The first time I visited Louie’s Wine Dive & Mass Ave Kitchen was during its grand opening in May. Seats were full of locals waiting to try the newest restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue and I was eager to try some new flavors. My first peek inside Louie’s was fun, tasty and hospitable, so I figured why not take a second look into an establishment whose motto is “Don’t drink boring wine.”
I recently got a chance to revisit the restaurant and bar to check out the one dish I’ve had my eye on since the first visit, the Lobster & Shrimp Mac and their extensive wine list.
During my first visit to Louie’s I was instantly greeted by the enormous pig painted on the brick wall to the right of the entrance and I definitely couldn’t miss the equally-large chalkboard hanging beside the bar displaying the restaurant’s red, white and rose wines that read, “Making Unique Wine Accessible.”
My second visit helped my eye catch decor that went unnoticed the first time, like light fixtures made of wine glasses and bottles.
Despite the decor, the menu was what was really on my mind.
Previously, during my first visit, I had a chance to sample the 4 Pork Gnocchi created with house-made gnocchi, prosciutto, pork shoulder, ground pork, Italian sausage, red wine cream sauce, and focaccia. Let me tell you…I was a bit skeptical, but it was quite tasty. The group I attended the restaurant with the first time thought it would be a great idea to share each dish so everyone would have a fair chance to choose their favorite meal.
This time, although I was alone and didn’t have the luxury of sharing plates, the Lobster & Shrimp Mac was and the star of the show. Made with penne, Maine lobster, shrimp, two-cheese and garlic cream, citrus breadcrumbs and focaccia, my dish was placed in front of me within 15 minutes of ordering. I couldn’t wait to dig in! Let me start off by stating seafood is my favorite food, so any meal that combines shrimp and lobster is most likely classified as a winner in my book. As a very creamy dish, I was given large chunks of lobster and shrimp soaked into cheesy sauce with just enough crunch from the citrus bread crumbs. It was great!
As I ordered a glass of wine to end my long workweek, Ed McCasland, the restaurant’s general manager approached my table to check on my quality of service. After giving him the thumbs up, he scurried away to check on other customers.
Brunch is also served at Louie’s from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Lunch is served during the week from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Another thing I learned is, as much as I have a soft spot for local restaurants, Louie’s isn’t on that list because they aren’t exclusive to Indianapolis. I discovered another location in Minneapolis while attending a work conference. Those in Kansas City, Missouri; Des Moines and Waukee, Iowa; and Omaha, Nebraska can also enjoy the flavors Louie’s cooks up.
If you haven’t gotten a chance to visit Louie’s, you’re truly missing out on an experience.
Louie’s Wine Dive & Mass Ave Kitchen
345 Massachusetts Ave.
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
(317) 929-1644
Hours:
Monday – Thursday:
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday: 11 – 1:30 a.m.
Saturday: 9 – 1:30 a.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
