Chaos Fragrances
We absolutely love The Local Tap! We went here for the first time on a Friday evening, and while it was busy, the service was great and the food was hot and fresh. The cheese curds were some of the best I’ve ever had, definitely a must try. We enjoyed our meal so much that we went back the next day at noon for lunch. Great local spot!
… moreJake D
It’s a shame the beer tap was broken, I hope they get it fixed soon. The food is outstanding, like honestly. Forget McDonald’s, if you’re gonna spend $20 spend it here. Huge half pound burger, the toppings were very fresh, great fries made in great oil, definitely worth the money.
… moreAnita McAlpin
Happy as could be with this little place while en route to Wisconsin. The 3 of us shared an order of chicken nachos. Probably in my top 3 for the best nachos I’ve ever had. I didn’t even get pix of the food….highly unusual for me. Highly recommend this place & would do it again. I should’ve gotten an order of cheese curds! Next time!
… moreJohn “SEVEN” Malkin
Local Tap Craft Kitchen and Ale House in El Paso, Illinois, has quickly become a culinary standout since its 2022 opening, blending community roots with inventive Midwest flavors. Owned and Managed by Aaron Thomas with his really great team. This family-friendly alehouse prioritizes local partnerships and menu creativity, earning its place as a surprise standout in central Illinois’ dining scene.
Culinary Highlights
The menu shines with elevated bar classics, including Ropp Jersey Cheese curds sourced from Normal, Illinois. ~a crispy, creamy nod to regional agriculture.
Wings tossed in bourbon-Sriracha glaze and lemon-pepper buffalo rub draw regulars, while the Italian beef sandwich, paired with sweet potato fries and maple mayo, offers a sweet-savory twist. The showstopper is the custom steak-blend burger: certified Angus beef smashed on a brioche bun, smothered in American cheese, and served with loaded fries-a “step above” typical pub fare.
Surprise Standout
Culinary Chronicles’ sleeper hit is the maple mayo dip, a sweet-smoky companion to crispy sweet potato fries. While rumors swirl about its cult following, the dip exemplifies The Local Tap’s knack for balancing familiarity with innovation.
Community and Craft
True to its name, the restaurant champions local breweries such as White Oak, Riggs Beer Company, and Casper Brewing. Also, fostering a patio-to-indoor vibe that’s equally suited for family dinners or friend gatherings. Weekly cocktail features, like the raspberry Long Island iced tea and barrel-aged Old Fashioned, underscore their bar program’s versatility.
With its commitment to Midwestern flavors, community ties, and dishes that surprise even seasoned foodies, The Local Tap is a destination worth the drive. As Osborn and Thomas expand their culinary playbook-including this week’s chicken cordon bleu ciabatta with white wine cream sauce-the restaurant solidifies its role as El Paso’s flavorful heartbeat.
Please remember to like, comment or share for your chance to win a gift card from Local Tap Craft Kitchen and Ale House.
… moreCooper Noble
Don’t waste your time coming to this soon to be closed restaurant. Especially if you are wanting a beer with your meal. You’d think that a place called “The tap” would serve beer but you’d be wrong. On multiple occasions they have not been allowed to serve liquor or beer. Who knows if they ever will again. It is so outrageously priced. They charged me $2 to BREAD my chicken sandwhich and upcharge for every single topping you want on a burger (onions, jalapeños etc). Their burgers and sandwhiches don’t come with a side so you have to pay extra and let me tell you, their fries are absolutely terrible. And don’t get me started on the pizzas… SOGGY. This place has so much potential, it used to be a good place to hangout, get some drinks had decent food at a reasonable price but now it’s just a disappointment every time with extremely poor management. Get it together, Tap. This place will absolutely be closing soon. Don’t waste your time going to the Tap when you can drive on over to Green Gable or Lakeshore Road for better food AND BEER for half the price.
P.S. maybe stick to typical bar food and don’t add things like pasta etc while charging steakhouse prices.
… moreAlan
First visit about a year ago, Great! A nice special etc.
Now definitely off the list. We don’t drink but no alcohol to be served. ( some weird excuse)
And hardly any food. Saturday afternoon, out of 5 different menu items. But they don’t tell you that till you keep trying to order. I would have left, my wife was hungry. Never going back.
… moreBrandon Ballard
Great little spot for a small town. Good selection of beers on tap and the must attentive and helpful bartender. Cheese curds are not standard, interesting cheese with an amazing coating. Highly recommend. The burger was good. Chicken sandwich crispy was just ok, a little small patty didn’t even last through the last bites. Other than that, highly recommend
… moreDuck who Said it all
Omg this is a hidden gem! It’s dipped italian beef gives portilos a run for its money. Best fried cheese curds in the state and 5 guys amount of perfect fries. Has arcade games, kid friendly a must share with friends.
… moreDon Blake
Pleasantly surprised to find a high quality tap room with excellent food while on the road during one of our cross country road trips. If you want to avoid the crazy traffic of Interstates, take US24 thru Illinois. You must stop in El Paso at The Local Tap. Excellent service top to bottom. Food delicious. We ordered Nashville Hot Chicken and a BLT. Both were super. At least 12 different beers/ales on tap. Food orders were fast and hot. Well worth the stop.
… moreJessica Van
We were greeted in a friendly way as soon as we walked in. The beer selection was great. I enjoyed the vanilla coffee ale. The food was quick and delicious bar food. Nothing fancy and everything is reasonably priced. Just passing through and we would definitely stop again.
… more