The Local

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Address:
824 Hinton Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Neighborhood:
Charlottesville

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Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $30 and under

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The Local Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.thelocal-cville.com
Phone: (434) 984-9749
Hours of Operation: Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Comfort Food
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes

Getting there

Parking: Public Lot

A word from The Local

Come visit and experience The Local! We believe everyone should experience meals that feature delicately prepared fresh local ingredients in a great atmosphere. In our corner of the world, everyone's a Local. EAT, DRINK, & BE LOCAL

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem
Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked

Diner Reviews

"First time eating at the Local. We did enjoy our meal... not the best we've ever had but I would call it "pretty good". I had the braised beef short ribs. They were tender... a few big fat chunks that appeared to be meat and a really big bone, but the edible portion was good. Flavored really well... It was served on mashed potatoes that were great. The side carrots and pearl onion could have used a little more cooking, but overall a nice dish. My husband had the grill pork chop, very nice, good flavor, cooked perfectly. The shoestring fried sweet potatoes on top were kinda cold, greasy and would be better replaced with something else. Great atmosphere and service. Enjoyed ourselves."
Dined on 3/2/2014
"We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the Local. Our food was delicious, the layers of flavors in each platter were really savory. We brought our friend from France. He loved it too. Our server was very knowledgable about the menu as well as the wine selection."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Delicious for any occasion. Great service. Definitely make a reservation because everyone is coming to taste the goodness."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"I am not a vegan but absolutely loved the goat cheese stuffed acorn squash and all of the flavors contributed by quinoa, dried cherries, almond silvers, tomato sauce. My mom had the short ribs which were fall off the bone but lacked a little punch. My fiance had the trout. He cleaned his plate and ravved about the grits it was served over, but acknowledged the fish lacked its own flavor. Restaurant does a booming business and sitting upstairs would help prevent the overflow of people waiting for tables from hovering over your own. We sat in the back right corner which was pleasant but near the kitchen and bar entrance. I felt badly for folks who sat up at the front as they had people in their meal."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"The Local was a great date night spot. Prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. We will definitely be going back!"
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Delicious food and wonderful environment. Always a pleasure to dine at The Local!"
Dined on 2/28/2014
"I would return to this resturant we (6 people) had a nice evening. I personely enjoyed the general layout of the resturant and found the people to be profassional. I was able to taste the crispy duck, meat loaf, short ribs and the lamb and thought all were good but not exceptional and I thought the price was in line with the quality. The resaurant became unpleasently loud as the evening progressed, but it seemed to be an isolated table. Thanks"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"We got there early and went to the bar. We got the shrimp app and some wine. The shrimp were huge. My wine, a red was too warm. The room temp was high and they obviously just let the reds sit at room temp. We were seated right at our reservation time. However, our server took 20 minutes to show up. He would only make 2 more appearances all night, both times we had to flag him. The bacon wrapped meatloaf was fantastic."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"I invited ten of my friends and family members to dine at The Local for a combined birthday and college graduation dinner. The atmosphere, service, and food menu were all excellent. I had eaten there the summer before outside on the patio and enjoyed the downtown area. I grew up three blocks down the street, so it was bittersweet to see how the area has developed into a very busy commerical cornerstone of what used to be in the late 1970's to 80's. We all had a wonderful time and our server was excellent. I recommend The Local to the "locals" and visiting company to Charlottesville. Just excellent!"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"My husband and I had been anxious to try the Local. Had heard and read so many great things about it. The food lived up to out expectations, but the atmosphere left a little to be desired. The food was great and our server was helpful and very friendly. High marks for both. Unfortunately, it was a chilly evening and we were seated on the enclosed deck. While it wasn't freezing outside, the chill on the deck was definitely a distraction. Tables for 2 inside were crammed in very close to one another so the deck seating gave us more room. We did feel a bit rushed. We had barely taken a sip of our cocktail before our first course was delivered and barely finished with our first course before our entrees arrived. Dampened the experience."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"I have eaten at The Local a number of times since it opened - probably more than a dozen. It's always been excellent. My "go-to" item is the Salmon, which has always been excellent. I ordered it this time and it was terrible. It was slightly "fishy" tasting, and honestly was absolutely tasteless. It was really bland. I ended up sharing my husband's meal, which was very good (the veggie pasta special). Our friends had the meatloaf and said it was outstanding. I hope the chef goes back to the old salmon dish. It was MUCH better."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"The food was delicious and reasonable. The service was above average and would have likely been better if the waitress didn't have to walk up and down a flight of stairs to get from the kitchen to our table. It was about 20 degrees when we went, and the swinging door to the outside seemed to bother a lot of the older patrons. It didn't bother me, but it could bother you...I don't know...we've never met. I imagine it is an awesome place to dine in the spring and summer."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"We love The Local. Since moving to the area, we've really gotten into the buy fresh eat local thing, and The Local sure fits the bill! The last time out we were celebrating family that just bought a house and were moving into the area as well. I had the meatloaf (FABULOUS), wife had the Salmon, which she loved. The others in our party had the meatloaf and the Local Burger, all excellent. Our server was friendly and attentive. For a Sunday night, they were wall to wall people. We'll be back."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"We picked The Local on a recommendation from a friend and the restaurant receiving "Best Service" in Cville Magazine. After being seated for 15 minutes, we finally found a bus girl (easily the friendliest employee in the restaurant) to find a server for us. After 25 minutes, we finally had a server and received our drinks. When our waiter arrived, no apology was given. We ordered the pumpkin ravioli which was tasty. When the meals arrived, my girlfriend's Short Ribs were cold and my Pork chop was extremely dry while my mashed potatoes were cold. Spoke to a manager who was more interested in telling us our experience was not a representation of the restaurant than giving us an apology. Would not recommend to anyone."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"We were really looking forward to a great meal to celebrate a special occasion, and everything disappointed. The service was slow, and not particularly attentive. The food was either overcooked, or somewhat bland. The staff didn't seem that knowledgeable. We also received our main courses before one of our appetizers and our wine. And, although I had called ahead to have a dessert and candle arranged for my boyfriend's birthday, they completely forgot and I had to remind them. Sort of seemed like one misstep to the next. Even though it sounds great on paper, it really doesn't deliver."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Took my wife here for her birthday, and it was really worth the trip. The ambiance is so warm, the whole upper room was comfortable and fun. The food was awesome, we had the cheese plate, the goat cheese salad, the gnocchi bolognese, and the steak frites. Lets do it again!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Visiting Charlottesville, this restaurant was a great choice. Young crowd and vibrant, but we were still able to talk and hear each other. Good wine list and selection of VA wines. Enjoyed homemade gnocchi, flank steak and short ribs, all at reasonable prices. Will definitely visit again."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"My girlfriend had been in previously and was disappointed this time around. Sat upstairs on some sort of makeshift dining area. Had to walk upstairs, outside last a junkyard to get there. All food was delivered from the outside. Every time door opened rush of cold air entered dining area. They should consider a double door. Food was ok not great. Burger was average. I at last week at Citizen Burger and it was much better. Waited for ketchup why the fries cooled from that chill air. Why not bring ketchup with the food!"
Dined on 2/7/2014
"I have worked in the restaurant business for 5 years and I have to say I was very sad that our server did NOTHING special to celebrate my husbands birthday.... and I even left a note on the reservation I made on open table. we had a party of 11 adults and the spacing and table setup was absolutely TERRIBLE .. we were practically sitting on top of each other, confusing table settings and drinks, and could not freely move to and from the bathroom without having almost half of the party get up as well because the table was pushed so close to the wall.... Sad to say but I would neither recommend nor go back to this venue for a large group dining experience NOR a birthday celebration. the food was good but expensive for the portion served."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"I've been to The Local twice before and both of those times were good experiences. This time, however, the service was very bad, the food (pork chop if I recall) was overdone and small, and the seating was cramped in the downstairs section. To be fair, this was on a Saturday night, but I expected more from the service and especially from the food. I'll probably eventually go back, but instead on a weekday. There are plenty of other great restaurants in Charlottesville where you can get better food and service than The Local had to offer on this occasion."
Dined on 12/14/2013
"Had dinner here during a weekend visit to Charlottesville and could not have been happier with the atmosphere, service, or FOOD, which ranks among the best meals I (and my husband) have had. I had the ceasar salad to start and he had the soup of the day, a pureed parsnip-garlic. Both perfectly seasoned and delicious! For my main I had the wild mushroom pasta and was in heaven eating it - I didn't want it to end - and he had the steak frites. The prices were amazing compared to what we usually pay in DC, and the quality was outstanding. We both said we'd be back as soon as we could. What a gem."
Dined on 1/19/2014
"I had the short ribs which were good. Mac n cheese had good flavor, but the cheese was thin, sauce like. Service was good, and while our server was cordial, she didn't smile much."
Dined on 1/16/2014
"This was our second time at Local, and for the second time the experience was outstanding. The food was amazing and I am an extremely picky eater. Everything was fresh, served hot with sauces that complemented the dish. The waitstaff was friendly, efficient and there were many of them. This is how our restaurant should be run! Kudos to all concerned."
Dined on 1/11/2014
"Service was good, food was very good and not too expensive for what they serve, pleasant overall experience."
Dined on 1/8/2014
"This was our second time dining here. We really enjoy getting the cheese plate. It has a great variety of cheeses and pairs well with wine. It is pretty large and can be easily split by two or more people. My boyfriend ordered the Steak Frites entree last time we dined there and we both loved it; so much so, that I ordered it this past time we dined there and it was delicious once again! The artichoke-blue cheese sauce really adds so much flavor. He ordered the rib entree and the meat was so tender he didn't even need a knife. The carrots that came as the side were deliciously seasoned and paired well with the meat and potatoes."
Dined on 1/3/2014
"We were recommended to dine here from a local resident. We are so happy we did! The food was phenomenal. We look forward to going back next time we are in town. We had the crispy shrimp for an appetizer and it was the most delicious appetizer we've ever had. We would go back for that alone! We also had the steak frites for an entree. The steak was cooked to perfection and the accompanying sauce was unbelievably good. The seating is a bit tight. This isn't a large restaurant by any means. It was a bit uncomfortable at first being able to hear the tables' next to us conversations, but once we were settled we got used to it. The local has a very romantic atmosphere but does lack privacy if that is what you are looking for."
Dined on 1/3/2014
"Consistently a favorite restaurant in Charlottesville. Quaint dining area downstairs with a larger area upstairs. We ordered a drink at the bar and were seated quickly. Great food -- steak and crispy shrimp are the best!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"My Husband and I dined at The Local for New Years Eve and it was everything and more than we had expected. Service, menu, drinks and the food itself was outstanding!!! There was a constant flow of people coming in and out to dine and sit at the bar, and the waitresses and hostesses handled it all with ease and class. The lone bartender was a "rock star", making drinks for the entire packed restaurant. Very Professional!! Great Margaritas! My Beef Tenderloin with artichoke and horseradish béchamel with crumbled blue cheese was to die for. We have since chosen THE LOCAL to cater our Daughter's Wedding this year. We are so excited and know that we won't be disappointed."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"This was my first visit to The Local. Food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere - just right. Everyone in my party had a good time. This was on New Years Eve - and they did a great job considering the amount of people being served before ringing in the New Year."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"We dined with a group of twelve. Everyone's meal was superb!"
Dined on 12/30/2013
"We went to the Local because they take reservations for large groups and offer a good selection of food. However, the seating on the enclosed porch was very disappointing. No ambience to speak of and not what I hoped for as we were celebrating a family birthday. The waitress was friendly enough but handed my 80 year old father a container so he could package his leftovers himself. I was underwhelmed with the overall experience, especially considering the amount we spent. For the positives, we were served our food quickly, the waitress checked back on our drink orders in good time, and the crab soup was excellent."
Dined on 12/28/2013
"A first time for us - the service was excellent! The food was very good, presented well, and was the right portion. The wine list looked very good but we did not drink wine - the scotch was excellent. The balcony outdoors looked inviting but this was December and we ate inside. Will do again."
Dined on 12/28/2013
"A group of 20 is not easy and the Local rose to the challenge. Pros:Our waitress was a first class ROCK STAR, handling special requests, interruptions, kids, with poise and good humor. Service was prompt. Cons:The Local has very high noise level and it was hard to hear person seated next to you. I had called over a month in advance and wish I had asked for 2 tables or the private room, as we were very crowded at one table. But I asked for 20 seats and they provided. I should have asked for suggestions re: alternative location. Access by dark outdoor staircase on cold night due to private party was not great. But food was excellent as always; all in all we had a good experience. Kudos to The Local for nice job with big group, little kids."
Dined on 12/27/2013
"Met a group of friends for dinner on Saturday night. The service was amazing and the wait staff all had just the right level of attentiveness. The food was delicious from vegetarian pasta dish to salmon to beef tenderloin steak. Highly recommend this place - tucked away in the Belmont neighborhood."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"One of Charlotteville's best! Great food, much of it locally sourced. Extensive wine list. Knowledgeable servers. Always vegetarian options."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"The restaurant is high energy and fun. Recommended for all ages."
Dined on 12/14/2013
"If you have not been to The Local in Charlottesville you are missing it. Awesome restaurant."
Dined on 12/6/2013
"This was the perfect restaurant for our date night. Cocktails and food were great! We'll definitely be back."
Dined on 11/29/2013
"Excellent food and service with reasonable pricing. Good beer / wine choices."
Dined on 11/30/2013
"The menu is not extensive, but quite interesting. There is ample ways to satisfy the vegetarian palate. Our party of 5 ordered an assortment of items. The most unique was the Trout dish. A wider choice of appetizers would be nice.. to share. The ability to order pasta as an appetizer or entree was GREAT! The least exciting was the ribs with mashed potatoes. Service was good but not outstanding. Tables are very close together, so no chance of a private conversation. We would definitely go back again."
Dined on 11/27/2013

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