Dining With Dave

Dining With Dave

Harpoon Louie’s - An American Pub and Grill

POSTED 10/09/2008 - What can I say? Harpoon Louie’s has a very special place in my heart. The second person I met after I moved to Avondale some nearly 17 years ago was the then founder and owner of the joint. It was from that moment on, Karl Sigren and I became friends, and the rest as they say is history.

Harpoon Louie’s is for those of you that may have had the opportunity to spend some time abroad in the UK, your local pub. The local pub, or "your local" as they are called simply means, the place you would go in your neighborhood to dine, drink, meet up with friends, family, and even make new friends. The real place where everybody knows your name.

In recent years, Sigren has sold the establishment to a group of young men who grew up together in the neighborhood. One of the new partners even spent his early days working under Sigren in the kitchen and learning some of his early chops before going to culinary school. Now he’s bringing his own style and flavors back to the restaurant.

New owners David Witt, Justin Watkins, and Gary Kuehner have taken the helm and have continued the tradition of quality food, prepared with incredible flavors and delivered with

friendly service to their customers. The torch has been passed successfully and I still look forward to stopping in for a visit every time I’m on the westside of Jacksonville.

The food, oh, what can I say?

The food is the best kind of experience when you’re looking for a great casual lunch or dinner. They have some of the best sandwiches, soups, and, yes, even salads. I can remember the first time before trying the soup thinking, "when have I ever been such a fan of soup?"

But during my tenure at the place, I think I had a cup of the soup of the day with almost every meal I ordered, regardless if it was winter, spring, summer, or fall.

My favorite sandwich still is the blackened chicken sandwich with jalapeño cheese and a side of pasta salad. Somehow when they cook the chicken breast it turns out juicy and moist. You know how sometimes you may tend to overcook chicken, because let’s face it, nobody likes raw chicken. Somehow, someway, these folks have mastered the art of preparing grilled chicken consistently.

If you are in the mood for wings or a burger, this is the place to go. Whether it be the Backyard Burger blackened or regular, or the wings naked or a special way they still call "Karl’s Way" named after Sigren himself, you can’t go wrong. It’s casual, comfortable, and fun. I’ve said enough already, I think I’m beginning to gush.

The man, himself, Karl Sigren (right) and the author.

The next time you are on the westside, be sure to stop in at 4070-9 Herschel Street, right up against Fishwier Creek before you head into the shops of Avondale and make some new friends at Harpoon Louie’s.

Harpoon Louie’s
4070-9 Herschel Street
Jacksonville, Florida
Phone: 904-389-5631