I am not a burger type of person, but a close friend told me to try one at The Local. WOW! The bison burger is the BEST that I have ever had! We sat in the dining area, but I cannot wait to sit in the bar area next. Also, you have to try the Cajun tater tots...OMG! This is my to go place from now on!
Review Source:My experience here seems to be hit & miss.
The first time we came, we loved it! Everything was cooked perfect, although the service is typically slow.
Another time we came, the hostess didn't seem to know what she was doing and seated us in this awkward space next to a huge party that had kids sprawled over into our eating area. We had to move our table ourselves. On top of that, the table wobbled and when we complained, the hostess just stood there blankly and didn't know what to do. I had to suggest placing something under the table leg, but even that, she didn't do very well. But at least the food was good.
The last time we came, we were much more disappointed in the food. Everything was overcooked (tater tots, burgers). The waitress was good, though a bit "scripted" sounding. I'm hoping the poor food was just a fluke since it was during Fall Break.
I'll give this place another shot, but it may be their last chance with me. I can endure a little bad service if the food is good, but if the food goes, I go.
Hubby and I ordered the hot wings. The sauce was ok but the wings itself was blah. It wasn't fried enough. My hubby ordered the hen burger and it was just ok. The Cajun fries were good. I ordered the salmon and scallop and it was beyond salty. All I tasted was salt and tons of pepper. For $22, I expected something better.
Overall, I didn't like my food. My hubby wasn't happy with his either. And the appetizer wasn't all that. The strawberry shake was good but it comes in a small mason jar. For the price you pay, you'll expect an extra tin or something. Plus, when my hubby went to the bathroom, it smelled like water from the sewer. I was very much looking forward to trying this place since I heard a lot of good reviews about it but I was very disappointed.
I had lunch with a foodie friend here this past  week. For being so close to my house, I had surprisingly never heard of this place. Man, have I been missing out!
I did a little research prior to our lunch date, to make sure they would have something I would want. Their online menu was fantastic, and I also learned that they get all of their food from local vendors, which I think is fantastic.
We arrived to a nearly empty dining room, but it was fairly early for the lunch rush, so no complaints here. I had my 7 month old with me, and there was no issue at all to fit a high chair at our table. We started off with the fresh vegetable soup as an appetizer, which was deliciously warm on a rainy, cold day. Then we ordered- my friend went with the BBQ burger and homemade tots, while I went with the Grilled Chicken Gryo and tossed green salad. I also ordered a local brewery Oktoberfest beer- which was delightful!
Our food came out, and this is what won me over (besides the beer). My gyro was hot, with plenty of meat, veggies and sauce it in. No skimping on serving size! My friend's burger looked delicious, and she was kind enough to share her tots, which were probably the best tots I've ever had.
We finished off with a shared slice of the homemade persimmon pie, which was another first for me. It tasted like fall in my mouth! Overall, my first experience here was a wonderful one, and I will be going back with my husband as soon as possible.
I had lunch with a friend who is gluten free at The Local.  I read that they had several gluten free options  The environment was great (laid back, cozy atmosphere).  Our server was very helpful and knowledgeable of the menu items.
I had read that someone had the tater tots that were gluten free. Â A word of caution to anyone with Celiac. Â The tater tots are NOT safe becuase they are not cooked in a dedicated fryer. Â Other gluten containing items are prepared in the same fryer. Â
Our server did advise us that they do not have a gluten free kitchen. Â Since my friend is gluten intolerant and not a Celiac she went ahead and ordered a couple items. Â She had the arugula beet salad with grilled chicken. Â Once again, there is not a separate place they prepare the chicken so I would not suggest that someone who is Celiac take the chance (unless they are willing to clean it very well before preparing your chicken or meat).
I had the Elk Burger with Blue Cheese and it was excellent. Â I would definitely recommend the Elk Burger and tater tots (for anyone who is not a Celiac).
I liked the restaurant environment over all, but wish the kitchen was a little more gluten free friendly for Celiacs so my family could safely enjoy The Local.
My boyfriend and I visited The Local tonight and were hardly impressed. We were first told by the hostess to sit in the bar since we are both over 21 and there was a wait. Not a problem for us, but it would have been nice to ask us instead.
Our main complaint was the service. Our waitress barely said a few words to us while hustling by and took plenty of time to get us our beer and take our orders. My boyfriend ordered a pork tenderloin sandwich with cajun fries and I had the confit panini with plain tots. Both meals were great, and I liked the cajun fries so much that I asked to add cajun spices to my tots. The waitress not only forgot to bring these to me, but conveniently had her head turned every time she passed our table. She only returned to bring the bill.
Overall, great food, extremely poor service. Probably will not return anytime in the near future.
My husband really likes the lamb burger. I would give this place 5 stars for bar food if the waitstaff was not so annoying and borderline rude. I am celiac and therfore gluten free. We came here based on recomendions of our clients and friends. The first time we were here i asked our waitress to have them clean to portion of the grill that my meat would be cooked on to prevent any contamination. She put up a fight. Didn't even want to ask to chef. After some conviencing she finally did. The chef had no problem with this request. Â I ate. It was good. I did not get sick. So now we are back for the second time. Different waiter, same annoying laziness. In addition, a random waiter harassed me for being gluten free. On a bright side, there was a new girl helping us when our waiter had dissapeared and she was very nice and friendly.
Review Source:My friend and I decided to eat here because she had been there before and found the menu with interesting food choices. Â However we chose the Zucchini Blossoms and the local Fish and Chips plus a basket of cajun tater tots. Â The zucchini blossoms were deep fries but they were very scrumptious. Â They only served 3 for about $9 and that's pricey. Â The fish and chips came with 2 breaded fish fillets and French fries. Â Nothing special here. Â The breading was tasteless and the fries were ordinary. Â The Cajun tater tots came in a basket and were very tasty. Â Last we did order the chocolate torte for desert and it was amazing. Â I'm not sure I would go back here again. Â For the pricing, the portions should be larger and it wasn't a lunch time menu that they offered.
Review Source:Great atmosphere. That's the first thing I'll say about this place -- which I had not heard of until very recently. I went out with a few friends and was told they had great food and even better service. I ordered fish and chips (an all time favorite) and it was splendid. So fishy. The fishier the better, right? Topped off with a bottle of wine to share at the table -- it was a delightful evening. I'm always excited to learn of new places on the north side. I tend to venture to downtown Indy quite often, but I'm trying to reach out to the Carmel area a bit more. As I've done so, I've been able to find so many great places/restaurants/events/etc.
One minor thing The Local did do that was kind of a drag. We ordered a bottle of wine but did not end up finishing -- so we asked if it was alright to take the bottle home. We were quickly denied. Joy kill. But, the wine was worth it - so we stayed and finished the bottle anyway. ha
If you're in the Carmel area and want to bring friends to a great local place (with everything locally grown) - suggest this spot.
Still awesome. Â While dining here over the weekend, my boyfriend and I got here a little early (5pm) for dinner on Sunday so not many people were in the restaurant just yet. Â Service at that time was overly attentive but as the restaurant filled up shortly after 5pm, it was just the right amount of service. Â Food was great. Â I again had the quinoa vegetable burger and fries, my boyfriend had the steak salad (it had french fries on it!). Â Vegetable burger held up better this time and the fries were perfectly crispy. Â I love what they are doing as far as using local ingredients and appreciate the local beverages they serve. Â I knocked one star off for this visit because the drinks we got were kind of lacking. Â I had the white sangria, which tasted great and was full of fruity goodness but was a little watery. Â The Farmer's Gin and Tonic was odd. Â It had a cucumber garnish, which is super, but it had cucumber seeds and pulp floating in it which give it a very bizarre flavor. Â Couldn't finish that one and I don't normally leave booze unattended. Â Win some, lose some. Â Next time I will just get something different!
Review Source:I really enjoyed this place. It has a trendy atmosphere but is not over the top. Their menu seems diverse enough and I was very happy that they had a lot of gluten free options.
My friend and I split a basket of toter tots, which was huge and crispy good. I ended up ordering the steak salad, which was not listed as gluten free, but our lovely waitress was kind enough to double check with the chef that all the ingredients were indeed gluten free. Yay! It was a really good salad, and included grapes which seemed odd to me at first but I really enjoyed them. I really liked that they topped the salad with french fries -- it makes it feel indulgent.
I will definitely be back and ready to try some cocktails and well as some other menu items.
Great selection of local food and drink.
A staple of my family's special occasions, we almost always end up here because there's always something new to try. Â Specials change all the time and are usually the best they have to offer. Â Stuff that is always on the menu that we like inclue the Poutine, the lamb and elk burgers, the hummus plate (got me to try artichoke which I enjoy now) and their desserts like the coconut cream pie and beignets. Â If you're anywhere north of town (or anywhere really) and looking for something unique to try, give this place a whirl! Â Service has always been great too.
Based on other reviews, I need to point out that my husband and I visited the Local on a Monday night. Â We were seated immediately despite the 7-course Wine Dinner event being hosted on one half of the restaurant. Â It looked fun! Â I was pleasantly surprised by the upscale, loft feel of the place. Â Reminded me of dining in Chicago: Â chic, but still comfortable.
We were simply looking for a mini-meal that night. Â But the menu here, all sourced locally as spelled out on chalkboard, offered both tried&true and unique items. Â It was difficult to choose. Â We split a delicious Wagyu burger, juicy, more meat than bun, perfect. Â Servers were nice and even prompt with small beer tastings so my hubby could pick. Â Enjoyed the local brews. Â Split the Beignets for dessert & they are divine, worth every handcrafted calorie.
Definitely planning on heading back to try Elk Burger & more - I'm curious to see how difficult it is to get seated on a weekend...
Sorry but, I was not impressed with The Local. We went on a Saturday night at 6:00. Studied the menu and went with the goat burger. Sorry where out of that, says the waiter. Thanks for the info!!! I order the lamb burger.! Cmon,the freaking bottom bun is so drench in grease it wont hold up.It was so soggy ,I Â couldnt pick it up!! The noise level is loud!!! I agree,the tater tots are the only thing I liked.
Review Source:I was pretty impressed with "The Local." I respect what they are trying to achieve here. The wifey and I, just stopped in for a little something to eat for lunch. I tried the Lamb Burger, she had the Chipotle Turkey Burger. The food was good...OK, OK, mine was good, my wife really loved hers (both enjoyed the Cajun Tots). My only gripe was the pricing. Just a little more than I wanted to spend on two burgers w/tots. But hey, it is...what it is. Right? The atmosphere seems pretty chill. Kind of like a place I could hang with some of my friends. Overall, I thought it was pretty cool. I'll have to come back and see what they have to offer for dinner. The Local seems to be moving in the right direction, in terms of philosophy and service. I hope they keep up the good work.
Review Source:Amazing food. Onion rings with great dipping sauce. Tasty food of the day (potato leek). Greek Winter salad was OK (not a fan of the lettuce they used but the rest was great). Â Turkey Reuben with Sriachi infused sauce and homemade sauerkraut. My wife had the pulled pork sandwich. Both out of this world especially the Reuben. But the deserts put it out of the park. Choc tart and Butternut Squash Cheesecake.Wow.
And mostly locally sourced food. Great. We will be back.
Husband and I went here about a month ago. Â Why it has taken me this long to write a review for The Local, I have NO clue. Â So, there I am, looking over the beer selection and my husband looks at me and says, "this menu is so you". Â I smiled and thought, "really", game on baby! Â I wasn't even a quarter of the way through the menu and I thought, (darn he knows me) along with my mouth on the floor. Â Please go and look at the menu and then GO to The Local Eatery and Pub.
Review Source:Look my wife to the Local for dinner. Called ahead and put our name in. The hostess said there was only a 15 minute wait. We got there in 10 minutes and checked in.
After waiting 20 minutes I decided to dampen my impatience with some local craft beer. I took a quick look at the days draft list printed at hostess counter. There were 12 Indiana beers listed. I headed to the the bar area . It was nice and quite roomy. I looked above the bar and there were 2 huge blank chalkboards. None of the taps had handles. The bar was way understaffed. I waited for another 10 minutes. I ordered an Upland Belgian Pale. They were out...the day before. I would probably utilize the chalkboards for something that runs out regularly on the weekends. Â I found another beer that was still available. Even though there were no macros on draft, they still poured our beers into frosted ball jars...very disappointing.
We finished our beers, talked to another couple, and still were not seated. Verified our name with host. We were 3rd now. Makes me wonder what we were when we called in. So after an hour from our check in we got a seat.
Servers and everyone in the place were working hard and trying to keep up, but they still were one bartender, busboy, server, & competent manager away from having the show under control.
Our exhausted server was polite and fast. We kept our order simple for fear of waiting an additional hour to eat. Fish and chips for the lady and oyster po' boy for me. Mine was tasty, but the fish was bland and the fries were soggy.
Nice place with a solid menu. I would assume little of the menu is sourced local, but I'd like to go back at a slower time and try a few more things. I can't recommend going for dinner on the weekend.
Fresh, unique and refreshing. That's how I'd describe The Local. Their menu is packed with interesting entrees, like the Rabbit Pot Pie and Lamb Burger. I opted for a more generic option, the Bird on the Wire (grilled chicken sandwich) and it was amazing. So flavoral and coooked to perfection! They also have a great local beer selection. The wait staff is super friendly as well. I'll be back!
Review Source:Wanted to check out The Local when I saw its menu. The Local specializes in local & organic food and they had several non-traditional items that jumped out at me (Frog Legs, Rabbit Pot Pie, etc.) and a variety of burgers (Buffalo, Goat, Elk). Yes you can get a regular beef burger as well. They also have a weekly specials menu, and I wanted to try the Seared Duck Breast since I love duck. Â I was there for a group event and had some appetizers instead. The best way to sample the restaurant might be to order from the specials menu.
The atmosphere has a Modern American and industrial feel, with a lot of TVs and some artwork. Some of TVs were tuned to sports while others had the food and travel channels. This helped break up the monotony quite a bit. The drinks menu includes Indiana draft beers and locally inspired martinis.
While the location seems a little far, it's actually only about 10-15 minutes north of the Fashion Mall. If you are shopping on the northside and want to bypass the chain restaurants, make a stop at The Local.
I was attracted to The Local from hearing an advertisement on how they offer gluten free foods as well as a gluten free menu. Â I asked my server to see one of the gluten free menus I heard about. The individual looked puzzled and confused with my request. Our table was approached by a gentleman who began to describe what is and what is not gluten free on the menu.
If needed to eat gluten free The Local can most certainly meet those needs. There was nothing gluten free on The Local menu that stood out to me as other dishes on the menu did that contained gluten.
The people I went to The Local with did not need to eat gluten free. They expressed how tasty their food was.
I've been back again and again ... and like it more each time. Â This winter, they'll have several different burgers on their menu, such as lamb, elk and goat. Â The goat burger was amazing, can't wait to try the others. Â Servers have always been friendly and attentive, and recently met one of the owners. Â The Local is a great addition to the scene.
Review Source:The place is everything you would hope for in a neighborhood inundated with chain restaurants -- a truly local place where food is fresh, dishes range from the ordinary (burger and fries) to the unusual (fried frog legs), Â prices are reasonable, and servers are very friendly, attentive, and accurate. Â This is a hidden local gem. Â If you live in the area, you know what I'm talking about. Â If you're just passing through, this is the place you definitely want to stop.
Review Source:I would like to come more often than I do - it's one of my favorite places to eat and great for the kids too. Their Cajun tots (appetizer) is a family favorite while the beignet offering for dessert tops the list for the kids.
Their local sources for food are great and the Local Folks Food products for sale are great to take home, especially the spaghetti sauce.
I will be back - for the tater tots, specifically.  I ordered the fish and chips  (aka - substitute Cajun tater tots) and was not disappointed.  First of they were extremely crunchy and crispy and perfectly spiced (not too spicy but with just enough kick).  Paired with ketchup or their housemade ranch and both dipping sauces were spectacular.
Our waitress was extremely helpful, polite and on top of our drinks. Â I love that. We definitely outstayed our welcome, as my best friend and I haven't seen each other in about 6 months! Â But she happily re-filled our iced teas and didn't rush us by even bringing our bill. Impressive service. Â
Luckily they were not that busy (though...I am not sure why!). Â There are an array of HD televisions to entice any sports fan (though I suppose only the British Open was on today) and the atmosphere is garage style chic. Â I enjoyed it.
It's family friendly with a bar twist. Â Definitely somewhere I plan to go back to b/c there were many menu items that were enticing me, but I was MORE than happy to indulge in my fried food, which makes the baby in my belly kick with giddiness.
Congrats to another Carmel gem. Â This town gets a little better with each meal.
Goat Cheese Cheesecake! Yes, I said Goat cheese cheesecake. Â If you go for no other reason, go for the goat cheese.
There are plenty of other reasons to go to The Local. Â I have now been twice and have been pleased with my food both times. Â The burger was very good. The pork tenderloin rocked. Â The pork tenderloin was nicely breaded, and it was still thick enough to actually be able to taste the pork, not just the breading. However, it was thin enough to eat in a sandwich.
There are many things on the menu that I still wish to try. Â The white cheddar mac and cheese with lardons (large bacon bites) sounds delicious.
The service has been friendly both times I've been, but the last time the server originally thought I ordered the pulled pork and not the pork tenderloin. Thankfully, we realized the issue before the meal came out. Then she never brought me the house salad I ordered. I'm sure they would have brought it if I had asked, but the meal was already there and I decided that with the size of the sandwich I probably didn't really need the salad too. Â We also had to ask for water twice before she brought it.
As others have said, I also really like that they are locally owned and try to use as much locally sourced products as they can.
We've been to the local several times now and we are absolutely hooked on the hummus plate. Â It is honestly the best hummus I have ever had anywhere. Â The first time we ordered it it even came with homemade flatbread which was delicious. Â Unfortunately, since then they've switched to prepacked, but that's my only complaint with the dish. Â It's so good that it's hard to order anything else.
The service is usually good, but don't ask them to do anything "out of their way." Â I must share this bad experience so that maybe the waitstaff can get better. We liked this place so much I chose it for my husbands birthday dinner. Â I called several days in advance to make a reservation and to see if they could do a little something special with his dessert. I didn't want him to be sung to or anything like that- just something nice. They suggested writing on the plate in dessert sauce. Good enough. Once there, I reminded the hostess. Â Then, I reminded the waiter. Well, after waiting 20 minutes on dessert (the dinner was fabulous as always- especially the tater tots!) it came out plain- no writing. Â When I asked the waiter about this, he shrugged and said "that's just the way it came out." Â No apologies, no offer to fix it- nothing.
So, we'll be back for sure. Â The food is too good to pass up, but the waitstaff needs work.
The Local Eatery & Pub opened up where the former Bridgewater Sports Cafe used to be, which was open for maybe a year. Â It's brought to us by the same folks of Homestead Growers and Local Folks Foods, which anyone who has frequented the Noblesville or Carmel farmers' markets should recognize. Â So, it's locally owned and has a goal of sourcing at least 70% of its food locally (meaning within the state of Indiana). Â Not to mention they have local and Midwestern brew from Sun King (three regulars and a seasonal), Upland, and others on tap. Â What couldn't be to like?
I've been here four times over the past month or so, twice for lunch and twice for dinner with my wife and 2-year old daughter. Â And each time, the service I've received has been just, well, not good. Â They've brought out entirely wrong dishes, messed up sides for multiple entrees, been lackadaisical about refilling drinks and general routine follow-up. Â Probably the worst offense from a philosophical standpoint is that the waitstaff hasn't known if, say, the pork tenderloin was actually from Gunthorp Farms (which it is). Â If you're going to go as far as having "Local" in your restaurant's name, these are things that should be known by heart.
The saving grace, though, is the food. Â Probably the best so far for me was the chicken wrap. Â The fried pork tenderloin was certainly good, but a little messy (the breading fell off fairly easily). Â I was rightfully doubtful about the fish and chips, as the fish was catfish (farmed in Michigan) and that's just not really right. Â I did venture out and try their take on a cheese steak: Â cow tongue with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a fig mustarda. Â This was actually fairly good, but after 3/4 of the sandwich, I wished it was like a classic shaved cheese steak, if that were even possible with cow tongue (which was quite tender).
Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh in this review (and wordy), but I do it because I care. Â I want--no, actually we need this place to succeed because it makes that food circle just a little tighter. Â Unfortunately, their waitstaff is taking away from their food, which is kind of the first point of a restaurant.
I really liked this place, the waitress said the menu was 70% local and will be 90% local in the summer months. I personally would like to see some more local beers, normally i wouldn't comment on that, but since "pub" is in their name, I will go ahead and say that.
Priced seemed on par for local food, they have a huge chalkboard as mentioned by a previous reviewer that lists the local farm suppliers.
The overall ambiance was good, clean, modern yet rural in some odd way. I look forward to returning soon!
Ate here for lunch this week. Â I like the ambience. Â Previous description fits and there are enough TVs that you could see hanging here for a sporting event. Â
The food was interesting. Â I think the bar menu offers some nice contrasts to what you get at other places. Â I had the beef cheek tacos which utlized corn tortillas (not taco shells) double wrapped and the seasoning on the beef cheek was a nice compliment to the "slaw" mixture served on top. Â I wolfed it down. Â I like good food and have eaten out at some of the best restaurants in many major metros and i can't ever remember eating beef cheek. Â
I forgot to say that I started with a "butter lettuce" salad from a local farm that can only be described as "fresh". Â If you don't know what that means then you don't eat enough salads at restaurants. Â It was a nice simple way to start the meal. Â
My friend got the cheese steak sandwich, made from beef tongue. Â I tried it and liked the flavor. Â The texture is strange and you will enjoy the sandwich if you can get past the "tongue" part. Â
Overall a good meal, reasonably priced. Â As the previous review stated, the source for the raw materials of the menu are listed on a Giant Chalkboard. Â As I recall, everything is made "in-house" except for the bread and ice cream.
Went here for the first time last week for lunch. Â The inside is very minimal converted-warehouse looking, which I loved, but some of the women I was with did not. Â I really liked the muted colors and the TVs throughout. Â
The food is all locally sourced, with the names of the farms written on the chalkboard walls. Â I had a head cheese sandwich (yes, head cheese, which has nothing to do with cheese and everything to do with cow meat from everywhere EXCEPT where they make steak and burgers). Â It was something I had never had before, and was very interested to try. Â It seemed to be a slab of head cheese, cooked like a hamburger, served on a bun with an egg on top, onion straws, and mustard, and it was great. Â They also have tater tots as a side, which I love! Â
The service was a little slow, but I think our waitress might have been the only one working, and she had a lot on her hands! Â Otherwise I loved it. Â The menu is a little small, but the things they do have (pork belly sandwich, flat bread pizzas, salads) all looked amazing.
I need more info on this place to decide whether we're being greenwashed or not by the overt use of "Local."
Local shouts/touts "local" and "sustainable" on the menus and servers tees (the former, in HUGE letters.) The daily specials menu prominently featured a list of all the local farms where the restaurant procured the specials' meats, which was nice.
But that's evidently where the "local" ended. The main menu listed virtually no sources of their food, though the bottom of the page mentioned both "local" and "sustainable." Descriptions would be nice to back up their claims
They had a decent number of veggie-friendly options, but nothing very unique or tempting, unless you love mushrooms. Since I don't love mushrooms but do appreciate local fish, I had the catfish fish & chips.
Two generous pieces of deep-fried catfish came out. They were quite good. Disappointingly, the Local had no malt vinegar. The server kindly asked the cook, who said they just didn't think to order it, since it was the first time they'd served fish & chips.
Fries/chips were virtually inedible: soaked in oil and soggy, they didn't have much flavor, either.
Beer choice wasn't bad, though they had a Sun King small-batch on the menu but had run out of it at least a day before, according to the server.
Flourless chocolate cake was good and housemade.
Compostable/recyclable take-home containers were a nice touch, though I hope this isn't the extent of the Local's sustainability. I also hope more restaurants choose to start using similar materials. I had the greasy fish in my fridge for 24 hours, and it had yet to soak through the paperboard-like material.
Space was big with tall ceilings but not noisy like similarly designed restaurants. Was very bright when we came in, but they thankfully dimmed the lights on the side of the airy bar we sat in at around 9pm or so.
Service was friendly, prompt and casual. Just the way I like it.
The worst part of the meal, besides questionable terminology and soggy fries, was the men's bathroom. Puddles under the urinals and overflowing trash can looked like they hadn't been cleaned all day, and when I went to dry my hands after washing them, I reached for the paper-towel dispenser - but there were none. No electric dryer, either. Maybe using one's pants to dry one's hands constitutes being sustainable.
Bottom line: if I'm up that way again at some point, I'd stop in for a pint and a snack with the hopes I could learn more about where my "Local" food was coming from.