Great hidden gem in cross creek Leland. Fun tavern with entertainment and a friendly staff. We ordered a cheeseburger, shrimp tacos and fried shrimp basket! Our food was fantastic as was our service. Prices are reasonable with daily drink specials! We will definitely be back. Our waitress jumped through hoops to make us happy! Thanks for a great time! read more

The most definite three star restaurant I've ever been to honestly. Foods pretty above average for bar food and also well priced, the drinks are solid(suggest the locals punch, essentially just a mai tai) and we'll priced as well. The reason it doesn't score higher then a three is because the servers (...or bartenders... actually they're both) will not go out of their way to help you. You seat yourself and you DO have to flag them down. Once you get their attention they're pretty good about keeping up with you. Also the people that go there I'm sure are the "Locals" because they're super rowdy and belligerent and the security guards won't bat and eye. All in all pretty interesting and intense place to eat if you're into that kind of thing. read more

We went to Locals Tavern on someone's recommendation. Service was slow. This was our first time and it appeared regulars were given priority. The food was good and once we did get service our waitress was pleasant and helpful. read more

Good cheesesteak and beer. Server friendly and helpful. Decent atmosphere. Convenient location.

Appears to be a fun place. Quaint and personable. The food is your typical bar food Full bar, hockey on and music trivia. Staff is super friendly We may come back with friends. read more

Superb food, great location, thoughtful service - what's not to like? Under new ownership, the food choices and quality are first rate!

Service and food was not great. They obviously cater to their regulars rather than any newcomers so at least the name is fitting. Won't be back. read more

This place was so yummy! The interior has a completely different feel than either of the more recent places. It definitely still has a great bar atmosphere but seems a little more classy. We had heard rumor that the wings were similar to Copper Penny's and we adore CP's wings. We had to try for ourselves and they truly did not disappoint! I had medium sauce which is my go-to and it was the perfect amount of heat. Also, the wings were large, meaty, and fried to crispy perfection. I appreciate that they aren't breaded. Also, we both got tater tots and those were also very crispy and tasty. We thought we had ordered a side of tater tots but there is a possibility it could have been the appetizer tots because it was a massive portion. Welcome to Leland Local's! Sure are glad to have you! read more

Locals Tavern - Super crispy tater tots! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Leland, North Carolina

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Sign said to seat ourselves. We sat outside because the 2 open tables inside had not been bussed and after waiting 5 minutes it seemed like it wasn't a priority, so we sat outside. We waited, even set a stop watch and left as nobody came out. If we try again, and it's better the review will change... but for now... hard to give more stars. read more

Really fun place with a cool, "regulars at the bar" vibe. Large bar with tables, a separate room for pool tables, bands, and entertainment, and a large patio with heaters for the colder night. Bartenders are friendly and remember you. Drink strength lacks consistency between the different bartenders though. Food is good and mostly bar food and I have heard there is a much larger menu from before Covid that I would love to try! read more

1. Great food. (Shrimp Po Boy is incredible!) 2. Dine - in available during Covid! 3. Not one person wearing a mask inside. Thank God for clear-thinking people! 4. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars...I had to wait a long time several times on my waitress. She was busy, but still. read more

This place used to be much better. Ordered takeout twice & disappointed both times. Onion rings were saturated in grease & salad terrible. Lettuce was wilted & browning. This time nacho chips were very stale & full of grease & no green onions. Will not be going again. Too bad because the Buffalo chicken nachos were one of our favorites. read more

The locals tavern is a quaint and fun bar that sports 4 pool tables for my fellow players plenty of tv to watch the game and enough tables to sit a large crowd. The food is delicious burgers that melt in your mouth with crispy fries and some of the most fresh produce a top your food to keep you coming back for more. There sandwhiches are divine my mother loves them and swears there the best in the north carolina area. Now the beer so much prime selections from this bar i usually will go fot a white lightning nc local tap. But i have taster a wide array of their lagers and everything has been fantastic i reccomend trying all the local brews if your passing through your taste buds will thank me. Now if you be a wine drinker then your all set the menu is vast and will have what your looking for with a large pour and a happy price to keep your wallet full. The wait staff and the cooks here are absolutely pleasent and attentive. Everything arrives fast and with perfect quality so you could stop here for a lunch and be back in time. Chefs sometimes deliver the food directly to you . And the bartenders here are quick patient and full of pride for their work. Always noticed my drink is right where i want it to the rim with perfect foam nice pour lasses. Anyway the beast gives this restaurant 5 out of 5 forks enjoy and eat well my friends. Also try the damn nachos cheese to chip ratio is off the charts. read more

First time here last night. A tavern - right? No happy hour! We found the place had no ambience, a small menu and nothing to call home about. So cute and inviting from the outside, but it did not transcend to the inside. I love to see small town businesses be successful. read more

This is my "go-to" place. Great staff, and good food. I usually see the same crowd, hence the name. There are weekly specials on food and beverages. On Fridays, they have patio music and a live band. This place is always filled w/ characters and a good atmosphere. read more

Locals Tavern - Nachos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Leland, North Carolina

Met a friend at Locals because it was convenient. I didn't have high hopes for the food but we really just were getting together to chat and catch up. I have to say, given some of the other reviews, I was happily surprise. First off, the wait staff was friendly and attentive bringing menus right away plus keeping our water glasses filled. We only ordered a couple of apps and no alcoholic beverages but you would have thought we had ordered three course meals and a fine bottle of wine. The restaurant was clean, cool although a bit dark -- they were relying on natural light and it was raining. Bathroom was spotless. The food was good and a goodly portion. I will return especially to watch sports. read more

We have now walked out of this location for the second time. First time we sat at a table for 20 minutes and no one bothered to come to the table. The people behind the bar kept looking , talking to each other but I guess couldn't decide who's table we were. Left without being served. Decided they deserved a second chance, this time ordered food, waited and waited. Food never came and a waitress even tried to clear the table as if we had eaten. Left again. No more chances. The service is awful. Can't say anything about the food except it never came. read more

I've been here a couple times now in different settings and have had a great time! The food is reasonably priced and they have a pretty decent selection of beer and liquor. The staff rises above all else as noteworthy- they truly go out of their way to make it feel like home. Everyone is super friendly and do a great job of taking care of you. Their pool tables are a great addition too. It's clear that it really is the locals going there, which makes it even better. Definitely worth going for the environment and wonderful service! read more

Stumbled on this place while on vacation. The staff was great and the food was exactly what I needed. Looking forward to coming back next time I'm in town read more

This isn't a place to go if you're looking for good food, but if you're looking for a good time and like to dance I'd say give it a shot. I ordered the boneless wings and they were a bit dry and chewy. My friend ordered nachos and they were bland at best with very little melted cheese. My husband was the lucky one. He ordered a burger and it was pretty good so I'd recommend that if you go stick with burgers. The band on the night we were there was excellent. Wish I could remember their name (southern comfort maybe?). Apparently they have music on Friday and Saturday nights and IMO that's the time to go because the food isn't that great but who cares about food when you can boogey the night away? read more

We stopped and found the food and service to be good. The grilled chicken wrap was very good. The big negative was having to hear the very foul language from some of the barflys. The bartender did nothing to maintain some order, so it seems you take your chances experiencing these people who have little manners and consideration for others. read more

I'm a sucker for dive bars and local establishments are my favorite. This tavern will not disappoint. It reminds me of many of my hometown bars in the Northeast with a great cast of local folks that frequent the establishment and a staff of excellent servers and bartenders makes a place you want to check out. I have had several meals here and I have not been disappointed yet. Please know that this is a bar and not a five-star restaurant so don't expect top shelf. But for what it is it's excellent. I want to give a hat tip to the bartenders as they are always prompt with drinks and in many cases anticipate when you're ready for another one. This is definitely my favorite place to go in Leland and enjoy seeing many of the regulars when I go there. Try it out and you will come back for more! read more

This is the second time going there, both times haven't been great. Its always seat yourself, both times we sat and waited and waited it got to the point we about walked about before anyone came to give us menus. The second time we went they stopped the full menu after nine so you can only get fried foods. The service was not great both times, it felt like the place lives up to its name and only waits on "the locals" that come there all the time. Sadly I will not be back. read more

Whoa... what a disaster. We should have turned around and walked out of the door. We didn't, and decided to "give it a shot" despite our reservations about the place. Huge mistake. Very, very loud... people cussing like drunken sailors... stale, watered-down draft beer... lipstick on my water glass... slow, poor service... cold burgers with questionable, obviously "canned" or "frozen" ingredients... trashy "locals"... just to name a few. I've had better experiences at sketchy truck stops. And, to top it all off, I now have food poisoning. Awesome. Thanks, but no thanks "locals". You can keep this one for yourselves. read more

Now, after a few changes Locals is my favorite watering hole with great food and service! I highly recommend Locals to all!

Covid hasn't been easy, especially coming from Boston for a family visit. Things are much different in NC. Never have I been so welcomed so warmly in a new spot. The wings were great, sauce choices abundant. Service was quick, and sweet....Tiffany was on top of it and so pleasant!!!! I appreciated the heffer picture in the ladies room....I gotcha locals.... Thanks for welcoming us read more

I've been to Locals quite a few times since moving to the area. It's usually a crapshoot as to how the drinks, food and service will be. When the food is good it's great bar food, but sometimes it is over/under cooked, portion sizes vary from week to week for the same dish. Jamie ( a very friendly/nice bartender who has since left) made very weak drinks, other barstaff have a more generous hand. You're best off ordering simple drinks. My dining companion once got a Cosmo served with olives for garnish! We had to educate them as to what " dirty rocks on the side" meant. Trivia nights are a lot of fun and it's a great place to watch a football game. We've spoken to the owners a few times and they are really nice people. In spite of its flaws, it is a fun place with mostly good food and service. read more

Locals Tavern definitely lives up to its name! It was packed with locals when we went which is always a good thing to see! We were able to find a small table and, in all the busy chaos, a server was with us fairly quick! They have a wide bar selection and a good menu! The mini corn dogs and nachos were both very good and came out quickly! There was also live music when we were there which always makes for a good vibe! A great place to go grab a drink and some food with some locals! read more

First time eating here. Clean for a bar setting. While the atmosphere is loud with patrons, pool, and radio noise, the food was excellent! Wings were huge. Chicken sandwich was perfect. Tator tots were delicious. Super friendly staff. Overall we had a great experience. Only suggestion is to maybe consider having real silverware and drinking glasses instead of plastic. 4 out of 5 stars! We will be back for sure. read more

A fun spot to go to for good food and trivia on Tuesday nights. Check out the shrimp taco and burgers. Ask for Marissa to be your server. She's gonna take care of you. P.S. Cobra Kai says thank you!!! read more

The worst experience I have ever had. Service was terrible, she was very rude and acted like she did not have time for us. The food was not edible. We ordered boneless wings and they looked like wrinkled up chicken livers. So dry that you could not eat them. Told the waitress and her response was - do you want to take them to your dog. I said if I had a dog they wouldn't eat that. The place was extremely loud!! The waitress told us there was no beer specials and we could walk over to see what was on tap. She obviously knew the loud group beside of us as she would take her mask off to talk to them and was very rude and unresponsive to us. What could've been a good experience turned into a terrible one. Word of mouth could've gotten you a lot more customers as we have a large number of friends. I hope you get it together but not on our watch.. Terrible! read more

A pretty large bar with good bar food. There were plenty of tvs around the bar so you should be able to catch your game.

Food is good and the beer is cold. Staff can be unprofessional at times. Our bartender was very good. We were there during the pandemic and he was constantly asking patrons to wear masks when up and about. A short female employee with a tattoo sleeve on her left arm didn't wear her mask all night. She thought it was a chin strap. I feel if you are going to do what you can during difficult times, you should make your guests comfortable and not uncomfortable. We felt uncomfortable with the loose COVID restrictions at this establishment. read more

Atmosphere, music and food was terrific. The staff and other patrons were friendly and welcoming. We had a great time and will return.

I'm a "local" and go probably once every 2-3 weeks to stop in and get some food. The food is pretty solid for a bar, I'd recommend the cheesesteak if you're hungry. I typically get the nachos with hot sauce for an appetizer. If you are into spicy food they have a very hot wing sauce with ghost peppers that will fix your kick. I'm typically waited on by Dan, Eric, or Amber and they all give great service and care to take care of you, and when it's slower during non-peak times they are happy to sit back and talk about whatever. It's ran by a solid group who care about the business and are open to feedback. If you just moved into the area I'd highly recommend stopping in as they'll quickly get to know you and treat you like family. read more

It was good enough, nothing special though. Ordered the sweet potato fries and 12 pc wing lemon pepper. The wings were better than the fries. Not much else to say about it. Wasn't terrible but wouldn't recommend to family and friends and definitely not five stars. If I wanted wings and didn't feel like going to Wilmington or cooking them myself, I would go here. read more

Nice place, good service, great food, friendly people. I have enjoyed each tie I'm there. Bartenders are always polite and not pushy. Nice neighborhood bar. read more

Two stars because the food is usually good but service is slow. Just tried to call in an order. Whitney answered the phone and said to hold on for a minute. After 5 minutes of hearing everything going on where she put the phone we hung up. Twenty minutes later we are still getting busy signals. Decided to order elsewhere. Hit or miss with this place. read more

Locals Tavern is a spectacular place. The food is good, the drinks are always perfect and the staff is outstanding!!!

So my roommate and I just moved to Leland. She has a job at UNCW and I have my own business. After a full weekend of moving, we decided to check out any of the local spots for food and beverage. We found Locals, and while some of the reviews were a bit sketch, we decided we would stroll from our apartment for a visit. We must have came on biker night, not that this is a problem, but the place was packed. The front outside area was full, and the bar area was also full. With a little maneuvering my roommate was able to grab a couple of beers from the pretty cute bartender. I asked her for a menu, but never got one. It seemed if you weren't a regular you weren't going to get waited on. She went back to talking to a lady in a leather vest and orange t-shirt. We never got a seat and tried to go outside to finish our beers, but it was shoulder to shoulder. I don't know if the biker things is normal and again that wasn't an issue for us, but the crowd was, especially with the Covid raging. We sat down our half drunk beers and walked up to Wal-mart for a cold 6 and drank most of them on our way back to the apartment. Hopefully there will be something opening up in Leland that we can all enjoy. read more