Believe the hype, because it's all that and then some. The food is killer, the service is the perfect blend of knowledgeable, hip, and attentive (sit with Pete, I promise you will be thrilled), and the atmosphere is unlike anything nearby. If any spot has any hope of truly becoming a downtown success story, this is it.
I just hope that enough of the foodie community will venture into what suburbanites view as the mean streets of "downtown." Or that enough of the non-foodie locals will find things to love.
There is a lot to love at the Local, but I have a hard time thinking about anything but the marrow bones. If you're not familiar with the lure of the marrow, just give it a try. And ask for the shot of Jameson's that those in the know chase it with. Seriously.
There's nothing bad on this menu, to eat or to drink.