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| Minnesota Palate, March 2004 |
A Kick and a Kiss
By Kelly Westhoff
Do you have a need for caffeine? If so, head to The Local, an Irish pub in downtown Minneapolis. Order an Irish coffee and you'll leave not only with a caffeine high, but a bit of a buzz.
The Local's Irish coffee comes with a strong kick of whiskey and a sweet, layer of cream on top. It also comes with two straws, but pick up the glass and sip from the rim. That layer of cream is there for a reason. Whipped with sugar, its sweetness will linger on your lips long after the coffee has warmed your tongue and whiskey has burned the back of your throat.
If you've been to The Local in the past and remember it with white linens and fine dining, you're a couple of years behind. The fancy tables are gone and a pub atmosphere has taken over. Appetizers, lunch and brunch are still served, but the atmosphere is no longer up scale. Instead it is comfortable and relaxed with an Irish twist: the doors open early when a football game is on—soccer that is.
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The infamous Kissing Room remains at the back of the bar on your way to the bathrooms. It's a left over fitting room from the building's bygone days as a fur store, but it's big enough to hold a coach, a stuffed chair and a couple of red-shaded lamps. Come early though, if you hope to steak your claim to the room. It fills up quickly and whoever is on the inside gets to pull shut the velvet curtain.
Even if the Kissing Room is full, you can still order a beer; there's plenty to choose from. Yet beware The Local's rule: no bottled beer on site! Instead, order a pint from the tap. The choices range from good ol' Minnesota Grainbelt to that most Irish of beers—Guinness.
Beyond beer, you'll find neither the whiskey nor the Scotch list is lacking. There's also a selection of cognacs, tequila and wine. So whichever your fancy, caffeine, Guinness or a Scotch on the rocks, The Local is ready to serve. And be sure to come early—happy hour starts at 11 a.m. If you get there before noon you might even be able to claim the Kissing Room.
Make it at Home:
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If you go
Where
The Local
931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
On the corner of 10 th Street and Nicollet Mall
612-904-1000
www.the-local.com
Hours
Mon–Fri 11 am–2 am
Sat & Sun 10 am–2 am
Parking
City parking: ramp, meter or pay lot
There is a lot between 10th and 9th Streets on Marquette
Drinks to Try
Irish Coffee
Perfect pint of Guinness