Local Catch Bar & Grill is a Locals' Favorite

Local Catch Bar & Grill has been going strong and gaining popularity since opening nine months ago and there are no signs of slowing down. The restaurant's coastal cuisine with a southern twist was an instant hit here in SoWal and they continue to gather faithful followers even over the off season. Known for using quality, fresh ingredients in all of their unique dishes, it's easy to see why Local Catch has already become a must-eat destination.

With cooler weather upon us, Chef Adam Yellin has added some seasonal appetizers and entrees to the menu. The new appetizers include an applewood-smoked, Coke-braised pork belly, crab and cream cheese wonton and an applewood-smoked & Barq-braised lamb rib. For entrees they have added a Chimichurri steak taco, pecan-crusted fish and two grilled four-ounce pork chops.

A favorite new appetizer is the crab and cream cheese wonton. This bite size treat combines claw meat, cream cheese and green onion in a wonton cup then flash fried and served with a sweet and sour pepper jelly and cabbage salad. The crab meat is sweet and combines well with the cream cheese. The gastrique gives it a tangy kick and I loved the crunchiness of the wonton.

The chimichurri steak tacos are a knock out. Trust me, I’ve eaten everything on the menu (several times) and it’s my new favorite. The tacos are loaded with top sirloin, cabbage and their house made white sauce and they put a twist on a traditional chimichurri sauce. The combination of spicy from the chimichurri and the sweet from the cabbage makes a divine flavor and texture.

Another new favorite is the pecan-crusted fish. The fresh local grouper is encrusted with pecans, then sautéed and topped with a pecan butter sauce, served with Yukon mashed potatoes and green beans with garlic. The pecan flavor is light, has the perfect amount of richness and doesn’t overpower the other components in the dish. The grouper was cooked perfectly and had a nice crunch from the pecans, and the potatoes and green beans, buttery and flavorful, made for a well-balanced dish.

Live music has also been part of Local Catch’s identity since the beginning. Shows are normally booked on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, but there is always an occasional surprise Saturday show. A recent example was a last-minute show with Eric Lindell, along with Forrest Williams and members from Dread Clampitt jamming out to a packed dance floor of ecstatic music lovers.

Friday nights consist of acoustic, low-key artists, while Sunday afternoons are full-on band jam sessions. Every Sunday welcomes the likes of Cadillac Willy, Hotel Oscar, Heritage, Forrest Williams Band and Wes Heath & the Whiskey Band. Local Catch has become a staple stop on the Sunday Funday band wagon and each band brings a faithful local following and packs the house with a contagious energy.

For anyone who hasn’t visited Local Catch Bar & Grill yet please take my recommendation and stop by this colorful restaurant. Along with the daily menu, there are specials like half-price appetizers on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays.

Reservations are not needed. Local Catch is located at 3711 Scenic 30A in Blue Mountain Beach and can be reached at (850) 622-2022. You can find upcoming music on the SoWal Live Music Calendar and also be sure to check out their restaurant page on the SoWal Dining Guide.