Local Store Aruba — Restaurant in Aruba

My recent experience at the Local Store Aruba was incredibly disappointing. Our server, a short man with a pushy attitude, seemed more focused on running up the bill than on our actual dining experience. All we wanted was water with our meal, but he seemed frustrated that we didn’t order alcohol. Right away, it felt like he saw us as dollar signs rather than guests.

We ordered two plates of wings: boom boom wings for me and garlic parmesan for my boyfriend. I specifically asked for all flats, extra crispy. Didn’t get that. As we waited, our water cups sat empty while our server repeatedly attended to a large table of white customers, ignoring us entirely. Finally, another staff member, a young Black man, brought out our wings and kindly asked if we wanted more water. We appreciated that he actually acknowledged us—something our server had yet to do.

To make matters worse, my boyfriend’s garlic parmesan wings tasted distinctly like fish. Imagine if he’d been allergic! We tried to get our server’s attention, but he continued to focus on the larger table. We flagged down another server, a young woman with braces, who was the only helpful person there. She explained the wings might have been fried in the same oil as shrimp, apologized, and promised to get the manager. Meanwhile, our original server still ignored us.

After waiting several more minutes, we took the wings inside ourselves to find the manager. The manager brushed off the issue, claiming it was just the garlic flavor. Insulting—anyone could tell the difference between garlic and fish. We asked for the check. Finally, our server came over, clueless about the situation. He was ready to charge us for both orders of wings until another staff member told him what happened.

This place clearly values money over customer experience. Between the lack of attention, dismissive management, and indifferent service, I would not recommend the Local Store Aruba. Spend your money somewhere that values you as a guest, not just as a...

Rating is 4 stars because the food that we got was very good. Getting the food was an ordeal that would have rated a minus 1. Half of our party became frustrated and left without being seated. The fact that this a local spot and very tuned to locals may have played a part. As a first timer I asked how seating worked(grab an empty table)We then had to corner staff and request a menu and then do the same for drinks. Then again to place our order. We played two complete games of four hand UNO before we started to give the raised eyebrow to the waiter who said food would be out shortly.....part of the order were appetizers....an hour and a half in total and our food arrived minus 2 items which he said would be right out.....after a half hour he asked if we really wanted the items because he had screwed up and forgot to put order in. One of the items did make it to the bill ....the food we did receive as mentioned was very good. Burgers ,veggie burgers,homemade chips, shrimp were delicious. Waiter said it was his first night however no other staff stepped up to assist. I will probably try it again to see how it goes because the food does deliver. Update 1/21/22 Went back this week to see if last week's experience was normal or a fluke. Got the experience I have read about in other reviews. Sat down,was brought menus and drink orders taken immediately. Appetizers deliver quickly with meal arriving just as apps(fried dill pickles) were finished. Burgers were fantastic as were the homemade chips. Fried shrimp were good size and cooked perfectly. All around deserving of a 4...

Foodie Review: The Local Store – Aruba 🇦🇼

Looking for a laid-back spot in Aruba with amazing food, fun vibes, and stellar service? The Local Store is it!

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of local charm. We ordered a feast: the chicken wrap, chicken sandwich, crispy fries, Chubato burger, and sweet potato fries—and everything was spot-on. The Chubato burger was juicy and flavorful, the wrap was super fresh, and the sweet potato fries? Crispy, golden, and addictive.

But the real star of the table? Their house barbecue sauce—sweet, smoky, and ridiculously good. We were basically dipping everything in it!

Shoutout to our server Chino, who went above and beyond. Friendly, attentive, and just a great energy all around—he really made the meal memorable.

For drinks, don’t leave without trying the frozen mango biche cocktail. It’s a tropical dream—rich with coconut and pineapple flavors, smooth, icy, and perfect for cooling down in the Aruban sun. Like a piña colada’s cooler cousin!

This place is a whole vibe—great food, great drinks, great people. Can’t wait to come back on...