Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: The Local
Address: 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55402
Telephone: (612) 904-1000
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.87

The Local

931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55402

(612) 904-1000
Store is closed

The Local Menu

Hot & Fresh Soup

Baked Cheddar And Tomato

Soup Of The Day
Seasonal Salads

Steakhouse Chop

The Local's Chopped Salad

Gazpacho Salad

Nicoise Salad

Berrie And Brie
Signature Sandwiches

The Local Burger

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Pot Roast Sandwich

Hearty Turkey Burger

2 Gingers Chicken Sandwich

Bbq Pork

Reuben Or Rachel
Pub Classic

The Local's Fish N Chips

Steak And Mushroom Pie

Chicken Pub Pie

Walleye Dinner

Sausage And Mash

Curry House Chicken
The Local Specialties

Pot Roast Dinner

Lighthouse Farm Meatloaf

Pub Steak

Seven Day Dinner Feature

Sandwich Special

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Local

Hot & Fresh Soup

Baked Cheddar And Tomato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seasonal Salads

Steakhouse Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Local's Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gazpacho Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nicoise Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Berrie And Brie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Signature Sandwiches

The Local Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Salad Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pot Roast Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hearty Turkey Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2 Gingers Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Reuben Or Rachel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pub Classic

The Local's Fish N Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak And Mushroom Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Pub Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walleye Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage And Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Curry House Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
The Local Specialties

Pot Roast Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lighthouse Farm Meatloaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pub Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seven Day Dinner Feature [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 5444 Brooklyn Blvd )

Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 5444 Brooklyn Blvd )

Write An Anonymous Review

eddie d.

Good drinks and great atmosphere. Hope I get the chance to come back and try the food sometime. The private rooms looked pretty interesting.
(5)
Michelle W.

I was looking for someplace near the convention center and someone at the hotel suggests that I come here for dinner. It was a nice day, so most of the people were sitting on their outside patio, but I chose do dine inside as it was quieter. The interior has a mix of high top tables, a couch area in the back and rooms with larger tables that look like they nicely accommodate larger groups. I ordered the skinny ginger and their walleye sandwich. I've never had walleye before, but I really liked it. The fish seemed fresh and didn't have that fishiness to it. It was nicely breaded. I also liked that they put the tarter sauce on the side, in case people didn't want it on their sandwich. The skinny ginger was good -- strong but good!
(4)
Chris P.

I have given The Local thousands of dollars over the past few years, and in return, they have given me delicious Irish fare, an outstanding customer experience from their well-trained and friendly staff, a great atmosphere to socialize and/or watch soccer in, and many professionally poured Guinnesses (Guinni?). You really won't go wrong with anything on the menu from the fish and chips (a personal favorite) to the shepard's pie. If you're in the mood for something smaller, go with the boneless wings - they have spectacular flavor, especially when you dip them in ranch like any warm-blooded Minnesotan, and they come in just the right portion. The patio, like most places in Minneapolis during the spring/summer, is a highly coveted spot, and I highly recommend sitting out there if you can get a spot. There's great people watching along Nicollet Mall. If you can't find a spot out there, there are many nooks and crannies in which you can seclude yourself, including the kissing room. Come prepared to spend $30-40 on dinner and drinks.
(4)
Aaron H.

Loved it! First time at an Irish Pub & wanted real Irish food. The Local didn't disappoint. Even a noon meal with my wife & three kiddos while on vacation was a treat. Food was great. Staff super. Dining area totally cool.
(5)
C. T.

Staying in downtown Minneapolis and wanted to walk to a restaurant on Nicollet Mall. We chose The Local. We were seated at a table a few steps in front of the private dining room. No problem until all the people started showing up for the party going on in the private room, and then the attendees overflowed out of the private room and surrounded our table. We couldn't hear each other talk for all the party-goers surrounding us, talking and brushing past us to enter the private room. Our food was just mediocre. One in our group ordered the chicken pot pie which was a huge disappointment--flavorless and served with a HUGE helping of lettuce (only lettuce) dressed with only lemon or vinegar. The pot pie was flavorless and the serving was just enough to serve an 8 year old. The bison burger was very good and the walleye fish and chips was okay. The service was just okay--we never got asked if we wanted refills on our drinks. I don't know, maybe there are other things on the menu that are tastier and worth the price, but we probably won't be back.
(1)
Jessica W.

My bf and I ended up stopping here because we noticed they had a late night menu and a pretty nice little patio. The waitress got to us right away and was super helpful with food and drink suggestions. We ordered the fish and chips to share and it was definitely more than enough for both of us. *late night food menu *good patio ambiance *great service
(4)
Scott H.

Sat at the bar on business trip, attentive and helpful waitstaff. Had a Seven Day Special: a 10 oz ribeye topped with ramp (new foodie term to me! A scallion-ish root veg) that was awesome, with a potato & leek frittata with a ramp pesto (I love pesto!) Had a great Odell's peach Imperial IPA and love the wee indulgences - easy on the wallet and the calorie count! Finished up with the Guinness Mousse, Carrot Cake, and Vanilla Chibost (awesome brÃ»lÃ©e!)
(5)
Joley B.

On a recent trip to Minneapolis, a friend and I managed to stop in at the Local (twice!) For our first impression - I have nothing but wonderful things to say. We were greeted by a jovial host, who started chatting with us right away. Come to find out, he is a transplant from Rochester, NY, and this got us into deeper conversation. He was so friendly, and he really set the tone for our visit. We were seated in the side room which undoubtedly feels like a cave. But I loved the intimate atmosphere there, and while somewhat noisy as it filled up, it wasn't too bad. Our server was pleasant - suggested some drink specials. I tried my first Big Ginger here, and enjoyed it! For a meal, I went with the cheesy tomato soup (absolutely delicious considering that I am not typically a fan of tomato-based soups) and wild rice veggie burger which was excellent. I would definitely order that again. My friend went with the apple and brie salad and was pleased as well. Our second visit was not quite as good as we had hoped given the first experience. We came back a couple days later for a late lunch/snack. And here's where 5 stars drops to 4. The service this time wasn't great. I felt like we were stuck way in the back out of the way. Our server was pleasant, but she was hard to catch when we wanted a refill or the check. The quinoa salad was superb, and I enjoyed the pub pretzels I shared with my friend... .BUT that same cheesy tomato soup was definitely not to my friend's liking. I think she could sense that something about it was off... she surely didn't enjoy it as much as I had previously. And upon returning to our hotel, we realized she likely had food poisoning... I love the style of this place. I think it's great that there are separate rooms for larger gatherings. The kissing room is surely unique. While my experience with the food would have garnered a 5 star rating, I just can't rate it that high this go around. Would I come back? Definitely. It's worth it - a fun Irish pub with a lot of character. Great for groups and dates alike.
(4)
Dylan S.

This place is amazing. We visited The Local after being recommended there by a stranger in our hotel. Fair drink prices inside of a beautiful and clean establishment. The service was phenomenal.
(5)
Vee V.

Nice spot for some beers. The location is perfect for a night of bar hopping. The inside is antiquey and super dark. It doesn't exactly inspire a vibrant mood. I came for a surprise birthday party and we had a little snack buffet set up for our group in the back bar area. Chips with onion dip, hummus platter, chicken shots, and soft pretzels. All tasty, I'd definitely order any of these again for late night munchies. I ordered the Bison ranch burger for dinner. The meat was cooked nicely, but the whole burger was pretty bland. I added a side of soup, some sort of cheddar potato, it was okay. Service was great. We had a very large group, 20 plus at certain points through the night. I received my drinks quickly, and the server assigned to us was always close by to check on us. I'd recommend this place for group events, or a quick drink. It's always loud and busy, so it's tough to have any deep conversations if that's what you were planning.
(3)
Aaron E.

The Local offers a wonderful Irish Pub drinking experience in Downtown Minneapolis. I stopped in with some friends and family and I immediately loved the way this watering hole is set up; long and sweeping bars with warm bartenders that are happy to please. The drink prices were fair if not inexpensive for the area, as my Fulton IPA's weighed in at $7.00 a piece. It seems the local business scene is well aware of the ambiance offered here as most patrons were donning either Oxford button ups or suits. I really enjoyed the pair of drinks I had at this establishment as well as the kind vibe from the staff. Next time my travels take to the area I expect to down another Fulton bar side.
(4)
Cassidy S.

I joined a friend here for a drink on a Monday evening. We had some light cucumber signature cocktails - my friend ordered it as is (gin), and I substituted vodka in mine. They were light and refreshing. I hadn't had dinner yet, so I also ordered the chicken pub pie. When it arrived, I thought I'd have leftovers for later, but it was too delicious and I finished every bite. Service was business-oriented but got everything right.
(4)
Ruth D.

We had lunch here immediately following an Arsenal/Manchester match, and the place was still full of soccer (or football) fans. Rather hilariously, the staff actually split the restaurant in two, with signs separating the fans of the two teams. When I asked our server about this, she said it's a sensible precaution to avoid fights. Service was a little slow (probably because they were still grappling with the hordes of fans leaving) but our food was absolutely delicious. We had the crispy fried Rueben wontons-- crunchy and hot and cheesy and perfect with an intriguing sweet and spicy sauce with hints of apricot. I had an excellent chicken club sandwich (it never would have occurred to me to shred the chicken, or dress mustard green) and it was great. Fresh ciabatta bread. Thick bacon. Deeply satisfying. My husband got the Rueben and loved it. I'd love to come back sometime to people-watch during a soccer match!
(4)
Cindy D.

I really enjoy this place when I go out. It is a great spot to hang out with friends. The location is great because it is right in downtown of Minneapolis. It is surrounded by other restaurants and bars. The space inside is big. The dÃ©cor is very nice. They have a secret room called The Kissing Room. Now that is something interesting. I like it when there's a secret room...they make me to come here more often because of that. I had their lunch special during the summer, it was a great deal. I forgot how much it cost, sorry. I do enjoy their calamari though. Last time I ordered it was very tender instead of chewy. This place is known for their whiskeys. If you are not a whiskey drinkers there are other drink options as well. The service there is amazing. The bartenders are knowledgeable with the drinks. Definitely a place for group outing and drinking!
(4)
Jimmy J.

A quick bite to eat here on a overnight trip. Had the chicken curry and a brown ale. Both were delicious. My waitress was very friendly and helpful. Not sure when I'll be back in town, but if I return - I'll be eating here again.
(4)
Jackie C.

I love this place! They have a really great laid back atmosphere, delicious food, and their desserts...oh their desserts are incredible! Starting with their food, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a really tasty curry dish. Their sriracha wings and the chicken shots with the whiskey glaze are crazy good too. For Dessert I recommend doing the sampler that comes with three different options. My three faves are the Guinness Mousse, Chocolate S'more Cake, carrot cake, and Toffee Cake in that order. They also have a pretty wide selections of beer being an irish pub and all. Tip: Parking in this are can be tricky so I suggest parking the lot between 9th and 10th St on Marquette. The cost of parking in the lot is pretty reasonable after 5pm.
(4)
Ian T.

Was in town in Minneapolis for one night on business. 3 things about this place you'll love; 1 - The place is massive, and has a large oval shaped bar in the center of the room. You won't have to worry about getting cozy with your neighbor. 2 - There are wooden chameleons all over the place. I won't tell you their meaning here, you'll have to go to find out. 3 - This place has sold the most Jameson GLOBALLY for 4 years running. They have plaques embedded in the tile to show off this great honor. Other than that, the bar and waitstaff are very friendly, and rarely allow your glass to be empty. Happy Travels.
(5)
Nhi V.

What a cool place! Loved how it looks like an actual pub! Food and drinks were great! It's overly crowded here so it's a good thing that I this is the place to be! Definitely will visit again! The only downer would be ramp parking and the pub is pretty dark, hopefully they'll turn up the lights a tad bit more!
(5)
Sarah S.

I don't get the hype?!? Been here a few times.Once we sat outside and it was pretty nice, lots of people and it was lively!I had a Ruben which was pretty decent tasting! Then went there once again 2 weekends back it was a Friday night, sat at the bar-the place was dead.We had calamari which was good didn't like the dipping sauce at all. 2 gingers is the drink!
(3)
Troy P.

For an Irish Pub feeling the Local is awesome. Well, I've never been to Ireland or a Pub in Ireland, but for the States this is as close as it gets:) Right on Nicollet Mall the location is perfect, the patio is always a popular spot in the warmer months where the people watching is great. Inside is unique and charming, the different nooks and private tables make The Local a cool destination for dates, happy hour or drinks with friends. This is probably one of the coolest layouts for a bar in Minneapolis, it seems like every time I visit I find a different place to sit or a little enclosed area that I never saw before. Last time I was there I noticed a table under the stairs going to the private second floor, and there were actually people sitting there. As far as what they are serving, the food has always been good, there is a good selection of beer and plenty of different whisky to choose from. I frequent most often after work for happy hour or late night for drinks so appetizers have been most common for me. Stuffed mushrooms were delicious as are the sausage bites. Avoid the Calamari, it's mostly green and pickled peppers, very little actual calamari. Altogether I would say come for the drinks and the atmosphere and you won't be disappointed. If the food were more impressive then I would easily throw 5 stars up there.
(4)
Justin S.

I've been here a number of times. The food is good, and at a fair price. It can get very busy so I've had mixed experiences with service, but that comes with a place that's often pretty full. The only real drawback is that this place can get over run with Target HQ employees from time to time. Aside from that, great establishment.
(4)
Lindsay B.

My wife and I were visiting Minneapolis this past weekend and were looking for somewhere near the convention center to get our grub on. We are both vegetarians so just picking a place isn't the best option. I like to do my research and check a few menus to make sure they'll be something for us to order when we roll through the door. The Local kept popping up on my Yelp search so we decided to grab a bite there on a very busy Friday night. We walked in and the place was packed. We put our name in with the hostess and were told there would be about a 20 minute wait. They took my cell number so they could text an alert to me when we were ready to be seated, which I liked, as it was pretty noisy. We were seated after about 15 minutes and our server was a rockstar. Elizabeth was super attentive and was very composed under pressure. The restaurant was packed and she clearly had a lot of tables but kept everything running very smoothly. Our water glasses were never close to running low and our food came out within 15 minutes of being seated. I was impressed! The wild rice veggie burger was outstanding. The roasted beets were a great savory-sweet touch and I really liked the peppadew cream cheese that added a nice little kick. The sweet potato fries were really good, but I would have liked a separate dipping sauce for them rather than ketchup. But that's hardly a complaint, I really enjoyed our meal. We had a great experience and I would gladly make a return trip if my travels bring me back to Minneapolis.
(4)
Ellie E.

Just... NO. A group of us made reservations for Sunday morning to go to brunch. They called about an hour and a half before the reservations to confirm, but my friend was in the shower. They left a message and said they would cancel our reservations if they didn't get a call back by a certain time. It wasn't a huge party - just 5 of us. Super strange, considering when she was telling us this we were looking around wondering what the big deal was since the place was a ghost town. We were seated in this super cute little room off the side of the hostess station. I loved that room! That room was the best part of our experience. However, there was a super gross, used, fork sitting on a window sill in my line of vision and it was all I could focus on. It had crusty food on it! Gives me the willies thinking about it! We cruised by the brunch buffet and laughed. It was such a joke! Caramel rolls that looked nasty and were about the size of a baby red potato, wimpy bacon, scrambled eggs, yawn. It didn't look like it was worth $14 so we bailed, off to find a place that actually wanted to serve us brunch. To top it all off my mimosa, which the server said was $4, turned out to be $7.75 which was a rip off for a glass of mostly orange juice.
(1)
Kristina G.

The Local is a great local, "go-to" place to drink good beer and dine well. The Strongbow on ice is a must! Great location for dates! Also a plus, how cool that they have a kissing room?
(4)
Heather R.

Great food! Went there for my bachelorette party and it was a perfect, laid back setting.
(5)
Erin G.

We made reservations here for brunch, and were seating in a fabulous table room right in front. That was the only good part. The place was DEAD at 11:30 am on a Sunday, which should have been an indicator right then and there. We looked at the brunch buffet and it was sad and pathetic looking. So we all finished our bloodies and mimosas and left to find ourselves a decent brunch buffet. The bloody was also boring, small, and pathetic, just like the buffet. Don't waste your time unless oyu are into something basic and cheap for brunch, then I'm sure it's fine. It was just basic eggs, bacon, hasbrowns, sausage, and tiny caramel rolls, and looked like something you'd find at a hotel.
(1)
Emily R.

I went to the Local this past weekend for a drink. My friends decided to sit in a booth because they wanted to get some food with their drinks. I just wanted a quick drink so I decided to go to the bar. There were a handful of people standing at the bar, most already had drinks. It wasn't busy by any means, nothing like the Pourhouse on a Friday night or a college bar getting slammed. I'm very understanding of all the things bartenders need to do. Fifteen minutes went by and the bartender still had not even acknowledged that I was there. Finally after what seemed like forever she finally walked my way but still didn't look at me. I had to ask her if I could get a drink and she was pretty rude about getting one. By the time I got back to my table my friends had already received all of their food and drinks. I had a bad experience with one of the workers here but maybe she was just a bad bartender having a bad night. My friends server seemed nice and attentive to their table. I may or may not go back, depends on if my friends want to go again for a drink.
(1)
Zarina M.

Nice place for brunch on the weekends especially when the weather is much nicer and you can utilize their huge patio for people watching. Their brunch buffet is only 14 bucks but I still wouldn't get it. Go fo rthe breakfast shepards pie and some local breakfast! Coming from Boston I'd say they are pretty legit if you really are craving for a true Irish experience. I love their bangers and mash!
(4)
K L.

Unremarkable service. Waited 10 mon on patio despite a flurry of waitresses no ons would make eye contact or attempt to bring a menu. Gentlemam who brought food was not friendly. Burger cooked to order but onions left on despite ordering wo onions. Fortunately the burger was good. I would not come back.
(2)
Scott D.

This was a great spot for an afternoon meal. We came in on a Friday just after the lunch rush and got a nice table on the sidewalk. I liked the menu which had plenty of choices. We started with a pub pretzel which comes with a great cheese dip and a spicy mustard. I had the Club Local with a pea soup. The sandwich was good with a tasty pepper bacon. I love pea soup and this was a nice version with pieces of beef in it. The waitress was friendly and quick with the lemonade refills. On the way out I stopped inside to use the rest room and was impressed with the beautiful Irish pub interior.
(4)
Ritawa R.

Food was good: had the turkey burger Service was good as well, took a while to start
(4)
Sarah K.

Stopped at the Local for brunch. The pancakes were good despite being a lot flatter than I expected. The patio is really cute and colourful. Service was great and would definitely like to try their lunch menu sometime.
(4)
Brandy D.

I love The Local. This place has been a mainstay for me for over five years now and it's a place that is very near and dear to my heart. There is just no place that ranks with the ambience and character of this pub--there are lots of different seating options and generally the wait is very short. They have a main menu of beers that doesn't change very frequently, other than a few seasonals, but the selection is still pretty solid. The Local also works well in both the summer and winter: warm, cozy comfort foods for those cold, wintery nights and a nice, big patio on Nicollet Mall for those perfect summer days. No matter what it's like outside, you can enjoy it at the same place. A great place to have a festive, unexpectedly romantic meal. Good date spot, friends!
(5)
Aimee C.

When in Minnesota... Listen to the locals and hangout at The Local. How stoked were hubby and I that we arrived into Minneapolis right before Happy Hour?! Evidently, Happy Hour is a pretty popular thing around town so we could venture out after checking in and check it out. During our short stay, we spent the most time at The Local. Both times, great service and awesome food. For our first visit and first adventure to foodie world in Minneapolis, took a rec from Troy P. and headed to The Local. We were greeted by the nicest guy ever, Todd. He quickly sat us, told us some recs for food choices, and chatted it up with us. What a first impression for The Local and what Minnesota Nice was! (Yup, I learned a new term - woohoooo!) We ordered a few items off the Happy Hour menu: Wee Burgers, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Chicken Shots. We enjoyed our food, but to be honest, we weren't that thrilled with the Chicken Shots which seemed to be a popular choice. Overall, though, for $15 for our first meal in town, we were ok with it. After a night out bike riding (yup, check out my review: yelp.com/biz/nice-ride-mâ€¦ ), I was hoping to get dessert somewhere with my husband. So, I decided to Yelp for dessert options and wouldn't you know, The Local popped up. Why not, right?! Boy oh boy was that the best idea ever! The Local offers Wee Indulgences meaning tiny versions of dessert yumminess. You can choose tiny individual desserts, but it just makes more sense to buy the trio for $8.99. My hubby and I decided to share two scoops of Izzy's Salted Caramel Ice Cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and a toffee cake (toffee soaked sponge cake topped with fresh coffee whipped cream). It seriously was delish. A perfect pairing was a couple of cocktails - hubby had 2 Gingers on the rocks and I had the Gingermaine which is a mix of Greenall's gin with St. Germaine, fresh lemon, and grapefruit. Needless to say, we are fans of The Local. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Staff is super cool and we were happy with our food options. Of course, given more time, we'd likely have dinner there and chat it up with our favorite guy, Todd. If you stop in, say 'hi' to him for us!
(5)
Mike W.

Spent a little time in the kissing room last weekend. I was impressed at the strength of the cell phone reception and how well it did blocking out the noise from the bar. The Local is a solid spot to drink and be merry. Pool tables upstairs, hefty pours, and young crowd. I'm exhausted just thinking about.
(4)
Shawn F.

After two lunchtime visits on a recent trip to Minneapolis, I would definitely recommend this place based on its food, value, location & atmosphere. Centrally located in downtown, near any number of hotels & the Nicollet Mall, The Local's quaint Irish charm is tucked away on the corner of the street, also just blocks away from Target Field, making it an an ideal pit stop before a Twins' game. On both visits, I had different versions of the Wee Lunch Special, or a salad, pop & small sandwich - I'd suggest the Rachel. Service was fast & friendly & the decor is charming without being tacky or overbearing.
(4)
Nina M.

Excellent service... Attentive without intrusive. Great happy hour deals on wine, beer and appetizers. In nice weather, the outside seating is fun and great place to people-watch. Artichoke dip was fabulous and the local greens salad was the best.. Fresh vegetables tossed in just enough dressing to give flavor, but not overwhelm the flavor of the salad.
(4)
Christine G.

Nice little pub that I stumbled on. I went in after 12 pm on a Saturday afternoon. They love their football (i.e. soccer), so steer clear of the bar. They have brunch until 1. I had the silver bison burger, which was really good. I also got the chocolate s'more cake, good, but sweet. I'd go back, but I wouldn't go for a date night or anything. Place for friends hanging out for sure
(4)
Dhianjot M.

Great atmosphere great food and mediocre selection of draft beers. The price range is decent though I got the shared sriracha wings it was a great taste but the amount for the money was a little high on he price range I also got the raw tuna salad which was a 5 out of 5 rating delicious and decent portion for the money but ask for some soy sauce and wasabi on the side really solidified the dish. Overall it's a great place I want to come again.
(4)
Colette D.

Best Fish and Chips I have ever had! Service great, patio atmosphere great and wait staff great!
(4)
Beth G.

A quick search on Yelp for sports bars in downtown Minneapolis helped me find this gem! The three of us stopped in to watch the Wild game and grab some grub. One ordered the pot roast dinner, one had the meatloaf dinner and I had the chicken pub pie. None of us were expecting to get this type of food at all. It was all amazing. Seriously. The tarragon sauce and the pastry crust on my chicken pub pie was incredible and it came with a small spring green salad on the side. Two Deschutes Fresh Squeezes and this amazing meal made my night.
(5)
Iris H.

I've been here for lunch and dinner a few times and am not impressed. Often the food is overlooked or lacking flavor so it's not my favorite. The one lunch item I had which was satisfying was the wild rice veggie burger. However going back a second time and ordering the same thing, it was lacking flavor. Inconsistency is what I find which makes The Local the last place I'll go downtown.
(2)
Ej F.

Visited for a little while on Thursday night to quench my thirst before dinner (reservations at a place nearby). From what I gather, this place almost always has a fairly large crowd here... which is okay since this it's huge with multiple bars and seating areas all around. The second floor has more space too, but the night I was there it was closed off for a private event. I like the architecture and decor, historical and refined. Food I saw served around me looked good and there was an abundance of draft beer and cocktails to choose from. Next time I'll try a Ginger something with their signature whiskey. tl;dr great place to drink, eat, and socialize. The Local is definitely popular with the locals.
(4)
Ashley R.

Happy hours drink and food specials are on point. The wontons...corned beef, cabbage and cream cheese with sweet chili sauce. Delish! Ally was an AMAZING server and suggested Finnegan's beer as well as my app.
(5)
Sarah B.

The BF and I have been exploring Nicollet Mall restaurants for happy hour, and we hit The Local about 2 months ago. I've been so busy that I constantly forget to review restaurants, my bad. The Local was great! It was a little windy outside, so we opted to sit inside, and it looks so freakin' cool. Very old world pub. All their apps were like $6, so we tried 3 - shrimp bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and the crispy calamari. We had some beers and split a 2 Gingers drink. The prices were great, and the drink/beers were yummy. Our waiter also did a good job, friendly and didn't hover. Side note, the stuffed mushrooms are amazing, but they come out insanely hot. I may have burned myself. Wait to eat them, and cut them up too. But seriously, they're amazing.
(4)
Madeline G.

Great service! Good food. Nice outdoor seating for summer days. Our waitress was very prompt and polite. Reasonable prices. No complaints here, will definitely return to try more things on their menu and have a few drinks.
(4)
Breana T.

We had the pot roast and the chicken curry for dinner--DELICIOUS!!! The strawberry angel food cake was a little dry and the portion was small, not intended for sharing. The staff were exceptional!!
(4)
Cheryl H.

Great food and attentive, friendly service. Nice atmosphere indoor and in the outdoor seating area. Walking distance from Target Field.
(4)
Rachel G.

Was in town for a concert and checked this place out from the reviews and we were glad we did! Great atmosphere, very authentic looking Irish Pub- I've never been to a real one. Fish and chips were really good! I had one of their signature drinks, the big ginger, not a normal whiskey drinker but this was really good. The World Cup soccer game was in and the bar was packed with fans, service was still efficient and great!
(5)
Jordan P.

Service and food are spot on. I've yet to eat here and have them fall short in anyway. There's a reason this restaurant is packed all hours of the day while the others are complete ghost towns. This should be the example every restaurant tries to emulate.
(5)
John v.

Waiter was good...Meal was less than adequate. Ordered steak salad. It was tasty. Maybe a bit too much dressing. What I did not appreciate was the tiny portion of steak that it contained. Really for $14.50 that is all the steak one can manage to put on that salad. There are a lot of restaurants in the Nicollet Mall area...Give this one a pass if they are going to be that stingy...
(2)
Vy B.

This place was great - maybe not as awesome as The Anchor but the pot roast was cooked perfectly, not too tender or too tough. The calamari was light and tasty. They were really accommodating - my coworkers and I stopped here for lunch one day and they were able to seat all 15 of us together. We had multiple wait staff but all of they were equally as friendly and provided great service. I'd recommend this place if you are looking at a cool place to grab a bite to eat downtown for lunch. Not sure about the parking situation since I walked there but there is bike parking right outside and the walk down Nicollet Mall is always nice.
(3)
Emily P.

Yikes. Service after 10 is rough. Took us 20 minutes to have a server stop by to take our order and even longer to have her stop back so we could request the bill. Don't recommend if you are on a timeline or eager to get home, but the nice patio atmosphere redeems a little bit.
(3)
Karena L.

I thought this place barely rated one star, but my husband actually liked it, so I'll split the difference and give it two stars... I came here twice, one for dinner and once for a reception (otherwise I wouldn't have come back) Dinner initially showed promise; the sliders were quite good and I loved that they had gluten-free bread. Unfortunately, things went downhill after that... I had the pot roast as an entree. The pot roast I've had to this point is usually fork-tender. Unfortunately, the meat here was really tough and stringy; I had to use a knife and even then I had to chew... and chew... and chew. It was also almost inedibly salty. I would have preferred a microwave dinner, honestly. I did like the onions and carrots, which weren't as drenched in salt as the meat was. My husband's dish, the steak & mushroom pie, was almost exactly identical to mine in flavor, or at least it was so subtle that I couldn't tell a difference. Also the service sucked. I'm 6 mo's pregnant, so don't drink alcohol, and the waitress gave us attitude because I didn't order any alcohol. Maybe because of that, she then proceeded to ignore us almost the entire rest of the night. I finished my water (b/c of the salty food) and then drank down half of my husband's before she offered to get me another glass; she then took the glass and disappeared, for 10 minutes. ?? The service at the reception was much better. The food was ok, but the chicken tasted a bit like General Tso's chicken (sort of an odd thing).
(2)
Jake K.

Got food poisoning here which was gross. Contacted the restaurant and never heard back. Serves me right for going back after I found someone's gum in my water glass!
(1)
Miten B.

Awesome place to end a day. I tried their Quinoa Salad which was amazing. Good beer selections
(5)
Courtney L.

Really enjoyed our time here! We were bar hopping, but this was my favorite stop of the night. We sat on the patio and our server was really friendly and personable (and a bit sarcastic, which fit us nicely :) ). We ordered the Sriracha wings and The Local's Wontons which had corned beef and sauerkraut and cream cheese in them. Both apps were really fantastic... especially the wontons. The wings weren't very spicy, but still had a kick. It took us forever to order because everything on the menu is something unique and drool-worthy. I also highly recommend the Cucumber Collins. I have never actually enjoyed Gin before, but this drink is super refreshing and takes the bite out of Gin. The Big Ginger had too much of a kick for my taste, but I was also happy that they had so many different beers to choose from. I will definitely come back where when I am in the cities again!
(4)
Maggie H.

We sat outside on a Friday night. We were able to seat ourselves which was quick and nice even though they were busy. Our waiter was very nice and service was pretty quick. We shared the fish sliders that were very good and fresh. We also had the sweet potato fries and some beer. Can't complain! A pleasant experience.
(4)
Miles T.

Decided to try this place out on a beautiful sunny afternoon after spotting the outdoor dining area filled with many other people. 'Twas a popular choice and a great place to people watch while savoring beer(s). We hadn't had a thing to eat all day and it was nearly 3:30 in the afternoon. We ordered the pretzel appetizer along with two walleye sandwiches. The sandwiches were excellent as you might expect when ordering walleye in Minnesota, but the pretzel was just on par with every other pretzel ever ordered as an appetizer. They had a good selection of beer and the waitresses were very attentive and friendly. The only real bummer was the check which was more than I had expected to pay. I'll skip the $10 pretzel if I go back.
(4)
Jeff W.

I was told to come here after stopping at barrio. It was just ok to be honest. It would probably be an awesome spot if it wasnt a Monday. I had the fried calamari and it was straight amazing. I was told that everything on the menu rocks but thats common from the bartender. This place used to sell the most jameson in the world Im told... check it out if your in the area.
(3)
William C.

I can't count how many times I've been here for HH and brunch...it helps that I work across the street :-) For HH... You can't go wrong when it starts at 11am on weekdays! Great beers on tap, plenty of local and international brews. As always, a Big Ginger is always available to calm the nerves from a long day in the office. There is plenty of seating, it's really two bars in one location with lots of little enclaves, and outdoor seating when the weather is warm. For Lunch... Great lunch specials from soup/sandwich, classics like fish/chips and the usual assortment of burgers (which are great!). I usually get the fish & chips, crispy, fresh and always filling...you can't go wrong. For Brunch... I'm a HUGE fan of the weekend brunch buffet. The creamy cheesy hashbrowns are the best...THE BEST. Also...the sticky buns floating in a lake of sugary goodness...also amazing. Good food, great beer, awesome service.
(4)
Aimee N.

I have been to the Local a few times for lunch with co-workers. It's a pub with good food selection and I wish I have but since I go during work hours have not had a chance to try their beer selections just yet! This place gets busy for lunch and Happy Hour especially with the downtown work crowds. I visited yesterday with my team and decided to try the salmon and asparagus salad and I made the best choice! By far the best dish I have had there to date. You get a good sized cut of salmon and it was cooked perfectly with a soy glaze on top that made it even more delicious? They had it over a bed of asparagus ( a little disappointed in the size of those) that was seasoned and cooked nicely. The best part aside from the salmon was the salad that came on the same plate. It had a soy/ginger dressing that had a kick to it and I love apples in my salad and it was a great balance to the sweetness of the dish!! All for $16, which is a pricier item on the menu but definitely worth it. They do offer a variety of items at good price points. If you don't have a big stomach like me or wanting to get a cheaper meal, try their wee lunches. They are smaller portions of some of their popular entrees and can't beat the $7.99 price and comes with a drink! Our group sat outside in their patio area. It is on Nicollet so a lot of foot traffic but great for people watching Good for groups!
(4)
Sara J.

Lots of outdoor seating in the summer always boosts my opinion of a restaurant. I have been here probably 10+ times ranging from happy hour to a full meal. Most recently I tried their lamb burger for lunch and didn't care for it but the food I have had in past has always been fine so I wouldn't rate it on just my most recent experience. The place is well liked and always seems to be pretty crowded, if you have a group coming for happy hour make sure to make a reservation. Overall it's a good downtown location for lunch, happy hour, or late night drinks and appetizers. This place has a casual neighborhood pub feel, if you are looking for white tablecloths or a romantic dinner this is probably not the best place.
(4)
Jonathan C.

Another old bar with character in the MSP area. I chuckled as I walked by the Kissing Room. The homemade BBQ chips are pretty good! My Bison burger was OK, but the bun got soggy and fell apart. Oops. I've had better. The Cheddar tomato soup was nice though! Good service. I would eat here again.
(4)
Zam B.

There is a kissing room with saloon style doors that swung back in my bae's face and she got a black eye. It didn't work out with her.
(4)
W R.

Pros: friendly service and my burger was ok. Cons: for these prices, there shouldn't be any mistakes on the orders, the meat should be top-quality and known by servers. Summary:Overall, the space is unique and worthwhile. It is overpriced. For example, it seems like space the bathroom hasn't been updated in about 40 years. For these prices, I can't get a paper towel?
(2)
Robyn M.

I was lucky enough to sit on the Local patio for lunch today. I ordered the wee Reuben and it was fantastic. The thousand island dressing was a great touch and the portion was perfect. Tara T. was my server and she is fabulous. Overall quite an enjoyable experience!
(5)
John B.

One of my favorite places in Minneapolis. A truly unique interior with wood paneling and lots and lots of space at the bar or at tables. Very good drink selection and knowledgeable and friendly bartenders. Can't recommend this place highly enough.
(5)
Traci M.

Yummy! Great atmosphere. Bison burger & fries- delish. Great selection of craft beers. Worth stopping in for a brew and a bite.
(5)
Emma S.

Whether you're there on a date or with friends, The Local is the perfect bar hopping pit-stop. The atmosphere is dark, but cozy, and most of the time, it's the perfect amount of crowded. I ordered a Strongbow and fish sliders when I was there, and neither disappointed. The cider came in a forearm-sized glass, and the fish was perfectly breaded and sandwiched between a soft bun and slaw. Despite being constantly busy, The Local still has quality serving, and I never had to look around anxiously for our waitress. You never feel claustrophobic, despite the relatively large crowds, but you may have to wait 15 minutes for a table, depending on when you go. Being right in Nicollet Mall, it has a great energy, whether you sit inside or out. I'd recommend getting a group together and hitting up happy hour sometime this summer!
(4)
Stephanie K.

Had one drink prior to coming to this place, was turned down for supposedly staggering around...will NEVER be back to this establishment
(1)
Natalie S.

Delicious beer selection and awesome outdoor patio seating. Came here with a few coworkers and shared the soft pretzel bites, the stuffed meat balls and the hummus platter. All delicious, but the soft pretzels were my fav.
(4)
Sarah T.

I've been to The Local 5 or 6 times for happy hours and dinners and every time it's just 'good'. There isn't anything outstanding but also nothing too bad about it. The food is ok, a little overpriced and drinks are always strong. A fun place to sit outside during the summer.
(3)
Kelly M.

My co-workers and I loved this place. Great food (huge portions), awesome drink selection, extremely welcome and friendly staff, kissing room (will have to try that out some other time). This is a great spot for out of towners to check out!
(5)
Gerardo S.

I went to the local on Feb 14 2015 for dinner after a long day flying from Louisville ky to Minneapolis MN. I had the club sandwich with potato chips it was the best meal I have had on a long time. The environment was amazing there were private booths and a bar. It was very welcoming
(5)
A W.

Fish and chips. Whiskey flights. Great wait staff. What's not to love?
(5)
Jamie C.

They have a kissing room and really cheap house wine. Yes.
(4)
Rupesh S.

Great selection of beers, wines and whiskeys. I've done a few office events in the back room / mezzanine levels and never been disappointed. Great buzz during happy hour.
(4)
Johnny D.

I believe The Local is know for creating the Big Ginger (whiskey ginger with 1 lime and 1 lime which is delicious btw). They also came out with their own line of whiskey called "2 Gingers" The drinks are great and the food is really good. I would suggest trying the pulled pork sandwich with blue cheese crumbles. Take someone out to lunch here during the summer and enjoy the outdoor patio.
(5)
Tony D.

Not a very good experience... Mean manager, awful service. Go somewhere else when in Minneapolis.
(1)
Horatio C.

As far as I know, this is the best traditional/Irish breakfast in Minneapolis. Great drinks and also one of the best places to watch soccer (yes, I'm from the U.S.). It has a large patio on Nicollet avenue.
(4)
Mollie D.

Yes. Yes. Yes... Thank you Yelp for this little gem. First, one of my favorite beers was on tap, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. We had the Sausage Rolls and Pretzel Rolls for apps. Both were awesome. The Turkey Burger, Bison Burger, and Meatloaf Sandwich were all rockin'. My only disappointment was I was too full to eat any desert. I could tell by the moans coming from the table next to us that we should have left room. Did I mention the service and atmosphere were fantastic too?
(4)
Jeff B.

Had a very nice bison burger, washed down with a cold beer. Just what I was looking for. A cool Irish pub, will return.
(3)
Rebecca K.

Had an awesome Sunday afternoon beer and lunch. The bar is gorgeous and our table was tucked away behind it. The beer selection was good- had a Fulton's IPA. To start we had the pretzels which were very good but for 9$ a rip off and I wouldn't get them again just for that reason. Both the boyfriend and I ordered the sausage and mash. It was over the top with 2 sausages per serving. The mashed potatoes had peas mashed into them and the roasted veggies on the side were tasty. Service was good.
(3)
Jennifer D.

Enjoyed hanging out here. Food, drink, and service were all good. Had the artichoke dip and wontons as an app. I would highly recommend both. For dinner our group had the quinoa encrusted ahi, pot roast slider, steak salad and a burger. Everyone was reportedly satisfied and fulfilled by their selection. The drinks were excellent. We had far too many Red Rye Sazeracs, Big Gingers, rum and diets and pints of Stella. Overall the experience was pleasant, the general atmosphere was upbeat and loud at times, and is close to many hotels. Don't miss The Kissing Room when you go with your honey.
(4)
Jack E.

We where headed downtown to meet some friends for a drink before dinner reservations at Manny's steakhouse. After listening to the bartender(Dru) tell us about what he likes to eat, we decided to stay. It my have been the Fulton beer talking, local from down the street, but the food was great!!! It's way more fun to go to a place where the staff loves their job and take time to find out why you are in the area. My wife and I have already been back to the bar but missed Dru that time. This will be our new destination downtown.
(5)
Jim R.

We stopped in to the Local the other night looking for a drink and some bar food while in downtown Minneapolis. It was a Sunday night so we had no problem walking right in as downtown was like a ghost town. We found the Local to be both cozy and vibrant at the same time. There were folks cheering on their favorite teams on the abundant TVs scattered around the bar and the cozy nooks and dark wood helped make the place feel warm and welcoming. While this is more of a beer place, they had a couple of decent wines by the glass which we ordered along with a selection of appetizers. We got the "chicken shots" (a huge plate of delicious fried chicken nuggets coated in a satisfying whiskey glaze - think boneless wings with a sweeter sauce - they totally need another name for these), the cheese plate (yummy with 3 cheeses, fruit and crispy artisinal crackers) and pretzels (salty and steaming hot from the oven with a so-so cheese sauce). Having not been there before, we thought we'd get some appetizers then move on to other things on the menu but the sizes of these were more than the two of us could finish. Guess we'll have to come back again sometime to try the rest of the menu. Service was decent and friendly and you could easily while away some time here with friends if you weren't careful. All in all an great spot for food and drink.
(4)
Teresa H.

Fantastic Service!!! Prompt and smiling waitresses and waiters! Bison burger was juicy rather than oily, good sized, and the sweet potato fries just AWESOME!!!
(5)
Eileen A.

As me an 2 other co-workers walked in -4 degrees all I could think was these drinks better be good and the food better. I was NOT disappointed. Because we came after 10pm it was a limited menu. The basics burger, wings, wantons, artichoke dip, French fries, etc. We ordered local wings- they were awesome. A different twist on normal wings with a bit of spiciness. I loved them. We also order the local wantons which is corn beef & cream cheese. They were ok don't think I would order them again. Then the artichoke dip was banging! I could've ate that and and been happy. It was serve with naan bread and bagel chips. Drinks: They have a wide variety of beers and local beers on tap. Only 3 kinds of Tequilas. 1800, patron & house. My co-worker watches as they poured my shot of tequila. He said that looks like a double. When I got it I was like YEAH! Looks like a double to me too. Needless to say I like the way they pour drinks. I shall return.
(4)
Trina L.

Elle was amazing. Super knowledgeable and friendly. If you are in town, you must stop by for a drink. Great service.
(5)
Ed S.

Place is huge. Good beer selection and good service. Got the walleye sandwich and mixed greens salad. Salad was really fresh and huge. Sandwich was really good. Wild definitely come back the next time I'm in Minneapolis.
(4)
Atrader L.

Its a melting pot here. The atmosphere is great. The wood in the bar is worth seeing. I order scotch eggs and a diet coke because I am on a diet .. Just Kidding .. the eggs are great and get a nice whiskey. The bartenders are friendly. Beautiful place to see if you are in Minnesota.
(4)
Brittanie M.

A great place for after work drinks, the interior is gorgeous and feels truly authenic. It's owned by a company that builds and maintains many Irish pubs around the Twin Cities area, using materials (and sometimes entire bars) made in Ireland and it gives the interior a very homey, warm feel that makes a pub more than just a bar. Friendly service, plenty of drink and food to choose from, and many details to feast your eyes on.
(5)
Vincent T.

Their Shepard pie was delicious. Love their table and seatings. One of its kind. The waitress was very friendly and welcoming.
(5)
Alex L.

This is my home away from home, where I meet friends for GAA matches and on St. Patrick's Day, but also if I need to just plain cheer up. Excellent Guinness and other beers, all the whiskies I like, and really, really good food! Excellent service every time.
(5)
Cage M.

Pot roast dinner was amazing! Very tender:) The meatloaf dinner was fantastic!! Bounledier is a great choice for bourbon lovers! Knob Creek Bourbon, Tempus furgit, vermouth. Mmmm. Timmy the server was great! Very friendly.
(5)
Jack W.

This place is a WOW!!!!thanks to Yelp we found this place while visiting Minneapolis for a Cards/ Twins game. Great Irish hospitality and atmosphere
(5)
Ani D.

I came in for brunch last week with a friend who recommended the place. She had been here in the evening for drinks before but never brunch. The environment is nice and we were sat in a small alcove. The server was friendly, but neglected to bring waters until we had asked the second time, over halfway through our experience. Unfortunately, this was not the least of our problems. The brunch food was really gross. I expected a downtown experience, and got what felt like a Perkins meal. The jam selection was pretty bad- they only had grape and apple heinz jelly packets, I had to ask two people to get a strawberry which they apparently were just about out of. The first woman I asked, who I believe was management said she would get some then never came back, so I had to ask the server who was able to secure some after about five minutes. The bacon was all that gross yellowey fatty part with close to no actual meat. It tasted bad and was undercooked.
(2)
Bobbi Jo R.

My mother I went here before we saw Once The Musical at the Orpheum, which is in great walking distance... pretty much around the block, less than a 5 minute walk which is great for a woman in heels. We thought why not eat at an authentic Irish pub before an Irish musical? It was a great plan, and we weren't disappointed. It was actually one of the first days of the year that they had the patio open, but they told us service would be faster if we sat at the bar, which actually turned out as a great idea... Not only did we get fast service, but we also got to look at the great eye-candy behind the bar. Not sure if it was just the day we were there, but they had some very good looking gentleman working that day. I'm a little ashamed to say that my mom and I didn't do much talking because our focus was occupied on something else.... The one I had my eye on even called me 'love' ... while I was in the middle of trying to swallow my food, I almost spat it out, but I controlled myself and managed to give him nod. I'm pretty sure the 14 year old girl in me almost died. No, the good looking eye-candy isn't the reason this is getting 5 stars, I'm not quite that shallow. Like I said before the service was great, and fast. My mom got a drink, for some reason the name of it is slipping from my mind, but she loved it! I remember that they finished it off with Guinness on the top, don't take my word for it, but they might have called it a red velvet, I'm not completely certain. I had a pop because I'm a sad 20 year old that can't yet drink in the United States, so whatever... Also, when you order a beer it doesn't come in just an ordinary glass. If you order Stella Artois, guess what kind of glass it's coming in? A Stella Artois glass. Now that is attention to detail. Now for the food. We started with the Baked Artichoke dip. It came out rather fast, and was steaming hot! It was delicious, and they gave you more than just chips to put the dip on. If I am remembering correctly they gave 3 different types of 'bread', I think 2-bread like options, and 1 chip-like option. According to the website it says it's served with baked ciabatta, and warm naan bread, but I know that there was more than these two... nonetheless, they were all delicious. I would definitely order it again. For our entrÃ©es, my mom got the Walleye Fish & Chips. Now, let me say that I'm not a huge fish & chips fan, especially because the United States doesn't know how to do it properly. But, this was the best Fish & Chips I have ever tasted. Ever. ... I would go back there just to order that again. I had the Pub Steak, without the green olives, and it was delicious and was probably the best steak I've had since my trip to New York in 2011. It was tender, just the right size, and I didn't have to eat it with ketchup! That doesn't happen to me too often. The glaze they use is absolutely delicious, and is a perfect combination with the veggies. Also, the presentation of the food is lovely as well! The price of the food and the quality you receive is really just amazing here, and that is why I will go back again and again. Next time we go, and there will be a next time, I think I'm going to make sure that I try the Pot Roast Dinner due to all of the excellent reviews on here about it. We didn't get a chance to order dessert, but it was well price from what I saw, and they options looked great. I guess that gives me something else to try next time! I also didn't realize how huge this place actually was until I got inside of it! It just goes on and on. It is dark inside, but that's how authentic Irish Pubs are. The decor is fantastic, and kept my attention just as much as the handsome bar staff. They also have multiple seating options, they have these cute little booths that look very cozy, perfect for a date or for a intimate gathering of friends. They have patio seating, high-tops, bar seating, etc. Many options for whatever you want. I never even got to check out the upstairs, but I would love to next time I go. They also air a lot of European sports like "futbol", not to be confused with American football. Apparently they don't air Rugby anymore at The Local, but their sister pub Kieran's does. Maybe I'll have to check that out sometime as well This place is amazing, honestly. Try it, you'll love it. I promise.
(5)
Erica O.

Sat outside because of the perfect weather, nice ambiance. Friendly service, a little slow but food was good. The cheddar tomato soup it is very rich and the quinoa salad was very flavorful. In town for business and this was a nice place to have a meal after coming from the airport. A lot of people traffic. It is a Monday afternoon and there is a lot of people enjoying the day here.
(4)
Stacy P.

I decide to upon The Local when walking back from the Convention Center. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, so the patio was closed and a bit busier inside. The dÃ©cor inside was well done. It really did feel like an authentic pub. The staff was friendly and prompt. I was pleasantly surprised that they had a Gluten Free menu with a nice selection. While it wasn't a true Shepherd's Pie, it was an excellent gluten free variation. What would be the crust was replaced by potatoes. The food was good, but it was too much.
(4)
Riley C.

Went in for a drink and an appetizer. Got one of the little "rooms" was definitely a cool experience. Drinks and food were pretty good, definitely great at the price.
(4)
M S.

Good, solid pub food, a lovely atmosphere, and great service. This was the highlight of our visit to the Twin Cities. I'm always a little hesitant to order a veggie burger at pubs, since far too often you end up with a boring Boca burger, but the Wid Rice veggie burger at the Local is fantastic. Seriously one of the best veggie burgers I have ever had.
(5)
Olga M.

So i'm not sure if this is just a sticker shock (but in a good way) of it being my first bar in Minnesota but why is it so cheap here?! PS: the following review is for drinks only. (+2) ridiculously cheap booze (as compared to San Francisco or NYC). Also - they had a bunch of drink options! (+1) Great bartender + atmosphere and appparently a hangout spot for some Cal Alums! Go BEARS! (-1) Why is it sooooo dark?
(5)
Bob C.

Good drinks. Decent food. Ok service. I was there at 11 on a Friday night and it seems to be a local hang out......imagine that. Any way took a bit to get a drink. And it was super noisy. But what do you expect. I would go back if I ever goto Minneapolis again.
(3)
Julie E.

this place has a lot of outdoor seating which is great to enjoy the beautiful minneapolis summer. But as far as food quality - it was just okay. This is the equivalent of a chili's or hard rock cafe type restaurant nothing special and I would say slightly overpriced for what it is. I think this is a tourist trap restaurant that just gets business because of it's location. I would go elsewhere if you're looking for a memorable meal in minneapolis.
(2)
Kari L.

Came in a group of 7 and it worked out perfectly. We were able to have a great table. Our waitress was super helpful with dietary needs and helping inform us what was best on the menu. Good beer selection and they were able to split our check. It was in expensive and great quality food!
(5)
Cathy R.

As a student who spent the last semester in London, I was interested in trying this Irish pub setting. My friend and I arrived around 6:45pm on a Saturday night and were told the wait would be about 45 minutes. The hostess took my phone number and said she would call when my table was ready. We left for a while and came back; we got our table around 7:35. I had the fish n chips (missing London) and was not disappointed. It cost $13 but portions were generous. I ordered a hot chocolate with Bailey's, which was not on the menu, but it was delicious. I was surprised on the bill that it cost $8. Overall, I paid $30 for this meal including tax and tip, but it was satisfying and had a good atmosphere. I'd come here again if I was in town again.
(4)
Brianna R.

Came here on a business trip last night and wish we never had to leave. The best meal I've had in the longest, served by one of the most personable waiters I've ever had, Josh. My drink, a Cucumber Collins was delicious and the meatloaf was out of this fucking world. We shared a crock of the Artichoke Dip and want to steal the amazing recipe. We're deeply considering coming back here every day we have left in Minneapolis. Sold. Highly recommend the Meatloaf and Artichoke Dip. Thanks, Josh!
(5)
Cath M.

Met up with a couple of folks from the convention here... I arrived late so they were already having a good old jolly time (yep they were tipsy...) so I started off with just the Amstel Light... the group already had a couple of appetizers already out... I had the artichoke dip which was pretty darn good... not too much fuzz with the ingredients - pretty straight forward. I ended up eating a lot of the crispy flat bread more so than the dip! On the second round, I decided to try the Honey Weiss... and first sip... oh man... that went down pretty smooth! I also ended up sharing their famous Guinness mousse with a girlfriend ... and wow, that was good as well! Really good vibrance at night... bartenders were nice and quick... and if you're there for a convention like I was... definitely a place to check out if you want to experience MN's night scene (was there on Saturday night and it was definitely happening!) PS: Not sure who picked up the tab... but I was told that it was already taken cared of... so all I left were tip... so if you were there on 10/12 at night after 11... MAHALO!
(4)
Alex V.

There's nothing worse than traveling for work to a new town and being clueless on the food and drink options in your area. Thankfully, Yelp (along with a friend of mine) pointed me toward The Local. I was mainly interested in the following: 1. Good beer 2. Good Food 3. A place that would be televising the NFL draft. The Local covered off on all three of these along with a few things I didn't expect. For starters, the service was great even though it was quite busy. I was quickly greeted at the bar, given a solid overview of their beer offerings, and got something to drink pronto. I ended up moving to a high-top table closer to the TVs to watch the NFL Draft, and the server who ended up helping me was also friendly, full of recommendations, and attentive the entire time I Was there. I ended up opting for the bison burger with sweet potato fries, cooked medium. The food came within 15 minutes, was perfectly prepared (pink center for my burger) and the flavor was really good. They had advertised it as locally sourced bison, and I believe it. I stayed for almost two hours and really enjoyed it. I liked the overall "vibe" of the place and every aspect of my meal and experience was good. If I'm back in Minneapolis anytime soon, The Local will be at the top of my dining list!
(5)
Haley R.

The Local is one of my favorite restaurants in Minneapolis. It's a beautiful space, located on a busy corner on Nicollet Mall. The bar is absolutely gorgeous, and there are many nooks and crannies with tables and booths fashioned out of rich woods. They can accomodate big groups and that's great, and it's also good for smaller groups and couples - sitting in those little candlelit nooks is very romantic. The food is always very good - I love the pulled pork sandwich and their mashed potatoes, and I've heard the fish and chips are pretty terrific. I've never had bad service here, no matter how busy they were. The Local used to sell more Jameson each year than any other bar in the world. Former owner Kieran Folliard got into the whiskey distilling business and has a brand called 2 Gingers, which The Local (and its sister establishments Kieran's, The Liffey, and Cooper) now sells. I'm a big fan of Jameson, but 2 Gingers is delicious. This is the perfect place for a warm, cozy dinner and cocktail in winter, and the patio is perfect in summer - great people watching on Nicollet Mall.
(5)
J T.

Stopped in here a couple times for lunch on the patio. Quick; easy, tasty and I really like they have a "wee" menu for lunch so dont have to order a full sized item. Everythign I have had has been really good. Service is quick and good. Good spot!
(4)
Brian C.

The inside of the place is beautiful. The problem is that the TVs are in poor locations and poor service . If you are sitting at the bar...it's hard to watch a game. But that might be by design to avoid a "sports bar" atmosphere. I'll give them a free pass on this. The kicker for me was the service. Terrible. I sat at the bar and had to beg for another beer. At one point, I was looking to order a beer and asked the bartender if they had Sierra Nevada. He said, "Nope" and walked away. I had to go to another bartender to get a beer. Awful.
(2)
Joe E.

If you don't like this place you're just not a good person. Order a Guinness and marvel at how each and every bartender will poor you a perfect one and just flat out not serve you one that got fucked up.
(5)
Stephanie C.

Have been coming here regularly over the last year while on business and love the place. Good atmosphere, service, beer and food.
(5)
Josh L.

I ordered a chicken breast sandwich and it was undercooked! Pink on the inside.... I had to send it back. I've never had that experience before with chicken... it's usually easy enough to cook properly. I haven't been back since then for food. The bar is fine though. It reminds me of a typical dark Irish bar. Good for drowning your sorrows in beer during the day and ignoring that there is a day going on outside.
(2)
Kimberly C.

I always enjoy HH here. The food options are pretty good. Just $5.99 for all appetizers before 6 (or maybe it's 6:30p). On my recent visit I shared the below. Siracha Wings- I'd definitely get these again. There are about 6 pcs and the sauce is good. Typically I don't like siracha, but these wings are not spicy; they actually have a slight sweetness (kind of like ketchup). Calamari- I recall these being tastier in the past. Overall I think the calamari is okay, but the fried peppers and curry aoli (on the side) aren't appealing. Wee Burgers- Three little burgers that are simple yet good. Comes with a little bit cheese (barely noticeable), lettuce and grilled onions. Chicken Shots - I can never get enough of these boneless pieces of chicken. The whiskey glaze is sweet, but not excessively. The seasoning keeps it all balanced and savory. Yummy! I'll have to try the pretzels and the mushrooms next time; the folks at my table got and enjoyed them.
(4)
Ali D.

I have been recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease so for someone who highly enjoys eating out and trying all kinds of food, it really has slowed me down for my reviewing because finding places that are gluten free friendly has been a little challenging. More and more places are getting there, but I was thrilled when I stumbled upon The Local's vast gluten free options made me ever so happy. I get very excited if I can eat a burger on GF bread these days! They also have a good selection of GF beers which again gets me pretty darn excited. All of the sandwich options are tasty and the soups too. They have good appetizer options as well, spinach dip with crispy GF bread. Thank you, Local, for caring about those of us with this annoying intolerance! You have made my weekday lunches something to look forward to again!
(4)
Tony M.

Good local bar/pub, hence the name. Was in town for business and this place became the go to bar, had to stop by at least once during the night. Good selection of scotches, typical beers on tap. They have a nice outdoor seating/eating area and the rest of the bar is large, fits a lot of people. What makes this bar for me are the bartenders. Really nice and accommodating. Several recommend really good restaurants and bars in the area, and they were spot on. Didn't try the food here, but those who did seemed pleased. Came back another night and someone came up and said hello and called me by my name, was the bartender I had from a few nights back. Really nice guy, even with all the people he remembered my name. Great guy. No matter where you're from these guys make you feel like one of the locals at The Local.
(3)
Peter T.

I travel to Minneapolis 20 times per year, when staying downtown you know that the Local is the best combination for good beer and decent food. Bison burger medium rare never overcooked, fish and chips with always steaming hot fries, sausage, salmon and cod are good as well. Always willing to change channel on tv, never attitude. I am sure that there are better restaurants (Zelo), however the relax atmosphere at the local is great!!!
(5)
JKtravel S.

Sliders and wee burgers were good. Excellent knowledgeable wait staff. Vintage 1890 decor with etched windows and carved fireplace in back. Gluten free options. Trio desserts disappointed us: Frozen custard brÃ»lÃ©e, too sweet marshmallow s'more cake. Skip it or select caramel ice cream.
(3)
Morgan A.

I wish there were more places like this in California. Amazing space, cheap prices, friendly service...maybe I should leave CA and move to MN?
(5)
Katelyn J.

LOVE this place. Our order initially got a little messed up but they completely redeemed themselves and gave us free desert. Fun atmosphere! Delicious food!!! Super friendly staff!! Come eat HERE!!!!!!!
(5)
Tom C.

Fun place to sit on the patio on a nice evening. I really enjoyed the Big Ginger drink and this is from a guy who's not much of a whiskey fan. Can't say the same about the Walleye dinner meal. Two smallish fish fillets that tasted fishy as can be, on top of some bland rice with chopped veggies mixed in. Best part of the dish was the grilled lemon to squeeze on the fish. A friend with me got the Walleye sandwich which was fried and looked like 3 times as much fish for close to half the price. Huh? Service was hmmmm.... I guess I would say abrupt. Not rude mind you but, no smiles and, if you didn't think and talk fast she was gone from the table before you could ask for what you may need.
(3)
Sue P.

It is busy through summer time but not other times. food is great for all, especially Sriratcha wings were fantastic with tab beers they had. I really enjoy the mood in there.
(4)
N B.

Great for happy hour. We didn't have a full dinner but some bar food--the Mediterranean Hummus plate is good for a lighter snack. Good selection of beers. Especially fun when there is a Soccer Game on.
(4)
Jamie S.

After reading Yelp reviews, we decided to give The Local a shot. When we asked our waiter what he recommended, we really couldn't understand what he was saying. He was a bit of a quick talker. We ended up ordering a few apps to start and I had the turkey burger. No complaints here. The only real complaint was that this place was HOT. For a Miami girl to say that it was hot here, it was HOT. I don't really enjoy eating inside a restaurant while sweating but we made the best of it. Overall, food and beer were very good. Great spot. P.S. The Kissing Room was quite hilarious.
(4)
Ashley P.

Looking for a quick bite to eat before a weekend baseball game, my dinner guest and I decided to head to The Local for some light fare. Pleasantly surprised to find ourselves there during Happy Hour, we had a large selection of deals to choose from. In reading about this establishment, I feel as though I only experienced such a minute part of everything it has to offer. We were seated in a private room to the side of the restaurant, complete with darkly wooded walls, stained glass windows, and similar adornments. Our waitress was quick to fill drink and food orders and our ordered meal was delivered in no time. We decided to split a couple half-price appetizers and ended up with the "Wee Burgers" (three burgers served with cheddar cheese and balsamic-onion marmalade) as well as the "The Local's Wontons" (filled with corned beef, cream cheese, & sauerkraut in a wonton wrapper, fried golden brown and served with a sweet chili sauce). Both were absolutely delicious and hit the spot. In the Summer months, get there early and grab a seat outdoors. The tables are a bit packed but follow the style set up by most of the restaurants in the area. Close to everything in downtown, the Local situated in Nicollet Mall is a great place to catch up with friends over drinks and bites.
(4)
Heidi L.

I'd actually call the Local a 3.5, but bumping it up to 4 for its ability to be different things for everyone. Let me explain what I mean: 1. Affordable option on Nicollet. Food is not outstanding , but the prices are reasonable, the Big Ginger is quite pleasant (although not very strong -- is that why they keep the cocktail price around $6?), my vegetarian friends are extremely pleased that they had multiple options to consider (but they always end up with the Wild Rice burger). 2. Fun space. The Local's patio is great. Plus there are lots of nooks and crannies inside -- the cavern is excellent for groups. That includes birthday parties getting wild next to conference folk. There is also a make-out room (I'm not making this up, that is what it is actually labeled).
(4)
Gayle C.

Great meal. Sat outside. Beautiful June evening. Made it to happy hour drinks and appetizers. The walleye entrÃ©e was excellent. Seared ahi appetizer perfect. Service was quick and efficient. Asked for separate bills and it was perfectly divided. Would cone again.
(4)
Katie A.

Amazing food for gluten free diners! Many of their sandwiches and burgers can be made on gluten free bread and in a clean prep area. Even better, the fries and house-made potato chips are made in a dedicated fryer! I went to the local three times because I couldn't get enough of the Rueben (what GF diner can eat a rueben out at a restaurant!?!). The artichoke dip with potato chips subbed for pita is also epic. There is a large outdoor patio area and plentiful seating inside. The servers were very informed about the GF options, although sometimes rushed when the outdoor patio area is full.
(5)
Kirk E.

I couldn't tell you much about the inside of this place, because we ate out on the patio. From what I saw, it looked pretty cool and like the standard Irish pub. My wife and I ordered and split the Reuben and the bison burger. We couldn't decide which one we liked better. The bison burger was PERFECTLY cooked and had an awesome flavor. The corn beef on the Ruben was fantastic, and the bread was the best bread I've ever had on a Reuben. It was had a nice crunch on the outside, but was still really soft. We both had the mixed greens with honey chive dressing after a recommendation from our server. He was right. It was dang good. Speaking of server, Brian was awesome. He took time to make some recommendations for things to do since we were in from out of town and also got a map for us. He was awesome, the food was awesome, and I wish I could take this place back to Milwaukee with me.
(5)
Tracy F.

On our last day in Minneapolis, a few colleagues and I stopped into The Local for a late lunch. I have to admit that I didn't expect much from an Irish pub--as someone who likes to eat healthfully whenever I can, I expected the standard salad option or grilled chicken sandwich option. I was so very surprised and happy with the menu and the food! I ordered the turkey burger, which was, hands down, the best turkey burger I've ever eaten. It was flavored with sage and served on a soft but toasted potato roll with lettuce and tomatoes. I could have easily eaten another one! I chose to have the soup of the day on the side of my burger, which was a delicious yellow beat soup. I expected a pureed soup, but received a gorgeously yellow broth with big chunks of beet and other vegetables tucked inside. The soup was nicely spiced and the perfect accompaniment to the burger. My only complaint about the meal is that I felt both the burger and the portion of soup I received were both very small. I left still a bit hungry, which wasn't a huge problem because of the Wednesday farmer's market right outside, but I would have liked more food for the price I paid. Overall, I would certainly go back to The Local if I was looking for a relaxed (yet incredibly beautiful) atmosphere and a place to relax. I'd love to try some of their cocktails and beer selections, as well!
(4)
Drew M.

This review is from my visit on 1/14/2014. This place is great. Ambiance, food, drinks, and great wait staff. I sat at the bar and was attended to immediately even though it was crowded. Ben was my bartender and I have to tell you he was amazing. Not only was he knowledgeable about the beers on tap and the food, but offered to charge my phone after hearing it was dying. Now that is taking an extra step and showing that he was actively listening to what I was saying instead of just trying to grab my order. When it came time to order I wanted something hearty. I asked between two dishes and he recommended the cheaper dish because he felt I would enjoy it more. I WAS FLOORED!!! With tips being a percentage calculation from your sales 9 times out of 10 a server will usually recommend the higher dollar item. He was right. I NEVER finish my plate when I go out to eat, and I licked this plate clean!!! It was the pot roast. It tasted like Big Momma made it herself. I was proud of my pot roast until I tried theirs. The "Kissing Room" by the restrooms was such a cool idea too. Didn't get to try it out. LOL Next time I come to MPLS, this will be one of my first stops. I can't wait to be back.
(5)
Sarah M.

The Local is mine. I know, I say that about a lot of places. But seriously. Where to start??? 1. My husband and I had our engagement pictures taken here. BOMB. Super cute, great vibe, they let us come in at 2 when it was slow. 2. The space is lovely. There is a 2nd floor with a pool table that's free to use when you buy drinks/food. No one goes up there. Except me. Its awesome. You can look down on everyone. 3. The food- yeah, I think the prices are a bit high, but everything I've had has been good. They offer a lot of happy hours, so just ride those coattails if you can. 4. Patio. Simple, cute. Nicollet Ave is so...big city? 5. Deals. Ok, so they have recently been offering daily deals. Killer ones. $3 Big Gngers one day, $3 Irish brews another, $1 mini burgers, etc. Now, I know this place has a bit of a monopoly on the Irish Pub scene- they own The Liffey, Coopers, and Keirans...but still, going there takes me to Ireland. Its dark and magical.
(5)
Mark V.

This place is consistently excellent. My favorite is their Ruben! Tonight I had the pretzels that were great. The dipping mustard was perfect! And they have a great selection of local beers and a great atmosphere!
(5)
Kristi C.

It doesn't seem fair to review a place where I haven't eaten, but in this case I will anyways! First, the interior is a feast for the eyes, what a beautiful interior space they've created. If you are looking for a unique place to hang out for the evening, I'd surely recommend The Local. Very cool nooks & crannies to suit your mood or pick table outside to enjoy our all too short Minnesota summer. We were just there for after dinner drinks, I'd definitely make a return visit for a meal.
(3)
Rebecca K.

There was nothing fundamentally wrong or off about my meal but I felt the food was average and my experience was predictable and tame. The service was thoughtful and I have no complaints there. However I felt the establishment was a bit of a cliche and I did not feel there was anything unique about the food or the environment. I had fries and a salad. The salad had some nice touches like granola but the fries I had were definitely frozen. Overall I think the restaurant could improve by owning an identity like sports pub or Irish bar or speakeasy. Overall it tries to be too many things to too many people.
(3)
Jenny K.

Would you like to sit in a cozy setting that feels like a phonebooth or old train car? Of course you would. The layout and decor of this place really make it. Service is consistently strong-to-very-strong. Go 'head and order the pretzels with dippy mustard and cheese while you ponder meal options. I'd also strongly recommend the quinoa & tofu salad for the vegivores. If you're into exotic or precious beers, seek alternate accommodations.
(4)
Isaac T.

Came for the brunch buffet. At about $12 it's pretty cheap! The free mimosa or Bloody Mary doesn't hurt either! The best part about the place is the atmosphere. I think this will be a great place to check out again this summer when the World Cup is on!
(3)
Johnny A.

Great fish and chips and solid happy hour. The Local has a lot of small intimate spaces reminiscent of many of the pubs I have traveled to in Ireland. It's a pretty solid authentic place to grab a pint in the city.
(4)
M S.

Came here last night with another couple. First visit. I'd try it again. 3.5/3.75 stars? The super weird thing is that we ended up at Cooper's in Golden Valley (friends in a hotel there) AND THE MENU WAS 75% THE SAME. Even word for word descriptions. But some of the prices for the same dishes were cheaper. The ambience and cozy seating was lovely. Service was fantastic. The diversity of the menu is great so it's tempting to go back more than once. Enjoyed the beer selection and my friend liked the red wine she got. The top of the tomato cheese soup was great. BUT, they should have used some croutons under the surface too. It was boring once the top part was gone -- just a tomato bisque basically. So it was good, but nothing to blow the trumpet on and wouldn't have it again -- better to try something different. We had the fish and chips, the pot roast sandwich and two other dishes --- can't remember. Everyone liked their food overall and the selection of your side with the entree is full of options. Areas of the fish were a little dry but the rest was moist -- I had two bites and my bites were perfect. The pot roast sandwich was great, super moist and good comfort food. We shared the trio of desserts. The toffee cake, the carrot cake, and the fruit custard. Fairly good except for the carrot cake. If you're a carrot cake addict I'm sure you'll be happy - the frosting was light and awesome.
(4)
Colleen K.

They treated us very poorly... We were there with business associates, we were told this is a great place to entertain partners, but they treated them awfully. Go somewhere else when you have clients in town.
(1)
S K.

They have a kissing room...what's not to like?
(4)
Reed G.

I don't know why I don't like this place more. I love the concept and the menu, the space looks great, too. That being said... the place just feels kind of artificial and douchey. I wanted to give it two stars, but the space is too beautiful for that. Avoid the bartenders and opt for a table.
(3)
Pk L.

8 of us went on a Sunday, early evening.. Our food took a good 60 min to come out. I ordered "The Local Burger" and I wouldn't order it again. It was over done (even though I asked for Medium) and the whole thing had a fishy taste. I think part of it may have been that the lettuce was spoiled or they mix their food with the Fish and Chips they're making in the kitchen. Also the cheese was so melted, there was hardly anything left on the burger. Frustrating for a $14 burger.
(3)
Jeff W.

We stopped in for a few drinks for someone's birthday. We also had the calamari appetizer which was very tender not chewy like some restaurants. For a birthday dessert we had the pick any three mini cakes - carrot, smores, apple - all three were delicious. When your there you really should try their signature Big Ginger drink while you there, it's a tasty combination of Irish whiskey and ginger ale.
(4)
Jessica W.

Delicious! I love the vibe and decor of The Local with the dark wood and private room sections to sit in. The food is great. Tried the fish and chips (best I've ever had) and on another visit tried the wee burgers and The Local Wontons. Both were so good! The wontons stood apart as unique (corned beef, sauerkraut, and cream cheese blended together for the filling and a delicious sweet chili sauce) and I didn't want to finish the plate! We had great service by Jamie both visits and wish we were local to make this our regular spot!
(5)
Kevin T.

One of my select faves here in downtown Minne. Large, inviting place that really carries sound, so it can get loud. More than a third full and you'll be challenged to hear a conversation. Otherwise, a great place. Beers a plenty and a respectable menu. Visited a favorite item on the menu: the Steakhouse salad. Rare, sliced, chilled sirloin atop a mound of greens with crumbled blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, plus an interesting influence of smoked almonds and sliced apple. Good choice for a light meal vs. the traditional pub fare. It's not a huge serving like some salads. Just the right size I'd say. Lots of choices in the area with some sure hits like Hell's Kitchen down the street for the bolder menu and the nightime live music. Still, you'll not go wrong here at the Local. It's a top spot, a great Pub and much better than that 'English' place further down on Nicollet.
(4)
Biff P.

We were walking around town looking for a place to have brunch and came along this very busy place. We decided that they must be good so let's try them out. We both had the buffet that was filled with everything you would need for breakfast in a very clean organized setting. I had a mimosa and my husband had a bloody Mary, which comes with a small beer too. Very good food and service along with an excellent location.
(5)
Shehzad M.

I'm visiting Minneapolis for a couple days on business and decided to try this place out based on previous reviews. Sat down at the bar and was immediately greeted by Chris who welcomed me and detailed the happy hour specials. Ordered a drink along with the chicken shots and stuffed mushrooms. Both food and drink were terrific. Mushrooms were hot, fresh, and tasty. Chicken was tasty too but a bit sweet for me. Chris and others checked in on me frequently and I never felt like I was waiting for them. Definitely will be back my next time in Minneapolis. Maybe even again on this trip.
(5)
Jonathan M.

I gotta start by saying that I'm not a fan of Irish Pubs, so me giving 4 stars to one is something special. This is a huge place, especiall after coming from that hole in the wall egg next door Barrio. One thing I did notice when we walked in is that typical Irish-pub moldy smell, but after a couple minutes you just get used to it. Being a Friday night it was packed so we snuck into one of the booths to have a beer and wait - I liked these booths, they are somewhat intimate and give you and your group some space from the crowd. They have a good selection of beers, the staff is friendly; it's a nice relaxed place to hang out. Oh and it's pretty cheap too, I'd definitely come back.
(4)
Chris L.

Food review although it probably applies to my feelings about the bar experience as well. I just never have good luck with food here -- at this point I only get the Indian curry and it isn't bad compared to other menu choices. Dislike the fish and chips here -- Sysco quality in my book. And I dislike the bar scene too unless you secure a more private booth on the right side. The rest of it is a pick up bar for wanna-be investment banker types. Not my cup of tea.
(2)
Luis P.

Grab a Two Gingers Burger and a tall IPA. This is the kind of place where you want to start your evening, but there are plenty of bars within walking distance to end the night.
(4)
Kate N.

Went here for brunch/lunch on a Sunday. It was a beautiful day and we sat on the patio. Servers were informative and attentive without being annoying. I had the Irish Breakfast platter and my husband had the Bison Burger. Both dishes were fresh, flavorful and satisfying. He had a beer and I had a Bloody Mary - everything was solid. We'll be back!
(4)
Jet C.

Grabbed an Alaskan Light beer, garlic chicken breast sandwich and fish and chips. Generous portions. Nice lively place and kitchen open till late. High ceiling and big area so it's not too noisy and keeping a conversation going is easy.
(4)
Claudine V.

Love this local establishment in Downtown twin cities. I have been here twice and still love the decor inside. Great place for a big crowd or even intimate date for a few or a lot of drinks.
(4)
Isabel O.

I have to give 5 stars to The Local in all categories! The food was just amazing!!! I ordered the Bison Burger and it was great. Thing just melted in my mouth! I accompanied the burger with some tomato soup and I must say, tasted nothing but homemade soup! The curry was really good too. In my opinion it just had a bit too much rice, but that's just fine!
(5)
Olivia H.

I had my 21st birthday party at The Local, and it was absolutely spectacular! Special event coordinators Jessica & Lauren helped me get dinner reservations made, and answered all of my questions. They were both courteous, prompt, and a pleasure to work with! When we arrived, our table set up was absolutely perfect. Our server's name was Lily (not sure how she spells it), and she was a blast! She was friendly, funny, engaging, polite, attentive, and she took excellent care of our group. I would highly recommend you request her as your server! The food & drinks were delicious, and the atmosphere of the Pub was lively yet still personal. I had the Chicken Pub Pie & Chicken Shots - both were scrumptious! I really can't say enough about how stupendous our evening was. It was simply a perfect evening, and I couldn't have asked for a better night. I definitely recommend this Pub to anyone looking for some tasty Irish food and deliciously strong drinks. Can't wait to come back! :)
(5)
Rachelle G.

Excellent food, amazing specials, and an awesome atmosphere. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Angie C.

Chicken shots were great and the fish and chips dish was excellent, probably the best fish and chips I ever had.
(5)
Juanita S.

Great place to eat if you're in the downtown area. I had the meatloaf and it was amazing! Great bar area too!
(4)
Jordan L.

This place is huge. Walk in and the bar wraps around the entire building. You could fit half of the city in here. The Reuben was awesome here. The beer was fantastic. The guy who owns this place invented 2Gingers. After visiting, I came back to Georgia and searched until I could find 2Gingers to buy. So delicious.
(5)
Andrea W.

I came here for lunch in the sunshine, and so we were seated outside. The ordering was somewhat confusing though, as there didn't seem to be waiters coming around too often and I had to wait a while for them to get my order. I also had to wait quite a bit for them to bring my food. I had a fish burger with fries; there was way too much fried food on my plate, but overall a filling meal. I also had an iced tea; it was pretty standard. The outdoor seating was great, though a bit strange because people were walking by. I think they should give us the option of being seated indoors if we so wish to.
(4)
Maurice S.

Came to a Grooms Dinner; atmosphere was good ; service was great, but if I want comfort food; I'd rather have it at home.
(3)
Jason K.

A buddy and I at work were invited to a work celebration at The Local, a well known Irish Pub in Downtown Minneapolis, kitty corner from Target HQ. We had some Fulton IPA, (AMAZING) and they had some great apps on hand. I tried some hummus, a slider and a pulled pork slider. I also had some of the awesome cheese plate. Yummy brie on a great bump of crispy flat bread. We had lots of laughs and I love the interior of the place. It is almost like 2 bars in one. One side has big long tables next to the bar, and the other side is more comfy. 4 guest seating. Our server was fantastic. Very nice lady, ready to bring a new drink at a moments notice. The pork slider was super awesome and the burger slider was perfectly cooked. Medium-rare, but still juicy. The hummus wasn't too oily, fabulous pita bread. Not too garlicky, just right. There were also these little chicken, maybe pork teriyaki bites. Definitely not good for you, but yummy! A fun night out, they have a good price fix lunch menu for $11 too, includes entree, salad, and soda. Always good stuff.
(4)
Molly H.

This place is huge, mysterious and delicious! Careful you may get lost inside. Whether you are looking for a date night spot (they have a kissing booth) or a place to meet a group of friends for dinner, head over to the Local. We came here on a Saturday night for a friends birthday and were seated in a back room that felt like we were underground, very cozy and intimate. There was no need for a to go box with any of us, even with appetizers we all licked our plates clean. The artichoke dip is delicious, the red pepper makes the dish! And, If you are looking for a good hearty tomato soup come here, the xl large crouton covered in cheese was AmAzInG! Out of all our meals, this soup stole the show!
(4)
Megan P.

We checked out the Local on Saturday night while staying the weekend downtown. After a late lunch, we just wanted a little something before going out for the night. The Local's late night menu seemed like the perfect fit. There was already a bit of a bar crowd, but we grabbed a seat at cute booth tucked to the side of the main bar. It was perfect because despite the crowd the half walls around the booth gave a feeling of some privacy. We tried the chicken shots and pastry wrapped sausage. The chicken shots were lightly battered and fried with a sauce the was very similar to buffalo but slightly sweeter. LOVED THEM because they weren't too heavy or greasy but had a nice crunch and lots of flavor. The pastry wrapped sausage was also very good- light buttery pastry that wasn't too oily and sausage had great flavor. For dessert we did the combo that allows you to choose any 3 desserts to try. The Guiness moose was awesome! Not too sweet and very light. Carrot cake was moist and had great flavor, but a little dense compared to most carrot cake's I've had. The s'mores cake was my favorite, but again the cake component was quite dense, more like a brownie but it worked! The Local gets solid points from me on food, but also had great music, a nice atmosphere, and a attentive wait staff. For a downtown restaurant the prices on both food and drink are very reasonable.
(4)
Michelle A.

My salmon on a plate of greens was wonderful. The wine was a nice compliment. I was still hungry as I had not eaten all day so I ate some of my friends Berriers and Brie salad. That was really good. My other friend had the traditional steak and mushroom pie. It looked darn tasty. The place is pretty cool looking. Dark wood and little private eating areas. Service was great and it was a perfect spot for us out of towners.
(4)
Josh H.

I really enjoy this place. I do work relatively close and can walk here so that helps. If you have to drive, parking is available in garages or the street, but I can't imagine it would be all that easy. Having said that, I love this place. It has great outdoor seating as well as plenty of room inside. Great place for a happy hour get together and the food is not bad either. They have a great selection of beer to sample as well. I have always had good service, so I think that is great. I love those dark bars with wood. So, for me, this is an excellent place to go.
(5)
Josh M.

I travel for business 188 days a year, so I see a lot of pubs and restaurants. This year has brought me to Minneapolis quite a bit and I'm so glad I found The Local. Great atmosphere inside and excellent people watching outside. The beer selection is great and they have excellent Guinness (right pipes, right nitrogen, right pour). I'd recommend the fish and chips both, both kinds of fish are delicious. The Steak and Mushroom pie is also very good. The only other thing I've had is the Sausage and Mashed. Also very good. Service is prompt and polite. The bartenders inside can't be beat. If you're in MPLS with your significant other, definitely get a picture in The Local's "Kissing Room"
(5)
Lindsey D.

EDIT: Just ate here recently. The food was still awesome! The waitress was even cooler than our food! She could tell we were hungover and chatted with us like a friend. It was great even though I felt so awful the whole time (hangover). I'm in a mood to write reviews tonight. So I'll admit that I haven't eaten here in about a year. The brunch buffet has been awesome every time I've gone though. It came with a Bloody Mary/ Mimosa for around $14. Great place to sit outside in nice weather and the heavy fare is prefect for a hangover. Wish I went more often.
(5)
Riccardo S.

If I lived in Minneapolis, this would be my "local", and I would probably put on about 15 pounds in the chicken shots alone. Dropped by here for lunch with some colleagues while in town, and had decision overload upon seeing the menu. The Guinness I ordered was perfectly poured, and you can tell they have a lot of keg turnover, because the taste was spot-on. Followed that up later with a Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale with my meal which was even better. Now, for the food - while I ordered a delicious Spinach & Artichoke dip for my appetizer, one of my colleagues erred greatly by offering up his chicken shots. Oh my! They need to make this an entree, maybe even a dessert! The meatloaf special with a huge ladle of gravy on top of mashed potatoes & veg was exceptional. I came back here the next day with a much larger group of colleagues as an after-party (we took up about half the bar), and I ordered a few plates of chicken shots for friends to share, and even late at night, the kitchen is on top of their game. I also have to give an extra thumbs-up for any place which will pour a double vodka & ginger in a pint-glass. I look forward to coming back here, or for The Local to license their chicken shots to other bars around the nation interested in making a lot of money.
(5)
Jess R.

Food was good. Service was terrible. Seated right away, after 30 min had to flag down a waitress to take our drink orders. 30min after that we had to flag her down again to take our food order. 60 min later our food came. And in between all that we never saw another waiter to top off our drinks :(. On the up side, the Fish and chips were great!
(2)
Paul C.

Good place to stop for a drink if you like the packed bar atmosphere, but the food is pretty disappointing. I would plan to eat somewhere else and then meet your friends for a pint of Guinness or a Jameson. Not a great selection of unique beers, but plenty of the old stand by's and a good whiskey selection.
(3)
Ryan P.

Went here for a quick bite with some colleagues before a trade show at the nearby convention center and was thoroughly impressed. The ginger whiskey chicken shots were great and a nice departure from the typical buffalo flavored offerings of most establishments. I followed the chicken shots up with the "Wee Lunch", which as the name implies, is a smaller portion, in my case it was the pot roast. The roast was sandwiched between ciabatta with Gorgonzola and caramelized onions. I thought it was a bit dry, but not so much so that I wouldn't order it again. The sandwich was accompanied by a nice side salad with quality greens and very crisp french fries. While the food was quite good, I really enjoyed the ambiance which allows for several side rooms with booth seating, lending to private conversations in an otherwise large, open space. Also, the bar is AMAZINGLY beautiful.
(4)
Shelli K.

Late night apps Table for 2 on the patio, @ 10 pm. A lot of action and people watching. Josh recommended some "gluten free" beers for me to try for "the survey" for my friends. I had Omission Pale ale, it was great! Josh was quick to refill our drinks and offer an app menu. I tried the Stuffed mushrooms. Very tasty, although the mushrooms were hard. Also the Corned beef wonton w/ cream cheese and saurkraut had a nice mix of sweet and sour, also had a sweet and spicy Asian sauce with green onions! Yum! Con: the wontons were greasy, crispy would have been better.
(4)
Joe F.

We were in Minneapolis for our 20th anniversary and were looking for a lunch spot near our downtown hotel. We found the Local on Yelp and thanks to the good reviews decided to give it a try--the result? A delightful lunch outdoors on a beautiful early June afternoon. The service was great and everyone was friendly. I had "the best Rueben sandwich" I've ever had and my wife enjoyed the "Wee" lunch special fish and chips which she dubbed the "best this side of the Atlantic". If we ever are back in Minneapolis, we'd go again in a heartbeat.
(4)
Selina K.

I couldn't think of a better place to host a birthday party for my Big Ginger than the home of the Big Ginger, The Local. I emailed a month in advance and they seamlessly set me up with reservations for 15 to 20 people, and were super quick with communication. It turned out that Ginger Man was even more popular than even I imagined, and we had something like double that number of people show up. At this point, chaos could have ensued, and although we love our friends, part of me screamed a little when I saw how many people had arrived for the surprise. It's not as if the earth would have been flung off its orbit and would have gone hurtling into the sun, but I could have seen this going much much worse with a less well-trained staff. The Local played it cool, however, and as if saying: cdn.memegenerator.co/insâ€¦ calmly kept the situation under control. I can't say enough great things about the service during the party. Our waitress single handedly made sure everyone stayed well hydrated and fed all night, and kept separate tabs for our party of 30 to 40 people, many of whom came and left in different groups at different points during the night. From what I gathered, there were no mistakes with the bills. The space itself is beautiful and accommodates large numbers of people without a problem. The saloon-y feel of the dark wood and cozy glassed in booths make you want to saunter in wearing your best pair of pantaloons or feather boa. Between my excitement over the prospect of birthday cake and greeting our many guests like an ADD afflicted puppy, I only managed to snatch up a few appetizers here and there, but all the food served that I tasted was delicious (highly recommend the sausage rolls). We couldn't have picked a better location for a large party, and I scored major points with the manfriend for picking his favorite spot for his surprise celebration. Thanks for an unforgettable night, Local!
(5)
Neil K.

I have been coming to the Local for years. They do everything well. This is my favorite Irish pub in the U.S. They completely remodeled the interior a few years ago and it is a really cool place to walk through....both sides of the bar, the back room, upstairs, the kissing room, whatever. Food is great here. Brunch is unbelievable (Shepard's Pie). Lunch and dinner are great too. The Reuben is huge and really delicious. Drinks are really good. Lots of great Irish whiskey. If you want a cocktail, you have to go with the Big Ginger, which is made with ginger ale and the in-house whisky Two Gingers. It was created here. Service is always good too.
(5)
Justin K.

I was in town for work and needed a place close by, because it was pretty damn cold out. Yelp led me here. It was a Tuesday night so when I walked in it was pretty empty. I was greeted by a lovely hostess and went to the bar. The bar was really nice and the bartenders were very friendly. The only odd part about sitting at the bar was that there were no TVs visible from my bar seat. There were TVs, just not visible from the bar. I found this odd. Actually, that sucked. I was there by myself and it would have been nice to have the game on a tv visible from the bar. The beer list was pretty ordinary, but when I was handed the specials it was another story. Good mix of local and CO brews. I went with the cutthroat porter on nitro. That is a 9 out of 10 porter. Just awesome. To start I went with one of the soup specials, a ham stew. For my entire I had the bison burger with sweet potato fries. The burger was big and cooked properly. Next to that was an enormous pile of sweet potato fries. These fries were top notch. Most places F up sweet potato fries and leave them soggy and unsalted. These fries were crispy and had a good amount of saltiness to them. They were outstanding. It was such a big pile, but I couldn't stop eating them. I had no room for desert, so I drank another porter. That's how I roll. Overall this place was solid and I would definitely recommend the place, dontcha know.
(4)
David C.

Amazing place for late night drinks and food if you're looking for value! While Irish themed pubs in the Minneapolis area are all over the place, The Local has definitely become the star performer in terms of taste, service, and value. Pot Roast: A My standard dish would be the pot roast, which is cooked to perfection and tastes fantastic (potatoes and everything). Tuna Nicoise Salad: A For kicks, I've also tried the tuna nicoise salad. Wasn't expecting much, but definitely impressed by the general portions of seared ahi tuna for the price. The flaunt the local label of 2 Gingers whiskey for cheap, and they whip up some delicious whiskey cocktails. PROTIP: They also have a 'late night' menu you might want to look into after a few drinks. I love the feel of this place. It really has become a go to spot since I travel to Minneapolis quite frequently for work.
(5)
Amy n Peter R.

Really enjoyed the pot roast. It has that home made lovin. Great service but it was a very slow night so we got special attention.
(4)
Kathy C.

Only had drinks. Fun place with lots and lots of seating. Bustling and noisy. Great selection of beers on tap.
(4)
Diana K.

A really great place.
(4)
Shannon B.

Wandered into this place, not expecting much. Was greeted by a super friendly bartender (who happened to also be super good-looking, which was just an added bonus) and he instantly made me feel at home, even though I was only visiting Minneapolis for a friend's wedding. Ordered the Quinoa Salad and it was delicious. Wasn't expecting it to be much but it was really delicious, especially the tofu, which is difficult to make great! Wanted to go back for a 2nd time, but, was only in Minneapolis for the weekend. When I make it back to the Twin Cities, I'll definitely be visiting the Local.
(5)
Joann S.

The selection of beer and the way the restaurant could transformed itself from a cute brunch joint to a sports TV + pub center, to a crowded lively bar at night is really impressive. However, I feel that every time I go to this place, I feel that the servers lack focus. Literally, they always seem distracted and uncommitted to customer service. I wait a long time to get my waters refilled, I wait a long time in the booths for someone to come and take my order, I get my food and it feels a little cold, I ask for extra lemon and it never comes.. Hellooooo? Anybody thereee????
(2)
Vanessa S.

After visiting a number of establishments around the cities, my boyfriend and I have decided that this is our go-to place. We've been here several times but we are always quite pleased with the drinks, quality service, and decent food. I'd highly recommend trying their homemade 2 Gingers Irish Cream- it's a glass full of heaven! The food for us has always been good. Whether it's the sweet potato fries or any other appetizer/entree, it definitely suits the need. I have yet to try their desserts, which haven't quite enticed yet. It's a fabulous location in the heart of downtown, and has a nice big patio for some great people-watching for any sports events. The decor is Irish pub minus the cheesy shamrock theme that usually inhabits most others. A more true Irish than most!
(5)
Meg P.

I went to The Local for the first time a couple weeks ago and had a pretty good experience. Some friends and I went on the earlier side on a Saturday evening for drinks. I had a drink that was not on the menu, and I don't think the waitress quite communicated what I wanted to the bartender either time I ordered. The drinks I ended up with weren't bad, though. The fish and chips were quite good, too. I would like to go back and try more of the menu items. What really makes me like this place is the ambiance. I LOVE the layout! Despite the fact that it was getting busy and loud, the little partitioned off sections of tables really took the noise level at the table down. I also like how cozy it feels since the portions give a little more privacy. It was very nice to be able to hang out with friends at a popular, good place where I didn't have to shout to be heard or strain to hear what my friends were saying. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some more things!
(4)
J.C. L.

This is a pub, my friends. I mean that as the highest form of compliment. It's not any pub... it's a bonafide, wooden fixtured, wide open, whisky serving, beer pouring, people gathering, stress relieving, football (soccer) watching, hard working employee having, maze-like, wonder of a pub. That's before I mention the food - which is far superior to most of the fare common to other 'knockoff' pubs. Gourmet? No. Very tasty? Yes. It's not cheap for "bar food", but it's comparable in price to anything else you'll find in the downtown area... and definitely above average. My only knock on The Local is the recent switch to having their homegrown '2 Gingers' whisky serve as the house pour. The move took the pub out of it's former distinction of being the single-largest purveyor of Jamison in the world. Not the US... the world. There are still plates in the floor in the north half of the bar indicating as much. I thought that was pretty darn cool. But I don't love the 2 Gingers... so I just make sure to order a Jamison/Soda or Jamison/Ginger instead of the Big Ginger, their signature drink that formerly featured Jamison but now uses 2 Gingers. But they still have what I drink, and they serve it in a great room (actually, rooms... explore the place before you sit down... there are little corners and alcoves all over the place), with very good food and great staff. Best bar in downtown Minneapolis? Yeah, I think so. PS - If you're there on a weekend morning/early afternoon, just order off the menu and forgo the brunch buffet. The buffet is fine, but always just offers standard selections and is a tad spendy. I always find myself considering it, then find something on the menu to order which satisfies me beyond what the buffet typically does.
(5)
Davina D.

Great all-you-can-eat brunch special that comes with a mimosa or Bloody Mary. The creamy hash browns are so yummy!
(4)
Nicole P.

Always a fun place to come with my friends! I am a cider drinker so there's always something tasty to drink. I love coming here on St Pattys Day and after the Get Lucky race. It's always fun to celebrate and drink. The food is good too. Yummy pub food!
(4)
Jason T.

I heard and read good stuff about this place. It just didn't turn out very good for me that day during lunch. I ordered their Fish & Chips and it was kind of tasteless. The fries were really salty and cold and the fish was as bland as water. I didn't like it one bit. My other co-worker got the other fish dinner and it was equally bland. However, I have to say that the curry veg soup was pretty tasty though. It had a rich curry flavor though the entree completely ruined my experience at The Local.
(2)
Renee W.

The Local in Minneapolis is a pretty cool Irish bar that feels super homey during a snowstorm. It just had this nice cozy, but spacious feel to it. It was a tad loud inside but our group was contributing to the noise, so its all good! I needed food so I ordered the steak & mushroom pie - steak, shrooms and gravy topped with mashed potatoes. Yes please! Wash it down with a lovely pint of Guinness and it's pretty much a hearty meal in itself. The next time I go to MSP for a business trip I would love to return for cocktails and something new off the menu!
(5)
William C.

The Local introduced me to the delicious mix of ginger ale and whiskey when I moved out to Minneapolis two years ago. They also offer some very delicious food, coupled with a decent selection of beer. The interior of the restaurant is a long stretch that is filled with booths and tables. Although the space is cozy, I have never really liked sitting inside. I find that it is too dark and cramped for my liking and it doesn't work well for large groups. However, during the spring/summer/fall you can grab a seat outside and enjoy the pedestrian traffic on Nicollet. I have had their bloody mary for brunch and didn't care for it, something tasted off about the flavor. Do try the Big Ginger as this is a beverage staple that is served up specially at this restaurant. They make a very, very good reuben, the last time I ordered it with the side of greens which ended up being a heaping helping. Definitely worth checking out as they have good drinks, good food and generous portions.
(4)
Crystal S.

I was in town recently for an interview and walked down to Nicollet mall looking for a good happy hour. I am so glad that I walked into this place! The way the lounge and restaurant is set up is absolutely perfect! I love that every table feels like it is in it's own unique room of a beautiful old house! It makes you want to go back just so you can try out each little nook! (smart idea on their part huh?!) Although the ambiance was definitely the best part, the food was pretty awesome too. I had the sweet potato stuffed mushrooms, which sound odd, but were really great, and only $5! I wish this was my "local" because I could see myself wasting a great deal of time there reading a book and sipping on wine in each and every alcove!
(5)
Joe H.

Great place to hang out and enjoy a pint with friends and family. The food is very good and reasonably priced. Chicken shots and pretzels are required apps with the pot roast dinner and s'mores to round out a great evening.
(5)
Rachael L.

Had brunch here with friends a few weeks back. Was curious because this was always a go to drink spot but never ate here. I was pleased. The food was actually pretty good, all buffet style, but had lots of options, just not fancy at all - very low key. I had scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and amazing cheesy potatoes. Some of my friends had biscuits and gravy and yogurt parfaits - something for everyone. We have since been back for apps - there chicken shots are seriously good, you need to try those for sure!
(3)
Ben R.

I'd give this place four stars on decor alone. It'd been a while since I'd last been here and I forgot just how spacious and wood-paneled it really is. Can get pretty crowded but there are enough offshoots and corners to find some space. It can take a while to fight for elbow room at the bar. Alternatively, there are some nights where it is emptier than you'd expect and it's really easy to find a side room or a couch/table and forget that you're in a big, loud bar. This place manages to strike a nice balance between "loud, busy downtown bar" and nicely-apportioned drinking establishment with room for intimate chatting.
(4)
Kelly G.

They have a kissing room. 'Nuff said! Well, I guess not quite... Since my job migration to Minneapolis, a friend and I have been happy-hour hopping our way down Eat Street, so please keep in mind this does not review their actual meals. The bar is spectacular, very dark with phenomenal woodwork. I love all the nooks and crannies, although it can make it slightly difficult to navigate your way through this bar. The service was efficient, and my IV of Tanqueray was hooked up as needed. My friend had raved about their wontons, but I was a little apprehensive...corned beef and sauerkraut mixed in with that fried golden and cream-cheesy deliciousness? Anathema! But I was won over in a matter of seconds and we fought over the last one. Calamari was excellent and I enjoyed their rendition of aioli. I fully intend to return as soon as possible to enjoy more after-work relaxation. Besides, at some point I have to try out that kissing room!
(4)
John A.

This is a well done lunch spot and they have a good Irish pub theme going on. I stopped in here and was surprised by how clean and almost ornate that place was. Much of the walls and bar were some kind of dark wood (mahogany?) and there were awesome little window booths on the street side. If you're in here with your honey dip or need a place that's a little more quiet I'd recommend trying to get one of those booths. As for the food, I had the fried walleye sandwich and was not let down. The bar had an impressive whiskey selection if that's your thing (hopefully not during lunch) and a nice selection of brews including the usual Irish/Anglo types. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for decent food in a low key atmosphere. There were a few large groups when I was here so it looks like they can accommodate your whole team.
(4)
Lori R.

This restaurant has a fun vibe with a great menu of traditional and Irish fare. The spinach artichoke dip is fantastic and the sandwiches are delicious. Their signature tomato cheddar soup compliments the entree selections perfectly. Offers a kid friendly setting along with a nice menu for little ones.
(5)
Jessi G.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Always have had great service here! The interior is gorgeous filled with uniqueness and history. The Two Gingers are to die for! Make sure to try one out! The summer patio is the best seating with its bright colors. My favorite place to bring out of town friends!
(5)
Richard C.

Beautiful glass and woodwork. By far my favorite bar downtown!
(5)
Cara K.

Fun little Irish pub conveniently located downtown. The perfect little happy hour and/or group gathering spot. I've been here on a few different occasions and there's always a good crowd. Try their signature drink - The Big Ginger (whiskey & ginger ale w/ lemon & lime.)
(4)
Sudeep B.

Really cool, big pub to hang out or catch a soccer game. I love the outdoor patio seating especially on the afternoon we visited--great for people watching. The place was packed outside during happy hour. We ordered two drinks--snakebite and crispin cider. There's a good selection of regional and staple beers. The server was prompt and recommended we try the chicken shots or calimari. I decided on the calimari since I saw a table next to us order some and it made my mouth water. It was brought out pretty quickly. I can't say it was the best fried calimari I've had but it was still tasty, served with cocktail sauce and a deliciously tangy curry sauce. The batter on the calimari could have been better--it had a tough time staying together and just kept falling apart. Despite this, it still hit the spot followed by a sip of cold beer. We came back on Sunday afternoon to catch the England/Italy soccer match. The place was packed inside but we were able to be seated close to a TV. I wish there were more flatscreens throughout the place--especially since its a large space. The server was again very welcoming and checked on us throughout the match without interrupting the action. We ended up ordering spinach artichoke dip and cup of tomato soup. The dip was excellent with large chunks of veggies and artichoke. It came with some lightly toasted bread and thick crackers/chips. The soup was upsized because they ran out of cups. My gf really liked the soup--thick and creamy. Best part was the bartender/owner (I think) who tossed out soccer jerseys and soccer balls to customers throughout the match! Got myself a nice Guiness jersey!
(4)
Perry M.

Anyplace that has a killer draught beer selection, has real pub atmosphere, and serves quinoa is ok by me. Our party was seated in one of the little alcoves that are semi-private. The food was way above average, the service was friendly and the drinks were great. (I was hoping for bleu cheese stuffed olives for the martini, but I'm a grown-up. I'll get over it. Since it is Minnesota, I felt obliged to get pan seared walleye. They let me sub the quinoa pilaf for rice. It did not disappoint. All in all, a terrific experience.
(5)
Stephen R.

Good dependable pub food and fast and friendly service. Nothing amazing but if in need something decent - especially if you have a group with varied tastes - the Local will do just nicely. Drinks were very average.
(3)
Hugh P.

The Local more than holds it's own on drinks and FOOD.
(4)
Bronson M.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that The Local has one of the best Sunday brunch buffets offered in Minneapolis. Unlike most breakfast/brunch spots downtown during the weekend, I have never had to wait to be seated. The brunch selection isn't huge but the quality of the food offered is outstanding. My favorites would have to be their creamy hash browns, breakfast sausages and caramel rolls. They also have an amazing selection of fresh fruit and pastries to choose from. For $12 The Local's Sunday brunch is an unbeatable deal...added bonus, also included in the price is your choice of beverage (coffee, juice, bloody mary, or mimosa...but no Big Gingers...not that I've asked or anything).
(4)
Steve A.

So I have been here before sometime in the past, and I think it was a decent place - but this review and rating is for the recent venture here...Great location right on the busy Nicollet Mall and the interiors are very nice. When I am traveling for work, I often look for a place where you can have a meal at the bar. That way you can enjoy your meal, and the bartender, if they're good, will chat you up and make you feel like you aren't eating by yourself...so I come into The Local for dinner and ask to sit at the bar. I got my drink order right away, but man it took forever for this guy to come back and get my dinner order. He wasn't that busy, in fact they ended up sending him home as it was a slow night, so no excuses there. Then I ordered the food and I ordered a cup of their famous Tomato Cheddar soup and the Steakhouse Cobb salad. The soup never did show up, so I can't review it...it sounded like a French Onion type of soup but made with tomatoes instead of the onions and baked with cheddar cheese on top - too bad as that did sound good...unfortunately, I'll never know. The Steakhouse salad shows up...decent size, with what looked like and tasted like the bad ends of somebody else's steak. I had one piece that I chewed so many times, I never could never break it down - had to eventually spit it into the napkin and ask for another napkin to finish the meal...really grisly and no flavor whatsoever. The rest of the salad was okay. So bartender guy gets relieved and late shift bartender guy asks if I want anything else. I said, just the check and make sure I don't get charged for the soup...well guess what? The soup wasn't ever put in - no wonder I didn't get it...probably had to do with Bartender #1 writing my order down on a cocktail napkin - really - it wasn't that much to remember - cup of your FAMOUS soup and the steakhouse salad - I think the walk from my spot to the register was only 4 feet, so how he forgot all that information in that short of a walk - I suppose I should have ordered it with a twist or something he was familiar with - well - guess it was time for him to go home. I didn't stay for one of the fun desserts...I walked down the street and got a cup of gelato off the street - nice treat for an unusual hot day in the Twin Cities. Sorry, guys, can't recommend this spot...might try it again in the future with others, but it's off the list for now.
(2)
Linda B.

Very busy on a Friday night so we sat at the bar. Bartender wasn't very friendly, but did her job. Food was good, but would probably try something else next time we're in town.
(4)
Elisa V.

The Local is a great place to go for drinks and appetizers at night or for brunch on the weekend. I've been there for special occasions as well as quickly popping in for a quick bite. The menu has Irish treats and a great whiskey selection (of course). I was recently there for brunch and thrilled to discover a mimosa/bloody special along w/ brunch for under $12. The servers are accommodating and management frequents the floor to ensure a good experience. I would definitely recommend for late-night, a quick lunch, or brunch.
(4)
Jasmine B.

Fun place filled with fun people in a fun location. Our party of 6 occupied some prime real estate in The Local on Friday. We were there for the tail end of happy hour and got to partake in some of the specials. It was deceivingly slow sitting in the front of the bar, only realizing how busy it was once you tried to make your way back to the restrooms. Fighting the crowds to navigate the narrow bar was fun, especially when you got to rub up against one of the many beautiful people occupying the space. Our server was very nice, obviously very busy as well, but we didn't have a problem getting what we asked for at all. The General Manager(s) were also there and eager to please, both very nice as well. We had chicken shooters, ahi tuna, mushrooms, wontons, drinks galore and ended with some delicious desert choices. I highly recommend all of the above. Everything was pretty darn tasty, but I must give a special shout out to the Guinness Mousse, specifically because of how it was served. It was so cleverly in a Guinness tasting glass, complete with 'foam' on top, it looked just like a tiny glass of beer! Deserts are only 2.99 each (or 3 for 7.99) and are smaller portions, perfect for one. Two thumbs up!
(4)
Samantha L.

I did not eat here, so I can't mention what the food was like, maybe on my next visit I will try the food. Other than that, I sat at the bar and the bartenders were very friendly and the beer prices were decent. I would visit again.
(4)
Fernando C.

"Soup is just a way of screwing you out of a meal." So I decided to screw myself out of a meal and opted for a soup on my recent trip to The Local. I had the Tomato Basil and Cheese Soup. Such a great tasting soup and only $5 for a huge lunch-size bowl. It comes perfectly warm and served with a giant crouton right in the middle which provides flavor without forcing you to eat it if you're going low-carb. The taste is delicious and not to tomato-ey or basil-ey or cheesy. Its delicious. Next thing on the meal were the fries. The fries are great tasting and the homemade Irish tomato catsup is to die for. Takes the fries from a 3 to a 5 and will have you double-dipping for sure. p.s. If the weather permits, sit out on the patio and take in some sun while watching the suckers next door have horrible guacamole.
(4)
Poppy W.

The drinks are affordable. The staff blows my mind. I'd spend every day here if I wasn't afraid of the trouble id get in! Best bar in Minneapolis, with the most attractive and down to earth people. Finally a place for us ladies to enjoy being served a drink by a charmer. It's like you're invited to be a part of their boys club from the moment you sit down.
(5)
Sandy G.

Not bad but not remarkable. We only had appetizers which were very fresh but not memorable except for one I would describe as being stuffed with Underwood deviled meat. Shouldn't it be better than that? I won't go out of my way to eat here again but if I were hungry while downtown, it would be on my list of possibilities. Now, as I was sipping my Sprite (mmm, Sprite) I heard my companions ordering something called alcohol? Am I spelling that right? Never tried it. Their feedback is that their drinks were awesome! Especially some Two Gingers thingie my daughter ordered. So take my review with a grain of teetotaling salt.
(3)
Kristin H.

The restaurant is split into a number of different "rooms", making each section feel like its own neighborhood pub. We pushed through the crowds and found the first open seats in the Porter Pub area, bellied up to the bar where those suckers with kids didn't dare sit. Here's the scoop on Happy Hour: Monday - Friday, 11 am-6 pm, $4.50 taps, well drinks and house wines. Plus, from 2-6 pm, $6 appetizers. The service was surprisingly fast in a bar with standing room only. We got the bartender's attention to grab us a food menu and asked for a few recommendations since there were so many tasty options. Happy hour includes $6 appetizers from 2-6 pm, so we decided to get two apps to hold us over for the evening. We went with the Crispy Calamari and The Local's Wonton's. Atmosphere Great for friends, family, co-workers, and even kids I guess! But be aware, The Local is always packed and tables are hard to find. Service Nothing to complain about here. The servers know what they're doing, easily handling the crowds and making sure everyone is satisfied. Presentation Bar food with a little downtown style. Taste The appetizers were spot on. Great flavor, generous portions, and just the right sauces! I'd recommend their Rachel Sandwich if you go for lunch or dinner. Value for Dollars 1-5, I'd say it gets a 3.5 .
(3)
Leslie S.

The local has a wonderful outdoor patio, which grants the restaurant a 4. We went on a beautiful evening, which enhanced the overall experience. The food was ok. We had the Rachel, which was very flavorful. I had the salad as a side and it was fresh, but plain. We also tried the 2 gingers chicken sandwich and it was ok, but on the bland side. It could have used more 2 gingers. The kids had burgers and fries, which were good and fairly priced bc they included a drink. I recommend to go if it's a nice day and you can eat outside, bc the inside was more of a dark pub.
(4)
Lisa B.

Food 2 as fantastic. We had a group of 30. Everyone left very happy. Service excellent. I myself had the wild rice veggie burger. The best veggie burger I've eaten. Highly recommend it. The soups fantastic. I give this restaurant 5 stars
(5)
Sam P.

We didn't go here right away. The patio always seemed so busy and it just seemed like too easy of a choice. Well, there's a reason it's busy. They have $4 Well drinks and draft beers from 11-6pm, i believe Monday-Friday and $6 select apps from 2-6pm. Not to mention a nice big patio area. The inside looked pretty cool as well, $4 drafts was probably the best deal i found for a decent beer selection downtown. The $6 mushroom app was decent, but smallish. Only 5 shrooms to split for two. That's all we tried, so don't know about the rest, but i enjoyed the patio and drinks.
(4)
Thomas S.

Great vibe. Good drinks and food. Would check out again next time I'm in msp.
(4)
Robin K.

AMAZING Pot roast. Great service. Solid place.
(4)
Ben D.

I dunno if it's a Minnesota thing, but sitting on a patio in the sunshine is the thing to do downtown when you want to have a drink! And now that the buses are all Hybrids and Natural Gas you can't hear a whole lot of engine noise anymore either! I love their house made whiskey, it's pretty good!!! And the cheese tray is good too, but it has more fruit than cheese on it. I really like this place, the only thing it is missing is the 'wow' factor.
(4)
Chris K.

Travelling on business is a drag. Eating at the Minneapolis Hilton is an expensive bore. Thank goodness just one block away is a fun, delicious, nicely-priced pub. If the weather is fine, eat outside. You get to see everything going by on the street, and it still feels like a pub. Want the whole pub experience - go inside. You can read all the other great comments from others but if you don't have the walleye fish you are missing one of this restaurant's best dishes and one of Minnesota's greatest claims to fame. Our party each had something different, and all 6 of us liked every bite of everything we ordered. The drinks? Nice price, healthy pours.
(4)
Justin S.

Probably the most solid lunch in all of downtown. My goto is their reuben sandwich. Unreal corn beef. After over 10 times eating, I'm safe saying its the best reuben, consistently, downtown. Try it. As far as drinking establishments go, this one ranks pretty high up there. Any cocktail you want plus a great selection of solid beers. Each type of beer gets its own glass made specifically for it. Props. Guinness flows well here. The layout is great as there are a lot of nooks and crannies to duck into and have an intimate night with low light, or to snag a room with your obnoxious friends. Totally up to you. All around a great downtown spot.
(4)
Travis L.

The seating inside is fantastic! The service was top-notch, but I think that might have been the result of the inside being relatively empty. We set out for spicy vegetarian food, but, due to having our kids with us, we opted out of Zelo. So, while Irish doesn't associate well with "spicy" (if at all), the food we had still came through. First off, I love a place that answers a question about what kind of lettuce is used in their salad with "A blend of spinach and arugula"--I like to avoid iceberg in a manner similar to what the Titanic should have done. Second, in house veggie burgers are always worth a few points; a wild rice-based one is worth a full on star. Charging for tasters of the house beer, though? That's not too cool. Given the size of the tasters, I understand, and the price of the two wasn't outrageous, however, when the server offers to bring a "little taster to try", I don't expect more than a liberal splash. Maybe I assume to much. As it turned out, neither of the Finnegan's beers presented were our style (one was a blonde, the other was a darker colored blonde, er... amber?) and the samplers were finished out of a sense of obligation. If we'd been out for a night of drinking and been looking for a little food to go with our beer, this would probably be a 4-star review. However, we went for food first and booze second, so three stars it is.
(3)
Amanda L.

Great place for football and brunch. Irish attitude and great atmosphere - we have never been disappointed. It's good for kids too :-)
(4)
Colleen M.

Out of the downtown bars of its ilk (the News Room, Brit's, etc), the Local is my favorite. I'm Irish, so I might be bias. I'm just not sure it's 'Yay! I'm a fan!' four stars. Let's say 3.5 stars. The space is great and never-ending. Service is usually pretty quick and cheerful. The drinks selection is good and their bartenders usually know their stuff. The Mister and I stopped by the Local between a double header at Target Field. The patio was a bit crowded but the waitstaff did a good job of making sure all the tables got what they needed. We had a small confusion when we asked the guy who delivered our food to provide a second spoon for the soup. This really confused him and we never saw him again. The tomato soup was amazing. The Mister ordered it, but I pretty much hogged that single spoon while letting him have half my (slightly dry, but tasty) sliders. But seriously... that tomato soup. Wow. If I worked downtown, I'd be here for lunch twice a week until I tipped 200lbs. In the evenings, the place can be a bit of a meat market and get a little loud. But there are still great place for small groups with lots of little private booths. Food varies from pub grub to very good. It seems a bit less fratty, Target jr exec than Brit's, but it does lack their awesome outdoor spaces upstairs.
(3)
Catherine C.

I am terribly disappointed in The Local. I was really wanting to like this place, because I am a huge fan of Irish style pubs, etc. Especially dark and dingy ones like Fado's in Chicago. But this is not Fado's. As I was about to discover. My husband and I came here last night after walking down the bridge from Northeast to downtown. It was late and I was thirsty for a hot decaf coffee since the weather turned chilly after the State Fair. He wanted a drink. So we go inside and the hostess informs us that we can sit anywhere, provided it's not reserved. So we chose a lounge area close to the bar and waited for about 10 minutes for a waitress...... I got up to speak to someone at the bar and told them we were sitting down for about 10 minutes without so much as a hint of a person to bring us menus. He asked me "Did you speak to the hostess or did you just walk in?" Wow. Really? I am not a complete idiot, of course I saw the hostess first. I told him this and he said someone would be right over. Someone was about 5 minutes right over, and she did not look pleased that we were inconveniencing her so much as to need her attention. I asked if they still had fresh coffee and if I could get a decaf. (I wanted to sleep last night, not stay up until dawn). She smiled insincerely and said "Yes we do". My husband ordered a Big Ginger. I also asked for a water which only came 20 minutes after the coffee and the drink, and was brought over by a man. Which I found strange. This was the place that I had the worst decaf coffee of my entire life. It was lukewarm, drab and tasted very stale. I drank it anyway. It was $2.48. Why can't people just make fresh coffee, if it's after 9pm? What is the big deal, they serve food here, they serve high quality alcohol, they should be serving me fresh coffee. It's bad enough that Starbucks, Dunn Brothers and Caribou were all closed. What does a girl have to do to get a decent hot coffee at night? My husband's Big Ginger was great and I don't even like whiskey - I should have ordered that instead! This review is getting awfully long, and I don't usually review places I dislike, but I was so unimpressed with the service and the coffee that I had to speak up about it. I never give anything 1 star, but this time, I am. The one star stands for the lovely interior. That was the only thing I liked about this place. And that is all. Get your act together Local - I'm going back to Brit's Pub.
(1)
Ryan W.

Bar is actually not bad. But on my visit I was having beers with a few friends (older scientists and professors, not exactly a crazy crowd). I ordered 5 beers at the bar and paid. I took 3 back to the table and came back for 2 more. Returned and sat down. A couple minutes later the manager arrived at our table and was extremely aggressively accusing us of stealing beer! He literally said I "Stole beer". It is possible I took the wrong glass of beer on accident, but I only took 5 beers (as I ordered). Obviously this could have been handled in a far more diplomatic manner especially by the management, very disappointed. Just be careful in this bar as the management is quick to call his paying customers a liar and a thief.
(1)
Barclay W.

This place was a really fun and interesting experience. It is pretty much what you would expect from an Irish pub. Their big focus in drinks is on anything and everything having to do with ginger. I didn't care for the big ginger but there were some other drinks that definitely caught my eye. What I liked about this place was that it was big, but intimate. When you go inside there are little alcoves that you can sit in with your party. It feels like your own private bar. If you want to step out and see other people there is plenty of seating at the bar or outside. For the more sketchy needs there is a kissing room in the back. I didn't go in because when my friend and I checked it out it was full of older people who asked us to join, yuck. If you are into that sort of thing then great. My biggest complaint was the fact that it was FREEZING inside. It wasn't terribly warm outside but when we went inside it was like a popsicle. We ended up sitting outside just to stay warm. When I come back to the Twin Cities this will definitely be on my list of places to visit.
(4)
Lia P.

Yum yum yum. Loved my wild rice burger- it tasted fresh and homemade and the bun it was served on was not your run of the mill wheat bun, it actually had some flavor and texture to it. However I asked for more tomato chutney because you could barely taste it and it was never brought to me- rude! That was the food runner's fault though, not our waitress. By the time she came back around I was over it. My husband had the fish and chips and the bite I had was really good. Both of us loved our fries- crispy but still potato-y. My mimosa was yummy too. Very reasonable prices- I was surprised to see that my husband's coke was only $1.80- so many places charge $3+. If I lived in Minneapolis I would definitely come back here.
(4)
Stevie C.

During our epic stay in Minneapolis we constantly talked about eating here and I think that May have given it rather high expectations. I had the bison burger and fries for a quick lunch finally and the burger was "eh" but the fries were really, really good. They could put Burger King to shame with the delicious crispy fries that I had. The menu seemed a title overpriced but it's a good location with a great beer selection.
(4)
Shanna K.

Three words: The Skinny Ginger (Jamesons & Diet Ginger Ale) PERFECT for girls like me who wanna get their drunk on but don't want the extra time on the treadmill. I love this drink and I don't understand why more bars don't carry diet ginger ale. It's great with bourbon, too. Other than that I haven't tried the food but the people watching was great and who doesn't love a kissing room?
(4)
Ryan P.

The Local is enormous. It's shaped like a circle and feels like you are in some ancient Irish castle. Walking around its giant corridors you will no doubt find a place to drink with you friends, even on the busiest of times. This place has a really nice vibe as well. A bit more relaxed than other places nearby. If you find a private room with your friends you will have a great time, it feels like you have the entire place to yourself. The beer menu is pretty decent. The drinks are pretty tasty. I sampled are as follows: The Big Ginger and The Caramel Apple. Both great if you want a sweet mixed drink. Didn't get a chance to try the food but next time I definitely will.
(4)
Warren C.

Cool hangout spot...that is, if you get the table with the charge-by-the-pint self-serve tap of Guinness and Harp. Definitely awesome. Other than that, decent selection of typical Irish pub beers, very social atmosphere, and a lot of middle-aged women that are fair game.
(4)
Lindsay H.

I almost became nostalgic during my most recent visit... Man U. vs. Barcelona was on and I was super excited to see Ryan Giggs on screen again.. drool! I love how they accomodate a crazy number of people so that people can watch the game and eat some fish and chips with beer or whateverelse they serve. The service was a little slow, but understandable considering how many people were there! Food is great. I had Shepard's pie (which I loved), my friends had the bison burger and fish and chips. Tons of local beers/drinks to select from!!! I'll be back.
(4)
Debbie Y.

It's okay. I do LOVE their fish bite appetizer, otherwise I'm not sure I'd bother.
(3)
Tom B.

My wife and I had a great meal, the service was excellent with the food and drinks arriving very quickly even though it was very busy.
(5)
Phillip C.

Stopped by here on the way back to my hotel after the Twins game. Sat at a table out on the patio, which was hopping at the time. Had the Walleye fish and chips, which were pretty good but a bit on the small side. I actually preferred the cod fish and chips, which were flakier. Good selection of beers.
(3)
Emily P.

Love this place. The appetizers are delicious, namely the The Local Wonton's + Calamari.
(5)
Michael S.

Visited The Local twice in the past 3 days. The food was mediocre, but the bar is huge inside with a lot of outdoor seating as well. It was busy/popular during both visits as a testament to its drawing power. The bar specialty is Jameson Irish Whiskey, so, of course you have to get it, right? The signature drink is "The Big Ginger" which is basically Ginger Ale and Jameson Whiskey with a squeeze of Lime and a Lemon Wedge (very similar to a Makers Press). It is a smooth n easy drink and worth getting every time.
(3)
Amanda P.

This is a really fun bar that's versatile. Great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and generally fast and attentive service. I'd come here on a date, with friends, or with family. I haven't had the best dining experiences here, but my friends have told me that the food is average bar food and perfectly fine, so I bumped them up a star.
(4)
Anastacia B.

The best thing going here is their group coordinator, Jessica Dill. She's helpful, friendly, responsive, and tells you what's what! This was especially helpful to me as I was considering a large group event....and planning it from Baltimore. Yay, Jessie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)
Jack D.

Great service. Really nice people work here. The Sunday brunch comes with a mimosa or bloody Mary for $12.99. great value!
(4)
Scott L.

Love The Local! Great lunch place out under the sun on the mall. Can't go wrong here for drinks either.
(4)
Jason D.

Seating was odd. It was happy hour so we were told to roam the restaurant and find a seat. Crowded. People kept bumping into me while I ate. Weakest cocktail in town. Oh, and I stepped in gum INSIDE the restaurant. Fancy.
(2)
Mahesh K.

Great place for a weekend dinner in downtown. I went to the local with 8 friends for dinner after a couple of hours of kayaking at Lake Calhoun. We asked to be seated outside but obviously all the tables were taken. So, we went in...all the way in to the other end of the place. But, its ideal for a big group. The waitress was very nice and friendly. We ordered some beers and appetizers. The drinks were good so were the appetizers. Most of my friends turned vegans recently just like I did last year. So, we ordered the wild rice veggie burger with a side. I got the fries as a side. I thought I would never use the word but here it is YUMMY. The burger is huge and so I skipped lunch the next day. We ended up sitting there for 3 hours talking and drinking and the staff was really nice checking up on us once in a while. Try it out, you"ll love it.
(4)
Scott D.

Haven't been here in awhile but it was a place that I think about whenever I make my comparison for corned beef hash. This is the place to go!!! Was here for a rehearsal dinner for which I cannot make any claims to the food that night as I don't really remember it but a bunch of us came here the morning after the wedding also. They have the best corned beef hash with huge chunks of meat. It is the best I have ever had and a darn good bloody mary that comes with a mini beer back included. If you like breakfast, booze, or both... This is your place!
(5)
Brian H.

I had the meatloaf and found it to be fresh and tasty. It was served with mashed potatoes, asparagus and some carrots and onions. All were well prepared and quite tasty. Our server was wonderful. She was sincere in welcoming us to the restaurant and kept our drinks filled and allowed us to linger after the meal without rushing us. Never did we feel ignored or over-bothered. It was a great balance.
(4)
Des D.

Great looking large "Irish American" style bar. Good selection of beers with most styles to meet most tastes. Long list of Irish Whiskeys. Nice atmosphere! Food was good for pub food. Service was good.
(4)
Danielle G.

Love the patio and think the food is pretty dang good.
(4)
Lauren T.

This place is freakin' sweet! My director and I (we work for a company in Dallas) traveled to MN and hosted a lunch event at The Local for our Minneapolis/St. Paul customers and prospects, and everything turned out fantastic! We had about 25 guests for lunch, and all the waiters/waitresses were SO nice and helpful! The manager was also great, and our restaurant event planner (Jessica) was super friendly and willing to accommodate with any help we needed. A couple of nights before our event, my director and I also came here for dinner (Lord knows Texans know and love their food!). Same thing... Great experience all around. The ambiance inside The Local is that of a very upscale pub with dim lighting, lush mahogany finishes and dramatic interior details. Very classy and decorated in perfect taste! But my favorite thing about The Local would have to be the outside patio. This restaurant is a fantastic eatery in downtown Minneapolis for a warm spring/summer day. It is in a super cute location full of friendly pedestrians looking to bask in the sunny weather and enjoy life. And a side note: I am definitely not a whiskey person, but I have heard the whiskey here is PHENOMENAL. The other drinks are great and the menu selection is pretty big with American classics, Irish fare and local favorites. When we came here for dinner, the artichoke dip was super yummy and had a tangy, spicy twist on it (which was different than I imagined but tasty nonetheless). For dinner I ordered their salad with the pears and grilled chicken, and it was pretty standard, but still good. For dessert we had their cheesecake. I have definitely had better cheesecake in my life, but for an Irish pub that obviously wouldn't specialize in desserts, it was a-okay and a sweet finish to our meal. All in all, I enjoyed my food on both occasions, and I will most definitely be back. I would especially recommend this place to any large group looking to host a corporate event. The service is friendly and top notch!
(5)
Shawn S.

Of all of Kieran's (the owner's) pubs this is my favorite. It is the most old school of all his pubs, with much of it imported from Ireland. The food is competent and the bartenders/wait staff are (usually) fantastic. (I'm a regular so every once in a while there is a slip, but rarely). I've reserved some of the private areas and they do a great job making your guests happy. It is SO Irish-authentic they don't play Irish music! My favorite thing about this place is that throughout the establishment, lots of places to lean, sit, huddle and discuss to your heart's content. On St Patrick's day, better be in by 3 or forget it!
(4)
Katie R.

Irish decor and setting+ Oak bar with more whiskey and burbon than anyone else+Cozy booths+ Perfect back rooms for parties and gatherings (which i attended...beers for books!)+ Super friendly and nice staff+ The BEST mixed drink- The Big Ginger- made with Jameson/ginger ale/lime and lemons= a night of fun :)
(4)
Lindsey W.

I love the local, the bar has all these little private nooks and crannies for your group to hang out in. The drinks are strong, all the beers come in the correct glasses and the food is qutie good! I love the chicken shots, those are delicious! I'd highly recommend any night of the week but it's especially cozy in the winter!
(4)
Todd M.

Great atmosphere, meatloaf, & whiskey. If you want a great experience in downtown, this is the place - forget Brit's!
(5)
Katey S.

Lovely. That sums up my visit to The Local last Friday night. Lovely booth/table set up in a semi-private room. Lovely waitress, Lilly, who served us fantastically. Lovely menu options, from the basic burgers and fish & chips to veggie burgers and meat loaf plates. We didn't give a shit about what sport was playing, we just wanted to sit and eat and enjoy the company, and it proved a great place for that.
(4)
Kelly V.

The bar staff are seriously rude. I overheard a bartender, Elle, insult a customer. I couldn't believe it, but apparently thats The Local. Management is virtually non-existant. Their Big Ginger whisky tastes like turpentine and the food is overpriced.
(1)
Lila C.

The trick is knowing when to go. Happy hour 2-6 pm, $6.99 for apps and I believe it's $4 for a pretty large glass of beer. Great selection of drinks, awesome decor, and atmosphere. Granted you have to put up with the Target employees, it's kitty corner, but it's still a nice place to together or take in a football game. They have wonderful food, but sticking with the basics is always best and you can't go wrong: fish and chips, especially with some curry sauce on the side. Though the best part is if you're able to go in the summer - sitting on the patio on Nicollect Ave, getting a feel for downtown Mpls. Obviously you won't be the only one so service will be slow, but that brings me back to knowing when to go.
(5)
Tom V.

Sriacha wings are good, not great, but the bleu cheese dressing is to die for. This place does have one of the best patios in downtown Minneapolis, along a great selection of brews. Oh, and for the uninitiated, 'chips' at an Irish place are FRIES. Leave your bumbling Americanism at home and try this pub out.
(4)
Michael R.

Great Irish restaurant, great atmosphere, good service and decent (a bit spendy) prices.
(5)
Annie D.

Now, for brunch. The breakfast shepherd's pie was good and rich, though I think it would be better with the bacon on the top so that it stays crisp. Those creamy hashbrowns are basically like eating heavy cream and butter straight up, but they hit the spot. I also tried a bite of my friend's pancakes and they were excellent. The Local does great hangover food, which is what brunch is all about, right? I will say that the Bloody Marys are nothing special though, so next time I'd "suffer" through a breakfast Big Ginger instead.
(4)
Kim R.

I organized my company's Christmas Party at the Local and the party was such a success! I never knew the Local had a party room located on the second floor. If you go all the way to the back of the bar, there is staircase that goes up stairs and there you will find The Choir. The room is perfect for 30-50 people and overlooks the entire bar. We had our own servers who ran downstairs to get us drinks, as well as our own buffet with food. The room also had a pool table. This space had a great comfortable and laid back vibe. If you are planning a corporate party, or any other event, I would definitely recommend checking out the Local. The prices are very reasonable and the food was good too. I would recommend the chicken shots, pulled pork sliders and brownies.
(5)
Katelin E.

One of my favorite Minneapolis establishments! The crowd is entirely mixed (Target-ers, 40+, expats, sporadically high school-ers with families - you never know!) which therefore makes it a safe hang out spot with others whom you may not know which direction they lean (yuppie vs. hipster vs. ?? etc.) or the group happens to be a motley crew. The pub is deceptively large, with little side enclaves to make a small or large party feel intimate without having to forgo a lively atmosphere! The beer and food are pretty standard - one really goes for the welcoming, laid-back vibes. Note, unless you live or work downtown, parking is a headache. Overall, The Local is always recommended!
(4)
Scot H.

Service lacked terribly. Food was average, not awful, but nothing to write about. People watching is great! Patio is huge, but staffing needs to be better planned, there are a lot of people to serve out there. Interior looks good and is clean.
(3)
Eric W.

Stopped to the Local while in town for a convention as it was close to our hotel. Not sure what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. Started with calamari and the chicken bites. Both were outstanding. I had the chicken curry over the walleye. Probably the best curry I've ever had. Very tender chicken, wonderful sauce and awesome jasmine rice. My dinner companions all really enjoyed their meals too. Really liked this place. Give it very high 3+ stars. Would certainly go back next time I'm in Minneapolis
(4)
Felix H.

I always enjoy going to the Local, it's a far better place to have a cocktail at or beer on tap than to dine in and eat. My fish and chips (I ordered the Cod version) was very "Meh". Small portions of fish, maybe it was just this order, as in the past it's been better.
(3)
Sarah L.

Great vegetarian burger made in house and the chocolate s'mores cake to finish it off was delicious. Good food and good outdoor patio.
(4)
Kedar D.

Go figure, The Local has a home-made veggie burger than can be modified to be vegan. That said, I'd come here for a drink, regardless of the food. The Local is wonderfully atmospheric, cozy and elegant. I love the multiple bar areas, the enclosed nooks, and the homey feel of the joint; you feel like you could go in there on any given day and come out with a bunch of new friends. It also feels a bit like a time-warp in there; with the gorgeous woodwork and period details, you get a vague sense of what it might have been like to have lived in Minneapolis during the heyday of the early 1900s. And, of course, they have a veggie burger ($10). I had it without cheese. Also, just in case, tell them to not use butter; my friend and I had a feeling that the buns were toasted with butter, but couldn't quite tell. Lastly, make sure to ask them for a potato bun, as their regular multigrain bun has eggs in it. Anyway, the burger was a large, tasty patty made with wild rice and chickpeas, among other things. I also liked that they provided cucumber slices, instead of ubiquitous pickles. The burger itself was quite good. Not the best I've ever had, but it was definitely among the best I've had in the Twin Cities: hearty and flavorful. It held together nicely and had a perceptible kick to it. My only gripe was that they slathered some sweet "tomato chutney" on the bottom bun which messed up the savory taste. That said, they were more than happy to get me a fresh, plain bun to fix that problem. I also liked the french fries, which weren't oily and had a baked flavor. The curried potato crisps, however, weren't that great: they just tasted flat and the curry powder wasn't well-integrated on the crisps. The service was friendly, prompt and unobtrusive. Lastly, the beer selection here is slightly above average, but not terribly innovative. It skews heavily to the British-Irish-American side of things (not my favorite beer producing countries), but they have a couple of interesting drafts. Come here for the atmosphere, some fries and friends.
(4)
Candace R.

My bf and I met up with one of his cousins here on the patio while on vacation, per my Yelp searching. We weren't too hungry, so we settled on drinks and apps. I had the signature big ginger and then went on to the caramel apple drink. I enjoyed the caramel apple much more than the big ginger, but I'm a sweet drink type of person. I also had the chicken poppers which were delicious! Super bready but there was plenty of meat and the seasoning was tasty. The boys had beers, the fish poppers and sliders, and were all very satisfied. The service was great and I can tell this is a popular place that fills up at nights and on weekends. Would definitely return
(4)
Megan R.

Love The Local! The staff are fantastic and the food is always great!
(5)
Sam M.

Ducked in here for a pint while finishing shopping on Christmas eve. The place is roomy with lots of wood. The bartender was friendly and service was quite quick. They take pains to pour a nice pint of Guiness here. I appreciate that. The beer selection is mostly InBev staples like Guiness, Stella etc. They keep a seasonal on tap but time was limited. They also have a ginger whiskey. Interesting. They serve a brunch on saturday, so I will have to go back so I can update this review for food.
(4)
Annie P.

Only had beer here but loved the decor and had a super friendly bartender. Will be back for sure!
(4)
Lina H.

i came here on a nice Friday evening and sat out at the patio. it was crowded, though i wasn't enjoying the chick who was blowing cigarette smoke next to me.. i couldn't resist absorbing the nice Minnesota weather that summer day. i ordered their house burger and it was delish... definitely bigger than what i was expected and the meat was super lean... instead of fries i had a side of garlic mash potatoes . it was so tasteful that i ate all of it. Andrew had the pull pork and from the looks of the smeared BBQ sauce on his lips, he liked it a whole lot. they definitely have a wide selection of beer and happy hour is the best time to go.. why!? because their pints of tap beers are 4 bucks. you better get there early if you plan on having a seat... cause you'll be fighting for seating space with all those corporate down town employees.
(4)
Molly S.

I was in town for a weekend, and the hotel clerk recommended The Local for dinner. We arrived and were seated outside. The seating area was nice looking, but not a ton of room. The food was fantastic. I struggled to pick something off the menu because everything sounded great. I ended up ordering the Pot Roast sandwich. They took something pretty basic and added to it, and I have to say it was one of the best I've ever had. Overall I loved the atmosphere of the place, the waiter was quick, friendly, and clearly knew the menu.
(5)
Ryan G.

Visited THe Local again on another trip to Minneapolis. This place never gets old! The food is great for lunch and dinner, the drinks are reasonably priced and taste great and the service is top notch. Each time I find myself heading to the Twin Cities, I will fit The Local into my plans.
(5)
Julie T.

This is a great pub! Lots of choices on drinks and food is amazing! Went there tonight for the first time for a private event and will be back! The servers and greeters are very friendly. Customer service was awesome. Order the mushroom and chicken shooters on the appetizers menu, they are delicious. Definitely recommended! For the singles, there are lots of eye-candies there! Handsome professionals. :)
(5)
Keith M.

Their Irish coffee with a guinness whipped cream is perfect for those particularly chilly winter days and reasonably priced for just under $6. On the other hand, when I was looking to drink some watery filler and only saw miller lite on draught I figured what the hell, but $6? That's just offensive: if I had known I would have just gotten an Irish coffee again and drank half of it. There's no excuse for any place in Mpls to charge such ridiculous prices when I've been to downtown joints in big cities here and abroad that just don't. I recently went to a craft cocktail lounge in Chicago and although I obviously bought a delicious boozy cocktail there I saw PBR was an option on the menu for the big city price of a whopping $2. Guess if prices aren't listed I'll have to ask, especially Downtown:
(3)
Michael S.

The local is a nice place. I spent a few nights at the hyatt and wasn't sure where to go for food and drinks. We had a PRE fixed menu since we were in a large promotional group . The service was very nice and friendly. I had the artechoke dip which was pretty good, cheesey, but somewhat heavy on the salt. Local was my first experience with bison. I ordered the bison burger cooked medium. It was delicious. Prefectly cooked and on a tasty soft bun. I had the option for fries and mixed greens and went with the greens. They served up a pretty big order of a mixed green salad with a light dressing. Overall the entree was great. I had this coffee ice cream witch cookie chunks and served in a chocolate cup. The chocolate cup itself wasn't that good but the iced cream \was amazing. I don't like coffee ice cream but maybe it was the cookie mixed it that made this ice cream great. I ended up going to this place again two nights later. I read about the "late night bar menu" on yelp, so walking in around 11:55 I was lucky enough to ask for the menu and ordered a Angus burger. Apparently, you cannot order food passed 12am. The angus burger was good, slightly over cooked, and mediocre at best. Overall, if ur in the area visiting you cannot go wrong with stopping at The Local for decent food.
(3)
Jessica L.

Yum! Was a little nervous after reading the reviews, seems you either love it or hate it, but I thought it was fantastic. Not sure what it's like on a week night since we went on a Saturday night, but if you are looking for a low key place, this is probably not for you. For being totally packed it was still a good atmosphere and though we were initially told it would likely be a 20 minute wait, we got seated in 10. Rad! Even better? The food was amazing. The artichoke dip was best I've had (we could have used more chips/bread for dipping, but they were so cool they probably would have given it to us had we asked) and the turkey burger light but really well seasoned, and loved the cranberry sauce. Not often you can be both a great bar AND serve super good food, but they do. Also great service especially considering they were packed to the gills.
(4)
M D.

Had Sunday brunch today for Father's Day. Was terrific! Outdoor dining is clean, cozy, and perfect on a sunny day (lots of shady spots too). Brunch was $12.99 - included drink too (I had Bloody Mary and wife had Mamosa). Awesome. Brunch menu was not overly extensive which we loved and the food was spot-on. The bar/restaurant was beautiful inside - a true Irish gem in the upper Midwest! So many intimate seats if you want that OR hang with the crowd and catch a soccer game. Nicely done, Local!
(5)
Ashley J.

WOW! This is a killer bar... Get the Big Ginger!!! The place is really big and on a Saturday night, I was shocked at how good the service was. You can sit at the bar, or little tables that are tucked away. They late night menu had excellent drinking food and the cocktail/bar menu was a win!
(4)
Mariel L.

The Local is a pretty popular Happy Hour spot for downtown workers, and I've probably been here 3 or 4 times, all except one for HHs. Despite the massive size of the place, it always seems to be packed, but seating for a group without a reservation (unless it's a really big group) isn't impossible. First things first: The service is hit or miss, just coz there's a ton of patrons. I really like the decor and the ambiance of the place, it feels like someone's old mansion with lots of private chambers and nooks and just the right amount of lighting. They have good drink & appetizer HH specials, and I haven't tried it yet, but I heard their Big Ginger drinks are good. I always get whatever's on tap and yesterday got MN's own Crispin Cider. What I really dig, though, are the appetizers. Their chicken shots are kinda sweet, fried nuggets of goodness, and their crispy fries...well, you can't really go wrong with fries. A recent discovery though, were the reuben fritters. They come out looking like egg rolls, but they're stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut and swiss cheese; they're surprisingly really good! I've also had lunch there during St. Patrick's Day and they kinda jack up the lunch menu prices (but of course), and their fish and chips were pretty good. Overall, it's a fun place, and definitely wouldn't mind going there for yet another Tgt Happy Hour.
(3)
Adam S.

Hate the smoking. Sorry smokers but I've become spoiled by Chicago, New York and other cities that ban smoking within 15 feet of working areas, which would include the patio where I tried desperately to eat between inhaling second hand smoke. That's out .... Like: - Selection of drinks and beers - Roasted chicken with rice and peas was amazing and brought me back to childhood in mom's kitchen. - Service was friendly and prompt Did not like: - Smoking - Uncomfortable chairs and tables - Crowd control - too many people standing around, butts in face, etc
(3)
Jeremy K.

Favorite spot in downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet. Great atmosphere inside and out. Solid food and great drinks highlighted by the beers on tap and the Big Gingers.
(5)
Camille L.

Quick service at the outdoor tables is a definite plus in the summertime. I've been here a handful of times and this is a good solid bar. It's usually pretty busy and packed on Fri. and Sat. nights. I also like the little rooms they have along side the place since it's good for groups. Great lunch and happy hour specials too. All shared plates are $5.99 during happy hour. My favorite drink here is their Big Ginger!
(4)
Sabrina C.

A Gigantic Pub downtown. This place is perfect for happy hour! The bartenders are friendly and there is usually space available - maybe not tables but certainly standing room. Don't expect fancy dining - think pub and you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Anya S.

Absolutely unremarkable. The food is blah. I mean really blah. I can make an omelet like that too. And I have troubles with boiling some water. The appetizers are a rip off. I heard the beer is good, but its beer. The Sunday buffet brunch is ....well, bad. You're better off ordering of the menu, as the buffets food is well...its bad. The service is quite poor. They are also way too busy and understaffed. So, prepare to wait and wait and wait. The place is also really loud so prepare to yell out your order and this is not the place for a meaningful conversation with your significant other. The decor. Ehhh, the patio chairs are just plain uncomfortable. The ambiance - after living in Boston, this is no Irish pub. This is a place for Target corp employees to hang out.
(2)
Franca T.

I don't even want to give them one star. My night here with my folks was more than terrible. Our waitress, called Jennifer, was arrogant and highhanded from the start. She would say "What? What did you say? What do you want?" in a very rude way when my friend tries to order. She also did not know what kind of beer they had so she could not answer my question whether they carry a certain kind of beer. She did not want to go ask the bartender, either. When we ordered some more food to share, I said "we are going to share this and that and..." and she interrupted me saying "wait wait wait, why are you ordering so many? Are you eating them by yourself or what?" I did say that we were going to share those dishes. She never came to our table to fill the water or check if the food was OK. We were a group of 6 but she only gave us 2 sets of silvers and plates, so we asked for 4 more, but she only brought us 2 more. What is wrong with this young women? She left us alone almost for 45 minutes till we got to ask for our bill as well. When we were paying, we told her that we would like to split the food but each of us pay for the beer each person had. We even wrote our name on the bill for her convenience. However, as soon as she heard us about the way of paying and looked at the cards we put, she rolled her eyes and said that this was really really really complicated and sighed. We were all annoyed, to be honest, with her attitude and said nothing till she left with the bill. Although the food we had was not that bad, it was nothing special and the service was simply a joke. Thus, I would never ever go back there or recommend to anyone.
(1)
Monica R.

The atmosphere here is pretty great - feels kind of like you're in an old library or train station with the rich woods and little nooks where you can cozy up with your friends. The food is OK - good, but not great. I really like the wee lunches mostly because the size is perfect for lunch and because a group of people can go here and everyone will find something that they want. We like it for happy hour too - service is decent and the appetizers are satisfying.
(3)
Lizzie E.

Outstanding bar, great food and ended up rocking out the night with our server. The Two Gingers whiskey drink was one of the best cocktails I've had in a long time. The people were happily buzzed and well taken care of by the wait staff. Large bar so it was incredibly loud, but who cares when you're half cranked. The more the merrier.
(4)
Aaron H.

Fantastic patio in the summer. Good servers. Nice private room in back for private dining. Lots of little sections in dining room for more private conversations. Cool place. The dark wood isn't the modern style I like, but that's fine because it's a classy Irish pub.
(4)
Amber E.

Good place to knock back a couple drinks and hang with friends, maybe catch a game. The atmosphere is laid back and it appears they've got a large selection of beers on tap, if that's your thing. I stuck with my mixed drinks, and they were all made well by friendly bartenders.
(3)
Holly R.

The Local is by far one of my favorite places in downtown Minneapolis. Comfortable, cool atmosphere, laid-back, good food, what more could you want? I went there recently with a friend of mine. I ordered my usual - fish and chips and a cider. She ordered the meatloaf. We were both very happy with our orders. My fish was two large pieces done just right. The fish was flaky and tender. They were served atop a huge mountain of fries that were also very tasty. My friend's meatloaf was also a generous portion served with mashed potatoes. Our waitress was great, didn't rush us but gave us just the right amount of attention. I would recommend The Local to anyone looking for a great place to grab a tasty bite and fun drink.
(5)
Rachelle T.

Go to the Local for great atmosphere, a drink called the Big Ginger and good service. Go elsewhere for food. Really, don't eat there. We ordered the Charcuterie Plate and it really wasn't what the menu described (I was expecting salami, prosciutto, cheese and apples). If you are going to put head cheese on a plate, it should come with a giant warning in enormous font! So I had to be honest when the server asked what we thought. His response, "Just try it." Well, I tried everything on that damn plate, even the head cheese and I still didn't like it. At least he took it off the bill. This place is really busy right after work and it can be terribly difficult to get a place to sit.
(3)
Chad Y.

Great place to check out if you are in downtown Minneapolis. The food was very good and the drink menu simply fantastic. I sat at the bar by myself thinking id be alone, but the staff and the company nearby certainly made it a great night! Charming place with great food at good prices, what more could one want?
(4)
Ann V.

Uhm the hostess has an Irish accent...coincidence?! The Local definitely has the Irish flair, I'm not an expert but I think it's pretty spot on. My friend and I sat in a cosy booth inside because the patio seating was literally elbow to elbow in business suits. I guess that's what we get for hittin' up around lunch time. If you're adamant about sitting outside and mind the crowds, go after the lunch rush! I was very satisfied with my potatoes and '2 gingers' sandwich. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary or spectacular about it, I just like it. I'll probably come back- so long as I can get my grub on AND enjoy the hustle and bustle of nicolette. =)
(3)
Lauren D.

Large, beautifully-decorated bar. We didn't eat here, but stopped in for a drink. We decided to try a cocktail and weren't blown away by the selection. Overall, a decent bar. I haven't tried the food, so I can't comment on that. I enjoyed the atmosphere, which is a reason I'd return.
(4)
Sarah G.

Ok . So I've learned I love the big ginger. But I can not stand the food after 2 tries I quit. I'll just stick to the Gingers at the Bar. Try 1 - Went out with some Friends for an NU alumni gathering - we ordered the Ruben Ball appitizer - my boyfriend bit into one and then he pulled out a big of long black hair - (keep in mind these are deep fried!) Try 2 - Went for lunch with some co-workers. I ordered the lunch special and realized that my dish was wrong. Wrong size, wrong side, and it was cold. I asked the waitress about the confusion and her answer was not very accommodating and I had to pay the full price! (Even though they messed up) I'm Sticking with the Gingers.
(2)
Melissa C.

I have absolutely no idea whether the food here is that good or not. This is not necessarily because I haven't eaten here. But I do know what IS good: the big gingers. Come on--why else are you here? This little establishment sells more Jameson whiskey than any other. Anywhere. In the world. For 4 years running. All because of that magical drink: the big ginger. Cool and crisp and refreshing, they're the only bar that can really get it right--down to a science--when you order a Jameson, ginger ale, lemon and lime. I'm sure I've snacked on appetizers here when having a drink and I do recall some particularly delicious thick-cut bacon during brunch before a Twin's game, but mostly I come for my favorite drink. Also: The space is pretty great, too.
(4)
Dan S.

The Local is one of the top five bars in the city. It is a business casual Irish Pub on Nicollet Mall. The place is busy with the after work downtown crowd and it stays busy throughout the night. During the summer months they have a great outdoor patio. Inside, there are two long bars with the usual pours for an Irish Pub. They are also the world's largest seller of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Try a Ginger, their signature drink. You don't have to be a whiskey fan to enjoy a Ginger. There are also about 20 private rooms that are great for sneaking into for a hot make-out session. I like this place because it is downtown, but you don't have to put up with the usual douche-baggery that occurs closer to the 1st Avenue scene.
(5)
Christian F.

I came here a long time ago to impress a girl on a date. It did the trick. Before that, I tried their Jameson flight, and that's when I decided I should bring someone here to impress them. I've been here a few times for social gatherings. The place seems to specialize in groups because it is densely packed with jabbering, drunken Minneapolitans. It spills out into the street: I would love to settle into their copious sidewalk seating, except it's always freakin' full. Every single table, full of people glaring at you and thinking, 'Oh, you better hope you don't want this table, because I'm paying rent here through October.' The food's good enough. The full bar is great. I just can't relax in a place that packs customers in like surplus sardines.
(3)
Andrew S.

Very nice outdoor seating area with nice views of downtown Minneapolis! I had the Shepherds Pie and it was very filling and tasty.
(4)
Ira M.

Great Irish bar. I've been told they sell more Jameson than anyone else, anywhere. They also distill their own whiskey....which is great with ginger ale. Nice ambiance and friendly staff. Next time I am back in Minneapolis I will be sure to return.
(4)
Leah G.

This place is massive, cavernous almost. You can sit in little hidden nooks and crannies of the bar and its almost as if you're in your own private restaurant, or you can opt for one of the several outdoor seats they have. I love the smaller more personal bar seating areas as well. The food is a-ok, probably only a 3 star ranking, but I just think the space makes for a very comfortable, enjoyable pub experience.
(4)
Mike M.

My experience here was a bit limited, so I can't say anything about the food - only about the staff, decor, and the drink specials. I've only been to Minneapolis once, and during a trip back to our room, the girlfriend and I saw this bar on the road and decided to stop in. The inside is really kept in good condition. It's very spacious and inviting, and the staff make you feel right at home pretty quickly. I'm not sure what kind of crowd they usually get, as I came on a Friday evening, but it seemed pretty tame - good atmosphere just to get a drink and hang out. However, I did notice a group of trouble makers, who were looking like they wanted to start something with a group of girls - but, alas, nothing sparked from it aside from some insults. The bartenders were really great; very friendly and inviting and talkative. If you love feeling like a pal, rather than just a customer, this bar gets my stamp of approval. Waiting staff, though I didn't experience them first hand, seemed to be very friendly as well. Drink specials are actually really good here. I had no idea at the time, but when we ordered our drinks for only about $4 a person, we suddenly got 2 of each drink. Two-Fers! Very nice surprise. There wasn't even a sporting event; so it must've been a weekly special. Pros: - Very friendly and inviting staff. - Great drink specials. - Very spacious and tame (at least the night I went) - good for a calm beer with some friends or your significant other. - Great spot for sports fans. Seems to be the host of A LOT of sporting events. - Parking lot! This is a shocker for me, being from the East Coast and having to spend 20 mins looking for a spot. This place actually has it's own lot. Cons: - Sometimes a bad crowd (?) - I can't be too biased, I only saw one group like that while here. Overall, a nice experience, I recommend it for anyone looking to get a drink and watch a game!
(4)
Oliver H.

What a difference from Brits! Breakfast buffet was great, at a reasonable price. Buffet including your choice of Coffee, Bloody Mary or OJ $11.99 I just hope they get the Rugby World Cup games this summer.
(5)
David S.

Two words: Two Gingers!
(4)
Jeff S.

The Local recently hosted a party for our group of 45 in the The Choir, the second floor loft overlooking the pub floor. We had bar food set out for the group that included burgers, salmon kabobs, pulled pork sandwiches, vegetables, chips, etc. What a great venue for a group! The service was absolutely outstanding - everybody kept a drink in their hand and no matter how much I moved around, my drink always found me. The food was hot, cooked well and plentiful. The Choir a good spot for a stand up party - we were aiming to get the group to mingle and it worked. The food was good, not great but more than satisfactory in a group/buffet setting. The manager and staff were very, very friendly and seemed genuinely interested in making sure our needs were met. I would happily return.
(4)
Leslie H.

The place is HUGE, so you can always get a table. The food is AMAZING and reasonable, and the service is pretty darn quick considering they're feeding (what appears to be) half of Minneapolis. Fantastic beer selection, and the BEST Reuben and pot roast we've ever tasted. Can't wait to get shipped off to The Frozen Tundra next January so we can do it all again!
(5)
Elizabeth X.

The place looks nice inside, but that's the best thing I can say about it. Had the chicken pie and it was watery and tasteless. Even the desserts were only mediocre. I likely won't be back.
(2)
Jim P.

I love The Local, and meet there with friends to have beer, sliders and good conversation about once a month. All of which are good, and service is always pleasant, too. Sorry to say, today their fish and chips (standard Pub fare anywhere in the world) really wasn't up to snuff. Dried out and tasteless. Hope it improves to the standards of everything else there. I'll be back, but probably sliders next time.
(4)
Ingrid C.

So freaking annoying. Literally, 20 feet into the bar to realize that this place was not worth it AT ALL. Crowded with nonsense. I don't need this sort of aggravation when I'm on vacation However, I'd probably come back on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
(2)
Mike S.

Living in Minneapolis as long as I have I have probably been to The Local nearly 500 times. I ate there the other night before going to a show at the Orpheum, and I'm new to Yelp, so I thought I'd write a review. The space: Traditional pub style with a lot of beautiful wood accents. It was recently remodeled (within the last 3 years I think) and many private areas were added, so it is good for larger groups. Beware though, on any given Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night this place gets PACKED. It makes finding a table near impossible. Even getting to the bathroom can turn into an adventure. The food: Solid traditional Irish fare. The reuben bites are good, the cheese plate is good, the wee burgers are good and the fish & chips are good. I have never been displeased with a meal here. It's nothing to write home about, but it's just plain GOOD. Oh, and hit up the Local for their buffet-style brunch. Great hangover grub. I could seriously plow down 6 plates full of the hashbrowns. The drink: It's an Irish pub so expect a nice beer selection and they serve more Jameson at the Local than any where else in the world. That's right. The WORLD. Try a Big Ginger while you're there. It could possibly be the best drink ever.
(3)
Lea S.

This is a tale of woe turned into triumph, so hold on to your key boards! After attending an art opening that seemed more about the mingle than the art I was in need of good food and booze. Since we were downtown we decided to go to the Local. My companion raved about the food for about two hours, so I was ready to be impressed. We entered and sat ourselves in this nice dark corner. The place was extremely busy, since it was 9 p.m. on a Saturday night, but it seemed that the staff had everything under control. As the waitress approached our table to drop off menus she ACCIDENTLY spilled the beers she was carrying all over us, the table, the bench, everything! These things happen and you could see the shear embarrassment on her face. We tried to assure her that we were fine and not to worry. She scampered off, and within minutes the manager of the bar was at our table assisting with clean up and profusely apologizing. What happened next was above and beyond customer service.... Besides cleaning up the area, apologizing and getting us drinks, the bar paid for our entire meal, offered dry cleaning assistance, and made sure that the rest of our night was perfect. Both the manager and the waitress were so attentive and gracious! I expected an apology, but the level of customer service we experienced was beyond expectation. Now I understand that anything free always tastes a bit better, but I could have had drinks spilled all over me, paid full price and it wouldn't have mattered; the food was that good! We started with the Calamari. It was well seasoned, hot, and delicious. I ordered the Jameson chicken, and I can easily say it was one of the BEST chicken sandwiches I had ever consumed. If you are into Whiskey Gingers the Locals are the tops! They don't skimp on the alcohol, but it is not so full of whiskey that it is painful to drink. Overall I will definitely return to the Local. The customer services was impeccable, the food delicious, the atmosphere great, and the music perfect. I highly recommend checking it out!
(5)
Paul D.

Great food, great patio, great staff, perfect place to grab a drink and a bite.
(5)
Alexa C.

The local is such a fun, quintessential Irish Pub right in the heart of downtown. Unlike many pubs, it's not all fried nasty food either to go with your Irish brew. Their menu is delicious and diverse, and changes by what's in season. The bar is large enough to hold quite a few people, with an upstairs area, and during happy hours it's usually still packed. Their signature drink "The Big Ginger" is heaven. Two shots of Jameson, ginger ale, a lemon, a lime and bitters--yes please!
(4)
Jason R.

Dishes are interestingly free of heavy vegetable influences... But it's bar food. Not bad bar food in any way, but bar food. The waitress knew to say bangers and mash rather than the menu's "sausages and mash." There are a few good local brews on tap, and the patio stays hopping on summer nights. Even Sunday. Amazingly enough, absolutely everything I mentioned was the server's favorite. I guess I just have amazing taste.
(3)
Zehr S.

decent bar, good drinks food like the colorful chairs they put out on the street, very plain but chic :-)
(4)
Eric S.

The Local is exactly what it claims to be: an Islander-style pub in Minneapolis with friendly service and lots of booze. The food barely merits a "meh", but who goes to Ireland for the cuisine? Very handsome space, with lots of dark wood and semi-private nooks and crannies for scheming and other kinds of no-goodery. Solid afternoon and late-evening happy hours. Heavy douchebag factor from mouthbreather Minnesota Guidos on Friday and Saturday nights.
(3)
Allison K.

I met a friend at The Local for happy hour a few weeks ago, and uh...WHY had I never been there before?! This is the perfect place to go during the fall and winter months. Warm and cozy atmosphere (there's a Kissing Room...seriously) and very friendly staff. Our waitress actually reminded us as happy hour was ending and asked if we wanted to get any last orders in. I'm impressed. Our happy hour appetizers and hard ciders were delicious, and did I mention The Local is the Jameson capital of the world? I'm proud, Minneapolis. So proud.
(4)
Christine L.

I did not have the food here, but it was such a great place to hang out and have beers and cocktails. The place is bigger than it seems. They have a lot of nooks and crannies where you can have private seating or you can sit at the many bars.
(4)
Carolyn A.

I heart The Local. It's a pretty good catch-all: good happy hour spot, good place to sit outside OR inside for a drink, good lunch, good dinner, decent breakfast while watching soccer...it's just good. And sometimes good is all you need. I'm more of a beer drinker, but I do love the Big Ginger (Jameson and Ginger Ale) for a little change. Of the appetizers, the chicken shots and fries with dipping sauces are my faves (and are a great deal at HH time). I'm also a fan of their salads and veggie burger. Like a lot of restaurants downtown, they have a $10 lunch special too: a smaller version of one of their sandwiches, fries and a small salad.
(4)
Shea C.

Stopped here on a whim after the Vikes game last weekend and I loved it! The place has a great feel and lots of cool, old woodwork. Had the fish and chips and they weren't bad. This is definitely a place I see myself bringing friends to for drinks. Especially when it gets cold out, that place will be cozy. I wish Uptown had an Irish bar/pub.
(4)
Jennifer C.

The bartenders were great, but the manager on today was rather rude... complaining about working on a Sunday and not turning the volume on the Vikings game on. After the staff spent an entire quarter trying to find him to see if they could turn the volume on, he stated his TVs "don't have sound". On the bright side, we've discovered our new go-to spot, The News Room. :-)
(2)
Marjie T.

This place is huge! I stopped in about 9 on a Saturday night and was able to find a table ok, but by the time I left around 10:30 or so, I could barely squeeze my way to the front door. When I walked in the front door, I was greeted (and I use this word very loosely because they just stared at me) by two hostesses. But apparently they weren't hostesses because when I asked for a table for two they said it was open seating. So what exactly their purpose was, I have no idea. They certainly didn't greet me and they didn't seat me. Whatever. I headed down one side of the bar and there are all these little alcoves off to the side with 3-4 tables in them. I was lucky enough to snag a table for two and it was so intimate, even though we were smack dab in the middle of a bustling bar. Our waitress came over pretty quickly and gave us menus. For as unfriendly as the hostesses were, our waitress was very friendly. We ordered the baked artichoke dip and wee burgers. Both were awesome, but that baked artichoke dip was probably the best I've ever had. Unfortunately we ran out of chips/ciabatta with still a lot of dip leftover. I also tried the hazelnut cheesecake. But, beware this is like half of a normal size piece of cheesecake. But it only cost $2.99, so not so bad. I'd definitely come back here if I ever get up to Minneapolis again. The food was really good and the place has a lot of character and charm for an Irish pub.
(4)
Gen L.

Ahhh...The Local. The atmosphere and decor are great. Dark, rich mahogany. A unique, hand carved bar. A kissing room and tons of alcoves to sneak into with friends or a special someone to engage in conversation (or other things). The Big Ginger is their signature drink and hot damn are they tasty. This bar claims to sell the most Jameson in the world - which is a point of pride apparently. The food is good. No fireworks or anything but standard and traditional Irish bar fare. If you are in town visiting, I would consider this place a must see prior to leaving. It is a very unique and fun spot.
(4)
Amina O.

Four stars for ambiance. I loved the decor of the place. It reminded me of a bar that would be in England or Boston. Dark wood interesting seating and I think I saw a couple of different bars as we were seated to our table. I was catching up with an old friend so I wasn't paying attention to the service really and our server was new so I didn't want to give him a hard time with questions about the menu. Had a cheeseburger which was good I can't remember if it was served with fries (I went on New Years day so awhile back). It looked like they had an interesting beer menu which I didn't get to test out, so I will definitely be back to enjoy those sometime soon!
(4)
Clare V.

Great patio for people watching but the food is a little lack luster. I was excited about the Brie and Berries salad but managed to find only two small pieces of Brie in the whole salad. Service was average.
(3)
Jasmine L.

What I really like about the Local is all of the little nook seating areas and the wonderful tall wood decor that separates everything. The interior of this place is just beautiful and is especially inviting on a bitterly cold evening, such as the ones we have been having recently. I see this as being a great place to bring family from out of town, who would probably appreciate the look and feel of the place. It is also good for a dinner date with your sweetheart (or maybe someone you want to be your sweetheart?) because of some of the secluded seating areas and the fact that they have a "kissing booth" - a cute little room near the back by the restrooms with a red light and seating... how cool is that!? I don't really mesh with the regular clientele that frequents this pub but when you can be seated in a little nook it doesn't really matter. Because of the clientele, I personally wouldn't choose here as a place to go to on a weekend or as a place where you go to hang out with the other people that you don't necessarily know. I think it is a good place though to bring a group of people that you do know if you want to sit, chat and have a few drinks on a weekday. The beer selection is fine, nothing special at all, but the other drinks seem to be pretty decent and their most popular "big ginger" is definitely an easy, tasty, choice. I have mostly gone here to eat on weeknights and I think that the food is good but priced a little higher than what it is worth but that is how a lot of places downtown are. Keegan's or Kieran's have the same owners, as others have noted, and pretty much offer the same menu for cheaper prices though so if you are closer to those or are only interested in pricing (not atmosphere or anything) go to one of those instead. They have Green Ox meat products and meat from some other local producers such as bison from Silver Bison Ranch which definitely is a thumbs up. A lot of the food is house-made. The Split Pea Soup is delish. Some people here have stated that they have had bad service but I have never had any problems with this and have only had nice wait-staff. Service can be a bit slow but then again the place is frickin huge and always busy so I dunno. In any case, I personally would definitely recommend at least stopping by and checking it out for a meal and a drink.
(4)
Katie L.

Decent night life. The service is OK. But did you know they have some delicious food as well??? The only thing you need to know: THE LOCAL BURGER. It's a no-nonsense, thick, juicy beef patty with all the fixins. I'm not even going to say any more. I'm not going to tell you the other foods I tried there. Because they're just not worth it in comparison to this burger. See for yourself.
(3)
Joshua W.

My friend's girlfriend graduated from nursing school so we went out for drinks to celebrate. They gave us our own little private cubby area with a few tables out of the main bar area. The service was great for how busy they were. Our waitress was around every 10 minutes to check on us, and remembered what all 8 of us were drinking. Great experience!
(5)
Val B.

The Local gets a solid "Meh." Maybe I'm biased or spoiled because I've been there 100 times, but there's just nothing all that special about it to me. The happy hour drink specials are just OK, but the food specials are alright. I like the whiskey chicken shots. Service is spotty and kinda slow during happy hour, and it's crawling with your coworkers. Not the way I want to spend my Friday afternoon. The Local, for me, could be more "authentic" if it weren't such a Target HQ hangout. If you're interested in an Irish bar, I suggest Keegan's or Kieran's, which has the same owners as the Local but less... business suit wearing clientele.
(3)
James L.

Great place for a burger and a few drinks. The staff is friendly and makes great recommendations. Their signature drink, "the big Ginger" is very tasty, refreshing, and thrifty. This place makes u feel like a local
(4)
Cpt F.

Great Table Service Extensive Irish Whiskey Selection Very Good Bar Food
(4)
Bill S.

I love Irish bars............so let me just give a shout out to my favorite one. O'Sheas in Nurnberg Germany. Ok I digress I often visiting Minneapolis for business and will stop here for dinner or drinks. Sometimes I will also go to Britts down the street for a British experience. Overall this is a fine American style Irish pub / bar. The food is solid, the service is great, and the people are fantastic.
(4)
Esther K.

Tried weekend brunch; excellent deal usual brunch items all very tasty plus they include a drink... Bloody mary, mimosa, juice or coffee
(4)
Elise S.

I'm of Irish ancestry, so when St. Patrick's Day rolls around or when someone suggests we go have a pint at an Irish bar, I have a tendency to roll my eyes and wish they we could just go to a nice, normal bar. So one afternoon when Barrio's patio was looking full and distinctly hipper than I was dressed, I decided it was time to give the Local a try. The tap list is nicely thought out, although I wish it changed more frequently than it does - they offer Fulton and Finnegan's next to Guinness and Boddington's and, regrettably, Bud Light. I can't say I've spent any real time with their spirits or wine list, though. Slightly pricey, but I can accept that they can command a higher premium than other establishments. The food at the Local was perfectly fine - not all that amazing or ground-breaking, I mean all of Kieran Folliard's restaurants offer essentially the same menu - but I found nothing warranting an additional trip specifically for the food. I had the pot roast that was served with a bold gravy, but ultimately ended up underseasoned and a touch dry; the ploughman's platter was nice, but relied too heavily on pickled onions against some of the more subtle offerings on the plate. I wouldn't go so far as to say the food is mediocre, but it didn't capture me or really make me want to immediately come back for another meal. If there's one reason you should go to the Local is for its fantastic patio, though. Off of Nicollet Mall, it's rife with good people watching and an interesting mix of folks.
(3)
S C.

Cool spot we learned about from the concierge at our hotel....go figure! Has the feel of a british pub with lots of room to find a seat or stand. The bartenders were quick and freindly. We kept it simple with our drinks, nothing fancy. Great place if your not from around here and are looking for a casual and cool spot to hang out and throw a few back. And if you are with someone special you can check out "The Kissing Room". Which has the same feel as a Champagne Room if you know what I mean;)
(4)
Bryan P.

What can I say about The Local that hasn't already been said? How about.. it's my favorite bar in town (I'm certain many other have uttered this, but work with me here). The lunch food is fantastic (seriously? An ahi steak on special? Oh, and you're going to cook just right? Thanks.) but the nights are where it's at. It's always packed on the weekends so if you want a table, get there early. You don't have to yell to hear each other, but you're gonna have to speak louder than that, son. The Local is a dark, somewhat classy-somewhat dingy Irish pub in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. That's it's mission; it does it well. They don't have the best beer selection, but if you're just after some liquor and a great time, The Local can do that up just right. P.S. Try the Big Ginger (their signature drink). Even if you don't like whiskey, just do it. Seriously.
(5)
Cyrus A.

Stopped by here after work one day to have drinks with colleagues. Decent place, nice atmosphere. Happy hour was nicely priced. I was NOT impressed by their effusive praise on their beer list - Miller Lite need only be described as pisswater that'll get you drunk, not as a light hoppy beer with apple undertones.... So, a bit pretentious on that front. I dunno, I liked it but didn't love it. Probably won't be back any time soon.
(3)
Tori M.

I love this place so much. The first time I came here, I had the fish & chips and I was pretty impressed. The second time, I was here for St. Patty's Day (I am not Irish at all, but I definitely felt the love here). Have a Johnny Jump-up. They are delicious and secretly strong - a couple shots of Jameson in a tall glass of Crispin... that is what it's all about, for sure. Add the roast chicken pie and you're set. Don't even get me started on the gorgeous interior; make reservations for the lovely booths if you can. They are perfection and almost like being in a private room, but with people-watching.
(4)
Brian J.

Slow, horrible waiter. The food was average but I waited for at least 20 minutes for a drink. HEY MANAGEMENT: How about you split sections up into a little more manageable size so that one server doesn't have to take care of 87 or so tables? Just a thought. I had a very unmemorable fish sandwich. Serves me right for ordering poorly. I just didn't want to be there. The low-light of our Minneapolis dining experiences, fa shiz.
(2)
Shannon C.

I think I join the majority of bar-goers in the Twin Cities when I say that the Local is the #1 bar that comes to mind when I think "Irish". If you haven't had the Shepherd's Pie, you haven't lived. I'm just saying... :) Great for events - reserved the "Board Room" (main level, south side of bar) for a bachelorette dinner - the staff took great care of us (so did the bar patrons!) And the kissing room - so fabulous - who doesn't love a room dedicated to that?
(5)
Chanstay Y.

I've been here a few times and each time I have a good time. I've only had drinks and I have only had been (I love Irish beer). It can get very pack where it's hard to move through the place, it can also be very hard to find a seat at time. There are far too many d-bag yuppies for my taste, but it can be fun to watch the large groups of drunk professionals lose their mind when a pretty girl walks by time and time again. I can't almost always have a good time courteous of me and my friends, there for I've had fun on my visits. This is not your friendly neighborhood Irish bar, so be sure not to go in expecting that.
(2)
Nicole P.

Meet my boyfriend there for his work's happy hour on a friday night. It was about 7 and the outdoor seating was packed, its a great location and there was a nice breeze. The interior was empty, but thats where they were seated to watch the football game. the fries with curry sauce, and blue cheese were really tasty and the fries were cooked nicely. they have a drink called a big ginger which is whiskey and ginger and it was nice and not too strong. they serve their beers in the coordinating 'brand' glass each time. There were few people in our area and one server .... so i cant understand why it took more than 10 min to get my first drink??? Atmosphere: lots of dark wood - cool menu - nice beer selection -very Irish!
(3)
Joe M.

Lunch was good. In Ireland the pubs with the best beer and good food is called "the local". This place is worth the name "the local". Definitly get there early for lunch i got there at 11:15am and didnt get out till 12:45pm. It gets packed. worth it if you have the time. Parking is not the greatest in downtown so be ready to pay for parking.
(4)
Cameron K.

Sometimes you want french fries, other times it is more of a need. After overpriced sushi we needed a little more sustenance, ideally warm and fried with a nice strong beer. The Local delivered in a very positive environment. We liked it so much that we returned the next night. It is a little spendy for the neighborhood, but the cute design, impressive menu and positive environment make it worthwhile.
(5)
Leanne A.

The food is definitely plain. But what I did like was the coves and cozy corners. Almost every table is a booth with super tall walls around it, and it feels really private. They also have a kissing room in the back which I thought was hilarious. Don't go here to eat, though.
(3)
Stephanie B.

Visiting Minneapolis, one of my fave cities, for the big MNF game.. and this time stayed downtown on Nicollet Mall. A new airplane friend recommended the Local and Brits if I was looking for food and drink, and so did the hotel, and from what I heard from others at the hotel, both are good choices. I am super happy with my choice and so is my belly! I walked in to the Local at 1ish in the afternoon, so post lunch rush, happy to see both Packer and Viking fans inside:) Comfortable, pubby interior with dark wood and friendly staff. Very clean. Bartender was friendly and very cute (French!), though not very social, which made me feel a little awkward, since I was the only person sitting at the bar. The tap selection was awesome with the requisite Guinness and Boddington's, plus a couple of other Irish choices as well as my beloved Leinie's, Fat Tire (yes!) and more! I went with the (local) Summit, which was very good. The four stars here are for the best walleye sandwich I have ever had in my life -- crispy and tasty with not too much breading on the perfect roll with a mustardy tartar sauce and absolutely perfect fries. Kid you not. Awesome. Reasonably priced, too, at 10 clams. The rest of the menu was interesting, too -- hey! Shepherd's Pie! I need another try before I bump you up to 5 stars, though.. Some of the reviews here are a little ridiculous.. who complains about a $12 buffet?
(4)
Sonia L.

This place is very cool. I love the decor - I felt like I was in an Irish library where we were sitting. The glass rooms which serve as single party tables seem enticing and give an intimate feeling in such a large restaurant. The pulled pork sandwich with apple slaw is excellent. The fish and chips are standard - pretty good too. The fries portoin is huge, so a suggestion would be share the fries on the side and get a salad for the other entree (if you all are sharing). Anyway, highly recommend this place - its fun, cute servers, and tasty food.
(5)
Luke C.

This is one of my new favorite places for a late night drink in Minneapolis. As other people have said, try the Big Ginger at least once. The staff here is friendly and you will receive quick service. The atmosphere here is really nice as it is a Irish pub type of place. I hear the also have a kissing room for couples who find love while out on a Fiday or Saturday night. I though that was a little funny. They also are a very good place for lunch. I had their pulled pork sandwich with slaw and it was one of the better pulled pork sandwiches i have had in Minneapolis. So whether you are looing for a good lunch or a late night drink, be sure to check out The Local.
(4)
Cullen S.

This was probably the coolest bar I went to over the long weekend vacation. Very nice atmosphere. Our bartender was very attentive and personable even though the place was packed. Jameson and ginger ale may be my new favorite cocktail.
(4)
Queenie R.

I went here on Saturday after watching a matinee (Transformers- awful, but I didn't expect much) and had their veggie burger. It was fantastic- one of the better veggie burger I've had! Totally kept it's shape and the taste was fantastic!
(5)
Andrea R.

It was sunday of labor day weekend and nothing was open in downtown Minneapolis, which was so strange to me. I mean Christmas is one thing, but does a city really need to close down for labor day??? Fortunately, for my very hungry fiance and myself (travelling always makes me hungry) The Local was open...and I think everyone in Minneapolis was dining here. We just wanted something small to tie ourselves over for a few hours until attending an early evening wedding...so we each got the chopped salad (shrimp on top for me while my fiance opted for grilled chicken on top of his). Although it was a little smaller than I expected for the price it was the perfect size since we'd soon be pigging out at the wedding. Service was great as well- our friendly waitress (everyone really is SO friendly in Minneapolis) brought out our salads immediately. I did think this restaurant/bar was a little pricey for what it is, but not too bad next to some of the restaurants/bars I frequent in Chicago.
(4)
Joseph D.

Great pub. Went here while attending a conference, my first time in Minneapolis. Bartender was very well-informed about their beers, wasn't shy about recommendations, and he let me sample a few. Wouldn't expect such quality service (and atmosphere - both inside and out) from a place that's otherwise known for its makeout room. And they had Morphine playing in the background, which is always a good move.
(5)
Ella R.

I went here last night with a large group, and I surely was impressed. What a great place for food, fun, friends, and of course whiskey. I had the Big Ginger, it was great and only $6. I like how you can find a room to yourself or socialize at the bar. There is a good mix of people and everyone seems to be having a good time. The waiter was always attentive and was accommodating splitting up the bill between a large group. *Ladies: There are hooks all around, under the bars, so no need to put your purse on the back of a chair. Or worse yet, on the floor!
(4)
Karen R.

Chicken shots were over cooked but I liked the sauce. I had a veggie burger that was good but nothing overly special. I really liked the atmosphere. I would definitely come back again and hang out with friends at the bar.
(3)
Michelle L.

Great for Happy Hour! Can't rate it on anything else because I've only been here for Happy Hour :-) Will certainly be going back regularly!
(4)
Terry G.

My absolute favorite Irish establishment in the Twin Cities. Wonderful decor, and drink menu.
(5)
Rona Y.

HH is great, but always filled with too many Target folks. The wee lunches are good too, I think it's 7.99 for entree, drink, and tip... and the portions are decent. They also own Coopers in the new St. Louis park area... same food, but more open and with more lighting.
(3)
Lori G.

I love their blueberry salad!
(4)
David S.

The Local is an Irish public house. We were limited in time for lunch that day because the last briefer before lunch ran over, into our lunch hour (how rude! ... ok, it was me, but it wasn't my fault). I was drawn particularly by the sign "Soup of the Day: Whiskey" ... and wished I didn't have to go back to the conference. Oh wait, I didn't! The Local claims to have the highest volume of Jamison outpouring in the world. Who tracks that kind of thing? Our seat was a secluded booth with high glass walls allowing us private conversation in a light filled space. Since I was with my coworkers, I skipped a trip to the kissing room... although I was tempted to peek in to see if there were any nooners going on. With a number of sandwiches to choose from on the lunch menu, we all opted for a smaller plate... a "wee lunch" as they call it. I had the BBQ Pork plate, which is no more than a slider with salad and fries on the side leaving me quite hungry in the end, but probably more healthy than the glutinous dining out I'd been doing all week. I am blogging The Local, though, because of the desserts. I was confused how this happened, but we ended up with a taste of just about everything. CrÃ¨me brulee berry tart, chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse, Izzy's Irish Moxie ice cream (the best) and something I hope I never see again in my life: Guinness flavored Mousse. Creative, but you really gotta like Guinness beer to down that sucker. Read my full review posted on my blog, linked from my profile.
(3)
Barney B.

In the US, Boston, Philly and Chicago have the corner on legit irish pubs. Most other cities try to mimic it but converting a huge cavernous spot into an 'authentic' pub by throwing up some Guinness signs and dark wood complemented by Harp on draft and say 'chips' instead of 'fries' on the menu. Emphasis on this is the word 'try' - because they only succeed in creating the epcot version of the real thing The Local didn't just try, it succeeded. Yes, it's huge - and smack dab in the middle of Scandahoovian land, where the only O's in family names are in the 'son' suffix. But who cares when they manage a casual comfortable pub setting with proper pours and none of that Epcot shlock? Not this mick
(4)
Waylon W.

Ended up at The Local for a friend's 30th birthday and ended up having an amazing time by the end of the night. However, it started off pretty rocky. Due to some lack in planning we were unable to find a place to have dinner and cocktail and decided to give The Local and try. It was INCREDIBLY busy and VERY loud when we arrived and we had a very hard time finding an area big enough to fit our party since the seating was first come, first served. We found a small room that was really too small for all of us to eat dinner but our server was fantastic and super nice. We ended up moving to a new room that allowed more room, but had to change servers (which was a bummer for both of us). However, the new server was also fantastic. Overall, we had a great dinner and adored the food. The Big Gingers were fantastic and my chicken sandwich was moist and full of flavor. Our waiter could have kept a better eye on us, but I will give him a break since we got there right before the kitchen moved to their late night menu (which is 1/2 price apps).
(4)
Erin S.

Stopped here for a quick dinner/drink thing. Dinner was okay - can't say it was overly amazing - don't really even remember what I had. But the ambiance was cool - a glammed up Irish pub - it was definitely busy , but worth stopping in.
(3)
Alicia B.

Great food(I had the pot roast sandwich with Gorgonzola-incredible!), unique interior design, overall a good experience!
(4)
Lauren S.

Grabbed dinner here on business travel and watched the World Series. Standard, Chicago-style huge Irish pub with lots of wood and TV's. Beer selection is good, had the local Fulton IPA. Buffalo burger was good and the salad that came with it was great. Definitely worth trying this place.
(4)
Kat W.

After getting sucked into your dark wood paneled recesses again and again, Local, I think I have finally come to the realization that we have a totally toxic relationship. With every Big Ginger our budding bond grows stronger. Suddenly, the flaws I once saw in you don't seem like deal breakers anymore. I think I might love you.
(4)
Nick M.

Went again last night, and don't have a lot to add above anyone else here. This is easily my favorite place in Minneapolis, and I try to hit it at least once a month, if not once a week. Lots of great beers on tap, fantastic appetizers, an absolutely perfect burger. I never seem to get there in time to have pot roast, and I still haven't had a chance to wake up early enough to have breakfast there. Everyone on the staff is friendly and welcoming, the bartenders strike up conversation that isn't completely empty, and they all want you to have a good time, whatever a good time may be for you. Finally tried the Big Ginger last night, and it's glorious. Whiskey generally causes a reaction (one would say it's "bad") even when I smell it, but this was crisp, clean, and next thing I knew, I had four of them. I love this place.
(4)
Nigel S.

Great atmosphere. Pretty much spot-on for what I'd expect the atmosphere of an Irish bar. The decor and environment fit this well. They have a good selection of top-shelf Irish Whiskeys (Jameson 18 year, Midleton, Jameson Private). This makes a lot of sense for an Irish pub. All the bartenders I dealt with (I dealt with 3 in total) were a pleasure to talk to. I'm not from Minneapolis so I'm the annoying out of towner business guy who is in there with a bunch of locals who work in the surrounding area in the service area. But the all treated me nicely. I got a chicken burger there one night which was alright, other than that I can't comment on the food or the happy hour. I can see anything in this area getting overrun with Target employees fresh off work during happy hour so I don't really see this as a valid complaint about this bar.
(4)
Pawnee X.

The food is better than your standard bar food and the atmosphere is entertaining. The service is hit or miss. To sum it up...I'm a regular patron. I eat there at least once a month.
(4)
Epi C.

I was in town for business on a cold December day and walked into The Local after getting a recommendation from a Macy's employee (he looked like he knew his stuff). I'm glad I found it. The place was packed at happy hour but I was able to find a spot at one of the bars and spent a couple of hours enjoying the atmosphere, beer selection and food. I'll be back!
(4)
Amber E.

How can you go wrong with the amount of Jameson consumption at this place?? I went for lunch with coworkers...it wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but it was good food. I would definitely recommend coming back for dinner/just to drink, as the space was great for groups and just hanging out. What worked: real Irish "pub" feel decent service decent lunch...I had a sandwich and salad the price wasn't sky high
(3)
Jeff P.

Fantastic and delicious tap choices. You really know what you've been missing when you encounter a pub that knows how to store/pour beers properly, such as Guinness and Boddington's. There was a lot of outdoor seating, but it was all full, so I sat inside where I loved the grandiose classic British pub style. Unfortunately, the bar tenders had the "too busy / no personality" coldness.
(4)
mariah c.

While the Local seems to be first and foremost a pub, I can only fairly write about it as a place to grab breakfast. Our shenanigans the night before didn't bring us anywhere near the Local, which is probably for the best. They claim to be the #1 seller of Jameson. That could have easily been the death of me. Their "big ginger" concoction even sounded appealing to me at brunch, though my stomach wasn't quite ready to try it at that hour. The brunch options were limited, but promising. I opted for the buffet. If I had to do it over again, I may have ordered another menu item, or separate sides I didn't feel like I quite got my money's worth doin' it up buffet-style. I forgot that buffet scrambled eggs always get a bit of a funny texture, and I was a wee bit disappointed by the pastry selection. Still, the bacon was tasty, fruit was nice and juicy, and complimentary juice helped to rehydrate me. The REAL highlight of the brunch buffet, though? Creamy hash brown potatoes! Wow. These are so good, you know they have to be horrible for you. Think of hash browns. Think of au gratin potatoes. Now think of a combination of the two, and you'll be getting close. They reminded me of this "cheesy potato" casserole that my mom makes for every family holiday. It's buffet style, so you can stuff yourself with as many scoops of creamy carb goodness as you can bear. Of course, this is EXACTLY what I did! I was so full that I didn't really eat anything else that whole day -- my appetite was totally satisfied for the next 7 hours while zooming back south on I-94.
(3)
sarah p.

The Local has seemingly been around forever. It's the kind of place that old friends meet up around the holidays when they are in town for the obligatory family get together. The decor is Irish pubby, but I really appreciate the beautifully carved wooden booths. Now, I don't typically crave British or Irish food (do people really), but I have to say I was quite impressed by the spinach artichoke dish I sampled last night. I'd have appreciated if they hadn't loaded the flat bread on top of the dip, though, forcing me to remove it to the side before I could get to the creamy goodness. The other yelpers I was with all ordered burgers, and they seemed quite happy with them. I nibbled the fries, and they were pretty good--not too potatoey like some "chips" i've had in other UK-themed establishments. Would I go back? I never intend to but always seem to revisit this downtown staple.
(3)
Drew E.

This bar has made a slow transition during the past two years from a place that was typically busy after work until around 7 or 8pm to a place that is packed each and every night of the week. when I first experienced the local it was always hopping on Thursday and Friday evenings however I have noticed a change. It seems that the 25-35 crowd has gotten bored with the watering holes on first avenue and have migrated to bars that are more conversation friendly. As a result this place is absolutly hopping on Saturday nights. - For a bar, the food is well above average. - The drinks are great.... make sure and get a "Big Ginger" - The atmosphere is great and the clientelle seems to be successful professionals.
(4)
Andie S.

We stopped in for Sat brunch. I am in love with the breakfast shepard's pie.
(4)
Tea B.

I favor The Local for weekend brunch. Many of the brunch dishes come with a free mimosa or bloody mary, which is nice. Many of them also involve their creamy hashbrowns, which are nothing short of mind-blowing. I love the hell out of those hashbrowns. Seriously, you guys. If you show up at the buffet and there are no more creamy hashbrowns left, it's probably my fault. And I'm not sorry.
(4)
A A.

5 stars for the Irish coffee--I did not try the food. I will get shot for this by my fellow NorCal neighbors, but they make, hands down, the best Irish coffee I have ever had. Yes, I have had the standard--ones made by the Buena Vista in San Francisco. I came here 3 times during my 4 day visit to Minneapolis to determine that the experience was true. The cream is hand made in the restaurant and infused with Guiness. It is so thick that I suspect you could stand a spoon in it if it was in a bowl. How I wish I could have this pub in my home town--I'd go at least 1-2 times a week. The ambiance of the restaurant is wonderful.
(5)
Maureen F.

I ended up here one evening and had a great time sitting in one of the cozy booths chatting with some fellow Yelpers. I had heard good things about the Local but wasn't really sure if it was my kind of bar. I went back recently and decided that it fact it is. They have a great selection of beer and a variety of seating, which is nice if you have a large group. We had very attentive waiter which was surprising given it was fairly busy. The chicken shots and wee burgers were both very tasty. I plan to try a Ginger on my next visit here. I give the ladies room two thumbs up for its visually appealing decor and cleanliness.
(3)
rick r.

In Minneapolis for a work trip. Ate a completely ridiculous meal last night. Mayslacks the night before. Holy cow I'm wrecked, let's mellos it out a bit. Stay in downtown since that's where we are and nobody wants to drive. The Local. Irish pub. Had a good time there last night staying out too late drinking too much beer and whiskey. Let's take it to the next level and eat there. So I got the bison burger. It was really good. With mashed taters. Which were also really good. Bacon, buffalo, beer, cheese. Two visits, two good times. And they have a make-out booth.
(4)
Ben P.

Lesson: just because you can do it at work doesn't mean you can do it at home. Application: as a lawyer, I have become adept at delivering bad news (actually, as a lawyer of well-nigh Matlockian talent, the only bad news I typically have to deliver comes in the form of a bill). Like most people who have had to deliver more than their share of bad news, I have come to realize that the best approach is to be blunt, direct, and do it quickly. I.e., "we lost, you're going to prison." (Note: I've never actually delivered that particular piece of bad news.) But just because I can do it as part of my day job doesn't mean I'm good at doing it in my personal life. In fact, the thought of having to deliver bad news to those close to me is typically enough to turn my normally jovial mood blacker than an i-banker's soul. I just don't handle it well, either internally OR externally. So, when it came time to deliver a particularly painfully bad piece of personal news, I at least did one thing right: I remembered to do it in a public place. A pub, in fact. Over lunch, on a surprisingly bright and sunshiny day. The Local has a nice patio for lunching out in the sun, as well as a nice special, that lands you a sandwich, fries, and a drink for under $10, tip included. The Reuben is my weapon of choice. The recipient of my especially bad news took the news remarkably well. There was no screaming, I wasn't stabbed with the steak knife that came with her pot roast sandwich (which is delicious, BTW), nor did she vault across the table and attempt to strangle me dead. All of which, to my mind, were distinct possibilities. I did have to answer some pointed questions. Again, I did a reasonable job implementing my job skills: answer factually, be honest, be blunt, be nice. When it was all over, I picked up the check. I believe my exact words were "when you stab ME in the back, YOU can pick up the check." I didn't get a lot of argument.
(4)
Thomas H.

Epicurean? Let's not get carried away. Although it is a cool place. Lot's of wood, glass and high-top bar table with its own Guiness and Bass tap. Black and Tan anyone?
(4)
Beth F.

The last time I came to The Local for happy hour, I experienced something I've never experienced in my life... If you order a Newcastle, it comes in a Newcastle glass. If you order a Guinness, it comes in a Guinness glass. And the same goes across the board for Fat Tire, Stella, Amstel and Miller Lite (which I think covers our group's orders). Who else does that??? I swear--every other time I've been to a bar, the logo stamped on the glass did not match the brew inside the glass. And even if you're sitting on the patio, your drink comes in a glass glass. The competition (that's you, Brit's!) serves patio customers drinks in plastic cups. Wine, beer, whatever; it comes in a plastic cup. Drinking at Brit's reminded me of a college kegger, rather than a skive-off-work-an-hour-early-summertime happy hour. So kudos to The Local for doing it right. $4 beers and house red, appetizers were around $6, I think, although I didn't have any so I'm not a wholly reliable source. Snag a spot on the patio if you can. If you can't, it's no biggie because the inside of this bar is lovely! It gets crowded so come early or don't come at all unless you like standing--you'll be waiting for ages to get a table.
(4)
doug d.

Stopped in after reading the reviews. Not much to say it's an Irish style pub. But sitting at the bar you have to look at a wall not the other side of the bar. The big Ginger was good but the manager was an ass. The bar was not busy way over staffed and when I arrived a few minutes after my party did he walked by twice nothing said to me I had to ask for a drink. Finally after he slapped my drink down he went away an a real bartender helped us. Was not impressed overall. We decided on the our experience to have dinner elsewhere.
(2)
Jennifer H.

The inside is *beautiful.* Full of dark wood and nooks and crannies and pubby goodness. However, the bar side is narrow as hell and if you manage to score a table when it's busy you WILL have people practically standing on your lap. Big bonus points for the Jamison execution. I loves me some Jamison. But despite a husband of strong Irish descent and my own personal fondness for Jamison shots, we usually come here for the food. The fish and chips are the best in town. Really. I've had a lot. The lamb stew is fantastic as well. And the spinach artichoke dip is as good as everyone else says it is. They've also got those hardcore hand dryers in the bathrooms. You know, the ones that actually move your skin around and leave you dry for reals so you don't have to wipe your hands on your pants on your way out the door.
(4)
Sarah F.

Awesome irish bar, great drinks. The location is perfect on the Nicollet mall, a must stop on a weekend.
(4)
Kevin M.

I still cherish my time here, but it seems like recently they have spent less time caring about the quality of service and time spent here, and more time trying to pack the "drinkers willing to spend" demographic into the beautiful bar. I still love me some Big Ginger, and I still have a healthy respect for their Irish Car Bombs and Johnny Jump-Ups, but I'll go on weeknights. Weekend nights are a little too butts-to-nuts for my taste.
(3)
Adam P.

BREAKFAST ONLY REVIEW: Buffet was insulting. Coffee undrinkable. It was about $12, and included coffee, mimosa, or bloody mary.
(1)
A M.

Stopped in on the later side of dinner and tried the sliders and pork sliders. The food was very good and the atmosphere was typical of an American Irish pub.
(3)
KatieRae A.

Loved the patio overlooking nicollet. Good service. Someone on here reviewed it as having the best veggie burger.I've only had a couple veggie burgers, but if thats the best, than I've lost all hope. Boyfriend had the pulled pork, which was awesome. I loved the Tomato basil cheese soup...mmmm. Liked their whiskey :)
(4)
Wendy T.

A server can completely change your mind about a restaurant. I work at Target right across the street and am here for lunch. We asked the server to check on our food after 45 minutes of waiting while we saw multiple tables around us turn over. He basically told us to chill cuz it was busy. Last time I will come here for lunch.
(2)
Cook S.

I love this place. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, a beautiful, funny and charming waitress named Liz, delicious calamari and ample amount of whisky. You can tell a lot about the pub by the amount of whisky they pour in your glass. Plus-they are always happy to see you even if they have never seen you before. Thanks guys, I love you
(5)
Pinot Squirrel S.

Ok Jameson Whiskey just tastes sooooo much better at the local. Late night happy hour is fabulous. Excellent people watching.
(4)
Mark C.

Best downtown Minneapolis happy hour bar from October to April and not bad in the summer.
(5)
Beth G.

The sidewalk seating area is rarely empty. Home of some fine drinks(or so my neighboring tablemates told me. Had I been drinking alcohol, I was told the Ginger and Ginger is a must drink. I expected straight pub fare of fried things and anemic salads. Instead, I found a very unique menu with plenty of vegetarian/vegan/gluten free choices. I had the Quinoa tabouli. It came with a side of citrus viniagrette that did not come from a jar/bottle. It was flavorful with a hint of lemon and mint. The serving size was perfect for my post Gastric Bypass pouch. I was very pleased and wished I had eaten there before my last day in Minneapolis.
(5)
Shane M.

Had fish & chips on a busy Friday night. Had a "Big Ginger" as suggested by a friend of mine and was not disappointed (made mine a "skinny" with diet ginger ale). Great atmosphere and fun people.
(4)
Carrie S.

Great service, but for $14 my chopped salad was pretty lackluster. Bacon so over cooked I couldn't even stab it with a fork, tiny cubes of cheese, and tasteless vinaigrette. Not impressed.
(2)
Carlo H.

stopped here for an after dinner drink and to satisfy the sweet tooth. ordered a white russian which was made just right and my guest ordered the crispin cider which came out in a mile long glass and was pretty tasty. the desert menu was limited and not all thato impressive but we finally decided on the berry tart which was small enough to barely fill a mouse. the decor and service was top notch though. we were catered to perfectly and the attention to detail to the decor brought out the pub feel nicely. what sold it for me was the music, while enjoying our time we heard radiohead, supergrass and oasis. not many places would sacrifice popular rap and top 40 crap to actually play true music. this review doesnt include food only drinks and hangout experience but since all went well we'd be willing to return to see if the food lives up to the nice time we had. come check this place out for a good time and drinks. hopefully the music stays ace.
(3)
Orion B.

Good service, great lunch specials and pretty tasty food. I'm not much of a drinker so I don't come here for the booze. Usually meet people for lunch as I work downtown and the lunch special section is fantastic for people who don't want a giant plate of food at noon. You can get in and out quickly and satisfied in less than an hour.
(4)
amy z.

The ladies who lunch. Ok that is not how we totally are but it is a great time for us to catch up on what is happening in each others lives. This lunch we decided to go to the Local. Now normally we all thought of this place as a great happy hour place. Well that has changed. There is a selection on the menu for all of us (veggie and non veggie). I ordered from the Wee Lunch menu. You get a smaller version of one of the main lunches. It was the perfect portion of fish, chips and salad. And I wasn't starving later. We all decided that this is a definite place to return.
(4)
George B.

Just went in there for drinks. Great looking bar and cool staff.
(4)
Matt C.

The Local used to be one of my favorite places downtown. Am I the only one who has noticed how cheap everything there has become? The silverware rolls, the napkins that fall apart, this must be how they afford the dollar burgers. Have you noticed their clientele? Its starting to feel like a sports bar. If I wanted to go to buffalo wild wings I would have. The food is less then impressive. Nothing is bad but nothing is amazing either. When I'm spending close to 100 dollars for my wife and I to have dinner I expect more. The only thing that is consistently good is the service. I read a couple of the reviews on here about the Local giving bad service and its just not true. I've found that if you treat people with respect they will treat you with respect and it has gotten me great service every time I have been there. That being said if you want great service but meh everything else, this is the place for you.
(2)
Heidi S.

I love this bar. I love the old style booths. very mob boss feel to it. They have great drinks. They are a Jameson whiskey bar....so their drinks are stellar.
(5)
Drew W.

i need to qualify these 4 stars. Sit at the bar if you can, the service is awsome. sitting outside?? great view and all that. two of the servers are great, hmmm well for the rest not much good to say. If you are a server in a restaurant, suggestive options for the customer is where you really earn your tip lets put it that way....
(4)
Erica B.

This place was great! I only have been here one time, but I certainly had a great time. The cozy little "cubes" to sit in make for a more secluded dining and drinking experience. I loved the wooden architecture that made up the bar on the south side of the place. The drinks were very enjoyable. I only drank the napoleon champagne, but it proved to be above par, especially for champagne. The bathrooms were clean, the crowd was younger than I expected, and the kissing room was very cute! I heard that the brunch is to die for! I hope to go back very soon and experience more that this gem on nicollet has to offer.
(4)
Dane K.

slowwww service. Inexcusably slow. I'm all for a slow meal, but this was just thoughtless. It was partly management's fault, partly the server's. The server we had seemed to be doing half the outside patio on a busy night. Not only that, he also seemed to be busing tables. They also seemed to not have silverware rollups ready, and he was having to dish those out to the tables in a slow fashion. To me, that's just an understaffed restaurant that suffers miserably as a result. It may or may not be his fault that he then forgot the table next to us' appetizer (and was kinda short with them when they didn't know they wanted). And it took him a good 5 visits back of "oh i forgot your tea" before he actually did bring an iced tea to the table. I think outside of the management overburdening him, he probably was a decent waiter though. I myself had the "big gin" to drink ...which sounds fancy, but in all honesty it's the exact drink i drank at just about any bar for the past year. It's whiskey + ginger ale. (I like it because even every random dive bar can make it.) Not complicated, not fancy. I knew this when I ordered, but it was made up to be a big deal so I thought maybe the ingredients used were special, or there was something special I was missing. I don't know why it's a big deal, at all. If you want to make a big deal out of it, use ginger ale that is actually good (not the crap with high fructose corn syrup), get some ginger simple syrup, ginger beer, or candied or fresh ginger and make it something more than you can get at every bar in the world. There was at least one table of really drunk, way, way, way over-served rude customers... I think they were just back from a wedding. Though They had a table, they kept getting up and running around... As soon as I walked in, one girl from the table confronted me to tell me she didn't like my outfit. (and mind you, she seems to have gone to a wedding wearing what looked like a trampy forever 21 dress). Then her friends pretty much carried her off, holding her on both sides. They quickly returned when it seems the bar next door didn't want her. Her other friend proceeded to almost get ran over by a bus (literally people gasping...) when she drunkenly ran across the street and did who knows what stooped over behind a trash can for 5 minutes. If they can't control drunks, or keep them from running in and out of their patio, or keep them out of the main entrance to their business, that seems like a problem for them just as much as anyone. The food... 3*. I ordered the bison burger. It was decent. The curry potato chips were extremely 'meh.' At least the bison was from a local bison farm. It was skimpy though. Bill was $40 for a burger, a fish sandwich, 1 ice tea, 1 big gin. The atmosphere of the patio... nothing too special, a bit like a chaotic drunken-fest (and it wasn't even late yet). I could do without the giant plasma blaring, but others liked it. I could deal without the people smoking right around me as I'm trying to eat. Clearly this place is a bar first, an eatery second... ...Still, no reason to go back here.
(1)
Robert S.

We've been to The Local several times, usually for fries and Big Gingers. We've had dinner there a couple of times, Deb always orders the walleye sandwich (the one shaped like Ireland, if you have an imagination), she says it's nothing special. I really enjoyed their shepherd's pie. This last time I tried their curried chicken (Indian food from an Irish pub, that's taking a chance), I thought it was great. Not high end restaurant quality but it's extremely good for bar food. I wouldn't mind eating there anytime.
(4)
Ninja S.

I always associated this place with the total asspipe of a manager I had a while back that wanted to go out with us so that we could buy him drinks. He would give us these incredibly insightful passages out of his Great Big Book of Egotistic Retardary. Some of my favorites were: "Everything in life is a competition." and "What I do is amazing white collar magic and you nerds are all nouveau blue collar slaves to my genius." He told me once that he saw himself at a younger age in me, implying that I had the potential to become him. This coming from some kid 4 years younger than me with virtually no experience or any idea of the geek fu I would break out on a daily basis. This same man only had a couple years of experience under desks (desktop support) who rode an actual smart guys ballsaq into his position as an ops manager as the smart guy became CIO of the subsidiary. He served as his coffee boy and secretary. Seeing the ego dry up with a quickness as his master entered a meeting was priceless. Later the board booted CIO for telling them things they didn't want to hear. Shortly thereafter, half the nerdcrew was sacked. A couple weeks after that, Mr White Collar Mojo was sacked. Shortly after that the whole board of directors was sacked. Pink slips for everyone! Mister competition then had trouble finding a job. Poor guy! Anyway. He ruined the place for me. Don't let it stop you from enjoying it though.
(4)
Alison M.

I've been to the Local twice. Once on purpose, once by chance. Both times I was overwhelmed by the Suits. I'm not usually one to feel under-dressed but I guess my office dress code is lax compared to most of the downtowners. Anyway, the Suits stand around in the entryway, all along the bar, in every wannabe Irish-pub cove--even in all the walkways. It's everything you can do just to get to a restroom. They clog up the Local like so much cholesterol, I just cant stand it. Even if I loved the food (I dont), if the drinks were amazing (they aren't), or if I wasn't so put-off by the Suits (I am)...I dont ever want to brave this amount of people just to socialize. Sorry.
(1)
Meg L.

Food good. Service, not. Ive been here twice onw, once for brunch, once for lunch, both on weekends. Both times food was good. Breakfast was lovely (had buffet) and lunch was good, had reuben. Both times different servers, both times servers needed work.
(2)
Joe R.

Had a great time at The Local during a recent trip to the Twin Cities. I am a big fan of Irish pubs and this ranks up there with the best. The Big Ginger was awesome, the pub fare was great, and the vibe got better and better as the night went on. Highly recommend a trip to The Local.
(5)
Jacob H.

Drinks are great at the Local, but portions with some of the appetizer's are a rip off. I'd skip the app and just get the meal. The Big Ginger is a great drink and I'd highly recommend it!
(3)
Erin C.

A fun, laid back place to grab a drink with friends. Layout is kind of awkward, but it is a downtown staple. When you are here, order the Big Ginger. This place serves more Jameson than any bar in the world for a reason!
(3)
Jen B.

First let me start by saying that I am giving it 4 stars because the place deserves 4 stars, not because I happen to love the place. I came here on a busy Saturday night with friends, and the place was pretty packed. The waitress that was in our section was wonderful. She was attentive and very friendly and kept checking to see what we needed. She always had a smile and was quick to get what we needed. The place is very charming. I love the look of the place. It smelled great in there, so I am going to assume the food is pretty good, so I will probably come back when it's warm and try a meal on the patio. Now, even though there was a huge range of age in the place, this isn't a place I think I would choose to hang out on a Saturday night too often. Just not my type of vibe. Most of the people in the place were yuppie-ish 20-30 somethings trying to show off. All the women were really over dressed and had that fake/trying too hard look. I prefer a place where everyone is just comfortable to be who they are without having to put on a big show. I out grew that awhile ago, and now find the whole thing rather pathetic. So I think I would definitely come back during a less busy time, before the douchery begins.
(4)
Meggie G.

Qualifying for four stars is a restaurant I'll tell others about. Very few restaurants deserve a five. This one, I give a three. Mainly due to the fact that their menu is so limited. There are a few unique dishes- I've heard the curry dish is amazing. It's otherwise a run-of-the-mill pub. I'm here on business and it's a Sunday night, so it was a little dull in atmosphere as well.
(3)
Nishy P.

Their waldorf salad is one of the best I've ever had. Very friendly staff.
(4)
Nate M.

The Local is the place that you take anyone after a successful first date. Two reasons: 1) Your date loves _____ to drink. Chances are, your date loves either beer or Irish Car Bombs, but if you're lucky they love whiskey. Good news if it's none of the above - open bar. If you don't drink then go home and watch the last episode of Touched By an Angel that you TIVO'ed and stop looking up bars on Yelp. 2) You want to spend alone time without actually being alone (God forbid). Act like you have a surprise and head to the back of the bar (no, you're not going to the bathroom) and check out the "Kissing Room." Due to the insane number of people that peek their heads over the door I'm sure no kissing gets done, but it's the thought that counts, right? This bar has been a perfect spot to meet friends, meet for business, bring my date, bring my date back to because now she's my girlfriend, and bring My Pet Monster to because he loves Irish food. You can't argue with the Local and if you do you just need another shot of Jameson.
(4)
Chris B.

Neither great nor terrible... that is the best way to sum it up. They had a descent bar setup to handle a large amount of people in the bar. You can find your nook and do your thing if you want. Food is just ok. Chicken was dry, burger over cooked. The biggest downside for me was service was iffy even though the bar was not crowded. If things are dead, there is little excuse for slow service and check backs. I will give it another shot and update if worthy, or lacking.
(3)
Di T.

I'm surprised that this place was dead on Sunday at lunch??? It's a cute little pub style restaurant. They have a 10.99 special that includes a drink, tax and tip. It's worth it. My pulled pork sandwich was pretty good and it's marinated in their own whiskey. The decor is interesting. We had our own private room with a white statue of a man with red lips. That was a little creepy. There is a kissing room in the back as well which I wouldn't dare go in. I hope this place is more happening during dinner because it's pretty cool and service is friendly too.
(4)
Emma O.

I had my first beer here on my 21st birthday (happy hour after work), so this place will always hold a special place in my heart.
(4)
Brooke S.

the local kind of makes me want to get up on one of their many bars and dance a little jig! their food -- B+ happy hour -- A post happy hour -- A+ (plus given based on the sheer number of absurdly wasted corporate types who will buy me drinks) ambience and atmosphere -- B+ (it always seems to be busy busy fabulous until midnight and the all the sudden everyone is gone!) I've had many a fabulous night at the local...its perfect if you can snag a little private booth room and chill there...but otherwise the rest of the big bar is just great...they're always playing sports on the TV's, playing good music on the stereo and serving up bad gingers to the locals. and if i'm not mistaken...they sell ALOT of jameson here. ALOT.
(4)
Malden S.

Big Ginger=Big hit! Went for some pre-dinner drinks and an appetizer. Tried the Big Ginger for the first time and must say I am a fan! We shared the fries which came with three delicious dipping sauces. I've been there a few times for happy hour - it's on the loud side so prepare to be a little horse the next day :-)
(4)
Kathy C.

Overall this bar is alright. The things that boosted me to four from three stars are the woodwork/decor, the hand dryers, and the fact that the staff are pretty cool. The patrons are a varied crowd, including balding early thirties dudes hitting on chicks way out of their league and drunken former frat boys. Not that I mind this mind you, as long as I don't have to deal with it, I can enjoy my social bubble. The setting IS after all, quite charming. For a downtown bar it is pretty chill, but you should at least try to wear something respectable.
(4)
j m.

Fun place to go and hang out with a big group of friends. Lots of seating and a lot of it is kind-of partitioned off either by the furniture placement or with the beautiful wood paneling that fills the place. The beer selection is good, they have a nice patio, upstairs pool room overlooking the bar, and don't miss checking out the kissing room in the back.
(4)
T.S. M.

Another great Minneapolis staple. I don't like it as much as Brit's, but there is still nothing to complain about. I always have fun when i come here and that's whats important. I have never come with a group less than 4 and even on the busiest nights we have always found a place to sit. Fun Fact. The local sold more Jameson Irish whiskey in 2008 than any pub in the world! Impressive.
(4)
Muffy W.

A Must for Minneapolis Happy Hour. Every time I have friends in town, I take them to the Local. Great atmosphere, great Big Gingers and lots of fun people watching. Awesome place to start, or finish, your night.
(5)
Chris A.

The Local is a nice place to head out after work or after an evening class for a drink. I rally can't say anything bad about the Local. The food is good, the drinks are good, and the waitstaff has always been courteous.
(5)
Patrick W.

We came here about 4pm on a holiday. It was pleasant and they had lots of outdoor seating, which was pretty full. We barely walked inside, so I can't comment on the inside. I am very much a fan of the outdoor seating -- and the slow day made it so we could dawdle. The food was good enough, above average for pub fare and the prices were reasonable. I'd imagine that in the future we'll stop by again as it has some of the best outdoor seating in downtown Minneapolis.
(4)
Rahul K.

Food was just OK, but the huge beer selection and the outside seating was A+. I was there on a warm Saturday night and the place was crowded and full of people. It was a great spot to people watch from. If I were to eat there again I would try something else or just have a few beers or a big Ginger.
(3)
Freddie S.

I had the breakfast shepards pie. Yum. Went on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't crowded at all. The brunch buffet also looked like a tasty deal.
(4)
Emily U.

Great downtown Irish pub. Check out the inside--it's amazing. The largest purveyor of Jameson Whiskey, this place doesn't disappoint with the drinks. You MUST have the Big Ginger. Two shots of Jameson, Rum, and Ginger Ale. Pretty freaking tasty. The food is great--chicken shots are a great late night appetizer. Their patio is ALWAYS packed during the summer ,especially during lunch! It's a great place to sit at night too, right on Nicollet Mall for people watching.
(4)
Omid M.

Great place to relax on a weekend in the early evening. The food was great, and it had an interesting beer selection. Not to shabby to relax after a long day at work. The clientele was very mixed, and everyone pretty much did their own thing, there wasn't much mingling. All in all, I'd go back for next time I'm in the mood for a killer Reuben.
(4)
E V.

Great place to relax have a few drinks and enjoy above average bar fare. Even though I don't regularly drink whiskey The Big Ginger is simply exquisite (You must have at least 1). As far as food goes there were some misses and a few hits! The Reuben Dippers were unimpressive, yet everyone raved about the Chicken Shots, small chicken bites tossed in a tangy whiskey glaze. The Bison burger was a miss, it was dry! The Fish and Chips were perfectly executed! The overall winner of the night was the special, Seafood Shepherd's PIE!!! That was to die for!!!
(4)
NO C.

My husband and I were in from Chicago and walked in right before closing for a quick drink. The bartender was incredibly welcoming, and didn't make us feel rushed. We only wish we could stop by more often to help them win the Jameson title for 2011.
(5)
Lauren T.

When I have less than 24 hours in Minnesota and I'm on my way to somewhere else, where do I go but The Local. They have the BEST popcorn chicken, a laid back yet classy crowd and little nooks throughout the bar where groups of people can both meander and gather.
(5)
Blake S.

I reserve my 5-star ratings for upscale restaurants, so 4 stars is stellar for an Irish pub in my book. I had their pot roast, which was tender and very flavorful, while my buddy greatly enjoyed his pork chop. Nice selection of beers and spirits, too--although I will ding them a bit for serving their Guinness too cold. The food was a great value. It's a bit noisy, but the architecture helps you to be able to hear your dinner mates. I'd happily go again any time!
(4)
Mary P.

I had a lot of fun here but I only give it 3 stars due to a mean bartender and the fact that they don't have Goldschlager.
(3)
Andrew J.

The # 1 seller of Jamison in the world, that is a pretty impressive place to start right there! I have been to the local a half dozen times or so for either dinner or the "after work happy hour thing" and it has always been a good time. I have to say that I prefer the patio to the inside, not that the interior of the Local isn't charming. The "kissing room", the bathroom hand dryers that blow 115 mph, and the seemingly never ending soccer games being shown on the TV's add a nice touch of diversification to that of most spots you would find downtown. However, on a nice warm day/evening with a nice comfortable breeze, and an always entertaining cast of characters parading up and down Hennepin........the patio is the place to be. I again ventured out to the local very recently with some friends and some acquaintances, however this time it was for brunch on a Sunday morning. For $12 ( I think) you get all the basic breakfast choices with a beverage. The brunch is on the small side, but well worth it. The cheesy hashbrowns........hands down.........the best ever! And the bacon, one of the best bacon experiences of my life, if not the best...........also its not too crowded, unless of course their is a big football match.
(4)
Iris S.

I could live here. The major problem is that I'm a newbie and everyone else in the Minneapolitan area is on the 10 year waiting list. Sometimes The Local is so packed that you must stand for your entire stay and deftly maneuver your way through other patrons to find the bartender. The decor is amazing. The alcoved seating areas, if you are lucky to find one on a weekend (read: go early), are diverse including dark wooden bar stools, booths, couches, and fireside chats. Seriously, check out the pub photography layout on their website. On the way to the facilities, the kissing booth does make an interesting conversation piece. The women's bathrooms are capable of serving the numerous bar patrons and the aforementioned hand dryers are a time saver. Menus are printed on a charming rag newspaper and feature obviously authentic Irish fare. Never fear, as there are some American-type choices also. Happy Hour is a steal with $5.99 hearty-helping appetizers from 2pm-6pm and later from 10pm-kitchen close. The Pint O' Prawns is my personal fave marinated in extra virgin olive oil, basil, and tomato chunks. The flaky, non-greasy, cod bites are also worth a gander. Big enough to share, a couple of appetizers will fill you and your 3 friends' bellies.
(5)
Kelsey K.

Great for group nights out at the bar. They have a menu that hits he spot while drinking and is super kind to your wallet. Good for meeting strangers and the kissing room in the back sometimes comes in handy too.
(4)
Alex X.

I love coming here for lunch and happy hours out on Nicollet Mall during the summers. If you're a fan of soccer or Jameson, this is the place to be... I've had breakfast (or was it brunch...) a few times on the weekends - pretty good. If it's summertime and slightly chilly in the morning, bring a long-sleeved shirt or a jacket if you want to sit outside, which is in the shade for most of the morning.
(4)
Nik N.

above standard pub fare, space is cool. the service waa always consistant... fills with the dowtown worker bees for happy hour... consider yourself warned.
(4)
B T.

This was a disappointing experience. I openly admit to being a picky eater, but their menu just did not have many choices. My fish was by no means bad, but nothing special, which sums up this restaurant well.
(2)
Robert C.

While on a business trip with my wife, we ate at The Local for lunch. I loved the decor and design of the restaurant, really made me feel like I was in an Irish pub in Ireland (though I must note that I've never been to an Irish pub in Ireland, much less Ireland). I ordered the Walleye fish sandwich. The Walleye was breaded and fried, served on roll with lettuce and tomato, and house made tartar sauce on the side. It was pretty good, especially the tartar sauce. The fish was very flaky but could have been a little more moist. I ordered a green salad with my sandwich, however they gave me fries which really didn't bother me since I love fries. The problem was that the fries were cold and limp, tasted like they'd been sitting for at least an hour. The server was very friendly, however extremely unattentive. Seriously we barely saw her. There were long, long stretches where we didn't see her. Overall, it was ok nothing too exciting.
(2)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 931 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN, 55402
Phone (612) 904-1000
Website https://www.the-local.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

The Local

931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55402

The Local Menu

Hot & Fresh Soup

Seasonal Salads

Signature Sandwiches

Pub Classic

The Local Specialties

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Local

Hot & Fresh Soup

Seasonal Salads

Signature Sandwiches

Pub Classic

The Local Specialties

eddie d.

Michelle W.

Chris P.

Aaron H.

C. T.

Jessica W.

Scott H.

Joley B.

Dylan S.

Vee V.

Aaron E.

Cassidy S.

Ruth D.

Cindy D.

Jimmy J.

Jackie C.

Ian T.

Nhi V.

Sarah S.

Troy P.

Justin S.

Lindsay B.

Ellie E.

Kristina G.

Heather R.

Erin G.

Emily R.

Zarina M.

K L.

Scott D.

Ritawa R.

Sarah K.

Brandy D.

Aimee C.

Mike W.

Shawn F.

Nina M.

Christine G.

Dhianjot M.

Colette D.

Beth G.

Iris H.

Ej F.

Ashley R.

Sarah B.

Madeline G.

Breana T.

Cheryl H.

Rachel G.

Jordan P.

John v.

Vy B.

Emily P.

Karena L.

Jake K.

Miten B.

Courtney L.

Maggie H.

Miles T.

Jeff W.

William C.

Aimee N.

Sara J.

Jonathan C.

Zam B.