Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: Lou’s Food Bar
Address: 1851 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO, 80211
Telephone: (303) 458-0336
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.72

Lou’s Food Bar

1851 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO, 80211

(303) 458-0336
Store is closed

Lou’s Food Bar Menu

Salads

Caesar with Anchovies

Lyonnaise

Beet Carpaccio

Baby Greens

Smoked Salmon

Southwestern Wedge

Caesar with Anchovies

Lyonnaise

Beet Carpaccio

Baby Greens

Smoked Salmon

Southwestern Wedge
Charcuterie

House Made Sausage Plate

Trio of Pate

House Salumi Plate

James' Cheese Plate

House Made Sausage Plate

Trio of Pate

House Salumi Plate

James' Cheese Plate
Just For the Fun of It

Escargot with Garlic

French Onion Soup

Fried Green Tomatoes

Lump Blue Crab Cakes & Remoulade

Grilled Artichoke & Madras Curry Aioli

Crispy Calamari

Fried Cheese Curds

PEI Mussels with Chorizo

Roasted Tomato Dip & Grilled Baguette

Escargot with Garlic

French Onion Soup

Fried Green Tomatoes

Lump Blue Crab Cakes & Remoulade

Grilled Artichoke & Madras Curry Aioli

Crispy Calamari

Fried Cheese Curds

PEI Mussels with Chorizo

Roasted Tomato Dip & Grilled Baguette
Mains

Fried Organic Chicken

Duck Confit

Pan Blackened Trout

Fontina Stuffed Veal Cutlet

Shrimp Sofrito

Strip Loin

Linguine and Clams

Fried Organic Chicken

Duck Confit

Pan Blackened Trout

Fontina Stuffed Veal Cutlet

Shrimp Sofrito

Strip Loin

Linguine and Clams
Burgers and Sandwiches

French Dip with Provolone

Blackened Fish

Banh Mi Hamburger

Lyonnaise Hamburger

Blackened Lou's Hamburger

Angus Burger with Fontina & Bacon

Lou's Fish

The Cuban

Lou's Reuben

Crab Cake Po' Boy

Sunnyside Chicken

French Dip with Provolone

Blackened Fish

Banh Mi Hamburger

Lyonnaise Hamburger

Blackened Lou's Hamburger

Angus Burger with Fontina & Bacon

Lou's Fish

The Cuban

Lou's Reuben

Crab Cake Po' Boy

Sunnyside Chicken
Spuds & Sides

Frites

Au Gratin

Lyonnaise

Whipped

Mac & Cheese

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Frites

Au Gratin

Lyonnaise

Whipped

Mac & Cheese

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lou’s Food Bar

Salads

Caesar with Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beet Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southwestern Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar with Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beet Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southwestern Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Charcuterie

House Made Sausage Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trio of Pate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salumi Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

James' Cheese Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Made Sausage Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trio of Pate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salumi Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

James' Cheese Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Just For the Fun of It

Escargot with Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Onion Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Green Tomatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Blue Crab Cakes & Remoulade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Artichoke & Madras Curry Aioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Cheese Curds [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

PEI Mussels with Chorizo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Tomato Dip & Grilled Baguette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Escargot with Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Onion Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Green Tomatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Blue Crab Cakes & Remoulade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Artichoke & Madras Curry Aioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Cheese Curds [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

PEI Mussels with Chorizo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Tomato Dip & Grilled Baguette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Mains

Fried Organic Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Duck Confit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Blackened Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fontina Stuffed Veal Cutlet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Sofrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strip Loin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine and Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Organic Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Duck Confit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Blackened Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fontina Stuffed Veal Cutlet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Sofrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strip Loin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine and Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burgers and Sandwiches

French Dip with Provolone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Mi Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Lou's Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Angus Burger with Fontina & Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lou's Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Cuban [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lou's Reuben [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Cake Po' Boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sunnyside Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Dip with Provolone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Mi Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Lou's Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Angus Burger with Fontina & Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lou's Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Cuban [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lou's Reuben [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Cake Po' Boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sunnyside Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Spuds & Sides

Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Au Gratin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Whipped [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Au Gratin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Whipped [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Ed B.

We have been to Lou's a number of times. Since the original opening, they have gone to a more laid back style and lower prices. Tonight, the patio, food, and service were all great and at a reasonable price. Plus they at very gluten free friendly. Great comfort style food with foodie flair and laid back attitude and space. Just what we needed, along with a nice cocktail deal...
(5)
Danielle W.

Stumbled upon this while we were looking for dinner and about to get back on the highway to go back to our hotel outside of the city. We're so glad we stopped. I have a number of allergies and in tolerances and they were so accommodating. The waitress was understanding and made some great recommendations and then double checked everything too. We also had the general manager stop by to make sure all was well. This is such a nice change from restaurants in my area! The food was great too. I had the hummus burger which was delicious. The fries are even seasoned nicely. My boyfriend had the French dip and the Mac and cheese. I highly enjoyed my zombie cocktail too. Delish. Definitely a hidden gem. Lastly they brought by a locally made hot sauce (Merfs) and then provided us with the contact info to buy it which is already done. This was our first night in the Denver area and we are very content!
(5)
Gillian G.

The spicy fried chicken is out of this world! Great corn flake crust, the chicken is moist because it is brined in pickle juice. Literally melts in your mouth. I was stuffed, but wanted to finish the whole thing. The Mac and cheese is AMAZING Our waitress was less than friendly from the minute we sat down. She came and checked on us twice and couldn't answer a question we had about drinks. Bonanno for the win for fried chicken!
(4)
Melissa F.

I'm only giving 2 stars because the service was horrible. They need more staff. we waited so long for drinks we only ordered once because they never came back to ask if we wanted another drink. I had the salted Paloma and was disappointed in the taste. The fried chicken on the other hand was good. I loved how crispy it was but it needs more flavor and spice. I got the hot but it by no means was hot.
(2)
Leanna C.

Is this my favorite brunch in Denver? No, it is close though. Lou's offers a ton of brunch options while serving bottomless bloody Mary's and a build your own Bloody Mary bar. The atmosphere is great for a relaxing weekend brunch with friends. Definitely try the stuffed beignets, they are kind of crispy and gooey and warm all at the same time. The sunny side hash with the pulled pork on it is probably one of my favorite menu items along with the fire starter breakfast sandwich (with jalapeÃ±o cream cheese added to it, trust me).
(4)
Lani P.

I've been here several times and finally got time to write a review. I've heard of the fried chicken raved here and tried it. It was nice and crunchy, but a bit too crunchy for me. I've tried this place for both dinner and brunch, dinner menu being my favorite by far. Here's the breakdown. Brunch - Beignet's - assorted, the Caramel is soo good, but don't expect New Orleans beignet's or you'll be dissappointed. They are tasty medium size donut holes with jelly, chocolate and caramel fillings though. Bar nuts - I love this tasty toasted sweet treats and devoured these. Pigs in Blanket w/ground mustard - This were tasty with the blanket being flaky good. Shrimp & Grits w/side of sausage - Oh this was really buttery and cheesy tasting grits with plump shrimp, I'm glad I got the sausage for more protein and it was Delicious! The sausage had like a star anise taste and it was My favorite! I usually don't like that licorice taste unless it's in candy, but this was Really good. Cornbeef hash w sauerkraut - Very hardy big portion and it was good, but not out of this world mind blowing how it was described to me by several people. This is where to each it's own comes into play I guess. Biscuit & Gravey - I LOVE the gravey, but will def. have to order the sausage on the side for a more hearty meaty meal. Dinner - Mortadella spread on bread - I really did like this and it's hard to find delicous mortadella, which is just a better tasting version of balogne. They make theirs in house we were told and it was tasty. Layonaise duck salad - Oh how I LOVED this! The right about of fresh tasting lettuce crisp with that moist saltyness of the duck was Out of this WORLD! Sausage Entree - this was pretty good, but I needed more meet. Fried chicken dinner special - got the cream corn which was very good, I almost thought it was grits in the dark lighting and the chicken skin was crunchy which I do like. To go - Duck Grilled cheese- this was an off the menu item we were told about and it was delicious, though the duck competed with the cheese flavoring, but I really did like this. I do however prefer the salad because the duck is the star and the vegetables just help to enhance the duck meat flavor. All in All I really like this place and will be back atleast 2-3 times a month to try 5 other things on my "must have" list. I am dying to try the make your own bloody mary the next sunday brunch I hit here. The prices are good and not expensive and the portions are worth it. Some meals are bigger than others so you get more than you money's worth in my book. Service is kind of hit and miss. It's not every really bad, but not all the that great all the time and during this past sunday brunch the our waitress kind of forgot to refill our waters and hard to get a hold of.
(4)
rob p.

I have had good and bad experiences here. Bad is definitely an overstatement- I have felt that it was overpriced. They have one of the best burgers I have ever had and great service. The fried chicken was a bit disappointing.... Good people, beverages, burger= worthy restaurant.
(4)
Chella N.

Lou's is my least favorite restaurant in my neighborhood. The service is lousy and the food is overpriced. 38th Ave is really growing; Lou's better step it up lest they fall behind
(2)
Lauren D.

Though it's within walking distance of our house, it has taken almost two years of living in the neighborhood to finally check out Lou's and now that I've been, I'm really kicking myself! Every time we drove by it looked unimpressive but we were so wrong. The inside is a bit dark but otherwise clean and very nice looking. We opted to sit outside since they have a nice patio. There's a bit of noise from cars on 38th, but otherwise the patio is very pleasant. Call us naÃ¯ve, but we had no idea "hot chicken" meant FRIED chicken, so when my husband realized this he was all over it. I tried some and it's decent. The chicken itself is extremely juicy with good flavor but we both agreed that the breading is way too thick. I ordered the Lyonnaise salad and it was killer! The combo of greens, roasted potatoes, fried egg, pickled onions, duck and bacon vinaigrette was so delicious and well executed. Our waiter seemed a little distracted/spacey but not unfriendly or inattentive so I can't complain all that much. Oh and we both ordered Moscow Mules with our Denver Passport and they were great. My husband REALLY liked them and he usually hates anything gingery-tasting so they must have the ratio of vodka to ginger beer just right. I think we'll definitely be back and I, for one, can't wait to go back for brunch.
(4)
Matthew C.

My only regret in my life is leaving the South without ever trying Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville, TN. Lou's Food Bar gives me the opportunity to assuage that a bit with their Nashville inspired spicy chicken. I can't truly compare it to Prince's, but it is good. The breast meat tastes a bit overcooked, but thighs and legs and wings are where fried chicken shines anyway. Those parts were on point. Man oh man it is good. Like don't give a hoot who is watching you eat good. Blue cheese mac 'n cheese is also a must on this menu. Seriously, eat it and wonder what else you are missing in life. I ordered a bourbon and sour here (natch), but it was a bit watered down. I will man up and get it straight next time.
(4)
Devon D.

This used to be one of my favorite brunch places on the weekends, and unlike other local places like snooze or the universal you can generally get seated right away. I have deducted two stars because on recent visits to Lou's, their service in refilling the bottomless mimosas has been a little lacking, I've had to ask on a few occasions to be refilled, which is really something you should rarely have to do when a place has bottomless mimosas. In addition the wine glasses have gotten smaller, resulting in a 4 to 6 ounce mimosa experience. It almost makes the bottomless mimosas not worth it, which is very unfortunate. It is this specific volumetric change along with the "lazy" refill service which ding my experience to 3 stars. If you are solely coming here for brunch, and aren't interested in mimosas, then the food is amazing. I've had many many visits here over the past 3 years and I can say overwhelmingly it's worth a visit. The food itself is definitly a 5/5 however.
(3)
Eric S.

Looks blah from the outside until you walk into this foodcopia establishment. Wall to wall people at the booths and tables. The hostess sat me at a table but I opted for the booth. There was an uncomfortable pause in asking until her ego gave into my request LOL I've been sitting here at the booth for about 10 mins without any service. Finally I got dropped off water, but she took off. I wonder if they have coffee... not on the menu.. they have to have coffee.. hmm still no waitress in site. FINALLY someone took my order... Pigs must be flying!! They have the French pressed coffee, but no regular cups and no lattes here. The Nash style fried chicken seemed to be the winner with the black eye pea salad. I've been craving this in Denver. Let's see if it lives up to the hype. The manager now tells me that they only have thighs left and is giving me a discount. I didn't come here for a discount, I came here for food.. wonder what else awaits LOL I've been sitting here for about 20 mins. No food in site. These chix thighs better be good or else I'm sending them back. I was offer d their pressed coffee on the house which was very nice. The fried chicken came with a nice presentation. I've had fried chicken in Nashville plenty of times. The crust is way too overwhelming until you get to the meat which is tender and good. The crust choices are NAKED, MEDIUM, and HOT. Is this the amount of batter or the hotness of the crust or both. I ordered MEDIUM and was expecting a medium crust, not an overbearing crust. It was good but I wouldn't order it again... and that is how the cookie crumbles.
(3)
Deano G.

I was challenged by Ann (the former manager, now at Bones) to come back and try the new fried chicken recipe and I must say it has improved, but not to the point that I would come back just for the fried chicken. I will say that the addition of the meatloaf was brilliant. Moist, flavorful and a real treat on those mashed potatoes and creamed corn! The Pork Chop in my opinion is still the star of the Menu, but the smaller portion at a dollar less in price is a small letdown (and the olives were a great addition to the app menu). I will be back in a few months to see what else they have added to the menu and to have another pork chop! PS - Tom, the chef. Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat with us on our visit. I will try a few of the smoking tips from you and tray converting my smoker from electric to a standard smoker. Cheers!
(4)
Meredith X.

Mah dude brought me here after picking me up from the airport. He insisted this spot had the best fried chicken in all of Colorado, bold words my friend. Restaurant located in a cute, rustic, stand alone house. Decorative lights illuminate the patio. We got a little ambitious and ordered the loaded fries, spicy whole chicken, sides of mac and cheese and creamed corn (beige food all around). Mornay sauce on the loaded fries decadent, thick, cheesy. Nitpicky but would've preferred the ham to be cut up into little bits to get all flavors in each bite. Now, I'm no fried chicken connoisseur but with my limited expertise, I'll confidently say that this chicken is banging. Crispy, crunchy skin, tender, juicy meat, the sauce spicy enough to leave a lasting, tingly, numbing feeling after your last bite. The creamed corn left more to be desired, sauce was watery and flavorless. Mac and cheese wasn't bad but then again you can't really go wrong with this classic American carbs and cheese combo. Our server was highly attentive and we had a nice chat with him about the menu revamp. Place is a little isolated but I would highly recommend you go out of your way for this fried chicken.
(4)
Beth T.

We ate at Lou's Food Bar last Friday night. I was excited to try it, since I'd not been there before. Also, they have raw oysters on the menu, and I had a hankerin'... We got there at about 7-ish, and were kind of surprised to see that it was virtually empty. We ordered the dozen oysters with accompanying mignonette, which I can only describe as odd. I know that a true and traditional mignonette is made with red wine vinegar, but most of the sauces I've experienced have been made with white. Either way, the sauce was "meh" but the oysters were yummy. We asked our server if we could have some cocktail sauce, and he happily obliged. By the way, their cocktail sauce ROCKS! Definitely made in-house, NOT from a jar. YUM! We also ordered the Angel Hair with Mussels and Clams appetizer. The clams were a smidge salty, but still flavorful, and the mussels were great. I do feel, however, that serving a shared shellfish appetizer on a bed of pasta is strange, but the flavor of the pasta was good. We were kind of full after the apps, so we shared an entrÃ©e of the Fried Chicken, which DEFINTELY lives up to the hype! We got the chicken with the sides of whipped potatoes (HEAVENLY) and the haricot vert, which I was not overly jazzed about, but which were AMAZING. Atmosphere is nice, the service was great, but the FRIED CHICKEN is why I'll be going back to Lou's Food Bar!
(4)
Curtis C.

Went here for brunch last weekend with my fiancÃ© and our friend. I had the pulled pork omelette and it was delicious. Ample amounts of pulled pork poured out of this thing and it worked really well with the salty provolone. It was easily the highlight of the whole experience. The salad(?) was dressed well and tasty. I've never really had a side salad with an omelette before but it seemed to disguise the fact that a "side" of hash browns was really about 12 cubed potatoes. Pretty disappointing. We had the coffee beignets too and they were OK. I thought they were good but probably a little overdone for most folks taste. As others have mentioned, service is pretty slow. It took a noticeable amount of time to get a refills on water which stinks because the beverage setup is really what drives me nuts. Beverages seem to be their cash cow. I can understand catering to the Mimosa/Bloody Mary crowd but please try to cater to us non-drinkers too. Coffee is served by the press which I despise, especially when the press is $9!!! $3 per cup of coffee seems a bit steep to me. Couple that with water that is served in 4 oz. glasses and it's no wonder the wait staff is running around like mad. All in all it's a decent place that just needs a few tweaks. The decor is nice and basic and their patio is relatively comfortable. The food is good and if I was making a trip here to get my early morning buzz on I'd probably be more apt to give it a higher rating.
(3)
K S.

Late review- was there one month ago. Good: Parking is easy (esp for Highland 'hood). Ambience is good. My husband said his meal was good. Downside: NOT a place for a vegetarian or pescatarian (check menu before you go). Service was really HORRIBLE- drinks took forever, server forgot hot tea, then forgot a mug for tea (actually had to go to the bar to get a mug!), and server rarely checked on us (asked for help from a different server). It wasn't even busy- there were only 4 other tables seated! Food seems overpriced. Not returning.
(2)
Jennifer M.

I'm not a huge fried chicken fan, but Lou's spicy fried chicken is some of the best I've had in a long time. The spiciness of it seems to come from paprika and not chile heat, which I thought was interesting, and the skin is perfectly crispy and crunchy. They only serve this in half chicken and full chicken sizes, both of which I found too large for just myself, so I had some of my husbands. We also shared the calamari and I had a cup of french onion soup, which I thought was pretty decent. The inside of Lou's looks about as divey as the outside, but clean. They have shuffleboard and some other fun bar games. The drink menu is pretty standard for Colorado - craft beer, full bar, etc. The service was good as well.
(4)
Lana L.

Charming ambience, attentive staff and delicious food! I've been there for both brunch and lunch now, and the food never disappoints. The corned beef hash is made in house and their mimosas are just how they should be made... Not too much orange juice! Highly recommend
(5)
Deco G.

I have to be fair. Lou's has indeed lasted, and has developed into a very good, reliable neighborhood eatery with food so yummy I crave several dishes and keep going back. And guess what. They now serve chicken breast! In fact, the menu and execution bears little resemblance to what I experienced when I wrote my first review. This is no Mizuna, but you can definitely detect the Bonanno caliber recipes, execution, and good quality. I won't lie. I'm now a fan. My favorite dish is the French Dip. I order it the way I like, with the beef nicely browned all the way. Sometimes there are to-die-for crispy, caramelized pieces of beef in there. They always make it exactly as I request, which is not how they normally prepare it. The French baguette is also tasty and fresh, the jus just perfectly seasoned and flavorful, the fries perfectly crisped. I also love their blackened fish sandwich. It's not cheap, but they use a high quality cut of fish (I believe Ono). His Dudeness sometimes orders basic comfort food, like meatloaf, which he loves. Service is reliably pleasant and efficient. Lou's has definitely grown on me, and we stop by about one a week for dinner. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the ambience. It's not a bad ambience. It's just not the kind that makes you want to linger for a long time. Sometimes the AC blasts directly on our booth and we have to keep our jackets on. But these are minor issues. The food is high quality and very yummy and keeps us coming back
(4)
A K.

It is as if they have packaged happiness and sprinkled it with joy. Excellent pub fare, awesome service, fun games, and an excellent place to unwind.
(4)
Eric S.

This place is delicious. The calamari salad is very unique and the best I've ever had. Great drinks and a relaxed atmosphere
(5)
Jeremy T.

Wow, BIG fan of this place. I will preface this with the fact that I have only been here once, and that time we got her early, before they were open. I thought this place was going to be a Dive. I was wrong. We went here the Sunday of beer week, and after drinking for a whole week, the last thing I wanted was more beer, but they had this three course beer breakfast and I just had to get it. EVERYTHING I tasted was fantastic. The chicken and waffles were a bit spicey, but everything else was great. This is a hidden gem. We have only been once, but we will be back.
(5)
Diana K.

Lou's has been a go to brunch spot for us. It's always delicious and not hard to get a table on a weekend brunch.
(4)
Paul D.

This is a decent place that so far at least, in terms of Highland dining, is easy to find parking and a seat in the restaurant. Everything we've had there has been good to great, though I pretty much only go there for the Nashville-style fried chicken, which is freakin' amazing. Good selection of Craft beers, liquors and cocktails. Service is likely the kicker though, they've always been really friendly and welcoming no matter who we get. Finally, they serve fireballs instead of mints when they drop your check, how cool is that?
(4)
Brock E.

The fried chicken here was AMAZING, as was everything else. Makes me sad to not be in Denver regularly. Next time I am back this will be my first stop.
(5)
Lynn V.

I was so excited to try Lou's based on all the reviews. We had a few issues that sort of made me sad. 1. Friend ordered the reuben. Bread was soggy. :( 2. Other friend ordered the 'medium' chicken, after big discussion with waitress. It was a little spicy so she was glad she didn't order the 'hot. When we got the bill, it shows waitress entered 'hot'. :( 3. We each ordered the same drink, at the same time. When we got the bill they were two different prices. The waitress did fix it, but it shows how little she was paying attention. I had the shrimp grits and the mac and cheese. Each was fine, but I mac n cheese seemed bland. (very rich, but bland). Shrimp seemed undercooked. I will give it another try. Maybe it was just an off night.
(2)
Cathleen O.

BRING YOUR WALLET, and read the fine print! Lunch for two, NO ALCOHOL, was $50 BEFORE the tip! $6 for a cup of coffee? That price is not on the menu! I had the fish sandwich, which was tasty, but I missed the fine print showing that if I substituted a tiny portion of mixed greens (no other veggies) for the fries, I would be charged an extra $2. So I paid $19 for a fish sandwich, and $16 for a Reuben. This is not Manhattan, but those prices are. I'm never going back! By the way, they only have 2 salads and about 4 sandwiches on the menu, so it's a VERY limited selection.
(2)
Charles F.

I think they were having a really off day so our experience was mixed and may not be representative of a more typical day. Decided to go to Lou's for lunch about 12:30pm. Place was maybe a 1/4 full. We were immediately seated and I asked if there were any specials. I was told no and unfortunately there was no fried chicken today...... WHAT its your signature dish! Got a story about how busy it was the night before and they had not had time to break a new batch. Come on folks it past noon isnt that what the morning is for for the prep staff? It was also a chilly 62 degrees inside apparently the heat was on the fritz (ok it happens). Well I was less than happy about the chicken situation and the manager stopped by and said that she could push things a bit and get an order out. PLUS POINTS for going out of your way to fix things Raven haired manager gets a star for trying to provide for the customer. Ordered (spouse) French onion soup Grilled cheese Chicken - Hot Soup arrived and was quite nice with a crispy hot crock with melted cheesy. Quite a nice start. Entrees arrive. Chicken was excellent to look at dark crisp half chicken. Cut into a juice bird that was perfectly cooked. ---- Downside - NOTE this is really a personal thing not that anything was wrong with the chicken ------ Very heavy smokey chipoltle flavor that I found overpowering. Gave it to my wife who loved it. I was expecting a spicy sweet more southern style but like I say thats a taste thing not a product issue. Grilled cheese was a similar experience, nice toasted bread and caramelized veggies. Unfortunately the use of goat cheese didnt work for me or my wife. some times goat cheese just tastes too earthy and it overpowered what was otherwise very nicely prepared. So overall, not what I expect from a Bonanno creation but really most of the issues were personal preference and the heat thing was cleared up by a contractor right as we left. Staff was certainly nice, I just think it was an off day but given Mizuna, Bones etc I tend to hold Mr. B to a higher standard. Hope your experience is superior, I think it should be
(3)
Vilma S.

Came here with my daughter for Chef Frank Bonanno's Chef Driven Premier Party. Party included unlimited cocktails, beer, wine and food. Lots of folks but we didn't have any problem getting a table--ours was the "community table". We had lots of raw shrimp (huge), oysters on the half shell, croquettes, sausage sandwiches, fried fish with fries and crab cakes. They showed the first episode of the Chef Driven series on channel 12. It is on every Sunday at 6pm. We even had the pleasure of having Paula Roth and Domenic from Colorado Public Television 12 sit at our "community table". Hunter was our bartender and he was awesome. So personable and efficient. We had such a great time and are so glad we went. Plenty of parking. Now definitely want to come back and try the regular menu.
(5)
Jacquelin N.

The fried chicken is so good. The breaded skin is crispy and seasoned well. The chicken is juicy and cooked percectly. The staff is friendly, and the bar has anything you could imagine to ask for. Love the atmosphere. Great place for goups!
(5)
Michael H.

We had brunch here today. Only brunch is served until 2PM on Saturday and Sunday. That meant I could only have the fried chicken on top of a waffle, which was the brunch version of chicken. The waffle was kind of strange, but the chicken with the spicy batter was great. One gripe: there seemed to be more batter than chicken on the thigh. A side of grits was delicious. Fresh squeezed lemonade with free refills was a treat. My wife had an omelet with pulled pork (rather sparse amount of pork) that she liked a lot. So we felt Frank has another winner here, despite a few negatives. We played a couple games of shuffleboard on the way out. We were mildly surprised with the bill of $40 without tip. Kentucky Fried would have been about $12 for what we had, but of course this was better quality, more fun to try, and did have that free shuffleboard game.
(4)
Mat E.

We visited Lou's not too long ago, and I can't see going back. The food was fine, not bad, not very memorable. The atmosphere (such as it is) was kind of hipster-divey, noisy, too bright, and not great for a date, IMHO. But what was so memorable was the service. Oh boy. The service was not good. It was slooooow, and you could tell none of the staff (except the manager, who actually was great) could have cared less about our existence. But I've been to hipster havens before and had similar service and it isn't that big of a deal if there are offsetting virtues (which Lou's lacks). But these kids, oh man.... We were seated near the bar, and one of the staff finished his shift while we were eating. From my vantage point, I could see this kid go through the service doors (saloon style doors) into the kitchen. Right inside the doors - and clearly visible to me - he took off his shirt(!) and vigorously applied deodorant to his naked, hairy pits. While. I. Was. Eating. He then came and sat at the bar near us, where his descending skinny jeans left about three inches of ass-crack staring at us for the rest of the meal. I also saw a young female server leave the kitchen multiple times eating something, which is a little disconcerting. Not as bad as deodorant ass-crack boy, but still. Life is just too short and there are just too many restaurants out there to waste your time here.
(2)
Josh S.

Great prices - average service - horrible sausage. They use some type of curing process in house which basically leaves it raw. Get anything on the menu for great results besides that.
(3)
Shawn C.

Food is always very quality and tasty. My only complaint is the bottomless mimosa glades have gotten smaller. In all that wouldn't be a problem but the service staff rarely come by to fill them.
(4)
Natalie D.

Lou's is great, but I give them 5 stars solely based on the fried chicken!! Some of the best I've had...ever! I like the option to have it naked, medium or spicy. The batter is super crunch and flavorful and the meat is drip-down-your-arm juicy. A feat achieved by frying in duck fat. OMG! This along with a side of creamy whipped potatoes and braised kale, I'm in chicken heaven! Oh and the service is awesome too! ;)
(5)
Wes B.

The happy hour is a good deal. All the apps ive had were good including: pigs in a blanket and calamari. I liked the shrimp and grits but the burger was overcooked and under seasoned ewww. I want to try the fried chicken. Service was unattentive and aloof at the bar there were 3 staff standing around chatting and it took 10 mins. for us to be greeted and i got the impression we were more annoyances than paying customers. Tne male staff member seemed very good but he was working the floor. Food: 3.5 stars Service: 2 stars
(3)
Lauren J.

This was our first time at Lou's. Other Bonanno restaurants have been delicious and this one is no exception. Mom got to drink for free, as it was Mother's day, which was a nice treat. We started off with the beignets which were warm and delicious. Also I felt it was a rather generous portion. 6 for $8 isn't bad. We then got the duck confit benedict which was SO good! My husband got the burger which was cooked perfectly and so flavorful. We'd definitely go back!
(4)
Casual Critic D.

This is a really great find just outside of downtown. Really nice casual "southern/french" food. Great for dinner.....but their brunch is definitely something. One of the best in Denver without the pretentious wait. I've been here many times and it is always wonderful. On the plus side: Staff is great, service is great and the food is great. Christy is the best. I definitely recommend it. Is there a downside?: It is time for them to change up their dinner menu. Several great items, but not so many that you couldn't work your way through the vast majority of it in a few visits. Check this place out for sure!
(4)
Ebony L.

I've been here twice now and each time was only OK. The chicken, which is the claim to fame is actually too crunchy. There is definitely a such thing as too much breading. Other than that it is flavorful. This mornings duck was salty and the server was gracious enough to take half off to accommodate. All in all it's not terrible, but I probably won't be visiting often.
(3)
Rebeca R.

Went here for an evening meal with 5 others and had an acceptable experience. The service was decent, but not great or terrible. The food was OK, but not quite worth the price. The menu was actually not my style, I settled on a burger. The BF had a Reuben that he said was too salty. The cocktails were fun, but pricey. The best part in my experience was the design of the place. I liked the layout and the vibe. I did have amazing friends there and that helped! Perhaps I will give em another try for brunch or something. Perhaps not.....
(3)
Kat B.

Tried this place twice a couple of years ago and wasn't impressed...just seemed like more hassle (crowds, expensive) than warranted by the food. Anyway we have it a 3rd chance tonight in order to try the spicy fried chicken and had a totally different experience. We went in early like 5:30 and beat the crowd. The bar was empty when we got there but filled up pretty quickly. The bartender, spicy fried chicken, & burger were all great. Was also happy to learn that they make their own ground beef, from grass fed colorado cows.
(4)
Alicia N.

I have only been to Lou's twice - once two years ago and then this past Tuesday - and I have to ask myself, "why haven't I been here more?" I had been craving fried chicken after several friends had posted about their recent dinners in SF or home cooked meals - so the search is on. I got several recommendations for places here in Denver and then a friend asked if I knew about Lou's Tuesday Night Family Fried Chicken Dinner... Well, no - I didn't! And that's where it all began. Crispy, deliciously juicy, I could almost imagine myself in the South as I worked through the giant plate I shared with a friend - I say almost because my arteries seemed to make it through unscathed. People were looking so I didn't lick the plate, but I did lick my fingers at lightening speed before wiping them on the napkin. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the brick chicken, opting for the healthier choice - and equally delicious. I admit I was so enthralled with my fried chicken, I really didn't pay attention to what the rest of my dinner companions ordered but I know they enjoyed their duck confit and lamb shank stroganoff, respectively. As for the desserts... Well, death by deliciousness says it all - the chocolate molten cake rocked! So did the peanut butter/chocolate bar crunch bars. Skip the banana cream pie - doesn't live up to the hype. Final verdict - I must go back to peruse through the rest of the menu, and not in another two years.
(4)
Evan A.

Maybe I ate the wrong thing or don't enjoy the ambiance, but after eating and Lou's tonight I defiantly experienced a meh dinner. I ordered the blackened fish sandwich. There was a great big piece of fish but it was a little dry and barely any taste. Nothing memorable in my opinion. And $6 for an Avery IPA pint?
(2)
Kelli R.

I was so excited! Fried chicken looked delicious. The pickles were a perfect teaser for what I thought was to come. Fried chicken skin crispy and flavorful. Ready to dig in and I knew immediately uh-oh, dry tough chicken. Actually so dry it was inedible. Bummer. Stole a thigh from my husband and his was better. This is the second Bonanno restaurant I have been too this month that let me down. Perhaps it is time to scale back? The first one was Bones which was so bad I wont return.
(3)
Liz S.

Great neighborhood spot with delicious fried chicken and a good beer selection. Only critique is that it's just a bit too spendy to be a go-to when you don't feel like cooking on a weekday.
(4)
Aaron P.

Fried chicken is solid. I'm from Kansas and I have fried chicken standards. My suggestion is to get it plane with no seasoning. Add your hot sauce and you're good
(4)
Robert J.

Solid fried chicken, but really poor service. I sat in the bar area, a mistake. The bartender (skinny flamboyant white guy) served me and was painfully awkward and inept. Had a hard time taking my order and made a mess of my Manhattan. Borderline rude. Side choices were limited and pedestrian, no more pate on the menu, half the stuff on the menu was 86'd. Disappointing experience overall. I won't be back.
(2)
Joe T.

Went here for brunch and was very disappointed. Their signature fried chicken wasn't anything special. Biscuits and gravy was cold and had no flavor. Bloody Mary bar consisted of celery, limes, and pickles. May give it another try for dinner.
(2)
Tony S.

Loved the food the first time and even enjoyed brunch, but on my last visit, I ordered the spicy fried chicken and it came out burnt to a crisp. Really bad dish. I don't ever send food back so I made due. Pretty lousy service on top of it all. I may not be back.
(2)
Cheyne M.

Really like this place... Joe G. is a great GM... Pasta Primavera with Chicken and a Sazerac and a Manhattan... do it!
(4)
Laura R.

Came in for brunch with friends, and it was a great new find! It wasn't crowded at all and we didn't have to wait for a table. The server was attentive and kept our bottomless mimosas topped off. We tried the filled beignets which were pretty good. Mimosas were delicious. The chicken and waffles were some of the best ones I've had, just enough spiciness to the chicken and the brown butter waffle and syrup were so good. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Lesley A.

Here are the reasons that we keep going back to Lou's: - Really casual, but interesting food and booze - Great cocktails - I always try something new and I really enjoy them all. - We've never had a bad meal! But, I keep going back to the fish sandwich. My husband loves the Roast Beef Sandwich. - Kid friendly! My son loves the strawberry mocktail. - Servers are always really friendly and attentive!
(5)
Jordan A.

Went there for brunch. The food was good, benedicts and hash. One of my poached eggs was runny, one was over-cooked, I wonder if that was by design, or just sloppiness. The food took 40 minutes to come out during which time no one checked on us (as in "sorry there is a delay, it's coming"). We killed time by watching Olympic curling on TV, and actually got into it. Otherwise, the service was fine. Also, there was something wrong with their sewage system, and even though we sat far away from the bathroom, we were stunk out the entire time we were there. Didn't love the ambiance either; I assume it was an un-cozy dive joint of sorts in its previous life, and no one made an attempt to hide its past. Assuming their bathroom situation is fixed, I probably won't have an objection to going back to Lou's.
(3)
Mo C.

Great location, plenty of parking, nice little patio, good brew on tap and incredible food! I had been wanting to try this place out for a while and finally got the opportunity this weekend. Sunday, it was happy hour beverages all day, yay! They have a limited draft selection here, but all are quality, local brews. Eat It: The Grilled Artichoke with curry aoli appetizer. It is both beautiful and delicious, perfect for sharing over some frosty beverages. Eat It: The lyonaise salad with field greens, shredded duck legs, a fried egg, warm bacon vinagrette and pickled onions. Incredible. This place is a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it. I will most definitely be back!
(5)
Jacqueline A.

Brunch here is fantastic! Here are my two brunch requirements (which Lou's exceeds): 1) have a menu full of items I couldn't make myself 2) have little to no wait. An hour to wait for breakfast is just plain crazy! I've been here twice for brunch and each time the food was so delicious. Today I had the duck confit Benedict. The duck was perfect and moist and the red pepper jam that was on it gave it a little sweetness which complimented the dish very well. This dish is something I definitely couldn't successfully make at home. A+! French press coffee was also great. We learned at the end of the meal they also offer bottomless mimosas, not explicitly listed on the menu am good to know for next time we go back. Since this isn't snooze or jelly and isn't well known for their brunch while the place is busy there is NO WAIT! Awesome! Bottom line: Excellent food, no wait, and good service.
(5)
Jaromir B.

Completely and utterly forgettable. Try elsewhere. It's not horrible, though.
(2)
Brandon A.

Two buffalo wings (mostly breading) and a mediocre waffle with honey on it for $14. This is not a proper chicken and waffles. It takes a lot to get a review from me, good or bad, but this was strike three for Lou's in my book. Bad service even sitting at the bar, over priced, and the food has been getting progressively worse over the past months. You want a real killer brunch? Skip Lou and go visit Lola.
(1)
S S.

I had the fried chicken spicy style. Sooooo greasy it was inedible. The cream corn was good. Fancy expensive cocktails were forgetable. Will not be returning as the expense does not deserve another chance.
(2)
Emily T.

Went for brunch this past Sunday and it was awesome. Service was really friendly and helpful. Bottomless mimosas and coffee in your own french press was a great start. We got the stuffed beignets and they let us get an order of half chocolate and half expresso caramel, so delicious! For the main event I went for biscuits and gravy with a side of grits. Perfect Sunday brunch and I will absolutely be back again!
(5)
Alex Z.

Delicious, wonderful, already planning a return visit. Moscow Mule & Molly Ringwald cocktails, pricey yet well-made. Bonnano fries -YUM! We got the Osteria version. Highly recommend, garlicky guilty treat. These are available for $5 during Happy Hour, good deal. I got the Lyonnaise salad for my entree. Unlike any salad I've ever had. Shredded duck leg, sunny egg, pickled onion & bacon vinaigrette. Did not seem like I was eating a salad, it was very rich & greasy. FiancÃ©e got the Bahn Mi burger, which he absolutely adored. Sweet & spicy with an Asian flair. His side of sautÃ©ed kale was yummy yet salty. We will be back for dinner & are also dying to try brunch! Service was great (we ordered by server's suggestion) & the place was pretty quiet on a Tuesday. If you're thinking about it- GO! Lou's stays true to its description- get ready for greasy, salty goodness.
(4)
E C.

We've been back and I'm sad to say it was not very good. The pÃ¢tÃ©s, again, are good but the rest of appetizers, lacked fantasy. It was Happy Hour time, so you ask for the HH specials. The waitress kept looking at us annoyed I would say. Not sure if she did not like the idea of making less money for the same amount of serving time. We asked for more bread to finish our appetizers and, I swear, she looked at us as if we were homeless people. I really like the look and the feel of the place. The upscale dinner or neighborhood joint but it completely lacks the togetherness of food, atmosphere, service, etc I can't explain, really, my gut tells me, they need to sit together and discuss the whole concept of what they want to accomplish with this place.
(2)
Margaret D.

I don't write many reviews but felt compelled to do so after our experience at Lou's. Food sounds great and is overall good to very good (housemade sausage was excellent). However the service and general atmosphere was terrible. Hear that giant sucking sound? That's the energy leaving your body as you spend more time in this place! We were looking forward to trying Lou's but within 2-3 minutes of entering, were thinking about leaving. 3 people behind the bar moving like they had cement blocks on their feet. 2 parties at the bar and 2 tables at 4 p.m. on a Saturday and all 3 were so focused on setting up and not acknowledging their customers. The manager looked everywhere except the customer. Bartender was pleasant enough but certainly made no effort to make us feel welcome. One woman was so intent on getting the spots out of the wine glasses (in a dark bar as the sun was setting). Despite walking by customers 3-4 times, she never looked or acknowledged anyone. The manager brought our food order but walked away without saying anything or looking to see if we had napkins/silverware (we didn't). I had to interrupt bartender and glass polisher to ask if we could get silverware. Then when bartender's shift was over, she asked if we could close out our tab since she was leaving. This is a restaurant group and they haven't figured out how to make the experience about the customer but instead about the convenience of the lackadaisical staff? Really? Though staff seemed to have no problem talking amongst themselves behind the bar or on the floor - without providing any type of energy or enthusiasm for the few guests that were in the place. We are willing to give Lou's another try at a different time of day/day of week but don't have very high expectations. Such a bummer but wanted to provide a dose of reality to the glowing reviews.
(1)
Casey G.

You should go here now before everyone finds out about it. We had no problems getting six in on a Friday night at 7p, and we nearly had the restaurant to ourselves. Fantastic drinks, food and service with excellent prices. A carafe of El Diablo was the perfect start. And my Lyonnaise salad with duck confit and topped with a fried egg on top was hardy and tasty. Their brunch menu is stacked with your favorite brunch classics...but with a unique twist. I've been twice now and both times they knocked it out of the park. Two thumbs up.
(5)
Michael W.

I ordered the Sunnyside hash. It was a big mistake and I left disappointed. I had to ask the server to bring some chorizo to put on it because there was next to none when it came out. Service was incredibly slow and we were auto gratted because he knew how unhappy we were.
(2)
Amelia J.

I loved eating at Lou's! The wait staff is lovely, inside or outside is comfortable, the food is good (got the oysters both times I went). Overall fantastic experience. I really appreciated that they are Gluten Free friendly (I have Celiac Disease) and seemed knowledgable about how strict things need to be (I cannot eat the fries because their frier is shared with other things). I definitely recommend Lou's! The only drawback is to not go there when you are in a hurry, service was a bit slower than I would normally expect at a restaurant.
(4)
Helen S.

My boyfriend and I visited Lou's with a gift card we had received from a friend. Service was inattentive, but my biscuits and gravy were absolutely delicious. We visited again the following week, and had a much more disappointing experience. We walked in at 130 and were greeted with "the kitchen closes in 30 minutes." Ok... don't put a timer on my breakfast. Our server was very pleasant this time around, but my biscuits were so salty I had to send them back (I have sent back exactly 2 meals... Ever. I'm not picky). Because we were so clearly informed before we sat down that the kitchen was ready to go home, there was no attempt to either remake the meal or make something different. We won't be returning, there are dozens of awesome brunch spots in town.
(2)
Will K.

Only been here for brunch but it was awesome. Very good bloody mary bar with lots of choices. We solit the pumpkin spiced waffle with the pork belly and the duck confit benedict. The waffel and syrup were great. The pork belly, while good, was not needed though. The duck confit benedict is a freaking awesome dish. All around goodness. I could eat this all the time. The potatoes? Unbelievable. Seriously, never thought I would say that about potatoes but they were the bees knees. All around awesome brunch and very friendly staff. Will definitely be back. Its a good alternative to root down and very comparable so those of you wanting to switch it up look no further
(5)
Marc D.

The house-made smoked salmon is pretty damn awesome. The fried chicken? Not the best ever. The breading was very thick and a bit bland. Perhaps a spicier version would make it better. The sausages are pretty good, we tried a few. The pricetag? Spendy, but maybe I should stop buying $10-12 cocktails. ah well, you only live once.
(4)
W M.

This is one of those reviews where I asked myself does decent food overcompensate for bad service? I truly believe the answer is no. A group of us hit Lou's this weekend for a decent meal in the highlands. It was a relatively late dinner for Denver let's call it 9ish so Lou's by no means was busy. First sign of the kind of night we were in for, was our drink order took about 15-20 minutes to deliver. Not encouraging, I looked back at the bar a few times, to see if perhaps they had a rush of people having an after dinner drink at the bar. Not the case. Just poor service. A friend had asked for some extra ice cubes/lime for his rocks drink when it got there, the waiter did offer to bring them when his drink was almost done. Appetizer's again were decent, but took somewhat little longer than the drinks. We had ordered another round of drinks while eating our appetizers to go with our main dishes. When the mains were brought out, they put them in front of the wrong people (no issue here, it happens, but if you dont know where it goes, ask.....) And then our waitstaff disappears. We had no forks on the table which for me was not an issue since I had a sandwich so relatively I didn't need anything, but it wouldnt have hurt to ask. Other's had side salads, and a friend had the braised beef is sitting there getting cold looking for someone to help him out. about 5 minutes go by with no action. He took matter into his own hands getting up and going to a different table to commandeer a fork. At that point a different waitress notices him, and notices none of us have forks so she kindly brings over silverware. Being polite we all had to wait before digging into our food and it just got cold. When the other waitress does come by, she did ask if we needed anything else, and there was a laundry list of things we needed (e.g. pepper for the salad, dressing etc, hot sauce) things that should have been asked as the meals were dropped off. They may not seem like big deals, but they do stop you from enjoying your meal, and now most of our meals are turning cold. Finally, we would have expected our second round of drinks to have shown up with the meal, afterall it may have been another 10-15 minutes since we put the order in (mind you these are glasses of wine, vodka on the rocks, vodka tonic, gin tonic etc nothing that should take more than a minute to pour in total). But no sign of the drinks, one of my friends had ordered some red wine to go with his braised beef, and was idling hoping he can have both together as his beef cooled down. So to answer my question, No good food does not compensate for bad service, bad service can ruin a meal. This was not our first time at Lou's, the service on other occasions wasn't as horrendous, but wasn't stellar either. With so many restaurants options, we all walked out with the same feeling that our dinner experience was short-changed and why go through something like that again.
(2)
Meesh Y.

We've been here a couple of times now and both experiences merited five stars. This is just really good food with really amazing service. I recommend any of the chicken although their brick chicken will make you keep coming back.
(5)
Larren M.

We recently took a second trip to Lou's. It's a fairly easy thing to do, considering we live just a few blocks away. I'm happy to report, I've given them an additional star. That's not to say that they aren't still a little borderline for me between three and four. The couple things that still don't quite mesh for me are the menu and the prices. The food is really good, but not great; I think they could come down just a bit in the prices. I've had some items that definitely stuck out, but nothing really leaving me wanting more, besides the pate. With the addition of the second trip, we've had just about everything on the menu. No Joke, but there are still a few more things to try. There are a couple dishes I've skipped over, they just weren't appealing to me. I really don't want ribs or enchiladas at a place I can get pate...I'll keep going back to the enchiladas. They just don't make any sense to me being on the menu, I don't care if there is lobster in them. IMO. For our second go around at Lou's we started with the Chasseur pate (chicken and rabbit), which was very good. I like pate and they make all theirs, in-house. I'll point out as I did last time that it was a little dry. To follow along with the pate, we ordered the white bean and haricots verts and hard cooked eggs with sherry vinaigrette. It was crisp, refreshing, and delicious. It acted as a great palate cleanser for the pate. We shared a main this time and decided upon the spaghetti and mozzarella stuffed meatballs. The spaghetti was cooked absolutely perfect. The meatballs were very flavorful with the right amount of mozzarella tucked throughout. I enjoyed all the flavors that were presented in the dish. Lou's gets a bump up in stardom from me because the service is outstanding and the food isn't bad either. I look forward to some changes in the menu in the future.
(4)
Joe W.

4 or 5 stars? Not. We had been wanting to go for a long time and just never got to it. We went for some soup and appetizers and I'm sorry we did. Service wasn't all that great; he was slow and mumbled. As for the food, it was not great. It was barely average. The French onion soup was underwhelming with burnt cheese (to the point it tasted burnt, not just lightly browned) and no bread or croutons in it. On top of that it was VERY overpriced ($9 per cup) and my wife's was not even a full cup. Sad. We shared a sausage plate to start, leaving open the possibility for something else. The sausage had good flavor, but it was so overcooked you could barely cut it let alone chew it. I wasn't completely full, but couldn't stand to order more subpar overpriced food so we paid the bill and left. Good thing we had a coupon. Potential is there, but current execution is poor. We won't be back anytime soon. Summary: $28.50 after a $10 coupon for two small cups of soup, a sausage plate, one beer and one club soda = overpriced
(2)
Rob L.

A gem that is slightly out of the way! Actually we're glad it's not situated right in the heart of Uptown or we would have had to wait for an hour on a Friday night. We were seated within 2 minutes of arriving at 7:30pm on a Friday night. Hostess and wait staff were extremely friendly and attentive. Food was outstanding! Good beer selection. We didn't order wine but admittedly the wine list is missing selections in the $30/bottle range. Modern ambiance. Definitely on the will go back list!
(4)
Trey E.

Lou's came recommended by a friend from Denver and after a week of skiing, was headed back to the airport and had some time to kill. It was a Saturday and I was moderately annoyed to find out they were serving brunch, but that quickly came to pass once the food arrived. Out waitress was friendly and attentive and sent out a basket of pastries as we looked over the menu. I ordered some french toast, and my friends ordered the duck confit salade and a duck confit eggs benedict. My toast was perfect. it was cooked just right and came topped with bananas and a peanut butter creme anglaise that balanced out the textures nicely. Both dishes with duck were very good, though the hollandaise on the benedict was a bit mustardy. The waitress had overheard me mentioning the sausages from the dinner menu and even though they weren't available for order yet, she sent out a taste of two; the thai duck, and the mint lamb and olive. Both were cooked just right and the thai duck had enough of a hint of spice to make me finish my wine. I'm in Denver a couple times a year, and I can assure you I'll be stopping by on each trip.
(5)
Laurie S.

I had brunch at this place after dining here before, I wanted to give the place another chance. My first dining experience had been ok, nothing spectacular and thus far nothing terribly memorable. Still I had looked at the brunch menu and was really interested. So, I had brunch there, and I still have the same outlook. Nothing spectacular or memorable but alright. I had ordered the salmon eggs benedict, which was surprisingly better than most. The salmon was smoked and not the typical broiled fish that can sometimes be to dry, but despite the great salmon and the lovely capers and dill I could have used a touch more hollandaise sauce. I ordered coffee that was decent but nothing great. My husband had the coffee cake french toast which on first bite was absolutely amazing, however on the 5th bite it was too sweet to continue to choke down. Overall, it was an ok dining experience with a friendly staff. I will go back, their menu offers a large choice of pretty decent sounding options.
(3)
Brett M.

One of my favorite places in Denver. Great food and a solid craft beer selection. I'm a fan of their fried chicken and duck confit. Also family friendly, which is nice when we bring our toddler out for a meal.
(4)
Stephie B.

Ate at Lou's again last night! It has become one of our new favorite spots! The fried chicken is to die for and the service is impeccable. Knowledgeable and friendly staff always eager to help with anything. What a great place to enjoy a quiet, casual dinner. Well done!
(5)
Leslie H.

Part of the Frank Bonanno Restaurant group, Lou's is a little different from the rest of the enterprise. French-inspired cuisine in a cavernous space feels like the environment doesn't fit the food. I like both, but it feels like an odd pairing. The food is good, service good...not much to say because my experiences haven't left that strong of an impression on me. Frank can typically do no wrong, but I think some of his other restaurants are preferred for the price. Lou's is a nice addition to the neighborhood (Denver Highlands/Sunnyside) restaurant scene so I'm sure I'll be back. ps-did you know they make their own tonic for cocktails?
(3)
Zach G.

Very very good meal at Lou's Food Bar! Bonano's definitely done it right, as usual. The service was great- we were greeted warmly and immediately by the FOH manager and hostess, and elected to sit at the bar. Both bartenders were attentive and quick, providing helpful recommendations and personable service. They walked the line between talking enough, but not too much, almost to perfection. Both the food and ambiance were contemporary and playful (little glass water jars, cute) but also rustic and traditional (almost diner-esque dinnerware and napkins, a very long wooden bar, writing on the wall, etc). It was like sitting in an upscale diner in both the present and the past. We were brought out a plate of pheasant sausage with cherries to start the night, on the house, for being first time guests. We also ordered the pate trio (country pork, chicken liver, and duck liver). The accoutrement matched each item very well, highlighted by the pickled cherries that were served with the duck. Then we went on to the mussels- served in an apple cider broth with fennel and sausage. Very, very good, and a large portion. Finally, we had the duck confit burger, which had duck confit ON TOP of the burger. Burger was cooked well and juicy, and the bun was light and pillowy. Everything was very good, but I can't say that something absolutely popped at me, giving me the NEED to run back and order more. The cocktails I ordered were slightly disappointing, albeit their creativity. I definitely recommend the joint!
(4)
Jason R.

If you are in the nighborhood and generally feel like trying something new, especailly duck ,this place is worth a go. If you are looking to have your socks blown off, I suggest you try one of the other conepts Frank has created over the years. While I have always loved what Frank B. has created and recreated, I would have to say that this spot has some room for improvement. The menu is a little scattered and while the wine list is expanse (the house wine is palletable) its just a bit too much. All in all I would recomend going with a date or a friend, ordering one of the 10 dollar burgers, grabbing a specialty craft beer and calling it a night.
(3)
Wendy L.

When I crave a good meal, Lou's is the first place I think of! Casual spot with delicious food, fabulous, inexpensive house wine & an interesting, French farmhouse/hipster type atmosphere. My highlights are spaghetti & meatballs, duck confit burger, short rib burger, meat & cheese platter & their pates. All Fantastic. Frank Bonanno has The Formula for restaurants - I love everything he does. With Lou's, he hits another home run.
(5)
Jeremy H.

I am definitly not known to write food reviews, but everyone should come try this place. All I can say is wow! Had the traditional benny. Fantastic rubarb french toast. Simply amazing! Best brunch I have had in a long time.
(5)
Ken K.

Restaurateurs, over time, have always asked themselves: How do we explain that we serve both real food, and alcohol? Some settled on "Bar and Grill" while others went with "Gastro Tavern" or "Food+Booze Joint". Frank Bonanno went with Lou's Food Bar, which is a cool name, but comes with an even cooler sign looming over 38th like a buzzing neon "vacant" on Route 66. So much awesome. Also awesome is Lou's beer selection. Avery IPA? Excellent choice! And this Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale puts Boulevard on the map for a simple yet excellent beer. The handful of craft beers are not only diverse, but carefully well-chosen, and with a lot of flavor profiles. I'm glad to see some higher end places taking their beer menus as seriously as their wines. For dinner, we had the Denver Restaurant Week 5280 dinner. That's $52.80 for a meal for two, including dessert and starter. I started with some crab cakes, which were respectable, but made delicious with remoulade. We also ordered a cheese plate, which was magical, but so was its price. Recently I've been on a meatloaf kick, having discovered that the dish can be far from its boring and pedestrian stereotype. Unfortunately, while not explicitly bad, Lou's elk meatleaf was the very definition of boring. For dessert, we had the bread pudding. I imagine it was good as far as bread pudding goes, but I don't like that sort of thing, so I didn't finish mine. Our dining experience wasn't bad. The food ranged from good to great and the service was absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, Lou's 5280 dinner gave us both mild cases of food poisoning; hers worse than mine. Recovering from your Friday evening dinner is a lousy way to spend the weekend, and because it was the only meal we shared leading up to our illnesses, I can say with certainty that Lou's was the culprit. We did email them. The eventual reply I would characterize as an "I'm sorry you got sick" shrug, not an "I'm sorry we made you sick" apology. I wasn't really expecting more from the email, but I would have expected more from the restaurant generally.
(2)
Jenna A.

We had the BEST send off into healthy eating dinner a few weeks ago! We dined on a Friday evening at 8:15pm and were seated immediately. Our waiter was fantastic. He sent us in the right direction all evening with our food choices. We started off with the pheasant crepe/egg roll appetizer which was absolutely perfect with a few cranberries on the side. Makes me really want to eat the pheasant that is frozen in our freezer right now..but in no way could it compare to this! A coworker recommended the duck confit salad to me and raved about it so that was my choice. The dressing was so light that the flavors of the bacon, poached egg and duck really stood out! My boyfriend got the half fried chicken that came with creamy mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts (I was a virgin brussel sprout eater before this evening!) Our entrees were awesome and we cleaned our plates. Everything we had was so rich and delicious that the chocolate chocolate cake didn't seem super appetizing so we got the carrot cake which was probably the best I've ever had. Again, cleaned our plate. We used our scoutmob deal with this but we would have came even if we didn't use the deal. The house wines were fantastic and we had a really good time talking to our waiter and the bartenders. Now, we HAVE to try brunch!
(4)
Jeffrey E.

What I had? Garlic Bread, Spaghetti & House-Made Meatball Food review: Challenge time! :-) So, I've been looking for some good meatballs in town and found at least one place but have been looking to see if there's better. Westword had made this place a "Best of" for Spaghetti and Meatballs / Meatloaf. So I went with the spaghetti and on the first bite I was like Wow! I think this is it. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the rest of the meatball didn't have the same impact. It still was really good but didn't have that "wow-ing" impact like the first bite had. I had garlic bread on the side which was good but maybe a little on the hard side. Overall, I highly recommend the spaghetti and meatballs here but I'm not sure I can make it best in town. I'll have to re-visit that "other" place to know for sure. :-) Service? No complaints Other thoughts: The look of the interior and exterior of this place are like night and day which is kind of interesting (old school diner-ish look on the outside and fresh, new, and modern on the inside). There are a lot of items on the menu I'd like to come back for that looked good. They have house-made sausages here. The meatloaf was also highly recommended so definitely want to give that a try. Also, I was intrigued by the braised rabbit stroganoff.
(4)
Mike H.

We have been here a few times now and the more I come the more I realize that it is a great spot, minus the awkward remodel. The space is open, way open as if it is an airplane hanger. They really put an effort into making it feel like something yet I do not know what it is suppose to feel like. Nor do I know what could have been done differently to make it feel more comfortable or a defined concept. I just realized that the theme is "comfort" food during my last visit. As for the service: A+ food: A- value: C+. If this place wasn't a ghost town every time we come in (outside of brunch) I would probably convince myself that there is more value to the food. However I identify that it is a tough space to transform yet I think it is a will always continue to be an asset to the area.
(4)
Roxy R.

A group of us went here for a company holiday party and were blown away. Our servers were very attentive and modified our dishes as needed for our vegetarian friend. We started with some amazing lavender-infused cocktails. Mixed perfectly. I really enjoyed the minimalist decorating -- even though it was minimal, somehow the place is cozy. We started with beef carpaccio, lox and garlic bread -- all fantastic. The lox was so flavorful! Our entrees came and I was surprised that the portions were so generous for a fancy/spendy place like this. I got a shrimp, beet and goat cheese salad and there were actually a ton of wonderful, delicious chunks of beets in my salad and big bits of house-made goat cheese! The sommelier offered us quite a variety of wines to pair with our dishes, all of course fantastic. I was really blown away by the Sauvignon Blanc he served us, can't remember the name, though. Will come back every time I have a friend in town!
(5)
Kate H.

Let me start by saying that my hubby and I are big Banano fans and were excited to try out a new spot for brunch. We read some reviews and though they were a bit negative, we thought we'd give it a shot. Here is the skinny: $8 bottomless mimosas: Fresh squeezed juice. Delicious Service: Super friendly, not as knowledgeable about the menu. Food: Good choices. Needed more recommendations from a more knowledgeable staff. Price: A bit too proud. I dinged them on price because I ordered a Country Breakfast Sandwich. In true Banano fashion- the Canadian Bacon was house cured and delicious. The cheese paired nicely and was melted perfectly. And the rest? Well..... that was it. Just meat and cheese and the kicker... it came on a plain bagel. Not a buttery biscuit. No flaky croissant. No warm homemade bread. Just a plain bagel. And.... the cost for the entire bagel sandwich....$12. 12 bucks for a bagel sammy?? I asked if it came with anything else and was told I could order potatoes a la carte. I ordered some and received a very tiny plate of 1 fried potato and 4 grapes (literally 4 - my hubby and I counted) all for a total of $4. So... my bagel sandwich, potato and 4 grapes wound up costing me $16. Ouch. Thoughts on the experience- love to support a local Chef and new enterprises, but don't slap customers in the face for a simple brunch. If it's going to be a $12 breakfast sandwich that bread better be made from Angel Tear's and Puppy Kisses... no way a $12 sammy should be stacked on a lousy plain bagel. We'll be back for HH to give it another shot in the P.M. Cheers
(3)
Amanda Y.

Had our first visit (of many I suspect!) to Lou's this week. Loved the feel of the place - we sat on the patio for dinner and it was a great casual atmosphere that perhaps belied just how good the food was going to be. We had the pate as an appetizer - proper, chunky pate with condiments that complimented it beautifully. For our mains we had sandwiches - I had the French Dip and my husband had the Cuban. The French Dip was the best sandwich I have ever had - the jus was house made and had the most incredible flavor! The staff were very attentive, with multiple servers checking that we had everything we needed throughout the night. I only wish we could have fitted in dessert!
(5)
Oli S.

I just finished my third visit to Lou's and once again I am leaving impressed. The cheese plate is awesome and today's special, a pulled pork sandwich, was fantastic. The spaghetti and meatballs are a personal favorite of mine. I always enjoy the atmosphere and the service is top notch. I highly recommend you give them a try.
(5)
Dante R.

I've been here 5 times now and realized, I love Lou's. Everything I've had here is packed full of flavor and leaves you feeling fully satisfied. The staff is friendly and very informative. The speed of service has always been excellent. Try the cornbread, artichoke, and anything duck related.
(5)
Melissa H.

A group of us took advantage of Lou's happy hour menu on a Friday night. We arrived around 5:30 just in case the chances of us getting a table for our group were slim. We took over the mini chef's bar (maybe it's the charcuterie bar?) - the fellow working that counter was in charge of the charcuterie but was also making several of the salads. He was helpful and willing to provide us with suggestions on the menu based on the types of food we liked. The happy hour menu consists of several items priced in the $2-$6 range... I think we ordered just about everything. We did a trio of pates - duck liver, chicken liver, and a smoked salmon rillette. The smoked salmon was my favorite due to the lightly pickled onions that were served on top. That was followed up with a pork slider that comes on a soft, greasy little bun piled high with pulled pork in a light sauce with crispy onions and coleslaw. It's mouthwatering good - but extremely messy! The crabcake received good reviews as well - although I did not happen to taste it. The croquettes were a bit greasy for my liking and the housemade sausages seemed a little dry. The Thai Pork & Duck sausage comes with some outstanding curried mashed potatoes that have an excellent spicy kick. One of our dining companions splurged on the duck confit burger off of the main dinner menu and I couldn't resist a bite. Rich, warm, and comforting is pretty much how you'd describe it. It's something best shared though - after finishing it on a solo mission you might feel your heart pounding a little harder. The cocktails were well balanced - we enjoyed several Moscow Mules (beware, they do not serve them in copper cups), Sazeracs, and other craft cocktails. And like other Frank Bonnano joints, you can also enjoy a slice of pie. All evening the place didn't get too busy - the bar was pretty full but the dining area had tables open most of the evening. There are one or two TVs at the bar in case you want to catch a game. And if you aren't able to find a sitter for the night, Lou's has a kid's menu as well! Service was excellent, the restaurant was clean, and the women's bathrooms have free tampons in the event that you need them!
(4)
Kirsten M.

Ever have a meal somewhere and find yourself obsessing about it months afterwards? It feels strange to have fallen in love with a salad, but I can't get the Lyonnaise salad from Lou's off my mind. Perfectly cooked duck (which is no small feat to find in Denver), egg, assorted greens... a fantastic salad. I'll also mention that the service at Lou's is fantastic. From the moment you walk in the door, everything somehow just magically is there whenever you want it. Need another glass of wine? Your waiter has already read your mind. Dropped your napkin on the floor? No worries, a fresh one has already been discretely placed next to your plate. If all this weren't enough, Lou's has a great happy hour. Why hang out in uber-trendy and over-crowded LoHi when you can go up a few blocks north to Lou's and enjoy better drinks, better food and better service?
(5)
Kate L.

Consistently great food and service. After leaving another restaurant that didn't acknowledge us (see earlier posting) Lou's came through during one of the busiest times for restaurants in our area...Sunday Brunch. We were greeted and seated promptly. Our service was outstanding. As for the food? Everyone loved what they ordered. I had the steak and eggs. Perfection! I'll keep going back for sure.
(5)
Steve O.

Good brunch and drinks. We needed a little hair of the dog for the a post party hangover. The French Fizz did the trick. I'm not a big fan of drinks with cream in them but this hit the spot. At about 10:45am, the place was busy, but we were seated straight away (I think we got the last open table). The Pumpkin Pie pancakes I had were great, thick and fluffy with just the right amount of spice. The house cured bacon was great, too. We each got our own order after trying a piece from one of our party's order. We all agreed that the French flair to their menu was something needed in the Highlands. We'll see how they do with dinner but, if it's anything like the brunch menu in terms of quality, I'm sure we won't be disappointed.
(4)
Jill S.

Pretty impressed! So, I had some wine in me when a group of friends wanted to go to Lous for dinner. I had the cesar salad, roasted cauliflower and the reuben. All were top notch, especially the cesar salad! I know, seems basic, but so often it's just lettuce with some crappy bottled dressing on top. This one was super lite and featured delicious anchovies on top. The cauliflower was great but as a personal preference, I could have done without the cheese on top. The reuben was massive and super delicious. Will definitely be heading back--this time with a cocktail mission.
(4)
Elizabeth C.

I'm being generous with the two stars-- and the only reason I'm giving two is because two things were good there: 1. The wine list 2. The food was well made by the kitchen. Now for the bad: 1. Completely inattentive waitress (she only had 2 tables!!!) 2. Having the waitress rush us through the appetizer to then wait 20 minutes before we realized our food didn't seem to be coming 3. Having to ask if our entree order had not been put in-- only to have our food come out lukewarm at best 4. Having to wait another 35 minutes before finally giving up on our waitress and going to ask for her. 5. Asking to speak to a manager before the waitress ran our credit cards-- to have her go right ahead and run them before getting her manager. 6. Having the manager tell us there was "nothing" she could do since the cards had already been run, despite our ridiculously bad service-- we actually asked her if they were understaffed (since each waitress had 2 whole tables!). To her credit, the manager did end up giving us some of our money back and did apologize, but didn't offer any kind of explanation for why we had to track our waitress down so many times. We won't be back, which it too bad since the food is quite good.-- servers can ruin the whole experience.
(2)
tamara h.

I had drinks here last night and was really impressed. The bartender was friendly and helpful. The menu had a great selection of wines, specialty cocktails and my favorite, whiskeys and scotches. I didn't get a chance to eat, but did take a look at the menu and am already know what I want when I go back. So far my only complaint would be the lighting being too bright, but I am sure this will be my complaint everywhere in Denver. What is with the bright lights! I would love to see slightly dimmer lights would create more of a romantic/intimate ambiance.
(4)
Andrea B.

Last night we ate at one of Highland's newest over rated restaurants, Lou's Food Bar, oh excuse me Foodbar. Now given this was my first visit it will also probably be my last, here's why. I went with my husband and a friend and this is what we ordered. I had the chopped chicken salad with avocado, bacon and blue cheese, it was $14. My husband had a main entrÃ©e of meatloaf with mushroom gravy and our friend had the braised beef short ribs, oh excuse me again RIB, with roasted root vegetables for $17 and $22 respectively. My salad - IT WAS MADE WITH HEAD LETTUCE!!!!!! I paid $14 for a salad made with maybe 3 leaves of head lettuce that was dredged with some milky form of, I guess, blue cheese dressing although there was no sign of blue cheese. There wasn't much of it, the chicken was absolutely tasteless and the avocados were old. Again I paid $14 for something that should never, ever cost that much. My husband's meatloaf was a good portion but heavily salted. He also had the french onion as an app, it was a very small portion and it was too sweet for french onion - cost $6. Our friend who paid the most for his meal was given 1 very small short rib with a vegetable medley that resembled dehydrated, squared rabbit food pellets not what the menu promised - roasted root vegetables. With overpriced, drinks and everything else it was a total bill of $117. Never again will I follow the hype. Sadly like previous Highland restaurants that have failed miserably because of high prices and poor delivery this one seems to be following suit.
(1)
Camille B.

Semifreddo.....ahhhhh. Next time I am ordering desert first. This was AMAZING! We did Lou's for restaurant week and it was packed and bustling....very happy vibes all around and a great, simple look to the room. I was nervous because my friend Barbara is a vegan and of course Lou's is pretty much best known for its meat and cheese. Barbara is VERY laid back so I knew SHE would go with the flow, but I was really hoping Lou's would come through with some solid options. And the did. They were totally unfazed by her vegan questions and suggested some options for her right away. As a result the rest of us fat and happy meat eaters got to dig into homemade sausages, salumi's, cheese and trout with happy abandon. It was fabulous. Our waiter looked just like a skinny John Hodgman, so that was amusing.
(4)
Andrea B.

I had a very mixed experience here. Saying 'green beans' in a different language doesn't make your food French, as much as it pains me to say. Service was wonderful. House wine - delicious. Food was good, some was really good. I had the atlantic salmon with the mustard cream sauce - it was good but nothing special. I've made better mustard cream sauce at home. The potato souffle was nice and tasty, and the haricots verts (see 'green beans' above) were very good, as was the homemade pumpkin pie and grilled artichoke. What got me was the price. As a reviewer said before, it's very proud. None of this stuff is all that special or unique, but the price would say otherwise. My (very picky) little sister got the spaghetti (um, French?) and (2) meatballs for $18. And I make better meatballs at home. Some advice for Lou's - go comfort or go French, please pick one. If you go comfort, pull the arrogance out of the menu, and make your food DAMN good. Or go french, and really liven it up. Either that, or lower your prices, because those will keep me from coming back to good and really good food, which you have.
(3)
Nick A.

An awesome cocktail list and a diverse menu, this place definitely hit the spot. From the street, it looks like this place would be some sort of taco shop or total dive bar, but inside it's got a much more trendy interior - a totally cool austere interior more in line with more classic Bistro-type places you might end up. My favorite thing is that the menu doesn't force you to commit; it has a great blend between classic comfort food (the fried chicken, which I got, was tits) and more hoity-toity types of foods (confit, patte, etc.) The best part? It was all awesome. We all ordered different meals and appetizers and shared with one another, and it seemed like each dish was a little better than the rest. The problem is that it is a little pricey - although it is commiserate with the quality of your meal. My advice is to go during happy hour and try all of the different types of sausages at a much reduced price (as well as the awesome booze.) Great place, I will be back and I would definitely recommend it to others.
(4)
Lauren S.

My original review was 3.21.12 and I loved this place. Food was epic and service was the best I had seen in Denver You might wanna pay attention to this one Frank - it has taken a serious plunge. I cant beg my friends to go here anymore. Possibly some of the worst service in the city. Arrogant, spacey and careless. The food has taken a hit too. Burnt sticky buns - weak portions, cold food and quite possibly the worst mimosa in town. I didn't even know you could mess that up... It's a shame this place died was a highland favorite....
(1)
Vince D.

The flat iron steak was amazing. It's minimally seasoned and you can tell it was not drowned in butter. The accompanying veges and frites were perfect too. The Paloma mixed drink was rather MEH but the 12 oz can of Ellies Brown Ale was great with the steak. Skip the crab cakes unless its happy hour ($4 vs $12). Food was delivered timely and with great care and interest by the wait staff. They were SUPER attentive despite the fact that we arrived at the same time as a bunch of other parties and were about the 5th to be seated. Atmosphere: The minimal decor and lighting draws your attention to the conversation at your table and the food in front of you. BIG PROPS to the designer for great looking coat and purse hooks on under the bartop for each seat at the bar. Every place should do this. I can't wait to head back for Sunday brunch and also the Spaghetti & Meatballs that I keep hearing about!
(4)
J K.

In the end, pretty decent. The booth was small, and we were crammed in pretty tight, but that happens. The staff was nice enough, and the surroundings were fine. The food was decent to pretty good, but honestly, I don't know what the fuss is all about. The fried chicken was good, but not "best in town", nor anywhere near that. It actually seemed burnt underneath the mounds of breading. The redeeming factor was definitely the homemade sausages... absolutely wonderful! But the rest of the meal was just ordinary, nothing to brag about, and nothing to write home about.
(3)
jody z.

We have lived two-ish blocks from Lou's since it opened, and finally checked it out tonight...mehh.. Our service was good..the host was great, and our server was pretty good as well..our drinks came out after our appetizer order, but that could be the bartender's fault...our server was down to earth and friendly.. We ordered the duck pate. fried chicken & the braised rabbit pasta..all were mediocre. The pate was bland and pretty sweet...almost dessert sweet.. The fried chicken was HUGE, maybe a small turkey, but cooked PERFECTLY..tender, moist and with perfectly crispy skin but... completely bland with NO seasoning..its like they literally forgot to season the chicken or the batter. I had to ask for salt and pepper, which you don't often have to do in great restaurants.. My husband ordered the braised rabbit fettuccine..we were expecting pasta with some beautifully braised rabbit resting on top, but it was nothing like what we expected. There were shredded pieces of rabbit mixed in with the pasta (it felt as if it were the forgotten rabbit parts, maybe?) and by just looking at the plate, if we hadn't known it was rabbit, we would have guessed it was tuna casserole. The taste was ok, once again pretty bland. We get the twist on comfort food, but there is a difference in a "twist" on comfort food at $20ish a plate done well, and actual comfort food you can find in a mom and pop place at half the price, and that is probably seasoned better. Lou's is neither..either "twist" or open a diner... Our server raved about the meatloaf so we will probably go one more time to try that, and the homemade sausages..hopefully that will make up for the bland evening we had tonight. As of now Lou's doesn't have much of a "wow" factor.
(3)
Cheresa C.

We have really enjoyed the food here each time we have dined. We usually go fairly early (between 5 and 6pm) for dinner and are always met warmly and seated right away. We have a toddler whom the staff is always welcoming and accommodating. Our son loves the normal menu but our waiters have always offered to make more classic kid friendly meals if we wanted. We enjoy their variety of homemade sausages. But you can never go wrong with their fried chicken and mash potatoes. This isn't the place for an elegant meal. This is a warm your belly, home cooking supper that can please any hungry palette.
(4)
Ian G.

Go here for lunch all the time. Really friendly staff and manager. Definitely try the homemade lemonade and iced tea. You can't go wrong with lunch but definitely try the lyonnaise potatoes as a side!
(5)
keith r.

This is my new favorite restaurant! The menu is diverse enough I can eat here 4 days a week (and have been since they opened). From the french dip to the fried chicken or lobster enchiladas its all amazing....not to mention a house made chevre i could live on. The highlands now have a Bonanno concept in the neighborhood which is long overdue. See you tomorrow for lunch
(5)
TARA M.

Had a great time. Super cute inside. Our waiter Marcus was very knowledgeable about the menu and very attentive. I went with 3 other people and everyones food was good. I hopethey add the meatloaf to the menu because it was great.
(5)
Michelle S.

Decided to try somewhere new for Valentines Day and I made reservations here for 7:00pm. After Valentines Day 2009 I swore I'd never go out again on this night but I was exhausted from work and didn't want to cook. We could only hope the wait wouldn't be horrible. Arrived a few minutes ahead of time and sat at the bar to wait for our available table which wound up being a max of 10 minutes. Bartender was super friendly as was the hostess. We wound up being seated at a rather large table which surprised me but since it was Valentines Day I guess most reservations were for groups of two! Food was delicious, service was meh (not super friendly and extremely slow.) I know it's a big night for restaurants but the time it took for food and service was a little nuts. We waited about 10 minutes to be greeted by a server which is never ok. At least come say hello. He welcomed us to dinner, asked if we had any questions about the menu and if we wanted any drinks as turned to walk away. He returned 5 minutes later and delivered our drinks and then turned to leave again when the boy said we want to order the carpaccio and the artichokes. Said server nods and leaves. We resume our conversation and wait, and wait, and wait. Probably 20 minutes later we still haven't seen our server and our apps are just arriving. Everything looked delicious and we dug in. Server appears, asks if we need anything and takes off. Didn't even give us an opportunity to order our dinner! The carpaccio was awesome! I loved the arugula/parmesan topping and the sprinkle of salt really brought out the flavors. The artichoke was not worth the money at all. I could barely eat anything off the leaves because it wasn't cooked fully and the heart was edible but tasteless. Bummer, I sure do love a good 'choke. I would have mentioned something to the server but he didn't appear until our apps were gone. Ummm, ok? He shows up again and we place our dinner order. I order the steak, the boy orders some of the house made sausage. And then we threw in a last minute order for a beet salad. Thank goodness we did that or I would have been starving by the time our food arrived! The salad arrived 10 minutes later and was amazing. There were so many beet pieces which was great, the dressing was delicious and the crunch of the almonds totally made the salad. I did however miss the grapefruit that was supposed to be in the salad but apparently didn't make it to the plate. I wasn't sure if I had imagined that part of the salad but again didn't have a chance to ask our server because he was no where to be found. Either way the salad was delicious. Our food finally arrived and we dug in. The steak was over cooked but still tasty. The boy loved the sausage plate that he ordered and we enjoyed a nice night out. Server showed up to ask if we wanted dessert but I was full and didn't feel like waiting around for 20 more minutes to get some dessert. I know it was Valentines Night so things get a little crazy but the service still seemed like it was extraordinarily slow. I will come back because the food spoke for itself and there are a bunch of other things on the menu I want to try. Overall it was an ok night.
(3)
Jordan B.

It pains me to give Lou's only three stars, as I'm a BIG Bonanno fan (I could have single-handedly supported Osteria Marco last summer with my Burrata addiction). Sadly though, I wasn't that impressed - maybe my expectations were too high due to what I'm used to Bonanno delivering. Lou's was full of weird contradictions for me. The dÃ©cor and locale was not what I was expecting from a Bonanno joint, even a "dive" spot, and even though the food was a little more casual/home-style than that served in his other ventures, the prices weren't. The concept was supposed to be French, which was demonstrated in many of the options, but the main dishes were all over the place. We shared the cheese plate, and between myself and three friends, ordered the salmon, steak frites, lobster enchiladas and duck confit a l'orange. Nothing was bad or close to it, but I didn't think anything was fabulous. And although I know Lou's is playing off the dive bar vibe, the presentation was disappointing too. Maybe we didn't order the right things, but I missed the cosmic OMG moment that I got the first time I tried Bonanno's other spots like Osteria and Bones. I guess Lou's just wasn't what I was expecting from Frank - albeit, I didn't fall head over heels for his other newer venture, Green Russell, either. Perhaps Bonanno should just stick to what it does oh-so-well, Italian and cheese, and leave the trendier dive and speakeasy concepts to others.
(3)
Ming C.

Just went to Lou's Food Bar for the first time yesterday for dinner with friends. On the outside it looks like a shack that got teleported from California beach to the mountains of Colorado. Difinately not what you would think when you walk in. We ordered caesar salad, duck, fried chicken, fish and chips, and the sausages. Everything was wonderful, the waiter had to bring us our whipped potatoes later because the chef was unhappy with what he made initially. I love the dedication of the chef, on insisting quality. The food was good, esp the fried chicken. I guess if you put something like an American comfort food that everyone has an opinion on such as Fried Chicken, it better be good, and boy it was good. Crunch, and juicy, cooked perfectly. A nice hang out place with friends, I will definately be back again soon!
(4)
Jamie T.

A friend told me Lou's was "divine." I should have factored into that review that she ate there stoned and "divine" could have also described a meal of cheetos and a slurpie. At any rate, I was dying to see the conversion of the longtime biker bar The Keg into the swanky Lou's Food Bar and while it seems they're still in the process of decorating, it is a tremendous transformation. Ordered a meat/cheese plate (good), french onion soup (divine, really) and ribs & frites (fall off the bone, bbq sauce could have been better), potatoes au gratin (not what I expected, potatoes are shredded, but are a delight) and finally apple pie (would have preferred this warm). Service could not have been better, friendlier or more accomodating. Will go back, and will try the lobster enchiladas... which begs the question, what food style is Lou's? French, Southern, Fusion, or Yuppie Stoner Paradise?
(3)
Ann T.

Our first time at Lou's was just a few days ago. We were very happy to see that they had a happy hour on a Saturday. We all enjoyed a glass of affordable yet great wine after a very difficult week. It was the perfect relaxing atmosphere to sit and unwind after a hectic trip to DIA. We had the pate plate and enjoyed a nice taste of France, from smooth and mild to spicy with a bit of perfect coarseness, the trio was the perfect pairing. I enjoyed the mussels while my husband loved his burger. The pulled pork sandwich that my friend ordered looked like the best of the bunch but it's a good location with great food. The only thing that would prevent me from coming back would be the prices, they were a bit much for my pocket. The portions were fair though. I'll just have to save this for the next trip to DIA.
(4)
Jason S.

First of I'll start of by saying the location of Lou's is in an odd place if you ask me. They have a patio which is cool, but it's kind of alone there on 38th, but in a good way. Apparently they remodeled the hell out of the inside, it was really cool and they have a giant bar! Now, let's talk food. I went with a group of 5 others and we all tried something different. Everything that I tried was awesome, including the Duck Liver Mousse. To start we also had the Cheese Plate, Grilled Artichoke and Mussels (they were amazing). For dinner I had the Chilled Shrimp and Beet Salad. I love beets and I loved this salad. The portion size was great. My wife tried the fried chicken and someone had house-made sausage dish... Everything was excellent and the menu was super diverse and delish!! If you want to try something new head to Lou's and you'll be in for a nice surprise. And the staff was so friendly, prompt and rad!!
(4)
Tom L.

Love the atmosphere. Very low key, dark colors, dark wood trim. Long bar with great cocktails and a smart wine list. Service was excellent, in contrast to what some others have said. Not the best place to take a vegetarian (my wife). For me, I try and eat only organic or locally raised meats and there was very little of that as well. The meats are your high quality meats from Nebraska, Iowa, and NY. Good enough but I stick local and there are plenty of Denver chefs who do the same. Our meat loving friends really enjoy the food here. I think if you stick to the sausages and things with duck confit in it you'll really enjoy it too. The food I did have was pretty good. I loved the salmon pate but the others thought it was too smokey. Fish sandwich was boring but fine. Obviously not their specialty. Overall I score it high for atmosphere, drinks, and service. Low for the kind of food I like. I'd go back with French food lovers for happy hour and small plates.
(3)
Scarlett D.

best food ever in a bajillion years, I had an appetizer and bread and YUM!! it was soooooooo delicious!
(5)
Unknown C.

Like many people, heard about this new restaurant opening and got online to check out the menu. I saw they had a French Dip for $15.00, I thought to myself, what can one do to a French Dip where it costs $15.00? I have to admit, my curiosity got the best of me. Walked in, the staff was very friendly. I thought the colors were odd for during the day, might be cool at night with the large examination lamps, but rather bland for during the day. I'd hardly call the interior French, unless you're into French caves...and it still smells like an old bar. Stopped by and ordered the French Dip. I asked what accompanied the sandwich. The response was 'au jus' (haha!). I asked if fries or chips came with it and I was told no, but for $6.00 I could order a side of fries. Wow, now I'm up to $21.00 before tax and tip for a sandwich....this must be an awesome sandwich! Well folks...I would avoid this place like the thief on the corner offering to sell me a "genuine" Rolex. Sometimes you just can't mess with the basics. The sandwich was barely average (at best), the fries were not fresh cut (remember $6.00 for a small container) - they were more like the kind you buy at Safeway in the frozen food section...and that was my lunch....not even a pickle with the sandwich. $21.00 plus tax and gratuity.....not even a damn pickle.... By far, this is the worst restaurant to come to the area in some time. Try it if you must.... Thank you for reading.
(1)
sarah b.

Went here on a Friday night & experienced about a 30 minute wait. The bar was full so we didn't feel right just going up and ordering a drink. Luckily, the hostess offered us a complimentary glass of wine while we waited. Couldn't complain about that. I figured we were off to a decent start. As a party of 4, we made a stupid move getting the roasted artichoke app. It wouldn't have put a dent in my hunger had I eaten 2 of them by my lonesome. It was flavorful & the dip was tangy & savory. My main course was the fried chicken - sorely disappointed in the chicken-to-batter ratio. Think about when a cast gets sawed off after the broken arm has healed. The arm looks all sad and depressing and the cast looks way thicker than it should. The quality of the organic chicken was tasty though. My husband had the blackened fish sandwich which didn't really have any redeeming flavors in its expanse of bun. My friend had the lobster enchiladas, which sound good in theory, but the execution was off. Its flavor reminded me of a $4 crab rangoon appetizer from a chinese menu. I like those, because you know what to expect. Our other friend got the salmon, and while I didn't try it, I can imagine it was probably not the best salmon in the city. Our server was attentive despite the rush. Decor was understated. Very loud/horrible acoustics. I would like to go back and give this place another try, because SURELY this place can't be this suck-tacular...but it won't be with my husband because he is less forgiving. I will probably try the banana/PB french toast b/c I get hungry just thinking those 5 words. An awesome french toast would convince me to add a 3rd star. Sorry, Lou, wanted to love you.
(2)
Ruth L.

Love this place! food is great staff is friendly and as a nondrinker they have a great moctail selection :) Will keep going back
(5)
Rachel M.

If you are fortunate enough to live in Northwest Denver, I'd wager that Lou's just may become your new favorite spot. Don't get confused about the sign on the side of their building that has an arrow pointing away from the building...you are in the right place. Their service is on par with Luca and Mizuna, though their prices are more akin to Osteria Marco. Staff is knowledgeable about almost all the items and no less than seven different people stopped by our table to clear cutlery, fill water, chat with us about our meal, etc. It seemed a bit overkill, but I would do the same if I had just opened up a restaurant. Their french onion soup was amazing. Lots of gooey cheese and bread like you'd expect, though I found myself wishing for more broth to balance it out. Salade Lyonnaise was amazing - one of the best salads I've had in recent memory. If you order nothing else at Lou's, I would encourage everyone to try the thai sausage with curried potatoes. Denver is fortunate enough to have some great makers of sausage, but this one beat them all. The cheese plate was also amazing. The bleu cheese and chevre were particular standouts. Overall, I can't wait to return and I'm so happy to have a Bonano "concept" in my neighborhood.
(5)
Lauren D.

Yay Lou's is OPEN! Since I live in Sunnyside, I have been very excited about this little gem. First thing you notice, every single one of the staff is so polite and friendly, genuinely warm and welcoming. They have a pretty extensive bar (complete with purse hooks, yes I noticed) and a great menu of unique handcrafted drinks. I chose one with lavender infused vodka - delish! Didn't really stop in for dinner, just for a cocktail and some snacks, but we were not let down a bit. The beef carpaccio is perfect! Personally I'm not a fan of pÃ¢tÃ©, but the BF scarfed it down blissfully. I was impressed with the white bean salad we tried. There is also a nice selection of house made cheeses as well. I wished we could try more! Another tidbit, word on the street is they are rolling out the brunch menu next weekend! So basically, in all honesty, we are so thrilled to have this place in our 'hood and can't wait to frequent it enough to try all the fabulous looking things on the menu, especially the Country Fried Chicken and the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Bravo!
(5)
Mason M.

A-mazing. Salads, legit cocktails, friendly and informative staff, creative and delicious dishes, best fried chicken I have ever had, pheasant sausage , short rib, crab stuffed trout,.... It's awesome. I will return with certainty.
(5)
Jennifer M.

Lou's rules! An awesome place for lunch. Cozy but sophisticated ambiance...knowledgeable, thoughtful, proactive service. AMAZING food...so well done. Yes! Yes! Yes!
(5)
Jeff V.

Attention Lou's Your fried chicken was delicious and mashed potatoes so buttery...not to mention that the fried chicken was organic. Honestly....your fried chicken challenge's Tom's. BUT you need to have the courage to try and offer up your white meat against it. No white meat = no beating Tom's since they dare serve up a part of the chicken that is commonly overdone. from, Jefferson
(4)
N H.

My first trip to Lou's was about 2 weeks ago, and I was pleasantly surprised at the place which, on the outside, appears a bit hokey. Ample parking, a small but nice patio (filled with gravel stones) greet you. The interior is sparse and open, red hand painted (or stamped) words adorn the wall with what I call over sized office lamps highlighting them. Concrete floors amplify the sound, but in a good way. The place feels vibrant. Greeted promptly we were sat at nice two seater and our waiter was right there to take our order. We started with the Cheese and Meat plate, which was awesome, well prepared and a good start to the evening. For drinks I had one of their mixed drinks, all looked good. My partner had a rum and coke. Dinner was superb. The waiter recommended the French Dip, which my partner ordered. I had the spaghetti and meatballs. Our food arrived hot, and was quite good. Westword I believe just awarded best spaghetti and meatballs to Lou's and I would have to agree. Two large meatballs with nice thick pasta and a wonderful sauce completed the meal. The french dip was huge! wonderful, medium rare with a tasty Au Jus sauce. For desert we decided on Madeira wine (the wine which our Founding Father's toasted after signing the Declaration of Independence.) Sweet and full, it was a great top to the end of the night. I'm a fan of this place, and am going to eat there again tonight...if all goes well, I'll be tempted to give the place 5 starts...which I hardly ever do!
(4)
Jessica P.

I have had brunch Lou's a couple times and it has been absolutely fantastic! They have a modern, simplistic French atmosphere with all the great service you would expect out of a Frank Bonanno resturaunt . I have sampled - Sausage breakfast pie: this is warm heaven in a bowl of savory scrumptious - Duck confetti Benedict: mmm alright, liked the mustard hollandaise - Salmon Benedict: yummy, how can you go wrong with lox - Banana peanut butter French toast: there is a god! One of my fav flavor combos - spinach, red pepper, chevre, and olive tapenade omelet: healthy and flavorful - Strawberry Bloody Merry: wow genius and delicious, what a punch to the face of sweet and SPICY! This place is great because we have not had to wait once for a table and there prices are very reasonable, similar to Osteria Marco. I can not wait to try the dinner
(5)
Erica A.

You have to try the duck and pork homemade sausage with thai curry potatoes. OMG!!!! to die for. The homemade pastrami with grilled onions is killer.
(4)
Ali P.

Went for brunch and the food was great! Definitely try the beignets for a brunch appetizer...they were fabulous! The bartender said we got the last order though and we were there at 10:30 a.m. so I guess go early to make sure you get some! The dinner menu looks good, casual and laid back, will go back to try it!
(4)
Steven G.

Really like Lou's. Probably my favorite spot when we're in that "dunno, not sure what sounds good." mood. Consistently solid dishes. Love the simple decor (especially considering what was here many years ago). My last visit (last night) was good. The only bummer was the bartender was petty sure he needed to be sure everyone within 30 feet cold hear him namedropping and speaking in that sort-of, "I am the coolest coolio foodster ingredient maven and expert in, well, everything", way. VERY annoying guy...really really glad we didn't sit at the bar on this drop-in. But check it out...you won't be bummed.
(4)
A M.

I really really really want to like this place. Really, I do. I live in the hood and want so badly for this to be....something I want to go back to every week. But I'm on strike two here and hoping things improve. On both visits I was with a group of friends. It was casual, no expectations. The upside on the ambiance is that the space is open enough, not too loud, to enjoy the company of your friends, without having to scream or say 'huh?' a lot. The downside to the joint is the build out. But I won't get on that jag, 'cause this is about the food, right. Here is the truth. The food ain't that bad. In fact the hangar steak I ordered on the last visit was cooked perfectly. But when it comes to getting what you pay for, I felt totally screwed. Okay, so I'm not asking that you super size anything. I appreciate an appropriate portion. But if I'm paying $18 for a hangar steak, at least give me a 6 oz portion. The plating situation. I know that this is supposed to be a "Food Bar", ala diner, oval plates, nothing fancy- I get it. But, seriously, the presentation is lack luster. My first meal here was the med sausage with couscous. My second was the hangar steak, came with a side of broccoli and some fries. Both occasions looked like it came out of a Hungryman tv dinner. Now, let's discuss the wine list and the servers wine knowledge. Again, if you guys want to come across as the friendly little food bar, buy wine and sell it at prices that reflect that. This isn't Mizuna or Luca, simmer down on the fifty to seventy dollar bottles and give the peasants what we can afford. We may be more willing to drink more at thirty a bottle. And please make sure that the staff at least has knowledge on the BTG and most full bottles. I caught several servers checking the backs of bottles for information. Lastly, please help out that sad little corner that you call the Charcuterie bar. First of all, the girl that was working that evening looked as if she had been punished and banned to the corner. She hardly looked up at us or engaged all evening. Perhaps not her job to engage with the public, since you strategically left the bar open. hmm. And how sad is that set up. At least change out the plastic containers for nine pans and I don't care to see blocks of cheese sitting in aluminum foil as if it were Velveeta. You guys make some great stuff, SHOW it off. If only Gordon Ramsey had a show on how to spruce up your salami corner. I'm going back. i will give it a third go of it. But please, value your customers enough and stop overcharging them per plate. And please spruce up that plate. And that corner. And that wine list.
(2)
Rob B.

Interior is drab, feels cluttered, cold and thrown together. Food is a small step above pub fare while the price tag has you expecting something on the level of Root Down. This place was a major disappointment and we won't be back. There are too many good spots in this area for Lou's to get our hard earned money.
(2)
Laura B.

More like a 3.5. The food is pretty good, I have had the lobster pot pie, pulled pork sando, salmon, and duck. I loved the duck la orange!! The other items were pretty average. My fav part about this place is the meat and cheese and some of the best duck liver mousse in town!!!! I also really like the bar. They make a variety of sausages that I want to eventually try. We also had some pie from Frank's shop Wednesdays Pies.....also yummy! I am just not WOWed by the food like I am at some of his other restaurants.
(4)
Cassel M.

Nice for brunch ~ unlimited mimosas :) and the food was really yummy too.
(4)
Katie L.

My favorite meal since moving back to Denver, period. We were anxious to try it, having loved Frank's others, but a little wary given some of the negative reviews, particularly coupled with our gigantic expectations. We arrived early on a Sat night because they don't take reservations (6ish)- we are over 40 now so we can have supper without shame. It was already buzzing, and not just with blue-hairs! Our service was impeccable! Friendly, funny, but not too much, and certainly not affected like the growing vibe in many of restaurants in the gritty but too hip for school Highlands. Our waiter gave us really good advice - most importantly that we were ordering WAY too much food, as our glutton selves are prone to do. Do not miss the escargot, and the French Dip. I'm not even a huge French Dip fan - but this sandwich was magical. Phenomenal beef, extremely addictive "dip" and the bread could not have been more perfect - a tiny bit crunchy but also soft. Genius. Bread Pudding Brownie for desert and we were officially in love. We have recommended Lou's to several friends now, and are already on our way back tonight!! LOVE IT!!
(5)
Tina F.

So far, I've had two really great meals at Lou's and I'm a huge fan. Not only is the food good but the staff is really nice and unpretentious (unlike the crappy Squeaky Bean). The first time we went there was some confusion over who our server was, but it was handled really well, which is a hallmark of good service. It's not possible to avoid all problems, but if you can deal with it with grace, you'll always win. The first time we went I had the banana French toast and that was amazing. This last time I had the blackened fish sandwich and that was really good too (and I really don't like fish). It's white fish coated in some hot and zesty spices with a celery root remoulade on a nice crunchy roll. I look forward to going back!
(5)
Dave H.

They should call it Lou's Fly bar, cause the bar's got alotta flies all over the place! Hilarious I am....but it's true. Lotta flies all over the place pretty much every time I've been there. Annoying. The food's pretty decent. Had the Pate', not very liver based, more nuts 'n filler. Salmon is house-made, but nothing stellar. Fried chicken was 5 out of 10. Provencal omelet was pretty good; like the olive tapenade. Bartender recommended the Lionnaise salad; that was awesome. Wine selection is good. Never had absinthe before so that was a delicious hangover I wasn't planning on. Lots of decent vodka like most places. Restroom is sterile, which I appreciate after riding the bus there. I'd rate it higher if there were more menu items that amazed me. Maybe I'll just have the waitstaff order for me; seems to work out in the past. And the bartender Mandy on Wednesday is pretty cool. I'm not just saying that cause we're friends.
(3)
Ray W.

Nice ambience. Sausages are awesome. Salads make a real meal. The charcuterie plate is awesome. Good cocktails, friendly staff. Definitely on the European side, so the folks who ranked it low probably are the ones not too into European...
(5)
Robert H.

Fun Sunday brunch!
(4)
shannon h.

Not my darling Lou's... I've been watching you with wistful eyes since the remodel started. I live 6 blocks away and longed for summer walks over to your place for lovely food and drinks, but it was like a 3rd date whens the intended leaves their best behavior at home. An hour between ordering and our entrees arriving :( When we sat for 20 minutes after devouring our tiny appetizer we finally decided to bring our loneliness to the servers attention. A bowl of candied walnuts and 8 dry slices of baguette were sent, not sufficient. Hope that the quality of food would erase our negativity was a dream never met. Less than juicy ribs, non spicy lobster enchiladas, and not curried potatoes rounded out this experience. Oh Lou, how I wanted you to be my darling... didn't happen
(2)
Gabrielle S.

Had a group of eleven people and they took great care of us! The cheese curds were perfect and the salmon plate delish and well presented. I had the chop salad and it was great - the salad dressings were really nice as well. I also want to go back and have the green chili fries as an entree - had a bite of someone elses and they were soooo good. I will definetley go back - love the vibe and the food.
(4)
Jeffrey N.

Lou's...Average food, average service and downright dreadful decorating. It's not that anything is bad at Lou's it's just that nothing lives up to what you would expect from a Bonanno establishment. It's starting to become pretty evident that he is wearing himself too thin. The details are lacking in every dish. I added in an extra star because the bar area is very comfortable and the happy hour menu is very good for the price. This is a great place to stop for a drink but not a great spot to go on a date or a dinner.
(3)
Londell J.

Hubby and I finally got into this place tonight and have to say that we are very happy to have Lou's in the neighborhood. Living only a few blocks a way in the Sunnyside neighborhood, we plan to come back! The fried chicken was good, as was the apple pie and the carpaccio. However the escargot and the meatloaf was INCROYABLE! And be sure to say Hello to Bo! :o)
(4)
Keith N.

Slightly wrinkled, needs ironing No reservations... we waited in the bar for 30 minutes on a Friday night for a table for 4. Shared a bottle of wine at the bar. Great wine selection from the bartender. The wait wasn't a problem for me. I prefer dining at a crowded restaurant as opposed to a scarcely populated one. The decor is minimalist with a touch of "I found this at a yardsale". The atmosphere was loud and festive. The service was extremely friendly and helpful. I liked the menu. Seemed like typical brasserie type food. The problem was, I didn't love the food. I ordered a "home made sausage" plate. My jaw was literally tired after eating them. They were way over-cooked and tasted pretty average. My girlfriend got the fried chicken. The breading was bland and they only served 4 drumsticks. I love drumsticks, but it seemed to compound the unhealthiness of fried chicken by not offering any white meat options. The strawberry rhubarb pie was delicious. They get them from Wednesday's Pies in Lodo. I'll try it again. I just won't go out of my way to do so.
(3)
Erika S.

Lou's in AMAZING. The location is not too ideal and seems (from the outside) to be questionable, but the food, service and ambiance are anything but. My boyfriend and I read about this place in a local Denver magazine, so we decided to try it out for brunch on Easter Sunday. We both ordered omlettes that were absolute perfection...cooked perfectly and full with a taste that made you want to savor each bite. I had a side of sausage that (mind you I am not a huge sausage fan) was like nothing I'd ever had before. The shape was like a patty and I kid you not, it was to date, the best sausage I have ever had. Even the mimosas were fantastic! I've raved about this place to a number or people and think it's entirely worth checking out. We definitely plan to return for brunch and dinner, as well! -Erika 5.13.2011
(5)
Christopher M.

In the short amount of time this establishment has been open, I've dined at Lou's around 14 times. Fried Chicken, Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, (multiple!) Biscuits and Gravy (Duck FAT!) and a long line of house made cheeses and meats. I think that's all I need to say. I brought my 2-year old there for her birthday. She loves the fuzzy napkins! Also the beignets. 'Nuff said. Best brunch in Denver.
(5)
Danielle S.

My fiancÃ© and I dine at Lou's on a regular basis with friends as well as just the two of us. Their service is top notch and the food is amazing comfort food with a French touch...who does not love that! My favorite thing about Lou's it their homemade pates and sausages! Their daily specials are always on point and you can't go wrong with any of their Main dishes. To top everything off they have a great beer and wine list and can make a very good strong cocktail. During the summer that have a fun patio and since they are in the neighborhood and not downtown you don't have to deal with the craziness of parking. I highly recommend this spot to anyone for a couple wanting to get out of the house to a family with kids wanting to celebrate something special.
(4)
Katarina M.

Wednesday Fried Chicken night! This is not your average KFC. The service is PHENOMENAL and the food even better. Such a hidden gem on 38th street--the Bonanno Group has done it again.
(5)
Mickele B.

We went for the fried chicken and stayed for the wine list. Locally grown, organic fried chicken! The herb goat cheese and salad nicoise were delightful!
(4)
Bree R.

My advice starts with parking, just find a nice spot on the street, the lot is tiny and almost everyone seems to like to drive the wrong direction which made Jenny and I homicidal for a moment. We had some sparkling Le Mindis to start, and loved them. Although I am not sure that we haven't met a sparkling cocktail that we didn't love. We had the white bean & haricot verts with egg and it was Yummy! Crunchy! and Fresh! The pork sausage with garlic and fennel with white bean ragoÃ»t was also good, full of flavor. Our server was attentive and friendly, and we didn't have to wait to get a table on a Friday night. The place is loud, and Jenny said that she thought she heard Bell Biv DeVoe playing. I do like BBD, but it was so loud in there it was hard to even hear her from across our little two top table. Luckily for me I am hard of hearing in my left ear, so I will certainly return here.
(4)
Kathryn H.

"How do they make creamed corn taste so good? I mean it's cream and corn; but they make it taste so good," were the words out of my friend, Dan's mouth tonight, upon completing our entrees. We went for Happy Hour and stayed for dinner because it was all delicious, the cocktails were flowing, and the service was great. From the outside, this unassuming establishment looks a bit like an old school supper club, with a light-up sign. I never would have guessed that it was a nice, trendy restaurant on the inside. To clarify, Lou's is definitely a meat-tastic place. We had two different sausages, muscles with sweet broth and spicy chorizo, then Dan and our other friend, Greta had crab cakes, and the slider (both have gluten, so no-no for me.) The slider was just voted second in the nation, or something. I tasted the meat of it and it was really good, kind of barbecue flavor. My favorite appetizer was definitely the Thai duck sausage, with potatoes. The cilantro garnish was a perfect accoutrement to this dish; however, the pork, fennel, garlic was the favorite of the other two folks at the table. Both sausages were happy-hour-priced, at $5, usually closer to $13. Good deal. Moscow Mules for $5, too. And the server was nice enough to let us double up, before happy hour was over. I had a margarita later, and as David M. said, they are not messing around with the lime juice. This thing was not sweet at all, but perfectly tangy. We then ordered a couple of entrees to share: The crab-stuffed trout and the short-rib. Both were perfectly cooked, well-balanced dishes. We couldn't decide which was better, but every bite was devoured, and I almost took the server's hand off when he began to take the plate with a bit of mashed potatoes left. And the creamed corn, oh the creamed corn! I don't know why it is so good? Maybe because I haven't had it in years; but this is not the stuff out of the can; it is so much better than that. The other two had the dessert: bread pudding with ice cream, which looked to die for, but not in the cards for this one. That's when I had the margarita! A great evening all-around. The only strange part was that toward the end of our meal they had to "revoke" our table. We were seated at the table because we thought we were just going to have happy hour, which turned into dinner. Anyway, it wasn't a big deal, and it took us some time to make up our minds as to what we wanted to do, and the staff was really nice about it, but we were rushed a bit at the end of our meal, so they could have the table. They did reserve us some sweet spots at the bar, so in the end, it turned out all right.
(5)
Chris W.

I don't know how to express how awesome this place is. We went for brunch on a sleepy Sunday afternoon. We had duck confit benedict, pigs in a snuggie, French toast for the kid, and beignets. We had French press coffee, a French fizz, and chocolate milk. Everything was perfect. Exceeded expectations. Value is really good. They could have charged 35% more for a lot of stuff. Wait staff are great. Open atmosphere.
(5)
Angela K.

We tried Lou's on a Friday, for lunch, because it was a highly rated "bring your kids" restaurant in Westword this year. I'm not sure how kid friendly it is (although they do have a kids menu and wiki stix), but aside from that, the food is great! My husband had the reuben, which was delicious, and my daughter had the buttered noodles which were pretty standard. But the show stopper was my beet salad! It came with arugula and fried goat cheese, and it was ridiculous. I'm not a die-hard salad fan, but I would eat this every day.
(4)
Meg S.

I always get excited when a new place opens in the neighborhood. I love brunch, I love mimosas, and I love enjoying those two things with friends. We went to Lou's with 2 other couples, and one couple had been there before and liked it. *For that reason alone, I am willing to give them another try. If not for that, I wouldn't go back. Let's start with ambiance - aside from a cool looking bar area, the decor blows. It looks like someone threw up drywall and then let their kid use red finger paint here and there to color. If they wanted a stark, sterile look, then I guess they achieved that. At quick glance, the prices look similar to other brunch menus. However, most items are a la carte, and the sides are expensive for the amount we received. The beverages were also overpriced for brunch. The service was friendly but slow, from ordering drinks to getting the food. Typically this wouldn't bother me, but it wasn't exactly busy while we were there, so there was no reason why things should've taken as long as they did. I ordered the quiche, which the server said was one of their best sellers, and I would never, ever, order it again. One of the other girls ordered the same thing and was also disappointed. It was dry, cold (even though they claimed it should be served "room temperature", it was not) and a far cry below anything that I would prepare. We both sent our plates back to the kitchen, and everyone else was almost done eating by the time our food came out again. We were not offered an apology, asked how things were when we tried it again, or comped a beverage or anything. To be fair, the other 4 people all enjoyed their meals, and my husband's omelet was pretty tasty. There were enough other items on the menu that looked good, that I would be willing to give them another shot.
(2)
Jennifer S.

My boyfriend and I went with his parents here. We wanted to check out the latest hotspot in Sunnyside. We really liked the decor, the service was great, and we loved everything we ordered! We got there in time for happy hour, which meant I got a Moscow Mule for $5. Not a huge drink, but nice to try a signature cocktail for $5! Based on the rec of our server, we decided to eat family style. We ordered the following: cheese and salami plate $20 - they make their own cheese! Once we heard that, we had to try it. The ham was really salty, but when eaten with the pickled melon, it was really good. The Roquefort was outstanding--creamy, sweet and nutty! roasted artichocke - delicious and enough for 4 to share BBQ salmon - sooo yummy! Came with spaghetti squash and mashed potatoes which were really, really good. lobster enchiladas - I thought they sounded gross, but these were my favorite! Very tasty! Served with black beans and rice which I thought was a little salty, but maybe that's because I had too much salt from the salami plate. venison sausage with German potato salad - yet another dish I wasn't so keen about ordering, but it was PHENOMENAL! Homemade sausage and with the potato salad, it was so, so good. We had caramel apple pie, the brownie bread pudding and strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert. They were all really good, but who has room for dessert after a meal like that?!
(4)
Rachel K.

6 p.m. on a Saturday, party of 4 (nurse, fireman, pregnant girl & sales guy), looking for a new restaurant to try in the hood, no reservations- sounds like the set up for a British comedy. Enter party of 4 into Lou's. They offered us a seat at the charcuterie bar- no back's on the chairs, stomach's growling- why not? Waters poured, specials heard- insert Joe our hero. "There was a no-show, we have a table for you." I can't say that having a 7 month pregnant chick didn't help our case for a table, but none the less, we were sat in chairs with backs! Service was great- my only complaint was the lack of wine knowledge from our waitress. Mind you, in a former life I waited tables at a French restaurant & have a bit of an extensive knowledge of French wine- it's not my fault, it just comes with the territory of trying to appease Americans pretending to be French for all those years. So when I asked for a recommendation for something to pair with our dinner she said 'I would recommend something French'. That really didn't narrow it down for me & I kinda already cracked that code, but she did recommend a French Pinot that was perfect. I have a new Gluten allergy & our waitress brought me a menu that was color coded with various allergies. I appreciate the time that the kitchen took to look out for the allergen susceptible folks. We ordered the escargot and mussels. No complaints, lots of butter and goodness. Based on staff recommendations 3 of us ordered the pork tenderloin, the pregnant girl hit up the fried chicken. The pork came with a salad that had gluten in it, I asked if I could sub grilled summer vegetables that came with one of their homemade sausages- she said she would ask & lo & behold when the food arrived- there on my plate was a pile of delightful summer vegetables. Even the guy who set my plate in front of me knew that I couldn't eat gluten. The pork was a perfect medium with a hint of pink- well flavored with grain mustard. We all cleared our plates. The pregnant girls only complaint was that the fried chicken didn't come with a breast- it was 2 thighs and a leg (lots of dark meat)- but the chicken was juicy and smelled divine. After our hero Joe stopped by to see how dinner was- pregnant friend told him about having 2 thighs thinking it was an error that she didn't receive a breast. Joe the hero said 'can I get you something else to eat?' she declined, but he bought us dessert! From what I hear, the deserts were superb (brownie bread pudding & a chocolate peanut butter pie of some sort) My gluten intolerance and I had espresso. It just seemed that for 4 friends who set out to try something new without a reservation stumbled upon a restaurant that went out of their way to accommodate us. Again- playing up the pregnant girl definitely worked in our favor- but I'm also fairly certain that the staff at Lou's would have treated us the same regardless. I appreciate outstanding customer service and Lou's went above and beyond.
(4)
Nicole V.

Really enjoyed the meal here. Atmosphere a little cold, but the service and quality are awesome. I've dined here a few times now and recommend the fried chicken entree!
(4)
Ruth M.

We eat here on a regular basis. Lou's never disappoints. The fried chicken is crispy and the mashed potatoes are like white velvet. The warm spinach salad with port poached pears is also good. Friends say the burger with fontina and bacon is the best in town. They have a great wine list and good drinks, try the french revival.
(4)
Matt A.

Let me start by saying that I am a resident of Sunnyside and an avid foodie. Needless to say I was very excited to try Bonnano's new spot, Lou's Food Bar, which was opening just 3 blocks from my front door. So much so that I sent my girlfriend, who is wine and fine dining service worker, up there immediately to apply for a position with one of the most respected restaurateurs' in the state. We finally got to try it this evening an was COMPLETELY underwhelmed with every item that we ordered. We started with the carpaccio appetizer and a bowl of the much touted french onion soup. The carpaccio came out and the first thing that my foodie mind noticed was the drab, gray, dare I say Safeway esque color of the beef. All this covered with an large, overly dressed, oily arugula salad. The taste did not make my initial impressions any better. When paying $14 for a carpaccio appetizer I expect a deep red, dry aged and most importantly, fresh looking carpaccio, which could not have been farther from the truth. Moving on to the french onion soup, it was like a sweet onion relish with bread and melted gruyere, completely void of any kind of broth. We ate 2 bites each of the $7 cup and moved on. So far you are 0 for 2 Frank. Moving on to the entrees I had high hopes to finish the meal strong. I ordered the french dip with fries and my girlfriend had the blackened mahi sandwich with the potatoes lyonaisse. When the entrees arrived I was excited to see that the beef on my french dip was perfectly medium rare, which is a feat for a french dip, and the bread looked delicious with a side of veal jus. Upon tasting my fears were realized. The meat and melted cheese were cold and bland, the jus room temperature and under seasoned. I would bet a years' salary that the $6 side of fries were a frozen product, but unfortunately the highlight of the dinner. Moving on to the blackened mahi sandwich and the potatoes lyonaisse. The sandwich, although decent, followed the trend of under seasoned chow that has been the theme of the meal. The potatoes, on the other hand, were nearly inedible. Lyonaisse potatoes are typically a delicious mixture of CRISPY scalloped potatoes with onions and loads of garlic butter. What we received was floppy undercooked, under seasoned potatoes that were reminiscent of leftovers from grandma's fridge. The server had gotten our order wrong and brought a lyonaisse salad instead of the dreadful potatoes which gave us the chance to taste the salad as well. Again the trend was overdressed, under seasoned and overcooked egg which left us wondering if we were at the right place. The food in general was incredibly disappointing. Frank was wandering around the restaurant and we were hoping he would come ask how it was, since the place was dead, so I could open up. I am a HUGE fan of Mizuna, Bones, Luca, and Osteria Marco but Lou's does not match up. I have a feeling that a lot of people are going to miss Ron and Dan's Keg Lounge as the new occupant is a dud. I will probably try again base solely on Frank's reputation and my obsession with his other restaurants but let's just say that my expectations are low.
(1)
Ari C.

Get a reservation, get ready for a loud room, and then proceed to have an amazingly entertaining experience. The food is unique and delicious, the drinks are fun and so good you may have one too many, and the service is attentive. Try anything with pheasant and it will be awesome. Sausage sound pretty pedestrian? Lou's gives it new meaning, as in delicacy. And the service and personal attention was great. I asked how they put together my Sazerac, and I was ushered up to the bar for a lesson in mixology from the bartender....a real treat. Just what you want from a night out: a total experience from start to finish. If they could just quiet the room down a tad, my rating would go from 4.5 to a solid 5 stars.
(4)
Doogie H.

If you're in the mood to try a new restaurant, come to Lou's. We ordered the salami platter for an app. It was good, but they didn't provide us with bread. We usually eat meats with bread, so we asked for a basket. They ended up charging us for a couple slices of bread. I ordered the duck confit, mashed potatoes, and veggies. It was so good! Some of the best duck I've ever had. The service was just OK - wasn't the worst. I'd definitely go back! The drinks were equally good. It is quite expensive, but worth it.
(4)
Cassie T.

Loving Lou's. Tuesday is fried chicken family style dinner night and it is amazing. I don't know what they do to their mashed potaoes but they are melt in your mouth amazing. Another date night and I am trying to eat more veggie right now but was oh so tempted to get some kind of sausage since they make all of thiers in house. As it was, I had a French Revival martini (House-infused Lavender Skyy, Canton, Peach Liquor, Orange, Lemon) that was super refreshing, and the escargot appetizer to start. Melted gouda, butter.. need I say more? Also had the grilled shrimp salad and the peppercress was awesome- nice alternative to arugula. The bf had the fried chicken and I had a bite of that too. The breading is crazy thick and crispy, the chicken inside was nice and moist but I don't think I would order it again because I found it to be a little greasy and they have sooo many other things on the menu that sound just as appetizing. Not to mention the drinks they have for "kids" are even more delicious than the alcoholic ones.
(4)
Bob W.

Unremarkable! We don't get it. The food and service were nothing special. Not bad, but in our opinion not equal to the rave reviews that brought us to Lou's. Dinner with shared appetizer, drinks and entree worked out to $75 a couple. The fried chicken at the Castle Cafe is far superior and well worth the drive.
(3)
Jason R.

You know, I've been here a few times. It has grown on me. I think initially I probably would have given it a 2 or 3, but now that it has grown on me, I give it a 4. I've tried a bunch of the stuff. The duck confit on the salad was amazing, the short rib on top of the burger was tasty and really tender. The drinks are a bit expensive and the outside looks pretty basic. Overall I really like it and glad it's here.
(4)
Dan H.

To be honest I had high expectations for this place. I am an avid fan of Bones and a huge supporter of Bonanno and what he does for the Denver culinary scene. I went here for lunch with another foodie friend of mine. Before we received any food, we discussed all that Denver has to offer. Including the fabulous Colt & Gray, Fruition which is absolutely perfect, even to the likes of Steubens and Vert. We were both pumped about his new restaurant and were prepared for a great experience. Atmosphere was great, I couldnt deny that.. It reminded me of an upper class Steubens. Mason jars for water glasses, and the rustic interior. But i feel like they were trying to hard to be fine dining, especially with the menu selections being so middle of the road. We were very excited to have some good pate, we tried the rabbit and chicken pate, which we both agreed was a litlte flavorless (but what can you expect from rabbit and chickens). Should of ordered the duck, our mistake. We then couldnt decide on what to order. We both were going to try a sandwich, but both of the ones we wanted were sold out or not in stock for that day. We asked the waiter what to order between the meatballs, enchiladas, and the fried chicken. He said they were the top 3 things on the menu, and said the enchiladas may be the best. I guess we were expecting some sort of twist when we ordered it, something snazzy, fancy, or something differnet for $14 enchiladas and $15 fried chicken. The enchildas were good, but they were just carnita enchiladas. We would of rather gone to D'Corozon downtown for half the price. They were served with white rice and black beans. The fried chicken was good, but not as good as some that i have had around town. Chicken was most and juicy but the breading was limp and not as crunch as you would like. They were served with some sliced carrots. For the price of $50 for lunch, at a place that has such exceptional service and an amazing chef I was just expecting more. I left let down and disappointed with this. $50 for enchiladas, fried chicken, some pate, and nothing was out of the ordinary like you would expect from Bonanno. I was just plain let down
(2)
G S.

the food was great the service was wonderful, welcoming and creative, but on the sign, the "S" in Lou's, they should change that "s" to a "D"!! for L-O-U-D !!! Food Bar !!! omg! the place was so LOUD! after a while your ears are ringing and you feel like you might know what it's like to hear voices! without the paranoia but really! it starts out great but turns into just impossible! they need some textiles on the ceiling and/or walls and/or floor or SOMETHING! I was so excited to have this kind of a choice in Sunnyside! I don't think I'll be going back. they won't miss me, though, they're doing great - they were packed with gentrifiers ( sp? is that a word? you get what i mean) and others so plenty of cu$tomer$ making a Generou$ amount of NOI$E !!!
(2)
Leslie R.

I've been to Lou's for brunch and happy hour. Their brunch is delicious! I've tried the duck confit, sausage and biscuit pot pie, and their blackened fish sandwich. All were really good. Their cheese is homemade, ingredients fresh, and drinks unique. The berry bloody mary is a bit strange, but surprisingly good. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
jessica c.

We arrived for happy hour on a Friday night at 5:30pm. It was DEAD! Must have been because it was right before Christmas. The revelers filled in as the night went on, however. some key points at Lou's: Happy hour is fabulous! But it's only 3-6pm so you've gotta get there early. Cheap, delicious food and drinks are my thing. The cheese is homemade (for the most part) and you shouldn't pass on anything that includes cheese. The service was wonderful. We were well attended and when our server was too busy someone else was always checking on us and clearing plates. A special note: when we noticed that we were still sitting at 7pm and all tables were full I mentioned to the host that we would be willing to move to the bar since we planned on having dessert and another drink. He was over accommodating and sweet and so thankful. Our dessert was comped as a result! So great to have good service. In the end the sausages, cheese and FABULOUS carrot cake will keep me coming back as often as I can make it to the west side before 6pm.
(4)
Vokome G.

Awesome place for Saturday brunch. Food was excellent as was the service. The menu is a traditional American with a little twist. Like Salmon Benedict and Elderberry pancakes. Will be back soon.
(5)
Emily R.

Just got back from a Valentine's Dinner at Lou's and was very disappointed. Overpriced and not up to par. The previous yelper was accurate in describing the enchiladas like a crab ragoon from a Chinese Restaurant. Mostly marscapone cheese, hardly any crab. The spaghetti and meatballs was pretty good, sauce could have been better, but the $5 garlic bread was stale and chewy. Our server told a personal story of how seafood made him sick and was a little over the top. He was so annoying we didn't want to stay for dessert. Disappointed in this restaurant...
(2)
Jason T.

Bonanno strikes gold yet again. Thanks to the generosity of some of my colleagues I had the pleasure to sample numerous dishes. Paging all French Dip, Fried Chicken and Spaghetti & Meatball fans. Get your taste buds down to Lou's and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Great location, friendly and knowledgeable staff (like all of his restaurants), and a fun menu where even the pickiest of eaters will find something they love. Restaurant is open and very inviting. I highly recommend Lou's and quite FRANKly I bet you do too after your visit. Keep up the great work Mr. Frank Bonanno you make this city a better place to live and eat.
(5)
Nick F.

Service is great, upscale but still kid friendly. Brunch is great, how often can you say that??? If you are a sausage or pate freak, you will love this place.
(4)
Tyler C.

We just found Lou's after going to see a show (so they are open late) and since then we have been 3 times in the past 2 weeks. This is a great restaurant. The food will have you wanting to order everything on the menu. The servers are knowledgeable and willing to make a decision for you. We let our server (Robin) decide our salad course and she brought out the Shrimp & Beet Salad!! It was amazing. Still, with the trendy vibe, you could still have a conversation over an amazing coctail or bottle of wine.
(5)
Sam W.

Excellent, I read a few reviews before coming and I was set up with a negative attitude before i walked in the door and boy was i wrong. This place is great. We had excellent service, the food was WELL above average the wine prices were fair. I had the best artichoke to start along with the beet salad (excellent and very large) and then the Rabbit, not a huge fan of rabbit, but was recommended and was excellent. The service was above average. We sat at the bar before dinner and the bartender was great, let us try a few things. They only negative i can think of: 1 they didn't have Moscow mule cups for the drinks and 2. the bathroom still felt like the biker bar and not fit for such a great restaurant. We all had a GREAT TIME.
(5)
Andy O.

Perfect little spot. American but it leans very french. Classic french so it's heavy. Excellent, but just keep in mind. Split the carpaccio, parm arugala. And the lobster shrimp bacon cassoulet with my lovely date. Perfect amount of food for the two of us. Dan the bartender was a very helpful and informed guy.
(4)
Shannon B.

We stopped in for a bite to eat last night and sat at the bar. Food was excellent. We tried to smoked salmon appetizer, the pork, fennel & garlic sausage, and the spaghetti and meatballs and each dish was delicious. The menu offers a nice range of prices. The staff was knowledgable and friendly. A great neighborhood spot.
(5)
Keith H.

Amazing Brunch menu. Had the Benedict (2 kinds since it was so good). Best Restaurant in Sunnyside hands down.
(4)
A.C. N.

I was so looking forward to going to Lou's Food Bar. It started out good, we where greeted by some very friendly hostesses. After that it went down hill. Our waitress acted like she was doing us a favor by waiting on us. We ordered drinks and she got the drink order wrong, but she acted like it was our fault, but I guess she figured that if she gave us the wrong drink we would be ok. She did correct it and bring out the right drink but she seemed very put out. We asked for recommendations from the menu, our waitress was not very helpful, she said everything on the menu was good. She kept looking at other tables like she was more interested in them. Now I know that we might not be hip and cool (we had my parents and my mother in law with us), but I think that you could engage with the customer. The food was OK, but since the service was so bad, maybe that is why the food was just ok. We ordered the potatoes au grautin, it was really not very tasty at all. The pulled pork sandwich was good, the spaghetti was ok. We should have stuck with the fried chicken as I have heard raves about that. So all in all, I am giving Lou's two stars due to the poor wait staff. I would not go out of my way to eat there.
(2)
Tim M.

Just had one of the most awful dining experiences yet in Denver at Lou's. This was our 5th time there, all previous visits were mediocre but decent. Tonight the warm spinach salad poached pear was excellent but flat iron steak was waaay undercooked. It happens no big deal. BUT with a total of about 6 people in the place it took 5 solid minutes to disrupt the manager & servers from there post work plans. Then manager looks at my plate mumbles, "yeah its a little underdone" and walks away. He comes back with a plate waits for me to put the meat on the plate to be re cooked. Realize that this steak is cut in the kitchen before plated. So raw cut meat is removed. not one more word said by manager. Meat is brought back in a couple of minutes seared on one side, cold on the other. I take two bites. Manager clears the plates. We end up waiting nearly 10 minutes in an empty restaurant for an incorrect bill. No apologies, no acknowledgement. nothing. Will never go back
(1)
Leslie G.

Ended up at Lou's Food Bar b/c the place we were trying to go on a Saturday night closed at 9. I was expecting bar fare, based on the look of the patio, and was pleasantly surprised to find that they offer a huge menu of real food! Service was extraordinary! Every staff person we encountered was friendly and helpful, but our server was AMAZING. After bringing us our drinks he walked us through the menu. He described a variety of dishes from each category (and there are a lot) and he highlighted his favorites as well. He also explained the french dishes without a hint of superiority. We ordered the cornbread, fish and chips special, french dip, and nicoise. Everything was delicious! Unfortunately we were too full for dessert. I only gave Lou's 4 stars b/c I feel like I need to sample more menu items to give a full 5 stars. I will definitely go back for seconds.
(4)
Sean S.

So far not so bad. The Service is fantastic here but the food has been on the edge of good and so-so. The cocktails need to be worked on too. I have had two not so good drinks and two just ok drinks there.
(3)
E C.

Like everyone else I was thrilled to see one of Bonanno's restaurants come to Highland. The space was nice inside, subtle and interesting. I was fairly disappointed in the actual food though. I will caveat this by saying it was 5280 week and it seems like a lot of restaurants have a hard time keeping up the quality during that time. We had the artichoke hearts and the crab cakes for appetizers. The artichoke was delicious although the sauce on the side was kind of odd. The same item is on the menu at Osteria and it comes together a little better. The crab cakes were solid good but nothing really special. For dinner my friend had the fried chicken and I had the ribs. The ribs were cooked well but the sauce seemed just kind of thrown on as an after thought. My friend said she thought it was trying to hard. Mine came with a side of fries. I'm pretty sure these were like Sysco frozen fries. The ones you buy in the grocery store are better. I would take a McDonald's fry over these any day. Her chicken was okay but just okay. Her's came with mash potatoes and they tasted almost like the kind from the box they were so over whipped and runny. Our cocktails were delicious (I had the strawberry Bloody Mary. Yum!) and the service was really great although they had lost our reservation. They managed to get us in anyways. I would give it another chance but for the price and for Bonanno I expect more.
(2)
Heather M.

What a wonderful brunch. Right from the start it was perfect. The start being the parking lot - easy parking is such a bonus! We walked in and were greeted with smiles and ushered right to our table. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly and prompt. Drinks arrived within moments of ordering them and the strawberry bloody was yummy. We shared the ricotta pancakes with blueberry syrup and they were possibly the best pancakes ever (and I've had my share of pancakes). This dish really hit a home run. I will be back for more pancakes soon. Then I had the fried chicken biscuit sandwich. I LOVE that they have this on the menu. There are not many places you can get organic, local fried chicken. When you get it on the biscuit it is boneless which is a huge bonus for me, as I am not a fan of gnawing flesh off an animal's bone. But back to the biscuit... it had a flavorful, silky gravy over it and the dish was served with rosemary potatoes and mixed greens. It couldn't have been a more harmonious coming together of flavors and textures. My friend had a salad with duck confit and she liked it so much that I didn't get any of it. The support staff was awesome too -friendly and engaging while efficiently getting the job done. Thank you, Lou's for being so terrific.
(5)
Mopsie B.

We really enjoyed ourselves on our first foray to Lou's. Unfortunately, it will likely be our last for awhile, since we're moving this week, but...We arrived late (10:15) on a snowy Saturday night this past weekend and they seated us and treated us ridiculously well, considering they close at 11. The bar is very nice and the entire restaurant has a clean, contemporary feel and look that sort of belies the warm, intimate service and solid wine list. The cocktail list is also interesting. The food is pan-French comfort food (they don't call it that- I just made it up), encompassing everything from rabbit (I don't eat meat, so this kind of bothers me, but...), homemade sausages, sandwiches and seafood. They get their bread from Grateful Bread Company, so you know it's good and everything about the place is unique, local and laid back. We had the crab cake appetizer which was excellent and the sherry salad dressing was excellent...My husband had the roasted organic chicken while I went with the salmon. I'm not sure if it was wild, but it was very nicely done and for a side, you can select almost any kind of potato. They have au gratin, whipped, home, frites, etc. I would try the mussels next time. The nicest surprise was the dessert list- I love carrot cake, but most of them are not so good. This one was- no raisins, no nuts, just great cake and a light frosting. When we come back to Denver to visit we will definitely make the trip back to Lou's. Bye for now, Denver- and thanks for restaurants like these!
(5)
Bob F.

Pretty good. A tad on the pricey side for what you get. Had the pheasant en croute and mussels to start, both of which were pretty good but not too memorable. The lamb bourginon sausage was a bit dry and the cheese it came with smelled terrible, which it's supposed to, but the pairing was odd. The rabbit stroganoff was quite tasty.
(3)
Wendy K.

I liked Lou's lunch so much that I returned with my son and husband that night for dinner. To begin with, he wait staff is knowledgable and efficient. My friend and I shared the pate with pistachios and piquant mustard. For our entree we shared the sausage with white beans (yumm) and the duck legs a l'orange. We called it our version of cassoulet. The ratatouille with the duck was delicious. At dinner I had the rillettes and the frisee. Again, really good. There is a difference in the ambiance at night verses the day time. The room was bright at lunch and not so crowded. At dinner the place was a mad house and the concrete floor, exposed windows and the noise made the room unpleasant. But, still, the food was excellent.
(4)
Richard C.

by far the greatest french dip sandwich i have ever tasted! the roast beef is mid rare perfection and the crusty baguette bread is divine. the frites were absolute perfection too. i want everyone i know to please go immediately and treat themselves to this amazing sandwich!
(5)
Kristin J.

HLike many other reviewers I was stoked when Lou's came to the neighborhood. And like many others I was bummed to read such a mixed bag on Yelp. Nevertheless, we checked out Lou's last night, and despite being out of the lobster enchiladas, which I desperately wanted to try, AND the bottle of Syrah we wanted to drink, it was quite good. Definitely busy when we arrived around 6:30, so we sat at the bar (which we often prefer anyways). The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, and knew how to properly make a Mint Julep (surprisingly difficult to find, and a huge plus in my book). The house red, which is a cave-aged blend (can't remember of what), was quite good also. The food was excellent! We had the Chasseur pate, the beef carpaccio, venison cheddar sausage, and the roasted chicken and greens salad. All very tasty and well presented. For the prices I would have expected more, as, quite frankly, the atmosphere's not worth it.
(4)
Nick H.

Average. Not what I would expect from Bonnano and for the price. Had the lamb sausage with couscous. The sausage was over cooked(dry) and the couscous was cold and bland, no flavor whatsoever. For the location and taste of the food I feel it is over priced. I understand the sausage is homemade, but for $13 i would expect more. Presentation was non existent, spoonful of couscous and a sausage cut into four pieces. Might give it another chance, but definitely better places in the area
(2)
Thomas N.

Ok - I have been to Lou's several times since it opened and I would have to say it is going down hill. My primary complaint is the service which can make or break a dining experience. Tonight I stopped by for happy hour and only one other couple at bar so if you are looking for a vibrant happening happy hour go elsewhere. Food was decent but not spectacular by any means and the service at the bar was weak to say the least. Even with very few people in the restaurant it took quite some time to even be acknowledged. It also took an extraordinary amount of time to serve up my simple appetizer dish - and they forgot one of my items so it came out even later. Cocktails on the happy hour menu are about 1/2 price but also 1/2 the size - that would be nice to know before ordering. I should have stuck with beer since a pint is a pint - unfort. the 2 beer choices I was interested in were not available. The general mood/ambience at Lou's these days is weak and with an inattentive staff that does not really care there are much better options nearby.
(2)
molly s.

Fabulous food! Always delicious and beautifully presented. Go for lunch, no one is there and you will get the best service!
(5)
Katie P.

I stopped by Lou's for a quick dinner, and had a wonderful experience. I grabbed a seat at the bar, and despite the fact that the bar was crowded with other customers the bartender was helpful and attentive. I ordered the fish sandwich and a side of french fries. The sandwich was great, perfectly seasoned with just enough "crunch" to the bread. Fries were also a nice addition. I had fun chatting with the staff, who were very nice, and really liked the atmosphere. It was lively but still felt easy-going. Lou's would be a great place to dine with friends if you're looking for a fun, relaxed spot that still has great food.
(5)
Kit B.

I really like Lou's. Overall, the food in unique and VERY tastey. I have celiac so I have to eat gluten free, and they're generally pretty good at accomidating. Only downside I see is that their wait staff is sometimes a little clueless, friendly but not the most knowledgable about the food.
(4)
Tortoise H.

Soooo disappointed! I too am a fan of Bonanno, and was really looking forward to experiencing his latest endeavor. The menu looked fabulous so I went to lunch there w/ 2 girlfriends on 12/28. Upon being quickly seated at a nice booth, the server immediately approached us and asked us what we wanted to drink. Of course, we hadn't had a chance to peruse the choices. After that, it took 30 minutes and a reminder to the server before my girlfriends received their tap beers. And my cocktail took even longer because "they were making it." ?? although other guests waters were refilled constantly, ours never were. We ordered some garlic bread due to concern about how long it would take to get our food. It was mediocre. Good, but nothing better than what Safeway has to offer. I shared the Angus steak burger and the spinach salad w/ my friend. When asked what came on the burger, the server proudly told us about the "house cured bacon" and cheese, as well as the usual lettuce, tomato, etc. We both found the burger and frites (read fries) to be good, but nothing special. And no bacon. We were so hungry at that point, that we didn't feel like raising the question. We asked for our bill. Twice. Although the restaurant was maybe a little more than 1/2 full, it still took about 20 minutes to get our bill. When another server delivered it, he apologized for the delay, and explained it was because they had delivered our bill to another table by accident, because it was the same amount. So the bill we received had someone else's charges on it. What? Umm....so....may I see the menu again to try to reconcile the prices and amount? "Sure, no problem," as he walked away with the menus. Then, he was suddenly able to reproduce our original bill and gave me a copy. The service had been really bad up until this point, but this really put us over the edge. That is totally unacceptable. All three of us girls have waited tables and been in the service industry. With the current culinary competition in this town, I just can't believe how disappointing our experience was here.
(2)
Danny A.

Lou's Food Bar is exactly what it claims to be - an informal French Bistro offering a casual atmosphere and terrific French-style food. The best foods are actually made there, such as the various sausages, the pates and cheeses, and the smoked salmon. The desserts are to die for. We had a party of 5 adults and a 3 year old boy. Everyone got something different and everyone agreed the food was fabulous. The 3 year old got spaghetti with a meat ball and he loved his too. The staff was terrific, very attentive and extremely nice and friendly to our youngest member. Lou's is not fancy french food, so don't go there expecting chateaubriand, but it is wonderful bistro food in a relaxed and fun environment. The prices are as they should be for so many items made on premises, and are no more than you would pay for a similar - but inferior - meal at most other restaurants of its type. We definitely will be back many times. We recently returned to Lou's and it did not measure up to my prior rave review. The food was ok, not great, and the service was also ok, not great. The waitress seemed annoyed at our indecisiveness and did not know what to make of the 3 and 1/2 year old with us. Given our prior great experiences, this was quite a disappointment.
(3)
Susannah V.

Good food, just nothing exciting. I went with some friends and one of them noticed that we all ordered the exact same things we had all previously ordered at Steuben's. Steuben's is much better in both quality, taste, and ambiance. My BBQ Grilled Ribs had a lot of gristle. Pulled Pork Sandwich was actually better than Steuben's because of the sesame bun it came on. French Onion Soup was, again, not as good as Steuben's. Ambiance was a bit weak but this could have been due to the fact that we dined here on St Paddy's Day. Moscow Mule came in a glass instead of a copper cup. Fries were standard, just not great. Overall, no big complaints. It was a worthwhile experience. I just can't say I'll go back anytime soon.
(3)
Denise S.

An unlikely gem just south of Highlands, I am pleasantly surprised with the restaurant and vibe.. I enjoyed a libation named Corpse Reviver...I know, not a likely name for such a refreshing drink! The Duck Sausage is to die for! It was Family style Chicken night! If you are looking for something different, try it out...
(4)
john W.

NOT AT ALL WHAT I EXPECTED. But great. I had heard this was comfort food, the place looked like a dive bar, yet when we walked in, were created by a super swanky restaurant and asked "if we had reservations" We didn't, but they were able to squeeze us in. While my expectations were completely blown away, I was super impressed. Our server was awesome, and very helpful, even bringing us a lint roller when my wife asked for it. This place is great, and very much worth visiting.
(4)
Alex R.

Went here last night for some cocktails with the fiance, we needed to unwind and chat, and we just didn't want to be at home for that. Sat at the bar, asked Hunter to make us something good. He brought out a tequila cocktail for me, was awesome, and a whiskey citrus for my man. I have no idea what my cocktail was, but if I tried to describe it, it'd be a margarita flavor, martini styled, with cinnamon on top. Whatever it was, it worked. We ordered the charcuterie plate and cheese plate to share, and just let him know we'd be there for a few drinks. Hunter chatted us up for a bit, then politely left us to converse. When the plates came out, they actually had brought us the wrong meat plate, but we didn't mind. But Hunter had them bring out the right plate in addition and took care of it on our bill! Very much appreciated, even though we were perfectly content with what came out - the prosciutto was heavenly, reminded me of being in Italy.. The ricotta on the cheese plate was spot on, and when you mixed it with the jam, holy crap. The bread pudding tasted like french toast, and paired really well with the sausages. We had a few cocktails and a bottle of wine, and got to speak with the new GM, Joe about the neighborhood and some of his goals for the place. I see good things for them in the future!!
(5)
Jared L.

Place was ok. Nothing to write home about. I won't be coming by again to Lou's.
(3)
Kathleen M.

I have not been to Lou's in at least a year, but I walked in last night with an out of town guest. I was confused by the games no one was using. They told us to seat ourselves, but then another employee took us to a table. It was so loud that I had difficulty hearing my dinner companions. Serve was slow, but kind. The nuts and olives we ordered to snack on were boring at best. My grilled cheese was delicious, but overpriced. I wanted to end the meal with something sweet, but there was only one item on the dessert menu. At one point, this was a nice restaurant-now I don't know what it is.
(2)
Kate M.

Just ate dinner here, was very impressed! Their burgers are to die for and the rest of the menu looks delish! Try the mussels and the house-made sausage. You wouldn't expect such an amazing restaurant to be inside that old building. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but inside is a foodie's delight. You can tell thought and skill went into creating the menu with diverse flavors in what you might think are common dishes. The food is comfort American/French and the decor is fresh if you are in the mood for something different.
(4)
Moon L.

OK after this mornings fabulous brunch and perfect service, I'm giving you back the 5 stars! On point once again!
(5)
Dana V.

I don't quite understand all of the rave reviews that I have seen about Lou's. There were 4 of us in the party, and 3 of us were completely disappointed with the experience, and the 4th was so/so. We started with the Cheese Curds and they were so salty that they were barely edible. As two of us are from WI, Cheese Curd heaven, we know what we are talking about. They were incredibly greasy, under cooked and way too salty. As we sampled each others dinners we all came to the same conclusion - meh. The Lamb Stroganoff was bland and uninspired. It needed more red wine, pepper and some other spice - even salt - would have made it better. As our server never came back around, we could not request anything and there are no condiments on the table. In the end, I picked out the lamb and brussel sprouts and left the rest. Even the lamb was bland and stringy. It was really a disappointment. The Brick Chicken was just that - a slab of basic chicken with no sauce, no basic seasoning or rub. It was just.....chicken. The whipped potatoes were from a mix. The Duck Confit was way over salted and the whipped sweet potatoes were also really bland. It seems Lou's has 2 seasonings - a ton of salt, or nothing. The crab cakes were tiny and needed a lot of sauce to be eaten. And the brussel sprouts. Three of us had them in our dishes and all felt the same way - tasteless, basically boiled and thrown on a plate. And all of us love brussel sprouts. For dessert we ordered a wine flight that never arrived, 3 cappuccinos that were actually lattes with a little foam and a banana thing. The banana dessert was OK - not great, not terrible. Overall, can say I have been here and also that I will never go back.
(2)
Jaclyn M.

Awesome food. Great management. They really know how to create a good atmosphere and keep customers happy
(5)
Trevor W.

I've only visited here once, but so far so good. I came during the late-lunch period (just before their happy hour) and was glad that I came to have their food. I wasn't too fond of their service, though. There did not happen to be very many patrons around during this time, but my guess is that there was only one server. It did take a bit of time to get seated and then took some time to get the food and then get out. If I was in more of a rush it would have been more of a problem, but the waiter was kind enough. Glad to hear that they serve only 100% grass-fed beef, though. This reason alone will have me come back some other time. It's on the verge, though, of a 5-stars for me. Let's hope my experience the next time is a good one!
(4)
Emily S.

There is no complaints in this place. Been here a couple of times and all have been really good. The menu offers affordable sandwiches/burgers and more expensive main dishes. The cocktail menu is really fun with a variety of concoctions. Atmosphere is chill. Check it out!!
(4)
Eric A.

A few months on and a few more visits and Lou's is still impressive. The staff, at least at the bar, recognized me with a "welcome back"after only a few visits. I still haven't managed to try the house-made sausages for no good reason. The menu is very static, a trait I usually dislike, but there is SO MUCH to try that it's not a problem. Must recently I had the flatiron steak, quite decent and well worth it at the price, followed by the cheese plate. Maybe I just haven't found good cheese plates in Denver, but the only place comparable is out of business, and the only place I've had better was in New Zealand, and honestly it is really really hard to complete with sunset, ocean views, and fresh from the sheep cheese no matter how good the restaurant is. Lou's is an awesome place to make your periodic night out, our even your regular night out.
(4)
Meredith G.

Stopped in with a friend on a Friday night to grab a few drinks and a snack. It was my first time here. We grabbed 2 seats at the bar- love purse/coat hooks when supplied. I enjoyed their Moscow mules and a bowl of mussels. The mussels were good, but disappointed they didn't come with some bread to dip in to the juice. Overall, yummy & tasty visit, but the menu looked limiting.
(3)
Sam D.

This is a really cool little place to hang out for a drink and get good food! Service was great. Food was great. I will definitely be back and recommend it.
(4)
Dave B.

The food is excellent. Rillette with pickled cherries was perfectly done. My Country Breakfast sandwich of: biscuit, pork pÃ¢tÃ©, gruyere, egg, pickled onions and greens was a masterpiece of both presentation and taste. Cloth napkins. Very good service. Attentive and friendly. Bottomless bubbly concoction for $8. Now, onto the bad. The wine prices are way too high. One bottle at $30 and the rest at $40 and quickly up. Which would rather sell me? A bottomless drink (I had 5 at $1.60 each) or a bottle of wine at $24? We were almost (never more than one other table) the only customers during our brunch so it was a little boring/depressing. I really liked the food, but the high wine prices will probably preclude another visit. Free Wi-Fi. I hate the website. All in Flash so of course it is completely useless on iPad and iPhone. The jerky movie is enough to drive someone into an epileptic seizure.
(3)
Adam K.

Everything we had was quite good as was the service. However, I thought it was pricey for the portion size and what it was.
(4)
Jen W.

Went for brunch recently with a group of 8. The beignets were tasty and served with a nice cherry jam. I basically got the equivalent of a breakfast pizza topped with eggs, cheese and crispy pork belly. It was a nice, light strata type of bread. Mom got the coffee cake french toast which was extremely dense and filling - definitely something you would want to share - it is packed with flavor. Hubby went with the daily special of a breakfast skillet including pork, scrambled eggs, potato and veggies. Service was hit and miss with water glasses going unfilled for too long which is a peeve of mine. Good food, reasonably priced bottomless mimosas and nice atmosphere.
(3)
Andy E.

Rating: 4.75/5.0 M'lady and I decided to use the second card from our Denver Dining Deck to check out brunch from Lou's Food Bar. We'd checked the menu and the Yelp reviews prior to going, and had a pretty good idea what we were going to try. We went on a Sunday during a Broncos post-season football game to avoid crowds (and televisions). I made reservations for 10:30am, and when we arrived at 10:28am the restaurant was about half full. The friendly hostess directed us to an excellent booth against the back wall. The interior of Lou's is unpretentious and simple - it applies well to the whole "comfort food" vibe. Laid back with a mild noise level. Our server, Brian, was also excellent. The perfect level of attentive without being overbearing, his recommendations were good, and he balanced a number of tables with relative ease and a smile on his face. I would gladly sit in his section again. We started off with a French press pot of coffee (5 cups for $9) and the often mentioned and praised Beignets ($9). These two items were a little on the spendy side, but the coffee was rich and delicious, and the beignets were light, crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle, and served with a completely unnecessary sauce. A really nice way to start the meal. I ordered the Duck Confit Benedict ($12) and m'lady ordered the Sunnyside Hash ($11). The Duck Confit was mentioned favorably in many prior reviews for a reason - the duck meat is rich and moist, the cornbread waffle was light, the Hollandaise sauce was a revelation - brights notes of lemon and ginger that mated perfectly with the carrots. The Sunnyside Hash was almost two meals in one - a heaping mound of pulled pork barbeque, and the best kale I have ever eaten paired with a nice pop from the bbq gastrique. Our eyes were rolling around in our heads in mutual ecstasy. Many people mentioned the house potatoes, and they were delicious (and included in both our dishes). Oven roasted and seasoned just right. My only complaint: the yolks in both my poached eggs were almost completely cooked through. One of my favorite things is a nice, medium runny yolk in my Benedict, and unfortunately Lou's missed the mark here. That being said, everything tasted so good it would be really difficult to let this one thing mar an otherwise stellar meal. We will undoubtedly be back, Lou's!
(5)
Griffin T.

The green chili burger and Reuben were both laudable. But the real award winner was the Moscow Mule with fresh ginger beer (which happen to be $4 on happy hour, hell yeah), so far it's the best on the #denverpassport. Short out to Kendra who may be new but is kicking ass and taking names!
(5)
Dave A.

This was our first time at Lou's. My wife and passed it several times on her way to work and thought it looked cute. What a great surprise. I had my best burger of all time here. Really exotic. Though I had the blackened burger the other burgers were tempting. There's a burger with slices of roast duck on top with a fried egg capping the whole thing. Exotic but also delicious. The calamari was like none I've had before. It had an excellent light breaded crust and came mixed with a wonderful salad. Usually I just get calamari by itself. The salad was again wonderful. My wife had the crab "po-boy" which didn't make her feel to poor at all. We'll be back. I just loved that burger! They also have a nice outdoor patio and the staff was really efficient and friendly. It was a really nice and pleasant place to have dinner.
(5)
Becky R.

The hubby and I went to Lou's last night for dinner, courtesy of my expiring daily deal (naturally). We were both exhausted and the hubby was feeling under the weather (what a trouper to not let my deal expire!), so we were in and out as quickly as we could be... First impression though, I like it. The decor was a little rustic, but chic. The little booths are cozy and adorable. And our service was fantastic, so maybe they have addressed some of the poor service issues mentioned in the past. The menu was great - lots of apps and salads (which I would normally be all over, except that I was freezing), a nice selection of main entree comfort foods, a few sausage selections, and a pretty wide array of burgers and sandwiches. I loved that the price points ranged from less than $10 to $20+, so there is pretty much something for everyone. I went with the duck confit cassoulet, at the server's recommendation. It was kind of a "deconstructed" style, with a nice piece of duck sitting on a bed of (braised?) kale. On top of the duck were two little pieces of house-made andouille-style sausage, and then underneath all that was a parsnip puree, I think - there was very little of it, though. Finally there was a red wine vinegar reduction off to the side. Both the reduction and the kale were actually a little under-seasoned for my palate, and the duck was a tad on the salty side - but taking a bite of both together fixed that problem, so it was perfect. It was really delicious, but I must say that I immediately noticed the lack of carbs on the plate when it arrived, and I was indeed missing those carbs at the end of the meal. Just seems like the meal could have been a little more balanced, but it was still very enjoyable. The hubby got the veal brats with German potato salad - holy yum! The sausage was so moist and flavorful, and then the potato salad was mustardy and warm and comforting. Just so good. I am pretty sure we will come back. The bahn mi burger sounded really tasty, and I'm not sure I can live the rest of my life without ordering one of the sausages myself - I'm looking at you, Thai Duck Sausage with curried red potatoes!
(4)
Emily J.

I went here for happy hour one snowy afternoon with my girlfriends and we had a great time. The Moscow mules were strong, the sliders succulent and the fries just what the doctor ordered. Frank Bonanno certainly knows what he's doing with creating unique and inviting restaurants and Lou's is no exception. The place is friendly; with comfortable booths and dark finishes which lend themselves to a very "lived in" feel. Our server was friendly enough but was a little too pushy with the menu and kept trying to get us to order more drinks (which we did not end up doing). For happy hour munchies I would really suggest any of their fries, they are all amazing and perfect after a not so great day at work. I also loved the sliders with their kimchi like toppings-the combo really struck a balance between sweet and savory. I would love to go back to Lou's for dinner next time I'm in the area and possibly try one of their much talked about wine dinners.
(4)
Bon V.

Make reservations if you would like to sit at a table. Otherwise, the wait for something at the bar is usually not long. Service was descent. While seated at the bar, we had to get one of the three bartender's attention to order drinks. We had to do the same to order food. Drinks were delicious. I ordered the Sazerac and a beer on tap. Both were delicious and served cold. They seem to be pretty famous for their wine. I saw the glasses leaving three racks before we finished our dinner. Food was VERY good. Appetizer was fried cheese curds. The sauce added with the cheese curds provided a good accent to the food. Salad was quinoa salad. Great combination of greens, quinoa, and dressing. The quinoa was some of the better I've had. Main course was the Bahn Mi Burger. Definitely a MUST ORDER. Great combination of burger and pork belly. Had the kick of a bahn mi. Price is descent. For that dinner with 4 drinks total came to just over $70.
(4)
Dave R.

Despite questionable reviews in the recent past, we tried it this past wednesday and were greeted and seated promptly. The place has a cool vibe and worth checking out for you LoHi Hipsters. Great Beer Selection, and the food selection is good too. it has an outdoor patio that is separated from 38th by a brick wall, so it may or may not be enough in the after hours to keep the traffic noise down. The Reuben was good- but not the best....it lacked something...perhaps more thousand island and zing to the homemade Corned Beef. The potato soup was great. The servicee was excellent.....Great Job- K- We will be back again-
(3)
Sara H.

After our fried chicken dinner, which could have come from KFC down the street, we ordered peaches and cream for dessert. Almost 10 dollars for half a peach and some whipped cream. Get more for less at any other fine dining spot in the area.
(2)
Karen C.

First mistake, I came back. Went with friends to give it a second shot and we all left dehydrated. The second mistake was ordering the recommended French dip and receiving the fried chicken with sodium induced mashed potatoes instead. The server also recommended the blackened fish sandwich which was overcooked and over salty. It's been four hours and we're stilling drinking water.
(1)
Jessica M.

I've been to Lou's a couple of times for brunch with girlfriends. I've had good experiences both times. Friendly service, good food, chill atmosphere. Lou's gets one star for letting me make reservations on OpenTable (I love it!), one star for the creative spins on cocktails, and one big star for the deee-licious French Press Coffee. I'll make a resolution to come back for dinner!
(3)
Sarah B.

Unique comfort food menu is always welcome! Beautiful set up in an often less than beautiful part of town. Very nice staff and drink options too.
(5)
Holly G.

I have had Lou's on my list of "to-try" for a quite a while. A few weekends ago my hubs and I finally got a chance to try it out. I had a coupon, so we gave it a go. We went for brunch, which I think is a great way to get a feel of a place before throwing out the big bucks on dinner. I got the Lou's skillet complete with choice of eggs, house potatoes, sausage, blue cheese, and arugula. It was completely delicious! My husband got the omelet and he enjoyed his as well. Then why the 3 stars and not 4, you ask? Because I feel like the service could have been a little bit more helpful/friendly/promt. I feel like places always release coupons to get used but then forget to tell their employees about them. Then the employees always seem to take it out on the customer because they don't know how to ring it up. I just wish this would be resolved with coupons in restaurants. Plus, it seemed like it took a really long time to get our bill in the first place. Anyway, I enjoyed the food and atmosphere at Lou's and their dinner/drink menu sounds very interesting so I will be back to try both of those out. I just am hoping for better quality of service next time.
(3)
Erin E.

How I love ScoutMob. They introduced me to Lou's with an enticing $20 off, and that experience made my decision to return really easy. The grilled artichoke was pretty good for starters, but the escargot in warm, garlic- butter-gruyere sauce had me sold. I ordered the french dip with provolone, as Lou's claimed that it was the best in town. And I'd have to agree. I ate every last drop on the plate. The next time I came in, I ordered the Blackened Fish and Celery Root Remoulade. AH! I could eat one of these every day and never get sick of it. The remoulade had crunchy bits that went so well with the soft fish. The texture was perfect and the flavor was...indescribable. I couldn't stop exclaiming, "I really think this is the best thing I've ever eaten," between bites of the sandwich. But I tend to do that often when overcome with such amazing flavor, so I guess I cry wolf a little bit. I think they switch up the menu often, which is a great way to try lots of things....but I just hope they don't take my blackened fish sandwich off because I can't wait to order it again!
(4)
Mary L.

I've been to Lou's several times and have always had a wonderful experience. Their food is amazing, inventive, perfectly prepared and the service is spectacular. Both lunch and dinner are more than worth the visit.
(5)
Michelle A.

I would love to give this restaurant more stars because our waitress was great and the manager stopped by and talked to us for awhile. I love the decor of the inside and the patio looks inviting. We shared a bowl of onion soup. The broth was very good but the bread on top was to thick. The cheese was very stringy and that was ok. . We didn't get enough soup because there was not enough room with the topping. We also shared a Rueben and fries. It was pretty greasy but tasty. The fries were great. The pressed coffee was just right. There was plenty. We could have shared the coffee but I wanted a diet coke. With tip the bill was 36.00. I thought that was a bit high. Saying all this I want to go again for brunch with my Sunday brunch group. I have to say the manager even wrote me a thank you. That was a nice touch.
(3)
Kenny N.

Killer lunch menu, Lou's. Lou's cycles through brunch, lunch and dinner on Saturdays, so if you're looking for food, it's nearly a sure thing they'll be open. I had an expiring Google Offer (google search says it's still available), so hopped over for lunch today. The place was dead, a rare thing for Saturdays. Maybe Denver was occupied elsewhere today. It just meant I could read, watch Mexico vs Japan, and savor some food. They offer many different sandwiches and salads as half and full portions, so you feel like you have many choices whether you're dining alone or sharing plates. I ordered the Lyonnaise salad with confit duck legs, fried egg, bitter greens, bacon vinaigrette, and pickled onions. If you're a sensory eater like me, you'll enjoy the bright colors of green, yellow, pink, and muddy brown, the cracked pepper smell, the handpicked greens so you can savor their vinaigrette covered leafiness alone, and the taste and texture of the confit duck and pickled onions. I finished this and then ordered the Bahn Mi burger. Ever try eating alone when you have to achieve a dollar minimum to activate your offer? It can be tough, but very rewarding. This was like a savory dessert burger. I couldn't wrap my mind around it, so I ate it, enjoying each bite. Great bread, just right pickled vegetables, tasty pork belly, and a good burger. And the fries with sauce were perfect. Lou's Food Bar, without a doubt, is one of my favorite Denver restaurants.
(5)
Kimber S.

The hubby and I recently attended a wine dinner hosted by Hugel & Fils, a winery in Alsace. All I can say is this: it was the best damn wine dinner I've ever experienced! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with chilled glasses of a white blend and gougeres on Lou's cute little patio. The winemaker (who looked as if he was about 14 years old) was there meeting and greeting people with his cute little accent while Lou's staff made sure every glass was filled. We were then led to our tables and the actual dinner commenced, starting with a perfectly seared scallop and ending with a neufchatel cheesecake garnished with caramelized peaches. Every course was perfectly paired, perfectly timed and perfectly executed. Between courses, the winemaker told us about his family's history with winemaking, explained about terroir, and gave us amusing insights into his culture. Now here's the zinger. What would you expect to pay for an evening such as this? $125? Nope. All four courses paired with wines cost us only $45 per person. What a wonderful, educational, entertaining, and AFFORDABLE evening! We will be back for the next one with many friends in tow.
(5)
Greg M.

Awesome neighborhood eatery, another Bonanno gem. Everything on the menu is fresh, local and delicious. Casual, but classy.
(4)
David G.

We like Lou's. We live near Lou's and wish we liked it better. Well, the wallet is happier we don't. :-) Seriously, the food is good. We like the atmosphere. Good service. We wish the food was even better. It needs more attention to detail to pop with more reliability. I think there is a bit too much dependence on the use of fat (usually Duck fat) rather than a full range of flavors. That said, it is worth a visit and we'll be checking back in over time to see how they are doing.
(3)
Tiffany N.

Lou's has won me over with two things - delicious food and amazing non-alcoholic drinks. (Hey, you'd be surprised at how many places offer just soda as an na option which gets tiring after months of not being able to drink. For those of you that can drink the cocktails being offered are just as delectable sounding.) On a Sunday night around 7 PM Lou's was super, super quiet with just a handful of tables besides ours. I do hope that was an exception rather than a rule as I really enjoyed my dinner here. Referring back to my non-alcoholic drink I had something that was made with pureed strawberries, honey, and a few other ingredients that I can't recall. It was kind of like dessert in a glass, in a good way. For food, my girl date (Megan) and I shared the cheese plate to start, which came with four different types of cheeses (half of which were made in house I believe), bread, and a spread made of some sort of fruit. All the cheeses were quite delicious. Then for actual dinner I order one of the specialty salads and a side of whipped potatoes. The side was gargantuan - I could only eat about 1/3 of it so that's something to consider if you're going to be ordering sides. Overall, Lou's is another restaurant from one of my favorite chefs in Denver and I'm looking forward to going back and trying more and more from the menu here.
(4)
James S.

I really don't get all of the 5 star reviews. I was excited to go to Lou's for the very first time based on the reviews. I was pretty disappointed. My partner ordered the Caesar Salad and the Duck Confit. I ordered the beet salad and the rib eye. Her Caesar was really good but the duck confit was so salty it was inedible. It was as if it had been cured. My beet salad had hardly any beets but a MOUNTAIN of arugula. I like arugula but was hoping a beet salad would actually have some beets. My Rib eye was about 1/16th of an inch thick and tough as shoe leather. Add to that the fact that there is NO wine selection and you've got a recipe for a mediocre experience at best. The place has potential and I concede it could have been an off night. I will likely give Lou's another chance but my expectations will be far lower next time.
(2)
K R.

I wanted to like this place; I really did. But the best I can say for it is meh. I've tried Lou's four times -- three times for dinner and once for brunch. Each time I've been underwhelmed. It really seems to be about the drinks; the food is overpriced and just so-so. The only things. I've had that I would want to eat again were the crab cakes and the beignets. (These aren't NOLA style -- they're round, covered in cinnamon sugar and served with coffee creme anglaise -- but they're good.) Salads have been small and overpriced; mains have proven bland; and at brunch they poach their eggs light by default. Runny whites -- yuck. My husband and I have 18 years of combined experience working breakfast, and I can tell you that most people want their whites cooked and their yolks runny; a few people want their yolks cooked through; and practically no one wants runny whites. I like the ambiance, and it's nice that they have parking, but I just don't think I'll be back.
(3)
Bob H.

I first saw Lou's in a write up on Frank Bonanno's restaurants - we love his other places so we decided to try this one out. And we are so glad we did - the place is low key and has a great neighborhood vibe - but the food is awesome. We had the beet salad and shared a burger on our first visit - every part of both dishes transcended simple fare and showed that every detail was not overlooked - and was excellent. So we returned with others the next week.......just to see if it was a one time experience. Not so - the calamari was stupendous! and the rest of our dinner was equally as impressive - in fact, one of the best Reuben's I've ever had - and I'm from Jersey. Do yourself a favor - try this place out - not pricey and great, consistent quality food - we will return soon and often.......
(5)
Ana D.

Don't throw your money away! I met some friends for dinner last Thursday night. The menu basically consists of burgers, salads and sandwiches. The place wasn't hopping, so we were confused as to why the waitress came out and said they only had a few burgers left. We decided to go with salads. The waitress came back and said the didn't have enough salmon to make the orders so we had to reorder. The waitress came back AGAIN to inform us the kitchen was out of the food we ordered. So we reordered. Guess what? The waitress came back one more time to tell us the kitchen was out. We finally selected items they had in hand. Later, the manager stopped by to check on us and we told her what transpired. She assured us that they had everything on the dessert menu so we ordered to chocolate dessert . . . And you guessed it! She came back to tell us the ran out. If your out of food, come up with an emergency menu, or send someone to Restaurant Depot to buy enough produce to carry you through the next day or close!
(1)
Drew C.

I had high hopes for Lou's. Good atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, and an overall good vibe about this neighborhood spot. I was hungover and I figured a comfort food restaurant would suit me well. However, I was disappointed in the food and value. I went for brunch and ordered the fried chicken biscuit ($12) which came with a side of potatoes, and french pressed coffee. I first noticed the side of potatoes was rather small, maybe 3 new potatoes worth. They were good. The biscuit appeared to be good, likely homemade. Unfortunately the chicken and gravy both lacked any significant flavor at all. It was a bland mush. I left hungry. The first cup of my french pressed coffee was decent, but it got more flavorless as I poured out more. The worst part is that it was $6. Six dollars for coffee? I've had bottomless mimosas under $10. I spent $20 on a mediocre meal and left hungry. The only reason I gave Lou's 2 stars was for the service and atmosphere. The food was 2 star at best, but when you factor the cost, it's 1 star for value.
(2)
Tres B.

Everything about Lou's was fantastic. I like the rather stark and austere interior, a cross between country French and Danish simplicity. The service was spot on ad friendly, slightly fru fur but still approachable Eurokind. But its the food that was ridiculously perfect. My omelet, delicate , buttery and filled with cheese and spicy sausage, served French style with a salad and crunchy perfect potatoes. My wife had a rich salad with duck and French onion that soup that was perfect. Its not especially cheap, but the flavors and the French feel makes this worth a mini splurge.
(5)
Mike E.

After a half dozen or so great trips to Lou's for lunch and dinner my GF and a couple of friends thought we'd try out Spaghetti Tuesday two weeks ago. After all Lou's Food Bar won Westword's award for best spaghetti and meatballs for 2011 so what could possibly go wrong. Sadly the answer is a lot. The deal is for 20 bucks you get spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad (mixed greens or Caesar), and a "glass" of house red wine. All being served family style. On the surface it looks like a great deal, with a single order of the pasta usually costing $18. Au contraire mon frere! For starters the glass of wine is really a half glass, not a real shocker or anything I guess. The four of us split a Caesar salad that while on the small side was easily the highlight of the meal. As for the spaghetti I read that they used bucatini and not plain old spaghetti noodles and that the meatballs were stuffed with homemade mozzarella, not on that Tuesday. The meatballs were OK but no mozz to be found. I also read that normally an order comes with 2 meatballs, however they brought us out two plates to split. They sure looked like two regular orders of spaghetti and meatballs to me, and not family style by any stretch. So really you get a HALF an order, not a portion of a large bowl on the table. On top of all that the sauce wasn't that great and the noodles were on the mushy side. The killer was that they burnt the garlic bread and then tried to scrap off some of the burnt parts. They hid the worst pieces by flipping them over and placing some of the less burnt ones on top. Really? You are going to charge us $80 and your kitchen sends out that? We would've asked for them to bring us out another order to replace the burnt stuff but the server didn't make it back to check if everything was OK until we were almost done. Needless to say we changed our plans by skipping dessert and more drinks. I will overpay for quality food - see my previous review for Lou's, but I don't like being taken advantage of and that's how I feel about Lou's at this point. I so want to give them 1 or 2 stars, but after many great trips there I hate to do it. So I'm going with 3, however I probably won't be back anytime soon. Especially for their Spaghetti Tuesday!
(3)
Julia A.

We were huge fans of Lou's when it first opened - and I'm a big fan of their fried chicken. But a couple months went by, and our friends kept telling us how the quality of food and service started lacking. After moving from downtown to Wash Park, we finally made a stop by last weekend for a quick brunch, and I'm happy to tell my friends we had a great experience. I of course had to order the fried chicken and biscuits, which was the perfect size. The chicken was crispy, hot, and perfectly seasoned. The biscuits were warm, fluffy, and buttery. I also liked how they served each dish with a small salad and some breakfast potatoes. Perfect portions of food in my opinion! My boyfriend was pleased with his order as well - a fried egg, cheese, and a thick cut of Canadian bacon on a toasted bagel was more than satisfying. Although we're not in the area very often anymore, I will definitely suggest Lou's for brunch, lunch or dinner.
(4)
Andrea K.

Mmmm...brunch. You know that feeling when you eat something and you automatically feel like you have to go figure out how they made it so yummy and then order that ingredient for the next 6 months because it just becomes an addiction? That happened to me at brunch on Sunday. Dear Lou made the most amazing cippolini onions that were the undeniable star of my Omelette du Jour which also cast some other fine roles of pork belly and triple cream spanish cheese. Terrific omlette...but those onions! I am dreaming of them right now! It also came with some pretty rockin' roasted potatoes and side salad. I was quite pleased. Hubs had the fried chicken biscuit and he said the chicken was good, but the fried biscuit was "amazing". So there you have it. Thankfully his also came with the fantastic roasted potatoes so I did not have to share mine. I had a hard enough time parting with one of my onions. Hubs also ordered up a bloody mary which had a bit more horseradish than we typically care for but it worked really well. Not spicy enough for me, but of course, I wasn't the one who ordered it. Frank B was also dining there when we were but did not offer to pick up our tab. Weird. Good to see that he checks up on his restaurants though! Lou served us well and we can definitely recommend it for brunch if you're in the area.
(4)
Melanie S.

I am really happy to have another Bonnano Concepts restaurant to visit. The food was good, simple and comforting. Our waiter was knowledgeable and conscientious making perfect recommendation for food and specialty cocktails. For appetizers we sampled the crab cakes which were full of yummy crab, moist and hot, the beet salad was perfectly presented and delicious. For dinner we had the blackened trout with the creamiest mashed potatoes ever, the Mushroom Faro risotto was perfectly cooked and flavored. We had the carrot cake (just ok) and the amazingly yummy cookie bar for desert. We will be back!
(4)
Stephanie L.

I finally made it back to Lou's with the incentive of a Scout Mob discount and I am SO happy I went back. They have worked on their menu and it makes much more sense now. My husband and I split two appetizers -- the smoked trout and the turkey sausage mole. (the sausage can be an entree or appetizer if you split it.) Both were very good. I love that they make all their sausages and pates in house. For our entrees, we split the fried chicken and the duck confit. The chicken was good -- the duck was amazing. It is served over griddled cornbread and every bite was better than the last. YUM. My only complaint is that when we asked for some bread to go with our appetizers - they brought it - but then charged us $2. Really? Come on folks. I'll definitely be back!!!!
(4)
Krista M.

I love this place and must say it's my favorite place to eat breakfast in Denver. I have been for breakfast twice. I'm always surprised the place isn't busier. The duck/ cornbread waffle is amazing. The root veggie hash is also incredible. The service is great as well.
(5)
Amy M.

Had brunch here with my family visiting from out of state and we all enjoyed our meals. I was torn on what to order as everything looked delicious. I went with the Salmon Benedict and it was scrumptious. My mother got the Coffee Cake french toast minus the espresso butter and I had a few bites and it was delicious. They have bottomless mimosas for $8 and the beignets are awesome. Will def go back for brunch.
(4)
Jen L.

I'm going high on the rating; I really think it should be 4 and 1/2, but the over all experience was exceptional. To start off with, I really liked our server, he did little things that made this a better than great night. When I mentioned how much I love bourbon he brought back an orgasmic Bourbon sauce for our ice cream. When my dinner date asked for a liquid sweetener for his tea, our server came back with an agave and honey mixture that was pretty darn good. He alone gives this place 5 stars. we ordered for happy hour, the veal egg roll, the crab cake and the pork belly slider. So our wonderful waiter informed us that the kitchen messed up the egg roll order and gave us the regular order instead of the happy hour order. What does that mean... we got 2 egg rolls and the chicken liver mouse extra. Great mishap if you ask me. The crab cake was good, was not a fan of the remoulade sauce so I put some mouse on it and it was yummy. the pork slider was pretty delectable too. We then ordered the escargot. It was descent, but not the best I've had. We split the coq au vin which was a huge portion size. It was pretty good, it did have a tangy taste that was a little off, but wasn't bad. Then for dessert we had a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a scoop of nutella ice cream with a side of to die for bourbon sauce. If you have a chance this is defiantly a must go.
(5)
Kiley C.

Lou's is amazing!!! We went there for Brunch on Sunday and I left so incredibly full. Our waitress was awesome- right when you finished your bottomless bloody mary, she was right there ready to give you another one. At our table we had the beignets to start - AMAZING! I had the pumpkin waffle with the ginger syrup and it just tasted like fall. Everyone else at the table enjoyed their food- most of them had house made cheese. Can't wait to go again!
(5)
Missy R.

Popped in after stopping a Diebolt Brewery around the corner. Pate appetizer was delicious. We got 2 burgers - the Bahn mi and the Black and Lou. Both pretty delicious burgers. The kale side was a little off - but I was just trying to experiment with superfoods so probably my bad. Homemade salted caramel ice cream delicious. Wine list pretty expensive but we managed to find a nice Colorado Cab Franc for $30. Tim - our server - was awesome - so knowledgeable and good recs. Definitely a nice casual Friday dinner. Reasonable price for burgers. The main dishes looked interesting but the burgers looked better. Excited to try their family fried chicken night.
(4)
Shannon C.

Went here with the hubs, kind of on a whim. We initially took a seat on the patio, but it was a little hot for us, so we moved inside. We were there very early in the evening, like 4:30 I think, so there was no one else in the restaurant... but it was happy hour which was so fortunate because it was amazing. We got the corn fritters, pulled pork sliders, and two of the sausages: the thai duck and the pork sausage. Everything was fantastic, and we were plenty full from these "small bites." We'll definitely return for a full dinner next time, because they have a lot more to offer and the service was great.
(4)
Robin B.

Bloody bar, bottomless mimosas, pumpkin waffles and duck confit benedict for your weekend brunch! In a 4 hour wait for snooze? Ditch it and come here! Came in here because I drive by it all the time. What a find!!! Amazing food and welcoming interior, as well as good service makes this place great! You got to check it out!
(5)
Amy D.

Went to Lou's a few weeks ago with some friends for a little holiday meet up. I loved the atmosphere and selection on the menu and had an overall great time at this place. There were 7 of us and with a little help our waitress did a great job taking care of us. Cocktail-wise I was interested in trying something new, so I went with the Sazerak - it was a little too sweet for me, but went down nicely. I went on to the Moscow mule and it tasted more like a Moscow mojito! Pass on that. Finally, a Hendricks and tonic. Bull's Eye!!! They make their own tonic at Lou's and this drink was just right. We ordered a few different apps and I fell in love with the escargot - yum - it was perfect! The salmon mousse was excellent as well. For an entree I went with the braised short ribs - very tender and tasty, but I thought there would be a little more meat. Dessert was a cranberry apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and it did not disappoint either. Overall a great experience - I'll stick with the gin and tonics next time, but will definitely be interested in sampling more of the menu. The fried chicken looked FABULOUS!
(3)
John T.

I've been multiple times: for brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner, and Lou's has always delivered. I'm not giving this 5 stars simply because Luca and Mizuna are a level above Lou's, but I have never been disappointed either. I like how the menu changes subtly throughout the year - the fried green tomato and arugula salad was a wonderful addition on the Spring/Summer menu. The root beer braised short rib on the dinner menu is honestly to die for, as the short rib meat falls with the touch of a fork - it's that tender. Service has always been a plus with an attentive wait-staff and good, friendly management. I prefer craft beer to wine, and am pleased with the beer menu. The happy hour $3 drafts of Avery IPA, Mama's Yella Pils, and Upslope Pale Ale are always a plus after work. Lou's is also one of the few places where you can get in late on a Friday or Saturday night without usually needing reservations, which is a plus when you have guests in town on a whim and need a good spot.
(4)
Bryan S.

Would not go back for dinner, bur perhaps for happy hour. We went for my wife's birthday, and overall the experience was lackluster and not worth the price. Additionally, several mistakes were made on the bill and the waitress was mediocre at best...not acceptable when there are $25-$30 items on the menu. -Slow service (don't mind taking our time, but check in with the table every now and then) -If you don't know the answer, find out instead of guessing (and being wrong) -Ran out of smoked salmon for salad, yet was still charged -Ordered glass of 'house red ($6.50), but was charged $11 Overall these are small nitpicks, but lot's of competition in this price range so raise your game Lou's.
(2)
Ray W.

Headed there for lunch today. Ended up sitting across from bar, and took a good few before the bartender came to talk to us. Food came pretty quick. We both had the breakfast burger, and shared a side of the Chorizo. Overall pretty tasty burger. Kind of diner style, so it was thinner, may be better with less bread. The bottom of the bun got a little soggy. Fries were pretty good. Chorizo was nice and tasty. Not so greasy. Overall a good experience for the first time at Lou's Food Bar
(4)
David M.

A good test for any restaurant that claims to make their margaritas with real fresh-squeezed lime juice is simply to order one and see if they're being honest with you. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the time you'll find that if they use freshly squeezed lime juice at all, its only as a garnish to a drink base made with a commercial sweet-and-sour blend. But not at Frank Bonanno's newest restaurant, Lou's. There they make a margarita like it should be made, and as promised: with freshly squeezed lime juice and decent liquor/sweetener. Love their pates and had a couple of entrees that also rocked. This place is an excellent neighborhood offering. Go on over and check them out. Several of Denver's leading chefs are discovering the northwest side these days and turning what used to be a mediocre dining area into one of the newest hot spots in town.
(4)
Tracie B.

I have started rating restaurants based on a simple criteria: Was the food/experience good enough to make me want to go back? Unfortunately in the case of Lou's Food Bar, the answer is probably not. Why? The food is great - excellent in fact. I loved my fried chicken biscuit sandwich was delicious and the Rillette with pickled cherries was by far one of the best Rellette representations I've had. The service was good, although it took a while for our server to bring us our drinks (and there was only one other full table in the place). Still, I thought the service was overall very good. So, the food is great and the service is good - but I will still not put Lou's on my "must-go-again" list because the wine prices are ridiculously high. Come on people, you cant put a few bottles in the $25-$30 range on the menu? Also, as we were there on a Saturday afternoon, we were only able to order off the limited brunch menu. We were told that they were "prepping" for lunch which would be offered after 2pm. Really? how many people show up for lunch after 2pm? Lots of places only offer brunch on the weekends (annoying) but this is the first place that I've where you are told that if you show up in middle of the afternoon, you can order lunch. Weird... I can recommend the food but can't really recommend the restaurant, especially if you want to go at noon, have lunch and a bottle of reasonably priced wine.
(3)
Nicole W.

Much fancier than it looks and the previous restaurant was! Apparently you need to make reservations - who knew. The staff is very friendly and outgoing and knows quite a bit about the menu. I went with the Pastrami since it was made in house. It had a great mustard but a bit of fat. Good beer choices. And as an added bonus - at the end of the meal i moved my fancy napkin to discover that i had white fuzz all over my black shorts... ugh. The waiter asked if we needed anything else and i said - "a roller" to which he apologized for not noticing myself and the other woman at the table's black outfits and he would see what he could do. In about 2 minutes the manager arrived with a roller to remove the offending fuzz! What service!
(4)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 1851 W 38th Ave
Denver, CO, 80211
Phone (303) 458-0336
Website https://www.lousfoodbar.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :Closed
Mon : Closed
Tue

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Lou’s Food Bar

1851 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO, 80211

Lou’s Food Bar Menu

Salads

Charcuterie

Just For the Fun of It

Mains

Burgers and Sandwiches

Spuds & Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lou’s Food Bar

Salads

Charcuterie

Just For the Fun of It

Mains

Burgers and Sandwiches

Spuds & Sides

Ed B.

Danielle W.

Gillian G.

Melissa F.

Leanna C.

Lani P.

rob p.

Chella N.

Lauren D.

Matthew C.

Devon D.

Eric S.

Deano G.

Meredith X.

Beth T.

Curtis C.

K S.

Jennifer M.

Lana L.

Deco G.

A K.

Eric S.

Jeremy T.

Diana K.

Paul D.

Brock E.

Lynn V.

Cathleen O.

Charles F.

Vilma S.

Jacquelin N.

Michael H.

Mat E.

Josh S.

Shawn C.

Natalie D.

Wes B.

Lauren J.

Casual Critic D.

Ebony L.

Rebeca R.

Kat B.

Alicia N.

Evan A.

Kelli R.

Liz S.

Aaron P.

Robert J.

Joe T.

Tony S.

Cheyne M.

Laura R.

Lesley A.

Jordan A.

Mo C.

Jacqueline A.

Jaromir B.

Brandon A.

S S.

Emily T.

Alex Z.

E C.

Margaret D.