Hidden in the depths of The Espy, the entrance to Louey’s might lowkey, though entering into this buzzing Italian-American diner and it’s anything but. From the menu, right across to the venue’s neon-clad finishings, the beachside locale has been unapologetically curated with good times in mind.
Big, bold, and saucy is the theme for the menu. Starters like the texture-driven fried lasagne set the tone for the no-holds-barred, carb-heavy adventure ahead of you, while Louey’s Big Fat Green Olives—served on ice—bring a balance to what’s on the plate in front of you.
It gets much bigger, and much bolder, though, with the likes of the big rigatoni doing exactly what it says on the label. The showpiece, however, is Louey’s Chicken Parmigiana and spaghetti and meatballs—a hefty dish that’ll send a shiver down the spines of even the most confident eaters.
It’s big. Very big.
Those who’d prefer to meet in the middle can tackle the likes of Tony’s Slipper Lobster Pizza, a buttery, charr-y number that sits in a grip of woodfired pizzas leaning into Louey’s dancing-while-dining ethos. Grab a slice and go—you’re at the mercy of the DJ with the gargantuan disco ball above you hooked up to the console, levitating or descending into the dancefloor at a moment’s notice.
The drinks list is equally as audacious: spicy margs and 2-sip martinis kick the night into gear, while the Sbagliato Spider—an adults-only nod to the soft drink + ice cream combo—is about as much fun as you can possibly have with a cocktail. Fill the gaps with local and imported wines and a generous tap wall behind the bar, rotating with quality brews on the regular.
And the entertainment offering here almost deserves its own menu. DJs Thursday through Saturday night, and the house band on Wednesdays come standard, while the Saturday brunch special comes in the form of a live request show—throw a banger in the disco ball and if the vocalist + keyboardist duo call your lucky number, they’ll perform it live.
Louey’s oozes big group energy. You’ll find leather-lined booths skirting the walls, while tiled tables are dotted throughout the diner turn dancefloor as the evening progresses. Those who prefer a little distance between all that party can book the curtained-off dining room by the kitchen, offering an unprecedented view of the secrets behind that Chicken Parmigiana and spaghetti and meatballs.
Louey’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to late. Book a booth here.
Image credit: Dasha Kud