Westside Local
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How refreshing it is to have a restaurant that serves healthy, local food in a spacious and inviting atmosphere! Pretty much everything at Westside Local was a pleasant surprise, from the quality and variety of the fresh, organic food, to the welcoming service, to the modern, yet comfortable décor. Whether you want cocktails and snacks outside, or are going for a full dining experience, Westside Local is sure to please. Try the Deviled Eggs, Garlic Fries, Raw salad, House-made ice cream
Atmosphere
Featuring mostly organic and healthy local food, Westside Local has a dining room that is a perfect reflection of its cuisine. Housed in a turn-of-the-century brick building, the main dining room is light, airy, and spacious, with exposed brick, blond wood floors, high ceilings, and immense floor-to-ceiling windows. Off to the side, an intimate but character-filled bar is perfect for a late night cocktail, and further out is a covered outdoor beer garden with fun picnic-style community tables that encourage mixing and mingling. The music is an eclectic mix of pop and club music that, although a little loud at times, adds energy to the space.
Service
Service is friendly, accommodating, and prompt.
Food
Westside Local has a simple menu but the choices are varied and interesting. To start, there is a wide range of small bites and snacks, with everything from pickles to roasted garlic. We choose the $2 deviled eggs which had a creamy and spicy wasabi filling and were much better than the deviled eggs my mom used to make (sorry Mom), and a small bowl of green olives ($2) that were simple and fresh, and not too salty. We also had a Raw Salad ($6) of local red chard, fennel, fried ginger, and lemongrass vinaigrette that was simply fantastic! The greens were fresh and crisp, the ginger pungent, and the dressing was slightly tangy but not overpowering. I don't often dream of returning for a salad, but this may be the exception. Healthy and great tasting- wow!
For entrees a large plate of chicken and waffles ($11) (available on Sundays only) had two pieces of nicely-fried Campo Lindo chicken and a whole wheat Belgium waffle that had wonderful flavor but was a bit limp. On top of the waffle, a fragrantly-sweet pear compote added nice texture and, for the chicken, an incidental ramekin of hot sauce was fine, but went unused. The best part of the dish was the healthy dose of real maple syrup. Mmmmm. No waffle should ever be served without it!
The grass-fed beef meatloaf with mushroom gravy ($10) (also a Sunday-only dish) was moist and flavorful, though it could have been a little firmer, and the accompanying mashed potatoes with celery root were bland. A side of hot crispy garlic fries ($5), however, hit the spot, with an excellent cilantro aioli for dipping.
For dessert, Westside Local serves up some interesting concoctions, such as the infamous pecan and bacon pie, but after eating a relatively healthy meal, we did not want to ruin it with such a heavy dessert. We opted, instead, for a trio of house-made ice cream ($6.50) with the wonderful flavors of creamsicle (vanilla & orange), chocolate-orange-and rosemary, and pea shoot. Yes, pea shoot! All three were creamy, rich, sweet, and satisfying. My favorite part was the candied rosemary and orange peel that came on top and completed each corresponding flavor. Ice cream is not always the most creative way to end a meal but, in this case, it was not only the best part of the meal, but I found myself begging the owner to open an ice cream shop!
Westside Local also has an extensive beer selection and creative cocktail list.
For entrees a large plate of chicken and waffles ($11) (available on Sundays only) had two pieces of nicely-fried Campo Lindo chicken and a whole wheat Belgium waffle that had wonderful flavor but was a bit limp. On top of the waffle, a fragrantly-sweet pear compote added nice texture and, for the chicken, an incidental ramekin of hot sauce was fine, but went unused. The best part of the dish was the healthy dose of real maple syrup. Mmmmm. No waffle should ever be served without it!
The grass-fed beef meatloaf with mushroom gravy ($10) (also a Sunday-only dish) was moist and flavorful, though it could have been a little firmer, and the accompanying mashed potatoes with celery root were bland. A side of hot crispy garlic fries ($5), however, hit the spot, with an excellent cilantro aioli for dipping.
For dessert, Westside Local serves up some interesting concoctions, such as the infamous pecan and bacon pie, but after eating a relatively healthy meal, we did not want to ruin it with such a heavy dessert. We opted, instead, for a trio of house-made ice cream ($6.50) with the wonderful flavors of creamsicle (vanilla & orange), chocolate-orange-and rosemary, and pea shoot. Yes, pea shoot! All three were creamy, rich, sweet, and satisfying. My favorite part was the candied rosemary and orange peel that came on top and completed each corresponding flavor. Ice cream is not always the most creative way to end a meal but, in this case, it was not only the best part of the meal, but I found myself begging the owner to open an ice cream shop!
Westside Local also has an extensive beer selection and creative cocktail list.
Cleanliness
Immaculate.
Pros
Casual and pleasant environment, great fresh and healthy food, friendly service, reasonable prices.
Cons
Soggy waffle, music sometimes loud.
