BOSTON, Aug. 6, 2025 – Louis Corner, a new South End restaurant from the team behind Boston favorites Kava Neo-Taverna and Ilona, is set to open its doors Wednesday, Aug. 6. This latest venture from MAZÍ Food Group aims to recapture the essence of classic American cuisine, steering clear of fleeting digital dining trends.
This new South End spot offers classic American dishes, a departure from trending viral food concepts.
South End Welcomes Louis Corner, a Nostalgic Take on American Classics
Craving the comforting flavors of a bygone era? Louis Corner, the South End’s newest dining destination, is here to deliver just that, focusing on regional United States classics. Co-owner and executive chef Jesus Preciado stated, “Some people need dishes their grandmas cooked when they were children.”
Preciado, who co-owns the restaurant group with Irakli Gogitidze and George Axiotis, has a history of diverse culinary offerings. Their South End establishments include the Greek-focused Kava Neo-Taverna, the Eastern Mediterranean spot Ilona, the Italian eatery Gigi, and the Latin-Asian lounge Desnuda Cocina & Bar. Louis Corner continues this pattern of intimate, boutique concepts but shifts the focus to classic American fare, with a particular emphasis on Southern and New England dishes presented in a gastropub style.
Louis Corner’s shrimp and grits.
Preciado noted the diminishing presence of traditional American cuisine amidst a sea of trendy dishes. The menu at Louis Corner aims to fill that void. Southern influences include Oysters Rockefeller and jambalaya, featuring shrimp, chicken, and Creole spices, alongside Southern-style baked wings. For New England flavors, expect lobster rolls on the lunch menu and fish and chips served with malt vinegar, a nod to both New England and Irish culinary traditions. “We try to get a little bit of [inspiration from] everywhere to make it feel more ‘real American,'” Preciado explained.
Louis Corner’s cheddar croquettes.
The beverage program mirrors this patriotic theme with an all-American wine list featuring selections from Virginia, New York, and California. Cocktails also stay stateside, with head bartender Hunter Rieder focusing on pre-Prohibition era inspirations, such as the Rye & Roast, a blend of rye, Averna amaro, and Borghetti espresso liqueur.
Louis Corner.
Louis Corner, pronounced “loo-ee,” occupies the prime corner space at 552 Tremont Street in the South End, formerly housing The Butcher Shop. Preciado described the location as “one of the best corners in Boston.” The interior, designed by Assembly Design Studio, offers a cozy ambiance for nearly 50 guests. It features gold and brass accents, a deep blue and brown color scheme reminiscent of vintage Americana, and walls adorned with framed Studio 54 photographs, intended to evoke the lively atmosphere the team hopes to cultivate.
Louis Corner’s hanger steak.
Gogitidze emphasized the unique charm of the South End, a quality they aim to leverage. “This neighborhood has so much history,” he said. “For the style of restaurants that we do, we have a feeling that the South End is where people will appreciate it.”
Louis Corner’s lobster roll.
Louis Corner.
Louis Corner will be open daily for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch service to follow. Patio dining is also planned. The restaurant is located at 552 Tremont St., South End, Boston.
