The Louise

“This place used to be Yorkville Creperie, a restaurant my girlfriend and I both loved.”

“Mostly to see Danny Carmelo play acoustic guitar and sing some of my favorite songs.”

“I went with a couple friends the last time who tried a lot of their craft beers – all of which were great.”

The Louise

Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes

Price range.

$$ Price range $11-30

4 reviews

  1. I almost gave this place two stars, but I know they're trying.

    Been here for brunch once and I was underwhelmed.  Sat at the bar, which was nicely redone since its days as the Yorkville Creperie. The beer selection was small, but solid, and I think I paid $5-6 for my draft.  I was pleased.

    The breakfast flatbread was decently sized, and had enough eggs and brie on it to make me moderately happy.  Ditto with the meatball grilled cheese – good overall, but not the best.

    My biggest gripe is the lack of side dishes for brunch plates.  When you go to brunch, you don't want to have to order an entree and a side, it should all be on one plate.  The lack of a small salad, home fries, fries, or anything of the sort with brunch entrees is confusing and sad.  

    There's also no omelet option, and perhaps that's just due to the small menu offering.  I understand the restaurant's kitchen isn't huge, but if you're going to offer brunch, you should meet some minimum requirements.

    That being said, the service was nice.  It was quiet, and they had the front windows open (I went in late fall).  

    I'm hoping they step it up just a bit, because York Ave needs a place like this to survive and thrive.

  2. So much potential but so much disappointment. I used to really enjoy this place when it was the Yorkville Creperie. My gal and I liked coming here to enjoy the great food and ambiance. It had a cozy and homey feel with a touch of class as this is a nice neighborhood along York Ave it resides in. I was excited to check out the new Louise as it was reinvented to be more of a craft cocktail and beer bar.

    Well, Louise didn't live up to her profile. It's like going on a Match .com date only to discover the person you are meeting fudged her profile pic and makes you want to escape through the bathroom window.

    I arrived here with a few friends this past Saturday evening. It was kind of awkward walking into a dead empty bar after 9pm. Only other person in here was an older woman watching the college football game on the flat screen above the bar. The din of silence was occasionally broken when she cheered a score. That, and when the adjacent door inside let in the loud music and people partying at the attached bar next door over and over which I think they own as a club. I don't know, as when I'm enjoying a good cocktail in a certain atmosphere I don't want to hear that. Oh, and what the heck was the weird music they had playing in here? Kind of new age something or other crappiness. Play some classic rock. Mix in some old prohibition era music. Tunes that reflect the look and feel of the place and drinks being served.

    As for the cocktail list it's not too bad. Some nice options to choose from but at $14 a drink all the way over here on York they had better be outstanding. My friend ordered one and was kind of surprised that the glass was only half full. It was like the bartender forgot to pour the rest. The beer list was passable, as the craft offerings didn't do much for me. Most in the $7-$9 range. With only about eight options and one being Dales Pale Ale, it left me scratching my head. Also, considering that it was dead the bartender could have been friendlier and chatted with us a bit. Asked us what we liked, where we're from, etc. Maybe offer drink and food suggestions. We're nice folks. We don't bite!  

    I do like the look of the place with it's exposed brick, tin ceilings, and retro lighting hanging above the bar. I dug the beer glasses that are shaped like a beer can. Yet, there is a disconnect here. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's the smell of the cook in the small kitchen in the corner making a crepe. Maybe it's because the only other people in here was a bluehair watching the game, and an older couple that looked like my parents that wandered in for a drink. Maybe because I expected a tumbleweed to roll by. Maybe because we felt unwelcomed by the staff. All on a Saturday night. Again, awkward.

    Maybe they are trying to emulate all the other new craft beer and cocktail bars that have recently opened along 2nd Ave and the UES. Just being a "me too" spot isn't going to bring the masses over to the far east side where not much else is there as a draw. If they want to keep this as a sleepy locals joint then more power to them. I wish them well as I know it's not easy owning a biz here in NYC. Hope they work out the kinks.

    As for me, bring back the Yorkville Creperie as she was. That gal was worth a second date.

  3. Great spot for brunch in Yorkville.

    It was a Sunday morning quickly approaching afternoon earlier this month (4/3/16), so my friends and I were in full brunch mode.  We decided to check out The Louise, which now stands where Yorkville Creperie once resided.

    We were pleasantly surprised with our experience.  The restaurant has a welcoming setup, including a large bar on one wall and table seating throughout.  The atmosphere was casual and laid-back, which is exactly what we wanted.  Our waiter was very friendly and attentive.  He also did an excellent job of accommodating several requests for menu item substitutions.  This was greatly appreciated.

    The drink menu featured some standard options (wine, mimosas, bloody mary) and had a good selection of draft and bottled beers.  There is also a full bar if you choose to create some other alcoholic concoction.  They offered a legitimate brunch special called the "All in Brunch," which included five drinks for $25.  We had five people at the table so that was a no-brainer.

    The food menu was very appetizing, and it was hard to narrow down an option to call my meal.  I went with the "Geez Louise," and it was awesome.  This sandwich featured habanero jack, bacon, grilled chicken, avocado, tomato chile-jam, and rosemary aioli on sliced challah.  Others in my group enjoyed the pretzel croissant bacon, egg, and cheese served with Pork Roll (AKA "Jersey Style"), and the green eggs & ham benny.

    I definitely recommend checking it out for brunch if you are in the area, and I look forward to coming back again soon!

  4. I am going to keep this short…And not so sweet.

    There was no one here on a Saturday night, except one older lady who was very into college football. They had the Ranger game on, which is why they're even getting 2 stars. We sat down and I ordered an Old Fashioned because their beer selection was mediocre at best. The bartender (who stated he had only started 2 days prior) filled my glass only halfway. If I'm paying $14 for a drink, why am I only receiving half a drink? He did the same to my friend, who also ordered a cocktail. Two other friends got beer and those were served in cool glasses, which were filled all the way.

    I'm still waiting for the rest of my cocktail. Has anyone seen it? Anyone?

Rate and write a review

York Avenue 1586
New York 10028 NY US
Get directions
Tuesday, 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Wednesday, 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Thursday, 11:30 am - 12:00 am
Friday, 11:30 am - 12:00 am
Saturday, 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Sunday, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm