It’s always exciting when your hometown gets a shout-out on the big screen or TV. Recently, Louis Family Restaurant, a beloved diner in Providence, Rhode Island, found itself in the spotlight on Apple TV+’s hit murder mystery comedy, “The Afterparty.”
“The Afterparty” is a whodunit with a unique twist. Set at a high school reunion afterparty where a murder occurs, each episode unfolds from a different character’s perspective, each told in a distinct cinematic style. The show, starring Tiffany Haddish as the lead detective, keeps viewers guessing with its clever writing and quirky characters.
The Providence connection emerges in Episode 5, titled “High School.” In a flashback scene to a high school party 15 years prior, characters Zoe and Brett, played by Zoë Chao and Ike Barinholtz, connect over their future plans. Zoe reveals she will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), while Brett has been accepted to Brown University on a squash scholarship. Excited about being in Providence, they bond over the prospect of late-night meals at Louis Family Restaurant, envisioning it as their go-to spot for post-study treats.
For those unfamiliar, Louis Family Restaurant, located at 286 Brook St., is more than just a diner; it’s a Providence institution. Since opening its doors in 1946, it has been a cherished spot for generations of college students and local residents alike. Known for its comforting atmosphere and classic diner fare, Louis has become synonymous with late-night cravings and early morning breakfasts in Providence. While “The Afterparty” playfully portrays Louis as a 24-hour diner, its actual hours are from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. This early morning focus is so ingrained in local culture that, as one review from years ago recounts, students were known to wait outside before dawn for the doors to open at 5 a.m. after pulling all-nighters.
Louis Family Restaurant offers a menu packed with classic comfort food. From fluffy pancakes and hearty Shepherd’s Pie to other diner staples, Louis provides the perfect satisfying meal any time of day (within their operating hours!). The restaurant’s reputation extends beyond local acclaim. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri even featured Louis on his popular Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” back in 2009. Fieri raved about the BBQ chicken ravioli, declaring it had “16 tickets to Flavortown” due to its scratch-made recipe with sixteen ingredients. He also highlighted the generous portions and deliciousness of dishes like the meatloaf dinner, lasagna, and grilled pumpkin muffins.
You can watch Guy Fieri making Granola Pancakes at Louis Family Restaurant here.
The mention in “The Afterparty” serves as a delightful nod to Providence’s local gems and reinforces Louis Family Restaurant’s iconic status. Whether you’re a student at Brown or RISD, a Providence local, or a visitor, Louis Family Restaurant offers a taste of classic American diner experience with a side of Rhode Island charm. Next time you’re in Providence, or tuning into “The Afterparty,” remember to give a thought to Louis – a true star in its own right.
