Pub Of The Week review: The Local Taphouse
PUB: The Local Taphouse
WHERE? 184 Carlisle St., St Kilda
PHONE: 9537 2633
SCORE: 14/20
WHEN? 26 February 2016
WEB: www.thelocal.com.au
VENUE
A double-storied pub that grew from ground floor bar some 8-10 years ago, The Local Taphouse has been one of the trailblazers in Australia to embrace craft beer only, with some 20 available at any one time and an equal amount in bottle. Local and overseas represented.
The look is very much public school boarding house, with wooden floors/tables/staircase prominent. There are little dark nooks/crannies downstairs and upstairs a rooftop garden with retractable roof.
Small bars with knowledgeable staff offering a sample before you buy. This is a popular and happy spot. No Pokies/TAB.
MENU
Easy going beer and share friendly pub grub that goes an extra yard.
Pan fried haloumi and fig, mango ($16), pork and fennel sausage rolls ($15) in the entrees; hot pot black mussels, capers, red chilli sugo with a warm baguette ($24) or Garfish, chips/salad/tartare ($26) in the main. Well priced with a spread of smart vegetarian options.
Average Prices: Entrees $16; mains $26; Burgers (beef, fullwhack, brioche) $22; dessert $12.
TRIED
Southern Fried Chicken, Chilli Mayo $15. Ooh yes! Five thickly coated, spicy fillets, marinated in buttermilk, with a great kicking dipper. Fantastic starter. Very Good.
Charcuterie Board $28. Good. Cured meats; Prosciutto, Salami, air-dried beef slices, jerky ham hock, rich rich duck parfait, onion marmalade, pickles. Plenty of toasted ciabatta pieces to pile up the goodies.
DRINKS
Craft, and then some.
Indian pales are the ‘in’ thing, but Pilseners, wheats, and Browns are there on tap. Alcoholic content can vary as so price per pot from $6.5-$12.
Holgate Pils on a hot day was tried and was the right drop; really nice beer.
Wine is there from a small list and it too embraces smaller suppliers. About $42/bottle but you will sample a lesser-known supplier.
SERVICE AND STYLE
It’s about the beer. Talk to the staff behind the jump and they will help. Go upstairs to fully enclosed rooftop.
SUMMARY
The Local Taphouse is now established as a destination for lovers of beer who want to try something different.
The route taken could have been disastrous but staying ahead of the curve means much respect for this pub.
Really worth checking out.