Local Bar & Lounge — Restaurant in Fish Lake Township

Stark? Who goes to Stark! You go to The Cities to get good food, right? You especially don't go to a town that has two bars/restaurants right across the street from each other AND I don't think much else. I was taken here by some relatives. In small towns you are always told a place has 'really good burgers.' You just kinda grin and bear it. Well, this place is definitely the exception to that rule. You know that small town MN place? They usually have 3 TVs blaring some 'game' at you. NOT THIS PLACE-NO TVS. I have never been to a small town place were the music playing is songs my 20 something son's Indy band covered, but, here we are. They were playing real music-good indy music (not country either but I'm told they do that for folks too.) On the bar is a computer screen showing you the LP cover for the song on air-PRICELESS and APPRECIATED. For the regular Minnesota crowd: they do have pull tabs! The place is decorated painstakingly, maintaining the old antique feel the right way without being seedy or coming off cheap kitschy. They even have a separate room with sliding barn doors for a large group. The people who remodeled this place were great woodworkers who cared. The bathrooms are an AAA+ treat I won't spoil for you. The bar was a real gem to sit and have a drink at. The drinks alone are a reason to go here. They have a fabulous selection of hard liquors and a nice beer list and on tap selections. My husband had the Castle Danger Cream Ale and my father-in-law a Grain Belt Premium while the gals had the pink drink with Vodka, Fresca and cranberry juice. I really hate it when an establishment sells me a drink with gut rot second rate liquor in it-NOT this place. The drinks were so good, the guys followed up with some of the best Bloody Marys around. Now, I should get to the food. Everything here is FRESH-nothing is frozen and the fare is all the owners recipes.They have calorie laden OR light fare with a list of wonderful salads. We had the wings which come in MANY favor combinations hot to sweet to buffalo (we got the one that combined the Rocket and Orangutan I think) and they were wonderful-Juicy, fresh, not a big old covering of breading. The sauce was just right. My sons would have gone full tilt on some of the Habanero sauces. You get a pile too-no chintzy portion. The onion rings could have been less greasy. I prefer my coleslaw with a little more tang. That being said, they were not bad at all. I have heard the homemade tater tots and the fries are very special. Who makes homemade tater tots? They do. The Brisket was moist, spiced, and cooked low and slow, just right. The bacon on my sandwich was to die for. The BBQ sauce they used was out of this world good and they didn't drown my sandwich in it. My mother-in-law had a flat bread pizza she thoroughly enjoyed (mushroom, chicken, Alfredo). They had a few flat bread pizzas that all looked good. The bakery bread bun my sandwich was on was fantastic (of course it came from the Rush City small town real bakery I am told). We had the salted caramel chocolate torte for dessert which was good too. I have heard their pies are to die for. I was sorry they were out when we were there. I will definitely come back to this place, bring my boys and friends and tell people about it. By the way, when we left the place was nearly full in the middle of a Sunday afternoon people usually spend at home recovering from a St. Patty's day tie on. Rare, very...

This is easily one of the best restaurants in the area. Be prepared, for some people their menu is a little limited. That being said, the menu was crafted to offer the things that they do best and it shows.

Heads up, the burgers they have here are done as "smash burgers". If you're the type of person that likes a thick burger they can order medium rare, you might want to try something else on the menu. That being said, the flavor of the burgers and the quality of the toppings make you forget that it isnt some 1/2 pound burger at your typical bar/restaurant...and that's what I like because it's different. Their fries are really good, especially with some seasoned sour cream. The flat breads are awesome too and they have a pretty wide variety of options. IMPOSSIBLE BURGER ALERT! This is one of the only places in the area that offers the "Impossible Burger". If you're looking for a vegetarian option, they've got you covered.

With all that said, the standout at the Local are the wings! Oh buddy. First, their not burnt little wings that feel like they're all skin. The wings they serve are meaty and you'll be very satisfied. Second, the sauces. They have options for almost any flavor you might be craving. I've had all of them and the only one I wasnt crazy about was their alfredo sauce. My personal favorites are either the Rocket wings or the Firecracker wings.

Be warned! This place is NOT a sports bar! It is a lounge and restaurant. They dont even have a TV aside from the one behind the bar showing you what artists music is playing. The atmosphere here is awesome and very relaxed. The drink menu they have was built really well to try offering something for everyone.

If you're looking for a laid back place to get some really good food and friendly service, this is your place. As a local to the area, it's my go to and I'm always in at least a few times a month. Consistent service, consistent food...this place is a standout in the area....

The good... great atmosphere, beautiful decor, clear intention and attention to detail. Decent food and drinks.

The bad... service was inattentive and near non-existent. Sat for 10 minutes before being greeted. I ordered the bbq bacon cheeseburger with sauce on the side. Came out on the burger. Being the server didn't bring the food and didn't return to check with us I couldn't ask for a side of ranch for my onion rings or get some extra napkins. I mean we were near finished before she stopped back at all.

An inadequate server can really put a damper on a visit to any restaurant. This was our first visit. I can't say I am in hurry to try it again, but I would give it...