The Local Irish Pub

The Sanctuary at The Local

931 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN

I first read about The Local around St. Patrick’s Day…about how they had sold the most Jameson Irish Whiskey in the world for four straight years. Being part Irish myself, I knew I had to try this place. I had been looking for an excuse to eat here and finally last week I got my chance; a friend from Pennsylvania flew in!

We arrived at happy hour on a Thursday night to a large crowd of young business professionals (lots of people in suits and ties and dresses). We, of course, were dressed in our Thursday best (jeans and tennis shoes) but were not turned away. My first impression was WOW…you feel like you just stepped off the streets of Minneapolis into a pub in Ireland. The rich dark wood, the large windows, the ‘rooms’, and the smell of good Irish food all made you feel as though you had been transported to Ireland.

We were seated in “The Sanctuary”, a little room in the back with a beautiful fireplace. It was nice because it was a little quieter (not much) back there and we were close to the bathrooms (thank goodness). I ordered the sausages and mash which was very good and just the right portion. It was a little salty, but that was washed away by my Boddingtons Pub Ale. My friend and husband had steak and mushroom pie (like Sheppard’s pie), which they both said was also salty. We did try the ‘Big Ginger’, their signature drink (which helped them sell the most Jameson). It was very good and refreshing.

Even though the food was a little salty, I enjoyed my first visit to the Local and I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with more of my friends and family! Maybe St. Patty’s Day 2011? Visit The Local website for more information on their menu, rooms, and events.