Local Rumor

We don’t know what we liked best. The food, the calm and charming atmosphere or the excellent service. So we agreed that each one of these elements were fabulous! We had the brisket tacos and the carnitas tacos. The tres leches cake was moist and so well balanced in texture and sweetness. Thanks Madz, Athena and Jesus for taking such good care of us. We will be back! ******* New visit: the Thai curry with shrimp is delish! And so is the burrata salad with the fresh lemony summer seasoning on the green peas and asparagus. Oh, yes. The crostini that come with is crunchy and very flavorful. Thanks, Alexander, for taking good care of us.

Was in the St. Paul area and decided to check out this restaurant. I have to say it was a sweet little spot and the atmosphere was very cozy. Wasn’t too loud , to sum it up, pretty much a hole in the wall restaurant! The service overall was wonderful , wonderful server who was quick to attend to any questions I had about the menu. Decided to give the smash burger a try, overall not bad! Had lots of flavor. Also decided to try the cauliflower florets , to say the least I was a little disappointed with them, I Felt like it was missing a key ingredient. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a quick eat!

What an amazing gem we stumbled across! The food and drink were just as wonderful as the ambiance. Will definitely visit again. We enjoyed the Cubano & Tropical Sour from Pryes

Update: just tried the newer menu item Braised Beef Tacos and this is now my favorite thing on the menu. 10/10! At long last, The Local Rumor is open! We’ve been waiting for a great spot to open in our neighborhood ever since Blue Door closed. We came by Friday night just to see if they were open and they were! The interior is completely redesigned with the feel of a lot more space. They did a great job with colors, vibe and sound, so we felt right at home and were comfortable talking to each other in our group of 5. We ordered some delicious mocktails and immediately noticed bone broth on the menu. We ordered that, a burger, fries and wings, since we were only looking to snack and try a few things. The food was impressive and eminently affordable. In fact, the $14 smash burger is actually a double and was instantly demolished by our picky 14 year-old. We also got to know the staff, many of whom moved over from the Hewing Hotel, which helps explain the high caliber of service, food and ambiance. We can’t wait to come back and keep going through the menu and see what else these good folks have in store.

Great decor and ambience. Service was very nice. Drinks were good and strong. Food was ok. The $22 charcuterie board had 1 cheese and 1 meat, and the cheese didn't taste like anything, which I'd say is the most important part of a charcuterie board! Zucchini was incredibly spicy so I couldn't eat it (nothing on the menu indicated it'd be this spicy). They forgot our fries and we had to remind them. Taco was good, whatever that orange sauce is is delicious. Tres leches was so bad I didn't even finish it, and it's my favorite cake. It was like a hard vanilla cake with milky liquid. It ended up being a very expensive bill for food I was overall disappointed with

I went to Local Rumor for the first time with my boyfriend and I absolutely loved it! Walking in we were greeted immediately and I was shocked at how pretty the atmosphere was. The lounge and bar area caught my eye at first with the lighting and couch seating area. We opted to sit at the two seater tables instead as it’s easier to eat that way. After browsing the menu for a bit, I sampled the Indeed Honey Lager (tasty) but ended up getting the THC Peach Mango drink instead and that did not disappoint. The menu has a good range of items even though it’s not a large menu. I couldn’t decide between the Thai curry or the beef brisket tacos. We decided to get the herbed fries to share for the table. Those babies were yummy. I was eating them like popcorn! I ended up getting the tacos and they were delicious. They weren’t as hot as you’d expect a meal to be but they were warm. That is why I rated food 4/5 stars. My boyfriend ordered the chopped steak and I had a bite of it and loved it. He devoured it as well and said he enjoyed it. Our waiter was super attentive and friendly. We took time to check out the restaurant more once we finished eating. We will definitely be back!

We live in the neighborhood and finally made it to Local Rumor. We started off with some cocktails that were very good, then ordered the Herbed Fries for an appetizer and those were amazing. I order the Chicken Sandwich and my wife ordered the Zucchini. Both were delicious. We really enjoyed everything. Just an FYI, the Zucchini was on the spicier side. We started out on the patio but eventually got cold and asked to move inside, which was no problem. The interior is very nice, clean, and has a decent amount of seating for a smaller sized room. The host/server was very friendly, kind, and did a wonderful job with anything we needed. The cook did an incredible job on the quality and flavors of the food, and our cocktails were both well balanced and tasted great. It’s definitely on the pricier side if you’re going to eat a full meal and have cocktails, but overall we really enjoyed it. If we could make one suggestion it’d be to add a gluten free bread option for the handhelds. It would open up a lot more options for my wife.

This place is awesome! I had the carrots and the cheeseburger and would highly recommend both. Cheeseburger is actually a double so amazing value and wonderful flavor and texture! I have been thinking about the carrots so much since I was there last weekend! Service was amazing, they tell you how things work - everything comes out as it is ready, which actually for me ended up being perfect timing so I had plenty of time to enjoy the food. Patio is wonderful and it's pretty roomy inside too.

I've always wanted to have a neighborhood gem and now I do! Accidentally found Local Tumor on Yelp. Sounded great based upon the reviews and boy did this place deliver. It was a beautiful early evening and we chose a table outside on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. A little bit of blinding sunlight for one side of the table but on for a few minutes. Our waiter was kind enough to suggest some highlights from the menu and gave us time to ponder. We ordered a bottle of Vinho Verde, the Beet Salad, a Thai Curry the Chopped Steak Sandwich and the French Fries. The Beet Salad was fresh, crisp and delicious with dollops of Labneh, Roasted Beets and a tasty vinaigrette. The Fries arrived hot and crispy with a garlic aioli on the side. A generous portion of fries and try as we might we couldn't empty the plate. The entrees showed up and my wife's Thai Curry was a hit. Rice was already mixed into the curry. The flavors were on point and had an excellent array of veggies. A bit of heat but not too much. The Chopped Steak Sandwich!! Oh my! Talk about a grand slam! Served like a hoagie, this sandwich was outstanding. Hot and juicy pieces of steak, caramelized onions and a romesco sauce. It was perfect. This is a sandwich I could eat multiple times a week, easily. The food was great. The service was fast, fun and professional. The evening was lovely. We found our neighborhood gem.

This bar is located where one of my favorite burger joints, the blue door, had been. So is a little apprehensive about visiting that it would bring back too many memories of what I miss. Walking in the door, it was obvious that it was a whole new place, which I appreciated. It's not huge and has even less seating than it had before. There's a small lounge like area, seats at the bar, and then multiple tables. The drink menu is really interesting. They have quite a few twists on popular cocktails. I enjoyed the two that I tried. We ordered a cheese plate as well, which was average. The service was helpful and answered our questions well. I don't feel like I have a great sense of how the food is come on because it was just a cheeseboard. The menu looked interesting, however, and there were a number of drinks I still want to try so I will be back.

4.5 stars. This is a fun and charming little spot with unique decor and pleasing colors. The main dining area has tables that are pretty close together, but the bar area has a high top and some lounge seating. A great spot for a casual but romantic date. We were there on a very cold night in November, so the patio was closed for the season. Be prepared that it is quite small inside, and if you are waiting for a seat, you may need to stand awkwardly in the main walkway or hovering near other diners. The bartenders were quick to offer us a drink while we waited, and the service was pretty phenomenal for the entire evening. I had the Brussels sprouts and they were surprisingly flavorful with a good kick of something spicy. My husband loved his smash burger and said it was the best he'd had in a long time. We shared fries and they were... well, fries. Nothing too memorable about them. I will definitely be back to try some other menu items, because the service was impressive and I couldn't try everything I wanted to.

Absolutely gorgeous interior, I just wanted to stay here all night. I got the chicken sandwich, fried, and my wife got the Thai Curry and we split the herb fries. All 3 dishes were super, super good. Chicken sandwich had a great ratio of ingredients, the breading was light and crispy, the aoli was citrusy and absolutely made the sandwich. Thai Curry was phenomenal and the fries were perfect! The server was incredible, I wish I remembered his name but it was the evening of 3/2/25 at around 6pm. He was so friendly and helpful! Oh, and the drinks were dynamite. Highly recommend this place.

I had the opportunity to check out Local Rumor located on Selby Ave in Saint Paul, and the spot was truly amazing. I sampled various menu items, and they were all really good. The cheeseboard looked great, and I enjoyed the various cheeses and the jam, which was quite amazing. Although I'm not a fan of nuts or olives, the cheese, fruits, jam, and crackers were fantastic. The mashed potatoes were pretty good, but I felt like adding some cheese would take the dish to a completely different level. The cornbread was flavorful and filling; I had to force myself to lay off ofit because I'm already thick and not trying to get thicker! The Smashburger was also pretty good and heartwarming. My favorite, though, was the chicken sandwich. The batter was cooked to perfection, making for a nice crunch with every bite. Lastly, I tried their shrimp cocktail, which was super good. It gave me ceviche vibes with the lovely house-made chips. Although this place is still working on their liquor license, they did have a mocktail menu with tasty drinks. The experience was great, and the service was a 10 out of 10. Make sure you ask for Meg if you're there--she is the best! Parking can be challenging. There is a small parking lot on the side of the restaurant, but otherwise, there is street parking, which can be busy at times. One cool thing about the spot is that it has a patio, so if you're looking for that outdoor vibe, this is a great spot for you. All in all, this spot is beautifully designed and is an ultimate vibe for a date night or an outing with friends.

Ambiance was dark, cozy, romantic. I went with my friend to celebrate her birthday! She got the curry, which is loved and was not too spicy and I got the chicken sandwich. Unfortunately it was so salty I could not finish it. We also shared the herbed fries and they were delicious! The ice cold margaritas were delicious and had a cute garnish. I was sad to see how slow they were, but it was a Sunday night. I would definitely be back!

This is a great new addition to the neighborhood! The decor is modern and stylish. Cozy, compact seating. I would definitely come early or get a reservation for any party over 2 people. The cocktails were delish! I tried the butternut squash (yum! The ricotta and honey topping was amazing), the Thai curry (tasty, but no spice and a bit underwhelming), and the smash burger. An eclectic menu but fun to share and try many things!

Local rumor silently opened recently without much fanfare on the westernmost end of Selby in the old BDP spot. It's small, but mighty. They pack a lot of punch in this joint. It's no fuss, but fancy at the same time. It's giving the aesthetic of a baby Bar+Cart down the way on Grand, and a much more elevated version of the local bar food joint down the road. But somehow the most affordable meal I've had in a very long time. How do they do it?! They are a scratch kitchen with a nice melange of standard fare, elevated small bites, and hearty comfort food. The confit wings were very well cooked, and a bit too salty, but downed without a speck left. TTHD- what's not to love. Brussels were perfectly sauced. A simple menu of bevies with traditional cocktails and an array of wines and beers. Hardly any photos because, well, everything was eaten immediately. Local Rumor is the neighborhood spot we've been waiting for.

Word on the street is there's a new restaurant in Merriam Park! As of July '24, Local Rumor is pretty much brand new and has a few wrinkles to iron out (liquor license coming soon!) but already offers a quality experience. The staff is friendly and accommodating, the menu is flexible and fun (Tater Tot Hotdish anyone??), and the vibe is pretty dope. Personally, I could do without the TV playing youtube videos of tropical scenery but I love the colorful paint inside, the tasteful furnishings, and the nice clean bathrooms. I expect to return soon and anticipate more satisfaction upon my return.

Everything we had was amazing. The owner came out to chat with us too! We sat outside and it was beautiful out. Indoors was really cute too. Highly recommend the carrots. (Forgot that camera eats first and didn't get a picture)!

What a delightful neighborhood spot! We've been meaning to come since it opened, and finally made it out a week ago for dinner. The vibes here are immaculate! Incredibly cozy and welcoming (though be aware that it gets full around 7 - we arrived at 6:30 and grabbed the last 4-top). I had a mocktail that was delicious, and our group split a few appetizers and mains (the smash burger was a standout!). Can't wait to return!

Cool use of an old spot, with nice colors and vibes. The menu is split into hearty and lighter plates. Only had brussel sprouts and fries, but a lot of the items looked tasty to try another time. Waitstaff was pleasant and accommodating!

Great food and service in a small, cozy and relatively quiet venue! Many delicious vegetarian options in shareable plates as well as meat entrees and soups and the food comes to your table hot!

Delicious sharing plates and fun atmosphere. My son loves the Chori-Queso dip, brisket tacos, and grilled broccolini. The staff are super friendly and attentive. This is a great addition to the neighborhood.

Food ambiance and service with a smile. I tried the cauliflower which was spectacular! Love this place!

BEST BURGER I HAVE EVER HAD in 5 years!!! Service friendly Good place Good food Can't wait to go back next time I'm in the cities

Went for lunch and was very impressed. Tasty dishes. We had Cauliflower (which I normally am not fond of of, but loved their preparation), Fish tacos (made with walleye and blue corn totillas and the chorizo chili (special of the day) We will be back to try more.

I just had a very pleasant meal here and found everything to be top notch. The menu is ala carte and the servings look small, but that's deceptive. They are quite filling. We had the following: the Mac and Cheese, the Smash Burger, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, the Cheese Board, cornbread with Jalapeño butter, and the Tomato Cucumber Salad. The wait staff brought things to the table as soon as they were ready, so we got our meals at different times, which means food didn't sit under a warmer for any appreciable time. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the wait staff were friendly, polite, and knew the menu thoroughly. First class in all respects. The decor is best described as bright and eclectic. Vibrant colors are used judiciously. Table settings include wood, cast iron, melamine, funky water glasses, and gold utensils. It may sound odd, but it works well. Overall, it is cool and dark, giving a real comfortable feel to the space. They are slated to have their liquor license next week sometime, but there's no need to wait for that. Check it out soon, I am certain you'll enjoy it.

Excellent, friendly service. Nice beer and wine list. Tried smash burger and fish tacos, Brussel sprouts and TTHD. All great! Sat outside at small picnic tables. Went back for lunch the next day and then antiquing next door.

At long last, The Local Rumor is open! We've been waiting for a great spot to open in our neighborhood ever since Blue Door closed. We came by Friday night just to see if they were open and they were! The interior is completely redesigned with the feel of a lot more space. They did a great job with colors, vibe and sound, so we felt right at home and were comfortable talking to each other in our group of 5. We ordered some delicious mocktails and immediately noticed bone broth on the menu. We ordered that, a burger, fries and wings, since we were only looking to snack and try a few things. The food was impressive and eminently affordable. In fact, the $12 smash burger is actually a double and was instantly demolished by our picky 14 year-old. We also got to know the staff, many of whom moved over from the Hewing Hotel, which helps explain the high caliber of service, food and ambiance. We can't wait to come back and keep going through the menu and see what else these good folks have in store.

Love love love Local rumor... wonderful vibe just makes you want to belly up to the sweet lil bar. We got the best seat in the house the high top table in the bar. Started with the tomato cucumber salad swimming in a tangy sherry with cilantro and tarragon. No way can I duplicate that at home... Got the steak sandwich..super tender and flavorful and fantastic bread also the grilled chicken sandwich was truly made with love. I cannot wait to eat my way through the menu at this St Paul gem. Congratulations to them!

This is our new date night spot! Everything is absolutely delicious and the ambiance/atmosphere is the best. If I could give this place 10 stars I would.

We waited a very long time for the food even though the place was almost empty. My husband thought a side to come with the steak would've been good. The server was great! I liked the murals and the bar. The vases with the red flowers looked out of place-kind of what I've seen in my great aunt's house. I wasn't sure where they were going with all those flowers but either way it's a nice place.

Great food, imaginative menu, and friendly and competent service in a comfortable and attractive venue. This is a great addition to the neighborhood.

Classy little space. We had a Hamburger, beet salad, fish tacos. Food was good, not special. Nice big double burger, no pink. Not special. The beet salad was the best dish-- yellow beets, rosemary, cheese... loved it. The fish tacos were smallish, forgettable. Hamburger doesn't come with fries. For NINE DOLLARS you can get a side of fries! What!The sit down bar is right in front of a huge window and just looks like a great place to have a couple...

This will absolutely be a new regular spot. Fun atmosphere, attentive staff and amazing food. The beet salad and Thai curry were favorites. The prices were very reasonable. Well done!