The Local Beer Bar

great and unique bar that has introduced and made me fall in love with sours. its nice to be able to drop in for a drink almost any day of the week to an unpretentious and uncrowded spot (so far).

the only gripe i had was the girl working behind the bar tonight. i understand that bartenders (especially female ones) tend to have an attitude and require a tough exterior when dealing with unruly and drunk customers. BUT....its not that busy and it seems like everyones having a good time and she cant even crack a smile or say a friendly 'hello' or 'welcome'? i work in the food industry so i know how important tips are but i dont think its right to assume that you'll be receiving a tip for just pulling a handle to fill up a cup without even giving decent customer service. otherwise every other time i've been there the guys working there have been great and are always more than willing to chat and share their knowledge and passion for beer.

Really great selection of many different styles of the brewer's craft, both local and from afar, coupled with a "hip" but mellow vibe. Add to that a killer mix of beers available "to go" and you have virtually one stop shopping for the beer lover.

The Local is a fantastic addition to Eureka's food and cultural scene.  A wide and ever-changing selection of  local, American, and imported craft beers and ciders, a pleasant space, intimate yet spacious, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a great mix of people, always fun and lively. Grab a glass of that rare bourbon-barrel-aged Belgian tripel, hang out with old friends, make new ones, chat with the staff at the bar, and if you get hungry you can order snacks.

Now I would give The Local an enthusiastic five stars, if not for one thing that bugs me a little. I'd only take off half a star for it if I could, but a whole star it has to be. It's just this: almost every time we go in, especially on weekends, there seem to be at least a couple of  children running about, climbing the stairs, and doing the other things they do. Once I and four friends nearly had our whole table of expensive beers upset by a child knocking into it, and if they had spilled then mommy and daddy would have been paying, I assure you. I'm all for child-friendliness but sometimes I think Humboldt County takes it a little too far, and it seems to me that a beer bar like the Local, which is in the business of serving adult beverages, is not an appropriate place for children. But  if you must bring your children into a place like this, then please, please, PLEASE keep them under control!

Whew. OK, Rant over. Seriously, though, kids or not, The Local is a great place and one of Eureka's real gems. Support your local beer bar!