For all the gazillion gallons of vino sipped in this thirsty desert oasis each year, the Las Vegas Valley has never truly seemed like a wine bar kind of place. But now, Henderson is stepping up the cork-popping quotient with the Local, a sociable boîte in the District at Green Valley Ranch.
Opened by restaurateurs Chris Connors and Li Sun—who own Me Gusta Tacos in the same center—the Local is a sunshine-filled West Coast take on the traditional wine bar, with an alabaster-toned marble bar, white-and-black geometric tile work, wrought-metal lighting and stylish potted verdure. It’s a pretty space that doesn’t feel Instagrammably cloying or cutesy.
The eclectic selection of wines is mercifully free of big corporate labels, and the per-glass price points range from reasonable ($19) to splurge-worthy ($49). Flights are a handy way to get acquainted with your new winey neighbor: The summery New World White selection features Three Brooms’ Sauvignon Blanc, the Fableist’s Grüner Veltliner, Buena Vista’s Chardonnay and Eberle’s Viognier for $16. There are five other such curations with reds and mimosas.
Want to be a dark-berry baller? Splash out with a goblet of 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s DeBeikes ($25) or a 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Provence’s Louis Bernard ($28). Sparkles are served by the glass and bottle, too. The menu also includes a compact roster of craft beers and cocktails, plus light eats like charcuterie and cheese boards.
THE LOCAL 2240 Village Walk Drive #136, 702-665-6050. Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
