Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines Restaurant - Des Moines, IA

Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

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Address:
4040 University Ave.
Suite A
Des Moines, IA 50311

Neighborhood:
Des Moines

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Cuisine:
American

Price: $30 and under

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Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.louieswinedive.com
Phone: (515) 777-3416
Hours of Operation:

Monday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm, Tuesday - Wednesday: 11:00am - 11:00pm, Thursday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:00am, Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00am, Sunday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: American
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes

Getting there

Parking: Public Lot

A word from Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

Louie’s Wine Dive is obsessed with really good grapes, creative gourmet comfort food, and a funky fun atmosphere to share it in. We search all over the world to find you great wine, many of which come from our relationships with small, lesser known vineyards, at a great value to our guests. Wine is… supposed to be Fun, not pretentious, so let us know when you taste that new varietal and how it changed what you thought wine was supposed to be.
Our gourmet comfort food is made fresh using eco friendly and local ingredients whenever possible. As for the fun, we instigate it but count on you and yours to see it to fruition (literally through the fruit!). It’s meant to be your place, so please enjoy...and if you enjoy it as much as we do, grab one of our unique bottles to share at home.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food

Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines - Best Restaurants in Des Moines

Diner Reviews

"Took a chance on this restaurant based off reviews on OpenTable and was not at all disappointed. Made reservations for an after engagement celebration and it worked out great. Amazing food, great wine and just a wonderful atmosphere. It was a little nosier and crowded than I would have liked, but it was a Friday night and you would want that in a great place to eat. Highly recommend and will definitely be returning."
Dined on 7/25/2014
"Service and food were great. A fun place for dinner."
Dined on 7/25/2014
"I love Louie's and frequently book reservations there in Open Table since they are always super busy. This time, even though I got the confirmation email of reservation, we didnt show up on the computer at Louie's. Luckily, our party of 4 got seated! Server was mediocre but food was fantastic as usual."
Dined on 7/24/2014
"My husband and I had a great Wednesday night date night. Relaxed, fun atmosphere. Food was very good. They need a grilled fish or two as an entree. We both had the salmon salad which was good. Hummus app was delicious."
Dined on 7/16/2014
"Very good service and wine selection. The server offered a few samples of wine and was very pleasant."
Dined on 7/16/2014
"Sat outside with a friend on a Wednesday night. Got there at 530 and sat on the road side patio, not many people, we left at 8 and the place was packed. Happy hour items were delightful. 4 pork gnocchi was amazing! Couldn't have had a better flight attendant, I mean waiter."
Dined on 7/16/2014
"This was my 3rd visit. The Pinot Noir recommended at my first visit is now my favorite. I 've recommended it to friends and we got a bottle to take home. Each time I've visited Louie's Wine Dive, the food has been good. This visit I ordered the Duroc pork chop... It was exceptional! I've talked it up to several friends & posted a photo on IG. I'll definitely return."
Dined on 7/9/2014
"I placed the reservation for outside seating but the Des Moines location does not take outside seating reservations. They forgot to come and get us when a table opened up so we waited a very long time. Then I had to ask for menu's. By the time we got to place our order, they were out of the special which is what 3 out of 4 of us wanted to order. Won't be going back anytime soon."
Dined on 7/3/2014
"We has 6 people with varied taste and everyone was happy with the food. Excellent wine choices!"
Dined on 6/28/2014
"Excellent food, good service,but loud and noisy. No need for the TVs above the bar. Cheapens the experience!"
Dined on 6/27/2014
"For a restaurant that bills itself as a "wine dive", I would have expected a more knowlegeable waitstaff. Actually, I can't speak about the entire staff on only one visit, but the unfortunate reality is that if the first visit to a well-established place doesn't deliver on a key ingrediant of the dining experience, chances are I won't give it a second try. Additionally, neither my dining companion nor I felt our server actually wanted to be there. He needs to at least pretend to appreciate our business."
Dined on 6/23/2014
"Delicious food, great service and relaxed atmosphere"
Dined on 6/15/2014
"Variety of fun entrees and terrific wine list! Staff is knowledgeable and can make drink recommendations. Casual, fun and small to medium space - not too big or too noisy!"
Dined on 6/7/2014
"I've been to Louie's Wine Dive a couple of times and have enjoyed both experiences. The lobster poutine is VERY good. The pan roasted chicken was moist and tasty, but the skin wasn't crisped to the texture a great roast chicken boasts. The fish and chips were fine, but we would not order again. Service was a bit rushed - one doesn't expect to make decisions on a wine list, appetizer and dinner within just a couple of moments of being seated. I was a little disappointed in the wine list, but also completely recognize that it's pretty subjective and I have specific tastes that their buyer apparently does not share. Nothing WRONG with the wine list, but I didn't feel it was notable or of a higher quality that most Des Moines restaurants."
Dined on 6/6/2014
"This was my second visit to Louies - the atmosphere was fun, the food was great and our waiter helped us pick a perfect wine for the night. It is nice to find a local spot - can't wait for Waukee to open"
Dined on 6/6/2014
"We have eaten here several times now and really enjoy the food. The noise level is very loud and sometimes we have trouble hearing the server and each other. We keep coming back for the excellent food and wine."
Dined on 6/6/2014
"This is one of the few places in town where there are so many interesting things on the menu that it is hard to make your choice. The server was friendly, but not pushy. We were there early, 5:30-7 p.m. and I suspect the place might be noisy if packed. Three or four staff members came to the table to see if things were all right. Again, friendly, but not pushy. Food was excellent. I can't wait to go back."
Dined on 5/29/2014
"I ate here with my family on 5/17/14 to celebrate my graduation from college. The food was all wonderful, and considering how busy the restaurant was the service was fine as well. My only complaint was that we were at a table next to the server station which was a rather uncomfortable, tight, and busy location. Everything else was excellent, so it wasn't that big of a deal. "
Dined on 5/17/2014
"Enjoyed celebrating daughter's college graduation there with family. Awesome food, service and a very enjoyable time."
Dined on 5/16/2014
"I have gone to the one in omaha and I had just as good experience in the dsm location. Met with a girlfriend And had a great time"
Dined on 5/15/2014
"Great place for a casual dinner out with friends ... Food is good and service was great!"
Dined on 5/9/2014
"Perfect spot for a ladies night out! Just had a wonderful time - great food, great service. Wine was good. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 5/9/2014
"My wife and I loved dining at Louie's Wine Dive. We though the food was excellent. The service was only OK. To their credit, they were very busy. However, we found it to be slow. Just getting a glass of wine took almost 20 minutes. Food was exceptional. From the appetizer to our entrees to the dessert. Looking forward to the next one opening up near our home in Waukee this summer."
Dined on 5/2/2014
"I had been once before, but my wife had not; I used OpenTable to reserve a spot at one of our now favorite restaurants. Prices are moderate; the food is uber-fantastic! We now have extensive plans to bring various out-of-town guests to Louie's Wine Dive, as well as move it up the list as a where-should-we-go? place with friends. Awesome experience, thank you!"
Dined on 5/2/2014
"My husband, daughter and I came to Louie's on a busy Saturday evening of Drake Relays weekend. It was our first visit. Many friends had recommended it. We had a reservation so were seated right away. However, no waiter showed up for awhile and we had to ask. However, after a nice apology for the mixup our service was great, attentive but not intrusive. My husband was reluctant to try Louie's because of the word "wine" in the restaurant name. He's a beer and comfort food sort, but he was very pleased with the menu and found several items of interest. I am more adventurous and also found things I liked. We were all pleased with what we chose. We will definitely come again. "
Dined on 4/26/2014
"We went to Louie's on a Friday night with friends. We had a great waitress who was very helpful in suggesting both wine and food. All six of us enjoyed our meals and the wine that was suggested. We had a great time. Even though the restaurant was busy, our service was great and our food came out in a timely manner. Looking forward to the new location that will open in Waukee soon!!"
Dined on 4/25/2014
"Glad we made a reservation, as it was a busy Friday evening. I was dining with my 80-something parents who initially were concerned about the noise level and the tables with high schools, luckily we were placed in a corner table which had conventional chairs. The server was a bit slow in coming to us, but was appropriately attentive. When our appetizer was delayed, I learned that the restaurant had run out of cheese and was going to the cheese shop nearby to resupply. The server should have proactively told us. This was the only glitch. The owner was friendly in greeting us and apologizing. The meal came timely, the food was hot and tasty. The experience was great fun and my parents loved being the oldest people in a trendy place. "
Dined on 4/25/2014
"If you're looking for some place fun and different, this is definitely a place you'll want to check out."
Dined on 4/19/2014
"Open Table Reservation on Good Friday evening resulted in a fabulous table with a wonderful view and cushy high back chairs! This gem was bustling with energy! Full house inside and on the outside quaint deck with white lights! Great drink menu beyond wines! The Moscow Mule was refreshing even though the ginger was a bit on the tame side. We enjoyed the Mussels as our appetizer--succulent creamy broth with frites. We have had Mussels in and out-of- town and give these a high rating. My husband enjoyed the Lobster Mac and Cheese--though it could have been served hotter and would have been better with a crust. Friendly place.. We will be back! The Happy Hour and Brunch look inviting !!"
Dined on 4/18/2014
"We have been here several times and enjoyed the food. We did have upset stomach one time after shrimp but it hasn't stopped us from coming back. Lobster poutine is to die for. I love the menu and want to try all the dishes. I love when they have wine specials and we order a bottle to enjoy. I appreciate that they will sell us bottles to take home if we really like them. Its always crowded. They need to expand. The noise level gets a bit much because everyone just talks louder."
Dined on 4/8/2014
"Very solid cuisine with a menu that provides something for everyone and covers all proteins. Dishes are generously sized, well-executed, and very approachable. Airline chicken (bad name, should be called "Statler Chicken") was very moist and well seasoned. 4 pork gnocci had an incredible sauce. Flying Phoenix (soba noodles with arugula and chicken) was very flavorful, but the noodles were cooked a bit too long for my liking. I can't wait to go back and try something new."
Dined on 4/7/2014
"From booking the reso online on open table, to the great server Jacob (patient and knowledgeable), to how nicely my 8 year old was treated (sigh a kid!), to the de burgo and wine - it was all wonderful! The bathrooms are clean, the food is delicious,and the atmosphere is energizing! Thanks!!! We will keep coming back to this neighborhood spot."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Saturday night dinner before seeing Les Miserables at the Playhouse. Reservations for 6, seated prompty. Restaurant is open and noisy, but dinner conversation was still easy to have. Our server was fantastic... knowledgeable about the wine offerings and the menu. Many gluten free options identified on the menu and he was gracious about accommodating my adjustment to one of the evenings specials: sockeye salmon on field greens in place of risotto. It was full: Everything was tasty and came out of the kitchen in plenty of time for us to enjoy our meal and get to the show."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Wife and I finally made a trip here. Their fried Calamari was delicious and a great start. The appetizer price was maybe a dollar or so too high but they make it worth it by using only the rings of the squid and presenting it in a nice way. The Shrimp and Grits definitely makes you feel like you are in the south. Plenty of shrimp and cheese in the dish. My 4 Pork gnocchi was perfect. Great textures from the different meats and an excellent flavor. Even the bit of bread with the dish tasted like some time was put into it. The wife went with a off-menu Moscato Di Asti which she enjoyed and I had a red sangria that I was not super excited about. I remember Sangria having a bit more fruit flavor but at the price and the portion it was fine."
Dined on 4/4/2014
"This is a great option for brunch in Des Moines. The food is great, and it's appropriately priced for the portion sizes. The bottomless mimosa option is one of the best around based on the price -- there are other options that might be more well-known but are quite overpriced. What's great about Louie's is that it's small, has an energetic crowd and fun ambiance, has delicious food that's actually made in the kitchen and offers more bang for your buck than other local brunch options. I'll definitely be back for brunch soon, especially once it's nice enough for the patio to be open."
Dined on 3/30/2014
"Great place to eat with friends...................food is fabulous"
Dined on 3/29/2014
"Neighborhood spot that has great service and great food. Never had taken a business associate there - only personal. Was a great spot for business as well."
Dined on 3/24/2014
"Great atmosphere but was not enamered with the menu."
Dined on 3/20/2014
"I have been to Louie's several times and have never been disappointed! The wait staff does a great job and the food is always delicious. Was very excited to see you have a location opening soon in Mpls and Waukee. Made a point to try out the location in Omaha last time I was there."
Dined on 3/15/2014

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