Louie's Restaurant - Italian restaurant in Waukegan - 1009 North Ave, USA

It's not too often my family & I step into a restaurant and are treated like regulars. The last week of this past October marked the first time dining in since the pandemic started. But I think that was mainly due to the fact that our first son who was 4 years old the last time we dined in used to get whiny because the dimness of the venue spooked him. I'm no stranger to this place and in fact I first started dining here around 30 years ago. My father who worked at Victory Hospital from 1991 -2007 got me hooked on this place. I asked my wife if we could finally make a return to this gem being I've been longing for some Poor Man's Lobster and homemade breadsticks. Besides the homey feeling the Patterson brothers provide the moment you walk in, those are the 2 things I look forward to at Louie's the most. I've had their fried chicken on special on Sunday before which is really good, love their meatball sandwich, their pizza is awesome but the Poor Man's on special every Friday accompanied by their heavenly breadsticks are the sole purpose of my visit. In fact, easily 4 out of every 5 visits here have been on Friday nights for that wonderful codfish. Told my wife that we're gonna start dining in here a bit more often again. Whenever I've walked in here, it's almost like something you've seen in The Godfather or Goodfellas, that old time gangster hangout vibe but I absolutely love it here. I believe this building is one of the oldest in Waukegan and the Patterson family have been in business with this bustling restaurant going on 45 years this year. I really miss George, God rest his soul. A real find in the city of Waukegan and truly one of my very favorite restaurants of all time. Great food at still reasonable prices, always friendly service in an old classic setting with a nice bar that's always kept very clean. I wish the Pattersons continued success & prosperity and hope their business stays booming for decades to come.

Wonderful thin delicious pizza, walking out I noticed the specials, darn! Tonight was all you can eat fried chicken which was sampled and enjoyed. Our server Stacey was fantastic!

Grew up eating at this place as a little girl. I remember twin brother's was running it. Super nice men, everytime I visit home, I have to get a A.O.H. (Angel On Horseback)! It taste the same everytime. I don't eat coleslaw at all but there's hit different.

Awesome old school place, friendly family run with simple but great food and stiff drinks.

Our first time here. We didn't let the negative reviews deter us. We had a wonderful dinner. My husband had the broasted chicken and I had a personal pizza and were very good. The bread sticks are to die for! As soon as the bread basket was empty, the little red headed gal was friendly and Johnny on the spot getting us more. Yes, the decor and building are dated but didn't bother us. Highly recommend.

Dated but you can tell they think it's cool. Place is filthy my feet stick to the floor. Smelt of asbestos judging by age of building it probably is. Steer clear plenty of other better places!

A long time family run business and a very family friendly oriented theme. As soon as I walked in the ambiance was very warm and cozy. A clean and well organized bar welcomed my friends and I with a neat touch of old and maybe even authentic clock and cash register. The free garlic bread was so good, marshmallowy soft and tasty. First time I has the Louisiana style broasted chicken with super buttery mashed potatoes and it was phenomenal! Chicken was so juicy, perfectly crunchy and with less fat. Price is very reasonable for a great tasting food with an outstanding customer service. Will come back to try more of the items in their menu. I heard the hamburgers and sandwiches are really good too!

This is an old school local restaurant with great food in a older lay-out. Very 60's-ish of the old restaurant/bar combo layout. Takeout or dine-in both work.