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    Lou's Takeaway

    4.8 (322 reviews)
    ModerateComfort Food
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    Lou's Takeaway Photos

    LOU'S TAKEAWAY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Ordering window
    Alice K.

    Learned of this spot via SF Chronicle Top 100 Eats and decided to swing by on our north bay trip. Later in unassuming shopping strip - prepare for line during busy hours. Came Friday lunch, order at window, in about 10 min food is cooked ready. Some outside seating but most folks order to-go. DH and I didn't think we were that hungry so we split Lou's balls which came with tasty green salad and dressing. The pork used in meatballs tasted fresher than normal ground pork. Next time will like to try fried chicken and would love for a brown rice option!

    Shrimp skewers ($24)
    Sha G.

    Sorry everyone, this is not a review. This is a love letter to Lou. Dearest Lou, I called you at 4:15 pm sharp for a dinner order. I didn't give up on you because I kept calling and calling until you answered. Somehow, you're always so happy to hear from me. I was INCREDIBLY happy to hear from you. I placed my order for a six piece roasted shrimp skewer with rice, fresh herb sauce, crispy wontons and a fresh side green salad at $24. You told me pick up was at 5 pm and I got on the 101 North immediately to you. There you were, waiting for me at the window with a smile. Of course, my spicy shrimp were awaiting my arrival. You even gave me extra sauce on the side. To me, this is the ultimate love and care I needed at the end of a long week. I know I could have stayed on-site at the lovely outdoor seating, but I decided to take my plate home. I want you to know that I didn't share this precious plate. I also licked the container. Yours very truly, Sha

    Szechuan chicken (extra spicy)
    Billy L.

    I do not usually make it out to Marin County, but I had an errand to run in San Rafael and decided to check out where locals like to eat. Reddit pointed me to Lou's Takeaway, and after seeing how many people raved about it, I had to try it. I called in my order and the person on the phone was super nice. He told me it would be ready in about 15 minutes. Their menu changes often with different specials, and since I love spicy food, I went with the Szechuan spicy chicken that comes with rice and a salad. I asked for it extra spicy. When I arrived, the place immediately caught my attention. It is a small walk up spot that kind of looks like a mobile coffee stand, really charming and casual. The guy at the window was friendly and I am pretty sure he was the same one who took my order. I asked for chopsticks and they had them, which was a nice touch. The moment I opened the box in my car, I was impressed. The portion was generous, the food was plated really well for takeout, and there were lots of peanuts, which I love. The first bite was delicious. I would not call it very spicy, but it had that classic Szechuan numbing heat rather than an overwhelming burn. The salad was fresh with a light dressing, which balanced the richness of the chicken dish perfectly. The flavors overall were very savory and satisfying. If I am in the area again, I definitely want to go back and try some of their other specials since everything on the menu sounded tempting.

    Steak (forget what it's called on menu)
    Chris B.

    I gave a review like 5 months ago. I've been coming here weekly every Tuesday since and this is a local gem especially for Marin. It's lit that's all that I gotta say. Call in your order in advance. It's a unique local small biz owned establishment whipping out unique dishes every day twice a day like hotcakes. Get it how u live it! Thank me later. Sorry no pics (I'm bad at that. I should take pics ) Big portions, lit special sauce always different, leafy salad with bomb dressing and the rice is fire cuz the juice soaks into. I get the fried chicken every time. Never deviate from the truth

    Black vinegar pork belly

    Great service amazing food and fair prices for the portions. Hard not to appreciate how this place prepares their food. You can tell they are passionate about what they do. Will come back anytime I'm in the area

    Christina J.

    Another OUTSTANDING visit to this spot These were great Coconut Pork belly Poipu Roasted chicken Pork shoulder

    Chicken plate
    Carly B.

    Wow! This chicken is probably some of the best I've ever had. It's full of flavor. The sauce is incredible. The chicken is cooked to perfection. The restaurant is very small with only 4 employees who cook the food daily. Everything is fresh!! I wish there was a little bit less salad, however it's always good to eat your greens!

    crispy chicken over rice
    Crystalin B.

    We haven't been back in a while since we're rarely in the area, but whenever we're driving up to Napa or Sonoma, this spot is a must! A few things we wanted were sold out so I'd recommend calling ahead to place an order. They don't have a set menu on hand so you have to make sure to go on their website. Despite the call-ins and the line, the wait wasn't long at all. We got the crispy chicken, spice-roasted chicken, and miso-roasted shrimp skewer over rice - all so good! The breading on the chicken wasn't too thick, just right, and the sauce they drizzle on top was super flavorful. We even had leftovers and the leftovers were still good!!

    Anahit S.

    A hidden gem with some of best fried chicken I have had in a long time. The food menu rotates daily which is a great way to keep trying new dishes. Service was excellent, overall great spot.

    The most delicious chicken salad.
    Katie K.

    This is a neighborhood gem that has been discovered by many outside of the neighborhood as well. All of the food is always made fresh, the menu is posted each day a few hours before they begin taking orders. You do have to be pretty good about calling and getting your order in as they do sell out. This is my go to spot when I'm looking for a salad and protein, but want to have a lot of flavor packed in. if you are sensitive to spice, definitely ask them about spice level when you place your order as some of the food can be spicy.

    Hype me up chicken.

    This place just absolutely never fails. The quality of ingredients is incredible. The innovation of flavors is genius. The guy at the counter is always so friendly and helpful even though he must be stressed during the rush. I work right up the street and treat myself at least once (or twice) a month. Delicious.

    Spicy fried chicken
    Kristine K.

    Lou's is my special solo lunch treat before or after I have a medical appointment nearby. I have had the spicy fried chicken and today I got the crispy pork shoulder "Alouha" style with gochujang Mac and a pineapple soy drizzle, so yummy! They can sell out of popular dishes so I just order in person so I know what is still available. Service at the counter is always friendly. Stool seating is facing the parking lot, so best for a casual solo meal or lunch with a coworker if you are lucky enough to work in the area.

    Exterior
    cm g.

    Search: chicken salad near me. OMG! Found. It has to be a local secret, maybe-not sure, but fantastic! Great website that explains about the daily menu. Walk up window, easy ordering and friendly folks. It's obvious this is a culinary labor of love. Little covered patio with stools if you must eat there, but there is a reason it's called "Lou's Takeaway", you get it? Fried Chicken is the star but today there was shrimp on the menu which, as my eyes are always bigger than my stomach, I opted to only order one dish. Fresh, balanced and exciting flavors, textures and combinations! Can't wait to try more.

    Soy Braised Duck

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    Ask the Community - Lou's Takeaway

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    This review is for the cafe…read more Clearly breakfast at Comforts is not a secret. We went twice this past weekend and we were not the only ones waiting at the door at 8am. The SO is totally in love with the roast turkey and stuffing hash. Given the opportunity, I think he'd eat it every day. (He did have it both days this past weekend.) I was a bit disappointed in the buttermilk-cornmeal griddle cake that came with my Farmers Breakfast. The taste was fine but it was tough. Chewy is just not an adjective I ever want to apply to a pancake. However, they more than redeemed themselves with the BAT Scramble. I'll need to try a few more items on the menu, but that could easily be my "go to" breakfast. Portions were generous. I took my scone home since the scramble and potatoes were more than enough. The SO had great things to say about their chai. The space is bright and airy, and tables are not so close together as to feel like you're part of your neighbor's conversations. If there is any problem with this restaurant it is with the service. As far as we could tell, there was only one server working the entire space - both indoors and out. Although she was very personable and was doing a more than admirable job considering, it was just too much for one person. (Management, take note! She's great, but could do with some assistance.) Comforts has taken the spot of our favorite breakfast spot in Marin.

    Whenever I come to CA from Maine, my old neighbor and I go to Comforts. The last couple times have…read morebeen a disappointment. They have done something to the signature Chinese Chicken salad. The chicken is boiled not marinated and roasted. Coconut cake was dry and sadly, the guy checking out was pretty rude to 2 old ladies. Glenn did everything so well.

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    The food was absolutely amazing, the service was fast even though it was a hopping Saturday night,…read moreand the chefs were zipping through orders. Tye, our server, was friendly and kind and on top of refilling waters, offering drink suggestions, and grabbing to-go boxes before we even asked for them! I had the chicken parmigiana, which was light and flavorful, and the steamed spinach that went with it was delicious (and I HATE cooked spinach, but gave it a try and actually enjoyed it for the first time ever!) The andouille sausage that was served with the pesto risotto was smoked and you could really taste it, and the spicyness was just perfect. The pesto sauce was heavy on the pine nuts in the best way. It wasn't oily or heavy on the basil or garlic like a lot of pesto sauces can be, and that left the risotto so light and almost citrusy. My cousin had the harvest garden dish, and they were stunned by how delicious it was. As a vegetarian, they are particular about their veggies, but everything was 'perfectly cooked'. At the end of the meal we were surprised by the panna cotta with the fruit remoulade, which we devoured in like three minutes haha! We really enjoyed all of the food, the service, and the ambiance. We only wish we lived closer, but might make the 90+ mile trip from Sacramento just for the amazing food now and then.

    stopped by for a quick bite after a long day of hiking and taking our doggies for an adventure. I…read moreordered the pesto fettuccine & had plenty of leftovers for me to take home. We sat outside the restaurant on the patio with plenty of shade. The service & staff were awesome, patient, and brought our dogs water unprompted. Such a thoughtful gesture. We also tried some corn bread at the time which was devoured by my husband, he was a big fan. Also ordered a margarita, was delicious, balanced, & crisp/refreshing. the bathrooms were clean, the dinner crowd was coming in as we were leaving & it looked lively. hoping to stop by again for future trips. 5 stars from me & the doggo

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    World Famous Hotboys - Menu

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    Wow fantastic! I am glad I Google Search fast food places…read morebesides the same old chicken place I been to on Novato and I found this cute name place a decided to give this place a try and boy I a glad I did! It was a slight detour from where I was but it was work the drive here as I found Rustic Bakery right next door that my friend told me about the had good pastries. On their website, They use 100% halal chicken, peanut oil, wheat and soy products. I ordered the Chicken Sandwich Combo which is The World Famous Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and your choice of side. This restaurant is located around the bay area like Oakland, Walnut Creek, Sacramento & Hayward or our locations in Carmel Indiana & Indianapolis. I love the hip looking decor. Something everyone can be surprised with and makes a great conversation starter like aliens and I used to have toy like that growing up. lol good meal combo I got with mild chicken sandwich with fries and a drink was very enjoyable and I would be more than happy to come back to World Famous Hotboys. I was impressed and it was yummy in my tummy.

    Was wanting a spicy chicken sandwich and was in the Novato area so decided to try World Famous…read moreHotboys for the first time. After talking with the person taking orders I went with the Chicken Sando with Medium+ heat and side of Mac & Cheese, Also got the Loaded Fries as well. Chicken Sando was nice and crispy and flavorful, sauce, coleslaw and pickle with the chicken was pefect combo. Next time I'll go up 1 heat level as I found the Medium+ wasn't warm enough for me. The side of Mac & Cheese was ok, I wish they had some hot sauce I could have added to it. The Loaded Fries were really good, the combo of the pickles, sauce, chicken, fries and coleslaw hit perfectly ! my only complain was for $15 I wish I would of gotten more for my money. Not that I dislike Dave's Hot Chicken but overall I preferred the chicken here over Dave's, would recommend this to anyone who likes Spicy Chicken.

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    World Famous Hotboys - A couple video games near the entrance

    A couple video games near the entrance

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    Rain glazed the streets of San Rafael as I wandered without urgency, the day quiet and gray. Then,…read morelike a whispered invitation, the aroma of food drifted from a small, unassuming breakfast spot called Lundy's. I followed it inside. Warmth met me at the door--a pleasant gentleman, a cup of tea cradled in my hands, and the promise of something comforting. The corned beef and hash arrived steaming, its flavors deep and soulful, the kind that settle you from the inside out. A silky hollandaise crowned the plate, rich and indulgent, tying everything together. In that moment, with rain tapping the windows and heat rising from the dish, I knew I was eating something special. It wasn't just breakfast--it was, without question, the finest corned beef and hash I have ever known.

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