05/07/09

My favorite place for breakfast

by Lewjean

A neighborhood icon! Going strong under new owners and still filling up with neighbors, friends meeting friends, groups, singles reading the paper with a watchful eye. A great place for food and catching up.

• Pros: Great baked goods, potatoes & eggs

08/20/08

Horrendous Owner & employees

by russovr

I must admit that the food is excellent; however, one Sunday I went in and ordered breakfast. Louisa waited on me. When I mentioned that $10.75 seemed a little high for scrambled eggs, she went off on me. Said "I asked you if you wanted sides" and I said Yes. Then she said, well I must not have heard you. She was so angry, she yanked the menu away from me and was literally shaking. Personally, 14-Carrot Cafe is better and you won't have a psycho waiting on you. I have never felt so attacked in my life. And of course, they left off the toast........Are there any good psychiatrists out there willing to take her on?

• Pros: Good breakfast
• Cons: horrible rude employees and owner

06/05/08

Can't keep away from the food, even though I'd like to...

by izabellathedog

Louisas' food is really really good~ which is why I tolerate the terrible service. I don't think they're discriminatory, as is noted in other reviews, I think it's equal opportunity rudeness. The owner is the worst offender by far and the rest of the staff just follow suit. Think of going to Louisa's like the soup-nazi from Seinfeld. You won't get special treatment or service, but you'll get a hell of a good meal! Their pastries are fantastic and breakfasts are fabulous, too. My dogs love the bowser bisquits as well.

• Pros: kick-ass food
• Cons: horrible service

05/11/08

Great Breakfast, Simple Service

by eatouteverydaysea

The breakfasts here are fantastic and although the service is no-frills, (you order at the counter and they call out your name) I have never experienced them to be rude or homophobic as described in other reviews. Fresh ingredients, lots of flavor, not greasy or excessively rich. The pasteries are superior to those at many coffee shops and the made-to-order dishes are delicious. I would put the breakfast here on-par with Ettas (another fave) or other more expensive eateries. Beware; it gets really busy and the open seating is first come first serve- you may want to make sure there is an open table before ordering food.

05/10/07

Horrible Customer Service with a hint of Racism.

by loves2eatalot

I have frequented Louisa's often, it's conviently placed close to my job. Everyone in our office complains about the customer service.

Earlier this week I went to order a to-go meal and it took 48mins for me to get my meal, the same meal that a man ordered after me and recieved before me. When I asked if it would be much longer to the woman with short reddish hair, she said wait, that's it. I waited.

When a name was called that sounded similar to mine, and I went to the front, she simply said "That is not your name!" in a very rude manner, another to go ordered after mine yet done before my own.

Finally my order came out, which I now had no time to eat since it took 3/4 of my break to recieve. When she said my name I stood up and put my hand out to recieve the bag from her, she looked at my hand and dropped the bag on the table, turned and walked away. She is incredibly rude.

Today I went in again, with a friend. We are both african-american, when the same woman ordered our food she looked at us disgusted and "dropped" our plates in front of us. Ironically enough a interacial couple enetered after us and ordered. When the man's food was brought out the same woman, ignored his hand in the air and him repeating his name. A different employee dropped the food off apologizing saying she did not hear him, although everyone in the restaurant saw and heard him.

I have gone in time after time when I cannot make the walk down to Pete's near the water, where the customer service and food are both excellent, and everytime this older redheaded woman is incredibly rude, almost like she goes out of her way to be rude. I don't know if it's racism/prejudice, which I would hate to pin on anyone, or just horrible customer service, but quite frankly I'm at my wits end!

• Pros: Good baked goods, just don't stay for the customer service
• Cons: The absolute worst customer service!!!

02/13/07

yes it's quirky, that's why it's great!

by cafeolait

I always look forward to breakfast at Luisa's when I'm in town. I'm a morning person but even I have a rough time waking up on gloomy mornings. So, what could be better than settling in with a bright latte, a croissant, and a newspaper at one of the cosy ceramic tile tables? The baked goods are always fresh and good. I buy a bunch of cookies for my office mates on my way out, but they seldom make it longer than the flight home. I dare you to eat just one. (Have a look at the dainty icing on the cookies--someone has spent time making these delights.) Some mornings a big bowl of oatmeal is just the thing--I love the raspberries mixed in, it's not overly sweetend, just hearty and full of berries. The large oatmeal bowl is more than enough, you may want just the small bowl option and then a fruit bowl or juice. By far though, my favorite order is the Southwest omelette. You can skip lunch, this fluffy omelette with ripe avocados and tomatoes is perfect, not to be outdone by rosemary potatoes, crispy and hot and plentiful on the plate. Best with some tabasco sauce...

Starbucks (on every streetcorner in America) provides a reliable (pricey) latte when I'm out of Seattle, like, at O'Hare, but when I'm in town I have to support this wonderful family owned restaurant. The owners have a great concept here, and the staff are friendly from those I've met. Some even remember me from my last trip. I like this cafe because it is quirky, bon vivante, and I know there is a homey spot here when I'm far far from home.

01/18/07

bad experience

by bettylulu

I had a bad experience at Louisa's. The food was alright, but the treatment was offensive. Probably homophobic. I do not recommend Louisa's to any of my friends.

• Cons: unfriendly

01/17/07

Two highly skilled baristas!

by coffeepro

I just moved to the Eastlake area and was relieved to find a place like Louisa's right up the road. Since moving in, I've prequented Louisa's, probably about four times per week. I'm a notorious coffee fanatic and have been known to travel far out of my way for the coffee I want, but was glad to learn I wouldn't have to with Louisa's around the corner.

Some of their baristas are better than others, but I've noticed something that I think people will find helpful; be sure the guy making your coffee is wearing a hat. There are two of them, but they have both been wearing hats every time I've been in. I was in today and was glad to see the pair of them behind the counter, one taking orders and grabbing muffins and loaves of bread, the other in front of the espresso machine with a row of cups, remembering the first one is a double tall, 2% hazelnut latte, the last a single short whole milk cappucino. It's incredible that they remember it all without writing a thing down.

What I'm trying to say here is that these two kids make a heck of a latte, especially the one with the beard. Their espresso is rich and their steamed milk is like melted marshmallows. Everything I'm looking for in a coffee is in the hands of those two young gentlemen, and I have full faith I'll get it.

Also this: I've never ordered anything off the menu, but the pastries are to die for. Try the apple cinnamon roll, you won't regret it.

• Pros: Awesome coffee
• Cons: Sometimes there's a long line, but good things come to those who wait.

03/06/06

Hostile service

by higgily

I have been several times to Louisa's for the great sandwiches and good vegetarian options. Although the quality of the food is quite good, the service is terrible. It's almost like the servers and chefs go out of their way to be rude. Dear owners of Louisa's (I was told there are no managers - shock), suggest your staff use some manners. No eye contact or smiles, fine, but an occassional thank you will go a long way. Cheers.

02/24/06

Worst Customer I've ever recieved!

by asbrlmp

My boyfriend and I ordered two turkey sandwiches, sat waiting for over 25 mins. When asked how much longer the girl working yelled and told me there were 8 orders before ours and there was only one cook. I stated "We ordered sandwiches." She said "If you don't want to wait you should just leave." I noticed 3 people standing around while one person was making sandwiches and taking them out to the customers. Horrible service and not that great of food for the price.

• Cons: parking, customer service, price