Local 149

Local 149 is one of my favorites in the Southie area  - it is right up there with Lucky's, which to me, is saying a lot!  The restaurant has a great vibe; the art is cool, the fireplace is welcoming, and the staff is super friendly and helpful.  The menu is varied enough that you can go back often and not have a hard time finding something new to try!  The bar bites are awesome too - Hog Wings and Pigs in a Blanket - um, yeup!

Lots to like here.

First, their burger is the best in Boston by a landslide. Freshly ground and never overcooked, i skip the mayo and its perfection.

Bartenders are top notch - John, Spencer, Antonia (who sadly just left) are the perfect mix of friendly, attentive, and talented. They know their booze and love to make good drinks. They take pride in their craft and it shows. Happy to make something up on the spot if you're feeling brave.

Mac & cheese fritters always a hit, and ahi tuna tartar sandwhich is great. Lobster mcmuffin great for breakfast and the waffle is decadent in a great way. Only complaint is that some dishes are occasionally inconsistent. Chicken and waffles dish used to be great every time, but now sometimes lacks flavor and is dry (oddly, ordering a waffle side dish never disappoints).

I also feel obligated to mention this brief anecdote about how the bartenders go above and beyond to make a great impression. After mentioning that our friends at the bar with us were visiting from Hawaii, Bartender Spencer broke out a ceramic tiki mug to serve their cocktails in. It made a big impression and had them thanking us for taking them to such a great place. I've had the occasionaly so-so meal, but that kind of service is rare and hard to put a price on.

I really like this spot- it has almost everything I could want in a local restaurant/bar: an eclectic mix of people, an extensive drink menu, cool bites & normal food, middle-of-the-road ambiance, and average prices. I think I would like it more if it had more of a lounge-feel,but it does have some cozy little booths...plus a bar area with t.v.'s with the Sox on, so there's a nice mix going on.

FOOD: I like unique bites. For me, the Southern-fried egg, the stuffed squash blossom, and this stuffed fig appetizer are bomb.

DRINKS: The bartender, Mickey, is pretty knowledgeable. I've come here a few times and have always have a great mixed drink, and, most recently, a fabulous stout. (I think the brewery was called Left Hand?)

BONUS: It's less than 15 minutes from UMASS Boston in a non-sketchy area of town.