“Pulsing with energy and filled with diners enjoying the new surroundings,local 188’s famous tapas shimmer invitingly across a big mirror in a scroll remiscent of a Toulouse Lautrec interior. According to owner/chef Jay Villani the menu descriptions are deliberately vague as the nature of hunting for the city’s freshest ingredients dictates surprise.”
Diane Hudson, Portland magazine

“The seafood paella came with perfectly cooked mahogany clams,mussels, salmon and Maine shrimp along with green beans and the requisite long grain rice w/ it’s saffron seasoning and color. There is something soul satisfying about seafood and rice and Local 188 has caught the essence of it with the Spanish classic.”
N.L. English, Maine Sunday Telegram

“While the old space had a certain artsy, campy vibe —
enhanced by the small, well-worn dining room and the edgy art shows —the new restaurant is filled with a bohemian elegance. The huge dining room contains two bars (one overlooking the open kitchen),an eclectic assortment of tables and chairs and a dedicated lounge area.Deep purples and rich burgundies add a nightclub feel that’s buoyed by comfortable couches and a bench salvaged from the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center.”
Avery Yale Kamila, Switch magazine