I love when this blog gives me the chance to explore an area of the city that I don’t typically venture into. University City is such a fun and vibrant part of Philadelphia, and one that I, admittedly, don’t get over to as much as I’d like. But after Louie Louie invited me to come in for dinner, I know there are going to be a lot more ~Center City dwellers~ venturing across the Schuylkill soon! Cue the food pics. 😉
Louie Louie (3611 Walnut Street) is a part of Fearless Restaurants (they’re responsible for White Dog Cafe, Moshulu, and Autograph Brasserie in Wayne) and was designed by the ever-popular/name you’ve been seeing everywhere lately, Rohe Creative. And let me tell you: the first thing you’ll notice when you step foot inside of the restaurant, located just next door to The Inn at Penn, is that the look and design is truly and honestly remarkable.
It wasn’t packed when we sat down for weeknight dinner, but not only is it summer in the city, it’s summer in University City. I’m sure this place will be packed as the kiddos have returned to school in full force and families will be scheduling their visits. But I’ve found year-round that parking is pretty easy on Walnut Street and Ubers are very inexpensive to UC, so don’t let the crowds of young folks discourage you.
Our server Mikayla got us settled and went over the menu with us. Our drinks were delicious – I had the White Cosmopolitan (Faber Cirtus Vodka, Combier, lemon, lime, agave, white cranberry & sparkling wine, $12) and my dining companion Cait had the Watermelon Mint Martini (Straw Boys vodka, watermelon, lime, agave & mint, $12). The presentation for the bevs was gorgeous.
The menu is large and it’s tough to zero in on what you’re in the mood for, so, naturally, we went with a bit of everything! We started with a few hors d’oeurves, the bacon wrapped dates ($7) and fried green beans ($6). On the appetizer list, we went with the chilled lobster and shrimp salad (with avocado and roasted tomato, $19) and the goat cheese arancini ($12). I would say the arancini and the dates were our favs, but again, the presentation for everything was so spot on. Get your cameras ready. 😉
After our four starters, we were already getting stuffed. Keep that in mind when ordering – a bit of food goes a long way! However, we powered through and ordered entrees. I had the Louie Burger (mushroom gruyere fondue, brioche roll, pomme frites, $19) and Cait had the Plat du Jour, aka the daily special, which was sole meuniere ($36). Some of their other daily dishes sounded amazing – short rib, yes please – so there’s definitely a reason to keep coming back to try their daily treats.
With our dinners, we also switched to the Conshohocken “Louie Louie Saison,” which Conshy Brewery brewed special for the restaurant. Definitely a nice brew that wasn’t too heavy with our big ol meal.
While we could not really find much more space for dessert, we ordered this insane strawberry sundae (strawberry ice cream, flourless chocolate cake, almond crumble, milk chocolate almond bark, and fresh strawberries, whipped cream & chocolate sauce, $14) – my mouth is currently watering – which was, as I said, insane. I can totally see Louie Louie becoming the place groups of Penn friends go out for special occasions together, and the birthday girl obviously gets this dessert. It was just so cute.
I was really so impressed with the entire experience. Louie Louie is perfect for the college kid & family crowd to start, plus is pretty/delicious/special enough to bring “foodies” (hate that word) from around the city to drink and dine. Thanks Louie Louie for having us – I’ll definitely be back! xx
