The pretty village of Pointe-Claire, bordering Lake Saint-Louis, is home to a number of established businesses. “Exciting” openings are rather rare. Dizz’s Bagel, opened two years ago, is the latest. The cool Victor Rose café is already in its eighth year. But now Lou’s is trying its chance to become the new classic of the West, with its accessible contemporary American cuisine.
Open since the end of November 2023, the restaurant is already very well received by the population of the West Island, happy with this refreshing offer. The most famous kitchen in the area, even further away (in Hudson), has just lost its star chef, Danny Smiles. Rumor has it that the Willow Inn will not reopen its restaurant following this departure.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Lou’s mac and cheese combines cheddar and Comté cheeses.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
These eggplant alla parmigiana are very comforting in the coldest of winter.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
The secret to the signature martini? The vodka and gin are poured over Himalayan salt, giving the cocktail a very pleasant salinity.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
These homemade chips with dipping sauce open the meal nicely.
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But we would like to say that you don’t have to live in Pointe-Claire, Kirkland or Beaconsfield to appreciate Lou’s. A short walk by the lake, a hot chocolate and a little browsing in the thrift stores and other boutiques in the village can be the perfect preamble to a dinner of steak, fries and mac and cheese. Rest assured, there are also lighter options, such as sea bream carpaccio, sea bass and niçoise salad. We recommend starting the meal with the homemade waffle chips and creamy caramelized onion dip.
Peter Mant, one of the partners (with two other of his associates from the Saintwoods group owning Suwu, Apartment 200 and Name’s on the Way, Phil Allard and Renaud Lambert), grew up in Pointe-Claire. His father owns the building where Lou’s is located. There used to be a clothing store there.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
There are about fifty seats in the dining room at Lou’s.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Peter Mant, Liam Barron and Max Ruiz Laing are three of the co-owners of Lou’s.
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The idea of offering a very “urban” restaurant in the village was born about two years ago. We had to convince the municipality. Once that was done, the team built the dining room and kitchen at great speed. A month later, a 48-seat restaurant was born! “We will soon have a private room in the basement,” Peter tells us.
In the kitchen, chef Liam Barron offers his versions of emblematic American dishes, above all. His partner at Loïc, Max Ruiz Laing, is also co-owner of Lou’s and is present on site every day. It is well placed to demonstrate the enthusiasm of local people, who are happy to go out and eat close to home.
309 Lakeshore Road, Pointe-Claire