Lou’s Restaurant, Ventnor, NJ & This Great Sandwich Is Back

Lou’s Restaurant of Ventnor, New Jersey was a truly iconic Restaurant.

There was always a line outside, waiting to get inside.

Lou’s was famous for great food … but, most famous for great sandwiches.

And, most famous for this particular sandwich … which has been reimagined by Steve Marchel, the owner of Water Dog Smoke House of Ventnor, and, Betty's Seafood Shack in Margate City.

When Marchel was growing-up, he had a fine appreciation for Lou's Restaurant of Ventnor.

Lou's was famous for its corned beef special. It was piled high, with only the very best ingredients.

When Marchel became a restaurant owner, he created his homage to this iconic sandwich at The Water Dog, and he calls it "The Lou's."

Here it is, piled high and proud.

Just look at that. Here is the great story behind Marchel's perfect recreation:

About 50 years ago, Marchel's parents took him to Lou's Restaurant of Ventnor. He loved it and added his interpretation of this classic sandwich to his own restaurant, "The Water Dog."

It's 1/2 pound of lean corned beef brisket, served with a choice of Thousand Island or Dusseldorf mustard, along with a pile of their house made cole slaw. It comes with horseradish pickles and it's piled high, as you can see in the photograph directly above.

Marchel told us that, "It's the same as it ever was."

I just love it when a great operator of today is willing to show respect and tip his own cap to those who helped to pave the way before him.

Marchel has done just that with "The Lou's."

Bon appétit.

Here is a bonus, beautiful photo, courtesy of Daniel Kevin Ball and The Pride of Ventnor City (NJ) Community Forum Facebook page.