LOCAL Public Eatery Adelaide
LOCAL Public Eatery has just opened up their third Toronto location, and it's already proving to be a community hub that's as dynamic and busy, as modern and confident as the neighbourhood it calls home.
Known across the city as a reliable spot, this elevated pub-style restaurant brims with friendly servers, comfort-food faves, colourful cocktails and scads of beer.
Their latest Financial District location is home to new menu items and a mezzanine-level private space for 60, dubbed The Top Shelf.
Opened in February 2024, LPE Adelaide is the company’s 16th location in total.
A clamorous, convivial space that stirs diners' senses, the brand's newest outpost is marked by lively chatter, big-screen TVs, and a steady stream of thirsty guests that keep servers on their toes.
Despite its Financial District location, LPE Adelaide is a welcome respite from the neighbourhood's often exorbitant prices and superfluous extravagances.
"We want to bring value to the neighbourhood," says Regional Manager Ciara Ball, adding that the brand's focus is to provide guests with gracious hospitality paired with inviting offerings throughout the day.
With mid-afternoon and late night Happy Hours offered seven days a week, LPE Adelaide's lure surges considerably between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then after 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., depending on the day.
In a neighbourhood that practically flatlines in the evenings, LPE Adelaide's food and drink specials cater to a crowd eager for alternatives to eating leftovers on the couch.
A highlight for beer buffs, and a point of pride for the team, the menu includes Hladinka pours of Pilsner Urquell ($12), the premium Czech lager.
Defined by an exact measure of thick foam atop golden lager — a combination that expertly balances the beer's sweet and bitter notes — the official pour speaks to the team's dedication to detail and quality.
On a cocktail menu that could charm drinkers of any persuasion, the Spicy Guava Margarita ($13.50) and Sassy Sangria Crush ($11) beckon to customers thirsting for novelty.
Despite its Tajín and pepper rim and drip of Tabasco, the margarita's heat level never rises above mild, thanks to Cuervo Tradicional Plata Tequila, Triple Sec, fresh guava and lime.
A drink built off of the best attributes of white and red sangria, LPE Adelaide's version is fruity and vibrant, with a pour of Fireball providing a feisty little kick.
One of LPE Adelaide's signature features is The Top Shelf's menu of premium spirits, thankfully available throughout the space.
Sipped neat, on the rocks, or as part of a noteworthy Old Fashioned, the offerings range from Woodford Double Oaked Bourbon ($22.50 in an OF) to Clase Azul Reposado Tequila ($43.50 in an OF).
Even when you're not renting out the exclusive space — which Top Shelf Bar Manager Macc Barry describes as feeling akin to "the best home bar in Canada, with an intimate, speakeasy vibe," — you can still grab a Casamigos Tequila Blanco Old Fashioned ($18).
Balanced, with a subtle whisper of sweetness and smoke, it reveals a whole new side to the tequila you thought you knew.
If you're seeking shots and drinks for the table, the list of Group Activities includes the Cold Tea ($37.25 for a pot). A Jameson-based pour with a hint of cucumber, this citrusy, sweet refresher goes down dangerously easy.
With a kitchen that can crank out dishes as wide-ranging as delicate Tempura Shrimp ($17) and zingy, sticky BBQ Bourbon Ribs ($30), it's unlikely many diners leave LPE Adelaide unsatisfied.
Beyond its breadth, in terms of culinary influences, the restaurant's menu also caters to every size of appetite.
Whether you're after a few nibbles of an appetizer, are ready to fall enthusiastically into a stacked, double-patty LOCAL Burger ($21) or just want to share one of LPE Adelaide's unique pizzas, you'll find something to satisfy.
Hand-stretched dough bubbles and crisps in a scorching oven, lending pies, like the Portobello Mushroom Pizza ($23), a range of textures.
Welcome chew meets creamy ricotta, mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, pesto and Pecorino Romano in this people-pleasing vegetarian main.
A dish you'll want to keep all to yourself, Fried Chicken Ramen is a warming bowl that brings together two culinary powerhouses.
The elements of this dish will demand your full attention and a considerable amount of your time. In return, expect to enjoy every slurpy second spent ping-ponging between bites of noodles in miso sesame broth and Southern-style chicken.
Should you have any cravings unsated by the time dinner at LPE Adelaide is done, grab a dessert such as their Warm Apple Crumble ($11) with slow-cooked cinnamon apples, walnut caramel and vanilla ice cream.
It's a simple, straightforward finish that feels exactly fitting for this charming yet vibrant new downtown spot.
LOCAL Public Eatery Adelaide is located at 141 Adelaide Street West.
Fareen Karim