Story by David Cifarelli, masslive.com
07/26/2025
2 min read
A newly opened restaurant and live music venue just outside of Boston is inviting people to come for dinner and stay for a show.
Lou’s opens in Harvard Square at 13 Brattle St. in Cambridge on Saturday, July 26.
The restaurant is located in the 5,600-square-foot underground space that was formerly Beat Brasserie.
Lou’s is also named after the late Harvard Square entrepreneur, Louis “Lou” DiGiovanni, whose son John now operates the same building that houses the establishment.
John enlisted his close friends Tom Keane and Harry DiLeo, owners of American Flatbread, to breathe new life into the space. Lou’s is being spearheaded by music and restaurant industry veterans including General Manager Allison Finney (Roadrunner), Executive Chef Jason Bond (Bondir) and Assistant General Manager Bree-Anne Zeek (Faccia a Faccia and Pammy’s).
“When I was approached to lead the team at Lou’s, I was excited to get back into the local music scene with a small and nimble new venue,” Finney said in a press release. “We hope to become a longstanding institution in Harvard Square and to bring extra soul to a neighborhood we all love so much.”
The inside of Lou’s was modeled after the elements of 1920s speakeasies — complete with mosaic white tiled floors, wrought iron railings and deep velvet wall coverings. U-shaped booths and gallery-style art walls make the space ideal for a special occasion or typical weeknight gathering.
On the menu, guests will find a selection of plates inspired by Boston traditions as well as Cambridge’s diverse culinary scene.
Standout options include Gnocchi Parisienne with green and wax beans, baby zucchini, snap peas and a green garlic-mint pesto; Veal Schnitzel alla Cesare with anchovy, endive, fried capers, lemon and parmesan cheese; and chocolate chip cookies baked to order with warm malted milk for dessert.
Cocktails include a selection of signature creations such as the Run Rabbit (Coffee and pineapple rum, lime, fresh carrot juice and smoked salt) and the Grounded (Tequila, strawberry-beet-fresno syrup, salt and lime). Classic cocktails are also available in addition to wine and beer.
Meanwhile, Lou’s live music roster will range from local DJs to bluegrass musicians and viral social media sensations.
Lou’s is open daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. with dinner being served until 10 p.m. Late night bites are available until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
