This place used to be Backyard Bistro, and it seems they rebranded the place entirely. I really miss the overall atmosphere of Backyard Bistro, and The Local does not seem to do much to replace it. Wish they would do more to highlight the Hurricanes right across the street, NC State directly down the road, and the culture of North Carolina in general. However, with that being said, the food is definitely worth stopping in for. I had the fish tacos, and found them to be quite flavorful. For visitors to the area, this place is worth stopping by before a game, but man, y'all really missed what this place used to be.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaime Stone
They finally added the vegan burger back to the menu! I can eat here again! Food is delicious, Red Oak is on tap, and the staff is always friendly. Check them out before a Canes game, or any time❤️🖤
Vegetarian options: Vegan burger and several salad options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger, Fries
Dove Leinbach
The food was good although my chicken sandwich was dry. I used my husband's bbq sauce to help. Mac & cheese was great! Service was friendly. Was a little put off having someone sitting right behind our booth at the straight seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Brisket
Ronni Brantley
The food was delicious and affordable. The waitstaff was attentive and sweet. I will return and recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tenders
Marina Campos
The best burger and fries in the Triangle
C “GreyWolff” Stout
Not impressed. For the price, Chicken Fingers we're mediocre. Frys were differently seasoned, ok, but not worth it. Also ordered Burnt Ends. It was a pile of greasy meat on platter. No side. No bread. Not appealing. But, beer was cold, and service was Top Notch! TV wall, I bet, is amazing during games. Both restrooms were very clean, and there was plenty of parking.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
Young
We sat at the bar. The service was great and the bartenders were very attentive. The food came out fast and was tasty. Like others have mentioned the decor was not that impressive, a lot of plain, bare walls.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jeff M
Google page says they close at 10pm, arrived at 9:30 after an event and the doors were locked. Why on earth would you turn down the opportunity to make a bunch of money post-event, much less close before the times advertised? Based on recent reviews, it doesn't seem like business acumen is a strong suit. Tighten up. I'm done though
L Feldmeier
I wasn’t expecting much from a bar but it’s not. It’s really good food and atmosphere. The food was so fresh. I can’t remember the last time I had chicken wings that actually tasted like chicken, the carrots and celery were so fresh. Best of all the kids loved their food with no complaints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings
Lee Clark
Went to watch football before the hockey game. Food and service were absolutely spot on. Plan to spend about $30 - $35 per person if you have drinks. I would say unless you like extra crispy fries, you may want to try something else.
I wanted to love this place. What a huge opportunity to have a go-to restaurant/bar after games at the Lenovo Center. But I have to leave an honest review...this place is a downgrade from the former Backyard Bistro.
Let's start with the positives. There's a good number of TVs. If you're trying to watch a game, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to have it on. The food is also objectively improved and the staff is fairly friendly.
That's where the good ends. This place used to be covered in Canes paraphernalia and now that the Canes purchased it they decided to...remove all of that? Whoever designed the space wanted to create something...well, I don't know. It's been painted completely white and gray with a few black and white photos lining the walls. It feels, to put it frankly, completely devoid of any soul. There are some incredible interior space designers in Raleigh and it was a huge miss not to hire one. It would have been MUCH better to leave it as it was and add the Fanatics Sportsbook signs.
Beyond the bland space is the void of any energy in the place. Canes fans (and NC State fans) leave games energized after a win. The Local attempts (very successfully) to diminish any post game energy you have. Imagine walking into a place with a band or a DJ or even a fun aux playlist after a game ..no, there is actually no music at all here. You can hear the echos. When I arrived the sound system was on an episode of The Simpsons. Why wouldn't you create an atmosphere for Canes/State fans after a big win to keep the good times rolling? Instead you slapped white paint and some online gambling QR codes on the place and tried to brand it as a local destination. What a complete miss.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 2
Michelle
As a regular this is extremely disappointing. The vibe is way too bouchie and sterile… I miss the arches and the character it had. Who pays to remove character? Atmosphere is a big part of success. There are no sports themes for being right across the Lenovo. What were they thinking???!!! The staff is amazing as always but the smash burger isn’t the same at all.. they changed the sauce that was very watery.. the fries were awful.. the fries were chewy and hard , I felt like i was eating beef jerky. This is insane to me. I wish Joe never sold or the new owners kept his recipes and theme. The owners should be ashamed. I’m here after a State game and this place used to be packed and super fun people watching and now it’s not.. so I assume I’m not the only one that feels this way! HEY OWNERS!! You had a perfect opportunity to make this an amazing sports bar and you failed! sad.. even the pictures are black and white! 🤦🏼♀️
Daniel Huff
Odd No food at the bar after 5. Says they close at 10, but it was locked up and lights off by 9. Understaffed and unorganized. I did appreciate the free parking pass!
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 2
Chris Luke
Food was decent but they were definitely struggling. Half of the menu was out of stock and they were planning on shutting down early because of it. I was personally told by one of the wait staff (Chris) about how poorly managed the place was and how the new owner was terrible and didn't know what he was doing. I understand that you have concerns about how the restaurant is run, but this was not a conversation to have with customers.
All the other staff seemed to be very courteous and helpful
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
A.P. Bernstein
I was eagerly awaiting the rebirth of The Local and have now been several times. Each visit, the food and service have been good. I especially enjoyed the brisket mac and cheese. The beer selection is also strong.
My biggest complaint (and it’s a sizable one) is the complete and total lack of atmosphere. The renovation has left it white, sterile, and soulless. I really hope they make additions to the ambiance that make it feel like a fun place to hang out.
This place used to be Backyard Bistro, and it seems they rebranded the place entirely. I really miss the overall atmosphere of Backyard Bistro, and The Local does not seem to do much to replace it. Wish they would do more to highlight the Hurricanes right across the street, NC State directly down the road, and the culture of North Carolina in general. However, with that being said, the food is definitely worth stopping in for. I had the fish tacos, and found them to be quite flavorful. For visitors to the area, this place is worth stopping by before a game, but man, y'all really missed what this place used to be.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
They finally added the vegan burger back to the menu! I can eat here again! Food is delicious, Red Oak is on tap, and the staff is always friendly. Check them out before a Canes game, or any time❤️🖤
Vegetarian options: Vegan burger and several salad options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger, Fries
The food was good although my chicken sandwich was dry. I used my husband's bbq sauce to help. Mac & cheese was great! Service was friendly. Was a little put off having someone sitting right behind our booth at the straight seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Brisket
The food was delicious and affordable. The waitstaff was attentive and sweet. I will return and recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tenders
The best burger and fries in the Triangle
Not impressed. For the price, Chicken Fingers we're mediocre. Frys were differently seasoned, ok, but not worth it. Also ordered Burnt Ends. It was a pile of greasy meat on platter. No side. No bread. Not appealing. But, beer was cold, and service was Top Notch! TV wall, I bet, is amazing during games. Both restrooms were very clean, and there was plenty of parking.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
We sat at the bar. The service was great and the bartenders were very attentive. The food came out fast and was tasty. Like others have mentioned the decor was not that impressive, a lot of plain, bare walls.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Google page says they close at 10pm, arrived at 9:30 after an event and the doors were locked. Why on earth would you turn down the opportunity to make a bunch of money post-event, much less close before the times advertised? Based on recent reviews, it doesn't seem like business acumen is a strong suit. Tighten up. I'm done though
I wasn’t expecting much from a bar but it’s not. It’s really good food and atmosphere. The food was so fresh. I can’t remember the last time I had chicken wings that actually tasted like chicken, the carrots and celery were so fresh. Best of all the kids loved their food with no complaints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings
Went to watch football before the hockey game. Food and service were absolutely spot on.
Plan to spend about $30 - $35 per person if you have drinks. I would say unless you like extra crispy fries, you may want to try something else.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smash Burger
Restaurantji Recommends
I wanted to love this place. What a huge opportunity to have a go-to restaurant/bar after games at the Lenovo Center. But I have to leave an honest review...this place is a downgrade from the former Backyard Bistro.
Let's start with the positives. There's a good number of TVs. If you're trying to watch a game, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to have it on. The food is also objectively improved and the staff is fairly friendly.
That's where the good ends. This place used to be covered in Canes paraphernalia and now that the Canes purchased it they decided to...remove all of that? Whoever designed the space wanted to create something...well, I don't know. It's been painted completely white and gray with a few black and white photos lining the walls. It feels, to put it frankly, completely devoid of any soul. There are some incredible interior space designers in Raleigh and it was a huge miss not to hire one. It would have been MUCH better to leave it as it was and add the Fanatics Sportsbook signs.
Beyond the bland space is the void of any energy in the place. Canes fans (and NC State fans) leave games energized after a win. The Local attempts (very successfully) to diminish any post game energy you have. Imagine walking into a place with a band or a DJ or even a fun aux playlist after a game
..no, there is actually no music at all here. You can hear the echos. When I arrived the sound system was on an episode of The Simpsons. Why wouldn't you create an atmosphere for Canes/State fans after a big win to keep the good times rolling? Instead you slapped white paint and some online gambling QR codes on the place and tried to brand it as a local destination. What a complete miss.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 2
As a regular this is extremely disappointing. The vibe is way too bouchie and sterile… I miss the arches and the character it had. Who pays to remove character? Atmosphere is a big part of success. There are no sports themes for being right across the Lenovo. What were they thinking???!!! The staff is amazing as always but the smash burger isn’t the same at all.. they changed the sauce that was very watery.. the fries were awful.. the fries were chewy and hard , I felt like i was eating beef jerky. This is insane to me. I wish Joe never sold or the new owners kept his recipes and theme. The owners should be ashamed.
I’m here after a State game and this place used to be packed and super fun people watching and now it’s not.. so I assume I’m not the only one that feels this way! HEY OWNERS!! You had a perfect opportunity to make this an amazing sports bar and you failed! sad.. even the pictures are black and white! 🤦🏼♀️
Odd
No food at the bar after 5.
Says they close at 10, but it was locked up and lights off by 9. Understaffed and unorganized. I did appreciate the free parking pass!
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 2
Food was decent but they were definitely struggling. Half of the menu was out of stock and they were planning on shutting down early because of it. I was personally told by one of the wait staff (Chris) about how poorly managed the place was and how the new owner was terrible and didn't know what he was doing. I understand that you have concerns about how the restaurant is run, but this was not a conversation to have with customers.
All the other staff seemed to be very courteous and helpful
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
I was eagerly awaiting the rebirth of The Local and have now been several times. Each visit, the food and service have been good. I especially enjoyed the brisket mac and cheese. The beer selection is also strong.
My biggest complaint (and it’s a sizable one) is the complete and total lack of atmosphere. The renovation has left it white, sterile, and soulless. I really hope they make additions to the ambiance that make it feel like a fun place to hang out.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
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