The Local, West Newton

[bakerboyz]

New spot in West Newton (near Blue Ribbon) opened by the Isabella (Dedham) owner. 4 of us tried it this past Saturday prior to going to BC hockey game. At 5:30 PM, it was already almost filled. Very casual and comfortable pub interior. Heinekin in bottles very reasonably priced at $5. I split an "American Kobe" burger and fries with my wife for $10. Burger was perfectly cooked, nicely charred and very good, however, as far as the "kobe" thing, I did not detect that strong of a beef flavor, the kind I would expect from kobe beef, but still excellent and an excellent value. The fries were very good and fresh but I detected a spice, might have been rosemary, on the fries that I could have done without. The fish and chips ($14) that we split was fresh but a little disappointing. Hard to pinpoint but I think it was the batter that I wasn't thrilled about, once again there was a spice in the batter that just did not work for me. All in all, however, excellent value and will definitely return.

[digga]

We were in the area this past Sunday so we stopped in around 3pm (they are opened continuously lunch-dinner, at least on weekends). Comfortable room and, at that hour, very quiet, which was fine with us. Sat at the bar. The menu reminded me a little of Atwood's - I had the tasty tuna sashimi+seaweed salad as a light lunch (it is advertised on the menu as a small bite). B had the "Kobe" burger (just to add our commentary to the on-going discussion here and everywhere - what the hell is the point of using Kobe for a burger?). A bit overdone (ordered medium), but good flavor. Hand-cut fries that he liked (I like my fries a little thicker). We split the fried pickle chips+aioli...addictive, as almost anything dunked into the deep fryer would be. He drank Cisco Bay Whale's Tail on tap, I had the Omaka Sauvignon Blanc (dry and crisp) and we shared the Lost Block Pinot, which we both really enjoyed. Both were $7/glass, which I thought was a great price. If we find ourselves in Metro West, we'll definitely stop in again.

[ShelT54]

Had lunch there one Friday (only day they're open for lunch). Homemade potato chips and onion dip were addictive. Burger was fine. Bartender was competent, but not terribly engaging (thankfully I had a newspaper and "Sportscenter" to keep me company). Prices, though, are high for what it is. I've been to the countless pubs that have preceded the Local at this location (Nellie's, R.J. Crowley, etc.) and don't believe the Local is any better.

[Scruffy The Cat]

Thanks for the update. We tried to go around Christmas and despite some open tables, the hostess told us in a snippy tone that there would be a long wait. I'm glad for their success but there's no need for snip. We went around the corner to Paddy's and it was just fine. And no 'tude. When I eat at a pub it's not a popularity contest.

[Blumie]

Paddy's attitude is very friendly. It's their food that could use some work!

[Harp00n]

And sometimes Blumie, a friendly face and a properly poured Guinness can lighten the shortfall of the grub, sometimes :-D

Harp

[Blumie]

Absolutely!

[Scruffy The Cat]

Completely agree. The food at Paddy's was fine. Not memorable in any way. But the welcome we received was so genuine and cheerful; the atmosphere so cozy with Celtic music and a nice, big Smithwick's to chase away the attitude of the Local. I'll happily go back to Paddy's and avoid the Local. One bad time is all it takes with me. My nights out are too few and too precious.

[bear]

We've been a few times and been pretty happy. The burger has been cooked perfectly medium rare every time we've ordered it. The fish and chips are decent, as you say, although I wish they served them in a larger plate rather than having the fish sitting on top of the fries. I personally like the little bit of rosemary and maybe parsley on the fries, but that's a personal thing. The fries are usually fresh out of the fryolator, but a couple of times they've been a bit dry, maybe from sitting too long. When they're hot, they're quite good.

I'm a little confused by their wines by the glass pricing, but it seems like they are priced at $8 (I think) across the board. I didn't see pricing on the menu.

All in all, decent food, pleasant space, reasonable service. A nice casual addition.

[MC Slim JB]

$5 for Heineken is a bargain now? Yikes.

I had a similar favorable impression of this place, a comfortable, casual, nice-looking bar/restaurant with pretty good food at nice prices. Portions can be a bit ridiculous, like a plate of batter-fried pickle chips big enough for six people for $5. Thought the truffle fries were just okay, the salads giant and quite good, the "Hong Kong" noodles decent but bland when they were advertised as spicy. Nice selection of by-the-glass wines, an okay-looking cocktail list. I don't get to West Newton much, but this is a place I'd go back to.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[bakerboyz]

I almost never buy beer so I have no perspective on the value, good or bad, of a Heineken at $5, maybe it wasn't a good deal?

[Snoop37]

Haha no, it is not very good. Maybe $3.75 would have been good. I buy beer pretty much everywhere I go.

[veggielover]

I am glad to hear the place has improved. We went last winter when it first opened and we were hoping for another Biltmore type of restaurant. It wasn't that good, but I might try it again.

[bakerboyz]

I could be wrong but last winter I believe that it was stil RJ Crowleys and it did not re-open as The Local until this past November, 2008.

[veggielover]

I guess it is still winter. :-) I meant we went in December 2008.

[Blumie]

I also went when it first opened, back in November, and did not like it. (My review is on here somewhere.) I'm certainly willing to give it another try.

[Snoop37]

I walked right passed that restaurant a couple weeks ago... I was actually making my way to Blue Ribbon and the Local was absolutely packed when I looked in. It wasn't even 6 yet, but it was a Friday.