Prices surpassed food quality. Nice decor however too many flies indoors and use of their floor space was awkward. All and all don't act like a "trender" when your not! read more

Food is good and is a local hangout. Would suggest for anyone in the area not looking for a tourist spot. Plenty of space and servers were timely. read more

Lazy Thursday afternoon so we stopped by early afternoon for eats. Love the layout and supper friendly service

We were in the area and decided on trying this well reviewed place. Parking is in front and around the side. The seating is ample. I imagine a group would do fine here. The atmosphere is open and reminded me of a classic style bar and grill. Our attendant was welcoming and friendly. We ordered the Spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer and it was good. The pita was warm, soft, and had a light crust on the bottom. The dip had a nice creamy texture and savory flavor. We shared the walleye sandwich for our main dish. The batter on the fish was okay but there was too much of it. I think it's why the batter was crisp on the outside but a bit soggy inside. The fish itself was flakey and good. The bun, lettuce, and tomato were fresh. The tartar sauce was not what I like. It had a strong lemon flavor and sweet/sour taste that puts me off. Tartar sauce can be a strong selling point when ordering fried fish. The tartar sauce here was not good in my opinion. But everything else was just fine. They have lots of different and uncommon dishes to choose from. If you're in the area and in the mood for a bar and grill restaurant, check this place out. read more

Driving through the area, looking for lunch, when we see a sharp looking restaurant with a parking lot full of vehicles. We give it a try. Clean interior and pleasant waitress. A limited menu and some fairly high prices have me reconsidering our choice. The pleasant waitress is helpful and guides us toward her favorite items. We end up with the Maytag burger (handmade patty), two chicken sandwiches and a roast beef dip. French fries with each order. The meal comes pretty quickly. Everything was hot and made correctly. Each of us were satisfied with the taste of our menu item and portion size. I'd say my overall score would be 3.7 stars. Prices scared away at least one couple who came in after us and were probably about $2.50/$3 per item too high. I'd pass on a return trip due to the prices; not the food or service. read more

The Local 218 - Chicken sandwich and fries. - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

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We visited as a result of great Yelp ratings and reviews. Let's just say it did NOT disappoint. In fact, both my husband and I changed our entree choice based on the quality of our appetizer. We started with beef tips....and they were excellent! He then decided to have the Creole mac and cheese and I went with pasta carbonara (because of other reviews). Both were fantastic!!! Service was also great! Next time we are in the area, we will certainly be back. read more

The Local 218 - Creole mac and cheese - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

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It was really hard to find soup in this town. Most places only offer, chicken wild rice , broccoli cheese and beer cheese soup. I finally found some tomato bisque soup and it was delicious . I will definitely be coming back tomorrow. read more

The Local 218 - Avocado Turkey Bacon Melt with onion rings - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

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Just came from Sunday brunch at the Local 218 which is the only place in town where you can get a lox omelette. I could go on and on about how much I love everything about this restaurant, but I'm just gonna say that the omelette I had was the finest omelette I've ever had anywhere. You just can't miss with this place. All the stars. read more

I was passing through town and on Yelp it looked good. I had the pork tenderloin sandwich. It was all bread without any meat. The fries were not that good either. I had some of my friend's fish and it was disgusting. Everything tasted like the lower end of Sysco food products. Nothing seemed homemade. I don't get how this place gets 5 Stars? Maybe they have never had real good food, but frozen garbage. read more

Drove a half hour with my mom and nephew to come eat here on a Saturday during what I expected to be a busy time, but actually was pretty quiet. Was seated and given menus. It went down hill from here. During the course of the meal we had a total of 5 servers so idk which one was actually our server. Between the five of them they managed to forget? About filling waters and instead chatted the entire time. We order our food And app which was calamari and even my nephew said it was so bland. No flavor. When two of the five waitresses brought out our meals I instantly noticed my moms pork tenderloin sandwich was charcoaled and shriveled. And my nephews chicken strips were dry and charcoaled. I instantly asked the server to return the food to the kitchen staff cause it was unacceptable. Like, my number one rule is I'll never serve food I wouldn't eat myself to anyone!! This... this was horrendous... my shrimp po' boy looked alright accept for the price I got 5 of the tiniest driest shrimp I have ever seen. I started eating and my water glass was sitting empty for at least 20 minutes while our 5 servers sat and chatted.. by the time I got it filled the food came back and looked better. The waitress said the burnt food was gonna be taken care of.. upon receiving the check it definitely was NOT taken care of... I was completely mad at this point.. still left a tip but not what I normally would have, and left. Get home half hour later and my stomach is in knots and I'm nauseous and throwing up!!!! Unbelievable!!! Food poisoning!!! I literally WILL NEVER EVER EVER RECOMMEND OR GO BACK TO THIS PLACE EVER!!! So unprofessional for the price I paid for the burnt meals and complete disregard for customer service! I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND!!! read more

Charge a service fee without disclosing it in writing or verbally. Illegal to do so. No desire to go back. Food was good but not going to support a business with illegal practices. read more

Delicious lunch with friendly, personable service! Katie and PJ always make us feel welcome! Spinach dip and Chopped Cheese Sandwich! Delish! Well-done, Chef! read more

My wife and I moved up to the Brainerd area a few years ago from the twin cities, and started our journey looking for the best restaurants in town, and the Local 218 is for sure our spot! the owners are really nice, the food is great, service has always been good, the atmosphere is cool, etc. it's just what you want when you dine out. we will continue to frequent this spot! side note: that key lime pie... read more

Service was fast, servers were friendly and the food was excellent!!! Had a steak with an add on lobster tail and scallops. The seafood was some of the best I've ever had!!!! Followed everything up with a slice of cheesecake with raspberry glaze... WOW... just WOW!!! I told my server "the only bad thing about my entire meal is the fact that it had to end... Highly Recommend!!! read more

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My hubby and I found this little gem of a place through Yelp on our way to stay Grandview Lodge for the weekend. Outstanding! Because it was so good, we skipped the breakfast buffet at the lodge to come back for lunch on our way home. Scallops! Best ever!! They fly them in from Boston every day. Perfectly seared. The wild mushroom risotto was amazingly flavorful. Clam chowder was excellent Fried fish was light and flaky. Carbonara was yummy with the poached egg on top fantastic. Great service and the old fashion was excellent too. Definitely will have this place on our list as a must when up north. Thank you! read more

For an up North location, I was very impressed at the variety in the menu and some of the options- scallops, grouper, walleye, crab cakes. I appreciated the kitchen made a minor tweak to a menu listed for me. Really tasty white truffle risotto. Not too when we were there, had a great experience; staff was great; enjoyed my meal. Want to go back to try more items. Spacious with nice decor; nice bar for casual dining and Bev. read more

Food was good! A bit on the expensive side but overall a good date spot in the Brainerd lakes area.

Me and my mom stopped in for lunch a week ago on a Wednesday. We both got a salad, mine was Caesar and hers I cannot remember. Both were amazing! It was a slow day there was only 4 other people in the place. The only thing I would say negative is that the bartender was not very attentive or friendly. She wasn't rude, just not inviting. And she didn't check back on us until we started pulling out cash to pay the tab. I was ready to just leave cash on the bar top and walk out. She may have been having a bad day so I will definitely be back because the food was amazing. read more

Such a great find in Brainerd! We happened upon this little place and are so glad we did! Great for drinks and apps or for a full meal. The pan seared walleye was to die for! It was perfectly breaded and crispy. By far the best walleye I've ever had. The wild mushroom risotto was AMAZING. As were the green beans; still crisp and perfectly seasoned. From the decor to the customer service to the menu selection, this was a great experience. Can't recommend enough. read more

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I am not typically the person who gets on YELP and gives a bad review. If you look at my history I tend to be positive and kind. Sadly we had a bad experience at this restaurant tonight. Everything. Started off fine, our server was professional and kind and had the bartender make me an awesome mocktail. Our appetizer of poutine arrived and it was good. Server checked on us and was really great during that time. Before dinner salads came out, they were fine - no issues. Thennnnn minimally 20 minutes went by and no entrees. Finally my husband went up to check and he was treated kindly and told it would be "a few more minutes" about five minutes later our food came up. Mg sons pasta and meatballs were fine, my salmon and risotto were adequate, the salmon was mildly overdone and the sauce on it was really salty but the risotto was good. My husband ordered the fish and chips. It came out VERY dark (the fish) he tried eating it and it was not good. I don't remember the server coming back to ask how everything was tasting. I had determined not to say much about to my salmon and just let it go and not order it again. My husband (who isn't fussy) tried but could not eat the fish without picking the deep fried coating off - which is the best part of fish and chips so why bother. So he didn't eat about. 3/4 of it. He brought it to the servers attention prior to the bill coming "the fish was burned and I couldn't eat it" she said "oh" and then brought the bill. Full on price no discount no apology no offer to make it right. I feel bad about this as we've have previous positive experiences here. I heard they recently lost a pretty good chef. It's definitely reflected in the food and timing coming out of that kitchen. Bummer. read more

The Local 218 - Burned fish and chips - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

I have been to Local 218 twice in two months. The first time I had Bucatini and it was fabulous. Tonight I had the best French Onion soup, it was so delicious and NOT salty like some. I also had the Ahi Tuna appetizer which was perfect. We live about 45 minutes from Brainerd, however we will be back. Katie was very friendly. Thanks read more

Amazing nachos! Great friendly service. Food came out fast. Moscow mules were also delicious and cheap. Will definitely come back to this restaurant if we're in the Brainerd area again! Very good. read more

The Local 218 - Nachos - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

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If you enjoy craft cocktails & crave-worthy culinary offerings-The Local 218 will quickly become one of your favorite places to dine with your family or with friends! It's Yumazing! read more

This place is legit. It has a high rating for a reason. We felt at home. The service was top shelf. The food is fantastic. My only complaint is I can't believe I waited so long to eat here. If you're in the area...this place is a must. I will be back...and often. read more

When a friend suggested this little local joint, I thought "why not?" I got there first, and headed to the bar to order a lemonade straight up -- it was lunchtime, after all! We got a booth (large + comfortable) and after reading and re-reading the menu choices, I opted for the Cubano sliders; my friend got one of the burgers (I didn't pay attention to which, suffice it to say it was good because it disappeared rapidly). My sliders were oh-so-tasty, and I'm one picky person when it comes to Cubano sandwiches! Our server was attentive, friendly, AND remembered no ice in my lemonade for a refill (which I didn't have to ask for). She gets a rave review for that alone! It was just a lunch, but I'm intrigued enough I want to head back for dinner and the ambience of the night crowd -- I saw a pool table tucked in the back corner, too. read more

Pretty ambitious menu for a place that hasn't nailed the fryer temperature yet. The best part of my meal was the Ranch dressing, which being a Midwesterner, was enough for me read more

Seriously. The best Wedge Salad I've had in more than a year. And the tuna with soba noodles was surprisingly good too! Add in a nice stiff drink and a chipper, efficient waitress and this was a great dinner. Price was great too! I'd definitely come back if I'm ever in the area! read more

Made a reservation. Showed up 40 minutes later, 10 minutes before reservation only to find the restaurant closed.

On vacation! Loved the food and service. Had a nice variety that other restaurants did not have.

The Local 218 is our family's go-to restaurant for dinner out; there is nothing to not like. The service is friendly and quick, and the food is comfort food with fresh unique twists. Equally as impressive is the atmosphere which is a smart take on the industrial setting; open but private, beautiful wood slab floors, incredible light fixtures, and a prominent but also subtle bar that separates two dining spaces. If you are visiting the Brainerd Lakes Area, it is worth the venture through town to the NE side where this one-of-a-kind establishment sits. Vegetarian options are readily available: amazing big Greek salad (that I wish was a year-round offering), handmade black bean veggie burger with chipotle aioli, hot artichoke spinach dip with warm soft pita triangles... yum. For the meat-eaters, the menu leaves you wanting more of the tasty beer-battered fish and chips (French fries), dry rub chicken wings, and bigger-than-your-mouth burgers. The drinks are expertly prepared and the Tanqueray tonics are perfectly poured, which gives this place an A+ in my eyes. read more

The Local 218 - Freshly made tomato basil soup served with ciabatta grilled cheese. - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

One of the best restaurant meals I have had in years. You could tell everything was made totally from scratch and was perfectly cooked. The people of Brainerd are very lucky to have such a quality restaurant. Wish it was closer so I could become a regular. read more

My friend and I enjoyed a delicious dinner there on 3/1/22. We shared the Mediterranean pasta and the warm spinach salad. They were both fantastic!Emma was our server and was friendly and efficient. I highly recommend the 218. Best restaurant in Brainerd. read more

Excellent food, very friendly staff. Bri was a great waitress and conversational. I ordered the Reuben and was definitely pleased. In the area on a motorcycle trip with some friends and we always look for local flavor. The Local 218 hit the spot! read more

A little pricier than the business it replaced many years ago. However, you get what you pay for and the quality of food and service is quite good. read more

This is our go to restaurant always! Food never disappoints and the staff is so friendly and welcoming!

Went here for a work lunch and was really impressed. The menu changes but everything on it looked great. I went with the walleye sandwich and it did not disappoint. I was very pleased and would go back again. read more

The Local 218 - Walleye sandwich and clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Brainerd, Minnesota

Our family is new town and trying to find all the best places to eat and this is definitely one of them! I'd like to come back for a nicer meal on a date night with my husband because the menu looks fantastic, but I just ordered a classic hamburger and it was so delicious. Love the atmosphere, and the staff was super friendly, helpful, and professional. read more

What a wonderful dining experience. We are from Las Cruces, NM and our friends took us to this fabulous restaurant. Delicious food and Katie made our dining experience that more memorable. Thank you for your hospitality Katie read more

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We decided to get off the beaten path a bit and try The Local 218 . We were not disappointed. Kayla welcomed us with a great smile and answered all our questions plus gave us a recommendation. Katie one of the owners waited on us, very happy beautiful girl. The food was awesome, my husband had the Po Boy with shrimp and scallops totally fresh and the best he's ever had. I had the pork tenderloin sandwich. Wow! Just like the old days. This did NOT come out of the freezer. So tender and delicious. Clam chowder was great served with garlic butter toasts. I could have just had those!!!!! Yum... Just a bit off of 210..... but very much worth the stop! Margaritas were great too!! read more

After checking out positive reviews I was feeling confident that it would be a solid place to celebrate a casual family dinner. First impression was a warm ambiance, open bar/dining area, and a distastefully repellant odor?? Yikes!!?? It's as if someone left the natural gas blasting into the main dining area. I kept looking around to see if anyone was concerned or if we should rush back outside to make room for the emergency gas crew. You get the picture. Anyway, the bar had 5 or 6 regulars who were so blasted that they were making quite a ruckus and were a obviuous distraction. In observance of their obnoxious volume and language I remembered my moments of being sauced and irritating to those around me. I acknowledged to the family that the pickled patrons are more than likely the restaurant's bread and butter...we're just one timers. Wrapping this up here...food is average. Pot pie is NOT a pie. It's phyllo on top of soup. Carbonara was a little separated and ate kind of clunky and coagulated. The wedge and wings were common but the sauces were quality. My Father "The Burger Man", (Orders the burger no matter where we go. With blue cheese and bbq sauce...Every time. Never changes.) said, "I've had better burgers for the price kid". I will say the service we had was friendly and attentive even though we were her only table. She seemed like a great server despite having nothing else to do. Can't imagine why I'd rush back but I do wish them success. I also wish them gifts of Glade Plug Ins and Insence. read more

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