When the babysitter steps in, my man and I step out to The Local on the Old Road. Not even open a year, The Local has already become an "old favorite" - our "Cheers," if you will. For us, this is not only the place where we get the sought-after trifecta of exceptional service, delicious food/beverages and reasonable prices - it's where we experience the true unicorn of Santa Clarita: A fun place for everyone to hang out.

Between the electronic trivia, killer sports-viewing options, karaoke, live music, happy-hour specials and more, our brains take a temporary escape from life's to-do lists - and that's why we keep coming back. The Local gives us a chance to get reacquainted with each other's "date" side and the warm locals The Local draws by the dozens and dozens daily. We forget about our day as we dive into the unique specials, take the edge off with a crazy-good drink, share a joke with the other couple at the bar, play shuffleboard on the patio or... put the kids in front of a board game and watch them play wholesomely while we nosh on wholesome deliciousness that's handcrafted by a brilliant culinary team led by locals Mendy and Steve Cruse.

We're especially grateful for the warm, knowledgeable mixologists who whip up faves like The Effen Coolest Cucumber Smash ($10/carafe $25); it's like an instant chill pill, thanks to cucumber-infused vodka muddled with cucumber and mint. On Sundays, we treat the kids to brunch because A) Super-affordable kids menu and B) The Holy Hot Stoli Bloody Mary with Hot Stoli vodka, Worcestershire, olive juice and a little dash of secret spice.

Here's what to order:
Flat Iron Steak Topped with freshly-sourced sauteed mushrooms and served with perfectly-toothy grilled asparagus and savory mashed potatoes, this tender, generous cut is ultra flavorful and perfectly prepared.

Salmon Quinoa Bowl
The grilled-salmon filet is fresh, never frozen, and the flakey fish is made even better with the addition of chipotle-lime red quinoa, seasonal roasted veggies, crisp grilled asparagus and house-made onion straws.

Chicken Parmesan
A crispy breaded chicken breast is the star of this rich dish, smothered with mozzarella cheese, homemade marinara and parm. The fresh-grilled zucchini and asparagus served alongside balance the plate.

Basil Chicken Penne
Grilled chicken breast, imported sun-dried tomatoes, fresh-shaved parmesan and a bright, bold pesto make the al dente penne pop with each exquisite bite.

The Local does a Better Brunch
Casual, affordable and fun, The Local's brunch menu is a mix of traditional finds like omelets, French toast and a kids menu - but it's the eclectic selections that really get us drooling. The Breakfast Burger features a handcrafted angus-beef patty that's topped with an over-medium egg, crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese on a brioche bun; it's served with cottage potatoes or classic tots for only $14. Chicken & Waffles ($12) features buttermilk waffles and fried-chicken tenders topped with powdered sugar, served with maple syrup on the side. Wash it all down with The Mimosa! Mimosa! (Only $5!) or The Fairytale - sparkling Mumm Prestigue, strawberry Skyy vodka, peach schnapps and a splash of lemonade and cranberry juice ($12). Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
The Local Pub & Grill 495-9192

Even more Reasons to Love The Local
Trivia Tuesdays
Starting at 7pm

Winesday Wednesday
Half Off Wine Bottles
7:30 Live Music

Saturday Karaoke
Starting at 9pm

Happy Hour
Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm
Friday & Saturday 10pm to close
Sunday from 3pm to close