The previous occupant of the bungalow now housing Monte's in Montecito.
Insights
SteakhouseSeafoodAmericanBurgersModerateBrunchLunchDinnerWine Bar
Last updated: 9/5/2026, 3:38:19 AM
Key Information
Bar Louie is a neighborhood bar known for its craft cocktails, diverse food menu, and lively atmosphere, suitable for happy hour, brunch, and nights out. This specific location is in The Gulch area of Nashville.
Customer Perception
Customers generally find the food surprisingly good, with some highlighting the Cajun salmon and shrimp as standouts. The interior and seating options are often praised. However, some reviews mention issues with service speed, understaffing, and hygiene concerns (e.g., handling of garnishes, dirty glasses). There was also an incident involving an incorrect order that posed an allergy risk.
Late Sunday lunch was noted as being quiet, while early lunch near opening was also not busy. However, the restaurant can get busy, potentially leading to slower service if understaffed.
3
was pleasantly surprised by the food at bar Louie. Typically I think of drinks but the food was really giving top notch date night. First, I love the interior of this location. They have various seating options that complement any size group.
We arrive for a late Sunday lunch and were two of four patrons within the facility. Our waiter was very kind and attentive and knew the menu well.
I ended up getting the island hopper mocktail which was just okay and the Cajun salmon and shrimp.
The salmon was truly the star with the shrimp a close second. I enjoyed how well the salmon was cooked and didn't taste too "fishy" also the Cajun butter sauce... you can't go wrong. The shrimp were juicy and had a little spice which I liked.
I went with three stars because I happened to glance at the bar to see that the mixologists were picking up garnishes and ingredients like lemons up with their bare hands and putting them on or in the drinks. This was a definite turn off and increases risk for cross contamination of who knows what.
We also ended up sending back the water glasses because the cups looked very dirty. Not sure if it was water spots but | sure didn't want to find out otherwise.
Overall, would recommend and will definitely be back to try more entrees.
Nice Bar Louie location in the Gulch. Went for early lunch near opening at 11 am. Wasn’t busy and was seated promptly. However, they were obviously understaffed with just a hostess also acting as the only server, and a bartender. That was OK til they started to get very busy soon thereafter. Attention to our party fell off quicky. Food was fine but one of our orders was prepared wrong. Nice amount of bacon on the burger. Tots a little on the soft side. Overall not a bad experience but should have been a better given all the restaurant competition in Nashville. Again, place was nice with a good TV setup and a good location. Hopefully they staff better at other times!
Extremely inconsistent customer service and staffing. We have started frequenting this location as of late and were happy to overlook the slow service. However, we decided we’d stop in and get something with our young daughter (she is very picky as most children are and requested outside food) Never been an issue before especially seeing as she is 4 years old. When we were greeted by GiGi we were met with contempt and as soon as she sat us she alerted the manager to the alarming and crucial issue that we had brought in outside food for our daughter. I can’t even blame the staff for making alerting manager Alex to this non-issue, with hardly any customers in the restaurant, I’d be bored out of my mind too. Although their lack of adequate staffing and business makes all the more sense after this encounter. Manager Alex, asked us to leave after we placed our drink order.
We asked if we could place a to-go order and he agreed. We placed our order with the server and Alex approached us again stating we needed to leave and he wouldn’t be making our food, but don’t worry he won’t be charging us (wow thanks!) I just want to applaud Bar Louie for being so diligent and resolute in upholding these values of major importance. Really, Alex is a great asset. It’s a shame we wont get to experience his customer service for much longer since this location is heading towards permanent closure. It really
