favorite spot (read that as the only spot) of the Lovely Girlfriend to visit when in Maine I'm sure we will return to sample their libations at a later date. For all my reviews find my blog on my yelp profile page.
(4)Jimmy C.
It's hard to explain Local 188 without noting the yuppie/GenXish kind of vibe that engulfs you inside. There's a mix of sofas and living room, type chairs in the middle of the wide open space. Decor is rather busy but it seems to work there. Another thing that hit me was the noise level, which I'd describe as an unrelenting low roar. Menu was varied and prices were a bit high, but nothing outrageous. I had opted in for a Groupon valued at $50 for $25 so, I was already up $25. Being a vegan limited my choices. There was only one dish considered vegetarian and to be honest, it was awful. Chick peas ladled on to a hunk of some type of squash that reminded me of that weird monolith in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. My partner and I both ordered it foolishly. Needless to say, the dish did not work at all. All and all it was about average or slightly below average. It always baffles me why places like Local 188 don't make an effort to accommodate all types of diners.
(3)jen p.
We stopped by for the first time one winter evening. It was busy, loud and exactly the kind of food we wanted. Our party of three sat at the bar area over looking the kitchen and had a great time. The food was amazing.. the best meal i had since leaving brooklyn.
(5)Liz H.
Two words: hot mess. I went for New Year's Day brunch around noon. The hostess told us it would be a 20-30 minute wait. Fine. We got our coffee and sat on the couches. 10 minutes later, she told us that the dining room was full, but we could be served at the couches. Again, fine. We placed our orders, and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. We waited for longer than an hour for our brunch, as did all the other customers. Our server was inattentive with coffee and water, and provided no apologies for the wait. When our food finally did arrive, my boyfriend's meal was good, but my eggs were burnt. They comped the coffee, but I would have rather had the last hour of my life back. I understand that it was New Year's, and that places get swamped. However, it's completely ridiculous for a place as popular and well-established as Local 188 to be so woefully unprepared for the holiday rush. The hostess should have given us some indication of how backed-up the kitchen was, at the very least. I've had some good food and pleasant experiences at Local 188, but, with so many restaurants of equal price and quality in Portland, there's no reason to risk this sort of sub-par service again.
(2)Kristen L.
This place is a solid find. It's a bit outside of downtown, but easily walkable. I went here for dinner on a Saturday night with 3 other people. The place was full, but luckily we didn't have to wait. it's pretty industrial looking with an open kitchen and spread out so it feels more intimate than it looks. This place is known for using only local fresh ingredients with a constantly changing menu. While not a long menu, it had your choice of tapas, salads, entrees and desserts with a little bit of something for every palette. We decided to split some tapas and have drinks. VERY GOOD beer and wine selection and a list of pretty creative cocktails too. The cheese and meat plates were an awesome choice....shrimp ceviche was ok...a little bit too much vinegar and not enough lime for me, but it still wasn't bad. The crown jewel was the steak tare tare though....excellent flavor with garlic and truffle oil and just the right amount of salt. Could've eaten the whole plate of that myself. Definitely worth a try if you want something a little different.
(4)Lyndsay C.
We were looking for a cool spot for dinner our first night in Portland and we stumbled upon Local 188. What a great stumble. The atmosphere was really nice. In addition to regular dining room seating they had comfy sofas for lounging, socializing and drinking. First things first...Sangria! We ordered a pitcher for the two of us. This was the largest pitcher of Sangria I have ever scene and it was delicious! For food we decided to just do tapas. We had the tomato soup for starters. It was so flavorful and well seasoned. We at it up and loved it! Then we had the Tortilla of the day which had pistachios in it. This traditional Tortilla de Espana was so good. I almost wished I didn't have to share. Lastly we had the cheese plate which we probably could have passed on in exchange for something else. I'm a vegetarian so I didn't have too many menu choices so we opted for cheese. I'm not a big fancy cheese eater so I wasn't too satisfied. My boyfriend however loved every last bit. We still had 1/2 a pitcher of sangria left so the server which the wicked cool squid tattoo, gave us some bread to snack on. All in all, the service was good, the food was tasty and the sangria was lethal. We will be back!
(4)James C.
Stopped for Friday afternoon drinks at 4 and stayed until 6:30. Really enjoyed sitting outside with my White Lotus cocktail, my companion had a Caipirinha, we moved on to white wine when we split some wonderful mussels in a saffron cream sauce. All this prandial bliss was slightly marred when the owner asked us to use our third chair, on which we'd piled our bags and coats. When we demurred as we didn't want those things on the sidewalk, he sat at a table nearby and bad mouthed us to his companions. Later he had a waiter offer us a round of drinks, we declined as we were disinclined. When we got our check, he'd cleared the tab but wrote, "next time give up the chair". I'd like to remind him that he has at least a hundred chairs to pick from. Moreover, buying us off but admonishing us with the same gesture did not win our hearts. Luckily his skill in the kitchen does not leave one wanting. We'll go back, and perhaps bring a folding chair for our coats and bags.
(2)Joe R.
I personally enjoyed every bite of my fiddlehead scramble and the service is always pleasant!!!
(5)Cara S.
I'd like to give this place a 3.5 I came with a friend last night and was happy to find no wait; we were promptly seated by a friendly hostess. The ambiance and atmosphere were nice and welcoming. Our server was nice, but not especially speedy. We ordered a cheese plate, olives and a salad with seasonal vegetables as appetizers and the shrimp risotto and hake for our entrees. The cheese plate was really good, one of the highlights of the meal. There was a nice variety and they served dried apricots, cranberries, pistachios, and this AMAZING jam with the cheeses. We were also really happy with the olives served. The seasonal vegetables salad was OK at best. There definitely could have been more goat cheese and more vegetables. The entrees were average. The hake was cooked well, but had very little flavor. The presentation was beautiful, but there was a lot to be desired with the taste. Also, the fingerling potatoes served with this were almost black and were not appealing in any way. The taste was awful and they looked even worse. The risotto was average as well. Again, really lacking in flavor, and they used tiny shrimp which made the dish seem cheap. The sangria tasted mostly like juice with very little wine and no fruit in the pitcher, they give you a lot, but it seems you are getting a lot less than what you pay for. The dessert was really great. Roasted poblano chocolate chip ice cream served with a brownie, spun sugar and sliced apple garnish. This and the cheese plate were the absolute highlights of this meal. Also, they give you some great bread with oil and sea salt drizzled and sprinkled on top. That was a nice addition to our cheese plate.
(3)T.H. J.
A bit overpriced and the room is loud.
(4)Alexa B.
Lunch here is very good, it has actual parking and a great atmosphere, but dinner time around the weekend sucks. My friend and I waited for 1.5 hours for dinner when they weren't even that busy. We ended up having to leave because we'd paid to see a play, so we had no dinner. If you're aiming to get out by a certain time, try somewhere else. But if you can take your time, Local 188 is a great place for amazing drinks, metropolitan food and Portland's own brand of hip ambiance. It's not the hipster trash spoken of on earlier posts -- but you can find plenty of that elsewhere. Local 188 stands on it's own.
(3)Sarah M.
We came here for brunch on a recent visit to Portland. It's very kid friendly which was great since we had our 6 year old with us. The food was good. I had the homemade granola with fruit (lots of fresh fruit - bananas, pineapple, strawberries, star fruit) and my husband had the bagel and lox platter which he enjoyed. My son just had an english muffin, but he was very happy with the apple jelly he was able to put on it. The service was also good especially since the restaurant was busy. One thing that bothered me a little - on the tables with the ketchup, salt and pepper, etc. there were small coca cola bottles with a spout on top and a white liquid in it. When I asked what it was the waitress said it was cream for the coffee. It just grossed me out that the cream was sitting in those bottles on the table for the whole morning (it doesn't look appetizing in them either) so I ordered a separate milk to put in my coffee.
(3)Nick C.
We came here after dinner at Five Fifty Five. We asked our waitress for a recommendation on where to grab a couple post dinner drinks and she pointed us to Local 188. It has a nice atmosphere, filled with couches, benches and tables for groups to gather at. The problem was there was no where to sit. Although thats to be expected at this time of night. My review score was based on this one bartenders attitude. We walked in and up to the bar for a drink. After literally standing in front of a male bartender at the side bar (our party was two couples) for a couple of minutes (the bar was busy but we were still able to find standing room at the right end of the bar) who barely even glanced at us (he was not helping anyone during the time we were standing there) I finally asked if we could order some drinks with him (none of us knew if he was a bartender or a bust boy). He gave us this rude look like "yeah obviously, now what do you want" and had a complete attitude. His reaction was like surprise and disgust that we would even ask. We were all kind of throw off by this. He made our drinks and was not friendly at all. Ok, here's your dollar tip which was more than he deserved. After that we moved to the bar backed by the open kitchen where a different bar tender (a taller skinny man with glasses) was bartending. He was much friendlier and although we now had two bar seats, we had a sour taste in our mouth and decided to finish our drinks and leave. I would've given it 2.5 stars simply because of the atmosphere and 2nd bar tender we dealt with (drinks werent bad either) but the first bartender was so unfriendly that he drove us to leave (a blond or brown haired bartender with short hair and a black vest, in case management reads this review).
(2)Seth J.
In my top 3 places to eat in Portland. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for meals made with quality local ingredients. Wine menu is very diverse and the drinks are stiff. I've never had a bad night dining here!
(5)Holland T.
Loved everything! from the bread and crostini they brought when we first sat down and the friendly server, to our main course I can't see enough. Also a great spot if you are doing a drinks and appetizer craw.
(5)Salamander J.
Yum! Breakfast served up by a young cute staff (our waitor was a sexy ducky from pretty in pink). Everything slides down wonderfully with their cucumber infused vodka bloodys! Go early for quiet and later to be drunk by noon! They like to cook but not serve. Mainehigh: 3.5
(4)L P.
I went a few months ago with a couple of friends before seeing a concert up in Portland - and positively loved everything we ate. The paella was amazing and the best I've had since Spain - and I'm Boston-based. There's some mean tapas restaurants down here, but Local 1898 paella was AMAZING. I want to go back just to eat it again.
(5)Francis C.
This review is for the bar only, and not the food. The picture of the hipsters out front is spot on - it pervades both inside and out. Upon entering, I saw two fellows at the bar waiting to get someone's attention, and there were two bartenders, one lady and another hipster-type gent. I was kind of waiting behind the two guys, and it must have been a good couple of minutes before the two guys basically gave up and walked out. I walked closer to the bar and did my thing, attempting to get eye contact, and I succeeded with the gent (there is no mistake when you make eye contact), but he was busy chatting with one other guy and basically ignored me. Then, two other people sat down and the lady tending bar got them a couple drinks, so I basically ignored the guy and was able to get a drink from the woman. Even so, it seemed like she didn't *really* want to be there, and a smile was something of a struggle (perhaps it was a long day, not sure), but I got my Sidecar which was ok. She was attentive when I asked for a glass of ice water. In general, I wouldn't hit this place alone - it's somewhat lounge-y, and if you're not being made welcome at the bar, you probably won't be made welcome elsewhere. As a 32 year old yuppie with a glimmer of fashion sense (please hold the jokes about fashion from the 14th C. - 18th C.), I felt a bit older than the average, but I did see a couple of groups of 2 or 3 a bit older than I.
(3)Inna B.
Unusual treatment of fresh, local ingredients. My mussels with tamarind, ginger and orange broth were outstanding - after devouring the mussels, I inhaled the broth (and bread is delicious and great for dunking). You also get great theatre - we sat at the bar by the open kitchen and watched the cooking.
(5)Elyse A.
The food at Local 188 was really fantastic--great bread, amazing mussels and my special albacore tuna meal was delicious! Unfortunately, the service was pretty terrible. We had a reservation for 8 p.m. and did not end up sitting down until about 15-20 minutes after that. And then didn't get drinks/bread until almost an hour later. After things started rolling out, it was better, but the service was slow all night. I like to linger over a meal, but this was just irritating. We could've had a reservation at Fore Street that same night for 9:15 but deemed that too late. After it took so long to get things at Local 188, I almost wish we had gone there instead. Food was four stars, but service was two.
(3)David B.
I had lots of tapas and couldn't eat my entree. Everything had a wonderful complexity of tastes, nice pairings, looked wonderful like little pieces of art. Drinks are strong, wine is great. Great food. Great service. Very nice.
(5)Susie Q.
We came in for brunch on a Saturday morning and Local 188 exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. Everything from the strong coffee and fresh (complimentary) fruit plate to our egg dishes was delicious. We had the baked eggs in sofrito over grilled bread and the Caribbean Spiced Corned Beef Hash. Great presentation and use of flavors. We will be back for dinner and brunch again to try to delicious looking Bloody Mary's. Oh, and I read some of the other reviews regarding the service but our server was friendly and very attentive. Overall, everything was perfect; Local 188 is a must go-to in Portland.
(5)Jennifer R.
Avoid Sunday brunch unless you have your entire day off to devote to the experience. Arrived with group of 6 and was told 30 min wait. Over 45 min later and only after I checked in again were we seated. WORST SERVICE EVER! Took forever to be acknowledged, took longer for drink/food order. Waitress incorrectly described food (stated there were black beans in meal when it was pinto/described raspberry strudel but it was plain, dry coffee cake) and then we never saw here again until we hunter her down for the check. A food runner brought us our food. My soup came AFTER my burger? Food was average, decent drink prices/choices, its a shame we were never able to order more than one since not one person ever checked on us during entire meal. This ordeal took two hours from the time we arrived, no thanks, never again. The only reason for the two stars-food was ok, good am drink selection for $5 each.
(2)Elizabeth A.
One of my favorite places to eat (and drink) in Portland. The epitome of Gemütlichkeit. The vibe is hip, but the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and cheery. A great place to gather with friends, or to enjoy some down time alone. Reasonable prices, friendly service, great (slow) food all around. Always nice to see a menu featuring local ingredients. On my last visit, I enjoyed the best olive tapas I've had to date; warm, crusty bread with olive oil; and an amazing salad topped with roasted winter squash, pine nuts, and a touch of ginger. Yum. I was really impressed by the wine list - not your average selections at all. Worth a visit, even going out of your way to visit.
(5)Steve B.
no need to worry about walking out of there with leftovers, left very hungry. Heirloom tomato salad was disappointing, 4 thinly sliced slices of tomato and two cherry tomatos, disappointing with the cost. Had to ask for bread. atmosphere was nice but screaming child reminded us why we left the kid at home. Alice waters chez panisse was a bargin compared to this place. On a good note, mixed drink menu was interesting and tasty!!
(2)Milton G.
While visiting friends in Portland, they took us to Local 188 and I must say it is one of the best restaurants I have ever enjoyed. Great food, cool atmosphere, good service, and reasonable prices. I would gladly go there again.
(5)Deborah L.
Food was ok. Location, decor, service, ambiance was very good. We had the Tortilla del Dia with sweet potatoes and onions. It was just ok, certainly not great. I had a fish dish which was ok.
(3)Kim S.
I came for brunch here with a couple of girlfriends while I was in town and I loved the place: the vibe, the food, the people. If I lived in Portland I would definitely be a regular.
(5)Kate M.
I love Portland, Maine, and I LOVED eating here!! Delicious cocktails and cute guys behind the bar made the few moments we waited for a table wonderful. The place had a real funky vibe and the music was great too. Excellent paella in particular!
(4)Rachel E.
My boyfriend and I came here after arriving in portland. We were cranky, thirsty, and hungry. This was a little more upscale and pricey than we anticipated, but the food and service and atmosphere were good. I would suggest you request the oil on the side for the bread. They doused our bread in oil to the point where it wasn't edible. The Spanish tortilla appetizer was good, but it came out at room temperature. Not sure if they meant to do that, but maybe it should say so on the menu. We were wondering if they forgot to heat it up- but we were so hungry we didn't ask. I got the gnocchi with goat cheese in a dijon cream sauce, and I'm not sure what they gave me but it wasn't gnocchi. It was more like fried bits of mashed potatoes. Still very delicious, but not gnocchi, and the dish could have used a squeeze of lemon for some oomph and could have come with the option of some scallops (I stole some from my bf and dipped in the sauce -- SO GOOD!!!)... My bf got the seafood paella and said the seafood part was awesome (half of a lobster with fish, scallops, mussels, clams, and shrimp) but the rice was lackluster. His was $32, and he said it was barely worth the money. We didn't get any cocktails but the bar area looked quite nice. Definitely a hipster, mellow, upscale and romantic ambiance to the place. Good for a dinner date for sure, or maybe some post-dinner cocktails.
(4)Ian H.
Dinner so delicious I ate mud and sand. The food here is perfectly cooked, very flavorful, and creative without being "creative" in a celebrity-chef kind of way (no foam soups or pickled ramps here.) I would have given this place five stars, except the paella had a dead, mud-filled clam shell in it, which leaked grit into the whole dish and gave everything a disconcerting crunchyness. (This may not be an isolated quality control issue: a friend of ours once found a worm in his salad). When we told the waitress about this, however, she was unresponsive; and when our check arrived there were no discounts or apologies. The flavors were so spot on, though, that I'd still be willing to go back, although I would perhaps take my first few bites tentatively. Overall, still a positive experience. Prices are upscale reasonable. Cocktails are delicious. Braised shortribs are a must.
(4)Alana P.
Pros: Food is great, in general--a little pricey, but you have to pay a little more for local ingredients. That just the way it is, and that's fine with me. Enjoyable and low-key place to grab a drink (lounge-esque) with a late-20s to mid-40s crowd that I would normally attribute to the "hipster trash" a previous [clearly unbalanced] reviewer referred to. It used to be a lot easier to get a seat if all you want is booze, but now the bar fills up pretty rapidly. I would recommend getting there earlier in the evening if you'd like to snag something other than the church pew by the doors. Cons: I've had a few problems with Local 188 making significant errors when running my card; actually with paying in general. Once, it involved triple-charging a friend $100+ when her bill was $15. Another time, a clearly tipsy bartender came up to me several times insisting that I hadn't paid for my drink and apologizing for "embarrassing me in front of my friends". He eventually located the cash, which another bartender had picked up, and failed to apologize for basically creating an incredibly awkward situation for no reason whatsoever. Additional thoughts: It's too bad that John left [for the Grill Room], because he's a peerless bartender.
(4)Callan C.
Wow! Nice place up on the hill in Portland. There is a younger vibe here and it was nice to get to explore something different than the wharf area. Following the name, there is a focus on local provisions here. The menu is not huge but everything we had was delicious. There is a section with tapas type dishes and also entrees to choose from. My favorite selection was the house paella. It included mussels, chorizo and chicken and was extremely enjoyable. My table also ordered some mussels in some kind of sauce and they were some of the best I've ever had. Everything else I tasted was great as well - good marks for food! Service was standard, nothing out of the ordinary. I liked the feel of the space, very open and separated in a few areas - dining, casual living room lounge type area and then a nice bar. The decor is kind of bohemian and artsy. I will make it a point to come again!
(4)Jay F.
had the house paella. sucked. no crunchy rice. shell fish was dry. house sausage was good. but still, expect much better for $20+. I was flying solo so it was the only thing I ate. Well, I guess the bread was okay.
(1)Ben S.
Wonderful brunch, overwhelmed staff.
(4)Steve M.
Delicious Sunday brunch. Great scrambles and sandwiches, amazing soup of the day (split pea). Fresh and rootsy, and the restaurant and food both look beautiful. Crammed full of locals, and maybe that's why the service was a little slow. I'd definitely come back here.
(4)Monique G.
Every meal I've ever had here has been reeeeeally good. Somewhat expensive, but quality stuff.
(4)Gina K.
Love the atmosphere especially near the bar area. Wait staff is very informed and helpful. We had the grilled flatbread for an app and I had the gnocchi special (w/ goat cheese, grapes & marcona (?) almonds in a creamy sauce. Really delicious. We shared the warmed brownie & cheesecake for desert. Brownie gets a thumbs up but I could skip the ginger cheesecake. Nice wine & beer selection.
(4)Shanna R.
It was a cold, rainy day followed by an even colder, rainy night. My room mate and I needed to get out, but wanted to go somewhere cozy where we could curl up like cats and eat sumptiuous food. Local was the place we chose, and what a lovely meal. Seasonal (I had the Autumn Squash and she had the risotto of the night), prepared well, and served by a chill girl who knew the specials but did a good job not rushing through them. Go to this restaurant if you want cocktails (they have lots of infusions behind the bar) and maybe a couch to sink into. Go for brunch, go for the live music (on Tuesday night?). Just go, relax, and enjoy a meal.
(4)Sarah G.
We stopped in for brunch not expecting much and were pleasantly surprised. The interior is great - beautiful high ceilings, ornate and fully stocked bar, random knick knacks and fabric all over etc. Staff was very friendly and food was reasonably priced and very very tasty. I don't remember the last time I got excited over an english muffin but this one was really good. My eggs were very delicately cooked and the potatoes were great. We'll definitely be going back for brunch and to check out the bar.
(4)donaurora r.
Went for Sunday brunch. As a party of 3 we were seated quickly though the place was packed. Host has no idea what specials were, told us to ask wait person. No coffee or beverages were offered. I would describe her as "indifferent". Our waitperson was friendly, but took a long time to bring us coffee and water. Water glasses small and did not stay filled. Waitperson wasn't sure if they could serve ice coffee(?) Food was okay. Pancakes a little too cakey and more like dessert. Had to ask for maple syrup. Scrambles were fresh and appeared to have fresh ingredients. The worse part of the whole experience was the flies. Yes FLIES. That kept landing on us and trying to land on our food. I realize flies can fly in and out of doors this time of year, but we were seated far from the door, and the flies seemed to have been around for awhile. Landing on tables besides us as well. No attempt was made by staff to shoo or swat them. After our food arrived and we asked for one water and coffee refill we were pretty much forgotten. Had to wait a long time for server to get payment. Very disappointing service and attention to diners. I've eaten here a few times before and this was by far the worse experience. I don't like that this restaurant may have devolved to a "hit or miss". Service needs vast improvement.
(2)Quinn C.
Once in a blue moon the siren song of their tasty, tasty cocktails will get the best of me and I'll enjoy a seat outside and a boozy treat, but never, ever again will I go for dinner. I always go hopeful, and never leave impressed. Some of the worst service I've had in my life, probably because I have managed to have the same dopey-screw-it-all-up waitress each time I have eaten there.
(3)lisa r.
Super funky, fun spot. The food was good- could have been a little better, but between the atmosphere, the amazing (virgin) bloody mary for $2 and the great music -we will go back next time we are in town....
(4)Vio -.
Adorable place with decent food but I wouldn't mind a faster service. It took about 20 minutes to get our drinks and around an hour before the food came. I ordered a salmon scramble, wish there was more than trace amount of salmon in it. Some people at a table were complaining that the home fries were burned, but if you like them well done, like I do, you should be fine. The highlight was blueberry jelly served on the side - really great, possibly homemade.
(3)V W.
Went to this restaurant for dinner on a friend's recommendation and we were very pleased. The ambiance was casual yet felt hip - current, busy, young, vibrant. There's a lounge area and also a dining room area. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable - and went out of her way to make us comfortable (we had to switch tables from outside to inside because of rain). The food was delicious! My husband and I own a walking tour company in Spain, so you could say that we know what Spanish food tastes like, and this is NOT it. Nevertheless, the food was great (scallops, gnocchi, harpooned swordfish from Nova Scotia) - all prepared with plenty of garlic and olive oil (here lies the Spanish influence) - The menu is organized into "tapas", "raciones", and "entrees" - We love this way of eating: ordering lots of different smaller plates to share. The menu seems to have a leaning for local and organic - though not all dishes subscribe. Would definitely recommend this place for a good eat that's affordable in Portland.
(4)Anne C.
From the moment we were seated our dining expeience was first rate. It is a place with a tad bit of bohemian atmosphere, however don't be led astray by the comments of not "fitting in". Our waitress was probabsly the most efficient, pleasant and professional we have had in years. She nailed it and I wish I had gotten her name. Anyhow, the food was straight up delicious. Each of our dishes had just enough of a creative and flavorful twist to it that said " this place is special". Three of us ordered seafood paella and one the hanger steak. Shaved radish and pea shoot salad was light and heavenly. I wanted to order a perfect wine to go with our paella and our waitress once again listened to our tastes and we couldn't have been more pleased with her recommendation. We had an early reservation for dinner so it was rather peaceful and laid back upon arrival, but as the evening progressed it got very busy and the acoustics were such that it got quite loud, but we weren't distracted by it. Oh....and the desserts. We normally don't indulge but the lemon and ginger sorbet was the perfect ending and my husband swooned over the peach bread pudding. This is obviously a popular place and we have made a point of visiting many city of Portland eateries of many different styles and flavors and this is easily one of our favorites. Plenty of parking behind the restaurant which is a great feature in a city setting.
(5)at S.
In a very large new space now... almost TOO large. Doesn't open for breakfast until 10am. Sometimes the pancake is mindbogglingly good... sometimes it's raw. I just can't play roulette before coffee.
(2)Alexander K.
hip, cool and fly, local 188 is a restaraunt with fantastic soul appeal. PBR for two dollars. sure they are still cashing in PBRs new hipster image that somehow is still being perpetuated two years later, but at least they got the price right. the food is excellent. a tapas style menu with entree's for those who never learned to share. it is hard to pin the food's origin's down. sure there is asurface element of spanish flavors, but really in the end i would have to say eclectic american is the over whelming theme. which is fine by me because it is done exceptionally well and for reasonable prices. have a beer and a meal for under 15 bucks, and feel cool while you are doing it. good place.
(3)Miss M.
I am completely shocked by all of the positive reviews of this restaurant! I am new to the Portland area, and on the advice of many locals, decided to give it a try. It was easily one of the worst meals I have ever been subjected to. The mussels were overrun with undercooked fennel which gave them a terrible licorice flavor. Contrary to the fennel, the meatballs were insanely overcooked, and had a fresh from the freezer taste. Passable short rib appetizer and mushroom tapa. The mushroom fusilli lacked any flavor whatsoever as did the night's special - N.Y. Strip. The biggest disappointment came in the form of "paella". I use quotation marks, because it was not in fact paella. Missing was even one strand of saffron that gives paella its signature bright yellow color as well any chorizo which would've provided some flavor to what can only be described as white rice and steamed fish. The space itself is pleasant enough, not cramped with too many tables, but Portlanders can't be so naive as to be taken in by pure aesthetics! When you go out for dinner, it should be about the food! While I can overlook one, even two, culinary missteps, the majority of the meal should be at least palatable.
(1)Maddie G.
We went to Local 188 with a party of 11 on Labor Day weekend. Our server was outstanding. He was patient and attentive. He answered questions helpfully and seemed to magically know when we needed him. We wanted to eat slowly and enjoy the evening in the true Spanish tapas fashion, and we didn't feel rushed at all so were able to do that. We ordered tapas at intervals and sipped our wine while enjoying the fun decor, great ambience and the company of our party. Once the food came out, it was delicious and the portions were not giant like they are at so many restaurants these days. We lingered 3 hours and were completely relaxed. The food was delicious and interesting. We had vegetarians in our party, and they were well able to find options. This restaurant was right up our alley, and we would go back any time we are in Portland. If you want the mammoth portions and quick in-and-out service that is typical of many American restaurants, or if you're in some sort of time crunch, it is true that this is not the right choice. However, if you are able to keep an open mind, want to enjoy an inspired meal, and eat in European fashion (as is this restaurant's self-described modus operandi) this is the restaurant for you.
(5)Helen W.
From Los Angeles, so I get the foodie thing. But $6 for two five inch roasted leek spears is a joke of an appetizer. The white fish I ordered was fresh, but unremarkable. The restaurant is way too dark for dinner. Neighboring diners also found this a big problem. That being said, my friend's tuna was unbelievably delicious. Truly outstanding. So it seems like it is hit and miss with the menu. I was still hungry after eating two appetizers and an entree. I am not a big person. And given the somewhat high prices, that's an unhappy ending.
(2)Gina B.
I went on Saturday night with five other people. Our waitress was excellent. She was very attentive and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu. Glasses were never empty for long and the drinks were amazing. Unfortunately we left hungry. I ordered four tapas for the table to start. They were out of mussels so it was suggested I order the scallops instead. Three of the tiniest scallops I've ever seen arrived on a very fancy plate for 13 dollars. At one point I asked for more bread because we were so hungry and really feeling our drinks due to lack of food. I was pretty surprised when our entrees arrived. I ordered the hanger steak, which cost 17 dollars. It arrived on a very large plate, but the portion was tiny. The steak itself took up about one fifth of the plate and was served with nothing more than garnish. It was cooked perfectly, but it was so little! I understand that with fine dining portions sometimes are smaller, but I thought some of the portions were pretty ridiculous for the prices. The quality of the food is good, the cocktails are great, the ambiance is fantastic, and our server was amazing. We ended up going to a Mexican place later for tacos after spending a lot of money on a little food.
(2)Shirley D.
3 stars because of the decor!! Such a cool/chill place. I wish there was a place like that in Jersey!! The whole place is filled with antique furniture, couches, a cool bar, and a live (you can see the cooks) kitchen area. Now, on to the food. I have to start off by telling you guys how hungry I was. I seriously was starving searching for a restaurant with the best reviews and found this one. First off, the good thing was that they start you off with a complimentary plate of bread with olive oil and salt which tasted delicious. As for the entree, I ordered the Flank steak and it was good... but incredibly small (maybe I just eat too much haha). My boyfriend had the rib entree and it was so small too, it was mostly bone and just a few pieces of meat. This would probably only apply to those who are searching for a decent sized meal. Seriously, I was so disappointed. I was still so hungry afterwards I had to search for a pizzeria. With that being said, Local 188 is still perfect for a nice place to hang out and enjoy a drink just don't come here hungry.
(3)Yan T.
We only had one night in Portland, and although I initially wanted to have some kind of fancy dinner, neither I nor my gf were particularly eager to go to a stuffy restaurant in Portland. And, after a pretty heavy lunch, we decided to venture out for some late bites. Local 188 was a somewhat random choice, but fit the bill. As soon as you walk in, a cozy feeling settles in. It's a big, open, beautiful space with lots of modern, local touches. There are regular tables, couches, bar seats, and fanciful oversize lounge chairs fit for giants. It's an artist's paradise. The kitchen was closing around 10, so we quickly ordered some drinks and bites. I got the charcuterie (house cured ham, Montreal smoked brisket, guanciale, oxbow spam) and a flight of some fantastic beers (including "Lunch" by Maine Beer Co.), as well as a Bourbon hot toddy. Our waitress was friendly and rolled with the punches, even as she was preparing to wrap up kitchen service. Highly recommended any time of day!
(5)Meli L.
Two of us popped in the morning of fourth of July for some fuel for the day, we were sat at the bar and told one special, served our waters and left to look over the menu. They have a pastry special and pancake special of the day, we weren't told about so we had to ask (which why wouldn't our waiter just tell us while he gave us the breakfast special?). We started with the donuts, which were delicious, perfect bit of lemon and served with strawberry jam. For my meal I ordered the salmon plate, my dining companion went with the corned beef hash. Since we sat at the bar, we had a clear view of the kitchen, which was unfortunate as I watched my salmon plate sit for a solid 15 minutes while the hash was made. Aside from the cold bagel, the dish was good. Small portions and very slow service.
(3)Claudio C.
My first visit to Local 188 was today for a Father's Day brunch. It was very crowded, as we had a 45 minute wait. There were seats at the entrance and people watching made the time pass quickly. There is ample seating...and a roomy sort of hippy like atmosphere. The brunch cocktails looked excellent...my son said the Bloody Mary was excellent. They have an extensive bottled and draft beer selection with several Belgian options, which I sampled. The baked goods are very good. We sampled the scratch donuts and the biscuits...both very good. We also tried an order of the deviled eggs...which were very good...light creamy and some bacon on top. The brunch options are somewhat limited....I'd say about seven items. I tried the Paella with eggs....it was a baked skillet with chicken, sausage, mussels, rice, and bacon....with baked eggs in the center....hot sauce added to the decent mix of flavors....I felt that both the eggs and the mussels were slightly overcooked....which took a bit of pizzaz out of the dish. Overall, it was decent, but not great. My mom has the huervos ranchero.....she enjoyed it...but the black beans tasted canned to me...maybe a nitpick... Others had steak and eggs....the breakfast burrito....and a pastrami Reuben....everyone felt that their meals were fine. I tried a bite of the Reuben....it was hot, juicy, and flavorful. The waitress and overall service was decent based on the large crowd on Father's Day....ours did a good job. One kitchen misstep did occur....the Reuben was the only non egg dish ordered....apparently, the kitchen is separated by egg verses traditional food items for brunch.....the five egg based meals all came out in unison....my dads Reuben....ten plus minutes later...so that's something they need to fix. Overall....I liked the place....I wasn't wowed by anything in particular....but it was good and decent price to value. I'd try dinner here. 3 1/2 stars
(3)Joe Y.
My new favorite Bloody Mary is found here and it is called the Cilantro. It was crisp, flavorful and not too spicy. For me, the cilantro gave it the right amount of zest. This place has always been a go to for a cocktail but now I can add brunch to the list. I had a great time hanging out with friend in a cool environment eating breakfast and drinking bloody marys. I have always been impressed with the the bartenders accommodating special drink orders and the staff's consideration of food allergies and preferences. Local 188 is a solid establishment and one of my all time favorites in Portland.
(4)Anna E.
Friday I stopped into Local 188 for a cappuccino to go after enjoying happy hour and ramen at Pai Men Miyaki. I'd heard a lot about this place but hadn't been until this night. It was busy at the peak of dinner service on a Friday night. Young families and couples arrived at a steady pace while I waited; those with reservations were seated immediately while others who were drop-ins were told there would be an hour or so wait. Like some of the other neighborhood joints, Local 188 also has an open kitchen allowing patrons to get a view of the oft behind the scenes action - even more so if you are seated at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the room, there is the actual bar, the wall behind it fully stocked. The dining room has a long table that made me think of community dining, as well as smaller tables for parties with less people, and some lounge areas with couches for socializing over drinks and small plates. I had a sample of one of the in-house made ice creams while waited, the chocolate chip. It was good but I was more impressed by my cappuccino. It was made with Coffee By Design espresso and at $4.00 it wasn't inexpensive, but it was a good size and quality. It kept me awake on my drive from Portland to Lewiston after not enough sleep and a cocktail at dinner. I look forward to coming back and trying the food!
(4)Jennifer L.
My husband and I went here on a whim the other night. We arrived around 5 on a Monday and it was nice and quiet. My sangria was delicious and my hubby had a local beer. The menu was a little smaller than we expected but we are not fussy eaters so it didn't prove to be a problem. We had some of their tapas and 2 entrees. The pickled veggies were great and had a bit of Indian flair to them. The deviled eggs were so much better than my mom's (shh dont tell her). the last tapas plate we had was a Chicken croquette. The filling needed a touch of salt but other than that it was really good. For entrees I had the ricotta gnocchi and my hubby had the hanger steak. Both were out of this world! The steak was perfectly cooked and the sauces were on point. The gnocchi were browned on all sides which added an unexpected texture and flavor that was amazing. The mushroom sauce was the perfect accompaniment.
(4)Kylie D.
Let me preface this by saying that normally I like Local 188. While I haven't ever had a stellar experience here, I've always left satisfied. This 3-Star review is just for my last brunch experience. I still don't understand why they would leave two six-tops and one four-top empty during Sunday brunch while people sat waiting for 30 minutes or more. The six tops easily convert to four-tops and there you have it, everyone seated, happy and eating instead of walking out in frustration. I loved my giant dutch pancake (though I could only eat about a quarter of it) and my friends' meals were great but the sub-par service by the hostess and server made me feel like we just weren't very important.
(3)Trinh T.
Local 188 is a Spanish restaurant in Portland, Maine that serves up tapas style dishes. There are a number of great items that you'll be able to find here including a delicious Spanish paella with tons of seafood. My Overall Rating - 3 1/2 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Local 188 is a very nice restaurant. It has a very welcoming feel, and you want it you will find a nice seating area in the middle. There are plenty of tables and booths to accommodate any size party. However, one of the best features is something that you do not find often in Maine: parking! There is a private lot that you can park in. It is also free to park. 1 Star. Service - our server was quite nice; however, what I really like about them was that they were very knowledgeable about the menu. If you visit a restaurant that serves up dishes tapas style, it is all about being smart about what you order because the dishes are meant to be shared. So I really like it when the server is extremely knowledgeable about the dishes, and taking recommends that the allotments based on what you like or don't. 1 Star. Food - but when it comes to tapas style dishes, there are always going to be some dishes that are said and some that are not. The goal is to try to catch on as many as possible. I did find quite a number dishes that I enjoyed including an excellent Spanish paella do that is loaded with clams, scallops, and even some lobster. They also had an excellent risotto that was creamy and full of garlic flavor. My favorite dish was the gnocchi. This beautiful pasta was a joy to eat as I love the pillow like texture. There were a few other items that we didn't particularly like including the Mediterranean meatballs. I would stick to the seafood items only. Also their carne asada was a bit bland and forgettable. In fact, we did order more tapas dishes but for the life of me I cannot remember what they all were, so they really did not make that big of an impression on me. 1 Star. Will I Return? - Probably not. This has more to do with the number of excellent restaurants left to try in Portland vs. Local 188's quality. It was a good but not fantastic/return worthy enough. Then again, I won't say no if someone suggested it for dinner. 1/2 Star. My Yelp Rating Scale (Sum of all parts): 1 Star - Atmosphere - Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I'll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm. 1 Star - Service - You can have a great meal with bad service. But that's also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It's important to the dining experience that service is great and on point. 2 Stars - Food - I'll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it's really all about the food. 1 Star - Will I come back? - If I know for a fact I'll return, I'll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return. Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Yelp score.
(3)Josh M.
It's cool. It's sexy. It's classy. Went here for my mellow bachelor party. It's nice and inviting and modern. The owners also own Andys in the old port. I don't know what those people are doing right but I want some stock in them. A little pricey but worth it.
(4)Diana K.
Good service, good food! I especially like the liver! So good! I go there for business meetings sometimes.
(5)Steff D.
Alright, I give in. I really, really, REEEEEEEEAAALLLLLY like Local 188. I've been many, many times and outside of my first experience there 'lo those many years ago (and dinner - dinner here just doesn't do it for me), I usually have a great time.... The cocktails are amazing: + White Lotus (Cold River vodka, Canton ginger liqueur, lemon juice with a candied ginger slice), $11: makes my ginger loving heart very, very happy. It's the perfect balance of ginger bite without being over the top. + Mark and Bubbly (Makers Mark, champagne, and peach bitters with a cherry), $9: this drink, while delicious, is very, very strong. I think it's definitely one of the "most bang for your buck" drinks in town! You gotta really love Makers, though. + Pinky and the Brain (strawberry vodka, champagne and a splash of Chambord), $9: this cocktail is so simple and elegant that I'm never not happy when I order it, and frequently jealous of those at my table who do when I don't. + Ruby Honey Jam (house grapefruit rosemary gin, lime juice, St. Germain and honey syrup), $10: outside of the traditional mimosa, THIS is the fruity drink you want to have at brunch. I don't even like gin, but could easily have two or three of these mid-morning! + ALL of their housemade kombucha is delicious! The Spanish Tortilla for $7 is consistently delicious regardless of what time you order it at (and has become one of my late night cravings post-drinking in Portland). And I just recently had brunch here... and it's easily one of my favorite places in town now for this ever important meal: + Bloody Mary's contain Worcestershire. Worcestershire contains fish. Nearly every single place in town (not an exaggeration) pre-makes their bloody mix with Worcestershire and won't make a fresh drink for vegetarians because it's too much work. Local 188 is the opposite of everyone else in town. They went above and beyond accommodating my request for a vegetarian bloody (and I had mine with the garlic vodka... SO. DAMN. GOOD [though, it could have been more garlicky]), and as such as gained a fan for life. + If they have cinnamon rolls on their brunch menu.... GET IT. You will not be disappointed. All that soft dough and icing goo. Yum. + The mushroom, herb, and goat cheese scramble is so delicious that I can't stop thinking about it. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the pockets of goat cheese were plentiful and flavorful, and the mushrooms were earthy and meaty. Also, the English muffin that came with it was unexpected and a carboholic's dream. The only thing I wish was better (and that I still find confusing, for those of you who read my first review from 2011) is the initial communication between staff members and customers. Every time we're here it takes three to six employees to seat us (regardless if they're busy or not). One person says they'll get us table, walks away, and is never seen or heard from again. Literally, this process repeats over and over. Once we do get seated, though? Those servers are so intuitive and on top of things, I want to give them a standing ovation. Anyway... thanks, Local 188, for being patient with me until I finally came around! And, seriously, fan for life because of the bloody's!
(4)Ken J.
We were visiting this fine city during the Old Port Festival walking around and listening to some of the bands playing Live! We ended up on Congress abit parched noticed the Local 188 was open so we walked in greeted by the hostess, seated us and informed us that brunch was ending very soon. Our waiter Andy arrived seconds after the hostess left an told us that brunch was ending so Me and my Girlfriend decided to have 2 frothy cold beers, Andy took our beer order, returned with the beers then he told us he had a surprise for us...So we're chatting away me and my girl, Andy returned with 2 very warm turnovers with a rhubarb and berry filling Very Good Eats! Also he brought over another in house made item a doughnut with a grapefruit glaze! Kickass! We became huge fans of the Local 188 an not because of the turnovers or the doughnut, Andy was very attentive, He made us feel at Home and I hope you all checkout The Local 188 an ask for Andy, you'll be in Good hands.
(5)Becky M.
I seem to find myself here from time to time, especially meeting a friend for a drink, but I don't know why. I just don't like it. Like, at all... Sometimes I think its a good "settling" option, but always want to walk out after I walk in. In the summer, the restaurant is extremely hot. No AC the few times I've been in (and then left immediately.) The layout of the tables is open, but seems disorganized. The bar is comfy enough, but I don't have any memorable experiences regarding drinks or friendly bartenders. The meals that I have had were just simply bad and over priced. The menu is boring. Service has been very slow. Breakfast plates were big, greasy and salty; not in a good way. Bloody marries bland. I had some type of Spanish pie once which was just awful, and cold. Also, some appetizer of fried potatoes. These were good enough, but paid a whole bunch of money for fancy french fries. Deserving of 2 stars because nothing AWFUL has every happened. Definitely not worth a stop by.
(2)Karen L.
Let me start by saying that this is definitely a beloved place in Portland. I give it three stars because the drinks are EXCELLENT. Basil Lemonade is amazing and they have tons of house infused liquors that are awesome. They even have a spicy margarita-- and though I can't drink a whole one of those (too spicy for me!) if you love spice and margaritas, you will love it! I love meeting friends here for drinks and they sometimes have local live music, which is awesome. The vibe is very cool and relaxed and it is a nice place to hang out. I can't give it more than 3 stars though because I cannot eat here. It's sad, but true. I have heard many people rave about the food, but I have searched high and low on this menu and have been unable to find anything vegan. Last time we went here for dinner with friends who suggested it, I asked the waiter if there was anything he could recommend that could be easily catered to a vegan diet. He scoffed a bit (a little off-putting) and then went off (presumably to the kitchen to inquire). When he returned the only thing he could offer me was a salad with no dressing. Being hungry, I took his suggestion and ended up paying $14 for a plate of lettuce with a couple slices of celery on it. It was extremely disappointing and WAY overpriced for what I got. I have learned my lesson and will not try to eat there again in the future. So, vegans beware. The drinks are awesome and you will not be disappointed by the bartenders or the cocktails, but you will be disappointed by the food.
(3)Kelly P.
So Local 188 has just been promoted to my favourite all time yummy spot to feed my need for yumminess. Over a short visit to Portland, we ate/drank twice there in less than 24 hours. Of course we started our first round of bites off with some devilled eggs, Flatbread with hummus and some house pickles. The flat bread was just that, with a tasty garlic hummus. I love anything and everything when it comes to pickles so it was very hard to disappoint BUT when I saw what came to our plate I was amazed at the artistry that came along with a "house pickle". All the different veggies were pickles to perfection. The devilled eggs were very nice and tasty. A great start to Local 188! The beverages of this evening were Alagash White and Dog Fish Head IPA. Both were refreshing and hit the spot. This is where Local 188 wins a billion gold stars...the chefs of the evening were epic and became over the top epic when they presented us (a party of four foodies) with TWO tapas cold dishes that I don't even see on the menu yet...some sort of peas in a sauce and a plate of roasted garlic. Both were absolutely wonderful! When these two plates were devoured we continues on with our adventure in eating with an order of North Spore Mushrooms and Ricotta Gnocchi. The mushrooms were very tender and flavourful and the gnocchi was just amazing with the ricotta cheese. Now fast forward 22 ish hours or so... Day two of Local 188. We enter the restaurant, were seated at the bar, ordered some drinks and BAM! A beautiful dish is placed in front of us by the chef! Stuffed Squash Flowers! The chef saw us come in and decided to give us a third dish to taste! The blossoms were so different and fun, that we ordered a second plate. For this second visit we ordered up some tapas plates as well...beautiful leeks, devilled eggs, mussels, short ribs, orange glazed chicken wings and a clam stew! We ate and ate and ate. During this eating adventure I sipped on a Long Island Iced Tea! Yum. All of the dishes were melt in your mouth amazing! We finished off with an order of the Classic Paella to share. So many tastes all in one! Alright, alright, alright!! Want an amazing time with food and drink? Local 188 is the spot!
(5)Katy N.
Love the atmosphere here. It's like you are in someone's hippy den. The drinks are better than the food and brunch is better than dinner. I think dinner is a little overpriced for what it is.. no dish I've had has really been all that great (not bad, just not memorable) Still - I always bring out of town friends here because I think it's very "Portland." I've never had a drink here that wasn't worth the price tag or that wasn't absolutely delicious.
(4)Karen H.
Unintentionally walked into this place when looking for another place with a similar name---and so glad we stayed! The atmosphere here is more than half of what earned the five-star rating, and once the food and drinks arrived, the five-star rating was secured! The decor and attitude of staff combine for the kind of Portland casual, local feel we were looking for. Even a conversation pit in the center makes waiting for your table a pleasure. Delicious local food- amazing, truly incredible, roasted potatoes and the best English Muffin ever! Great locally harvested tea and good coffee.
(5)Natalie C.
Very expensive and very eclectic. It is not traditional American food. It's Mexican tapas with some eclectic options. I'll admit it was a difficult menu to read unless you are well versed in food which I am not.
(2)allie z.
This was our last stop on my best friend's bachelorette weekend, and boy, was I glad this was the place that was chosen. We were not feeling at the top of our game after a very busy and fun weekend exploring Portland's finest bar establishments, but this was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip. They had a table for 8 all ready to go, which is hard to find on a Sunday morning. Their iced coffee was delicious and a welcome refreshment on a hot day. Those that got the various types of bloody mary's were very impressed with the flavors (and alcohol content). The real star of the meal was everyone's meal, especially mine. The majority of us ordered their corned beef hash with eggs and hollandaise. This was after the waitress recommended due to popularity. I'm so glad she did. There were crisp chunks of potato homefries covering the bottom of the gigantic dish (really a crater in itself). Then came the 100% corned beef hash. Literally nothing but delicious Grade A, well seasoned beef. No potatoes or fillers. Just meat. Amazing and slightly crispy with the brining seasoning packed right in! Gently laid over the top were my two over easy eggs, perfectly runny, yet perfectly firm. Finally, the shining star of this meal was the homemade hollandaise sauce. Man oh man, was this delicious. One would expect this type of sauce to be heavy and rich. Rich it was, but not overly so. But, the one thing I have to say was refreshing was the brightness of the citrus you could taste. AMAZING! Every element on it's own was delicious, but when you mixed them together, it was a whole other experience. Finally, to wash all of this down, they give you a giant homemade, freshly baked english muffin along with a raspberry-almond-vanilla jam and an apple spice compote. These were so amazing and were a great finish to a wonderful and enjoyable brunch. Next time I'm in Portsmouth, I will definitely be returning to Local 188. Food was amazing and service was good. This was the cherry on top of an already amazing weekend!
(5)Joe M.
Tried the corned beef hash which came with poached eggs (little over cooked) home fries, hollandaise and English muffin. Food was good, English muffin tasted home made? Think I would've enjoyed more menu options, wasn't really super excited to order anything. Place is good though and I would return for sure but I'm not in a big hurry. My wife LOVED her garlic bloody Mary.
(3)Michaela M.
I just want to love it so much more than I actually do. It's one of "those"places in Portland. The places that everyone claims to love, but no one can really tell you why. They're good for big groups, because it kind of always feels like a free-for-all when you're there, so the bigger groups tend to take over. It's hard to feel comfortable with only two. You feel forgotten kind of. And the host seems constantly stressed out, which almost makes me feel bad for making her seat me. The food is OK. I've been several times because this was the only place that could either a) seat us immediately or b) the only place everyone could agree on. There is no food item out of all the times I've been there that makes me say "OHMYGODIWANTTHATAGAIN". Which, food should make you do.
(3)Tony W.
I have to admit that Local 188 was not our first choice for brunch on a Sunday, but since Hot Suppa! had like a 7-year wait, we decided to relocate...and I'm certainly glad we did! Local 188 was fantastic. First, a special shout-out to our server Andy - and I never give server shout-outs. He was very attentive and helpful, and handled my friend's food substitutions without a problem. We were seated immediately upon entering. Apparently showing up at 1:30pm is a good way to ensure this at (most) places. We started with a coffee, Bloody Mary and fancy donuts. My coffee was meh, but my friend's Bloody Mary was very good - and I'm not usually a fan of 'em. I won't begin to understand the complex and interwoven relationship that donuts have with Portland, but this is quite possibly the only city where you can find donuts on every single restaurant menu. And I am quite happy with that because I am quite happy with donuts. They frequently vary their donut offerings, and on this particular Sunday they were chocolate donuts glazed with MORE chocolate, mint and powdered sugar. I usually only like mint in my toothpaste and gum, but this was an extraordinarily delicious exception. My friend ordered a breakfast sandwich that she tricked out and customized, and I ordered one of their scramble specials. Mine was very tasty - although the tomatoes made it slightly watery. The English muffins served on the side were damned fine, and made even finer with the homemade apple maple jam. Off the hook. My friend's breakfast sandwich was also incredible - made with a brioche roll, and included one of the best sausage patties I've ever tasted. Total for everything was about $32. Not bad, considering what we ordered! What I especially like about this place is how, in addition to the reliable set menu and quirky daily specials, the little things like daily pastries, daily donuts and daily jams are always rotating. Even if you're a Basic Brad and like ordering the same breakfast every time you go, you can always tweak it in a slightly different way to make it a new and special culinary experience. After this experience...Hot Suppa! who? I can think of 188 reasons why I'm coming back here again...soon.
(5)Steph G.
Really good Huevos Rancheros! We came back twice in two days for this dish at brunch! I also had the Alarm Clock, a sweet vanilla alcoholic coffee beverage, which was also delicious!
(5)John C.
Cocktails, 5 stars. Meatball appetizer phenomenal. Next the chicken livers. Ok, now in heaven. I would skip the salad. We split the short ribs and seafood paella. Great choices! Must tries for sure. We rounded it off with the sticky toffee bread pudding. Wow, Portland I'm impressed. Enjoy...
(5)Jameson B.
Local 188 is out in the West End which in of itself is a very boho neighborhood. We came in for brunch and were not disappointed. The inside is very cool and almost like an open concept mish mosh of cool furniture and decor from an antique store or flea market. The staff here is super friendly as we came just before they were changing over for the dinner menu, but let us get our orders in. Have heard good things about their dinner menu and would like to come by to check it out again.
(4)Mr B.
Decent environs and ambitious food menu at first scared me to be honest as I didn't know if it was going to be all presentation but they delivered without a doubt. The bar has a good dozen infusions worthy as well as beers and craft hard cider. This is a filled to the rim weekend spot and the ambiance is sort of a mixed bag with hipster and intimate couples along with groups out for a good time. I particularly liked the layout but unfortunately it left most not being able to hear well as the notes se is hight. Gnocchi is great, tuna was perfect, soup nothing to write home about but flatbread and hummus with garlic was divine. In fact it actually was my favorite appetizer. Squash salad was quite impressive too but portions are small across the entire menu. Unless you load up on drinks you may leave hungry. Oh, honey apple sorbet was amazing as a mix of tart and sweet to finish the meal off with.
(4)Margaret M.
I have driven by this place for months, meaning to stop by and finally made it in! From the outside I was expecting a wide open bar type space, and was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic decor and layout when we came inside. Half of the place is more of a bar environment with bar seating, tables, couches and cozy chairs, while the other half is more of a traditional restaurant layout. I adore this concept - it's something I wish more places would do actually. I enjoy the separation of space, and it makes the bar feel like something you would want in your house. I also loved the light fixtures. Great interior design! Now onto the food & drinks...which also did not disappoint. They have a variety of craft cocktails that are both tasty and strong - and I do mean strong. Like they may knock you on your ass strong. I opted for the champagne cocktail with vodka, muddled fruit and champs...so yummy! The rest of our group sampled their beers, gin cocktails and champs cocktail with whisky (weird...but also delish). We also shared some appies, my favorite being the meatballs & steak tartare which were creative in their presentation and absolutely delicious. The flavors were intense & we polished off every last bite. The service was also stellar, we were greeted at the door, promptly seated and our waitress was friendly & attentive. Not much more you can ask for from an establishment - I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(5)Anna V.
Cute little spot for breakfast. Small menu, not great if you don't like eggs (like myself) but I was able to DIY a meal out of sides, as usual. It was delicious. The home fries (not listed as a side on the menu but i just asked for 'em) were amazing. The biscuits and honey butter were so moist and had that homemade taste, so good :) ordered a side salad (also not on the menu) and it was approximately 3 pieces of mesclun and a sliver of carrot, so definitely not worth the $6 they charged, but still tasty hahaha
(4)Don M.
Awesome Tapas! We got the Thai wings, hanger steak, and the ribs. Everything was perfect. Can't wait to go back. The 188 Mai Tai was great great too!! The best service!
(5)Jeff C.
Food was excellent, but the Bloody Mary tasted more like pickle juice than anything else. Waited 40 min more than estimated wait time and tables could have been put together to accommodate our party. Server was rude after we were finally seated. Overall not super impressed.
(3)Brian G.
Had a very nice experience here Friday night. We were seated up against the front window to the right of the front door, which gave us a nice view of the street action and a cozy, intimate atmosphere at the table. Our informative server greeted us soon after, detailing the specials and offering insights to our the questions about the different cocktails, tapas and entrees. The cocktails were VERY strong - one was all I needed to sustain me through the meal. We ordered three tapas that ranged from OK to good. I wouldn't say any of them blew us away. The Spanish Tortilla was my favorite, with the consistency of a good quiche and some pretty good flavor. The dinners were very, very good. My wife got the paella, which was fantastic. Beautifully seasoned, dressed with meaty mussels and clams and delectable meats (the sausage was outstanding). Absolutely without a doubt the best paella I've tasted...I'm not a paella expert and have only had it a couple of times, but Local 188's version is tattooed in my memory. When we eventually return, I will be ordering it. I ordered the whitefish, which was also delicious. It was served in a light and flavorful beef broth with a nice pearl pasta underneath. However, the portion was very small and at $23, WAY overpriced. Thankfully, the paella balanced that out - it was by comparison an enormous portion, and very fairly priced at $26. It also balanced out my hunger, as my wife couldn't come close to finishing it. I was happy to devour the rest, and left satisfied. I think we'll skip the tapas next time we come, which weren't super impressive, and instead order a dish off the "Raciones" menu, which are supposedly somewhere in between the tapas and entrees in terms of size. However, this was a great dining experience overall.
(4)Leslie P.
Made reservations to dine while in Maine visiting family. Their menu is on the smaller side, but everything sounded fantastic. The ambience was nice and servers very attentive and knowledgable. We had the flash fried crab, beef tartare with quail egg, anchovies and tortilla for starters with gnocchi, classic paella and seafood paella to share for entrees. The crab, tortilla and tartare were mediocre. The remaining dishes were delicious. The classic paella had the perfect crust around the rice with an appropriate balance of proteins to satisfy. We also had to try their key lime pie for dessert which was one of the better I have tasted. Cool, creamy and just a tad tart. Worth a try when in Portland.
(4)Keri G.
Until the staff start using gloves when handling food, STAY AWAY!! I really wanted to like this place since it had a hippy feel to it. First, we were told it'd be at least 30 minutes for a table when there was no one waiting for a table. So we were forced to sit at the bar even though there were plenty of tables open. As we waited for our food, we watched and could see staff member after staff member handle the food with their bare hands. Wait staff opened up the English muffin bags and put each one by hand into the toaster. The expediter = no gloves. NONE of the cooks had any gloves on either. Cooks were not wearing any hats to cover their hair either. Saw a cook scratch his head, then proceed to continue cooking. Needless to say, we didn't eat much of the food at all. They all need a food safety course. STAT.
(1)Rachel D.
I finally tried Local for dinner! It was fantastic. The host was super gracious and very polite. We were seated immediately and the ambiance was also appealing. I chose the back corner benches. We started off with the chili garlic shrimp, recommended by our waitress. I had the Garden of Bees cocktail and my fiance had a Rising Tide beer. Bread was brought to the table with olive oil (!) and I was so happy about it that we ate it up before I could enjoy the bread with the shrimp. Don't make the same mistake I did! For entrees I ordered the clam stew and my fiance ordered the paella. I wasn't too hungry so the clam stew was the right amount of food. I got about 6 clams but they were all good quality and good size. The broth was slightly saltier than I'd like but that's why they're getting four starts instead of five. The Paella was also delicious and cooked fresh. The wait was quite long (because they were making the paella from scratch) but worth it. Paella was filled with clams and mussels, as well as chicken and sausage. It was also quite salty and lacking a spiciness, but overall the consistency was on point and the dish was quite hearty with protein. If you're used to going here for brunch definitely mix it up and head to Local for dinner! I had no idea that they were even a Spanish restaurant (but now I do!).
(4)Neil W.
We had a great time with our seven month old in a corner booth we ordered about four little plates. the mussels Leeks I can't remember the other one The cocktail The service was quick and unobtrusive.
(5)Jessica M.
I came here when I first moved to Portland and it has always been a favorite since! The food is delicious, the service friendly and fast! It is a bit pricey.
(4)Patrick C.
Had brunch at Local 188 this morning. Nice open space, good vibe, eclectic look. Good service and good food. I had the Herb Mushroom Scramble, with local herbs and goat cheese. Not something I would normally venture, but very happy I did. It was tasty and really quite good. My girl had the hash eggs , said it was very good, tasty homemade hash, with light hollandaise. The Cilantro Bloody Mary was highly rated, and per her report was solid, but not the best around. All in all, very good, will definitely do again. Maybe supper next.
(4)Leigh H.
Have had several great experiences at Local 188 over the past few years. The staff is knowledgeable and they have a great beer and wine list. I do wish their menu was a little bigger and more varied, but all of the food I've eaten there has been delicious!
(4)Kelly R.
Instead of indulging on the food menu, I really only go here to drink & socialize. The drinks are yummy & the atmosphere is killer. The bartender, Jeb is also super cool & knows his booze! They make all kinds of infused liquors which I am a huge fan of. If you can't find a seat at the bar they have comfy couches in the center of the space where you can definitely feel at home.
(5)Chrissy H.
I'll be honest. Mostly I drink at 188. There is usually a great special cocktail, a featured beer, or an interesting (and cheap) glass of wine to try. But the best drink of them all- in my opinion- is the Bloody Mary served at brunch on the weekends. It isn't garnished with a suckling pig or whole pizza hanging out of it like some other trendier places I've seen advertised. Its simple, not too thick or too watery, spiced to perfection and $5. Thats right- $5! I've had cups of coffee in this town that cost more than that! Mostly I've eaten brunch here. I really like some of their "hangover specials" which tend to be a mash up of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees. Once we had a breakfast bolognese. We were intrigued. It was pretty good. They also have pretty decent biscuits with honey butter and berries. But I ADORE their English muffins. So big and delicious. They also do some pretty great veggie scrambles. The only disappointing breakfast item is the pancake. Not quite a pancake or a flapjack... it's more like a giant piece of dry cornbread with syrup. Very grainy. Not super flavorful. It was a little upsetting. But thats okay- the bloody mary made up for it. I also enjoy their tapas. I'm a huge fan of the small plate in general- anyone who has dined with my husband and I know that we can't commit to just one entree each. We must sample everything! My favorites are the meatballs, the Spanish tortilla and- probably one of my favorite dishes in the entire world (I fell in love in Spain)- the patatas bravas. It always amazes me how delicious something so simple like a potato can be! Every Tuesday night they also have live music and the place gets surprisingly packed. Last Halloween, we had an incredibly fun evening sitting at the window watching the costumed revelers walk by and sipping drinks while a string quartet played scores of classic horror movies. And another time the bartender allowed us to listen to the whole Muppets/John Denver Christmas album while drinking at the bar one quiet Sunday afternoon. All in all- everybody here is very friendly. There's something on the menu for everyone... kids, vegetarians, carnivores.... lots of delicious local ingredients. And its a nice big space so you rarely have to wait for a table. Also, be sure to check out their featured artists. It changes pretty frequently.
(5)Dorian G.
Great breakfast in walking distance from our hotel. I had the smoked salmon scramble (hold the capers). I recently became a "lox and eggs" fan so a dish like this has become my go-to at brunch. Though when the menu said it had cream cheese, i assumed it meant blended in to make for fluffier scrambled eggs. Nope...globs of cream cheese had been folded in just prior to serving. At first I was like "oh no" (i love cream cheese, but this had a warning flag to me at first glance). then i had a bite and i was like "oh yes!!!" its basically protein packed cream cheese and lox. pile it on to your awesome toasted english muffin and, BOOM, bagels and lox AND eggs. all was right with the world, and them some. solid coffee in mismatched thrift store type mugs. i love that sort of detail in a breakfast place. my friend had the blueberry pancakes which was basically enough for 3 people. she took a huge portion home.
(4)Chris D.
LOVE THIS PLACE!! I've never been disappointed in almost 15 years of coming here. It's hands down one of my favorite Portland spots. Don't pass it up!
(5)Michaela M.
I just want to love it so much more than I actually do. It's one of "those"places in Portland. The places that everyone claims to love, but no one can really tell you why. They're good for big groups, because it kind of always feels like a free-for-all when you're there, so the bigger groups tend to take over. It's hard to feel comfortable with only two. You feel forgotten kind of. And the host seems constantly stressed out, which almost makes me feel bad for making her seat me. The food is OK. I've been several times because this was the only place that could either a) seat us immediately or b) the only place everyone could agree on. There is no food item out of all the times I've been there that makes me say "OHMYGODIWANTTHATAGAIN". Which, food should make you do.
(3)Tony W.
I have to admit that Local 188 was not our first choice for brunch on a Sunday, but since Hot Suppa! had like a 7-year wait, we decided to relocate...and I'm certainly glad we did! Local 188 was fantastic. First, a special shout-out to our server Andy - and I never give server shout-outs. He was very attentive and helpful, and handled my friend's food substitutions without a problem. We were seated immediately upon entering. Apparently showing up at 1:30pm is a good way to ensure this at (most) places. We started with a coffee, Bloody Mary and fancy donuts. My coffee was meh, but my friend's Bloody Mary was very good - and I'm not usually a fan of 'em. I won't begin to understand the complex and interwoven relationship that donuts have with Portland, but this is quite possibly the only city where you can find donuts on every single restaurant menu. And I am quite happy with that because I am quite happy with donuts. They frequently vary their donut offerings, and on this particular Sunday they were chocolate donuts glazed with MORE chocolate, mint and powdered sugar. I usually only like mint in my toothpaste and gum, but this was an extraordinarily delicious exception. My friend ordered a breakfast sandwich that she tricked out and customized, and I ordered one of their scramble specials. Mine was very tasty - although the tomatoes made it slightly watery. The English muffins served on the side were damned fine, and made even finer with the homemade apple maple jam. Off the hook. My friend's breakfast sandwich was also incredible - made with a brioche roll, and included one of the best sausage patties I've ever tasted. Total for everything was about $32. Not bad, considering what we ordered! What I especially like about this place is how, in addition to the reliable set menu and quirky daily specials, the little things like daily pastries, daily donuts and daily jams are always rotating. Even if you're a Basic Brad and like ordering the same breakfast every time you go, you can always tweak it in a slightly different way to make it a new and special culinary experience. After this experience...Hot Suppa! who? I can think of 188 reasons why I'm coming back here again...soon.
(5)Steph G.
Really good Huevos Rancheros! We came back twice in two days for this dish at brunch! I also had the Alarm Clock, a sweet vanilla alcoholic coffee beverage, which was also delicious!
(5)John C.
Cocktails, 5 stars. Meatball appetizer phenomenal. Next the chicken livers. Ok, now in heaven. I would skip the salad. We split the short ribs and seafood paella. Great choices! Must tries for sure. We rounded it off with the sticky toffee bread pudding. Wow, Portland I'm impressed. Enjoy...
(5)Jameson B.
Local 188 is out in the West End which in of itself is a very boho neighborhood. We came in for brunch and were not disappointed. The inside is very cool and almost like an open concept mish mosh of cool furniture and decor from an antique store or flea market. The staff here is super friendly as we came just before they were changing over for the dinner menu, but let us get our orders in. Have heard good things about their dinner menu and would like to come by to check it out again.
(4)Mr B.
Decent environs and ambitious food menu at first scared me to be honest as I didn't know if it was going to be all presentation but they delivered without a doubt. The bar has a good dozen infusions worthy as well as beers and craft hard cider. This is a filled to the rim weekend spot and the ambiance is sort of a mixed bag with hipster and intimate couples along with groups out for a good time. I particularly liked the layout but unfortunately it left most not being able to hear well as the notes se is hight. Gnocchi is great, tuna was perfect, soup nothing to write home about but flatbread and hummus with garlic was divine. In fact it actually was my favorite appetizer. Squash salad was quite impressive too but portions are small across the entire menu. Unless you load up on drinks you may leave hungry. Oh, honey apple sorbet was amazing as a mix of tart and sweet to finish the meal off with.
(4)Margaret M.
I have driven by this place for months, meaning to stop by and finally made it in! From the outside I was expecting a wide open bar type space, and was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic decor and layout when we came inside. Half of the place is more of a bar environment with bar seating, tables, couches and cozy chairs, while the other half is more of a traditional restaurant layout. I adore this concept - it's something I wish more places would do actually. I enjoy the separation of space, and it makes the bar feel like something you would want in your house. I also loved the light fixtures. Great interior design! Now onto the food & drinks...which also did not disappoint. They have a variety of craft cocktails that are both tasty and strong - and I do mean strong. Like they may knock you on your ass strong. I opted for the champagne cocktail with vodka, muddled fruit and champs...so yummy! The rest of our group sampled their beers, gin cocktails and champs cocktail with whisky (weird...but also delish). We also shared some appies, my favorite being the meatballs & steak tartare which were creative in their presentation and absolutely delicious. The flavors were intense & we polished off every last bite. The service was also stellar, we were greeted at the door, promptly seated and our waitress was friendly & attentive. Not much more you can ask for from an establishment - I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(5)Kelly R.
Instead of indulging on the food menu, I really only go here to drink & socialize. The drinks are yummy & the atmosphere is killer. The bartender, Jeb is also super cool & knows his booze! They make all kinds of infused liquors which I am a huge fan of. If you can't find a seat at the bar they have comfy couches in the center of the space where you can definitely feel at home.
(5)Sarah H.
There were positives and negatives about today's visit. We have been here a number of times and I love their dinner, but brunch here has not been my favorite in the past. Our wait time this morning was long (the kitchen was slammed just as we got there), but the food this morning was excellent. Good eggs, home-fries and great bacon. There were a couple of errors (nuts on the house donuts when we stated we had an allergy at the table, and inclusion of an English muffin on one order when it was expressly ordered without), but these were compensated by taking our drinks off the bill, along with the meal that was wrong. The server was very kind and attentive. Mistakes/errors happen, and the staff made up for them. I'm looking forward to trying Local 188 for brunch again soon.
(3)Brian G.
Had a very nice experience here Friday night. We were seated up against the front window to the right of the front door, which gave us a nice view of the street action and a cozy, intimate atmosphere at the table. Our informative server greeted us soon after, detailing the specials and offering insights to our the questions about the different cocktails, tapas and entrees. The cocktails were VERY strong - one was all I needed to sustain me through the meal. We ordered three tapas that ranged from OK to good. I wouldn't say any of them blew us away. The Spanish Tortilla was my favorite, with the consistency of a good quiche and some pretty good flavor. The dinners were very, very good. My wife got the paella, which was fantastic. Beautifully seasoned, dressed with meaty mussels and clams and delectable meats (the sausage was outstanding). Absolutely without a doubt the best paella I've tasted...I'm not a paella expert and have only had it a couple of times, but Local 188's version is tattooed in my memory. When we eventually return, I will be ordering it. I ordered the whitefish, which was also delicious. It was served in a light and flavorful beef broth with a nice pearl pasta underneath. However, the portion was very small and at $23, WAY overpriced. Thankfully, the paella balanced that out - it was by comparison an enormous portion, and very fairly priced at $26. It also balanced out my hunger, as my wife couldn't come close to finishing it. I was happy to devour the rest, and left satisfied. I think we'll skip the tapas next time we come, which weren't super impressive, and instead order a dish off the "Raciones" menu, which are supposedly somewhere in between the tapas and entrees in terms of size. However, this was a great dining experience overall.
(4)Leslie P.
Made reservations to dine while in Maine visiting family. Their menu is on the smaller side, but everything sounded fantastic. The ambience was nice and servers very attentive and knowledgable. We had the flash fried crab, beef tartare with quail egg, anchovies and tortilla for starters with gnocchi, classic paella and seafood paella to share for entrees. The crab, tortilla and tartare were mediocre. The remaining dishes were delicious. The classic paella had the perfect crust around the rice with an appropriate balance of proteins to satisfy. We also had to try their key lime pie for dessert which was one of the better I have tasted. Cool, creamy and just a tad tart. Worth a try when in Portland.
(4)Keri G.
Until the staff start using gloves when handling food, STAY AWAY!! I really wanted to like this place since it had a hippy feel to it. First, we were told it'd be at least 30 minutes for a table when there was no one waiting for a table. So we were forced to sit at the bar even though there were plenty of tables open. As we waited for our food, we watched and could see staff member after staff member handle the food with their bare hands. Wait staff opened up the English muffin bags and put each one by hand into the toaster. The expediter = no gloves. NONE of the cooks had any gloves on either. Cooks were not wearing any hats to cover their hair either. Saw a cook scratch his head, then proceed to continue cooking. Needless to say, we didn't eat much of the food at all. They all need a food safety course. STAT.
(1)Rachel D.
I finally tried Local for dinner! It was fantastic. The host was super gracious and very polite. We were seated immediately and the ambiance was also appealing. I chose the back corner benches. We started off with the chili garlic shrimp, recommended by our waitress. I had the Garden of Bees cocktail and my fiance had a Rising Tide beer. Bread was brought to the table with olive oil (!) and I was so happy about it that we ate it up before I could enjoy the bread with the shrimp. Don't make the same mistake I did! For entrees I ordered the clam stew and my fiance ordered the paella. I wasn't too hungry so the clam stew was the right amount of food. I got about 6 clams but they were all good quality and good size. The broth was slightly saltier than I'd like but that's why they're getting four starts instead of five. The Paella was also delicious and cooked fresh. The wait was quite long (because they were making the paella from scratch) but worth it. Paella was filled with clams and mussels, as well as chicken and sausage. It was also quite salty and lacking a spiciness, but overall the consistency was on point and the dish was quite hearty with protein. If you're used to going here for brunch definitely mix it up and head to Local for dinner! I had no idea that they were even a Spanish restaurant (but now I do!).
(4)Neil W.
We had a great time with our seven month old in a corner booth we ordered about four little plates. the mussels Leeks I can't remember the other one The cocktail The service was quick and unobtrusive.
(5)Jessica M.
I came here when I first moved to Portland and it has always been a favorite since! The food is delicious, the service friendly and fast! It is a bit pricey.
(4)Patrick C.
Had brunch at Local 188 this morning. Nice open space, good vibe, eclectic look. Good service and good food. I had the Herb Mushroom Scramble, with local herbs and goat cheese. Not something I would normally venture, but very happy I did. It was tasty and really quite good. My girl had the hash eggs , said it was very good, tasty homemade hash, with light hollandaise. The Cilantro Bloody Mary was highly rated, and per her report was solid, but not the best around. All in all, very good, will definitely do again. Maybe supper next.
(4)Leigh H.
Have had several great experiences at Local 188 over the past few years. The staff is knowledgeable and they have a great beer and wine list. I do wish their menu was a little bigger and more varied, but all of the food I've eaten there has been delicious!
(4)Michael D.
Went during happy hour in a weeknight. $4 beers and wine, nothing special, but a nice, casual vibe. Somewhat noisy, but that made intimate conversation all the easier. The crowd struck me as largely local--small groups of employees ending the working day.
(4)Chrissy H.
I'll be honest. Mostly I drink at 188. There is usually a great special cocktail, a featured beer, or an interesting (and cheap) glass of wine to try. But the best drink of them all- in my opinion- is the Bloody Mary served at brunch on the weekends. It isn't garnished with a suckling pig or whole pizza hanging out of it like some other trendier places I've seen advertised. Its simple, not too thick or too watery, spiced to perfection and $5. Thats right- $5! I've had cups of coffee in this town that cost more than that! Mostly I've eaten brunch here. I really like some of their "hangover specials" which tend to be a mash up of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees. Once we had a breakfast bolognese. We were intrigued. It was pretty good. They also have pretty decent biscuits with honey butter and berries. But I ADORE their English muffins. So big and delicious. They also do some pretty great veggie scrambles. The only disappointing breakfast item is the pancake. Not quite a pancake or a flapjack... it's more like a giant piece of dry cornbread with syrup. Very grainy. Not super flavorful. It was a little upsetting. But thats okay- the bloody mary made up for it. I also enjoy their tapas. I'm a huge fan of the small plate in general- anyone who has dined with my husband and I know that we can't commit to just one entree each. We must sample everything! My favorites are the meatballs, the Spanish tortilla and- probably one of my favorite dishes in the entire world (I fell in love in Spain)- the patatas bravas. It always amazes me how delicious something so simple like a potato can be! Every Tuesday night they also have live music and the place gets surprisingly packed. Last Halloween, we had an incredibly fun evening sitting at the window watching the costumed revelers walk by and sipping drinks while a string quartet played scores of classic horror movies. And another time the bartender allowed us to listen to the whole Muppets/John Denver Christmas album while drinking at the bar one quiet Sunday afternoon. All in all- everybody here is very friendly. There's something on the menu for everyone... kids, vegetarians, carnivores.... lots of delicious local ingredients. And its a nice big space so you rarely have to wait for a table. Also, be sure to check out their featured artists. It changes pretty frequently.
(5)Dorian G.
Great breakfast in walking distance from our hotel. I had the smoked salmon scramble (hold the capers). I recently became a "lox and eggs" fan so a dish like this has become my go-to at brunch. Though when the menu said it had cream cheese, i assumed it meant blended in to make for fluffier scrambled eggs. Nope...globs of cream cheese had been folded in just prior to serving. At first I was like "oh no" (i love cream cheese, but this had a warning flag to me at first glance). then i had a bite and i was like "oh yes!!!" its basically protein packed cream cheese and lox. pile it on to your awesome toasted english muffin and, BOOM, bagels and lox AND eggs. all was right with the world, and them some. solid coffee in mismatched thrift store type mugs. i love that sort of detail in a breakfast place. my friend had the blueberry pancakes which was basically enough for 3 people. she took a huge portion home.
(4)Chris D.
LOVE THIS PLACE!! I've never been disappointed in almost 15 years of coming here. It's hands down one of my favorite Portland spots. Don't pass it up!
(5)Melissa B.
God, where do I EVEN start with this wonderful place? The staff: The waitstaff here are amazing. They are friendly, helpful, and clearly love where they work because both times I came here (Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch) everyone was pleasant and there wasn't a scowl in the place. One thing I noticed on Sunday was that the staff are very efficient: tables didn't sit empty long before they were bussed, cleaned, and seated. The food: OH MY GOD the food. My partner had made reservations on Saturday night for my birthday dinner, as I had expressed I wanted to try it. We were definitely not disappointed. At first glance of the menu, your first thought is "wow, this is kind of expensive," however it's well worth it. Our appetizer was the charcuterie board which had house-made pate featuring a traditional chicken liver base but bits of smoked pork blended throughout, and paper-thin slices of a house-cured Serrano-style ham that was lovingly aged and melted in your mouth. I was in meaty heaven. I ordered the paella for my meal, which was huge and was loaded with house-made chorizo, chicken, mussels, and littleneck clams. My partner was adventurous and got the steak tartare, which was AMAZING. All the food was of such a high quality, and with such attention to detail to make so many things in-house, I was very impressed. Definitely worth the money for the craftmanship alone. The next morning we came back for brunch and had the chocolate peanut brittle doughnuts which were okay... the brittle got chewy since it was exposed to the moisture of the sauce. I got the biscuits and gravy and the portion was so huge I couldn't finish it all, but I wanted to! It was topped with (my choice) soft-poached eggs, which were cooked to perfection. The drinks: Local 188 knows how to make a drink! I had the lychee black tea mojito, which tasted a bit like a bottled Sobe green tea (which I love) and a very refreshing blueberry vodka drink (no surprise they infuse their own vodkas, too). Amazing staff, amazing food, and amazing drinks in a beautiful restaurant, the Local 188 is a new favorite of mine. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Anna V.
Cute little spot for breakfast. Small menu, not great if you don't like eggs (like myself) but I was able to DIY a meal out of sides, as usual. It was delicious. The home fries (not listed as a side on the menu but i just asked for 'em) were amazing. The biscuits and honey butter were so moist and had that homemade taste, so good :) ordered a side salad (also not on the menu) and it was approximately 3 pieces of mesclun and a sliver of carrot, so definitely not worth the $6 they charged, but still tasty hahaha
(4)Don M.
Awesome Tapas! We got the Thai wings, hanger steak, and the ribs. Everything was perfect. Can't wait to go back. The 188 Mai Tai was great great too!! The best service!
(5)Jeff C.
Food was excellent, but the Bloody Mary tasted more like pickle juice than anything else. Waited 40 min more than estimated wait time and tables could have been put together to accommodate our party. Server was rude after we were finally seated. Overall not super impressed.
(3)Eric N.
Been to this place twice and loved it both times First off: Great drinks. In particular the Smokey The Bear (Tequila drink) Smaller size portions because they focus on tastes and flavors Very good main dishes. I had the Charcuterie plate my wife got the Gnocchi. Service was excellent -very nice waitress who took our orders promptly and with a smile. Wasn't afraid to recommend a dish. Never had desert but they looked good. This place is a solid lock for a nice dinner. Expensive but worth it.
(5)J-a T.
Been there twice eating at bar n table. Food been very good each time. On sunday nite around 9/10pm a liveband came in , settled in like a "unplugged concert" around the sofas in middle. Very cool.
(5)Leigh H.
Great tapas. The gnocchi and mussels are outstanding. I wasn't sure about the chicken livers but they were very good also.
(5)Chris H.
So I started with a roasted squash organic salad with a sage vinaigrette. I know it sounds like ground hog day with me and gnocchi but it's everywhere and this is the best yet. Ricotta gnocchi caramelized onion in a cream sauce with goat cheese and micro greens on top. Didn't see that coming. Now that is a day changer. Grateful!
(5)Lindsey P.
Bad service can ruin a good meal.. and that is what i received at Local. The drinks were great, food was pretty good but my group of friends and I were completely turned off by the terrible service. Our waitress finished her shift immediately after we got our food. She didn't say anything to us; just left! We finally asked some random waiter for condiments, another drink, etc. and 2 mins later another random waitress came over to us and gave us our check... we are all super easy going people so we laughed it off but come on.... talk about bad communication all around! Maybe someday I will go back for drinks and brunch but i will definitely sit at the bar to avoid the flaky waitresses.
(3)Maine D.
This is such a nice place with neat people , gracious service ; but the last three times we have been here the experience has been fair, meh indeed. This time , have to comment that despite great draft beer and hummus and flatbread to start , the two orders we got of whitefish were appetizer portion , as in about 3 ounces . That and a few miniscule pieces of broccoli. I am so not into huge portions , but our group of four left hungry ; the place was empty in mid-August. Maybe for a good reason .
(3)Gwen B.
I live very close to Local 188 and haven't been there for a while. High prices and small portions. I really dislike paying that kind of money and coming out hungry.
(1)John D.
Great spot, however food is largely underwhelming. I have thought this for sometime, however every time I go back I try to go back with open mind and pallet. Today, the menu hadn't change at all. Boring, typical food off at ridiculously overpriced wages. The fish entrée for $25 slated to be served a local greens, was A frozen piece of haddock over three leaves of spinach. Depressing and grossly unsatisfying. I suffer Great Depression for those who love this restaurant.
(2)Abbie M.
I am always impressed by Local 188. The atmosphere is open and inviting and the food is delicious! Friendly staff and couch seating makes it even better. The Bloody Mary selection is killer!
(5)Sophie M.
We were asked if we had reservations when we walked in. No, but were seated near the bar at a small table that was unbalance. Our experience was similar to another reviewer's on same weekend July 17-19. ( Gina B.) Expensive and not enough to eat. Tasty though. Waitress did not refill water glass although that was my only beverage. She did not know about the soup of the day-which was great, a creamy gazpacho. We would have chosen entrees, but nothing particularly struck our fancy. To be fair, peeking at other diner's orders showed large entree portions. And it was LOUD in there. Glancing over at the real dining area, thinking if I have to have reservations, I expect a quieter place with more elbow room. The bathroom was nice:)
(2)T K.
One of Longfellow Sq's longest standing spots, the food, atmosphere and crowd have gone through many iterations but Jay always seems to find the right mix. A hidden spot for vegetarians (they always have creative options) and a good bar make it an easy choice when we have guests in town. Their brunch can get packed though. The house paella remains one my favorite (it's delicious and huge).
(5)Zhiyu L.
Service is great here and food is awesome. I came here for. Ranch and had their special pancake. That thing was huge and delicious. For people that aren't pancake fans, you'll enjoy their pancake. It's literally one huge pancake, but it's home made and worth it.
(5)Megh R.
This review has been a long time coming. I truly believe that everything owner Jay Villani touches is gold. This shouldn't come as a surprise if you've read my review of Sonny's. Local 188 is exceptional because it's an experience. The entire staff delivers in ways that are hard for me to describe, with relaxed precision and cautionary eagerness. Makes sense, right? Known for the tapas menu, some of the best gnocchi in Portland, and paella that will cause you to never look anywhere else, Local 188 always promises smart and simple preparations of fresh, local food. They feature a daily fish special, always adorned with the brightest, most colorful produce and/or purées. The traditional aspects of their flatbread, Spanish tortilla, and paella deserve celebration. The cocktails at Local are nearly as good as sister restaurant's, Sonny's. The bread and olive oil, heavily salted, that comes out just after ordering is some of my favorite pre-dinner bread around. Whether you're snacking or dining, Local has the menu for you. Don't overlook the dessert menu. Far more often than not, dessert options in my favorite restaurants can't stand up to their savory siblings. Not at Local. It's clear that the desserts are held to the same exact standard, and the options are so wonderful that last summer, I actually excused my frequent desserting at Local as 'research' for the dessert menu I was writing at the time. I hope you love it as much as I do. Dare I say Local 188 is my Portland #1? I don't dare...yet. It's surely worthy.
(5)Mary F.
AWFUL SERVICE and MEDIOCRE FOOD (SMALL PORTIONS) I came here on a Thursday night ~8:30PM (i.e. it was not that busy) with 3 friends and got seated right away. At first glance, the vibe of the place was very hipster chic and the menu looked quite imaginative. But boy were we in for an unpleasant surprise. The food was mediocre; the portions were very small relative to the price. An order of mussels has about a dozen of them and the short ribs had 2 small ribs. One of my friends ordered an autumn butternut squash salad and it came with just a few tiny pieces of squash that you could barely see. Everything was pretty standard at best. The service, on the other hand, made it feel like we were on an episode of Restaurant Impossible as a demonstration of everything that shouldn't be done by the wait staff, including: 1. RUDENESS to cover up lack of knowledge about the beer list. I asked the waitress to tell me about one of the porters and the response I received was very condescending, "Have you every had a porter? It tastes like a porter, a really good porter. I've never had it, but it's a really good porter." Well, I've a lots of porters so that wasn't quite the answer I was looking for ... does it have undertones of coffee, or milk, or oatmeal? Also, it must be enlightening to know what stuff tastes like without ever having to taste it ... best diet ever! 2. INATTENTIVENESS. I lost count of how many times one of us asked to have our water glasses or bread basket refilled. We had mussels and usually that comes with bread and when our came, our bread basket was already empty ... I actually ate the leftover pieces from my friend's plate because I couldn't hail down a waiter. I had to wave my hands in the air for about a whole minute to get salt (it was on every table but ours) and we did not receive any pepper. Two of us had hefty red meat dishes, but no one gave us steak knives ... one came about 5 minutes after receiving the dish and another 10 minutes later. 3. FOOD DID NOT COME TOGETHER. Three of us ordered hot dishes and one of my friends ordered a salad. The salad came about 10 minutes after the hot dishes and being polite we waited until everyone got their food which meant that we all ate cold dishes that night. I asked the waiter who brought the food if our friend's salad was coming (it was very obvious that we were waiting to start) and the snarky response we got was "It should be!". Once it arrived, it was just plopped down emphatically and no apology was issued. 4. NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAULT. I asked to speak to the manager and it turned it it was our waitress! I told her the service we received there was the worst of any restaurant I'd every been to and she seemed really upset (like angry at us). She blamed everything on the kitchen being busy (though that was not the case from my perspective). She offered to comp our meal (I insisted that that was not our purpose for complaining that we'd still like to pay for it), but she left in a huff and did not give us a bill. During that whole argumentative exchange, I did not get any inkling of an apology. We wanted dessert, but felt like pariahs at that point and left in a hurry (and left our 20% tip ... not sure why, but I guess because we always tip that much). Having read the other recent reviews about the health violations (and again those meals were comped too ... hmmm I'm starting to see a trend here), diners should beware of this place as it seems to be going down a slippery hill!
(1)Michelle E.
Such a disappointment. We arrived to a long line of people waiting to get in to put their names in. Good sign usually? All these people could not be getting it wrong? But they were and in fact it makes me wonder what they were ordering and who their servers were. To say that this was a bad experience does not do it justice. We waited for 30+ minutes. No big deal. It's Sunday, it's what you do. We sat down and our hipster waitress seemed pissed that she was working and extra pissed that we didn't order alcohol and that we had a child. It took far too long to get 2 orange juices and when she returned to take our order, she informed us that the pancake (which is actually just corn bread in the shape of a pancake) takes a really long time to cook. Ok, that's fine. Bring out the food as it comes so that we can give our child something to eat. Nothing. Maybe 20 minutes in, with no food in sight, the hostess (who was super sweet) came over and asked us if she could bring us an English muffin while we were waiting. Not even our own server had this forethought?We politely declined thinking that surely our food would arrive soon, but it didn't. When it finally did arrive, I hoped it would be worth the wait. It wasn't. Not even close. I ordered the huevos rancheros. Not difficult to make good. The eggs I ordered were overhard. The eggs I received were well done. The salsa had zero flavor. Basically looked like canned tomatoes with some onion. The black beans were also from a can. I actually like canned black beans, I don't think they should end up on my plate at a restaurant, but if you must use canned black beans, please use the flavorful kind. They literally looked like they had been opened, dumped into a pot (not drained and rinsed) and left to sit on low for days. The plate lacked imagination and flavor. Do yourself a favor and go someplace else. About the only thing I enjoyed was the playlist, but I'm pretty sure I have the same station on pandora. And the hostess was great-she should get promoted or get a job at a place that prides itself on service. Not enough to get me to return. Your bad, Local 188. We eat out. And we write reviews. Sometimes you get one shot. We should have gone to Empire Chinese kitchen-their staff is amazing and the food is good.
(1)Logan C.
We sat at the bar and it seemed like a decent place. Th drink we ordered was recommended by the bartender and it truly was hard to actually drink it tasted so bad. The bartender was even proud because he invented it and it was named after him... Not being terribly hungry we decided just to try a few of their appetizers and we were less than satisfied with them. The meatballs were too dry and bland. And everything else we tried was merely disappointing. There are way better restaurants in Portland that serve local food...
(1)Bryan V.
Been here twice in three months, which in Portland ME says something given its abundant choices. First time was four stars. Great energy, decor, food and drinks selection. Second time for my birthday. I still love the energy, decor and drinks selection but my meal -- $38 paella-- was so salty my lips are dry this morning. I mentioned it to the dude who cleared out table and he said "if I had made it, it would have worse". Sorry. Come again?! Our waitress was much more interested and said there was a new sauce cook and would be sure to mention it. Deciding to make a third visit will be hard. It should be easy.
(3)Elizabeth T.
I have dined here a few times now and just don't know why we end up going there. The food is just not good. I am a vegetarian so am limited by their menu, but how do you mess up hummus? I have never liked any of the dishes I have tried. The atmosphere is fun and the service friendly. But I can't be the only one that thinks the food is terrible?
(1)Dennis D.
Came here because there was no wait and was seated right away, looked over the menu and ordered the BBQ hash with eggs, and my wife ordered a breakfast sandwich. 45 minutes later and we came to find out they forgot to put our order in. The server and manager were very apologetic and offered to "make it right." When the food arrived it was excellent, the meat was soft and tender, the english muffin was large and chewy and the blueberry jam was a great spread.
(4)Susan R.
I didn't even want to go. my gf and on walked by a few times and judged this place as 'trendy yuppie'. We were wrong, local. I am sorry. the brunch wait was OBSCENE. there was a road race in town. they ran out of a lot of food. it was a hellish hell show of unprecedented proportions. but through it all- a few things shone through. 1) our host- server and back waiter were lovely. 2) the food here is very good and worth the $$ but most importantly 3) the brunch cocktails were perfect. perfect. PERFECT. I never find my cocktail to be perfect. I ordered a bit of a negroni-lini (negroni bellini) concoction that was off-menu. I took me aback. I literally lost my train of thought and stared blank faced at my cocktail. GF: "uh oh, what's wrong with your drink?" ME: "it's perfect."
(4)T U.
Good solid effort Spice up the seasoning on the Huevos Rancheros... But we'll prepared. Good prices... Especially on liquor... If you say your donuts are house made... And they are not on the sweet bread platter on a Sunday morning... Drop the price...the biscotti were stale but the coffee cake was good...but I paid for donuts. Local 188 fits right in to the Portland landscape. I guess we just have to deal with the hipsters with kids who walk around annoying others... Control the spawn or put them back into their designer carry all cases.
(3)Renee B.
So i wanted to love it...i was primed to love it....but I just did not have enough good dishes to get it into the win column. The gnocchi was just not that good - dense...meh. The cheese platter was well thought out that was great! Spanish tortilla was so over cooked and that was how the night went. The space is beautiful. The staff was friendly.
(3)Justin S.
I have mixed feelings here. The cocktails are great, and i love the selection of tapas plates, but the music is way too loud, and some of the staff's "too cool for school" attitude really turns me off. We even saw the staff doing shots with the bartender. I will go to Local 188 only out of convenience, but otherwise it is not on my list of places I like to visit...
(2)Kathleen F.
I started with a martini made with grapefruit and honey--their most popular and delicious. The mushroom tapas was very flavorful and satisfying. The shorts ribs were flavorful and tender. I love all the flavors that the chef melds into the dishes. It was a gift to my tastebuds. I wish they had some gluten-free bread to serve.
(4)Ryan C.
We journeyed to Local 188 for my wife's birthday with high hopes. We began our meal by letting our waitress know that we had to be at the theater by 7:00 P.M. for the ballet. When we were seated, we were positioned next to another couple that had just sat down, leaving several tables open immediately to our left that were open and slightly more private. The menus consisted of two pieces of paper, clipped together with a paper clip (a little too pretentious). We were pleasantly surprised that our waitress surprised us with a complementary amuse-bouche which consisted of chicken liver pate. I really wish she would have asked if we were interested before she put it down and walked away. Not wanting to have it go to waste, my wife and I both ate and very much enjoyed the pate. I hate tapas restaurants; I always leave poor and hungry. We ordered mushroom, meatballs and olive tapas as appetizers. The mushroom was delicious, while the meatballs were a little dry and the marinara sauce was WAY to sweet. The bountiful portion of olives consisted of many very well cured oil packed olives and a few that tasted a little past their prime. My wife had the gnocchi and warm beet salad and I had the paella for dinner. My paella was very flavorful and packed with a bounty of seafood and chicken and chorizo sausage coins. A downside to my paella was that there were a good amount of pulverized clam shell bits mixed in among the rice, which made eating very difficult. A few bites in I came to terms with the fact that I was going to be doing a lot of crunching and swallowing rather than spitting or sending my meal back to the kitchen to be remade. My wife's gnocchi was amazing and by far the highlight of meal for the both of us. Neither of us very much cared for the warm beet salad, which consisted of a lot of beets, gouda and a very mild dressing. By the time we reached the end of our meal our waitress had not visited our table since we had our appetizers delivered. The busboys and other servers had been delivering food and refilling glasses of water. We waited for a while for the server to get us a box and bring the bill. Finally, I asked a busboy to accommodate us and he did so very quickly and in a friendly manor. By the time we got out of Local 188, it was 7 minutes before the rise of the curtain. We only made it to the show in time by flagging down a taxi cab and tipping the driver well. In summation, we spent over $100 for the two of us and were not overly enthralled with the meal. While I would consider going back for cocktails and perhaps a single tapa before heading downtown for drinks or dinner, I doubt I will be back to Local 188 for an actual meal.
(2)Darren F.
We stopped in here while walking through Portland on a rainy Sunday for drinks. The inside is huge, but dark and needs to be updated badly. We sat at the bar and poured over the massive wine, beer and cocktail list. The Great North Woods, with whisky and maple syrup was great. The service was slow, despite the lack of customers, the bartender was missing from behind the bar 75% of the time we were there. I'd be likely to try another place first as the mostly black interior is dated and service poor. It seems like a place with little pride in what they do.
(3)Matthew D.
Great atmosphere. Food is average and small portions, even the large plates. Paella is fairly good. Very overpriced.
(3)Sam M.
Local 188 has the best brunch I have ever had, it was absolutely delicious. The English muffins were fluffy and tasted very fresh. The smoked salmon scrambled eggs were my favorite and I also got a side of cheddar grits which were great as well. The service were wonderful all the way through. If I lived closer this would be a weekend must for me.
(5)Rachel K.
Finally went here after living in the West End for almost a year (I know what have we been waiting for!?). Just went for drinks on a Wednesday evening. I was surprised to see they have a large lounge area and were happy to seat us at a table there even though we said we weren't eating. HUGE drink menu with lots of creative cocktails. Per the server's recommendation I had a Blond Redhead- house stawberry vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of cran. It was tasty and strong (no ice though which I would have liked). I really liked the atmosphere. It was hip, but not off-putting. They have some couch areas in the lounge which would be great for large groups. Service was amazing- they even had a guy re-filling water glasses. I would definitely like to go back and try their food. I hear their brunch is delish!
(4)Brianna M.
Great service, delicious light fare. Nice atmosphere for a romantic night out or a group outing. We sat at the bar where we could see the chefs work in the open kitchen. They also had outdoor seating which would have been lovely if it weren't raining. We only had a couple of plates here before the place closed early for the holiday. Their menu was impressive but we weren't able to try enough of a variety to make a 5-star review. They had good local beers on tap too!
(4)Mike S.
so sometimes you just go on a hunch when you look at a restaurants pictures on their website, and you get a certain vibe. I went onto local 188's website before taking an overnighter to portland and just decided to randomly make a res and give it a shot without looking at the reviews. What a solid idea!!! The entire space is huge but really well utilized. the vibe is chilled-out-urban. No pretention here!!! The menu is small but eclectic. The service was mellow but on point. The wine selection was wide and varied to suit all tastes(we had a cab franc that was tasty and affordable, to key indicators for a good time). Our service from multiple staff members was excellent, unpressured and attentive. We had multiple tapas dishes:chicken pinchons(amazing), patatas bravas(delish aioli), the steak tartare(way too salty and garlicky), and the deviled eggs(spot on!). after all the wine and tapas we were kinda stuffed but pushed on with their house salad(perfect palate cleanser and delish). and for dessert we finished off with moscato and bread pudding(indescribably awesome, you'd be a fool not to get this!!!) all in all, great experience!! thanks local 188, you guys rock!! cheers
(4)Ashley T.
We visited this establishment on impulse. And, we were 100% satisfied. The staff was friendly and fun. The food was excellent. We started with a couple snacks off their tapas menu, then decided to stay for an entree. We had the short rib and it was to die for. The music over the speaker system was an exciting blast from the past. We couldn't have chosen a better lineup! Drink menu was beyond impressive. The ambience of the restaurant was so unique and eclectic. I believe we have found our new date night spot :-) thanks for an excellent evening Local 188!
(5)Daniella L.
Drinks at the bar are good. And..that's about it... We went here with our family for breakfast and the food was REALLY bad. First off, the eggs were cooked sloppy and runny- the food on the plate looked really gross. The "pancakes" we ordered were in fact, NOT pancakes at all, but a MASSIVE, thick, dry, 12 inch round, "corn bread muffin-like" cake. If you are going to put pancakes on the menu, I think they should make them like what the rest of the US refers to as a pancake; otherwise, the word "pancake" should not be use to describe whatever that thing was. The home fries were awful, too. They were almost "rolled" in some bright red-orange spice, which perhaps was paprika?...they were covered in this stuff and it made them so dry and unpleasant to eat. I didn't think it was possible to cook up such a horrible breakfast when ordering basic items such as: eggs, pancakes and home fries, but Local 188 managed to prove otherwise! I'd recommend passing on breakfast food from here and going elsewhere.
(1)Simon S.
I don't eat seafood but I had the Goat Cheese salad and the Gnocchi, and both were great. My girlfriend had the Seafood Paella and said it was the best meal she ever had. You get a tremendous, diverse plate. 5 Stars for sure.
(5)Sam B.
Nothing is better on a mild summer evening than sitting outside at one of the patio tables at Local 188 while all the world passes by on Congress St. Just last evening my friends and I discourteously planted ourselves at one of their outside tables for three hours ordering just carafes of sangria and glasses of wine while we caught up on life stuff. We were asking for terse service but instead were treated very well by our server who regularly checked on us and not once pressured us to leave. If you're not interested in the hustle and bustle, the interior is spacious and moody, perfect for friendly conversations. The high ceilings and open kitchen can make it a little bit noisy, particularly on a raucous Saturday night. They have an expansive drink menu, signature cocktails, and a food menu of tapas, salads, and entrees. Theirs is foodie food so, if you're into charcuterie, you might just love it.
(4)Kim S.
Very retro, trendy place with a light fate. Lots of small plates. Salads were all delish and the seafood was very tasty too. First time I ever had cooked radishes... They were very good. Visiting Portland but would go back!
(4)Richard T.
Great beer selection, great food, and an extremely courteous staff. Arrived at three in the afternoon and begrudgingly left around eight. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)Mark H.
We recently visited this restaurant with a large group for a graduation party. All people in the group were very disappointed. For instance the hot tapas deep fried garlic was a plate with 5 tiny cloves of garlic each about the size of a pea. As a server or an owner I would be embarrassed to serve this plate. The pan seared scallops was a plate with 3 scallops a little smaller than a quarter for $13.00. My daughter ordered the seafood paella for $39.00 this dish had 1 Maine lobster claw and 1 tiny rock lobster tail, last I knew rock lobster is not indigenous along the Maine coast. I could go on but it was the same disappointment for every one. The staff was very nice but not very organized. All in all we would never go back way over priced I truly mean way over priced. We walked to the restaurant, there was no on street parking.
(1)Laura P.
We are currently food drunk off of the paella and spiced hash breakfasts! If that were our last meal of life we wouldn't be disappointed, unless we would have forgot to get an English muffin! Got seated and served very quickly! Definitely a spot all have to try!
(5)Bazza G.
Two stars is being generous because they comped my meal. Sat at the grill bar, we immediately noticed that the cooks and the guy on the pass were handling food with no gloves let alone not washing their hands. The servers were also handling bread without washing their hands. I ordered the brisket hash, which just seemed to be burnt, dry and mashed up meat. The wife had the eggs, home fries, muffin and a side of bacon. Bacon was burnt, seemed to be more like charchol and the scrambled eggs came out as an omelette and rubbery. After we got our meals we saw the chef pick his ear, scratch his hair and then without washing his hands picked up food with same hand. Never go back ever again.
(2)Jenn F.
Steak was bland, fatty and overpriced. Paella was delicious. Flan was wonderful. Atmosphere was loud and I don't think I fit in as I am not a hipster. Server was good. The Spanish tortilla was really quiche like. Overall not bad but very high price for what you get.
(3)Portland F.
The food at Local 188 is delicious. Everything has not only a great presentation but wonderful flavor. This is a great place to go for a date night or girls night out. Wine by the bottle is fairly priced and they do a good job of pacing the meal. Make reservations if you can as it's always busy. I recommend the deviled eggs to start! Word to the wise: this is not a traditional Spanish restaurant but is a good American-Spain fusion.
(4)Amy B.
Meh. I wasn't impressed. My bacon was burned, hardly saw my server so I was only able to have ONE mimosa (the horror!!) and felt rushed out since there was a wait for the table.
(2)Allison B.
Fantastic food and awesome service! The tapas were wonderful, we had the naan bread and meatballs, and the food was even better! Word of advice, if you get the seafood paella, share it with someone. It was huge! Our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive, and it was very quick service for how gourmet the food was. I highly recommend!
(5)Colin M.
Went here twice, one just for drinks, once for tapas. The drinks are delicious but pretty pricey ($9-$12). The food has amazing flavor but the tapas were tiny portions even by tapas standards. Decent beer list and they'll even do flights of 4 local beers, which most places (non-breweries ) don't. Service was great.
(4)Xiaoshan Z.
Ambiance was lovely as usual. It was the perfect place to end our long-drowsy day on an airplane and between airports. Seafood paella: so far still the best I've ever had. It was so rich in flavors and so very fresh. Most paellas I've had in the past usually use truckload of oil and salt to cover the fact that they lack real flavors. But this one blended the taste of veggies, garlic as well as the seafood well. The portion was generous, not just the rice itself, but the seafood too. I loved the white sauce mussels too. Again, so fresh tasting and so juicy. Somehow in my biased mind Maine mussels are just bigger&fatter than those I usually get in California. BUT, we did wait a good 40 min between our salad and the Paella.... It was a Monday night and the place was not even that busy. Yep I get it. The "laid back" life style and no need to rush. But I was HUNGRY.........
(4)Judy L.
Came here for restaurant week. Ambience was interesting. It was a packed house on a Saturday night. We saw some parties that were seated on sofas. That looked like a slightly awkward seating arrangement for a fancy dinner place. We were lucky and had a corner table. Meatball: slightly on the dry side, but reasonably tasty. Salad: healthy. House paella: amazing! Flavorful. Packed with seafood and chicken. Hake: cooked and seasoned perfectly. Trifle: first time I tried a trifle. It was very interesting and quite tasty. Also felt incredibly fattening though. . . . layers and layers of sweets. Flourless chocolate torte: a little on the dry side for a chocolate torte, but the whipped cream made it all better.
(4)S S.
We went to Local 188 for dinner and we're not disappointed! They do a variety of small plates all of which are excellent. We have eaten at other small plate restaurants around Portland and I think this one is the best of all of them. Our waiter was great, he even gave two of us to go cups for coffee and tea as we had to catch a ferry. They are definitely allergen friendly here and make sure that they check ingredients before you commit to an order. I appreciate that being celiac. The atmosphere is nice and laid back, a good way to spend an evening with friends!
(4)Justine J.
I've visited Local 188 countless times -- for brunch, drinks, lunch, and dinner. My husband and I frequented Local when they were at their first location, and we've been there MANY times in their new location as well. The wait staff is always very quick with drinks, and extremely attentive to your needs, not to mention knowledgeable about both the food and wine/beer selections. The food has always, ALWAYS been top notch. My husband and I frequently comment that you could just close your eyes and point to a meal on the menu, and there's a pretty damn good chance you'll LOVE whatever it is. Desserts, too. Yum!
(5)C M.
Ohhh.... we ordered way too much. But it was all so gooooood. We lucked out and arrived before the crowd that filled the place soon after we got our food. Server described the wines very well and led us each to the perfect choice for the food we were ordering. Our mistake was ordering appetizers before deciding on the meal. Patatas bravas and chicken pinchos were both delish. But then we decided on the seafood paella. MAN was it good! But we had to take half of it home. Gee. What a pity.
(4)Ella R.
Food was good, but not worth the wait. Absolutely terrible service. Took almost 3 hours for 6 people to eat dinner. Drinks were even forgotten about. Will never go back.
(1)Colleen J.
This place rules. So chill, and the bartender was very great. There were pillows on the benches and the chairs were very comfy. I love this! Every time I come visit family I plan on making an appearance here.
(5)Kevin C.
First time here. Wasn't sure what to expect based on other reviews. Was pleasantly surprised (although may need to take out a second mortgage for next time - those small plates can add up fast for a party of four!) Deviled eggs were good, though could have used a little mustard to balance the richness of the yolk filling. We also enjoyed the flatbread with hummus. It was a large piece of flatbread nicely grilled and the hummus was very good. My wife had the hanger steak and I chose the short ribs. Both were very good. The steak came with a bacon jam (she shared, it paired really well with the ribs). Service was attentive, though not overly so.
(4)Q S.
Food: Unique brunch selections - loved the lobster & grits and pecan pancake. Buttered fluffy English muffins were oh-so-good. Heard from others at the table that the corned beef hash was tasty with it's tomato-based sauce. Service: Not so great. Long wait, absent-minded servers. Got coffee but with no cream or spoons and then was told that they ran out of spoons and had to check with the dishwasher... Um... Someone at our table ordered a beer on draught and had to change his order 3 times because there was a problem with what was on tap... it look him 30 minutes to get his drink. We ordered pancake for the table and it didn't arrive until the end of the meal - at which point, we don't remember/or cared about whatever excuses they had. Charged us an extra entree on the bill. In Summary: Expect good food/drinks - but a lot of pain getting to eat it.
(3)KC G.
My wife and I enjoyed Sunday brunch on a beautiful fall morning. Reviews said "come early to avoid lines" I wasn't sure what that meant...we arrived at 10 am and we're seated immediately, but there was a wait forming by 10:15. Great hip vibe, creative libations menu and outstanding food. We sat next to the window, the server noticed the sun in my eyes and closed the curtains without having to be asked. Awesome. We will definitely be back!
(5)Anna W.
We had an alright experience here- it was restaurant week and our main dishes were quite good. I wouldn't recommend the Spanish tortilla as a tapa...they haven't quite gotten that down yet. It is a bit bland. The deserts were also nothing spectacular. Someone in my party got the paella and thought it was amazing. The sangria was also delicious (although we had to ask about it because I didn't find it on the menu). The service was not great either...our server seemed distracted and never announced the specials to us (rookie mistake, I suppose). All in all, there was some great food and some unimpressive food...which don't quite make the prices worth it in my book.
(3)Diane L.
I had the best huevos rancheros i've ever tasted here. The help was amazingly helpful, smiling as they brought us our food, gladly offering to bring more coffee, providing bowls of home-made jam (blueberry basil!), and more. The pancake is wonderful, great to split with others, and top with real maple syrup or the wonderful jams. This is a great place, comfortable, spacious, featuring local artists on the walls, and fresh flowers on every table (that's not easy to do!) as well as giant bouquets around the restaurant. I would go back to Portland just to return.
(5)Jess S.
I've been here twice now -- once for brunch and once for drinks and dessert. The drinks were fine (although my mixed drink -- lime juice, bourbon, and maple syrup -- was heavy-handed and clunky), and the ice cream that we got was quite delicious (black pepper and chocolate chip were my two favorites -- made in-house). However, the brunch was really below par. Temperatures on the foods were hit-or-miss, and my pancake was not very tasty. Great atmosphere, though, and love sitting on the couch.
(3)Anna B.
Excellent! Went here on a recommendation from our inn keeper; it did not disappoint. We started with the red sangria. It was perfection. Not too sweet, but very tasty. We started with three tapas - the marinated feta, anchovies, and chicken. OMG, so good. We then ordered the classic paella - more than enough for two people to share. It was out of this world!
(5)Richard M.
Not too fancy, but not too casual either, offering consistently excellent food and service. Equally suitable for a quick but delicious meal at the end of a hard day or a long-planned romantic date night. As others have noted, the Paella is spectacular.
(5)Mairead O.
Visually, the most fun and in interesting restaurant in all of Portland. I love to show this place off to visiting guests! Whether you're a couple enjoying the counter, a large or small group on the couches or at the retro tables and chairs in the lounge, or seated in the dining room, there isn't a bad spot in the room! The fact that the food is outstanding is definitely a bonus. The quirky combinations of ingredients almost makes one question whether or not the owner/chef has a peyote addiction. The extensive, ever-changing, creative food (and drink) menu guarantees one will always leave utterly satisfied on every level.
(5)Jamie A.
LOVE IT! Great food, awesome atmosphere! Love the downtown location, A must go!
(5)Doc A.
Came here for brunch. Got here at 11. Food arrived 1145. My over easy eggs are well done. Its eggs - get it right. The pancake is not a pancake. It's a weird loafy thing that's more like blueberry bread. Prob cornmeal based. English muffin is okay but with no yolk to dip into ... Blech. I woulda sent em back but who wants to wait for more eggs when you've waited this long. I'm so done. I should take a pic. Let me make my over easy eggs look as runny as possible. Oh and I should show the pancake. Place looks cool and clientele and staff look cool buuuuuuut.. You know, expect to stir your coffee with your fork (no spoon) and/or place your tea bag on the table (no dish). Pass. Big time.
(2)Kyle D.
Always excellent cocktails. Try their home-made infusions if you're into trying new things. Most nights there is table service outside but it usually ends pretty early. Don't expect to wait long for a drink, there bartenders are on their game! Local has some excellent food, but why not offer tapas, or a late night appetizer menu to keep the drinkers fat and happy?
(4)Bruce D.
Great dinner. Kids loved the meatballs and the pollock was excellent. Cool atmosphere. Not exactly kid friendly but not unfriendly either.
(4)Nathan K.
I've never been a big fan of Local 188. I don't like the way it's taken for granted by so many Portlanders. I don't like the way it's held up as a representation of the great food here. I don't like that it's the place that everyone suggests we meet for drinks. There are better restaurants and bars in town, that really represent high quality cooking and innovation. There are far better places to meet for drinks, places where one need not scream at the person sitting across from them in order to be heard. For two years, I've avoided the place, after I was accosted by the then-bartender - a local personality - who was drunk on the job. Between that and a friend relating her horrible treatment as a server there I thought "there are better places to spend my money." But a few months ago I decided to give it a shot. I knew the bartender was no longer there and figured maybe things had mellowed. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was great, no one being rude or condescending, as was always the case every time I'd gone previously. It's incredibly loud at all times, even when it's empty, which I'll never be able to get over, but that's my thing. Also, I really hate the crowd that tends to show up there (aloof hipsters, too preoccupied discussing the albums their bands are recording to pull their chairs in a bit when you are trying to get by; parents who let their kids treat the the place like a chucky cheese without so much as word). The food is good. It's not great. I've twice ordered a burger there and had the bun be completely soaked and disintegrating by the time it was put in front me. They're at their best when they keep it simple. The mushroom and herb omelet was delicious. Came with home fries and a biscuit, both of which were perfect. This is definitely not a place I'll go regularly. I just can't stand the noise and the crowd there. But if a friend is in town and really wants to go, or if all the other places I like to get brunch are too crowded, I'll happily go here and get a scramble.
(3)Anh T.
One of the spots I tried for breakfast food. The restaurant decoration is very nice and cozy. My friend tried the salmon scramble eggs and it is really good!! Highly recommended dish!! I got a BBQ hash and eggs, was a little dry and not very tempting thought. Good service. Everyone is super friendly as usual in Maine
(3)Bets R.
LOVE going to brunch at Local. The smoked salmon bagel plate is amazing. It has a ton of everything and comes served DIY so you can build it however you like. The Alarm Clock is a great drink however I always get the Cucumber Bloody Mary! It's my favorite bloody in the city. The outside seating is nice but be prepared to get hollered at by passersby. The black raspberry jam is amazing, and the servers all wear cute aprons.
(5)Jeff H.
We ordered several appetizers and had mixed reviews. First, the "Spanish tortilla" is more like a frittata, but instead of making it to order, they reheat previously cooked food. This dries out the egg at the edges and is not worth the cost of the dish. I highly recommend skipping this dish. The hummus is good for American hummus. The highlight of the meal was the gnocchi. They pan sear it, and it has a wonderful crispy outside while staying internally moist. I recommend this for any gnocchi lovers. In the end, this restaurant felt very yuppie, trying to appeal to the "foodie" crowd. It is a perfect spot for people who like to call themselves "foodies" without really understanding food. Everything is fresh and made with care, but not made in a style that is exceptional or worth the cost.
(3)Crystal D.
Came here with a group of friends from NY. Definitely legit brunch spot. Had the smoked salmon scramble and it was perfect! Their English muffins and peach blueberry jam are amazing! We were seated within 5 minutes. I enjoyed the atmosphere and decor as well.
(5)Kate S.
The service was good, and our waitress apologetic and attentive. The bloodmary was the worst I've ever had. Tasted like salt, too much horseradish and spoiled tomato juice. No balance whatsoever. When I went up to order another drink the bar tender ignored me completely for 10 minutes, not even making eye contact or a "I'll be right with you." The english muffin was the best thing on my scramble plate with completely overcooked scrambled eggs with negligible amounts of herbs and no goat cheese (they forgot and brought me a bowl of it later), the breakfast potatoes had no crispiness, flavor or salt. My friend's french toast was burnt. Great ambiance and decor, good looking people.
(2)Karen R.
This is a great place to meet up with friends and grab a few drinks. I have never eaten here, but looking at others' plates the food looks pretty good. I was tempted to grab a bite here on my last visit but the service was rather poor. The waiter actually handed us a check for the drinks while I was looking at the menu! I am sure it was a misunderstanding but it was still rather awkward! After looking at the menu I could not find anything that I wanted to have so I just stuck with my drink and went elsewhere for food. They have a great bar and open seating that allows for a larger group. They also have off street parking which is a definite bonus in this part of Portland!
(3)Chang T.
Local 188 never ever disappoints! Great food, great wine and beer selection and the bar has some fantastic mixed drinks. Great vibe here and the staff are fantastic.
(5)Joanna F.
When your co-diners are pressuring you to give this a five star review at all costs, you know it's good! I kicked myself when I realized this restaurant was here after staying around the corner for years and having no idea it existed. A group of 6 of us walked in at 5 pm on a Saturday and the only unreserved seats were at the bar. The menu is made up of a few small plates, medium sized plates and entrees. I wasn't starving, so I opted to split a cheese plate and a quiche with my husband. He also got a salad. Welp, the cheese plate was super filling and large for a small plate, as was the quiche. Everything was absolutely delicious. Upon seeing the hummus flatbread that my bro and his fiancee got, I decided I need a side of hummus as soon as possible. They were able to accommodate my request and it was some of the best hummus I've ever had (and I'm a bit of a hummus connoisseur. Service was amazing, drink menu was great, every morsel I put in my mouth was delicious and locally sourced. I cannot WAIT to come back here when I'm in Portland again.
(5)Ross C.
The bartender has been stood staring at the register screen for - I kid you not - 15 minutes, and I'm the only person at the bar. I was waiting to order food, but that desire waned 12 minutes ago.
(2)Paul W.
My wife and I had dinner here with two very close friends whom I've known for over 30 years who now live in Cape Elizabeth. We all had a great time - interesting eclectic ambience as well as their menu. Servings were a little on the high side, but they were prepared and served in considerable portions. The desert was so huge that the four of us shared it, and there was still some of it left over!! The drinks were above adequate - and the service was excellent. I'd go here again! Nice choice, B&K!!!!!
(5)Caitlin P.
This is the best brunch I've ever had. Our food took about 45 minutes because it was so busy but it was completely worth the wait. Get the blueberry pancake!
(5)Kaitlin M.
A really cute little place. Cozy and sweet. I went last night after a day out on the boat. We wanted to watch the sunset and so we called to extend our reservation and they were really nice about it. Dinner was fabulous-I had the Hake and cheese plate. The cheese plate had all sorts of great nibbles-Marcona almonds, dried fruit, jam and crackers, and everything was well-seasoned. The Hake was light and cooked to perfection, the quinoa was coconutty and really good. I didn't love the sangria. It was too juicy for me. And our waitress was in a bad mood, but super knowledgable, so you win some you loose some. Overall highly recommended.
(4)Imo M.
This place has a 1990's Austin, Texas feel. Funky, low-key, and serves good food. Good for lunch and dinner. At dinner, the place was packed with a private party on one side, and the full house on the other, but it was still tolerable (noise level wise). Try the Hake dish. It's like a deconstructed seafood paella, saffron infusion and all. The bar is fully stocked and the drinks are totally acceptable.
(4)Brave G.
first stop in portland maine after checking in at the West End Inn was Local 188, located just off longfellow square on congress st. we were still fresh off the plane, since the rooms weren't ready and we left our bags under the stairs. we asked about breakfast and our host suggested we make the ten-minute walk to the square. walking through the west end for the first time was like falling in love with a neighborhood. we turned left at the square and passed by first a corner brunch pub, then a japanese noodle bar also serving brunch sporting an extremely fresh-faced large japanese family at the window table, and a french bistro with their croque monsieurs, but decided to continue on across congress to Local 188 since i wanted a real egg-based breakfast to start things off. we looked through the window and at first it seemed a little like a tourist destination for middle america with really big plate portions, but we went inside anyway. it was a big open room, and crowded, and loud, with awful music, something resembling beer-bar 70s white rock. yikes, it's 11 am. must be for the rebelling-against-the-world-by-getting-drunk hangover people who for some reason want to re-live the particularly righteous night before. and there was a wait, but you know that can be both good and bad, since no one waits for bad food - yelp pretty much put a stop to that, right? so we waited a little, but waiting for breakfast always makes me feel like a chump. we gave up and went off in search of someplace else. there were a couple of other good places, like Hot Suppa, which we were told had better eating, but the wait there was close to an hour. how do people do that? i think we wandered a while, passing some coffee places with just pastries, and ended up going thrifting, and in the end came back to Local, and this time got seated right away. so all of the above redux, and a waitstaff of females seemingly not yet out of school, but there was also food, and it was an open kitchen and we could see them working it. coffee arrived, and it was real coffee, the local roasters are kind of the portland signature it seems, but the drink was weak since a bit of milk diluted it right down to tan. but - and i can't emphasize this enough - the eating was terrific. absolutely terrific. for some reason, who knows why, as soon as i saw hash and eggs on the menu i had to have it. but i also know that it usually comes out of a can, even in pretty hip places, so i asked and they said it was housemade. and it was great, seriously great, with some sort of fatty pulled beef and a perfect scrambled. so many ways this could have gone wrong but it went perfectly right. but it was the english muffin that put it over the top. not Thomas' English lite white, but a whole grain chewy sourdough with good butter. it was real food heaven. and that was all we had, but it was like firing a warning shot across the bow: portland food standards are high, and this is a food/beverage town. portland coffees are ridiculous, portland restaurants rock. there are people doing great things here. they've got their eye on the prize. so maybe Local wasn't the best place to hang out, but the eating, at least for one breakfast, was superb.
(4)Lauren L.
A longtime favorite for the hubby and me! My favorite breakfast item is the SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLE - cream cheese, capers, red onion, and dill. YUM! Second to that is the steak tartare- never knew how great raw meat could be. We also enjoy the tomato soup with the house bread. Great assortment of beers and flavored vodkas as well.
(5)Diana C.
We went for breakfast because Hot Suppa had a long wait time. Huge mistake!!! We were seated at a nice table in front of the window and that was the only good part about our visit. We ordered our meals, my husband got the steak and eggs ($15) and I ordered the hash and eggs. I didn't read the description very well and didn't realize it had hollandaise sauce on it. I hate hollandaise so that was my mistake. As we waited for our food, two tables who were seated after us were served their food. We were getting ready to walk out and our food arrived. My eggs were covered in hollandaise sauce so I asked the server to remove the eggs for me (I was happy to just eat the hash and potatoes). He brought it back to the kitchen to remove the eggs and when I got my plate back, it was laughable. They took the eggs off, scraped off the hollandaise and put them back on the plate. My husband's steak and eggs were completely cold. He got 4 thin pieces of steak and he said it was as tough as shoe leather. Really, $15 for 4 tiny pieces of steak. They come around to refill your coffee but the coffee in the filthy pot is not even remotely hot. They ended up removing my meal from the check but it still cost us $30 dollars with the tip. I will pay top dollar for a good breakfast but this was one of the worst meals we have ever had in Portland. Do yourself a favor and wait in line at Hot Suppa if you want a amazing breakfast.
(1)Bill Z.
Local 188 caught my attention when looking for dinner locally, and that magic word - tapas - appeared. Though the number of tapas - which evidently change regularly on the menu - is maybe around a dozen. Other magic words included "sangria" and "paella." I was initially disappointed that there was no ice in the water we were served, which seemed unusual because the glasses we were given with our red sangria (carafe for $22) were packed full of ice, and also blueberries and slices of oranges and strawberries. The sangria itself was rich and deep-colored and potent. I moved a little ice from my sangria glass to my water glass, and all was well. Our appetizer, the Charcuterie Plate ($12) was an assortment of smoked sausage, pork, and chicken accompanied by pickled white grape tomatoes, apple, and almonds. It went well with the bread, on which olive oil was drizzled and sea salt lightly sprinkled. Between us we ordered the Lavender Chicken and the House Paella, both $21. The Lavender chicken was a generous half-chicken on a bed of greens (turnip?) and was, according to the person who ordered it, "unexpectedly awesome!" My house paella was delicious, but not quite authentic. It was long-grain rice instead of short-grain, and it looked like it was yellow instead of a red-orange with the saffron or tomato base you would expect. Perhaps it is their risotto. All the meats were tender and flavorful. My favorite was the clams, and I wish there had been a few more clams and a few less mussels. It also included some sauteed thinly-sliced onions and pepers and some roasted red peppers. Everything tasted great together, but it really didn't feel like everything was cooked together for very long - if at all - so I'm not sure if all the wonderful flavors really had a chance to blend together. Yet for all my nit-picking here, I would definitely order it again. When leaving, we saw the restaurant's smoker in the alley on our way back to the parking lot where our car was parked. They are very trusting people... it was awfully tempting to open it and abscond with more of the delicious meat.
(4)MJ J.
Stuff your skinny jeans into your bean boots and throw on your best flannel. We are going to local for brunch. This place has got an artsy, hip vibe to it. The management is apparently really good at thrift shopping, particularly for mugs. I think the best thing about this place has to be the mug collection, kittens to worlds best grandma mugs - probably all second hand but that doesn't bother me a bit. Bloody may mays galore and some other really great Sunday cocktails. The food you ask? Meh- it's decent, but I guess you come here for the experience and to feel like a hipster more than be all into the food - especially for brunch. Dinner might be a different story but it's been a long while since I've had dinner here so I'll hold off on commenting on that.
(4)Tony S.
It started with the chicken liver. Not the most sexy sounding appetizer I'll admit, but when it was presented in a creamy au jus bed of the most amazing flavors, I knew I was sold.... and in trouble. That South Beach diet went completely out the window. The dish was the epitome of succulence, and there could not be enough bread to dip and absorb every last morsel..... (wow.... I'm actually sweating as I'm reliving that experience...). Then came the brind roasted chicken. Every inch of this half chicken entree had flavor. Even the center of the thickest white meat revealed hidden pockets of divine glory. I didn't want it to end. It was oral erotica without the sex. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the less than stellar dessert. To be fair, it could have been simply because I was full, but this apple-pie-ish dessert we had was a bit of a disappointment. I promise to give it another try when I return in a couple weeks. You'll absolutely love the casual, calm atmosphere. It reminded me of an evening dinner on one of the beach cafes in Southern California during winter. Calm, friendly, airy, and with absolutely no air of pretentiousness. I could have stayed there all night and just people watched. Highly recommend this place.
(4)Jennifer W.
My birthday dinner was spent at Local 188 and I couldn't be happier! The only reason this is 4 stars is because the AC couldn't keep up with the kitchen and we were a little warm! We were sat immediately with a table that had a bench with pillows. Very comfy. Kyle was our server and he was amazing! Knowledgeable, helpful, kind and competent!! We started off with the chicken pinchos which were marinated chicken skewers served with an aioli. The chicken was tender, perfectly cooked and the right size to start with!!! Bread is served with the meal, local bakery, covered in olive oil and seasonings!!! Delicious!!! My entree was the braised short ribs which were fall off the bone tender. My husband had the Black Risotto which was to die for! Flavorful and unique!!!! You should visit...wear cool clothing, eat, drink and be merry!!!!
(4)Hilary H.
I wanted to eat everything on the menu, but I practiced restraint and had the bagel with lox and the most delicious smoked-shallot relish known to me. I'm serious. What I really like about this place is the ambiance - their vibe just can't be beat. The room is large, open and airy, filled with natural light and a homey clamor from the kitchen. The service was great, friendly and well-timed by an adorable waitress in a patchwork apron. We we all very happy with our breakfasts - cinnamon buns, scrambled eggs with local vedge, and a hearty take on a huevos rancheros/frittata hybrid. Yummy. Go here for breakfast or brunch, kids - you won't be sorry.
(5)Dave N.
Came here for a pre-concert feast and loved it. I can't recommend the seafood paella more highly--nothing like a little lobster in your saffron rice! We also tried some of the tapas plates, I'd recommend the steak plate, the quail eggs, and the hummus. Atmosphere was surprisingly cozy for a bigger space, great lighting and artwork really set the mood. As an out-of-towner, this was exactly what I was looking for in terms of great Portland cuisine. High regards to local.
(5)Sara S.
Great as always! Drinks are spectacular, the steak was great... Desserts were amazing. As always great to support local.
(5)Megan N.
Had brunch at Local 188 yesterday with a group of friends (and a baby!) We were seated immediately, and had coffees in front of us within minutes. The assorted Bloody's were tasty, and my Alarm Clock was a hit. (So much so that everyone changed ordered one for a second round. Who doesn't love second round brunch cocktails?) The Huevos Rancheros were delish, and the eggs cooked perfectly. The salmon bagel plate was beautifully presented, as well. Our server - didn't catch his name - was lovely and funny, and attentive without being overly conspicuous. Would love to return next time we're in the area.
(4)Mary L.
This is my favorite place for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. They have an array of Bloody Mary choices and they infuse their own liqueur. Their honey bombs you must try if you like mimosa type drinks. I go there just for their honey bombs even at night.
(5)Lee L.
Good service. Nice decor. Excellent food. Got the BBQ hash. A little on the salty side for me but still five stars. English muffins were amazing. I will be dreaming about them tonight
(5)D H.
Was here last weekend. The service was as good as it could be, but the kitchen was abominably slow. We waited over for an hour for our food. Brunch food. Nothing fancy. Other people had the lobster grits and rated them as ok/mediocre. And you definitely don't get a true half lobster. More like a small claw and a small portion of tail, which they didn't de-vein. I had an open sandwich (ham, sunny side egg, something like hollandaise sauce) with an extra side of bacon. The bacon was overcooked by a good 20 minutes. Completely charred and awful. The sandwich was a complete "meh". Perhaps it was an off day given all the other reviews. I wouldn't return though.
(2)Dionyse J.
Are at Local188 for Saturday Brunch. Great music, good vibe and excellent salmon scramble and huevos rancheros. Plan to come back next time we are in Portland. Fresh ingredients, house made Pico de gallo and coffee just strong enough!
(4)Blair H.
Best pancakes in the WORLD!!! I horseshit you not. Now, some key words so everyone can find the best pancakes in the WORLD. Tags: Best pancakes, mucho flapjacks, best panjacks, flippy floppy cakes, hotcakes, hotpanflappyjackcakes, ate so many pancakes i no longer look like a pancake, most amazing pancakes evar, the world is flat, flatpancakejacks, all I want for Christmas is my two pancakes, panmuffins.
(5)Bill G.
I honestly don't get it. Any of it. I don't want to slight Maine, but I can't imagine how this place, would be able to stay open anywhere else. Maybe I am jaded because we have so many amazing restaurants near us, I don't know. We ended up here at the insistence of some travel companions who have relatives in the area that love the place. First off, I don't think I've ever seen such a limited menu from somewhere that is considered a tapas place. I think there were 4 or 5 hot tapas items, and an equal amount of cold options. In addition, I find it odd that somewhere that claims to be big on locally sourced ingredients would have Mahi Mahi as the fish special for the night. In addition to the very limited menu, our server was a mix of incompetent and discourteous, if not just plain rude. We were a large party (13), which I suppose can be daunting, however - since there's an automatic 20% gratuity added onto the bill due to the size of the party, maybe at least try to do your job without acting so annoyed about it. The place was maybe slightly more than half full, and I'm still not sure which was slower - the service or the kitchen. The length of time it took to get the food ordered and out would've been far more tolerable had someone at least come over to check and see if we needed any more drinks, but alas, that didn't seem to be a huge priority. The reason that it gets 2 starts instead of 1 is that when we arrived earlier than the rest of our party, the host was very accommodating, as was the bartender while we had a cocktail at the bar while waiting for our table to be ready. Also, our cocktails were both very well balanced and tasty. The short rib appetizer I ordered was decent enough. My girlfriend's food, once she figured out which of the few options she would settle for, was also adequate, but certainly not memorable. When swapping notes with most of the others in our party later on, we found that most of them came to the same conclusion - totally underwhelmed. Well, except for the few folks from Maine. They really still like it. And they can have it. Maybe the brunch is decent, I don't know, but if I was back in the area, I honestly don't imagine bothering to find out.
(2)Jay H.
Local does a five star brunch. It can be a bit crowded, but that's how you know it's good! The coffee is nice and strong, though it's a bit disconcerting that they do not refrigerate their cream. $5 bloody's is probably the best deal you'll find in town. Their burger obliterates hangovers. It's so juicy, and so tasty that I'd consider ordering it at 9AM. Today they had a special with mushrooms, bacon and gruyere... mmmmmm. I've eaten dinner here a number of times and the food quality has run the gamut of totally freaking awesome to extremely lackluster and overpriced. If you are good at ordering then it shouldn't be a problem, but know going in that there are pitfalls on the menu. I think they do meat really well (steak, braised shortrib) but the times I've had fish I've felt unsatisfied. The paella was extremely over salted, but it had the potential to be legendary. This is the best place in town to get torte and port if you're into that sort of thing. Their dessert chef is like Picasso with chocolate and caramel.
(4)James H.
Great quality and service, selection not so great, no value in the pricing. Excellent fresh ingredients.
(3)Kristen M.
I've been here 3 times now and have never been disappointed. The fresh, locally inspired dishes are absolutely delicious and the presentation is stunning. I'm not much of a drinker, but I hear the drinks are great too. The service is always great and the ambiance is very pleasant. A must when I'm in Portland.
(5)Chelsea A.
Service was great and the food was delicious. Menu had good healthy/vegetarian options.
(4)Lee T.
It is a Spanish restaurant but the decor does not looks too Spanish. It is a old building with open ceiling. It is a open dining room even with the open kitchen. Windows open to the street along the whole width of the restaurant. The dim light inside can let you see what is outside better. This is my second time here but is half empty on a Sunday night. Last time we are here was all packed. It is another highly rated specialty local restaurant. Then menu is very limited only one page. It is one stand letter size page with any binder or folder. I cannot eat the same entry all the time. However I ordered the same house paella as last time. It is fairly good with more mussels than I would needed. It is good but not outstanding. Especially I just returned from Spain. Other fish entries are very good also. Service are adequate but not as good as Olive Garden. The waitress offered a free dessert because the food take longer than usual to serve. Price are at the high side of $ 25-$30 entries for casual dining. I would say it is average in Old Portland downtown area. I think it is better a a three stars but less than a 4.
(3)Ms. Review S.
A group of five us had dinner here on Friday night. We made a last minute reservation for 6:30pm. We were running a little late and they held our table with no problems. Our waitress was AWESOME! She was attentive but helped us to pace our meal so we could enjoy all of the food, drinks, and the moment. The first bite was something creamy and made with cauliflower. It was so good, I would have licked the bowl clean if I could have gotten my hands on it. My group ordered a couple appetizers, two salads, and a couple smaller entrees. The gnocchi and short ribs were amazing. The blueberry salad was fantastic as well. The appetizers were good as well, but nothing compared to the short ribs! We didn't try the desserts but we ended our meal with a nice cup of hot coffee. This was my favorite meal during this trip to Portland! I will be back for sure!
(5)Krystle G.
This meal was fantastic! My boyfriend got the huevos rancheros and I got the eggs, home fries and English muffin. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We got a great table outside, which had a small town feel as you looked around. Great filling breakfast! I would definitely go back!
(5)David F.
This was a nice place to have a relaxed breakfast around 10am on a Saturday. The place was large and not tightly packed so it was comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed and not loud. I ordered the huevos rancheros and thought the meal was good, though on the smaller side for the price. Generally it seemed as though the prices were higher than they should have been. Overall I would return if I was looking for that kind of atmosphere. Note: I was visiting from Boston so I do not know how it compares to other places in the area.
(4)Stacey B.
What a great experience. Our server Julia was a delight. They didn't have a table so they sat 3 of us at the counter to watch the kitchen show right away. I cannot say enough about the mussels In white sauce. The sauce was fabulous but the quality of the mussels was the best I have ever had. I am from the west coast so I know my mussels. (Sounds a little dirty!) Loved the Champagne cocktail the monk's dream. My boy friend had the gin and tonic with a local spirit cold river and it too was fabu! Totally recommend it!
(5)Jax A.
After many a lobster shack and lobster roll on my Maine trip, I was ready for something different. Stopped in for dinner and drinks during my stay in Portland. I think the biggest draw was the location (close to the Pomegranate Inn where I was staying). Munched on their yummy bread while I tried to decide on an entree. Since it was a "Spanish" restaurant I decided on the House Paella and some Spanish wine. It was one of the best paella dishes I have ever had! The decor is a bit eclectic and the bar section has a much cooler vibe than the dinning area but I still enjoyed the ambiance overall. The paella is definitely enough for two people to share and my boyfriend and I were totally satisfied sharing the dish. We ended up ordering their apple tart dessert, which I loved. In fact, I liked it so much I ordered another glass of their delicious Spanish wine.
(4)Joe C.
Stopped in for brunch and was impressed with everything we tried. Corned beef hash was homemade and delicious, the special Bolognese with poached eggs was amazing as were the Bloody Marys and deviled eggs. Great service and they were able to sit us very quickly.
(4)Lindsay F.
Hubby & I stopped here for Brunch on our way up to Camden. The fact they do brunch Saturday & Sunday is a bonus! The prices and portions are a great deal. Plus $5-6 brunch cocktails & Bloody Mary's, you can't go wrong! I had the smoked salmon platter, which had capers, onions, dill cream cheese, tomatos, etc... Such a great spread! My hubs got the Caribbean seasoned corned beef. He was nice enough to give me a bite, and man that tasted good too! I've noticed some people on Yelp complained of the service. We had a good experience with our waiter and the timeliness. The place was hoppin and he did come back to double check on something, but nothing wrong w/ that! Friendly people, great vibes and beverage... def give it a try. I'd love to go back for dinner!
(4)TJ S.
One of the first restaurants I visited when moved to the area. Heard a lot of good things. As always taking hype with a grain of salt, was still really unimpressed, This is the kind of place that brings the foodie scene to a town and then rests on it laurels and gets played. Would be a good place for the burgeoning food scene in this country circa 1999 but otherwise now is a joke. Menu is so standard its ridiculous. Wow, mediocre beef tartare and a beet salad with goat cheese! Get outta town! I can't even review this place in detail considering how unmemorable it was. Waitstaff was ok, good downtown parking scenario. Obnoxious kitchen, dated decor, weird inbetween lounge area, overpriced. Who are you local 188? Who will you be?
(2)Taylor P A.
brunch experience. totally honest. we had the worst waiter in really long time, we are here at least twice a month and have a toddler and even sometimes ask for a particular waitress who is lovely and sweet but i think they hired new people since when we came last and it is not pretty. regardless of how he looked to us (bad hygiene and really realkyyyyy baggy pants aalong with dirty face and hair) we waited 30 minutes to receive our coffee, 25 minutes f or our entrees, 40 minutes for a check/box, 15 minutes to get the card swiped. food was fine enough. sorry local, but why two hours for a fprtyfive minute meal :(?
(2)Liam S.
Was good, but not great. I had heard a lot of good things, and it was alright.
(3)AJ P.
Good food and good drinks, can't complain. The first time I walked by this place, I was a little wary as it seemed a little too hipster with the couches, mismatched furniture, and eclectic artwork. But upon entering and sitting there for the first time, I can't believe I almost passed this place up. They have a great selection of beer and wine to try out. Their menu of tapas is also wonderful if you just want to eat a little portion, or if you want to go with a few friends to try a bunch of different items.
(4)James H.
What a dump Overpriced over complicated rubbish Just paid 214 dollars (not including tip)for 4 people- two decent but overpriced bottles of red Friends food was ok-not exactly plentiful! Don't ever eat the vegetable dumplings in broth with coconut rice- rice is dumped in broth under three soggy dumplings A soggy horrid mess Left half What bothered me more was no-one asking if it was ok or why I left a pile of mush Also topped BTW with some odd salad Pleasant service- nice desert Don't go Had better crab cakes/haddock fillets in bread earlier on the nearby Peaks Island for $9.50 each Go check out the awesome local food instead
(2)James S.
Large open space that is popular with the locals. This place is loud (in a good way), full of fun and is very hip. It has a Spanish menu with a touch of Maine goodness and freshness. My daughter and I went here. I started with the White Sangria that was very, very good. Maybe the best sangria that I have had outside of Ibiza! My daughter had several tapas, she loved the homemade meatballs. I had the seafood paella. The paella was outstanding, full of seafood. This is Maine, so I expected good seafood, but this was FULL of scallops, mussels, a half of lobster and fish. It was delicious, plus the rice was tasty! My daughter had a frozen dessert and was very happy with it. Service was good, friendly and quick. They did have a few tables outdoors, but the inside is open and lively. We walked, but I understand they also offer free parking. I would go back here on my next visit and if I lived here I would be a regular!
(5)Paul L.
Great brunch food, and even better people-watching. When you're one of the only sober dudes in that place on the Sunday morning, you can sit back and take in all the hilarity. I like this place a lot.
(5)Justin S.
Great brunch, great atmosphere. Never eaten dinner here but have had their brunch numerous times. Best place in town to get a good meal for brunch on the weekend.
(5)Kyle S.
An unbelievable experience not only based on the food, but on the total atmosphere. Completely surprised when I walked in. Went with a group, and we were treated to some of the best service I had seen in awhile. Loved how there were different seating options (anything from classic restaurant table to couch), and the pricing was more than fair based on the portions and quality of the food served. Each person at my table ordered something different and we were all impressed. Even more impressive is the drink menu, which is more like a bible. I haven't seen that much beer listed at a restaurant in my life. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone traveling in or through the Portland area.
(5)Timothy H.
Friends brought us here for drinks and they were great. Didn't get any food but would definitely come back to give it a go.
(4)Ed T.
A solid 4 out of 5. I had a breakfast burrito that was very tasty. I loved the style and character of the place. Fun 70s music was playing too. I imagine it would be an excellent dinner or hangout spot after dinner. The service was a bit slow, but not bad. The workers were all friendly.
(4)Kristin L.
My family decided to try all the tapas for dinner. It was a great way to get a little taste of everything. We loved them all. The muscles were our favorite. highly recommended.
(4)Paul P.
I did give it a second chance...But second chances don't always mean better. In fact, it was quite possibly worse then the first time I tried it. 3 Tapas for a table of 5. The tartare was over portioned and unseasoned, the ceviche was under portioned and tasteless, and the hummus although tasty overwhelmed the soggy pita. The server was polite and sweet, but obviously over taxed with the number of tables. Is it too much to ask for a cup of coffee to be refilled...or even the water carafe? Anthony Bourdain warns about fish on a Monday, but, when it comes to Local 188 the poor quality exists on Sunday too. I should have known, I guess, the Tuna, was a special. The temperature was right on, it was unfortunate that the skin was sporadically left on and the only spice used was the heavy-handed salt. I was surprised that here pink in the middle equals dry! To be fair, the pollack was tasty and at least, in our group, there was one diner pleased with her meal. By the way, the hanger steak needs to go back in the closet. Normally a hanger steak is known for its flavor, so why drown it in a romesco that tasted like a bad chipotle sauce. We couldn't bear to stay for dessert, besides, the service had been so long at that point we were all falling asleep.
(1)Erin H.
We were visiting friends in town so this was a local recommendation and wow very good! The atmosphere is great with a variety of seating options and a nice open, airy feel. We were there for brunch/lunch so our party was split on what they ordered. I had the muffalatta sandwich - yummy and fresh and my boyfriend had the open faced cordon bleu - such awesome, fresh ingredients. Being brunch I tried their special bloody mary with cucumber infused vodka - delish! The service was spectacular - especially since we had a 5 year old with us who just wanted some eggs and toast - no problem! Will definitely go back when I'm in Portland again.
(4)Aubrey T.
Stopped here on New Years Eve day (Sunday) and had a great breakfast. Only ~20 min wait at 11:15, but a star was lost for really slow service. If I hadn't been ravenously hungry and thus more willing to enjoy the super laid back atmosphere (lots of couches, mismatched dishes, etc.) at this spot, it would been 5 star. My (only $6) eggs + breakfast potatos + english muffin breakfast was amazing. A simple order but the eggs and potatoes were awesome, and even the english muffin was way better than a typical breakfast joint. My boyfriend had the salmon bagel plate, which came with a tasty herbed cream cheese, cukes, tomato, and a shallot relish. Also delish! Stop by if you're in Portland for a weekend, just go before you're starving.
(4)Chris W.
Good food, reasonably priced, great for a group.
(4)Cody S.
Ive only been for brunch, but we do go here 2 sundays a month. their menu is great, it varies every time we are in, and the staff is generally good. Every once and a while we get a bar tender that hates making Mojitos and makes a big deal about it, but other than that, all the staff has been great ... The atmosphere is very relaxed (there are couches to sit on ) and the decor is very artsy. My favorite part about this place is in the summer they have a couple of tables outside and you can sit, enjoy a cool beverage and people watch forever. They have this steak burrito that is amazing, and any of the special Benedict's are a must have !! Awesome Brunch place and GREAT for Big groups, as they have plenty of table space. But get in early as they always have a wait ....
(4)Pete S.
Skip to number 5 below for the real memory that will stick with us. Otherwise this would have been a 4- or 5-star review. 1. Food: very good. Beautifully presented bagel/lox platter with fresh ingredients, and "Caribbean seasoned corned beef hash with eggs however" (however what?) -- basically sweet/spicy empanada filling in a cup alongside some nice charry homefries with a lot of thyme and rosemary on them. Good stuff. 2. Drinks: very good. Nicely spiced and presented bloody mary and tasty variety of light mixed drinks for brunch, all with a price that's right. 3. Price: again, very good. Most brunch entrees under $10, not bad for this kind of place. 4. Setting -- big, kind of loud, but fun, and not overpowering. Couches and benches add nice seating variety, and interesting art and lamps are a nice touch. 5. Service -- MY GOD, THE WAIT. It should not have taken two hours to get in and out of here, particularly when we were told 20 minutes, 30 tops, to get a seat. You know when you've invested too much time waiting when a kind of spicy bloody mary sits in an empty stomach for so long that you just want to put anything at all in there to settle it down. Took closer to 45 minutes to sit, then the waitress was so overstretched that things like getting drink refills became unpleasantly long waits. Seriously, just before our order was taken we were about to walk out, and only stayed because we were so abominably hungry. We would return here for a late brunch again, but only on, say, a Wednesday -- never again a Sunday. Such a shame, because it is a nice place.
(3)Mandy H.
Decent brunch fare. Salty and hot. Spacious and varied seating. Great for a rainy Saturday morning date with friends.
(4)Kristen B.
I dined alone for brunch at their counter. It was pretty busy for Saturday brunch, but no line out the door. The menu was standard American/casual fare. Nothing on the menu really stood out to me. Brunch drinks looked interesting though, but I wasn't up for drinking. I got an egg scramble with roasted garlic, bacon, and American cheese. It came with a toasted english muffin and home fried potatoes. It was good, but I was hungover, so anything would've worked. There's a bar area as well, a mix of wooden tables/booths/chairs and even some couches I think. The staff seemed nice and attentive. Crowd is mostly 20-30 something hipster types, but they are nothing like Brooklyn hipster snobs.
(4)Emily D.
Local is by far one of the BEST restaurants in Portland. Local veggies and seafood and very innovative flavors with a sexy & relaxed atmosphere. If you are visiting and you are a foodie - this is a must see. Many tourist directories will point you towards Fore St and St & Company which are very good but no where near as creative and delightful as Local 188. They are well known for their excellent, laid back and knowledgeable service. The menu changes all the time so I highly recommend getting the specials as they are always fresh and very creative flavors. The braised short ribs are crazy good - and I don't even like meat dishes normally. Also the mussels are always amazing. Just go - you will not be disappointed.
(5)Will S.
Local 188's cardamom maple glazed pork belly. 'Nuff said. Well, ok. I lied. I have more to say. Local 188 is a great spot in Portland. The atmosphere is comfortable, the service has always been exemplary, the prices aren't that bad. Almost every time I've been there (mostly for brunch), I've tried something different and have yet to to be disappointed. My favorite brunch-time dish has to be the Caribbean spiced corned beef hash. That's complete awesomeness at 10:30 on a foggy sunday morning. Combine that with a simple yet very well made Harvey Wallbanger ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha… ), and you have a recipe for a great day. Even if that means you're really just going to go back home and nap for a while. I have to say that my most recent meal there was among the best I've had in a while, anywhere. I ordered the cardamom maple glazed pork belly on a bed of scrambled eggs (which had a few other ingredients that seem to be slipping my mind...) and a green salad with goat cheese. Combined with a fine Rioja, it was a most satisfactory experience. I will be returning to Local 188 often for either brunch or dinner. You can't lose either way. 'Nuff said.
(4)Natalie K.
One of the best meals I have ever had. Beautiful interior with murals, wildflower centerpieces, and a comfy sprawl of dining and bar space. Immaculate presentation and fresh, local ingredients. The highlight for me was the homemade gnocchi with paprika cream sauce, crushed heirloom tomatoes, basil, and grana cheese. The gnocchi was light and chewy--not that dense, gummy stuff you've probably had elsewhere. The tomatoes were bursting with color and flavor. We also enjoyed the curry mussels, fresh scallops, kohlrabi cakes (!!), goat cheesecake, and lemon pot de creme. Service was the weak link at this restaurant, but I was too elated to notice much. For what you are getting, the price was reasonable, about $30/person for drinks, dinner, and dessert.
(5)Sara M.
Honestly, our meal just did not live up to our expectations here. We ordered a selection of small plates (5 of them) and split an entree. The food was good, but not spectacular given the price. The service was also rather slow.
(3)Liz A.
Local 188 was on the list from our innkeeper so we took a shot to get in, though OpenTable said they didn't have any tables until late. Score - snagged a table in the bar! Our shy server was adorable and attentive. The drinks were STRONG and very tasty. The food, however, was the star. My mom and I shared a few dishes and never looked back. Radish and pea shoot salad w buttermilk dressing: check. Paprika gnocchi over chicken gravy: could have eaten this all night long. Lamb keftedes: mmmm. Braised short ribs: perfection on a rainy night. Flourless chocolate torte: yeah, that's right - rich and creamy. This place is definitely funky but also fun and relaxed. Highly recommended!
(5)Evie K.
great local hipster vibe, and the food is superb. the Pancake is actually a 10" pan of cornbread-like cake.... waaaaaay too much for one person, but a great side to share amongst a few people. The blueberry pancake was excellent. Bacon is well done and smoky - just as I like it. Bloody Mary was right on the mark with flakes of chili to give a nice kick. I like the edge in this neighborhood as well - it's shows the other side of Portland.
(5)Charley Z.
First thing's first: DO NOT come here for brunch. Okay? That being said, this is my favorite place in Portland to come for dinner. Or just for drinks. Or just drinks and an olive and cheese plate. Really. The food is phenomenal. And, as such, you get great food as well as some not-so-great things. For instance, the staff, god bless 'em waitresses like I, are a bunch of hipsters who really just don't care if your water glass is empty, or you've been waiting for drinks for twenty minutes. Again, that being said, so the hell what. The food is amazing. And once you've been there enough, it's kind of like waiting for your family to hurry up and serve your food. So what? It's delicious no matter how long it takes. And really their cocktails are amazing. And great wine list!
(5)Amy L.
Holy crap was this a good brunch! I had the caribbean hash, which was just the right balance of rich, spicy and beefy, topped with runny poached egg goodness. My mimosa was also of the approved "champagne with a splash of orange juice" variety. Also I loved the atmosphere - old couches, mismatched furniture, but also big windows and lots of space to keep it from looking like your grandmother's parlor. Service was slooooow, but we weren't in a hurry, and this was a great place to linger.
(5)Sally B.
Disappointing visit to this place this morning. After we had taken our seat, my plan was to get.one of their Super Bowl special cheeseburgers. I asked where they sourced their beef and was told from somewhere in Wisconsin. They could not tell me whether the beef was industrial. This restaurant bills itself as local. I think not. They said they stopped sourcing their beef locally because the product wasn't dependable. Huh? That's what you should expect. And that's what I expect when I go someplace called Local 188. Maybe the place should be renamed "local, when convenient, 188". So, I got the Huevos Rancheros instead. I had to send back the beans because they were cold. The corn tortillas were under the eggs and smothered with a hunk of melted cheese. My husband got a scrambled something. He had to send back his soggy potatoes. The English muffin was good, though. And my tea was hot. This is diner food in a restaurant that bills itself as something more. The waitress was lovely though. And they did take half off our breakfast. That was prudent. At that point I thought that I might not do a write up on yelp, but then when I saw a cigarette butt in the toilet on my way out....clearly left there by staff, I changed my mind. Next time, I will be sure to jump in line at Hot Suppa next door.
(1)Erin S.
If I decide to go here again for dinner, I'll remember to eat beforehand. While I give Local 188 credit for a great ambiance and friendly waitstaff, there is something left to be desired by their food...and the size of the portions. Okay, okay...I am the only one here who is not raving about the food. But, let's be honest. Taste isn't everything. And while the two dishes I had were well seasoned and tasted fine, I did not feel as though the price I paid was worth it. The meatballs had a hint of cumin in them and were served with a delicious marinara sauce that had a bite to it. But you only got three small ones and it cost you $7. And by small, I mean...one bite. I had the pan seared quail as an entree and I had to laugh when it arrived at our table, because it was so incredibly small. In all seriousness, I ate the tiny bird in four bites. The bird was 1/2" thick and could fit in the palm of your hand. Surprisingly, the best part of our meal was the dessert. For $4, we got two huge brownies and a glass of milk -- delicious. In fact, I paid 1/4 of the price of dinner for the brownie, and received 4 times the amount of food. If I ever go back again, it'll only be for a drink, because I'll be heading someplace else for dinner.
(2)Quinn F.
Had been once before for late night drinks and enjoyed it and hoped to go back. Went back recently for a rehearsal dinner. Great food and well made drinks. Waitress was very nice and had a sense of humor. (If you don't have a sense of humor, you cannot be a good waitperson. It's the law.) If Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Pepperland (S. Berwick, ME) had a baby, it would be Local 188.
(4)Amelia M.
I live in Portland. I've been to Local a handful of times but never anxious to go back. Why? THE SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. Buzz-kill terrible. Here is a water down version of events of my night last night. The drinks, however are NOT watered down and that's worth a star alone! (DO try the Basil Lemonade!) We sat ourselves, waited 20 minutes for the first round of drinks, were brought an extra and then CHARGED for the mistake. After AN HOUR passed without seeing a waitress for refills, I went up the bar and got carded again. The seating is very eclectic and mostly cozy but it seems too confusing for the waitstaff to maintain. Our waitress was just completely absent for hours but nice enough. There is one real D-Bag of a bartender (hipster-ish blond guy with a beard) who has no people skills. Trying to return an extra drink was met with "That happens. Well? Are you going to drink it?" When I went up to the bar to ask if table service stopped at a certain time (we had been sitting there for an hour) and to order another glass of wine, I got carded. When explaining I had been sitting at my table, I got "Yeah. CAN I SEE YOUR I.D." I understand liability laws so the 'tude was unnecessary. It was justified to me that unless you're a regular of a year or more, the staff will act very pretentious because they don't know you. I don't think there's any justification for that. Everyone should be treated with courtesy.
(2)Filteq B.
This is our "go to" restaurant in Portland. Never had a bad meal here. We have tried many other places but always end up coming back to Local. Don't miss the Braised Short Ribs!
(5)Geoff F.
We had a wonderful meal. Great service and hip atmosphere.
(5)Karen D.
Funky and flavorful. Not sure if I'm cool enough to be here, but I think I just made the cut. This place has an artsy style and the food is really good.For brunch I had the breakfast burrito and my campanion had the Cordon Blue sandwich. That doesn't sound like anything special, but the presentation and the flavor were excellent. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly, attentive, and played good music. While we were eating we saw someone getting a pancake that looked like a big fluffy cushion and every other dish looked beautiful. If I lived here, this would be one of the stops on my local route.
(4)Tamar A.
You know those places you drive by while tooling around a new city on vacation and even though it's only noon and you've just eaten a huge brunch you still swear you'll go back and try it for dinner because it just looks so darn funky and else what's a vacation for other than eating and tooling? This place is all low light and mismatched furniture and wobbly mosaic tables. It's draping on the walls and surprisingly friendly hipster waitresses with patchwork aprons. It's big, swirly glasses of red and crusty baguette, ripe cheeses and marinated olives. It's a chop the size of your head and fish drenched in an impossibly savory red sauce you can't quite describe except that you know it has capers. This place is 188 kinds of pure flavor, both culinary and, of course, local. Go Maine.
(5)Nicole M.
I was in Portland for a week taking a jewelry design class. The woman who runs the studio recommended this restaurant and so after an intense day of sucking in new information like a little sponge for 8 hours followed by 3 hours of work, I was ready for a good meal and a few drinks. Lucky for me, Local 188 was only a few blocks from my hotel. I liked the vibe right off the bat and sat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. The waitress who served me was incredibly nice and attentive. I ordered a sangria which was good (I prefer mine on the sweeter/spicier side) and the seared tuna special with caper sauce. The food was absolutely delicious. I'm one of those people that tends to eat pretty quickly but I made an effort to take my time with this meal. The tuna was cooked perfectly, the caper sauce was amazing and the vegetables looked and tasted like they had just been pulled out of a garden 5 minutes prior to being cooked. All in all, a lovely experience. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for the quality...I'd be there once a week if I lived in Portland for sure.
(5)Andrew F.
Not small, yet awfully cozy feeling, Local 188 is a great place for drinks or a full meal (although you'll want to take into consideration just how busy it can get). It would be wise to try their Caparinha (they definitely have a Latin flair); plus the added bonus that you will get it served to you by their look-alike celebrity bar staff (Zach Galifianakis and Cameron Frye working side by side!) The food is terrific, especially the short ribs (pricey and altogether worth it), and the flatbread (most inexpensive item on the menu and one of the largest).
(4)Christina F.
Stopped by here for brunch, very good food. Lots of families waiting around in the communal area. No one seemed to mind the wait. Some of the seating is a bit awkward (benches, sofas), but that's no matter when the food is tasty! Highly recommend the Caribbean spiced eggs!
(4)Nicole B.
My husband and I ate here last Saturday. We walked in without a reservation, and there was a little bit of a wait, but we found seats at the bar and enjoyed the impressive beer menu while we were waiting. We ordered several small plates and ate way more than we intended because everything was so good. I was particularly impressed by the gnocchi, since I've never liked a gnocchi dish before--it was so light and fluffy! Everything was just spectacular; nothing to complain about.
(5)J S L.
Fun place. Good food. Extensive wine and beer list. Don't know if chandelier lights were out by design. Part of a vibrant downtown scene.
(3)Marc A.
My absolute favorite restairant in Portland. I don't know exactly why, but every single thing I've ever eaten here is one of the best things I've ever eaten. Seriously.
(5)Walleyecrue W.
Bring the seafood paella. Now, bring the sorbet. Both of 'em. But not before you slide into a Corpse Reviver, or three.
(5)Casey J.
Tasty drinks, good tapas, amazing brunch. The service can be a bit slow though, so relax and have a drink.
(4)C. B.
Two words: Don't go! This place was such a disappointment, it moved me to actually create a yelp account and write my first review ever. My husband worked in fine dining for over 15 years and I work in the food industry now, so we have a few pet peeves: First, if you can't remember an order, then WRITE IT DOWN. Don't try and wow us with your amazing memory and then proceed to get the order wrong. Twice. Second, if you ask diners how their meal is and they answer with , "ummmm....okay, I guess?", don't reply with, "It's good? Great!" and spin on your heel, walking away as fast as possible. Meaning, if you ask how the meal is, then actually be interested in talking about it. And if you make mistakes as a server, be apologetic and humble, not dismissive. Third, if you as an establishment are going to charge high end prices that rival bigger cities, then your food and service had better match up. Out bill totaled $122 plus tax, for 1 app, 2 salads, 2 entries, and 2 glasses of wine. That would have been fine if the food had actually been good. It wasn't. The short rib, which I had been looking forward to all day, (I'm pregnant with a big red meat craving) was under-seasoned, and the cut of meat wasn't trimmed which meant that half of the portion was fat or bone. Worse, the sauteed greens, (usually one of my favorite parts of a meal) were inedibly salty and full of sand. Yes, SAND. The salads were underwhelming in taste and texture. When we read the description of the bleu cheese salad on the menu, it sounded good, but the flavors just didn't come together at all. The gnocchi was pretty good, although incredibly rich-- but we knew it would be when we ordered it. All in all, a massive waste of our time and a huge letdown for our one night out in Portland.
(2)Joel C.
Get. The. Pancake. Crazy good! But be warned, it's actually a pan cake, not those flat disc things you find everywhere else. Also, unless you're dining with your pet elephant, better ask for the smaller version. The brunch cocktails are creative and perfect for 11am drinks. The salmon scramble was great and full of salmon. New favorite brunch place in Portland!
(5)jumanna s.
The bar serves some of the best drinks I have ever had. Delicious! We ordered tapas and while the mussels were AMAZING everything else was underwhelming except the bok choy salad which was indelible.
(3)Sam A.
Quiet, Dark, and intimate restaurant with parking tn the back. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. Portion size is good.
(3)L B.
Loved this place! Creative menu, interesting decor, great drinks. What else can you ask for?
(4)David Z.
For me the greatness of this place is really a combination of the food and the atmosphere. I feel incredibly at home here. I love Spanish food and paella and although you don't get the crusty rice on the bottom here, it is excellent. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I had to send a steak back once for it being overcooked and they got me a new one in no time. I always get the mussels as a starter. They are cheap, the serving size is generous, and they are great. Plus they come with good bread to dip in the broth. It is always my first recommendation for dinner in Portland.
(5)Jules V.
Local 188 is aces in my book. I highly recommend this place to anyone searching for powerful coffee, large portions and reasonable prices. My dish - the Caribbean corned beef hash - was delicious, huge and only about $6.50. The Lovely Girlfriend's omelet was similarly enormous and also well under ten bucks. They've got a full bar at Local 188 and while we didn't indulge a couple of girls seated next to us slugged down a handful of large orange-ish cocktails. I think they were Mimosas but they could have been Screwdrivers. Either way the girls were a little wobbly when they left so while I cannot directly recommend any drinks to you I can tell you by the looks of it they pour em strong. I can also tell you that they serve a Sazerac which is a sure sign of a bar inhabited by serious drinkers, another good sign. Since Portland is a favorite spot (read that as the only spot) of the Lovely Girlfriend to visit when in Maine I'm sure we will return to sample their libations at a later date. For all my reviews find my blog on my yelp profile page.
(4)Jimmy C.
It's hard to explain Local 188 without noting the yuppie/GenXish kind of vibe that engulfs you inside. There's a mix of sofas and living room, type chairs in the middle of the wide open space. Decor is rather busy but it seems to work there. Another thing that hit me was the noise level, which I'd describe as an unrelenting low roar. Menu was varied and prices were a bit high, but nothing outrageous. I had opted in for a Groupon valued at $50 for $25 so, I was already up $25. Being a vegan limited my choices. There was only one dish considered vegetarian and to be honest, it was awful. Chick peas ladled on to a hunk of some type of squash that reminded me of that weird monolith in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. My partner and I both ordered it foolishly. Needless to say, the dish did not work at all. All and all it was about average or slightly below average. It always baffles me why places like Local 188 don't make an effort to accommodate all types of diners.
(3)jen p.
We stopped by for the first time one winter evening. It was busy, loud and exactly the kind of food we wanted. Our party of three sat at the bar area over looking the kitchen and had a great time. The food was amazing.. the best meal i had since leaving brooklyn.
(5)Liz H.
Two words: hot mess. I went for New Year's Day brunch around noon. The hostess told us it would be a 20-30 minute wait. Fine. We got our coffee and sat on the couches. 10 minutes later, she told us that the dining room was full, but we could be served at the couches. Again, fine. We placed our orders, and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. We waited for longer than an hour for our brunch, as did all the other customers. Our server was inattentive with coffee and water, and provided no apologies for the wait. When our food finally did arrive, my boyfriend's meal was good, but my eggs were burnt. They comped the coffee, but I would have rather had the last hour of my life back. I understand that it was New Year's, and that places get swamped. However, it's completely ridiculous for a place as popular and well-established as Local 188 to be so woefully unprepared for the holiday rush. The hostess should have given us some indication of how backed-up the kitchen was, at the very least. I've had some good food and pleasant experiences at Local 188, but, with so many restaurants of equal price and quality in Portland, there's no reason to risk this sort of sub-par service again.
(2)Kristen L.
This place is a solid find. It's a bit outside of downtown, but easily walkable. I went here for dinner on a Saturday night with 3 other people. The place was full, but luckily we didn't have to wait. it's pretty industrial looking with an open kitchen and spread out so it feels more intimate than it looks. This place is known for using only local fresh ingredients with a constantly changing menu. While not a long menu, it had your choice of tapas, salads, entrees and desserts with a little bit of something for every palette. We decided to split some tapas and have drinks. VERY GOOD beer and wine selection and a list of pretty creative cocktails too. The cheese and meat plates were an awesome choice....shrimp ceviche was ok...a little bit too much vinegar and not enough lime for me, but it still wasn't bad. The crown jewel was the steak tare tare though....excellent flavor with garlic and truffle oil and just the right amount of salt. Could've eaten the whole plate of that myself. Definitely worth a try if you want something a little different.
(4)Lyndsay C.
We were looking for a cool spot for dinner our first night in Portland and we stumbled upon Local 188. What a great stumble. The atmosphere was really nice. In addition to regular dining room seating they had comfy sofas for lounging, socializing and drinking. First things first...Sangria! We ordered a pitcher for the two of us. This was the largest pitcher of Sangria I have ever scene and it was delicious! For food we decided to just do tapas. We had the tomato soup for starters. It was so flavorful and well seasoned. We at it up and loved it! Then we had the Tortilla of the day which had pistachios in it. This traditional Tortilla de Espana was so good. I almost wished I didn't have to share. Lastly we had the cheese plate which we probably could have passed on in exchange for something else. I'm a vegetarian so I didn't have too many menu choices so we opted for cheese. I'm not a big fancy cheese eater so I wasn't too satisfied. My boyfriend however loved every last bit. We still had 1/2 a pitcher of sangria left so the server which the wicked cool squid tattoo, gave us some bread to snack on. All in all, the service was good, the food was tasty and the sangria was lethal. We will be back!
(4)James C.
Stopped for Friday afternoon drinks at 4 and stayed until 6:30. Really enjoyed sitting outside with my White Lotus cocktail, my companion had a Caipirinha, we moved on to white wine when we split some wonderful mussels in a saffron cream sauce. All this prandial bliss was slightly marred when the owner asked us to use our third chair, on which we'd piled our bags and coats. When we demurred as we didn't want those things on the sidewalk, he sat at a table nearby and bad mouthed us to his companions. Later he had a waiter offer us a round of drinks, we declined as we were disinclined. When we got our check, he'd cleared the tab but wrote, "next time give up the chair". I'd like to remind him that he has at least a hundred chairs to pick from. Moreover, buying us off but admonishing us with the same gesture did not win our hearts. Luckily his skill in the kitchen does not leave one wanting. We'll go back, and perhaps bring a folding chair for our coats and bags.
(2)Joe R.
I personally enjoyed every bite of my fiddlehead scramble and the service is always pleasant!!!
(5)Cara S.
I'd like to give this place a 3.5 I came with a friend last night and was happy to find no wait; we were promptly seated by a friendly hostess. The ambiance and atmosphere were nice and welcoming. Our server was nice, but not especially speedy. We ordered a cheese plate, olives and a salad with seasonal vegetables as appetizers and the shrimp risotto and hake for our entrees. The cheese plate was really good, one of the highlights of the meal. There was a nice variety and they served dried apricots, cranberries, pistachios, and this AMAZING jam with the cheeses. We were also really happy with the olives served. The seasonal vegetables salad was OK at best. There definitely could have been more goat cheese and more vegetables. The entrees were average. The hake was cooked well, but had very little flavor. The presentation was beautiful, but there was a lot to be desired with the taste. Also, the fingerling potatoes served with this were almost black and were not appealing in any way. The taste was awful and they looked even worse. The risotto was average as well. Again, really lacking in flavor, and they used tiny shrimp which made the dish seem cheap. The sangria tasted mostly like juice with very little wine and no fruit in the pitcher, they give you a lot, but it seems you are getting a lot less than what you pay for. The dessert was really great. Roasted poblano chocolate chip ice cream served with a brownie, spun sugar and sliced apple garnish. This and the cheese plate were the absolute highlights of this meal. Also, they give you some great bread with oil and sea salt drizzled and sprinkled on top. That was a nice addition to our cheese plate.
(3)T.H. J.
A bit overpriced and the room is loud.
(4)Alexa B.
Lunch here is very good, it has actual parking and a great atmosphere, but dinner time around the weekend sucks. My friend and I waited for 1.5 hours for dinner when they weren't even that busy. We ended up having to leave because we'd paid to see a play, so we had no dinner. If you're aiming to get out by a certain time, try somewhere else. But if you can take your time, Local 188 is a great place for amazing drinks, metropolitan food and Portland's own brand of hip ambiance. It's not the hipster trash spoken of on earlier posts -- but you can find plenty of that elsewhere. Local 188 stands on it's own.
(3)Sarah M.
We came here for brunch on a recent visit to Portland. It's very kid friendly which was great since we had our 6 year old with us. The food was good. I had the homemade granola with fruit (lots of fresh fruit - bananas, pineapple, strawberries, star fruit) and my husband had the bagel and lox platter which he enjoyed. My son just had an english muffin, but he was very happy with the apple jelly he was able to put on it. The service was also good especially since the restaurant was busy. One thing that bothered me a little - on the tables with the ketchup, salt and pepper, etc. there were small coca cola bottles with a spout on top and a white liquid in it. When I asked what it was the waitress said it was cream for the coffee. It just grossed me out that the cream was sitting in those bottles on the table for the whole morning (it doesn't look appetizing in them either) so I ordered a separate milk to put in my coffee.
(3)Nick C.
We came here after dinner at Five Fifty Five. We asked our waitress for a recommendation on where to grab a couple post dinner drinks and she pointed us to Local 188. It has a nice atmosphere, filled with couches, benches and tables for groups to gather at. The problem was there was no where to sit. Although thats to be expected at this time of night. My review score was based on this one bartenders attitude. We walked in and up to the bar for a drink. After literally standing in front of a male bartender at the side bar (our party was two couples) for a couple of minutes (the bar was busy but we were still able to find standing room at the right end of the bar) who barely even glanced at us (he was not helping anyone during the time we were standing there) I finally asked if we could order some drinks with him (none of us knew if he was a bartender or a bust boy). He gave us this rude look like "yeah obviously, now what do you want" and had a complete attitude. His reaction was like surprise and disgust that we would even ask. We were all kind of throw off by this. He made our drinks and was not friendly at all. Ok, here's your dollar tip which was more than he deserved. After that we moved to the bar backed by the open kitchen where a different bar tender (a taller skinny man with glasses) was bartending. He was much friendlier and although we now had two bar seats, we had a sour taste in our mouth and decided to finish our drinks and leave. I would've given it 2.5 stars simply because of the atmosphere and 2nd bar tender we dealt with (drinks werent bad either) but the first bartender was so unfriendly that he drove us to leave (a blond or brown haired bartender with short hair and a black vest, in case management reads this review).
(2)Seth J.
In my top 3 places to eat in Portland. Delicious food, friendly people, reasonable prices for meals made with quality local ingredients. Wine menu is very diverse and the drinks are stiff. I've never had a bad night dining here!
(5)Holland T.
Loved everything! from the bread and crostini they brought when we first sat down and the friendly server, to our main course I can't see enough. Also a great spot if you are doing a drinks and appetizer craw.
(5)Salamander J.
Yum! Breakfast served up by a young cute staff (our waitor was a sexy ducky from pretty in pink). Everything slides down wonderfully with their cucumber infused vodka bloodys! Go early for quiet and later to be drunk by noon! They like to cook but not serve. Mainehigh: 3.5
(4)L P.
I went a few months ago with a couple of friends before seeing a concert up in Portland - and positively loved everything we ate. The paella was amazing and the best I've had since Spain - and I'm Boston-based. There's some mean tapas restaurants down here, but Local 1898 paella was AMAZING. I want to go back just to eat it again.
(5)Francis C.
This review is for the bar only, and not the food. The picture of the hipsters out front is spot on - it pervades both inside and out. Upon entering, I saw two fellows at the bar waiting to get someone's attention, and there were two bartenders, one lady and another hipster-type gent. I was kind of waiting behind the two guys, and it must have been a good couple of minutes before the two guys basically gave up and walked out. I walked closer to the bar and did my thing, attempting to get eye contact, and I succeeded with the gent (there is no mistake when you make eye contact), but he was busy chatting with one other guy and basically ignored me. Then, two other people sat down and the lady tending bar got them a couple drinks, so I basically ignored the guy and was able to get a drink from the woman. Even so, it seemed like she didn't *really* want to be there, and a smile was something of a struggle (perhaps it was a long day, not sure), but I got my Sidecar which was ok. She was attentive when I asked for a glass of ice water. In general, I wouldn't hit this place alone - it's somewhat lounge-y, and if you're not being made welcome at the bar, you probably won't be made welcome elsewhere. As a 32 year old yuppie with a glimmer of fashion sense (please hold the jokes about fashion from the 14th C. - 18th C.), I felt a bit older than the average, but I did see a couple of groups of 2 or 3 a bit older than I.
(3)Inna B.
Unusual treatment of fresh, local ingredients. My mussels with tamarind, ginger and orange broth were outstanding - after devouring the mussels, I inhaled the broth (and bread is delicious and great for dunking). You also get great theatre - we sat at the bar by the open kitchen and watched the cooking.
(5)Elyse A.
The food at Local 188 was really fantastic--great bread, amazing mussels and my special albacore tuna meal was delicious! Unfortunately, the service was pretty terrible. We had a reservation for 8 p.m. and did not end up sitting down until about 15-20 minutes after that. And then didn't get drinks/bread until almost an hour later. After things started rolling out, it was better, but the service was slow all night. I like to linger over a meal, but this was just irritating. We could've had a reservation at Fore Street that same night for 9:15 but deemed that too late. After it took so long to get things at Local 188, I almost wish we had gone there instead. Food was four stars, but service was two.
(3)David B.
I had lots of tapas and couldn't eat my entree. Everything had a wonderful complexity of tastes, nice pairings, looked wonderful like little pieces of art. Drinks are strong, wine is great. Great food. Great service. Very nice.
(5)Susie Q.
We came in for brunch on a Saturday morning and Local 188 exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. Everything from the strong coffee and fresh (complimentary) fruit plate to our egg dishes was delicious. We had the baked eggs in sofrito over grilled bread and the Caribbean Spiced Corned Beef Hash. Great presentation and use of flavors. We will be back for dinner and brunch again to try to delicious looking Bloody Mary's. Oh, and I read some of the other reviews regarding the service but our server was friendly and very attentive. Overall, everything was perfect; Local 188 is a must go-to in Portland.
(5)Jennifer R.
Avoid Sunday brunch unless you have your entire day off to devote to the experience. Arrived with group of 6 and was told 30 min wait. Over 45 min later and only after I checked in again were we seated. WORST SERVICE EVER! Took forever to be acknowledged, took longer for drink/food order. Waitress incorrectly described food (stated there were black beans in meal when it was pinto/described raspberry strudel but it was plain, dry coffee cake) and then we never saw here again until we hunter her down for the check. A food runner brought us our food. My soup came AFTER my burger? Food was average, decent drink prices/choices, its a shame we were never able to order more than one since not one person ever checked on us during entire meal. This ordeal took two hours from the time we arrived, no thanks, never again. The only reason for the two stars-food was ok, good am drink selection for $5 each.
(2)Elizabeth A.
One of my favorite places to eat (and drink) in Portland. The epitome of Gemütlichkeit. The vibe is hip, but the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and cheery. A great place to gather with friends, or to enjoy some down time alone. Reasonable prices, friendly service, great (slow) food all around. Always nice to see a menu featuring local ingredients. On my last visit, I enjoyed the best olive tapas I've had to date; warm, crusty bread with olive oil; and an amazing salad topped with roasted winter squash, pine nuts, and a touch of ginger. Yum. I was really impressed by the wine list - not your average selections at all. Worth a visit, even going out of your way to visit.
(5)Steve B.
no need to worry about walking out of there with leftovers, left very hungry. Heirloom tomato salad was disappointing, 4 thinly sliced slices of tomato and two cherry tomatos, disappointing with the cost. Had to ask for bread. atmosphere was nice but screaming child reminded us why we left the kid at home. Alice waters chez panisse was a bargin compared to this place. On a good note, mixed drink menu was interesting and tasty!!
(2)Milton G.
While visiting friends in Portland, they took us to Local 188 and I must say it is one of the best restaurants I have ever enjoyed. Great food, cool atmosphere, good service, and reasonable prices. I would gladly go there again.
(5)Deborah L.
Food was ok. Location, decor, service, ambiance was very good. We had the Tortilla del Dia with sweet potatoes and onions. It was just ok, certainly not great. I had a fish dish which was ok.
(3)Kim S.
I came for brunch here with a couple of girlfriends while I was in town and I loved the place: the vibe, the food, the people. If I lived in Portland I would definitely be a regular.
(5)Kate M.
I love Portland, Maine, and I LOVED eating here!! Delicious cocktails and cute guys behind the bar made the few moments we waited for a table wonderful. The place had a real funky vibe and the music was great too. Excellent paella in particular!
(4)Rachel E.
My boyfriend and I came here after arriving in portland. We were cranky, thirsty, and hungry. This was a little more upscale and pricey than we anticipated, but the food and service and atmosphere were good. I would suggest you request the oil on the side for the bread. They doused our bread in oil to the point where it wasn't edible. The Spanish tortilla appetizer was good, but it came out at room temperature. Not sure if they meant to do that, but maybe it should say so on the menu. We were wondering if they forgot to heat it up- but we were so hungry we didn't ask. I got the gnocchi with goat cheese in a dijon cream sauce, and I'm not sure what they gave me but it wasn't gnocchi. It was more like fried bits of mashed potatoes. Still very delicious, but not gnocchi, and the dish could have used a squeeze of lemon for some oomph and could have come with the option of some scallops (I stole some from my bf and dipped in the sauce -- SO GOOD!!!)... My bf got the seafood paella and said the seafood part was awesome (half of a lobster with fish, scallops, mussels, clams, and shrimp) but the rice was lackluster. His was $32, and he said it was barely worth the money. We didn't get any cocktails but the bar area looked quite nice. Definitely a hipster, mellow, upscale and romantic ambiance to the place. Good for a dinner date for sure, or maybe some post-dinner cocktails.
(4)Ian H.
Dinner so delicious I ate mud and sand. The food here is perfectly cooked, very flavorful, and creative without being "creative" in a celebrity-chef kind of way (no foam soups or pickled ramps here.) I would have given this place five stars, except the paella had a dead, mud-filled clam shell in it, which leaked grit into the whole dish and gave everything a disconcerting crunchyness. (This may not be an isolated quality control issue: a friend of ours once found a worm in his salad). When we told the waitress about this, however, she was unresponsive; and when our check arrived there were no discounts or apologies. The flavors were so spot on, though, that I'd still be willing to go back, although I would perhaps take my first few bites tentatively. Overall, still a positive experience. Prices are upscale reasonable. Cocktails are delicious. Braised shortribs are a must.
(4)Alana P.
Pros: Food is great, in general--a little pricey, but you have to pay a little more for local ingredients. That just the way it is, and that's fine with me. Enjoyable and low-key place to grab a drink (lounge-esque) with a late-20s to mid-40s crowd that I would normally attribute to the "hipster trash" a previous [clearly unbalanced] reviewer referred to. It used to be a lot easier to get a seat if all you want is booze, but now the bar fills up pretty rapidly. I would recommend getting there earlier in the evening if you'd like to snag something other than the church pew by the doors. Cons: I've had a few problems with Local 188 making significant errors when running my card; actually with paying in general. Once, it involved triple-charging a friend $100+ when her bill was $15. Another time, a clearly tipsy bartender came up to me several times insisting that I hadn't paid for my drink and apologizing for "embarrassing me in front of my friends". He eventually located the cash, which another bartender had picked up, and failed to apologize for basically creating an incredibly awkward situation for no reason whatsoever. Additional thoughts: It's too bad that John left [for the Grill Room], because he's a peerless bartender.
(4)Callan C.
Wow! Nice place up on the hill in Portland. There is a younger vibe here and it was nice to get to explore something different than the wharf area. Following the name, there is a focus on local provisions here. The menu is not huge but everything we had was delicious. There is a section with tapas type dishes and also entrees to choose from. My favorite selection was the house paella. It included mussels, chorizo and chicken and was extremely enjoyable. My table also ordered some mussels in some kind of sauce and they were some of the best I've ever had. Everything else I tasted was great as well - good marks for food! Service was standard, nothing out of the ordinary. I liked the feel of the space, very open and separated in a few areas - dining, casual living room lounge type area and then a nice bar. The decor is kind of bohemian and artsy. I will make it a point to come again!
(4)Jay F.
had the house paella. sucked. no crunchy rice. shell fish was dry. house sausage was good. but still, expect much better for $20+. I was flying solo so it was the only thing I ate. Well, I guess the bread was okay.
(1)Ben S.
Wonderful brunch, overwhelmed staff.
(4)Steve M.
Delicious Sunday brunch. Great scrambles and sandwiches, amazing soup of the day (split pea). Fresh and rootsy, and the restaurant and food both look beautiful. Crammed full of locals, and maybe that's why the service was a little slow. I'd definitely come back here.
(4)Monique G.
Every meal I've ever had here has been reeeeeally good. Somewhat expensive, but quality stuff.
(4)Gina K.
Love the atmosphere especially near the bar area. Wait staff is very informed and helpful. We had the grilled flatbread for an app and I had the gnocchi special (w/ goat cheese, grapes & marcona (?) almonds in a creamy sauce. Really delicious. We shared the warmed brownie & cheesecake for desert. Brownie gets a thumbs up but I could skip the ginger cheesecake. Nice wine & beer selection.
(4)Shanna R.
It was a cold, rainy day followed by an even colder, rainy night. My room mate and I needed to get out, but wanted to go somewhere cozy where we could curl up like cats and eat sumptiuous food. Local was the place we chose, and what a lovely meal. Seasonal (I had the Autumn Squash and she had the risotto of the night), prepared well, and served by a chill girl who knew the specials but did a good job not rushing through them. Go to this restaurant if you want cocktails (they have lots of infusions behind the bar) and maybe a couch to sink into. Go for brunch, go for the live music (on Tuesday night?). Just go, relax, and enjoy a meal.
(4)Sarah G.
We stopped in for brunch not expecting much and were pleasantly surprised. The interior is great - beautiful high ceilings, ornate and fully stocked bar, random knick knacks and fabric all over etc. Staff was very friendly and food was reasonably priced and very very tasty. I don't remember the last time I got excited over an english muffin but this one was really good. My eggs were very delicately cooked and the potatoes were great. We'll definitely be going back for brunch and to check out the bar.
(4)donaurora r.
Went for Sunday brunch. As a party of 3 we were seated quickly though the place was packed. Host has no idea what specials were, told us to ask wait person. No coffee or beverages were offered. I would describe her as "indifferent". Our waitperson was friendly, but took a long time to bring us coffee and water. Water glasses small and did not stay filled. Waitperson wasn't sure if they could serve ice coffee(?) Food was okay. Pancakes a little too cakey and more like dessert. Had to ask for maple syrup. Scrambles were fresh and appeared to have fresh ingredients. The worse part of the whole experience was the flies. Yes FLIES. That kept landing on us and trying to land on our food. I realize flies can fly in and out of doors this time of year, but we were seated far from the door, and the flies seemed to have been around for awhile. Landing on tables besides us as well. No attempt was made by staff to shoo or swat them. After our food arrived and we asked for one water and coffee refill we were pretty much forgotten. Had to wait a long time for server to get payment. Very disappointing service and attention to diners. I've eaten here a few times before and this was by far the worse experience. I don't like that this restaurant may have devolved to a "hit or miss". Service needs vast improvement.
(2)Quinn C.
Once in a blue moon the siren song of their tasty, tasty cocktails will get the best of me and I'll enjoy a seat outside and a boozy treat, but never, ever again will I go for dinner. I always go hopeful, and never leave impressed. Some of the worst service I've had in my life, probably because I have managed to have the same dopey-screw-it-all-up waitress each time I have eaten there.
(3)lisa r.
Super funky, fun spot. The food was good- could have been a little better, but between the atmosphere, the amazing (virgin) bloody mary for $2 and the great music -we will go back next time we are in town....
(4)V W.
Went to this restaurant for dinner on a friend's recommendation and we were very pleased. The ambiance was casual yet felt hip - current, busy, young, vibrant. There's a lounge area and also a dining room area. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable - and went out of her way to make us comfortable (we had to switch tables from outside to inside because of rain). The food was delicious! My husband and I own a walking tour company in Spain, so you could say that we know what Spanish food tastes like, and this is NOT it. Nevertheless, the food was great (scallops, gnocchi, harpooned swordfish from Nova Scotia) - all prepared with plenty of garlic and olive oil (here lies the Spanish influence) - The menu is organized into "tapas", "raciones", and "entrees" - We love this way of eating: ordering lots of different smaller plates to share. The menu seems to have a leaning for local and organic - though not all dishes subscribe. Would definitely recommend this place for a good eat that's affordable in Portland.
(4)Anne C.
From the moment we were seated our dining expeience was first rate. It is a place with a tad bit of bohemian atmosphere, however don't be led astray by the comments of not "fitting in". Our waitress was probabsly the most efficient, pleasant and professional we have had in years. She nailed it and I wish I had gotten her name. Anyhow, the food was straight up delicious. Each of our dishes had just enough of a creative and flavorful twist to it that said " this place is special". Three of us ordered seafood paella and one the hanger steak. Shaved radish and pea shoot salad was light and heavenly. I wanted to order a perfect wine to go with our paella and our waitress once again listened to our tastes and we couldn't have been more pleased with her recommendation. We had an early reservation for dinner so it was rather peaceful and laid back upon arrival, but as the evening progressed it got very busy and the acoustics were such that it got quite loud, but we weren't distracted by it. Oh....and the desserts. We normally don't indulge but the lemon and ginger sorbet was the perfect ending and my husband swooned over the peach bread pudding. This is obviously a popular place and we have made a point of visiting many city of Portland eateries of many different styles and flavors and this is easily one of our favorites. Plenty of parking behind the restaurant which is a great feature in a city setting.
(5)at S.
In a very large new space now... almost TOO large. Doesn't open for breakfast until 10am. Sometimes the pancake is mindbogglingly good... sometimes it's raw. I just can't play roulette before coffee.
(2)Alexander K.
hip, cool and fly, local 188 is a restaraunt with fantastic soul appeal. PBR for two dollars. sure they are still cashing in PBRs new hipster image that somehow is still being perpetuated two years later, but at least they got the price right. the food is excellent. a tapas style menu with entree's for those who never learned to share. it is hard to pin the food's origin's down. sure there is asurface element of spanish flavors, but really in the end i would have to say eclectic american is the over whelming theme. which is fine by me because it is done exceptionally well and for reasonable prices. have a beer and a meal for under 15 bucks, and feel cool while you are doing it. good place.
(3)Miss M.
I am completely shocked by all of the positive reviews of this restaurant! I am new to the Portland area, and on the advice of many locals, decided to give it a try. It was easily one of the worst meals I have ever been subjected to. The mussels were overrun with undercooked fennel which gave them a terrible licorice flavor. Contrary to the fennel, the meatballs were insanely overcooked, and had a fresh from the freezer taste. Passable short rib appetizer and mushroom tapa. The mushroom fusilli lacked any flavor whatsoever as did the night's special - N.Y. Strip. The biggest disappointment came in the form of "paella". I use quotation marks, because it was not in fact paella. Missing was even one strand of saffron that gives paella its signature bright yellow color as well any chorizo which would've provided some flavor to what can only be described as white rice and steamed fish. The space itself is pleasant enough, not cramped with too many tables, but Portlanders can't be so naive as to be taken in by pure aesthetics! When you go out for dinner, it should be about the food! While I can overlook one, even two, culinary missteps, the majority of the meal should be at least palatable.
(1)Trinh T.
Local 188 is a Spanish restaurant in Portland, Maine that serves up tapas style dishes. There are a number of great items that you'll be able to find here including a delicious Spanish paella with tons of seafood. My Overall Rating - 3 1/2 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Local 188 is a very nice restaurant. It has a very welcoming feel, and you want it you will find a nice seating area in the middle. There are plenty of tables and booths to accommodate any size party. However, one of the best features is something that you do not find often in Maine: parking! There is a private lot that you can park in. It is also free to park. 1 Star. Service - our server was quite nice; however, what I really like about them was that they were very knowledgeable about the menu. If you visit a restaurant that serves up dishes tapas style, it is all about being smart about what you order because the dishes are meant to be shared. So I really like it when the server is extremely knowledgeable about the dishes, and taking recommends that the allotments based on what you like or don't. 1 Star. Food - but when it comes to tapas style dishes, there are always going to be some dishes that are said and some that are not. The goal is to try to catch on as many as possible. I did find quite a number dishes that I enjoyed including an excellent Spanish paella do that is loaded with clams, scallops, and even some lobster. They also had an excellent risotto that was creamy and full of garlic flavor. My favorite dish was the gnocchi. This beautiful pasta was a joy to eat as I love the pillow like texture. There were a few other items that we didn't particularly like including the Mediterranean meatballs. I would stick to the seafood items only. Also their carne asada was a bit bland and forgettable. In fact, we did order more tapas dishes but for the life of me I cannot remember what they all were, so they really did not make that big of an impression on me. 1 Star. Will I Return? - Probably not. This has more to do with the number of excellent restaurants left to try in Portland vs. Local 188's quality. It was a good but not fantastic/return worthy enough. Then again, I won't say no if someone suggested it for dinner. 1/2 Star. My Yelp Rating Scale (Sum of all parts): 1 Star - Atmosphere - Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I'll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm. 1 Star - Service - You can have a great meal with bad service. But that's also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It's important to the dining experience that service is great and on point. 2 Stars - Food - I'll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it's really all about the food. 1 Star - Will I come back? - If I know for a fact I'll return, I'll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return. Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Yelp score.
(3)Josh M.
It's cool. It's sexy. It's classy. Went here for my mellow bachelor party. It's nice and inviting and modern. The owners also own Andys in the old port. I don't know what those people are doing right but I want some stock in them. A little pricey but worth it.
(4)Diana K.
Good service, good food! I especially like the liver! So good! I go there for business meetings sometimes.
(5)Steff D.
Alright, I give in. I really, really, REEEEEEEEAAALLLLLY like Local 188. I've been many, many times and outside of my first experience there 'lo those many years ago (and dinner - dinner here just doesn't do it for me), I usually have a great time.... The cocktails are amazing: + White Lotus (Cold River vodka, Canton ginger liqueur, lemon juice with a candied ginger slice), $11: makes my ginger loving heart very, very happy. It's the perfect balance of ginger bite without being over the top. + Mark and Bubbly (Makers Mark, champagne, and peach bitters with a cherry), $9: this drink, while delicious, is very, very strong. I think it's definitely one of the "most bang for your buck" drinks in town! You gotta really love Makers, though. + Pinky and the Brain (strawberry vodka, champagne and a splash of Chambord), $9: this cocktail is so simple and elegant that I'm never not happy when I order it, and frequently jealous of those at my table who do when I don't. + Ruby Honey Jam (house grapefruit rosemary gin, lime juice, St. Germain and honey syrup), $10: outside of the traditional mimosa, THIS is the fruity drink you want to have at brunch. I don't even like gin, but could easily have two or three of these mid-morning! + ALL of their housemade kombucha is delicious! The Spanish Tortilla for $7 is consistently delicious regardless of what time you order it at (and has become one of my late night cravings post-drinking in Portland). And I just recently had brunch here... and it's easily one of my favorite places in town now for this ever important meal: + Bloody Mary's contain Worcestershire. Worcestershire contains fish. Nearly every single place in town (not an exaggeration) pre-makes their bloody mix with Worcestershire and won't make a fresh drink for vegetarians because it's too much work. Local 188 is the opposite of everyone else in town. They went above and beyond accommodating my request for a vegetarian bloody (and I had mine with the garlic vodka... SO. DAMN. GOOD [though, it could have been more garlicky]), and as such as gained a fan for life. + If they have cinnamon rolls on their brunch menu.... GET IT. You will not be disappointed. All that soft dough and icing goo. Yum. + The mushroom, herb, and goat cheese scramble is so delicious that I can't stop thinking about it. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the pockets of goat cheese were plentiful and flavorful, and the mushrooms were earthy and meaty. Also, the English muffin that came with it was unexpected and a carboholic's dream. The only thing I wish was better (and that I still find confusing, for those of you who read my first review from 2011) is the initial communication between staff members and customers. Every time we're here it takes three to six employees to seat us (regardless if they're busy or not). One person says they'll get us table, walks away, and is never seen or heard from again. Literally, this process repeats over and over. Once we do get seated, though? Those servers are so intuitive and on top of things, I want to give them a standing ovation. Anyway... thanks, Local 188, for being patient with me until I finally came around! And, seriously, fan for life because of the bloody's!
(4)Ken J.
We were visiting this fine city during the Old Port Festival walking around and listening to some of the bands playing Live! We ended up on Congress abit parched noticed the Local 188 was open so we walked in greeted by the hostess, seated us and informed us that brunch was ending very soon. Our waiter Andy arrived seconds after the hostess left an told us that brunch was ending so Me and my Girlfriend decided to have 2 frothy cold beers, Andy took our beer order, returned with the beers then he told us he had a surprise for us...So we're chatting away me and my girl, Andy returned with 2 very warm turnovers with a rhubarb and berry filling Very Good Eats! Also he brought over another in house made item a doughnut with a grapefruit glaze! Kickass! We became huge fans of the Local 188 an not because of the turnovers or the doughnut, Andy was very attentive, He made us feel at Home and I hope you all checkout The Local 188 an ask for Andy, you'll be in Good hands.
(5)Becky M.
I seem to find myself here from time to time, especially meeting a friend for a drink, but I don't know why. I just don't like it. Like, at all... Sometimes I think its a good "settling" option, but always want to walk out after I walk in. In the summer, the restaurant is extremely hot. No AC the few times I've been in (and then left immediately.) The layout of the tables is open, but seems disorganized. The bar is comfy enough, but I don't have any memorable experiences regarding drinks or friendly bartenders. The meals that I have had were just simply bad and over priced. The menu is boring. Service has been very slow. Breakfast plates were big, greasy and salty; not in a good way. Bloody marries bland. I had some type of Spanish pie once which was just awful, and cold. Also, some appetizer of fried potatoes. These were good enough, but paid a whole bunch of money for fancy french fries. Deserving of 2 stars because nothing AWFUL has every happened. Definitely not worth a stop by.
(2)Karen L.
Let me start by saying that this is definitely a beloved place in Portland. I give it three stars because the drinks are EXCELLENT. Basil Lemonade is amazing and they have tons of house infused liquors that are awesome. They even have a spicy margarita-- and though I can't drink a whole one of those (too spicy for me!) if you love spice and margaritas, you will love it! I love meeting friends here for drinks and they sometimes have local live music, which is awesome. The vibe is very cool and relaxed and it is a nice place to hang out. I can't give it more than 3 stars though because I cannot eat here. It's sad, but true. I have heard many people rave about the food, but I have searched high and low on this menu and have been unable to find anything vegan. Last time we went here for dinner with friends who suggested it, I asked the waiter if there was anything he could recommend that could be easily catered to a vegan diet. He scoffed a bit (a little off-putting) and then went off (presumably to the kitchen to inquire). When he returned the only thing he could offer me was a salad with no dressing. Being hungry, I took his suggestion and ended up paying $14 for a plate of lettuce with a couple slices of celery on it. It was extremely disappointing and WAY overpriced for what I got. I have learned my lesson and will not try to eat there again in the future. So, vegans beware. The drinks are awesome and you will not be disappointed by the bartenders or the cocktails, but you will be disappointed by the food.
(3)Kelly P.
So Local 188 has just been promoted to my favourite all time yummy spot to feed my need for yumminess. Over a short visit to Portland, we ate/drank twice there in less than 24 hours. Of course we started our first round of bites off with some devilled eggs, Flatbread with hummus and some house pickles. The flat bread was just that, with a tasty garlic hummus. I love anything and everything when it comes to pickles so it was very hard to disappoint BUT when I saw what came to our plate I was amazed at the artistry that came along with a "house pickle". All the different veggies were pickles to perfection. The devilled eggs were very nice and tasty. A great start to Local 188! The beverages of this evening were Alagash White and Dog Fish Head IPA. Both were refreshing and hit the spot. This is where Local 188 wins a billion gold stars...the chefs of the evening were epic and became over the top epic when they presented us (a party of four foodies) with TWO tapas cold dishes that I don't even see on the menu yet...some sort of peas in a sauce and a plate of roasted garlic. Both were absolutely wonderful! When these two plates were devoured we continues on with our adventure in eating with an order of North Spore Mushrooms and Ricotta Gnocchi. The mushrooms were very tender and flavourful and the gnocchi was just amazing with the ricotta cheese. Now fast forward 22 ish hours or so... Day two of Local 188. We enter the restaurant, were seated at the bar, ordered some drinks and BAM! A beautiful dish is placed in front of us by the chef! Stuffed Squash Flowers! The chef saw us come in and decided to give us a third dish to taste! The blossoms were so different and fun, that we ordered a second plate. For this second visit we ordered up some tapas plates as well...beautiful leeks, devilled eggs, mussels, short ribs, orange glazed chicken wings and a clam stew! We ate and ate and ate. During this eating adventure I sipped on a Long Island Iced Tea! Yum. All of the dishes were melt in your mouth amazing! We finished off with an order of the Classic Paella to share. So many tastes all in one! Alright, alright, alright!! Want an amazing time with food and drink? Local 188 is the spot!
(5)Katy N.
Love the atmosphere here. It's like you are in someone's hippy den. The drinks are better than the food and brunch is better than dinner. I think dinner is a little overpriced for what it is.. no dish I've had has really been all that great (not bad, just not memorable) Still - I always bring out of town friends here because I think it's very "Portland." I've never had a drink here that wasn't worth the price tag or that wasn't absolutely delicious.
(4)Natalie C.
Very expensive and very eclectic. It is not traditional American food. It's Mexican tapas with some eclectic options. I'll admit it was a difficult menu to read unless you are well versed in food which I am not.
(2)allie z.
This was our last stop on my best friend's bachelorette weekend, and boy, was I glad this was the place that was chosen. We were not feeling at the top of our game after a very busy and fun weekend exploring Portland's finest bar establishments, but this was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip. They had a table for 8 all ready to go, which is hard to find on a Sunday morning. Their iced coffee was delicious and a welcome refreshment on a hot day. Those that got the various types of bloody mary's were very impressed with the flavors (and alcohol content). The real star of the meal was everyone's meal, especially mine. The majority of us ordered their corned beef hash with eggs and hollandaise. This was after the waitress recommended due to popularity. I'm so glad she did. There were crisp chunks of potato homefries covering the bottom of the gigantic dish (really a crater in itself). Then came the 100% corned beef hash. Literally nothing but delicious Grade A, well seasoned beef. No potatoes or fillers. Just meat. Amazing and slightly crispy with the brining seasoning packed right in! Gently laid over the top were my two over easy eggs, perfectly runny, yet perfectly firm. Finally, the shining star of this meal was the homemade hollandaise sauce. Man oh man, was this delicious. One would expect this type of sauce to be heavy and rich. Rich it was, but not overly so. But, the one thing I have to say was refreshing was the brightness of the citrus you could taste. AMAZING! Every element on it's own was delicious, but when you mixed them together, it was a whole other experience. Finally, to wash all of this down, they give you a giant homemade, freshly baked english muffin along with a raspberry-almond-vanilla jam and an apple spice compote. These were so amazing and were a great finish to a wonderful and enjoyable brunch. Next time I'm in Portsmouth, I will definitely be returning to Local 188. Food was amazing and service was good. This was the cherry on top of an already amazing weekend!
(5)Joe M.
Tried the corned beef hash which came with poached eggs (little over cooked) home fries, hollandaise and English muffin. Food was good, English muffin tasted home made? Think I would've enjoyed more menu options, wasn't really super excited to order anything. Place is good though and I would return for sure but I'm not in a big hurry. My wife LOVED her garlic bloody Mary.
(3)Marla C.
Headed in to Portland on a sunny Sunday morning, and my Yelp ad led me to the Local 188 for brunch. I was NOT disappointed. We arrived around 10am, which was perfect b/c there was zero wait. We started with the from-scratch biscuits with honey butter. Do NOT miss out on these. They were heavenly. Then I had the smoked salmon scramble with homefries and savored every delicious bite. They didn't skimp on the salmon, which made the dish extra savory. My husband had the mushroom & herb scramble and I snuck a bite. WOW--so perfectly seasoned!! He cleaned his plate as well. Loved the atmosphere of this place, even if the pace was a bit slow. That's part of what made it so nice.
(5)Eshita G.
While my dish was very yummy (breakfast burrito, but I asked for no rice)and we enjoyed the comfortable seating while we waited for our table, the service could've been much better as our waitress was slow, messed up our order, and we waited a long time for our food (45 minutes)...and in the end, we didn't get much of a discount. I would return and hope for another server.
(3)Maddie G.
We went to Local 188 with a party of 11 on Labor Day weekend. Our server was outstanding. He was patient and attentive. He answered questions helpfully and seemed to magically know when we needed him. We wanted to eat slowly and enjoy the evening in the true Spanish tapas fashion, and we didn't feel rushed at all so were able to do that. We ordered tapas at intervals and sipped our wine while enjoying the fun decor, great ambience and the company of our party. Once the food came out, it was delicious and the portions were not giant like they are at so many restaurants these days. We lingered 3 hours and were completely relaxed. The food was delicious and interesting. We had vegetarians in our party, and they were well able to find options. This restaurant was right up our alley, and we would go back any time we are in Portland. If you want the mammoth portions and quick in-and-out service that is typical of many American restaurants, or if you're in some sort of time crunch, it is true that this is not the right choice. However, if you are able to keep an open mind, want to enjoy an inspired meal, and eat in European fashion (as is this restaurant's self-described modus operandi) this is the restaurant for you.
(5)Helen W.
From Los Angeles, so I get the foodie thing. But $6 for two five inch roasted leek spears is a joke of an appetizer. The white fish I ordered was fresh, but unremarkable. The restaurant is way too dark for dinner. Neighboring diners also found this a big problem. That being said, my friend's tuna was unbelievably delicious. Truly outstanding. So it seems like it is hit and miss with the menu. I was still hungry after eating two appetizers and an entree. I am not a big person. And given the somewhat high prices, that's an unhappy ending.
(2)Gina B.
I went on Saturday night with five other people. Our waitress was excellent. She was very attentive and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu. Glasses were never empty for long and the drinks were amazing. Unfortunately we left hungry. I ordered four tapas for the table to start. They were out of mussels so it was suggested I order the scallops instead. Three of the tiniest scallops I've ever seen arrived on a very fancy plate for 13 dollars. At one point I asked for more bread because we were so hungry and really feeling our drinks due to lack of food. I was pretty surprised when our entrees arrived. I ordered the hanger steak, which cost 17 dollars. It arrived on a very large plate, but the portion was tiny. The steak itself took up about one fifth of the plate and was served with nothing more than garnish. It was cooked perfectly, but it was so little! I understand that with fine dining portions sometimes are smaller, but I thought some of the portions were pretty ridiculous for the prices. The quality of the food is good, the cocktails are great, the ambiance is fantastic, and our server was amazing. We ended up going to a Mexican place later for tacos after spending a lot of money on a little food.
(2)Shirley D.
3 stars because of the decor!! Such a cool/chill place. I wish there was a place like that in Jersey!! The whole place is filled with antique furniture, couches, a cool bar, and a live (you can see the cooks) kitchen area. Now, on to the food. I have to start off by telling you guys how hungry I was. I seriously was starving searching for a restaurant with the best reviews and found this one. First off, the good thing was that they start you off with a complimentary plate of bread with olive oil and salt which tasted delicious. As for the entree, I ordered the Flank steak and it was good... but incredibly small (maybe I just eat too much haha). My boyfriend had the rib entree and it was so small too, it was mostly bone and just a few pieces of meat. This would probably only apply to those who are searching for a decent sized meal. Seriously, I was so disappointed. I was still so hungry afterwards I had to search for a pizzeria. With that being said, Local 188 is still perfect for a nice place to hang out and enjoy a drink just don't come here hungry.
(3)Yan T.
We only had one night in Portland, and although I initially wanted to have some kind of fancy dinner, neither I nor my gf were particularly eager to go to a stuffy restaurant in Portland. And, after a pretty heavy lunch, we decided to venture out for some late bites. Local 188 was a somewhat random choice, but fit the bill. As soon as you walk in, a cozy feeling settles in. It's a big, open, beautiful space with lots of modern, local touches. There are regular tables, couches, bar seats, and fanciful oversize lounge chairs fit for giants. It's an artist's paradise. The kitchen was closing around 10, so we quickly ordered some drinks and bites. I got the charcuterie (house cured ham, Montreal smoked brisket, guanciale, oxbow spam) and a flight of some fantastic beers (including "Lunch" by Maine Beer Co.), as well as a Bourbon hot toddy. Our waitress was friendly and rolled with the punches, even as she was preparing to wrap up kitchen service. Highly recommended any time of day!
(5)Meli L.
Two of us popped in the morning of fourth of July for some fuel for the day, we were sat at the bar and told one special, served our waters and left to look over the menu. They have a pastry special and pancake special of the day, we weren't told about so we had to ask (which why wouldn't our waiter just tell us while he gave us the breakfast special?). We started with the donuts, which were delicious, perfect bit of lemon and served with strawberry jam. For my meal I ordered the salmon plate, my dining companion went with the corned beef hash. Since we sat at the bar, we had a clear view of the kitchen, which was unfortunate as I watched my salmon plate sit for a solid 15 minutes while the hash was made. Aside from the cold bagel, the dish was good. Small portions and very slow service.
(3)Karen H.
Unintentionally walked into this place when looking for another place with a similar name---and so glad we stayed! The atmosphere here is more than half of what earned the five-star rating, and once the food and drinks arrived, the five-star rating was secured! The decor and attitude of staff combine for the kind of Portland casual, local feel we were looking for. Even a conversation pit in the center makes waiting for your table a pleasure. Delicious local food- amazing, truly incredible, roasted potatoes and the best English Muffin ever! Great locally harvested tea and good coffee.
(5)Claudio C.
My first visit to Local 188 was today for a Father's Day brunch. It was very crowded, as we had a 45 minute wait. There were seats at the entrance and people watching made the time pass quickly. There is ample seating...and a roomy sort of hippy like atmosphere. The brunch cocktails looked excellent...my son said the Bloody Mary was excellent. They have an extensive bottled and draft beer selection with several Belgian options, which I sampled. The baked goods are very good. We sampled the scratch donuts and the biscuits...both very good. We also tried an order of the deviled eggs...which were very good...light creamy and some bacon on top. The brunch options are somewhat limited....I'd say about seven items. I tried the Paella with eggs....it was a baked skillet with chicken, sausage, mussels, rice, and bacon....with baked eggs in the center....hot sauce added to the decent mix of flavors....I felt that both the eggs and the mussels were slightly overcooked....which took a bit of pizzaz out of the dish. Overall, it was decent, but not great. My mom has the huervos ranchero.....she enjoyed it...but the black beans tasted canned to me...maybe a nitpick... Others had steak and eggs....the breakfast burrito....and a pastrami Reuben....everyone felt that their meals were fine. I tried a bite of the Reuben....it was hot, juicy, and flavorful. The waitress and overall service was decent based on the large crowd on Father's Day....ours did a good job. One kitchen misstep did occur....the Reuben was the only non egg dish ordered....apparently, the kitchen is separated by egg verses traditional food items for brunch.....the five egg based meals all came out in unison....my dads Reuben....ten plus minutes later...so that's something they need to fix. Overall....I liked the place....I wasn't wowed by anything in particular....but it was good and decent price to value. I'd try dinner here. 3 1/2 stars
(3)Joe Y.
My new favorite Bloody Mary is found here and it is called the Cilantro. It was crisp, flavorful and not too spicy. For me, the cilantro gave it the right amount of zest. This place has always been a go to for a cocktail but now I can add brunch to the list. I had a great time hanging out with friend in a cool environment eating breakfast and drinking bloody marys. I have always been impressed with the the bartenders accommodating special drink orders and the staff's consideration of food allergies and preferences. Local 188 is a solid establishment and one of my all time favorites in Portland.
(4)Vio -.
Adorable place with decent food but I wouldn't mind a faster service. It took about 20 minutes to get our drinks and around an hour before the food came. I ordered a salmon scramble, wish there was more than trace amount of salmon in it. Some people at a table were complaining that the home fries were burned, but if you like them well done, like I do, you should be fine. The highlight was blueberry jelly served on the side - really great, possibly homemade.
(3)Anna E.
Friday I stopped into Local 188 for a cappuccino to go after enjoying happy hour and ramen at Pai Men Miyaki. I'd heard a lot about this place but hadn't been until this night. It was busy at the peak of dinner service on a Friday night. Young families and couples arrived at a steady pace while I waited; those with reservations were seated immediately while others who were drop-ins were told there would be an hour or so wait. Like some of the other neighborhood joints, Local 188 also has an open kitchen allowing patrons to get a view of the oft behind the scenes action - even more so if you are seated at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the room, there is the actual bar, the wall behind it fully stocked. The dining room has a long table that made me think of community dining, as well as smaller tables for parties with less people, and some lounge areas with couches for socializing over drinks and small plates. I had a sample of one of the in-house made ice creams while waited, the chocolate chip. It was good but I was more impressed by my cappuccino. It was made with Coffee By Design espresso and at $4.00 it wasn't inexpensive, but it was a good size and quality. It kept me awake on my drive from Portland to Lewiston after not enough sleep and a cocktail at dinner. I look forward to coming back and trying the food!
(4)Jennifer L.
My husband and I went here on a whim the other night. We arrived around 5 on a Monday and it was nice and quiet. My sangria was delicious and my hubby had a local beer. The menu was a little smaller than we expected but we are not fussy eaters so it didn't prove to be a problem. We had some of their tapas and 2 entrees. The pickled veggies were great and had a bit of Indian flair to them. The deviled eggs were so much better than my mom's (shh dont tell her). the last tapas plate we had was a Chicken croquette. The filling needed a touch of salt but other than that it was really good. For entrees I had the ricotta gnocchi and my hubby had the hanger steak. Both were out of this world! The steak was perfectly cooked and the sauces were on point. The gnocchi were browned on all sides which added an unexpected texture and flavor that was amazing. The mushroom sauce was the perfect accompaniment.
(4)Kylie D.
Let me preface this by saying that normally I like Local 188. While I haven't ever had a stellar experience here, I've always left satisfied. This 3-Star review is just for my last brunch experience. I still don't understand why they would leave two six-tops and one four-top empty during Sunday brunch while people sat waiting for 30 minutes or more. The six tops easily convert to four-tops and there you have it, everyone seated, happy and eating instead of walking out in frustration. I loved my giant dutch pancake (though I could only eat about a quarter of it) and my friends' meals were great but the sub-par service by the hostess and server made me feel like we just weren't very important.
(3)