Local Gastropub Awards

Local Gastropub Restaurant Review:

Exposed brick walls and bar-style track lighting give this place a chic urban feel. But then Local Gastropub turns the idea of typical bar food on its head with its inspired spin on casual grub favorites. Burgers and fries are on the menu, but the patties are dressed with onion jam and the cheese fries are topped with blue cheese and bacon instead of the more common melted cheddar sauce. Tacos are stuffed with tempura lobster, and the fish ’n’ chips are given fusion flair with masala seasoning. Local even has a TV dinner on the menu, but it’s far classier than a microwave meal --- provolone-stuffed meatloaf, creamed spinach, chipotle pommes purées. The restaurant is located just blocks from both the Orpheum Theatre and FedExForum, so it’s ideal for gathering pre-show or pre-game to share the house-smoked wings or poutine fries with short-rib gravy. The wine list is uninspired, so you’ll do better with the brews (this is a pub, after all). Desserts, however, do not disappoint. Check out the bread pudding on any given evening; it can vary daily. Also located at 2126 Madison Ave., 901-725-1845.