The Local first opened its doors last summer in Miramar; just south of San Marco. This past month, the restaurant released a new menu featuring some of the old favorites like the Breakfast BLAT and Local Toast, and the new “quick bites” which are smaller portions for an on-the-go breakfast. The Local serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. As a San Marco resident and food explorer, I’m always trying to find breakfast places that offer something for everyone – from grandma’s home cooked favorites to lighter, healthy options, delicious coffee, a relaxed atmosphere and let’s be honest, parking. I’m happy to report, The Local has all of the above and does it all really well.
The Local
As you walk in, you’re greeted by a smile. You will grab a menu and head to the counter to place your order. Food is delivered to the table as it’s prepared. There are multiple small tables, a couch, a larger community table, bar seating and an outdoor area.
The house blend coffee is the product of a collaboration with Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. Drip coffee ($2.50) is self-serve, in a ceramic “local” mug, and is bottomless. Other coffee drinks include espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. If you love lattes with a kick, you will love The Soccer Mom ($5.25). You will taste the creaminess of the steamed milk, the smoothness of the espresso and local blend coffee and then a little hint of house made ginger syrup. If you need a quick pick me up, go for the Red Eye ($4.85), it’s espresso and the local blend coffee.
The Local – The Soccer Mom
If you like traditional breakfasts, I recommend any one of the Bowl Specials or a “build your own bowl.” The Local Breakfast Bowl ($9.04 – local, get it? This isn’t the only menu item priced at $9.04!) is served with home fries as the base, topped with 2 eggs, bacon or sausage and cheddar cheese. Unless you’re a diehard sweet potato fan, go for the home fries over the sweet potato home fries. These home fries may possibly be the most flavorful home fries on the first coast with a crunchy initial bite followed by the soft, warm inside. I haven’t figured out what makes them taste so delicious compared to tasteless home fries you douse in ketchup, salt and pepper just to taste them, but The Local’s home fries are good! I ordered my eggs over easy where the yolk, bacon and home fries could meet. The bacon is thick and crunchy no matter what dish you have it with.
The Local – The Local Breakfast Bowl
The Local also serves breakfast sandwiches. Two of the most popular sandwiches are The Chicken and the Egg Sandwich ($10.50) and the Breakfast BLAT ($9.99). The Chicken and the Egg Sandwich comes with a generous portion of juicy breaded chicken breast topped with a fried egg and cheddar cheese all served on ciabatta bread and a side. The Breakfast BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) is served with an egg and a basil aioli that pairs well with the avocado and also your choice of a side.
For the lighter eater, The Local offers granola bowls and toasts, including the Local Toast ($5.50). This toast is served open faced on multigrain bread with a sunny side up egg, goat cheese, sesame seeds and slices of avocado. If you love avocado toast, this is one you don’t want to miss.
The Local – Local Toast
The new menu items for breakfast include the quick bites ($3.99) and quick bowls ($4.99). The quick bites are sandwiches served on an English muffin and therefore much smaller than the plates and other sandwiches. There are five different quick bites to choose from. I tried the sausage, egg and cheddar quick bite and although English muffin sized, this $3.99 sandwich could hit the spot for a light breakfast, no frills or sides. The quick bowls though, were much more satisfying. There are only two quick bowl options so I tried the home fries one with sausage, egg and cheddar cheese. It’s basically the Local Breakfast Bowl with only 1 egg and less home fries.
The Local – Quick Bowl
The Local isn’t just about breakfast. They serve lunch and dinner as well with specials throughout the week including drink specials, live music and other events. I stopped in for appetizers and live music one evening and had a very similar overall experience as breakfast. The better-than-expected Chicken Nuggets (10 for $7) are cooked to perfection – juicy with a thin crunchy pepper breading and served with “Jack’s sauce.” These make a great sharable appetizer. The Bruschetta is made with a fresh baguette, tomatoes, basil, balsamic, shredded mozzarella and garlic. If you love garlic and juicy tomatoes, you will love this. For the blue cheese lover, the blue cheese chips were a huge hit.
Whether you’re going for breakfast or happy hour, there is so much more than food, booze and caffeine at The Local. It’s a place to gather with your neighbors and friends to enjoy great coffee, beer, wine and food that warms your heart.
The Local
4578 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
The Local – Blue Cheese Chips
The Local – Chicken Nuggets
The Local – Latte
The Local – Breakfast Bowl