Local - Dallas - YUM!

[DKS1]

Just wanted to post a rave about our dinner experience at Local in Deep Ellum this past Saturday night...

We are Chicago 'hounds (I'm originally from Dallas) and were in town for the weekend. I forget where I first read or heard about Local, but I've been wanting to try it for close to a year. Finally had the chance, and I'm so glad we did!

First of all, as an aside, what's up with Deep Ellum?! When I last lived in Dallas (over 4 years ago, mind you), it was always jam-packed and seemed to be one of the nightlife centers of the city. This past weekend it was like a ghost town and quite eerie... Nonetheless, our meal was FANTASTIC!!

The restaurant itself was very aesthetically pleasing and was just a great atmosphere. We started out with the house crabcakes which were amazing - tender, full of crabmeat, and browned perfectly. I went on to have the panko-coated sea bass with a zuchini risotto and my husband had a filet. Both were phenomenal! The service, in the meantime, was perfectly paced and attentive without being intrusive. We finished with their chocolate dessert which consisted of a mini chocolate souflee (with a molten center), a mini "shot" of a chocolate malt, and three chocolate-brownie cookies. To die for - really!

I had very high expectations about the place after reading so many good reviews, and I must say, the whole meal exceeded my expectations by a landslide! And the restrooms were great, to boot :)

I hope other DFW 'hounds have had similar experiences!

[jinet12]

"What's up with Deep Ellum", is the overall perception, real or not, that it has become too much of a crime area, and many do not feel as safe in that area, as they once did..A shame really, because there is still really great food down there...

[luniz]

You missed out on the steak and eggs appetizer and the champagne aperitif..the one with the uhh icy stuff in it...duh what am I trying to think of...totally blanking out right now..grapefruit something anyway I think.

[gavlist]

granita?

[DKS1]

Hmmm, don't think I saw those things as options! But they sound terrific! And I completely forgot to mention the "sides" we ordered (they were able to do a bit of a "sampler" for us with a slight price adjustment): lightly "fried" spinach and garlic along with an asparagus/haricot vert mix. Delicious!

[vktp]

Rosemary grapefruit granita in champagne. It doesn't have an official name, so I just have to say "the champagne drink." Not sure it's actually on the menu, but it's always available.

Local is one of my top 5 faves in town. I don't even bother ordering anymore-- I just say whatever the chef thinks is best. Never been disappointed.

[Bhutani]

My wife and I are fans of Local -- we need more similar businesses in Deep Ellum. I don't know if you have tried the fried green bean appetizer but it is addictive.