There is no shortage of Irish pubs in Minnesota. Most major cities have several, and many small towns boast at least one local spot where you can put your elbows up, enjoy a pint of Guinness, and, on the proper occasion, join a chorus of “Danny Boy.” St. Paul is the epicenter of Irish culture in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, the city and its pubs go all out to celebrate with a parade and block parties. Minneapolis, Brainerd, and other communities also host fine St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at their respective watering holes. Then, they settle back for the rest of the year into neighborhood establishments that welcome regulars and newcomers alike to enjoy a pint, good company, a round of darts, or whatever game is on the telly.
There’s one spot in the Twin Cities, though, that I think is often overlooked when the Irish pub conversation rolls around. Maybe it’s because of its suburban location, or perhaps because it shares a name with a popular Minneapolis establishment, it may seem like an afterthought to some. But if you ask me, The Local West End in St. Louis Park is a mighty fine pub in its own right.
The Local West End originally opened as Cooper (a nod to the amazing, historic Cooper Theater that once stood near the site) under the ownership of Kieran Folliard, who founded Kieran’s and The Local in Minneapolis and The Liffey in St. Paul. Folliard left the pub business in 2011 when he launched his 2 Gingers brand of Irish Whiskey, turning the reins of his Twin Cities pub empire over to Peter Killen and the Cara Group. In 2019, Cooper was relaunched as The Local West End, a rebranding that aligned it more closely with its beloved sister pub in downtown Minneapolis.
I’ve visited all of the establishments Folliard founded—including The Liffey, which closed on St. Patrick’s Day 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened—and I’ve enjoyed them all. I loved Cooper, and I love The Local West End. The decor is classic pub, centered around a historic wooden bar that was taken from an older establishment, dismantled, and lovingly reassembled in The Local’s space.
The Local West End offers the same convivial atmosphere, great food, and drinks as the other Cara establishments—without the downtown crowds or parking hassles. Located in the vibrant West End development of St. Louis Park, it sits comfortably among high-end shops and a movie theater, making it the perfect capstone to an afternoon of errands.
If you prefer a bit of privacy amidst the bustle, try to snag one of the pub’s signature “snugs.” These enclosed private booths are a staple of The Local brand, offering a cozy retreat with their own doors, perfect for hushed conversations and private toasts away from the main fray. You won’t go wrong with the corned beef, the fish and chips—always crispy and perfect with a few splashes of malt vinegar—or the pub curry. And, of course, the beer and whiskey selections are deep and delicious.
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy a pint or a whiskey without raising a fist to city traffic, be sure to check out The Local West End. I know you won’t be disappointed. And, if you plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, first, be safe, and second, don’t forget your regalia…