Welcome to Louie's Restaurant
Louie's Restaurant stands out as a cozy gem in Waukegan, attracting locals with its old-school charm and vibrant menu. Open Wednesday through Sunday for takeout starting at 11:00 A.M. and dining at 4:00 P.M., it's the perfect spot to indulge in Italian and American classics. Reservations are welcome, ensuring a seat at this family-friendly establishment with a historic ambiance. Known for its attentive service and laid-back atmosphere, Louie's offers a delightful escape, whether you're dining solo or with family. Prepare for delicious comfort food and a great selection of drinks, all at reasonable prices between $10 and $20. Don't miss the famous breadsticks that patrons rave about!
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About
Louie's Restaurant is nestled at 1009 North Ave, Waukegan, IL, making it a convenient local haunt for both residents and visitors alike. This establishment has become a crucial part of the community, known for its cozy dining environment, complete with red-checkered plastic tablecloths that scream comfort. Louie's creates a space that feels both welcoming and nostalgic, catering to families, groups, and anyone looking for a relaxed dining experience.
The restaurant serves as a safe space for LGBTQ+ patrons, ensuring all guests feel right at home. Plus, with wheelchair accessibility throughout the establishment, Louie's invites everyone to enjoy a great meal. Busy nights often see the dining room filled to capacity, especially on Fridays, where it consistently attracts a full house. For those looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the quieter hours on Wednesdays or Sundays. Louie's Restaurant balances a rich menu with a warm atmosphere, making every visit special. From the fast service to the historical warmth, the experience here captures the heart of Waukegan dining.
Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate that Louie's is not just about filling plates; it is about creating connections and making memories, whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Patrons rave about the famous breadsticks, a must-have starter that disappears almost as soon as it hits the table. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the dining experience, making guests feel valued and at ease. Many highlight the daily dinner specials, featuring upscale comfort food options like the broasted chicken and spaghetti that surprise diners with their quality.
Louie's impressive drink selection, particularly the craft beers and cocktails, elevates any meal. Visitors value the restaurant’s community feel, where regulars are welcomed like family. The historic decor sets a pleasant background, ideal for cozy gatherings. Additionally, the swift service means that even during peak hours, guests aren’t left waiting too long for their meals.
Most Disliked
Some diners mention that the exterior of Louie's doesn’t match the quality of the interior, which can be misleading for first-time visitors. Occasionally, a wait for a table during peak hours can be frustrating, especially on busy Friday nights. While the selection offers something for everyone, a few guests yearn for more innovative options on the menu, feeling that the classics dominate the offerings.
The buzz during peak dinner hours can create a noisy environment, making it difficult for intimate conversations. Additionally, the takeout experience might lack the warmth that comes with dining in, which some frequent visitors might miss. Although the restaurant aims for quick service, there are instances where meals may take a tad longer during rush periods, catching diners off guard.
Reviews
Ed B.
Loved it. A classic old school red sauce Italian place with so much more on the menu. Friendly, attentive service. Solid cocktails and bar selection. Delicious breadsticks. Red checkered plastic tablecloths. Lots of variety. Cheese curds were inhaled before a photo could even be snapped. We will be back!
Kristin
I usually don't give five stars for a restaurant. This was very nice the atmosphere was really good and the food was really good I had chicken four piece, fresh vegetables not Frozen and the chicken was excellent. It is kind of surprising that you look at the outside of this place and you just would not expect how nice it is on the inside. I forgot to take a picture of the food before and but hey I ate it all it was delicious.
George K.
An excellent neighborhood restaurant with daily dinner specials. You won't find bar food here, but more upscale dining like spaghetti and mostaccioli, broasted chicken and fish. The history of Louie's is continued to this day through the attentive staff and the customers. If you loved Louie's 20 years ago, you will love it again.
Valarie M.
This place is great, its quiet and family friendly. The servers are so nice. The food is great! Dont skip put of the breadsticks or mozzarella sticks you wont be disappointed.
George M.
Visited with my family from out of town and we really enjoyed this place. The food was great and the service and atmosphere were fantastic.
Charles D.
Went this past Sunday. Had been a few times before but had never tried the pizza. Definitely worth a visit if you have not been here before and you are relatively close by. The sausage was quite good. The jalapenos were fresh and mercifully mild. In fact they could have been a little hotter (but they can't control that) The edge pieces were ~outstanding~. I do think it could be cooked a little hotter or longer period it is not a firm crust all the way through... THAT SAID I will almost certainly be visiting again next month. note: I am not sure how long that building has operated as Louie's but man the vibe is truly old school. PS the broasted chicken is fantastic
Patrick C.
Wonderful thin delicious pizza, walking out I noticed the specials, darn! Tonight was all you can eat fried chicken which was sampled and enjoyed. Our server Stacey was fantastic! Went back under new ownership and the place looks brighter and cleaner. Margaret was a great server and very helpful with my special need adult sons. We all had the all you can eat Chicken! Delicious! And the best Cole slaw anywhere!