Bar Louie Midtown Celebrates Opening With Free Martinis and Appetizers

Kareem Shaker

Ever wonder what a room filled with people who have consumed 1500 martinis looks like? Well, you're in luck. Bar Louie is celebrating its grand opening in the Midtown shopping center by giving away all-you-can-drink martinis and one free appetizer per patron from 6 to 9 p.m. all weekend. The special, which has run since Monday, has forced their bartenders to hand craft over 3000 martinis so far.

"We want Miami to come check us out," said general manager Ian Welby, who managed the restaurant's Boynton Beach location for the past two years. "There really is nothing like Bar Louis around here, with our decor, dedication to hand-crafted drinks, craft beers and outstanding food."

Bar Louie started in Chicago 22 years ago and expanded to 67 locations across the USA, including seven in Florida. Their midtown location carries on the tradition of featuring local nightlife photography, hand-laid tile artwork and other local architectural touches. Their menu is a selection of American favorites traditionally and regionally inspired, with a focus on small plates, burgers and sandwiches.

Kareem Shaker

With the word "bar" in its name, Louie lives up to expectations with an extensive selection of import beers, microbrews and 20 different wines by the glass. Their bartenders are trained in the art of martinis, mojitos and margaritas made with hand-squeezed juices, fresh fruits and high quality liquors and liqueurs. There is plenty of room at their 51-seat bar and over 200-seat dining room.

"We're not a sports bar, but rather a place to come and converse," continued Welby. "We want you to mingle, meet new people and create friendships that continue outside our doors."

A quick glance at the menu reveals small plate selections like meatballs al forno served with parmesan crostinis, potstickers, tempura shrimp, bacon cheeseburger sliders and truffle butter popcorn. The menu also features Italian beef, verde chicken and roasted vegetable flatbreads; barbecue ranch, pear and blue cheese and mixed "garbage" salads; turkey, portabella and traditional "Chicago stockyard" burgers; and sesame tuna, shrimp or fish po' boy and California chicken club sandwiches. Prices range from $5 for truffle butter popcorn to $12 for the Chicago stockyard burger. Large plate selections like the Tuscan chicken pasta run just $13, while the most expensive item on the menu is the sesame encrusted ahi tuna ($18).

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