A new restaurant founded by a popular St. Louis chef has recently opened up its doors in the DeMun neighborhood in Clayton.
Louie, at 706 DeMun Ave., was opened up by local Chef Matt McGuire, with his restaurant focusing on a minimalist decor and an Italian-inspired menu. The restaurant officially opened for business on on Dec. 5.
The 2,800 square foot restaurant seats fewer than 80, with the decor featuring polished marble walls, varnished wooden tables, and exposed ventilation pipes.
A majority of Louie’s dishes take advantage of the restaurant’s wood-fired oven such as Margherita pizza topped with mozzarella di bufala, basil and a dash of garlic, or a main dish of grilled flank steak, potatoes and salsa verde. There’s plenty to choose from for hungry Claytonites.
This is the first restaurant opened up by McGuire since the famous King Louie’s restaurant closed in 2007.
Many local residents, including Clayton Mayor Harold Sanger, look fondly back at the meals they shared at McGuire’s previous restaurant, King Louie.
“King Louie had a lot going for it, the atmosphere was outstanding,” Sanger said in August. “I would call it classy/old. And of course the food was outstanding but really, the desserts were over the top. Our favorite was the Beggar’s Purse, warm chocolate and Lord only knows what else. They have been closed for a long time but the Beggar’s Purse left an impression on us. Matt promised it would be on [Louie’s] menu.”
Sanger also added that the DeMun area is the perfect location for Louie’s because of the atmosphere.
“The DeMun area is full of young adults — both single and couples, young professionals and WU students,” he said. “Note my theme is ‘young’. They are not going to sit in their apartment and watch Iron Chef. The restaurants are tuned to appeal to this group and it works. I encourage you to go there on any night and see for yourself how alive it is. Clementine’s had a constant line the night we were there that did not appear to slow the entire evening, it is a great addition to the area.”
Louie is now open for dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended, but walk-in customers will be accommodated as space allows according to Louie’s website.