Louie’s Hot Chicken

Louie Louie... Oh Baby, You Gotta Go...

To make something unforgettable, worthy, outstanding and desirable, it takes an accumulation of a million good choices and never more so than with food. Newly opened, Louie’s Hot Chicken in Hoxton Square, Shoreditch seems to have uncovered a secret recipe and is serving up outstanding fried chicken. Yes, it’s true many fried chicken places have clucked up recently and if you haven’t noticed, most have closed. Louie’s Hot Chicken is the little brother of Red Dog Saloon restaurants which has been serving authentic American barbecue to an addicted customer base in its six locations.

Tom Brooke, owner of Louie's Hot Chicken , and an aficionado of American flavors!

Owner Tom Brooke is an aficionado of American flavors and has a preoccupation with getting it right, so much so that Tom searched for three years to find the perfect bun for his chicken sandwich: Sammich, a boneless thigh, coleslaw, fry sauce, and pickles topped with a potato bun, each ingredient highly considered. It can also come vegan with Seitan if you like. I come from Atlanta, Georgia and was weaned on fried chicken prepared in seasoned skillets that are passed down from mother to daughter along with coveted recipes. However simple fried chicken may seem, it is a complex alchemy to make it exceptional, not too greasy, not too crispy. This chicken tasted like home.

Owner Tom Brooke will not sell it, unless it is perfected. “I spend all of my time and energy trying to get it right and I try to always sell the best.” Louie’s is the first in London to serve authentic Nashville Chicken. It is thought that Nashville Chicken was created by a scorned woman for revenge. Mad at her wandering boyfriend, she served him fried chicken for breakfast with a large dose of cayenne pepper but he liked it so much, he decided to open up a chicken restaurant and the style has become legendary.

Tom believes that television shows such as Man V. Food and Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives have helped to drive Britain’s cravings for irresistible southern foods. It’s the kind of food you would see backstage VIP at a Stones concert. Southern chicken is traditionally served with homemade sweetened iced tea and Louie’s found just the right ratio of tea to ice to sweetener, very important to wash the grease back. They also offer an Arnold Palmer - iced tea mixed with American lemonade, not often seen in London. Tom trains his staff to please the customer, American style. Sides include not too cheesy Mac n cheese, onion rings, and just right peppered coleslaw.

After a slice of homemade pie, Louie’s lays on a DJ spinning soul and disco music to dance off the dinner. That was my green light to go ahead and have a creamy milk shake – you can add malt or alcohol. There are the communal fishbowl cocktails with Rum Punch or in house-made Lynchburg Lemonade with bourbon involved. This is a ready built, super night out and without having to leave, it’s all in one location.

For me, there is no better hangover food than fried chicken with the works particularly the fried jalapeños and pickles. Louie’s is an ideal work lunch spot, date night or family restaurant as the menu is an all age pleaser and they accept reservations. Louie’s serves up audibly crunchy, dark golden, hot chicken with danceable soul and disco music, an irresistible combo. Get your soul lifted.

What’s the Cluck?

🐔 Saturday & Sunday all day Louie’s Hot Chicken & Waffles with maple syrup

🐔 The average spend is £12- £15

🐔 The Espresso Shaketini with vanilla ice cream, shot of espresso, Smirnoff vodka, Kahlua coffee liqueur.

🐔 Old Street Station is a 5-minute walk.

🐔 Reservations accepted- Book it now.

🐔 At Red Dog Saloon (brother restaurants), the brisket is flown in from the USA as owner Tom says the brisket in UK doesn't have the fat content needed for full flavor.

🐔 Louie’s is open daily, 12pm-10.30pm and till midnight Saturday

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