The Local
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, The Local at 758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE offers an unforgettable dining experience. This charming restaurant blends Southern hospitality with creative culinary twists, making it a must-visit for food lovers and locals alike. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a special occasion, The Local promises to deliver both flavor and atmosphere.
A Cozy Atmosphere with an Inviting Vibe
When you step into The Local, you're immediately struck by its warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant's design strikes a perfect balance between modern chic and cozy comfort, making it an ideal place for any occasion. The exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and rustic wood accents create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages both conversation and enjoyment. Whether you're visiting for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, the setting will make you feel right at home.
Unique Southern-Inspired Menu
One of the standout features of The Local is its Southern-inspired menu, which reimagines classic dishes with modern twists. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the best of Southern cuisine.
If you're a fan of comfort food, you'll love the restaurant’s signature dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and a variety of mouthwatering sides. The fried chicken at The Local is known for its crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior. Pair it with the creamy, flavorful grits, and you've got a meal that will leave you craving more.
For those seeking something lighter, the menu also includes an assortment of fresh salads, sandwiches, and seafood dishes. The shrimp and grits, for instance, is a standout option, combining plump shrimp with perfectly cooked grits, all served in a savory, flavorful sauce.
Local Ingredients, Local Flavors
One of the core values at The Local is supporting local farmers and food producers. This commitment to sustainability and fresh ingredients shines through in every dish. Whether it's vegetables sourced from nearby farms or meat from trusted local suppliers, The Local prides itself on offering a menu that is both fresh and environmentally conscious.
Not only does this approach ensure a superior dining experience, but it also supports the local economy and reduces the restaurant's environmental footprint. Every bite you take at The Local is a celebration of Atlanta’s rich food culture and the talented farmers and artisans who make it all possible.
The Local’s Drinks and Cocktails
No dining experience is complete without a great drink, and The Local delivers with an impressive cocktail menu. Whether you’re a fan of classic drinks or prefer something more innovative, the bar team has you covered. The restaurant's signature cocktails are crafted with care, using fresh ingredients and local spirits to create drinks that complement the flavors of the menu.
In addition to cocktails, The Local offers an excellent selection of craft beers and wines, many of which are sourced from Georgia’s own breweries and wineries. This emphasis on local beverages helps to create a well-rounded dining experience that’s truly unique to Atlanta.
Friendly Service and a Welcoming Community
At The Local, the service is just as exceptional as the food. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and cared for, creating a relaxed and friendly environment that encourages patrons to linger over their meals. The team is always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions you might have about the menu, making it easy to enjoy your time at this neighborhood gem.
The restaurant also fosters a sense of community, often hosting local events and gatherings. Whether it’s a special tasting menu, a live music night, or a charity event, there’s always something happening at The Local that brings people together. It’s this sense of community that truly sets The Local apart from other dining establishments in the area.
Reviews
This spot is perfect for a weekend drink. The food is solid, especially their wings, which they take great pride in. The atmosphere is vibrant, with a cozy, dimly lit bar vibe that feels both relaxed and inviting. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the staff is fantastic--friendly and attentive. Note that there's no table service, as everything happens at the bar. It's an excellent place to gather with friends and enjoy a great night out.
Visit Date: Nov. 4, 2022 & Oct. 30, 2024 As you could see from the dates, I've visited The Local twice already! And each time was exactly the same: the wings were BOMBASTIC! I was fortunate enough to have a friend show me this place and knew how the place worked. (Ie: you have to be 21+, the wings sell out each day, and expect it to be busy). The ambiance is exactly how you expect it to be once you see it from the outside. Once you walk through those doors, it gives off your typical dive-bar Since my most recent visit, they went away from having wait staff serve you at a table to a DIY style, order at the counter, and pick it up once your name is called. I found this to be more efficient as long as you order everything you need initially. (Since the lines could be very long!) However, if you do plan on visiting the Local, I HIGHLY suggest having an earlier dinner over the weekends and or visiting during the weekdays. This way you could enjoy easily finding a spot and having your meal prepped quickly. Now onto the wings... I was skeptical when their menu said that they sell out each night, but after having a bite of each flavor, I completely understood why! These have been one of the best wings I've had throughout the country! The wings were super tender, juicy, and crispy. Additionally, I did not find them to be overly greasy either, which is such a huge plus! The Local offers a handful of dry rubs and sauced up options - and they're all worth trying. My friends and I used the Divide and Conquer method. We split 30 wings, 10 per order but with 2 different flavors. This way we were able to try 6 different tastes! You may be wondering about the sides as well by now. I've only gotten the elote cup, it's good, but not outstanding. I was still happy to eat it though! (I'm from Chicago and have been spoiled by some incredibly Mexican street foods there- that's why my take is a bit biased). I'm sure the other sides The Local offers are good too, but I wouldn't bother. Just go for their wings! TL;DR: If you're ever in ATL, you best visit! Come in early, hungry, and enjoy as many wings as you can! Thanks for reading, John C.
We went for some wings and beer after work of course, the place was packed but all the patrons seemed to be generally friendly and we were able to eventually grab a booth! The vibe is definitely young and fun and the staff are really chill. The wings were good! So much so that I wasn't fast enough to grab a picture before it was all 3 big piles of bones. The beers were also good, and overall it was a good time!
We've been waiting awhile to go to The Local and it's unfortunate they don't allow takeout. But these wings were worth going in person and eating fresh. It was cooked to perfection and I find it hard to find another spot in Atlanta that has as good of wings and sauce. It also seemed like a great spot to hang out as tons of people were around, not even to enjoy the wings!
The wings are baked so if you love fried wings you may be disappointed but the eat is tender and the skin is still flavorful. I think this style of wing goes best with the wet sauce and their Korean is top notch