On any given Friday night you can catch the regulars at Local Bistro sharing their bottles of wine, passing from one table to the next and occasionally picking up another table’s tab. The sense of community and familiarity here is akin to that which was witnessed in the era of Cheers, well if Cheers had a much better beverage selection and a killer menu.
Just about 6 months ago, Local Bistro underwent an impressive half a million dollar remodel, which resulted in a bar expansion, complete patio remodel making it 3 times its previous size, new flooring, paint, furniture, pocket doors and a DJ stand for weekends. For all of that change the restaurant was only out of service for 2 weeks and reopened with what feels like a completely new space.
In addition to the aesthetic and architectural changes, there were some major menu changes as well, specifically to the weekend brunch. The entire menu was recreated, inspired by one of owner German Osio’s 3 other local restaurants’ very successful brunch menu. The new menu features several healthy options like their Acai Bowl and Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast as well as the more decadent dishes that have become synonymous with brunch. These rich dishes are not only creative but enticing by description alone. How does a Root Beer Waffle sound? The Elvis, a mascarpone stuffed French toast topped with a peanut butter maple syrup, caramelized bananas and bacon sounds so decadent that it could be labeled as dessert but you’ll be glad it’s classified as breakfast.
Their outstanding social hour features a lot of fun items that are easily shared with friends or neighbors at the bar. Their Calamari Fritti is lightly breaded and topped with Padron peppers, lemon conserva and served with a Calabrian chili aioli creating the perfect blend of heat with a touch of sweetness. They also have late hours and a reverse social hour that cater to industry professionals. Add to that an aggressive wine program that runs anywhere between 5-10% below comparable restaurants in the area.
Owner and restaurateur German Osio noted that the totality of these features are “just a small example of what has made this restaurant more approachable and a neighborhood favorite.” While the renovation was stressful at times and they were shut down while that was going on, German has a respect for his diners and this restaurant which made it all worth it in the end. There is nothing like Local Bistro in this area when you take into account the high standard of quality in the food and service along with the sense of community and soul that inhabits this space. There is no price you can put on that.
Local Bistro is located at 20581 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. Reservations can be made by calling 480.302.6050.
This article was originally featured in the December 2015 issue of So Scottsdale Magazine.