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Welcome to Louie's

Louie's, located in Waukegan, IL, is a traditional Italian pizzeria offering a variety of dishes alongside their famous breadsticks. With a cozy and retro ambiance, Louie's has been a family tradition for over 50 years. The breasted chicken and yellow gravy mashed potatoes are standout dishes, with homemade thousand island dressing for dipping breadsticks. The menu features a range of options, from salads to sandwiches, wraps, and traditional Italian favorites like lasagna and chicken parmesan. With excellent service and a unique atmosphere, Louie's is a hidden gem worth discovering for a delicious meal with family and friends.

Louie's: Reviews & Ratings

Amy F.
Amy F.

Louie's is fabulous from the ambience to the service and the food. We went on a Saturday evening and were seated right away. They brought out a hot basket of garlic bread sticks and they were delicious. I had the lake perch with a baked potato and it came with a fresh garden salad. I chose the creamy garlic dressing and they give you a big cup of it. The dressing was to die for. The perch was crispy with a nice flavor to the breading. My niece had the meatballs and penne and she loved it. My nephew had the Italian sausage sandwich with the chips. He said it was really good. We'll definitely be back. I didn't take any pictures because I accidentally left my phone at home. Sorry!

Alice K.
Alice K.

We were in the area and had Louie's on our Yelp list of places to try. We were seated right away and they brought us a basket of bread. It was hot and fluffy on the inside. We ordered the broasted chicken dinner and sausage pizza. Both were delicious. Stacy was outstanding. Will definitely be going back.

Susan W.
Susan W.

Louie's- a family tradition of ours for over 50 years- ownership has changed recently- Steve and Kathy are doing a fabulous job! They are listening to their long time customers and bringing back some old favorites while adding some new items to the menu. Rhonda is the very best server and always there to serve your every need. Food wise- breasted chicken is a solid choice- and let's talk breadsticks! WOW! Hot and with the best flavor- dip in their homemade thousand island dressing!! Yummy! We have literally tried everything on the menu and it never disappoints! If you want to step back in time- with really good food and company this is the place for you!

Cynthia B.
Cynthia B.

The best chicken. When I have chicken I want mashed potatoes. Louies is the only restaurant that I know of that has yellow gravy. Yum. Louies is a go-to in Waukegan. Love it!

Claire O.
Claire O.

Sometimes places look odd from the outside and then you realize the good inside. Not bad odd, but just like "that place? really?". My boyfriend and I came to Louie's after hearing about their food and amazing breadsticks. The door we walked into led us into a room that I can only describe as an abandoned liquor store. We later figured out this was their takeout entrance...but it was probably a liquor store at one time! That room connects to their dining room/bar. One side is the bar and the other side is half booth half table seating. In the far back is a small dining room with 5 tables. The bar room is dimly lit and has very retro decor but it's very cool! Unfortunately, we were put in the far back area. Not the nicest ambiance there, but that's OK. I had the lasagna and he had chicken parmesan. Both were very good. Salads were a little boring but the DELICIOUS breadsticks made up for all that. Oh, and they're refillable too. We went through 3 baskets of breadsticks and our server even gave us some to take home. Our server was very nice and did he job well. I could have mistaken him for a busser, and maybe he was and everyone does a little of everything here, but our service was good. He even told us about the Sunday all you can eat fried chicken special...might have to come back for that...and to try their pizza. Louie's is in the middle of a residential area with what looks like an old downtown area (I found out later this was old downtown Waukegan before stuff further south was built up)...lots of little random storefronts with very few businesses. I feel like you either know this place is here or you don't and have to be told by someone else to come here. I would gladly come back here!

Christina L.
Christina L.

I went to Louie's with some friends. I ordered a salad and cheese pizza for the table. I wasn't the biggest fan of the salad, it came with lettuce, red onion, beets, and ranch dressing. The cheese pizza was the one that stole the show. The inside pieces of the cheese pizza was so tasty, the crust was a little more crispy than I normally like. The service was awesome, our server did an amazing job waitressing everyone in the restaurant, and was still able to tend to our needs. Inside the restaurant there is plenty of room for seating, party room in the back, and slots on the right of the restaurant. Over all I had a great time.

Monic L.
Monic L.

Louie's is a staple in Waukegan, I've driven past this place so many times and finally gave it a try. I called in for a pick-up order. I got a small cheese pizza and their bag of bread. One side is a restaurant, and the other is where you pick up your orders. I was held right away, and my food was ready with the time they gave me. Let me tell you, the bag of bread is addictive. I started eating them on the way home and barely had self-control to save room for pizza. I liked their cheese pizza. Their dough is delicious, and the cheese was plenty. If a place can make a tasty cheese pizza, I trust them. One day, I'll have to come back and try some more items on the menu and maybe even dine in.

Dennis C.
Dennis C.

Louie's, a neighborhood favorite that has been serving locals and out of towners for many many years. The inside is so quaint and timeless. Dark wood, Mirrors that line one side and an old world bar that is simple yet unique. The food is typical of Italian style, pizza, pasta, breadsticks. You will be full and satisfied with the portions. The staff and owners are so personable that you would think you grew up with them. The pandemic hurt them and it seemed that they would not be able to keep the doors open" and they did close down for a bit" but, the locals would not let them leave so. Now, they are coming back and have not changed much but maybe the hours. Please visit this place if not for the food but for the nostalgia and memories.

John A.
John A.

Service was excellent. Requested a reservation an hour and a half before my desired time and graciously accommodated on a concert night. Seated on time and felt very much welcomed. Waitress was fantastic. On point service with a down home feel. Food was excellent. This place is a bit of an old school throw back. The menu was diverse without being complicated. The special today was Poor Mans Lobster (cod with liquid butter) and it was great. So pleased. Garlic breadsticks, soup and salad were all great. They are also known for having some of the best pizza lake county has to offer but I have not tried it yet. Ambiance is a cross between an old school small town supper club and an old time pub. Hard to explain but reminded me just a little of Martini's bar in It's a Wonderful Life but with better seating. Price is very fair and portions are generous. I'll be back.

Location

  • Louie's
    1009 North Ave Waukegan, IL 60085 Hotline: (847) 244-0101

Introducing Louie's, a beloved Italian pizza joint located at 1009 North Ave in Waukegan, IL. This casual yet bustling restaurant offers a plethora of amenities, including takeout, delivery, reservations, catering, and even outdoor seating. With a menu full of delicious options, Louie's is a favorite spot for groups, families, and solo diners alike.

One standout feature of Louie's is their extensive salad selection, with options like the Billy's Walnut Salad, Individual Greek Salad, and Antipasto Salad. For those craving a hearty sandwich, the Devil on Horseback and Angel on Horseback options will surely satisfy. And if wraps are more your style, the Chicken Caesar Wrap or Turkey Club Wrap are top choices.

What sets Louie's apart from the rest is their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Reviews rave about the tasty broasted chicken, flavorful meatballs, and mouthwatering sausage pizza. Not to mention, their renowned garlic breadsticks are a must-try, with customers going through multiple baskets during their visit.

Stepping inside Louie's, you'll find a cozy atmosphere with retro decor and friendly service. Whether you're dining in the main bar area or the more intimate back dining room, you're sure to feel right at home. And with the added bonus of refillable breadsticks, generous portion sizes, and attentive staff, Louie's is a standout dining destination in Waukegan.