Lou's Italian Specialties

Closed

$$

🍝 Italian

Capitol Hill

4.6

Lou's Italian Specialties serves hearty sandwiches, panini, and salads in a lively neighborhood deli with specialty grocery items.

$$

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Lou's Italian Specialties

Capitol Hill

$

Enjoy authentic Italian sandwiches, paninis, and specialty groceries at Lou's Italian Specialties in Capitol Hill, Denver. Perfect for quick, flavorful meals.

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About

4.6

(

842

)

Lou's Italian Specialties is a vibrant neighborhood deli known for its satisfying Italian sandwiches, paninis, fresh salads, and an array of specialty grocery items. The welcoming atmosphere and quality ingredients make it a favorite spot for quick, flavorful meals and grocery shopping.

What's Included:

🥪 Classic and specialty Italian sandwiches

🥗 Freshly prepared salads

🛒 Italian grocery and pantry essentials

🥯 Deli counter with panini and ready-to-eat options

Important Information:

Hours: Open daily with shorter hours on Sunday

Parking: Free street parking available

Service options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, in-store shopping

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance; gender-neutral restrooms available

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry

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📍 Local Insights

🥪 Try the Louie Sandwich: A local favorite Italian grinder with a perfect balance of meats and peppers.

🍪 Don't Miss the Cookies and Cannoli: Treat yourself to delicious desserts that complement your meal.

🚗 Park Across the Street: Use the department store parking lot for easier access rather than relying on street parking.

🕙 Visit Midday: Sandwiches and salads peak around lunchtime, best to arrive before 1 PM for quicker service.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Tuesday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

👉 Best For

Quick lunches, deli lovers, families

📍

Lou's Italian Specialties

3357 N Downing St

,

Denver

,

CO

80205

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Public Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews

Lou's Italian Specialties garners praise for its generous, authentic Italian sandwiches and friendly service. Customers love the chicken parm and muffaletta, with many returning for the fresh deli selections. Some note limited seating and moderate noise but appreciate the quality and neighborhood charm.

Last updated on

July 7, 2025

🍽️ Standout Dishes

Chicken Parm, Cannoli, Italian Beef, Meatball Sub, Porchetta, Italian Sandwich, Broccoli Rabe, Cutlet, Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich, Meatball Parm

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit before 1 PM on weekdays to avoid peak crowds. Weekend early afternoons can be very busy, so arrive before 12 PM for quicker service.

♿️ Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance available. Restrooms include gender-neutral options.

🧑‍🍳 Reservation Policy

None

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