One of Long Island's oldest and most colorful restaurants. From its start in 1905, Louis Zwerlein's "Kare Killer" was a most unusual place. One had to get there by boat since it was built on a floating barge anchored out in the bay. One of its side attractions was that it afforded a fine view of the approaching boats from shore. On occasion, a husband sighting his wife on a course for the barge would dive headlong off the far side and strike out for Great Neck.
When prohibition killed the Kare Killer in 1916, the business moved to a spot adjacent to the Town Dock, renting boats, selling chowder and other seafood. Another move in the early thirties placed the restaurant in its present location still on the Main Street waterfront. In 1954, it was expanded into an adjoining building that had originally been a blacksmith shop.
"great food great service with that old world charm"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Both the food and wine menu was excellent,although a little pricey.The food was excellent,and the staff was friendly,attentive and professional.Wonderful ambiance,with a great view of the water.I would definitely give it 2 thumbs up for anyone looking for a special evening."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Ambiance was awesome outdoors on a cool spring night with amazing water views
Shrimp cocktail was good New England clam chowder wasn't great Corn on cob was bland no butter or salt on it Mac n cheese was eh and they claimed its a favorite Chicken paillard was dry"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"Great seafood, but pricy, since the prices are so high I would recommend special occasions only. But its a treat when you go. Plus all the meals have sides that are a la carte so up goes the price even more. With this said the portions are generous."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We went to celebrate Mother's day and thankfully they did not have a special menu for the day. They were not in a rush to turn over the table. The service was great. Our server Raymond had a wonderful personality and was very knowledgeable about the wine list and the specials. We ate outside and it was very comfortable. We all indulged in the seafood and it was fabulous. We ordered a tower of cold seafood and a tower of hot. We can't wait to go back again. Loved it! Thank you so much :)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"My wife and I have been to Louie's several times now and we are never disappointed.
I had the crab roll this time and I couldn't believe how big it was. Large chunks of fresh crabmeat inside of a huge piece of Challah bread. My wife had the salmon, also amazing.
The wait staff was very acommodating and friendly to my 4 year old daughter who wanted to play out on the dock. They brought her crayons and a picture to color as well as balloons at the end of our meal.
We sat outside this time because the weather was nice and there were boats out on the water. They sat us under an awning with a large heater just in case it got a little chilly.
This is one of our favorite places. 5 star food and 5 star people. Thanks Louies!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Louie's is a great spot for food with a view. Around sunset the place is packed but dies out if you want to stick around for great food. Unfortunately the service is sub par, if we return we'll be dining at the bar."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, kid-friendly
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"We went for an early dinner the Saturday before Mothers Day. The place was hopping. The menu was limited but had enough for me and my son to pick from. My husband wasnt happy with the choices and ended up with fish and chips which he didnt like. We shared a salad. Forgot to ask for dressing on the side and it came drenched in dressing. My cod in broth was very good. My son ordered scallops which he said were rubbery. The view is always wonderful. Parking is a challenge . The have a lot which is on a steep hill."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"My co-worker & I took two clients from Seattle for a nice lunch. A little dissapointing that we couldn't sit outside...and if the hostess would have waited five more minutes, we could have gotten a table. But we sat right on the edge of outside and gave our guests the view of the water. We never asked but after it took over an hour to get our food, the manager came over and gave us all free dessert. The food was very good and we had a nice time."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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"We were there late afternoon on a Friday in May. Business was a little slow at that time but we've been to Louie's before when it was abosolutelt frenetic. We've never been dissapointed yet. Make reservations if in doubt!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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"It was warm enough to eat outside overlooking Manhasset Bay at Louie's in Port Washington this past Sunday and that was a treat. The menu is a good mix of traditional and creative dishes. I had a sashmi appetizer, a warm lobster roll, and corn on the cob. It felt almost like summer and the lobster roll was superb. The service was good too, although it was clear the waitress had been instructed to push certain dishes and that detracted from the over-all good vibe."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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"We've gone for romantic dining by the water. We've gone for special lunch just the girls for a healthy session of catching up. We've gone with our 15 month old daughter. Each time was a different experience. Nonetheless, always great! Staff is attentive. Food is fresh. The view is AMAZING outdoors on a warm sunny day."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"Haven't been to Louie's for a while, we decided to check it out as it was a beautiful day to site outside and enjoy the water view. It was packed as always but the service and food were better than usual. Our waitress Natalie did a great job.
And the food was delicious. The Grouper special was superb. As were the tuna tacos and the lobster Mac & cheese"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"My companion and I started with drinks at the bar, and were very satisfied with the specialty martinis and drinks. The prices were also reasonable. Appetizers are available at the bar, but we waited until we were seated and ordered the crab stuffed artichoke, which we enjoyed very much. However, the main courses were disappointing in that both the dayboat scallops and the PEI mussels came with the same sauce: a very "funky" smelling brothlike liquid which did not at all enhance the taste of the fish. Food that was going out to other tables did look more appetizing, but I would not order the shellfish again. On a positive note, our waiter was very attentive and remembered our order without writing it. Also, the dessert was outstanding."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"We love Louie's- always have. Everyone finds what they like (even the kids) Only problem is that it is noisy. We went for a birthday last weekend and didn't stay for dessert- we wanted to go home where we could visit and hear each other!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Great place with great food and service. My only complaint is that it takes a while to get seated. I had a reservation and still was not seated until 10 min after my reservation time."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I picked Louie's restaurant to bring a first date to, as he was an out of towner, I wanted the experience to be relatively stress free. I also wanted a great dining experience. Well, louie's did not let me or my date down. The food was fantastic, especially the lobster taco, was dreaming of that for days, REALLY! Our main course was fantastic...I had surf and turf and my date had the fresh tuna. Both were really, really good, as well as our other appetizers....raw clams and oysters on the half shell. Thanks for helping to make this a great first date! will be back!!!! By the way, atmosphere was very friendly, and exceptional wait staff, who were very friendly and attentive! Can't wait to come back!!!!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Love the food here! It's a great spot to sit outside and have a drink, lunch, dinner. The freshest seafood in the neighborhood! It's the only place I'll go for a great steamed lobster dinner or clams on the half shell."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We asked for a window seat when the reservation was made, but we were a bit early and didn't get it. I was glad in the end though because the sun setting was shining in on everyone's face who was at the window. We timed the reservation for a perfect sunset and it doesn't get any better than what we saw. The view alone is worth going to this restaurant. The appetizer special, lobster tacos was outstanding. My husband loved his fish stew. I had scallops in a cheese sauce that were mediocre at best. The table next to us had small children which was not the best experience, but it wouldn't stop me from going back again."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"We hadn'tbeen here for awhile.Seems lile the menu has changed. We were with someone who doesn't eat fish and the only chicken dish a salad with chicken. Food was just ok.Fish choices not great."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
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"Had a wonderful time because the service was great our waitress was wonderful and answered all our questions, it was our first time there in a long time and we had a good time the food terrific1"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot
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"Fast and friendly service. Feels cosy for winter, had a lovely sunset view in the bar. Summer would be wonderful there. Will be back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"I dine out a lot. This was the worst meal I have had in a while. My wife had the ribs. $22 for a half rack and they were like rubber. I had the mussels. The sauce was more like a salad dressing than a white wine. Gross. Will never come back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
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"Went there for a Sunday lunch with a friend. I ordered the little neck clams which were very tasty & then the fisherman's combo broiled. The combo was disappointing due to the portions (6 scallops, a very small & thin fillet & 3 small shrimp). For $18.80 I expected much more!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, scenic view
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"We've been to Louie's many times but after this last experience will not return. It was a birthday dinner for my Mom. The service was great and my Mom and sister enjoyed their meals. However, my husband and I made terrible choices. My husband had the Free Range Chicken Caesar. He said he probably could have gotten a better salad at McDonalds. I ordered the Seared Five Spice Tuna. The tuna was unrecognizable. There were a few slices and a small hunk of what I assume was tuna. It looked more like a ham hock - gross!!!
Expensive and very disappointing! Will never go back!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: scenic view
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"I ordered lobster tails which had absolutely no taste. After I sent that back I ordered clam chowder, which was just ok, and a chopped salad with shrimp. The shrimp also had no taste at all! The soup and salad were WAY overpriced! I DO NOT recommend this restaurant at all."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: scenic view
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"My only negative issue was our table seating. I chose this restaurant for the ambience and the spectacar views and we were seated in the back room where we felt out of it. Not a fun place to be when you know there's other rooms that complete the Louie's experience. Food was great."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"The artichokes (appetizer) tasted like they were from a jar. The two entrees we had were LOADED with salt; my lips literally started to pucker up as if I had eaten a few bags of potato chips. My expectations are higher for that kind of money. (I don't know about the lobster since we didn't try it.) The staff was amicable and the service friendly. No problem there.This is unfortunate. Loouie's used to be good. But something changed. I won't go back."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"Have to say, I have been going to Louie's for 30 years, mostly because of the location and the view, can't beat this place in the summer! Food was always okay, but nothing great.
Something happened!!! Just went for the first time in months and had one of the best pieces of steak in years. I would highly recommend the 20oz ribeye. It was amazing, better than some steak houses in the area. Wife's lobster was perfect, and the raw clams were tasty."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view
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"food was not great. the crab cakes were mushy, the sauce for the mussels was salty and thick, like nothing i've tasted before. they rely on excessive salt to flavor their dishes. not a fan of their food. summertime ambience is great if you're sitting outside. i won't be going back any other time."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
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"Went this past weekend with a couple of friends. Food ordered ranged from Lobster Tails to Lamb Chops. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. Key lime pie was a great finish to the meal. Many specials were available. Overall a great night and the quality of the food was a big part of it. Its a bit pricey but at least I felt it was worth the money when we left. I would definitely come here again."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Will NOT be returning to Louie's. The food, selections, and service were all just mediocre. When we received our check someone had hand written 20% in the tip column, we found this very unprofessional and left us with an unpleasant dinning experience."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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"Wanted to show out of town guest the real Long Island seafood restaurant, which scenic view of LI Sound. We were not disappointed. Food, service and ambiance were great. Waiter's suggestions were right-on. Very satisfied with experience."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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