Me and a group of friends walked in on a Saturday afternoon.We left as quickly as we walked in .The smell was so putrid that we almost threw up. It smelled of dirty homeless man and dirty socks. It's too bad , we were looking forward to seeing the band but couldn't handle the stench. read more

Very friendly and kind service. Riley our server was absolutely lovely. We were so pleased to have my friend's dog with us in the patio. And they kindly provide water for the doggo. Riley even brought a milk bone for the dog. The front patio is small yet well set up. I love the way they built a divider from the street. We started with the edamame, which was seasoned nicely with salt and spice. As well as the chicken dumplings. We both had the Rue burgers. I had the salad and my friend had fries. The burger was juicy as stacked. And the salad was fresh and delicious. I will definitely go back there again. read more

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Gord and I had supper last evening The Local. We both had chicken nuggets, which were fun. I had mine tossed with 1st degree hot sauce and fries and Gord had his tossed with sweet Thai chilli sauce and a salad. Yum! read more

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Came where with 2 friends to get some drinks on a Tuesday night. 3 beers and fries came to $42 with tax and tip. Service (5 stars) the waiter was very friendly and attentive. Food (5 stars) Sweet potatoes fries were good, for $9 likely on the expensive end. I enjoyed them. My friend got the burger and he liked it. Beers: They had a few draft beers already up and running, and were planning to get more soon (Covid restrictions were just lifted) Ambiance: (4 stars) we were in the back patio, there are around 6 tables there. It has a cozy feeling, with lots of old school memorabilia (fits well in the Roncesvalles vibe) read more

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It is a true "Canadian" neighbourhood pub. That is - amazing ambiance and camaraderie, but the food and beer menu needs work. Live music on Sundays (perhaps more days - it is just the day we seem to go). You only have "two" options in the area for old school, so I recommend The Local if you want ambiance and good times. read more

Delicious burger! Great beers on tap! Servers were great! And they had live music! I was surprised by the quality of the food.

I like this place with its quirky decor and laid back vibe. It's always been a consistent pour on my Guinness when I am after pints for quenching my thirst. I would pop in here whenever I went for a film at the Revue and the Roncesvalles area has seen a lot of changes over the years. But, I like this neighbourhood, so I'm pleased to see this watering-hole has survived pandemic lockdowns and other nonsense like the streetcar line being torn up. However, all is not well as I was so looking forward to Bombay Poutine and it's off the menu. Boo. I suppose it can't be helped given what has happened to the menus of other eateries about town. I settled for fish and chips. It was good, but a let down when I was expecting something else. Not their fault, my disappointment, but mine as I had walked in with expectations. It was a good size portion and so I was glad not to have ordered two fish. The bar service was good as I was parked on a stool there. I cannot speak about the table service, though the staff seemed pretty attentive. I still cringe watching a guy cut up limes in virtual darkness though. That's just me. It's a good Irish style public house. This isn't a fancy, trendy restaurant. So don't have expectations of that. It's pub culture, like sitting in your second living room, once removed from your abode, kind of thing. Expect to be fawned over as "the customer"? Don't. You wouldn't expect that in your own living room, why should you in a public house? Want to chat with folks, sit at the bar. Want to be left alone with your book, grab a table with light. Simple, really. Once you understand that it's like another sitting room in your home, but with food and drinks, you'll have a better time there. Looking forward to the live music that I hear is coming back. 'Til then, this review will have to do. read more

Came here on Friday night for a snack and a beer. My girlfriend had the steak and I had the beef ribs. Both were delicious and very good value for money! I was surprised and how good they were, I wasn't expecting that much from the Pub food here. I also had a Harry Porter (from Great Lakes Brewery) which was mucho delicious! Atmosphere was also very nice. We arrived at 7 pm and the bar was already 75% full. Means its a very popular spot and rightly so! read more

The Local - An empty glass of what was delicious Harry Porter! - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great vibe and decently priced drinks and food! Not too loud - perfect for date night!

I met some friends for a drink prior to heading to the revival for a movie but I won't be going back anytime soon! Honestly, it's a shame because I like the look of the place and live music. The problem is everything else from the food to the shitty service, which was almost non existent. I mean, I waited at the bar and watched the bartender check his phone for a long time... He eventually looked up and told me that a server would come help me instead before going back to his phone. WTF?!I got the pleasure of waiting even longer for a server to come take my order. I ordered an old fashioned and when it finally came, it was fine. I don't know how they handle busy nights but I wouldn't want to be there. Lots of other/better options on Roncy. read more

Stopped in for a drink on a Wednesday nite and this place was packed! Had a nice selection of craft beer and was happy with our choices. The Mr and I had just come from a Johnny Cash tribute show (not great, but that's a whole different review!) and were happier with the duo that was on stage playing than what we had just seen! The atmosphere was awesome, and the only reason for a missing star was where we were seated. We seemed in the way and awkward but I will definitely be back! Loved this place. read more

The Local - Great duo - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Cozy little restaurant on a busy street, but we got in right before the crowd and got a seat. (p.s. as cute as the window seat looks, it's uncomfortable and awkward so choose elsewhere to sit.) I was happy we sat near the door because the stage is in the back and this place is big on live music. I'm not sure how you'd be able to hear your dinner mates with live music playing. We finished and left just before it started. The food was delicious and the service was pretty good. We stopped in before heading to the Royal for a movie event. Parking on the street wasn't really difficult and we were there on a Friday night. read more

This place is close and the ambiance is super chill! We came while someone was playing live music inside and could hear it from the patio. The food here is not especially great and definitely not cheap, but the beer is good! We got the fish and chips (which was underwhelming as the fries were not hot enough, and the batter was too thick, but salad was a nice touch) and the chicken wings (which were nice and meaty, though a little over done and definitely needed some kind of seasoning...also only 6 for 14$ seems quite steep, but maybe my "suburbs" is showing). The best part is the patio and the clientele. I LOVE bars with older couples, and a friendly one that was leaving recommended good beer and offered kind conversation. Also, patio is nicely shaded, and GREAT FOR PEOPLE WATCHING (which is so lovely on a street like Roncesvalles). Would come back for drinks, but maybe not for food. read more

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Sunday regular spot... Music is great... Service as always fantastic... Wings and fries.... Always good... Try it... You'll like it read more

The Local - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The server was nice and the beer was cold and nice patio. I can't really say much for the food because I wouldn't call it that. I'd much rather of lit fire to the 70$ I just spent and watch it burn. That woulda been a 5 star experience. read more

Greasy. Oily. Poor quality food. Would definitely not eat there again. Redeeming: great patio. Good live music. Friendly staff. Go for a drink. Not for dinner. Had Mac and cheese and it was 70% grease, and not good yummy grease. read more

The Local - Greasiest mac and cheese ever. Do not recommend. - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Do NOT order the creamy chicken pie. It was absolutely disgusting. Not creamy, tasted soapy and was otherwise totally flavourless. The stew was lovely, so order that if anything. read more

I went to the local yesterday (11/11/ 2012) after my teams softball game and was greeted by a very friendly waitress who immediately took my team's order for drinks and offered the specials on the menu. I ordered the "Bombay Poutine" and was going into this meal with rave reviews from my friends and after trying this I was very impressed with it and everything that followed. My drink was always cold never empty and my meal was hot and very delicious. I would very much recommend anyone to come and visit this place if you are looking for a good meal with excellent service for a reasonable price. Thumbs up : ) read more

I love the local. Great atmosphere, selection of beer, and amazing staff. The burgers and fish/chips are really good however the wings are pretty skimpy for 15.00. read more

I come here to relax and have a drink with friends - mainly because it's really close to my house. The atmosphere is really great, it's casual, it's down to earth, and you definitely feel like you're among friend. And in the summer, they have a nice patio in the back. Sometimes though, I find the music is a little loud at nights and it's hard to talk and hear people. The food is definitely pub food and it gets the job done. read more

Went here for brunch today (the other times I've been there have been for dinner) and felt that the portions would appropriately sized but, considering that it was 1:30pm, it was not the freshes brunch meal around. I had the classic breakfast for $9. The potatoes were made in the style of rosti (which I normally love because they get extra crispy) but they tasted of old oil. And the coffee was def. not up to snuff for the coffee-snob I am. In fact, since I have been recently travelling, the coffee tasted exactly like the coffee hotels give you for the in-room coffee machine. The sausage I got was excellent though -- not your typical tiny breakfast sausage but something you would want to put into a hotdog bun. Very flavourful too. The eggs were good too. Their brunch menu is small but in a pinch I would go back -- just earlier in the day. (And I would get coffee elsewhere afterwards.) Or I would stick to them for dinner. read more

Three years ago I would have contested that this local watering hole had the best pierogies in town. Alas, those days are long gone as it's been dish after dish of dull, unspired imitations of flavours past. A cozy, inviting pub that with a friendly staff that fills up quickly especially on weekends. Unfortunately my review of The Local has been soured by my last visit. Our waiter was so imcompetent or either really disinterested that any request, be it a menu or another drink would result in him disappearing for half the night. The basket of chicken wings that we ordered could be best described as being forgettable if it wasn't for the fact it was dumped on top my fries with little regard. Absolute mess. Still a great place to grab a drink but I have to issue a personal temporary ban when it comes to ordering some grub. read more

After an overwhelming day at work, I stopped in at The Local for a quick drink to decompress and ended up staying for hours. I immediately took in the quirky nature of the place and felt right at home among the hodgepodge of random photos, pictures, paintings and signs. I also happened to stop by on a gig night, which is always a bonus as supporting local talent is high on my list of things to do after ending global warming. The Local offers up pub style food and a variety of locally made beers and wine. The beers on tap are also plentiful and range from dark to blonde, much like the residents of Roncey. I left when it was closing time and have since looked forward to going back to hang out on their patio where I can once again decompress with a beer in one hand, a chicken wing in the other, and the knowing that I just might break out into a happy dance at any moment. read more

This is a 3 star pub. The 4th star is because this place has both a front and a back patio. The front patio is small with only about 4 tables, but provides decent people watching as it's located right on Roncesvalles Ave. The back patio is a secluded and more cozy area with room for about another 20 people, and is my preferred area of the two. We stopped in based around our need for a patio lunch, and we weren't let down by the experience here. We dined on Chicken Club sandwiches and Fish & Chips, which were both quite pleasing. Pro tip: order the chipotle mayo. In addition to making for great french fry dipping, throwing a bit of that on the chicken sandwich added some lovely flavour. The beer menu is about a dozen options on tap, about half of which are craft brewed and the for the most part being European imports. All in all, I can see why people would make this their local. I'll just be sticking to patio worthy days. read more

Nice little neighbourhood pub. Good menu choices, great selection of local beers, and a hip hang out as well. I had the chicken breast with Chipotle Mayo and Greens with a nice Balsamic, the big guy had the Burger and Fries. The Local Fills the gap nicely but is not outstanding although the servers are well informed, friendly and patient. No shortage of pubs around here, so the competition is high and The Local is in the running. read more

In a neighbourhood flooded with pubs, The Local stands out as the cuter, friendlier choice. It's a smaller, more intimate pub with very friendly staff. The bar is set up nicely for live music with plenty of small tables hugging the floor-level stage. If you're on a date, I'd skip the darker tables inside and head out back to the brighter, greenery-covered back patio, which has a more relaxed vibe than inside. Most of the menu is British-style pub food (burgers and fish 'n chips), but there are a surprising number of vegetarian options, especially salads - roasted beet and cashew salad, pear, walnut and goat cheese salad, and a local salad that changes daily - tonight's had asparagus. Salad-hating vegetarians (do they exist?) may also enjoy edemame or hummus appetizers, quesadillas, or their homemade veggie burger. Love the vibe. The food is just okay. Nice selection of local beers is even better. read more

The Local is a nice, hip little hole in the wall on Roncesvalles. They have a good amount of seating for the space, a fun and quirky selection of beers, and a menu that features some pretty good stabs at creative gastropub cuisine. The decor is eclectic and mismatched in a charming Girl-Next-Door's-Garage sort of way but we were comfy enough. I found the service to be a bit more absent than I'd have preferred and the poutine was only so-so, but the beers were cold and good and the smiles were abundant. I like other bars on the street, but would come back for an ale and sit at the bar for sure. read more

I've been to The Local numerous times over the past year, fortunately for me, it actually is the local bar! There always seems to be live music, but not always a free seat. A few times, we went to another location due to limited seating, and a few times, we actually got the last table in the house. I love the local art that is used to decorate the walls. And overall, the red and yellow low-lite ambiance is pretty chill and a decent place to have a beer in the city. read more

They pour a mean Guinness but stay clear of the Irish Stew, which borders on kitchen slop ...

I had a sandwich and soup. Unmemorable. Typical pub, with TV playing sports. Updated June 25, 2010 The table wasn't cleared off, my glass was dirty, the napkins that had our utensils in were dirty....the special that was advertised on the sign outside was sold out....(the only reason why my friend was interested in checking the place out). I had the perogies - I think it should have come with a side of salad for that size/price. read more

I just moved to the neighbourhood in January and The Local was one of the first places recommended to me when I got here. My boyfriend and I have had many date nights at The Local. Complete with the ever so delicious Bombay Poutine. Mouthwatering... bombay poutine. I also am a big fan of their balsamic dijon salad dressing. I have taken friends here, gone with groups of friends, and everytime I always have an amazing time. It's a great atmosphere. Always friendly, a new favorite in my books. Get there early if you don't want to sit next to the stage! It gets kind of loud. read more

Good spot to grab a beer and chat. The best part about this resto can be summed up in three words: Butter Chicken Poutine read more

The Local is a great little pub / restaurant in the very vibrant Roncesvalles Village neighbourhood. I love this area of town! It has a true feeling of community, and you'll notice this at The Local as well. The wait staff is very friendly and and the atmosphere is warm. It's a great place for a pint on their lovely outdoor patio, or to listen to some local music inside. The Local has that feel of a place where everybody knows your name. read more

It's a pub, with live music, beer and deep fried food. The fish and chips were edible, the grilled sweet potato cakes were deep fried and the chef salad was mediocre. Meh, it's good for the beer and music and a cool vibe read more

I would love to give the local 5 stars but they are lucky to get 4 out of me after my experience tonight...I would normally only give 2 or 3 however based on my previous experiences I will give you 4. Food was good...music amazing but my good God the service was awful. The younger girll who was technically our server never came to the table after her first visit. Got up twice to order extra drinks and to get the bill. The other server who delivered our food was beyond rude..I was actually embarrassed for her childish behavior after bringing us a wrong meal she acted like it was our fault for their mistake. Something I would normally be fine with if she hadn't given us so much attitude about us sending it back. Will come back as it's always been one of my favourites in the area but would live to see them get staff that actually enjoy their job. read more

There is a small cute patio at the back which I would recommend. The inside seemed a bit dark. The menu had a lot of options - I had a beet salad which I enjoyed. The staff was very friendly. Would definately go back again. read more

Good news! It's not a pub, it's still an honest to G-d bar. Now that I live in the neighborhood, I appreciate the Local more and more. Definitely a haven for locals, old and new; so much so it's easy to figure out who are from outside the neighborhood or not. Hint: Roncy Locals are usually up to chat. Outsiders, not so much. Neighborhood feel is palpable - on a slow night, I saw some people playing board games bought across the street on a couple of the tables! So cool. Bartenders are still awesome - not so much for making drinks, but because they know how to talk AND listen. All neighborhood people, always up on the latest news and gossip. Tap selection keeps getting better. One thing I would complain about is the music. Frankly, it sucks - the appeal ends after the first song. I don't mind experimentation, but they've gone beyond that into ... well, I'm not even sure what the "musicians" intend. The Local is trying to keep up with the Gate 403 (jazz bar across the street) and failing miserably. Seems like they keep getting the bands the Gate passed up on. I'd say the Local should stick with what it does best - atmosphere, people, and beer. The good news is you'll find all that in spades on your next visit. read more

Live music every night makes this a great place to see, be seen and listen. The beers are usually all from Ontario and that's pretty cool. The Stratford pilsner was nice, and the Ontario focus gives you a dialogue with the bartender. They also have 50 in a bottle, which is always... The Local has a lot of tables. The bar is in exactly the right spot to allow a bartender-focussed service. The food is good, but not great, and not free. You need to drink when you are there as some of the music is just too knee-slapping to be sober for. It is a young enough, hipster crowd that enjoys their own conversations as well as the ins and outs of a good bar with live music and friendly staff. The Monday night Bluegrass really makes you think of banjo music from Deliverance and O Brother Where out Thou . read more

Great place for a cold beer on Roncesvalles. Really pro music acts (playing almost every time we've dropped in) - often bluegrass, but not exclusively. No cover, but the money jar comes around after each set. Have not eaten here, though there is a lot of food about. I'm mostly dropping in here for a beer en route somewhere, or after a movie next door. I appreciate the rotating taps. I have a warm fuzzy feeling for this bar as it's the first bar to help me out of a weather-related jam. Super sweet bartender spotted me just outside the place a while back, in the rain, wrestling with my broken umbrella. "I've got tons inside, let me get you one!" It's a really excellent umbrella. Thanks to the bartender, and thanks to The Local patron who left their umbrella there. read more

I love that the Local is actually my local. There is something about this place - it doesn't try hard, and it's just right. There are many trendy bars to check out at Ossington and Dundas. Don't get me wrong, I love them. But this place remains unpretentiously perfect. If you're up for a few casual pints in the West end, this is the place to go. Most nights there is live music - local bands (bluegrass, folk, etc.). Great atmosphere and standard food/drink. As pubs go, this place is a really comfortable and enjoyable hang out for any night of the week. read more