Tucked into the bustling Briar Vista Shopping Center, a fresh face in Atlanta’s dining scene has officially swung open its doors, inviting locals to unwind with hearty plates and handcrafted pours.
The Local Tavern, the latest venture from the acclaimed team behind Local on North in downtown Duluth, celebrated its debut on November 17 at 2149 Briarcliff Road NE — right at the lively corner of Briarcliff and LaVista Roads.
The Local Tavern Opens in Bria Vista Plaza
This newcomer channels the spirit of a timeless neighborhood haunt, blending a cozy, character-filled vibe with modern touches.
Step inside to find a spacious dining room wrapped in dark woods and soft, ambient lighting, perfect for lingering over a meal.
The laid-back bar and lounge area beckons for after-work chats, while the outdoor patio promises al fresco evenings under Atlanta’s mild fall skies. It’s the kind of spot where strangers become regulars, one shared story at a time.
At the helm is owner Kamal Preet, whose passion for community-driven dining shines through.
“We’re thrilled to introduce The Local Tavern in one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta,” Preet shared. “Our take on the classic neighborhood hangout expands on the lively atmosphere of Local on North while retaining a character and feel all its own. We can’t wait for our new neighbors to enjoy our spacious dining room, laid-back bar and lounge area, and outdoor patio. We look forward to becoming your new favorite spot.”
What To Eat at The Local Tavern
The menu leans into crowd-pleasing American and Italian classics, with a nod to fresh, flavorful twists that keep things elevated yet approachable.
Start with the goat cheese croquette — whipped goat cheese infused with black pepper and fresh herbs, panko-breaded, fried golden, and perched on toast with zesty lemon vinaigrette and sweet tomato jam.
For mains, the Chicken Française delivers tender lemon-dredged chicken in a caper-laced sauce, nestled over creamy mashed potatoes alongside grilled broccoli.
Seafood lovers will savor the sautéed sea bass with baby bok choy, Parmesan grits, and vibrant chimichurri, or the filet medallions — twin 4-ounce cuts on risotto with spinach, mushrooms, and a rich red wine reduction.
Salads, steak frites, sandwiches, pork chops, grilled salmon, and mahi mahi round out a lineup designed for sharing or savoring solo.
No neighborhood tavern would be complete without a stellar bar lineup.
Expect a thoughtful selection of red and white wines, bourbons, beers, and hard apple ciders, plus cocktails that pack personality.
What To Drink at The Local Tavern
The Cosmopolitan mixes Stateside Vodka with triple sec, cranberry, and lime for a tart-sweet classic, while the Smoked Old Fashioned infuses Elijah Craig small-batch bourbon, Angostura bitters, and demerara syrup with a whisper of hickory smoke — ideal for sipping fireside.
Under the steady guidance of general manager Mike Hartshorn, The Local Tavern is already open daily for lunch and dinner, with happy hour specials to ease you into the week.
And for those weekend warriors, Sunday brunch is on the horizon, promising more reasons to make it a ritual.
To mark the occasion with a bang, the team is hosting a grand opening bash on December 3, complete with 25% off all food — a steal for discovering your new go-to.
Whether you’re a Briar Vista regular or just passing through, The Local Tavern is poised to become that effortless Atlanta staple: warm, welcoming, and wonderfully unpretentious.
For reservations or more details, visit the spot in person or follow their updates online. Atlanta’s neighborhood dining just got a little more local — and a lot more inviting.
Final Word
Speaking of dining in parts of Atlanta, some of the city’s best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
