Remember When...Louie's Coral Lounge

We have been taking a memorable walk back in time in our great town of Williamsburg. This trip takes us to the top of Short Mountain to Louie’s Coral Lounge – an Italian eatery owned and operated by Louie Sotille and his wife, Mary. I decided to ask the Williamsburgers this week, “What were the fondest memories of Louie’s Coral Lounge?” Here is what a few had to say:

Connie Brumbaugh: Weekend dates there; a great place to hang out and have good food. A Barney special with the meat warmed, and a Mickey Mouse. Or homemade spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread and salad. Our very small bridal party went there after rehearsal, Louie would reminisce about the old days knowing and working with my great aunt and grandmother – sure miss those days.

Jeff White: Lots of good memories of Louie’s, Francie, Gene, and all of the staff. Everything was delicious.

Gina Williams: I have so many fond memories of my grandfather’s restaurant. You can say I grew up there and met a lot of lovely people. I never had any bad food there. I loved all of it. He would always feed hitch hikers and anyone who was hungry. When he would be closed for Christmas Day, if someone came to the door, they would join us for dinner. Pap was a very kind man and always wanted to feed everyone. My mom and dad worked there till they were in their 70s, sure miss the food and kind people.

Georgia Walls: Louie sitting in the corner booth and greeting his clientele with a warm welcome – or in my case calling my son Chachee and getting him a stuffed animal.

Francine Walter: Barney’s, hot and mild cheese balls

Joann Lang: My dad had a kind and giving heart! He loved children and supported the many sporting events.

Jewely Dixon: Barney’s and fries with gravy

Sheryl Hart: Oh my – where do I start? Cindy was a classmate. Later, Francie became my second mom. I would stay with Cindy Saturday night, and Sunday mornings helped clean the big room. Louie would cook trout, braccioles, and all sorts of goodies. He would yell at me like he did at all the family – with love. I have so many recipes/methods in my head. I miss those days.

Anna Gibboney: Loved the homemade spaghetti. Fondest memories was from when I was younger and going there with my mom and dad and Gene would make me feel all grown-up with a Mickey Mouse drink.

Cori Shirk: When I was growing up, my parents took me to Louie’s a fair amount – I always got a Shirley Temple drink and rigatonis with marinara sauce. Louie would always come around from table to table and talk to everyone. He gave me a t-shirt once and I regret that I misplaced it, and I loved the taxidermied animal heads on the wall.