New American Restaurants in Downey, CA

“Very good service and the food was delicious“

“Had a great time friendly place“

“Our server 🧑‍🍳💋

Elevated Gastropub Vibes at Bar Louie Downey – A Culinary Hit with Stellar Service by Vida

Bar Louie Downey is the kind of spot that redefines what it means to be a neighborhood gastropub. Tucked into the Apollo Way plaza, this location delivers not only ambiance but a menu that balances comfort classics with bold twists—and my latest visit left no room for disappointment.

Let’s talk about the spread.

We kicked off with the Chicken Nachos, and I must say—Bar Louie doesn’t play around with portions or flavor. The layering was generous, with well-melted queso, crisp chips, and a satisfying mix of grilled chicken, black beans, guacamole, and pico. This was far from your standard bar nacho—each bite was fresh and crave-worthy.

For mains, we dove into two of their standout Craft Burgers. The All-Nighter burger lived up to its name: a perfectly cooked beef patty topped with melty cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, and a sunnyside-up egg. The creamy garlic aioli tied everything together into a rich, indulgent experience. This was comfort food, executed with finesse.

Then came the Chipotle BBQ Burger—a smoky, sweet, and tangy beauty layered with pepper jack, bacon, onion strings, and a delightful chipotle mayo that added just the right amount of heat. Both burgers were served with a small Caesar salad upon request, and the crisp romaine and bold parmesan did not disappoint as a side pairing.

Drinks? Absolutely. We ordered the Rock & Rita and the Bull Rush. Both cocktails were balanced, smooth, and a perfect mid-day complement to our savory feast. The Rock & Rita in particular was citrusy and fresh—ideal for spring sipping.

But what truly elevated the experience was our server, Vida. Her energy was warm, her timing impeccable, and her attentiveness made us feel genuinely taken care of. When an appetizer card needed redeeming, she handled it with ease and ensured our bill reflected the discount with no fuss. Vida’s service struck the perfect balance of friendly and professional, adding a personal touch that made our lunch feel like more than just a meal.

Final Thoughts:
Bar Louie Downey nails the upscale-casual vibe. From standout burgers to perfectly executed apps and handcrafted drinks, this is a place I’ll revisit when I want bold flavors without the pretense. Ask for Vida—her service alone is worth the visit.

– Come for the food, stay for the vibe.“

“After an Accident, one of my sons.
Asked - Requested for a Hamburger 🍔 Sandwich and Fries 🍟
…. The BEST Burgers in The Area.

Onion 🧅 rings, excellent choice for a burger combo.
Color / Look, Taste / Flavor, are exceptional uniques and DELICIOUS.

Prices are Reasonable, just the parking 🅿️ is an issue.“

“Excelente servicio y la comida deliciosa …. Pasamos un rato bastante agradable. Gracias 🙏🏻“

“Everything is good especially there sauce, toast“

“Service was excellent .. food was delicious and our drinks were exquisite. The perfect choice for our brunch Valentine date❤️“

“Another good meal at BJ's. Service today was reasonably fast and the food was great. I had the Jambalaya and my wife had the Spicy Peanut Chicken with Soba Noodles.

Both dishes were great.

Highly recommend the Chips & Guacamole Salsa appetizer.

As the trend continues, prices are noticeably higher. Expect to easily spend $75 for two. We would eat here more if it wasn't so expensive.“

“Wings were excellent. Really liked the peanut butter, the bbq, the Louisiana, we tried so many more and they were really good, can’t remember which ones I think the other were Thai chili and maybe Saigon kick. They also have many flavors of soju. The only thing was the music was a bit loud at one point it was a bit hard to hear. They eventually switched it to a movie. Staff was friendly and offered suggestions.“

“Food was bomb and the customer service was great. i have never been there before and the staff was helpful. This place is about 1 mile from work and was craving a poke bowl. This was the closest place. I will definately be back again.“