When Upper West Siders think about 1998 classic You’ve Got Mail, the first scenes which likely come to mind are those which were filmed at iconic UWS destinations Zabar’s and Cafe Lalo.
But the movie also features a shuttered UWS eatery which hasn’t gotten much media credit.
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It was called Louie’s Westside Cafe, and it was located at 441 Amsterdam Avenue, on the corner of 81st Street, before St. James Gate took over the space.
In a 2016 article published on iamnotastalker.com, the author revealed that the former Louie’s was the backdrop of the breakup scene between the characters played by Meg Ryan and Greg Kinnear.
The author recounts freeze-framing the breakup scene for clues, eventually spotting green neon signage for Monsoon Vietnamese Cooking, which at the time of filming was located across the street at 435 Amsterdam Ave. Using Google Street View, the author was then able to conclude that the breakup scene took place at 441 Amsterdam Avenue – then home to Louie’s Westside Cafe.
A former patron also concurs, writing in a 2007 Yelp review that “Yes, this is the restaurant where the breakup scene between Meg Ryan’s character and Greg Kinear’s character in ‘You’ve Got Mail’ takes place.”
According to I Am Not A Stalker’s write-up, Louie’s first opened in 1986 – but a NY Times restaurant round-up published in 1994 called the eatery a “newcomer” – so we’ll have to let the jury (or the comments section) decide.
That aside, the Times write-up was complimentary, highlighting menu items including Louie’s “roasted eggplant cake with bitter greens” and “penne in a sauce of plum tomatoes and turkey meatballs.”
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In case you want to reminisce about old restaurants, the NY Times writeup – titled “Good Eating; Upper West Side: Affordable Nights,” also covered reviews of Amsterdam’s Bar & Rotisserie at 428 Amsterdam Avenue, Chaz & Wilson’s Grill at 201 West 79th Street, Jerry’s at 302 Columbus Avenue, Josie’s at 300 Amsterdam Avenue, and Scaletta at 50 West 77th Street.
Another review, whose author also concurred that Louie’s opened in 1986, wrote that owner Louie Sloves opened the restaurant “as a tiny storefront with 11 tables, 35 seats, and no liquor license. The crumbling surrounding bodegas turned into trendy shops and hi-rise buildings, and Louie’s expanded to include a full service bar and enclosed glass cafe. The goal was reached: a calm neighborhood restaurant; the kind of place where customers could return several times a week and feel at home.”
Louie’s was one of my family’s favorite restaurants. My kids all said, “I love Louie’s. Louie’s, come back!
I wonder how many people remember Marvin Gardens on Broadway? It was around 82 or 83rd St.
Absolutely. I bought many a hotel on there playing Monopoly
I’ll stack all of them against Teachers and Teachers Too….really one of the first Asian fusion restaurants…..80s and B’Way…..with wonderful outdoor seating in good weather. They had mostly Thai and Malaysian cooks but, boy, they could prepare almost anything and do it well. Miss them both terribly along with…..wait for it…..Brazil 2000…..one of the best Brazilian restaurants in NYC right on 72nd Street, north side of the street, closer to Columbus. Beautifully decorated with a tropical/palm tree theme….all Brazilian dishes were offered. Better than what used to be “Little Brazil” on 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, decimated by Covid-caused closings. Poona, also on 72nd Street, made great Indian food and was quite large and spacious inside.
You bring up some wonderful memories…We really had a lot of great places to eat…both casual and a little more special. Wow…Brazil 2000!
Louie’s opened in 1986. I have no idea where the Times got 1994.
Enjoyed Louie’s, but Monsoon (referenced in the article) across the street was indeed my all-time favorite UWS eatery. Heartbreaking loss that I’ve never quite gotten over!
I loved Louie’s! Such an institution! Opened in 1986 and closed in 2008. Neighborhood locals would come several times a week. So many wonderful dishes like the pesto risotto with scallops, meatloaf,, skirt steak, steak au poivre, migas, salmon, endive, walnut salad. And the staff made you feel like home. We were a family.
Just a note that Louie Sloves was the sister of genius advertising giant Marvin Sloves with Scali Macabe and Sloves campaigns for Volvo, Hebrew National (we answer to a higher authority) and Perdue. It was a fine restaurant indeed and she was very genuine in all that she offered.
Wondering if Lalo Cafe is gone for good. Closed at beginning of pandemic. Sits empty now.
The first time I saw the movie I knew it was Louie’s! I was a regular and I really enjoyed it. The food was good. The wait staff was familiar and friendly. I miss it
Marvin Gardens, Teachers, Broadway in the low 80’s and best bar, Shelter Restaurant at 77th and Broadway! Miss them all!
That was never a question. I had eaten there and at Monsoon so many times that I recognize that location as though it was filmed in my own kitchen. It what I love best about watching that movie!
Ahh, the memories. Miss them all especially Teachers.
Does anyone remember BROADWAY BAY NE corner of broadway & 78 th with the blue and white checkered tablecloths.
Speaking of playing Monopoly – I miss COSI’S great for a very casual lunch – and
Manhattan Diner (nw at 95th) both
on the block they just had to tear down …Broadway 77 th – 78 th
Hard to forget:
Cafe Central…excellent food, drinks and atmosphere.
Allstate Cafe… the best. One of the places that combined with all the other places was the model for Cheers. A fun place with a well curated jukebox, tiny fireplace and fun friendly people working and spending. You could go there in slippers and a bathrobe. Very casual.
The Famous Dairy Restaurant…as good as Ratners but in the neighborhood.
Other than Murray’s, Zabars and Barney Greengrass there’s nothing left from those free spirited days of discovery and adventure.