Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Virginia
  4. Charlottesville
  5. Charlottesville

The Local

4.4
4.4
2150 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
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

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 43 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Comfort Food

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (434) 984-9749

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Matthew Hart

  • Catering

    The Local is a full-service catering company that specializes in weddings, social gatherings & corporate events. Grand or intimate, focused on tradition or leaning toward trendy, your vision along with our capable guidance will reflect your personal style. Our staff is committed to details, offering unique options, bringing creativity and passion to the planning process.

  • Private party facilities

    The Local has a variety of venues that have been enjoyed over the years, which can be rented out individually or all together accommodating parties over 150 seated, 200 for cocktail events. Each space offers it’s own fully-functioning bar, handcrafted tables, and a beautiful atmosphere to hold your special event. Our larger spaces are located in the upstairs portion of our restaurant, and our Wine Room is located on the main floor.

  • Neighborhood

    Charlottesville

  • Parking details

    Most patrons are able to find street parking in the neighborhood within a 2 block radius of the restaurant.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,150 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Charlottesville

    Good for business meals

  • Charlottesville

    Good for groups

  • Charlottesville

    Hot spot

  • Charlottesville

    Neighborhood gem

  • Charlottesville

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. Matt

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent!
  2. Gwynn

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Nice meal in a charming setting. Very new waiter did the best he could.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful outing as a young family to The Local! The prices were great, the food delicious, and the service exceeded expectations. For those traveling with young ones, just note there is no changing pad in the bathroom. Otherwise, a fabulous dinner!
  4. LisaT

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    I’d say pretty good but not amazing. Needed a bit more training for our server for sure. Everything was just fine but not particularly memorable.
  5. luvinlife

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had the special appetizer - burrata with fried green tomatoes and arugula. It was delicious. We also shared the crispy fried shrimp and the mushroom pasta. Lovely!
  6. HollyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great waiter/bartender Justin took great care of us for our anniversary. It felt great to eat like a “local”. Highly recommend
  7. AmyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything from the ambiance to the food to the service was excellent. The beautifully presented food did not disappoint. The short ribs were nothing short of perfection. The wine sauce was an absolute delicacy. The drinks were perfect additions to an already delectable meal. The building itself carries so much history, and it felt like we were in someone's home. Thank you for sharing the history on the menu. Our server was lovely and an excellent hostess for our time spent at this restaurant. What a treasure this place is.
  8. Krdoo

    Raleigh

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We enjoyed our evening at the Local. The food was excellent as was the service. Unfortunately, our table was in a high traffic area and I was constantly bumped by people passing by.
  9. OnlytheBest

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    Sadly, this is the worst restaurant I’ve been to in ages . Three of us got the pasta. We all agreed it was virtually tasteless. It more resembles soup than pasta. My cream sauce was like white water. And our table was completely sticky. Clearly hadn’t been cleaned. 
  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food for one of us- the gnocchi could have used more flavor. Short ribs were wonderful. Cocktails were nice but would have preferred a better location for sitting. Ended up outside under a tarp and they double booked our table and had to move us which is totally fine (bc we preferred the new table) but unprofessional.
  11. RAEF

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Nice building. Attentive server. Food just fair. Our salmon and pork chop were dry. Rice pilaf very undercooked, Appetizer of fried cauliflower good but accompanying Brussels sprouts were nearly raw. Maybe just a bad night for the kitchen
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a delightful experience! We had friends visiting from Spain and they loved the food and the American experience. Our waiter was attentive and had great suggestions for food and drinks. Salmon, tenderloin and short ribs were outstanding!! The salmon preparation with street corn was clever and delicious. We will be back!
  13. DavidA

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent food and a great setting. It is a good place for special celebrations.
  14. MelanieW

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We brought my brother from out of town who loves great food and a comfy, cozy atmosphere. He said the Local met his expectations and the food was fabulous. Our waitress, Julia, was very knowledgeable, fun and attentive so thanks for a nice evening!
  15. CvilleMom

    Richmond

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    One of my favorite restaurants…however tonight was just not as good. Ordered the special filet and it had some kind of strong steak sauce, not unlike A1. Too nice of steak to ruin w/that kind of sauce. A large wedding party upstairs seemed to monopolize most of the staff, as well as super long waits for the restrooms. Not one of The Local’s better nights in my opinion.
  16. Sebmic

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Unimpressed. Surprised by the good reviews it has, maybe others days things run differently. Food was mediocre and on the expensive side for the quality. The restaurant right next door is much better.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I had the short ribs which were absolutely delicious but served cold…
  18. PEP33

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The menu provides a variety of choices, including those for vegans and those needing gluten-free choices. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. The waitstaff is cheerful and attentive. Everything I have had is delicious, and they remember the regulars in detail.
  19. Llama

    Bristol

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    Terrible food which had clearly been sitting around under a heat lamp for a while. 'crispy' fish was soggy, medium rare tenderloin was well done and all the vegetables and rice/noodles were cold. Food arrived before drinks. Didn't get table I'd booked. Staff were very pleasant, but clearly overstretched. Felt very much like this place is trading on its reputation so was a really disappointing visit.
  20. LisaZ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    The restaurant has a cozy vibe, service was good, but we were disappointed in the food. Pasta was mushy and included just a few shrimp. Brussel sprouts were extremely charred. Out of the wine we wanted. Could have all been due to large private party upstairs, but overall we were disappointed.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Bar service was really slow and 2 of our dishes were cold when brought to the table. Food tasted well but overall disappointing
  22. AnnaH

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The fried chicken was outstanding! The stuffed squash was mediocre (we weren’t expecting zucchini). The sauce underneath was really good. The pecan pie tasted store bought. We were not happy that we were out on the patio even though we had open table reservations (which said nothing). The hostess was very accommodating and moved us inside - Thank You. The prices were really good.
  23. DanaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Service from begin to end! Great food! Beautiful presentation!
  24. Rosie

    Richmond

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love The Local! It's our go-to for impressing out of town guests, and they came through with a stellar experience once again as I was entertaining my work team on a team retreat. Everyone got a different fish dish (rockfish, salmon and trout!) and there were raves all around. We got a couple of flourless chocolate cakes to split for dessert and they were still talking about it the next day! Many thanks to our outstanding server Maria and the whole Local team!
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    This was a birthday dinner for my 79 year old mom. We had 5 guests. Our server was inattentive, distracted, hard to flag down, had dirty finger nails, and forgot drink orders. Our plates were only cleared after I stacked all of the dishes in the center of the table. He was young, the dining room was packed, but I think he should have had oversight by the manager on shift. I also think the manager should have checked in with every table to see that everything was in order. Three of the five entrees were very tasty and presented well. Compliments to the chef! All of the food was delivered promptly once we got our order in. The food runners were hustling! Unfortunately, One entree was the rockfish (featured as a special), but came cold. It was the birthday girl’s meal and she didn’t want to cause any trouble so picked at it in silence. I wish I would have known so we could have asked to have it heated. I was happy to see the restaurant full of people, which is a sign of good business, but I was disappointed in the service, after paying so much for a birthday celebration. 3 stars.
  26. jeander

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Food was average. Service was fine. Sat in upstairs dining room, WAY to noisy and table was literally sticky. Disregard the undefined “smart casual” dress on website, anything goes.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place and superb food. So glad we found this gem!
  28. RobinG

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The overall experience was enjoyable. The service was top notch. The food was delicious. I had the meat loaf and enjoyed it, but my husband had the chicken. Although delicious, the portion was very small and there was no beast meat. Our biggest problem was the chairs. They were very uncomfortable. For the cost, perhaps better seating could be provided.
  29. emlc

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food5service4ambience2
    The food was delicious and the server was very nice. We were seated in an auxiliary room that was not as nice as the main building and it was very loud. There was a loud group using bad language and it was very cold in the room. The food came quickly and we still enjoyed ourselves.
  30. DonnaM

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We had dinner reservations at 5:30 and were seated promptly. Our waiter came over to greet us soon after we sat down (a group of 4). He was very friendly and offered suggestions on the menu when we asked. Our drinks came out quickly after they were ordered. The menu was fairly varied so had several options for appetizers and dinner. Our waiter returned to take our dinner selections a few minutes after the drinks were delivered. The dinners were served promptly and were good. I think everyone enjoyed their selections. I would recommend The Local. And parking was convenient. Their was a parking lot across from the Restaurant. However, it cost $ 10 to park.
  31. Dave

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Ended on a sour note. We asked for a box but then were never brought a check (I would think asking for a to-go container would signal we're finished). Waited a solid 10 minutes before we had to ask someone to please bring us our check. Also there was room for improvement with the brussel sprouts appetizer, they were entirely too hard. Next time I visit I would request a table in the lower level, because the ambience was better and quieter than the upper level.
  32. MichelleA

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Service was very inattentive. Hard to get refills on waters or alcoholic drinks. Plates were not removed from table in timely manner. Entrees came while we were still eating salads. Runners had no idea whose entree was whose. Food was decent. Ambiance on outside deck was very nice.
  33. Wren

    Washington DC

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! Cauliflower and sprouts appetizers, steak frite great. Drinks great. Pecan pie amazing!
  34. Andrew

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    We have been coming here for years and have generally enjoyed the food. However, we tried two of the pasta dishes on our last visit and were underwhelmed. Both dishes tasted as if they were drowned in pasta water and had little flavoring. The shrimp and crab pasta had an embarrassingly small amount of protein in it. We genuinely hope this was just an off-night for the kitchen because if this is the direction the restaurant is heading in, they have a long way to go in order to return to how things used to be here.
  35. Mike

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Food too salty Service spotty/some excellent others not knowledgeable
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    I was there to celebrate my birthday. Our experience was very interesting. We had to be moved because there was a couple fighting next to us, and they were extremely loud with their words. The staff was very accommodating, and moved us to another part of the restaurant.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Nothing wowed us but the ambiance was nice and the servers were trying their best.
  38. PerriF

    New York Area

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just what we were looking for in a college town: fried chicken and hard cider
  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Food was tasty. Vegetarian entree needs another zucchini. Service was somewhat abrasive, curt, and hurried, even at 5:30 before the restaurant got busy. Left a 20% tip anyway. Hostess was friendlier. Decent birthday celebration overall. Wouldn’t recommend for parties larger than four. Narrow stairway with staff carrying trays of drinks is precarious. Hopefully there’s an elevator for older guests.
  40. BBQQUEEN

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience1
    Fried chicken was tiny and not cooked well. No grilled chicken to add to Cesar salad. Was freezing in the “inside dinning” area that we booked, they put us in an outdoor tent with one heater

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Local using the Order Online button. The Local also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 984-9749.

The Local is rated 4.4 stars by 2150 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 43 times today
Google Map for The Local

824 Hinton Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Charlottesville

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Comfort Food

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Most patrons are able to find street parking in the neighborhood within a 2 block radius of the restaurant.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Matthew Hart

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (434) 984-9749

  • Catering

    The Local is a full-service catering company that specializes in weddings, social gatherings & corporate events. Grand or intimate, focused on tradition or leaning toward trendy, your vision along with our capable guidance will reflect your personal style. Our staff is committed to details, offering unique options, bringing creativity and passion to the planning process.

  • Private party facilities

    The Local has a variety of venues that have been enjoyed over the years, which can be rented out individually or all together accommodating parties over 150 seated, 200 for cocktail events. Each space offers it’s own fully-functioning bar, handcrafted tables, and a beautiful atmosphere to hold your special event. Our larger spaces are located in the upstairs portion of our restaurant, and our Wine Room is located on the main floor.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo