King Louie's Empire Deli & Pizza

The King Louie's in King Louie's Empire Deli & Pizza refers not to the late, much loved restaurant on Chouteau Avenue but an even older spot in Wood River, Illinois. Lou Rook Jr. (father of Annie Gunn’s chef Lou Rook III) founded that King Louie’s, and his sons Dave and Mike have opened this deli and by-the-slice pizza joint on Washington Avenue. Pizza slices are appropriately huge and blanketed in melted mozzarella. You can also order whole pies with the toppings of your choice, or you can choose one of the restaurant’s specialty pies. The deli menu features several sandwiches, including a classic Reuben, a stack of rare roast beef and a sort-of upscale cheesesteak featuring thinly sliced rib eye.