FOOD & DRINK
Expe r i e nc e | By Laura Afonso
Game Day Haven A neighborhood sports bar in East Providence redefines pub fare with scratch-made burgers and tots The Local Burger
Photos by Jacquelina Paiva
Whether you’re a sports fan looking to kick back and catch a game or just a fan of elevated pub fare and cold beers in a lively atmosphere, The Local is the place to be. Not your typical sports bar, this East Providence mainstay features a menu of scratchmade comfort foods, which give the hangout a familial vibe. From football to field hockey, you can count on seeing your team broadcasted on one of many TVs. Executive chef Sarah Bleich keeps her patronage in mind in developing approachable eats. “Our menu was designed to appeal to what people would expect in a sports bar, but to make sure that we take the time to highlight scratch-made signature items that belong to us,” she shares. Stepping inside The Local, the sporty energy is strong – but with plush leather couches and luxurious high tops, these
54
ProvidenceOnline.com • August 2022
are box seats, not the nosebleed section. Sports memorabilia lines the walls, including jerseys encased in glass where you can spot the signatures of iconic athletes scribbled across the numbers. A small corner even has wall-to-wall faux turf, so you can feel like you’re part of the front-row action. For those less athletically enthused, there’s no need to have this season’s stats down pat to enjoy a visit. The Local is a place where you can bring the family during the day, shares Bleich, and “we have an energetic and fantastic mix of people at night once the music comes on.” The food
CUISINE: American comfort, elevated bar foods ATMOSPHERE: Casual, inviting, lively sports lounge
