Locals Bar & Grill

It has taken my sister and me the better part of the weekend to fully process what we witnessed. We debated whether or not to leave a public review, but given the severity of the events, we feel a responsibility to warn others about what has become of what was once a cherished hometown establishment.

Local’s was, for many years, a familiar and welcoming spot tucked into a quiet corner of Phenix City. What we experienced during our most recent—and final—visit was nothing short of terrifying. A man entered the establishment with a firearm, later believed to be an automatic weapon, and a physical altercation erupted between him and the manager. A significant police presence ultimately responded. We were later told—by those present outside during the aftermath—that he was a former employee and the husband of the bartender working that night. Names and personal allegations were circulating rapidly in the chaos, and while we cannot verify those claims, the very fact that such speculation existed only added to the overwhelming fear and confusion of the moment.

As someone who works in the mental health field, my immediate instinct was to help calm those around me while quietly trying to process the reality that our lives had just been placed in danger inside what should be a safe, public establishment. As a lifelong resident of Phenix City, it is deeply troubling to witness this level of dysfunction and violence in a place that once symbolized comfort, familiarity, and community.

I had avoided Local’s for nearly a year prior to this visit due to persistent reports of mistreatment of well known staff, including allegations of unpaid wages and tips, and the abrupt dismissal of well-liked, enjoyable, hardworking employees. A true local bar is built on trust, consistency, and familiar faces. Sadly, it is painfully evident that foundation has been dismantled.

The atmosphere now feels stark, tense, and lifeless—replaced by an undercurrent of unease where even the safety of one’s drink feels questionable due to the visibly impaired condition of the staff. Their appearance and behavior suggested substance use, and the ongoing verbal conflict between the manager and bartender made it nearly impossible to relax. The tension in the room was so thick it was palpable. Inventory shortages were constant, food was frozen and largely inedible, and more was sent back than consumed.

What happened to this place? Local’s used to be a destination—a place to run into old friends, to laugh, unwind, and feel at home. It was the kind of bar you could drop into spontaneously and always leave feeling connected to your community. Fun loving faces who have always known your name. That spirit is now gone.

When staff members are drawing firearms on one another, brawls are unfolding inside the business, and longtime employees are being driven away through alleged mistreatment, the issue is no longer just declining service—it is a fundamental failure of ownership and management.

The people of Phenix City deserve better. We deserve safety. We deserve professionalism. And we deserve to have our hometown spaces protected, not destroyed. One can only ask: who are the current owners, and how did they allow a once-beloved local institution to fall this far?

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I could tell the grease had not been changed in a LONG time. Food was coming out ultra dark to other guests. So I didnt order.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

It took 1.5 hour for our food to come out and the restaurant was empty. The manager did not comp any of the food. The server was very nice, but she was on her own. We will NOT be back!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Somebody post a serving of liquor from here..........I'm trying to see some. Went last night just strolling through the area. About 5 people was there. Bartender didn't move from the 5 people unless they wanted drinks. That's when I got service. Asked for the house tequila and got DonJulio. Doubt thats house. However if it is, at least give me what i paid for. Don't pour 1/4 to 1/2 a glass and call it a shot. Then tell me, it's how the glass is made. Yeah really. 'That's just how the glass is made' was the response. 3 Heineken, 3 half shots $45. Won't be visiting here or Chelsea again. Oh and another young lady had to entertain me, about getting change for pool...... service 2/10, drinks 1/10. Won't be visiting here again. Regulars are cool. But treat non regulars like you actually want their business. Not like you are trying make up for loss product and get a quick dollar.

Good drinks. Band was great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mozzarella Sticks

I don't eat chicken so u gone have to add something more than cheese sticks to your menu .If you plan on staying in business.

We usually stop here for a bite and drink once a week bc it’s convenient and the best place within a couple of miles. Not usually too crowded on Friday night around 6:30. Has Friendly bartenders, rest of the bunch not usually happy. My appetizers are good, drinks good but they’re often out of appetizers I want. And out of steak on steak night. When I’ve had a full meal here, it’s ok for the price. It’s a drive to anywhere better.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Mozzarella Sticks, Steak and Baked Potato, Fries

RJ wanted to make sure we had a good time from the time we came in. The waitresses were all smiles,friendly and attentive. The music was nice,and restroom clean.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great local bar and grill.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

JENNA IS AMAZING!!!!!
On top of all orders and Guest. Makes everyone feel welcome. We only come back to visit Jenna!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kyle the chef is best I've ever had and the bartender AJ, IS GREAT. IL NEVER DRINK ANYWHERE ELSE. ??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went for the first time a few days ago and wasn’t thrilled. Both me and my father got the “Quick burger” which was not quick at all even though there was almost nobody in the restaurant we still waited almost 30 minutes for our food. When we finally got the food the burgers tasted burnt and like they put way too much salt on it. The fries were cold when we got them the sweet tea tasted like it was made days ago. The best part about the meal was the mozzarella sticks those were actually really good! The service was okay for the most part but for nobody being in the restaurant we should have been checked on more. In my opinion save your money and don’t go.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food is always undercooked or over cooked. We get a new waitress half way through of meal and we don’t know who to tip. My whole time was unpleasant, whoever is running that circus needs to get fired.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Chef Kyle is amazing in the kitchen and the bartenders serve with a smile.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great hang out. Bartenders are awesome and the Redneck Nachos are ???. Today's version of Cheers for sure

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Redneck Nacho, Boneless Wings