Yes, Bar Louie Memphis is a chain - one of 40-something across the country. But in a town that's desperate to reinvigorate a neighborhood, we'll take a newcomer that's made a real commitment to what will hopefully become one of the city's busiest street corners again.
Bar Louie opened in mid-April 2013 at the corner of Cooper and Madison in Overton Square, across from Local on the Square.
Yours truly tends to think she's heard it all - especially when it comes to alcohol - but low gravity beer? That's a new phrase. To me.
Low gravity beer - and the usual brands - at Bar Louie — Photo courtesy of Bar Louie - Memphis
But turns out beer lovers know it as lower-alcohol, higher-flavor beer; think 3:2 beer with distinguishable flavor. And that's a highlight of Bar Louie, where a lovely row of taps boasts some high-quality low gravity brews, as well as a luscious mix of crafted cocktails.
With all that alcoholic firepower, a spacious interior - hi-top tables for two or four surround the bar, and booths line the walls - plate glass windows for a view of Midtown's busy Cooper/Madison intersection and a large patio that can seat 120, Bar Louie should be a contender in the local nightlife scene. Flat screens are visible from every angle, perfect for watching a Grizzlies playoff game.
Bar Louie on a recent Monday night — Photo courtesy of Sally Walker Davies
The food is fine – predictable, perhaps not unexpected from a chain eatery – and everything is made fresh in house, a sure positive, as the local owner has been quoted elsewhere saying that locally-sourced food and vendors are a priority.
Louie is a good late-night destination, open until 2 am daily.
