Wow, what a step back in time and what fantastic food. The restaurant opened in 1941 and it probably looks the same, which is a GOOD thing. The Thousand Island salad dressing is well known and the old school cracker thin pizza was wonderful. And who puts chopped beets in the salad nowadays? Served with warm, buttery dinner rolls. The people at the next table were eating fried chicken and I wanted that, too. Try Louie's! read more

Been going to Louies for pasta for 4 decades. And it's always just amazing as I remember. The service is always great. The cocktails were fresh and unique. And the food. It delicious and just tastes like home. Not much has changed inside in all those years, but I wouldnt want it any other way. It's cozy and comforting Only note, which I understand but think is important for people who, like me, are obsessed with the bread sticks...they are no longer unlimited. But will cost $8 for any additional baskets after the first read more

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Cozy restaurant in the local neighborhood. Staff was courteous and friendly. Service was rather quick. Have early closing hours 8:00 p.m in a Saturday night. The use of mirrors all around made the place look much bigger than it actually is. The brosted chicken was second to none. awesome read more

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Amazing place great service great food relaxed ambiance dark lighting but homey atmosphere that paired with some delicious pizza or meatball spaghetti you just can't beat it! Definitely would recommend and this is a regular place for me! read more

Louie's - Pizza - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

Dumplings in soup not cooked through. Raw dough in the middle. Everything else has been good. read more

Louie's - The overall broth and soup was good but the dumpling was something to be desired. - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

I bought a beef sandwich, fries, and root beer to go for less than $19, including tax! When I got home, I was very happy with the large amount of food and how good it was. The generously sliced beef, fresh bread, and tasty au jus tasted like they were made from scratch, which shows how much the kitchen cares about their food. Louie's Restaurant will be a place I visit often whenever I'm at A-Major Music next door. read more

Can't go back. Spent many a Friday night eating dinner here for 20 some years. Vibe totally different. No family members there to greet you, Saturday, 12/27/25, no familiar faces. Greeter was friendly, Marjory. Got the old favorites, French Onion soup, came cold. Salad and bread sticks as I remembered, tho not the portions I remember after 5 years. Signage on table make mention of limit amounts now. I asked, specifically, for full rack of ribs to be undercooked a bit and very light sauce. The order ticket that arrived with meal did indicate this yet, Chef did not follow order instructions. Burnt and lots of sauce. I must add, I did always receive preferential treatment back in the day because I always ordered the same meal and tipped very well. No need to spend the hour drive going back. read more

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. read more

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This is a bar and restaurant that has been a neighborhood staple for many years. The food is well prepared, and the menu has provided customer favorites for a very long time. The ambiance is sort of like the restaurant in "Cheers"...kind of retro, lots of wood, and a long bar. The service is good, but I think they need more waitstaff, especially on busy days. I would also like them to reinstate their special unlimited bread sticks, for which they are well-known, as they changed to make it 3 or 4 per entree. And they are not particularly large.. This is a good option for family dining, and clientele is varied...older adults, theater goers, families, younger adults. With a few improvements in staffing and items offered, I would give this 5 stars. read more

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! read more

Bad Service, Friday night I post the truth about 2 Bartenders behind the bar and could not Get a Drink . I made a Post on Facebook ,Margaret and Kathy responded to me on my page , telling me to Go some where else ,alot of people have experience bad service from Louies Restaurant. They Now have jumped on my Facebook page and Tried Blocking my Statement from the Public . I Do not Recommend this Restaurant. read more

I've been going there for many years. Went last night for the last time!! Service was pushy,food was very subpar and the bartender wasn't even a bartender. 9$ old fashioned that a child could have made better. It's a shame because they have always been a go to restaurant read more

Great food. Love the local vibe. Place was very busy, but we had good food and service.

I used to really enjoy Louie's, but unfortunately, it's just not the same anymore. The service was awful -- slow, inattentive, and not welcoming at all. On top of that, the recent menu changes were disappointing and took away a lot of what made this place special. It feels like the quality and care that used to make Louie's a great spot are gone. If you liked the bread they gave you once you sat down, that is no longer, they charge you. Definitely not what it used to be, and I won't be going back. read more

My husband and I came to spend time together for our birthday/anniversary. When we entered at about 4:30 pm the restaurant was not full of people. We were taken all the way to the very back of the restaurant and seated. I went to the bathroom and when I returned to our table, my husband was expressing his feelings over the way the waitress made him feel rushed and uncomfortable. According to him, the waitress was rude. We came to celebrate and spend money there. We are generous on tips and expect to be served and respected. As well as respect. We will not return due to the way the waitress was to my husband. He usually is the one that doesn't take anything personally, and for HIM to feel as uncomfortable as He did is very unfortunate for that establishment. We planned to go back with family in the near future to enjoy time together. A lot of money would have been spent. We will not be going back. Remember Louie's staff.... You have no idea who you have coming in to your establishment to spend good hard earned money and to repeat the experience with others. You lost. Shame on your waitress who was rude. Also the couple that was seated way in the back of the empty restaurant was also not happy with the waitress, but stayed anyway. They stated they came in from Lake Forest Il and also felt discomfort with the waitress. Be Kind and patient. Treat everyone with respect. And don't dump people in the back corner when you have tables in the front. That's all and we will be sure to let everyone we know how we were treated today. read more

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. read more

Louie's - Salad - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

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We were so disappointed tonight. Nice Selection but I found the prices way too high. My goodness, charging equal to Coopers Hawk. Wine was actually more. Example bottle of Moscato $46. Coopers Hawk $29. What the heck? Decided to try the French Onion Soup. Luke warm, no onions. 1 tiny piece of bread. Lots of mozzarella. $8.50 a Bowl. Salad was $8.50. No cucumbers. No Ranch. Server was friendly, no issues there. Won't be going back read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Louie's - Louie's entrance - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

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. read more

This old-school casual/neighborhood place has been around for over eight decades - thriving and surviving thru many trends, economic cycles, etc. The very friendly owner has done a great job at keeping the quality high, the food tasty, and the atmosphere welcoming. In my visits - I have been very happy with the Poor Man's Lobster (their Friday special) which - for the price - is a solid value. Their thin crust pizza has a good combination of sauce, savory flavors and some char on the bottom. I learned why their broasted chicken and home-made breadsticks are strong favorites. I strongly advise you make a "to-go" order on the breadsticks and their home-made dressings for a late night snack or next-day appetizer!!! read more

Love it. Old school old neighborhood vibe. Staff is super friendly and attentive. Chicken parm is awesome. The pizza has a unique but delicious tang to it. I was really surprised by the pizza. I have had pizza all over Chicagoland this one needs to be on the map. Better than that famous southside joint vito and nicks. read more

A Waukegan staple and favorite! We love the broasted chicken family meal. Delicious and affordable. Owners are very nice. Ambiance is casual and comfortable. read more

On February 9th, I placed an order around 1:00 PM for delivery at 5:00 PM. I received both a text and an email confirmation stating that my order was received and would be delivered at 4:58 PM. However, at approximately 4:00 PM, I received a call from the restaurant informing me that they had to cancel my order because the kitchen was closed. I requested to speak with the manager to understand why I was only being notified at that late hour. Instead of taking responsibility, the manager attempted to blame TOAST, the delivery service. In reality, the issue was caused by the business failing to disable online ordering and properly monitor incoming orders. This occurred on Super Bowl Sunday at 4:00 PM, a particularly busy time, yet the only resolution offered was a vague apology and a promise of a free pizza when the restaurant reopened on Wednesday. Update: As of 2/19, I still have not received a refund. read more

So I admit i'm bias right up front when it comes to chicken. For those of you who know what I'm talking about...I've stood in line in the hot Memphis sun waiting to get into Gus's. This is my yard stick. However...Louie's is darn close and a lot closer to home. I just pour on the tabasco and i'm back in the south. I used to live in the neighborhood of Louies and it's nice to see some things remain the same. read more

Just went here for dinner and had the worst service, never asked for refills, took an hour to get food, taking the staple of Louie's away with free breadsticks by only giving 3 small pieces per person and then have to pay 8 dollars per additional basket and can't even have them with our soup, had to wait for our meal. It's sad cause Louie's was a fantastic restaurant but after tonight we won't be back read more

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! read more

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! read more

I tried to come in today with my wife and the female owner tried to sit us at a small table with a 1/4 booth and a chair. When I asked for a bigger table, a four top, I was met with a response, those are reserved for four people. Mind you, there were 4 empty 4 tops at the time. We walked out and the owner didn't seem to care. It must be nice being rich and not needing the customers. read more

Louie's is Louie's. Great pizza, cold beer and broasted chicken. Don't forget the bread, always get their bread. If you don't get anything from this place, get the bread. Paired with their Garlic Ranch sauce, it's perfect! Also got other variety of sandwiches, pastas and soups. Great little place to have Sunday brunch. Service is always on point. read more

I grew up with Louie's. When I was a kid, my friends and I would pool our change to buy a cheese bomber with extra cheese, Doritos and a Coke. There wasn't anything better. And so, when I'm back home, stopping at Louie's is a must for a cheese bomber. And, if there are two stops, maybe also a DOH, AOH, cheese pizza, lasagna or poor man's lobster -- depends on the night. And the house salad with their "house dressing" is a must (not for kids pooling their money but for grownups needing their vegs). read more

Old school Italian. This place has been around forecer and it makes sense why after trying them. Close to theaters in Waukeegan and plenty of parking make it easy to pop in. We were seated immediately on a busy Friday evening. We went with the simple classic spaghetti and meatballs. It was quite tasty and just what you would expect. Solid meatballs, great sauce and the complimentary break sticks are out of this world. Also a huge full bar to enjoy a cocktail or cold beer. Anti Hero was on tap if you enjoy good IPAs like I do! read more

Nice local diner. Super Duper Pizza was very good. Service was great. Menu is limited with mostly bar food. read more

Louie's - Inside - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

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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! read more

Last night we had tickets at the Genesee theater in Waukegan and I looked around on yelp for a place not too far away. This little older restaurant about 46 years old, which they said was the oldest restaurant in Waukegan was four minutes away from the Genesee theater we made a reservation. We showed up on time at 6:30 and we ordered Poor man's lobster, which is cod comes with your choice of potatoes or pasta, and a wonderful salad wishes covered with vegetables and beets. All their dressings are homemade, and this restaurant is kind of an experience. You kind of feel like you're stepping back in time. The food was very good. The waitress was lovely And Billy, who seated us had my reservation written handwritten on a piece of paper and had a taped to the table so this is an easy five star review. They also have a huge parking lot directly across the street of the restaurant so you don't have to run around looking for a place to park? read more

I imagine Louie's looked fairly simular in 1960 or 1970 as it does today. That's not bad - it works for this old-time small family joint. I'm not a regualr - we perhaps order 2 or 3 times per year. Nothing "great", but constantly good, and a wonderful staff. My favorite items are the warm breadxsticks, and the salad w/house dressing...i could drink a goblet of this vinegar based dressing. Brosted chicken, pizza and lasagna are solid options. read more

Louie's - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

I wanted to mention that Louie's does take reservations even though I didn't see anything that indicated that they do. There are now *8* (count 'em) draft taps. Enjoy! read more

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Neighborhood place that's been around forever! Great food. Heavenly lagasna and bread. Servers are friendly and the catering staff was great! read more

Wonderful family, the Pattersons, have owned eatery for about 70? Years. Great food, reasonable prices, veteran staff. Been eating here since 1972. Great pasta, very fresh salads, fresh all you can eat bread and the best Thousand Island dressing on the planet. People buy it to take home. Best lasagna I've had anywhere. I don't go there for pizza but others do. Not a big dessert menu. Very nice, cozy atmosphere where longtime customers with good manners eat side by side. Somehow the loudmouths and drunks know not to go to Louie's. read more

Feel like Pizza? Yes, where at? We've never tried Louie's pizza. Sounds good, let's go. We arrive and order chicken, as it is All you can eat. But we did order their plate size Super, Dyper pizza. Oh so good! Great flavor. Chicken, Lasagna and now Pizza, so many choices. Now we end up leaving here in a food coma Oh, and drinks are good too. read more

Louie's - Italian Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois