Walk down Walnut Street in University City and you’ll see it. It’s hard to miss. That sprawling patio with the blue-and-white chairs, looking like it was airlifted straight out of a Parisian arrondissement and dropped onto the University of Pennsylvania's campus.
Honestly, it's a vibe.
Louie Louie Walnut Street Philadelphia PA is one of those rare places that manages to be "Instagram-famous" without being a total letdown once the food actually hits the table. Most people know it for the decor—that 70s-meets-Art-Nouveau explosion of velvet, gold, and funky patterns—but there’s a lot more going on behind that massive bar than just aesthetic.
The Design Drama You Didn't Know You Needed
Walking into Louie Louie feels kinda like stepping into a Wes Anderson film if he had a brief obsession with Studio 54. It was designed by Kate Rohrer’s Rohe Creative, and they didn't hold back. We’re talking black-painted wood paneling, Osborne + Little wallpaper that mimics burled wood, and a fireplace that looks like it’s been there since the 1920s even though it was installed in 2018.
It’s loud. It’s busy. And somehow, it works.
The restaurant is broken up into these distinct "zones." You’ve got the Left Bank and Right Bank lounges, the main dining room, and the Salon. Each spot feels slightly different, which is why you’ll see a mix of Penn students on awkward first dates, professors talking shop over carafes of wine, and families visiting for graduation.
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What’s Actually Good on the Menu?
Look, French-American bistro food can sometimes be a bit... predictable. You’ve seen one steak frites, you’ve seen them all, right? Not exactly.
The kitchen here, part of the Fearless Restaurants group (the same folks behind White Dog Cafe), leans into what they call Cuisine Grand-Mère. It’s basically comfort food but with a fancy French accent.
- The French Dip: This is the sleeper hit. It’s served on a crisp demi-baguette with gruyère and black truffle mayo. But the real star is the shallot broth. It’s rich, salty, and significantly better than the standard au jus you get elsewhere.
- Mushroom Risotto: If you’re into earthy flavors, this uses king oyster and wild mushrooms with a heavy hand of parmesan.
- Seafood Louie Salad: It’s in the name, so you’d expect it to be good. It is. Loaded with jumbo lump crab and avocado, it’s the "I want to feel healthy but also fancy" choice.
- Truffle Pommes Frites: Don't skip these. They come with a spicy aioli that you’ll probably want to drink.
Prices are... well, it’s University City. It’s not cheap. You’re looking at $25 for a burger and upwards of $45 for some of the heavier seafood or steak entrees. But for a special occasion or a "treat yourself" lunch, it's hard to beat the atmosphere.
The Brunch Scene is a Whole Other Beast
If you’re planning to visit for brunch on a Saturday or Sunday, you’d better have a reservation. Seriously.
The Bananas Foster Waffle is basically dessert for breakfast, topped with bruleed bananas and buttery rum sauce. If you want something savory, the Croque Madame—brioche, Parisian ham, smoked gouda, and a sunny egg—is the way to go.
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One thing people often overlook is the "Midday" menu. Between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM, they switch to a smaller list of snacks. It’s actually the best time to go if you want to snag one of those outdoor tables without a two-hour wait. You can sit there with some house-made potato chips (the smoked onion crème fraiche is killer) and just watch the chaos of Walnut Street go by.
A Family Affair
The restaurant is run by the father-daughter duo Marty and Sydney Grims. Sydney is the Director of Business Development for Fearless Restaurants, and she’s the one who really pushed for this specific retro-European aesthetic.
There’s a level of polish here that you only get from people who have been in the Philly restaurant game for decades. It doesn’t feel like a corporate chain, even though it’s part of a larger group. There’s a soul to it.
Common Misconceptions
People think Louie Louie Walnut Street Philadelphia PA is just for students. It’s not.
While its location at the Hilton Inn at Penn means you’ll definitely see some backpacks, the price point and the sophisticated cocktail program (try the White Cosmopolitan with the rose-etched ice) attract a much wider crowd.
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Another thing? The noise. It can get loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot to whisper sweet nothings, the main dining room during a Friday night rush might not be it. Try the Salon or an early weeknight dinner instead.
Planning Your Visit: The Practical Stuff
- Parking: It’s 36th and Walnut. Parking is a nightmare. Use the garage at the Inn at Penn or take the SEPTA Blue Line to 34th or 40th Street.
- Reservations: Use OpenTable. Do it at least a few days in advance for weekends.
- Dress Code: They call it "upscale casual." You can wear jeans, but maybe leave the sweatpants at home. People definitely dress up here for the photos.
- Events: They have private dining rooms (the Rose Room) that can hold up to 60 people, which is why you’ll constantly see wedding rehearsals or corporate dinners happening in the back.
Whether you're there for the $8 truffle fries or a $60 ribeye, the experience is consistent. It’s one of those places that actually makes University City feel like a destination rather than just a campus.
Next time you're over that way, skip the fast-casual chains and grab a seat on the patio. Order the French Dip. Thank me later.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Best Value: The "Power Lunch" or the Midday menu allows you to experience the vibe without the full dinner price tag.
- Seating Tip: Ask for a table in the Salon if you want the most "Instagrammable" backdrop, or the patio for the best people-watching in West Philly.
- Must-Order: The truffle pommes frites and the French Dip sandwich are the non-negotiables for first-timers.