The Local — Restaurant in Abilene

Husband and I went last night around 6. Was very slow, only 2 other tables seated. Had to wait 10 minutes for them to clean 1 little 2 top table when there were at least 20 plus other tables empty and ready. Then waited another 10 minutes for someone to come take our order. Went ahead and ordered all of our food at the time we ordered drinks to find out they had nothing we wanted to order. Out of all shrimp, fish and avocados. So that eliminated more than half of the menu. Finally decided on asada fries for appetizers, 4 street tacos, and taco burger and a street corn to share The asada fries were good other than the meat having A LOT of gristle and chunks of fat pieces. Got the Ruthie’s chicken was ok just a little bland. 2 Texas 3 steps chicken was super dry and tough. I poured a ton of the sauce (not even sure what it was supposed to go with, have ordered all of these multiple times without ever seeing this sauce) they brought out with our plates to try and save it( it did not have any of the normal toppings or sauce on them) Tortillas were so hard you couldn’t tear them. 1 Carne asada Meat had lots of gristle(same on the tortillas, super hard). All of the food was super cold except the fries and the street corn. Ended up only eating the Ruthie’s chicken and gave a Texas 3 step to my husband who didn’t eat much of any of his food either.

The taco burger was also dry and the tortilla was so hard he had to break it in half, was more of a stale chip consistency. He only ate 1 of his. Was super cold also.

The atmosphere was not that great, there was some music playing at the door but not that you could hear anywhere else in the building. We were seated by the bar and the bartender insisted on throwing every shaker into the sink after she finished from several feet away. So it was like sitting in the kitchen trying to have a conversation with dishes and pans being slammed around.

I used to LOVE this place when it was at the previous location, the vibe was great and the food was amazing, I went frequently for lunch and occasionally for dinner. We have been to this location twice now and will not be returning. Thought the first time was a one off and just getting everything figured out, but nope twice with the same experience minus the flag raising this time. I did get a picture of my food that was barely touched. Not sure what our waitress’s name was as she didn’t give it to us. She was not very attentive and disappeared never stopping back by after we got our food to check on how everything was. Had to get her attention just to get our check after sitting there for a good 15 minutes waiting for it after finishing our obviously uneaten food.

Nothing like spending $60 on some asada fries and street corn with 2 glasses of tea. Definitely...

Honestly a disappointing night compared to my first experience before they closed.

Had a reservation so we were seated right away. The hostess was friendly and attentive. The waitress appeared right away with water. We ordered chips, salsa, and queso but she only brought the chips & queso. We then sat there for 45 minutes before flagging the hostess to request service from our waitress who kept passing us with no acknowledgement of our presence.

When she finally came back she did apologize and it was busy for a Tuesday night, but the fact she passed us so many times without even a glance.

Anyhow, she took our order, brought the salsa, we had to request a chip refill, but then she returned to let me know that they couldn't make the "Big Chimichanga" because they were out of shredded beef. I asked if they could substitute chicken which she did inquire about, but was told they could not because "they are pre-made" which left me confused. Are the items on the menu not made to order?

Well the waitress asked what I would like instead and I had no clue because I had no menu so I had to ask for one. I did settle on the "California Burrito" which seemed dry, like it was missing the sauce. I did get the guacamole on the side because I'm sensitive to onions and sometimes guac can be heavy on the onion, but when adding it to the burrito I did not notice any sauce and the taste was dry and a little bland. Quite disappointing as I was really looking forward to trying this.

My friend ordered the three tacos, one being the "Al Pastor" but was instead given the "La Mejor". By this point we were almost two hours in and too tired to send anything back. The salsa came in tiny cups. Red salsa was overwhelming spicy, salsa Verde was good with heat at the end.

We did order two margaritas (one each). The "Noon" and "Lolita's Rita" and both was very tasty.

Honestly, I recommended this place to a couple of friends and this experience is off putting. It did appear to be a busy night, but I feel like the service could have been better for the level of busy it was. It did not appear completely slammed with people standing around waiting to be seated when we arrived. There were several empty tables and tables that cleared as we sat there. The waitress really gave the impression of her being newer and a bit overwhelmed and disorganized. If that was the case and she had explained that I would account for it, but she just kept saying how...

Although expensive, it's an atmosphere thing. Something Abilene isn't used to having. The Big Red pork taco was AMAZING although it was like $7 and you only get one taco so just bring money. I also tried the midnight margarita and asada fries and everything was great. I also thought it was pretty cool how their menu works via scan QR, so bring your smart phone because im not entirely sure if they have regular menus. I spent $20 BEFORE tip on one taco, a margarita and half asada fries if that gives you any idea on price points. It's not for everyone, but the restaraunts downtown here are already expensive (cypress and beehive) this place is like if a taco truck got a restaraunt and a large budget to spend on decor and a really good chef. Everything downtown has the same "industrial" hipster like feel so this place's decor is no different. The drink menu reminds me of how public haus used to have on their menu so very unique and creative drinks that are imo one and that's all you really need. I was good after just one margarita. Nice place to stop and grab a quick bite. I was not disappointed, will be back , and I hope it's here to stay ! Abilene needed a place like this. Only 4 stars because while it's good, I've only tried them once and still need to decide if it's consistent enough to balance out the price. There ARE taco food trucks in town that do sell street tacos at a much cheaper price and they are great, although The Local has very unique items you won't find at a normal food truck or really anywhere else in town so will update with time :D

edit: ok whose idea was it to have a rotating (hopefully so it comes back) menu?? The Big Red Pork taco is gone as is their mexican bowl they had a few months ago, which was AMAZING. I also have now tried the street enchiladas which were also AMAZING but I don't think it's on the menu anymore either. Docking one star because all three of those were things I tried and really liked and now they are gone. The original review I wrote maybe 4 or 5 years ago now closer to when they opened and were at the old location. Now they have moved buildings, but I order delivery and havne't been inside since the first visit at the old place. Bring these items back !!! Please! I live on the other side of town also, and the food being delivered was always...