Lola Mexican Fish House
1575 Boulder St, Denver, CO, 80211
Lola Mexican Fish House Menu
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Frutos Del Mar
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Small Plates
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Soups and Salads
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Tacos and Tostadas
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Main Dishes
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Sides
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Lola Mexican Fish House
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Frutos Del Mar
-
Small Plates
-
Soups and Salads
-
Tacos and Tostadas
-
Main Dishes
-
Sides
-
Desserts
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Address :
1575 Boulder St
Denver, CO, 80211 - Phone (720) 570-8686
- Website https://www.loladenver.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch, Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Cliff T.
Ha! I love when people bitch about a place crawling with hipsters. Ha! Ha! You know what hipsters do? They poo-poo a place because it's hip. Anyway... I finally got to try this place out and I think it is hip and fun and has a great brunch. I don't know about the lunch and dinner, so I'll have to take the other reviewers word for it. Brunch, however, is awesome. I had the mexican mimosa, or something like that, and it was delicious. The food was also amazing. If you go, make sure to ask for Erin. She's the best waitress in town.
(4)Belinda B.
Decent food (appetizers), great atmosphere, good place for a up town casual or hipster dressed up evening meeting place. Service can be a bit spotty - at first I though it was how small our group was, but even with a good sized crowd, it tends to feel like they are 1 or maybe 1/2 a server short. Just a little long to get your next order or get water refilled. However, the patio scene can make it worth the wait if the weather is nice. Good for people watching at happy hour.
(3)Jessica W.
After my first visit to Lola, I can safely say that this place is an instant Denver favorite. The ambiance is warm and inviting, yet trendy. The patio looked like a great place to enjoy drinks with friends, and they do have heat lamps which makes this a possibility more often than not. My Lola experience began with a margarita (a "Lolarita" to be exact) in the basement area of Lola (called "Belola"). We were originally told the wait would be 30-45 minutes, which is totally understandable and expected for a good restaurant at 7:15 on a Friday night. I don't think I even took a sip of my drink before my table was ready- shockingly fast! My friend and I each started with a cup of the corn soup- what a way to start off the meal! This soup was FABULOUS. I don't think I'll be able to come to Lola and not have this soup. It was perfectly creamy with a fried potato sitting in the middle. yummm. I was originally going to order the whole fish, but our server warned me that it would have bones in it. I was impressed- this advice saved me from ordering something that would have definitely disappointed me. Kudos to the wait staff at Lola who are well-informed regarding the menu and communicate this knowledge to their guests. I settled on a salad with scallops and I was definitely impressed. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the salad was served with a flavorful, hearty tomato gazpacho on top and pine nuts mixed throughout. It was a healthy, satisfying salad. A+. All in all, Lola is great, I had a fabulous time, and I will be back soon!
(5)Nick S.
Fantastic food and margaritas!!! I tried a little of everyone's plates at my table and we ordered the "made at your table" guacamole and the ceviche. Absolutely every bite was a big winner in my book!
(5)Nolan P.
Stay with the seafood, shrimp cocktail, tuna, oysters...awesome mix of Mexican and seafood...all I need is Kenny chesney to play a guitar now!
(5)Justin W.
You've heard all about the happy hours and margaritas, BUT... as usual, for me, it's all about diggin' the brunch. There's no other brunch scene in Denver quite like it... You would think a lot of the flavors would involve a lot of heat, but it's actually centered more on sweet and rich. The guac is pricey, but it's a must-- just too fresh to not get. They make it how you like it at the table, so don't be shy about adding that extra cilantro or garlic (you only live once, right?) The benedict comes HUGE with the largest poached eggs I've ever poked. Love the sweet corn biscuit and smoked corn hollandaise too. The Mexican Hot Chocolate with cinnamon whipped cream is seriously out of this world. And I'm always a fan of french-pressed coffee. Don't forget to book it on opentable.
(4)John G.
Had a great dinner last night at Lola. Jeff our server was attentive but not hoovering. The guac and oysters were top notch. Try the burrito. It is made fresh you can taste everything. It's harmonic yet you taste every note. The seafood stew was cooked perfectly. Hard to do with mussels, clams, crab, shrimp and calamari. One of the best dinning experiences I've had in quite a while. Enjoy!
(5)doug d.
Love this place great patio, beautiful crowd, great guac, great happy hour, great food. Could go on and on just go there!
(5)Leslie W.
We went to dinner at Lola Friday night, and was really impressed. The place is hip, and has a really cool view of downtown Denver from the patio. My fiance and I started off with splitting a bowl of the chowder. Beware! It was so good, and I ate so much of it, that I almost ruined my dinner by being too full! I had the escolar, which has this great green tomitillo like sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly, and the sauce complimented it really well. Jim had the salmon huevos, which he said was excellent. Service was good and not overbearing. Only thing that was fair was the little dessert at the end. It was restaurant week, and some at our table had the set menu. The dessert that came with it was a brownie in a plastic bowl with ice cream. It was fair, nothing to write home about. However overall, I would certainly come back!
(4)Lor V.
Agree on tableside guac. I have always found the food average.. But i love grabbing a drink and an app here. Has a good drink menu. Get there early though.
(3)Jules G.
Finally made it in for a sit-down dinner, instead of the usual sit-at-the-bar to drink and order some apps as an afterthought (or, more specifically, put something in our stomachs to help soak up the, ahem, tequila). Yawn. I say this because, again, this review is redundant and I'm sure you're bored by now with the sheer awesome-ness that is Lola. However, the more you read about the fabulousity of Lola, the better, because this place deserves every great review it gets. Heres' the dealio-yo- I've given up my quest to find the Mexican food of my childhood from growing up in So. Cal. I don't compare what I know to be stellar Mexican to Lola. Because Lola is playing the game all on her own. So I'm good. We started with the guac (mais oui!) and the Shrimp Ceviche. The quac was spicy (as ordered), fresh, and scooped perfectly onto the delectable, crispy-light, not-too-salty tortilla chips. The Shrimp Ceviche was chock full o' lovely shrimp, in a light, spicy lime sauce that went perfectly with the potato crisps served for scooping. Um, kind of like shrimp crack. Entrees... Where to start? And by that, i mean, how's a girl to chose? The solution? Look around at what my fellow diners were ordering. Not too shy to twist my body around my chair to scope out the table behind me. Holy crispy Relleno! Yes please! Perfectly battered, a bright green chile encompassing glorious bites of Asadero, with a warm, smoky sauce. Added shredded chicken, cause j'adore protein, and it was the perfect addition to the fabulous textures of the plate. The heat of the chile was mouth-watering and demanded continuous swigs from my Silver Coin marg (which, by the way was EXACTLY how I drink my margs- light, no syrupy-sweet mix to jack it up, heavy on the lime and tequila. Sublime). Sampled my bff's Seared Ahi and was equally impressed. Seared Ahi can be so 2000-late, or it can rock my world, which Lola's Ahi did. Ordered another round. Continued to eat off eachother's plates, moaning in delight... smiled at our neighbors in appreciation... If I EVER have another kid, I shall name her Lola.
(5)Kendra R.
On the west side of 25, driving around quiet streets with quaint buildings, and then *Pop* there's this beating thriving patio that doesn't appear to have any wiggle room in it to breathe. Just in front of whatever neon sign it is, you have found Lola. Busy atmosphere, with a variety of pretty boys to has been cougars dotting the bar and the table. Walk a little further and there are some tables that will actually let you talk to your friends without the need to scream. Bathrooms are actually individual modern stalls including their own vanity and sink. Still smells of #1. The only tasty alchy treat I touched was the sangria. Please pass this up; this stuff is no where near what it should be. With the wide array of tequilas available, I bet your best buck should go toward a marg. Heck, order a corona. Food: Inventive. Yet inventive doesn't equal good. The lobster quasadias were fabo and I liked the snapper ceviche, everything else was a bit lacking (avocado fondue, dumplings, tuna ceviche). For my main dish I had the smoked salmon huevos ranchero. Curiosity didn't kill the cat, but it didn't make it purr either. The nasty aftertaste is still haunting me, just a mere few hours after consumption. Whatever fruit cake the birthday girl got tasted like a lemon flavored sugar cube soaked in simple syrup. Come for the drinks and the atmosphere, grab some grub somewhere else.
(4)Yona S.
I used to work at Lola back when it was near the Sushi Den, and I know the amount of effort they put into creating wonderful food in the Mexican coastal tradition. This is not traditional mexican food that you think of ordering so don't expect a smothered burrito or chili rellenos. If you want that go to Benny's. The new location is beautiful, hip, energetic, and open, but I miss the intimate atmosphere of the former Lola back when half the people who frequented the joint were familiar faces. But you can't fight progress! Some great things about Lola include: The tableside guacamole - hands down one the best things to ever grace the menu (don't let anyone try to convince you that the Avocado Fondue is better) Their menu changes seasonally so there's always something new to try. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, go for a drink and a couple of appetizers. Most of their appetizers are just as good as their entrees. Try the sweet potato chorizo hash, the fried plantains or any of their soups and salads! (skip the beans/rice - you can get that anywhere). Their drinks are to die for. If you aren't a fan of sweet and sour in your margarita, they make "coin style" margs, which skips the sweet and sour and goes straight for the flavors of the liquors contained within. They also have great wines and other mixed drinks for non-tequila fans. Their tequila bar is the best in the country. No Jose Cuervo Gold served here! If you are a vegetarian, intolerant to gluten, or allergic to nuts, there are usually a few options for you. The service is impeccable. The staff are all very friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable about the menu.
(4)Daniel B.
Went there for drinks. Loved the outdoor patio.
(4)Jenn M.
The best brunch in Denver, no competition. The drinks are amazing, the food is orgasmic, and the atmosphere is energizing- yet relaxing. I love love love Lola. If you're looking for traditional brunch, this is NOT the place. Chili infused vodka for a spicy bloody mary, grits flown in special from South Carolina, spicy chorizo, thick applewood bacon, and the craziest assortment of spices and sauces. Think soul food meets mexican brunch. Now, don't get intimidated by my review. This place, although has a lot of extreme ingredients and flare in their food, they have perfected fusion food. Everything flows together. I've been to Lola for lunch and dinner and it's decent- nothing I would go out of my way for though.
(4)Muriel P.
Yeah bof. We went on a sunday night, and it is really noisy i wonder how it is on a saturday. I guess it does not matter for some people, but i always take that into consideration. As for the food : i had the special, a 'paella'. There was some tortillas with it, which i guess they put to try to make it mexican. Also the waitress said there would be potatoes in it (who has ever seen potatoes in a paella), but fortunately there were none. Overall, it was ok food. As we were 2 to have the paella, they served it in a community dish which i am fine with. A friend had the halibut and was still so hungry that he finished our paella... Overall, food was ok, ambiance was too noisy and price was really high. I won't be back.
(3)Dan W.
So, I've gone to Lola for happy hour before but it's typically a little too trendy and crowded for me for dinner on a weekend. But, I went there for weekend brunch with a hangover and it was amazing. You can sit on the patio and the Mimosas and Bloody Marys are fairly cheap and good. The best thing is getting the chicken fried steak, which is on the menu as "steak and eggs." There are a few awesome-looking things on the menu for brunch, but the steak and eggs stands out. It's like a well-tenderized breaded and chicken-fried skirt steak (I think), with some potatoes, an egg, chorizo gravy and some random vegetables. I've had it twice now, once at the old Lola near Sushiden, and once at the new place in the Highlands. I think the first time I specified the egg over easy, this time I didn't specify anything and it was sunny-side up but it was a little runny. Still amazing. It's not exactly healthy and I think around $12, but if you've just downed a thousand too many calories of alcohol the night before and can still afford to eat, why not keep it going the next day? My wife had the Veggie Migas and it was pretty good but I didn't like the sauce that was on it. Their veggie migas is nothing like traditional Migas and had the tortilla chips on top with guacamole. I would also complain that it came that way but their guacamole is good enough that I didn't care. Some of the other things on the menu I'd like to try, but some were a little over the top both as far as price and complexity for brunch. When we went the service was really good. There was a long wait for larger groups but we got right in. Really nice view of downtown, too.
(5)Kevin H.
Sometimes I'm reminded of why I love food. Sometimes I'm reminded of why I don't spend my money at Outback Steakhouse, or Chili's. Sometimes I'm reminded of why I'm willing to go a little farther, spend a little more, and wait a little longer to get my belly filled. Lola is as good of a reminder as it gets. Lola is beautiful. The decor is modern, and certainly accentuates the Coastal Mexican style that they market themselves on. It's classy, and comfortable. In this environment you can't help but crave a margarita. Good news: there isn't a better place in the city to satisfy such a craving. Lola is friendly. Upon arrival for Easter brunch, chef Austin sat at the table next to ours, finishing up something or other just as they opened their doors. As he stood to resume duties in the kitchen, he struck up conversation with us. After a few moments of friendly banter, he then offered us up some banana sopapillas that were unique to the brunch menu that day, on the house. The sopapillas were warm and soft, with subtle banana and caramel undertones. A light sugared crust flaked over the top of the pastry, adding a slightly crunchy texture. Served alongside was a dark, melted Mexican chocolate, with a strong hint of cinnamon. This was no syrup, but rather a freshly liquefied, high-quality chocolate. Lola is delicious. For entrees, we had the Lola Huevos with lobster, and the Chicken Fried Steak with grilled shrimp. The Huevos were served as enchiladas, stacked with black bean ranchera, a delightfully smoky goat cheese, and a thin, spicy guacamole. The addition of lobster came as a huge portion, and was as succulent and flavorful as one would expect the keystone of a dish to be, rather than just an add-on. The Chicken Fried Steak was light, as far as Chicken Fried Steak goes. The meat was succulent and smooth, but not entirely suffocated in grease. The fried batter was firm, yet held loosely onto the steak making it so you could almost forgo a knife altogether. The green chili chorizo gravy brings the Coastal Mexican flare into the dish. Sweet, spicy and slightly salty, the gravy is what makes the dish. The chicken fried steak comes alive under the influence of the green chili. The grilled shrimp added alongside the dish were cooked to a level of perfection. The slightly charred exterior that is the indicator of all things properly grilled gave the shrimp a firm texture, and a smoky bite. The shrimp accentuated the Mexican flare by incorporating a subtle red pepper and lime flavor to the dish. Lola is generous. Upon finishing our meal, we inquired with the server as to a margarita. The margarita that was recommended was full of natural, unique flavors. An initial sour zest, rounded out by and aftertaste dominated by mango. The drink had a punch, too. It wouldn't take more than a couple to get you smiling. Best part? Our inquiry was again, on the house. Then, upon the already remarkable generosity that Lola showed us, our server threw in a voucher for a free guac appetizer next time we were in. All and all, 2 appetizers and an $11 margarita on the house. These people know customer service. Dining is a social experience. Food brings together loved ones and strangers alike, binding us all upon a common need. Lola brings all of this together for a warm, inviting, and most of all deliciously rewarding experience that I simply can't wait to repeat. Eat at this restaurant.
(5)Natalie W.
I've got to be honest with you. I was pretty excited about having an impromptu meal at Lola after hearing about it from a few friends but the food just wasn't up to par with the atmosphere in my opinion. I loved the warmth of this restaurant. The vibe is really lovely and everyone seems to really enjoy coming here. The cocktails are out of this world delicious. I was in a purist kind of mood so went with the organic coin margarita and it was as basic as it gets but my husband had balls and ordered the fuego verde (muddled jalapeno and cilantro, fresh lime and agave nectar with tequila) and it ended up being a highlight of my evening and for sure a hard act to follow. Our friends ordered raspberry lemonade (raspberry infused vodka, lavender simple syrup and lemonade) I thought lavender and raspberry were an odd pairing but I didn't mind it when I tasted it. Still didn't make sense in my mind but it wasn't terrible. Her husband ordered a Caipirinha (cachaca 51, muddled lime and simple syrup). On to appetizers: Rock Shrimp Ceviche-I would say this one would have most likely been a little tastier if it was really cold rather than room temp. I just found it to be pretty bland with very little acid to cut the creamy jalapeno aioli. I was pretty disappointed with the flavors and really wanted more excitement. Clams and Chorizo- This appetizer was just overall off balance. The biggest mistake in my opinion was that the clams and chorizo were lost in way too much of the thin sauce (which consisted of mostly oil and not enough punch that you would normally expect from a 'chimichurri') Once we dug up the chorizo, my heart sank as it looked more like a hunk of ground sausage than authentic spanish chorizo which is much more dense and has a very complex flavor. The clams were cooked properly but overall I wanted this one to shine and it just didn't. I'm glad that we kept it light for dinner especially after appetizers that felt quite heavy. My husband and I both ordered the gazpacho (with blue crab, field pea and pickled cucumber salad and cilantro lime aioli). Aside from the fact that it was served in a warm bowl (yuck), this was delicious. Really, truly delicious and all of the flavors complimented one another beautifully. The crab was sweet and delicate and the soup itself was not too 'tomato-y'. Everything was in harmony and we decided to end our visit on a high note and go somewhere else for dessert. All in all it was just okay but I think we will return for happy hour and try some other things on the menu to give it another try. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? Maybe We'll try brunch instead... p.s. our server was great. Friendly and personable. So were the hosts. Awesome staff.
(3)Lynn L.
There are only two things great about Lola: their drinks, and their patio in the summer. If you're coming here for the food, you're coming for the wrong reasons. Don't even bother unless you are having their happy hour tacos. The chef is trying WAY to hard here. Mexican food should be simple, and delicious. The dining room is loud, the service is spotty, and the food is mediocre. If you don't have a reservation, you'll be waiting for a LONG time. Really long. And if you do have a reservation, you'd better make sure that no one in your party is late because they will only seat you once everyone is there. This is definitely a restaurant that does not live up to the hype.
(2)Kimberly G.
The guacamole was the only thing I was truly passionate about. It is made fresh to order table side. I ordered the chorizo and squash enchilada; the only downside, there was no chorizo and was not what I was expecting. I prefer traditional Mexican, so this review is somewhat biased. The menu was limited, and the wait staff was negligent to my table. I felt as though we never once had the same waiter, and it was hard to get another mojito when my glass was empty! (And it was empty often, because it was delicious!)
(2)Johnny H.
We checked around for some place close to REI and Lola's sounded great! Awesome! As has already been shared...get the guacamole! Fantabulious! They make it right at the table to your taste, fresh limes and all! My girlfriend had the HUGE whole grilled snapper! Delicious! ( I helped of course) I had the ahi tuna and it was just as good, excellent dinner experience!
(5)Rob K.
There is a new menu as of a week or so ago, and to me, one of the best features is the ability to order the small plates sampler (in 3 sizes, 3, 5, or 8 items) to graze your way through the menu. One of the best Happy Hours in Denver with $2 tacos and cheap beers/margs. Then the All-Day Happy Hour on Monday is an even better deal. If you are headed to an event at Coors Field or Pepsi Center, Lola is a great place to hit up before, then stumble downhill to your event. They do great things with Nuevo Mex without the pretention and complete lack of attention to detail that you get at Tamayo. Keep it up, LOLA!!!
(4)Kendall B.
The food is good, and for some entrees really reasonably priced. However, I think the portions are obscene. I love leftovers, but if I can't finish them in a few days, they are worthless. I will say though, the the hash is to die for, and does go really nicely in a breakfast burrito the next day. Lola's good, but not great. Their cheap tacos are a good excuse to go though.
(3)John N.
Always fantastic with friendly staff and affordable prices.
(5)Susie H.
We went to this restaurant for my birthday recently... I had the stuffed poblano pepper that was crispy on the outside and had a nice sauce on it.. Delicious! The staff was attentive and the margaritas were great... We also had the guacamole table side... It was delicious! It was good to have reservations as we got right in.. They were nice to bring us a dessert that was a strawberry churro --- YUMMMM..... All in all, a good experience!
(4)Lesly K.
Always fantastic. My favorite restaurant in Denver. One margarita just about knocked me out though. Bring a designated driver! The food is always fantastic and the service too. I would recommend Lola without hesitation. And you must be sure to visit the very cool bathrooms downstairs. Design is really interesting and adds to the experience.
(5)martin k.
Loved it! Always wanted to go here and was not disappointed. We had some great seafood -- scallops and sea bass. Really good. Their margarita was great too! We came late and didn't hang out on the patio -- we will next time.
(4)Catherine N.
I recently came here for Sunday brunch. My husband and I had a reservation for 12:30 p.m., and I'm glad because it was quite busy and heard that the wait was about 45 minutes for those without reservations. We started off with the guacamole prepared tableside and the pepita pecan brioche cinnamon rolls. The guacamole was good, spicy enough and not too salty, although I like mine a little more lime-y. The cinnamon rolls were wonderfully buttery and sticky yet not too sweet. For entrees, I had the chicken and waffle and my husband had the lobster green chile omelet. The chicken and waffle seemed like a pretty straightforward interpretation of chicken and waffles with just a slight Mexican flair. The chicken was nice and crispy and moist. I didn't really notice the chorizo gravy. I thought there was just a bit too much syrup on my waffles and would have preferred to add the syrup myself. I didn't try my husband's omelet but he said he enjoyed it. Overall, I liked Lola. I'd definitely come back for brunch and would love to see what they have to offer for dinner.
(4)Brett R.
Eric Clapon had Layla, I have Lola. It was my birthday over the weekend and this was my top pick for my B-day dinner. It did not disappoint. Pork RIBS/habanero bbq, saffron potato salad, calabacitas slaw, black beans yucatan. Truely one of the best things I have ever eaten. By far the most tender and flavorful ribs ever known to man. Table side prepared Guac and a beer and I am in heaven. Thanks Lola!
(5)S B.
I went to Lola's again during happy hour, and was impressed with the good food for cheap.
(4)Tessa M.
Love their mojitos and guacamole. They have a cart where they make the guacamole right in front of you. I haven't been there for awhile so hopefully it is still that way. Love the happy hour and Sunday brunch. Normal menu is a little expensive and the valentine's day special was not great.
(4)Shannon P.
I've been to Lola's a few times for Sunday brunch and I've not been disappointed by the food or service at all! I've learned to just order the special; the creativity and combination of tastes they conjure are really among the best I've had in Denver. I love the throw pillows on the bench seats - great for reclining after a big meal. And the atmosphere is great; call it hip or whatever - it's just got a great open feel about it. No seating unless all members of your party are present - a rule I've always hated. Also, the menus are heavy and a bit lethal - like big metal clip boards - so it's not really a good place to bring the kids.
(4)Philip K.
Gains a star for the bathroom. If this were a bathroom review only, it'd be 5 stars. Clean, smells nice, paper towels abound. Smallish, but still nice.
(3)Tara N.
Was just at Lola again this past Sunday, and they seemed to have addressed the volume issue with the band. Cheers!
(4)Sam W.
Came for happy hour and i would like to say it was good time. The service was stellar and the specials were good as well. Great for happy hour.
(4)Brandon D.
I basically love the brunch here - a tad expensivo but the bloodies and fresh grits always settle my stomach after wrenching it the prior night at 3 dogs or Highlands lounge.. Typically the staff is very friendly. Weekday jaunts to this hipster spot should be focused around Monday when they have a killer happy hour going down. Tacos and good tequila.. it is almost like you are down on the baja peninsula except... staring at Coors field.. lol. Q Coin Marg is my drink of choice - it is an interesting concauction of tequila and various nectars that will surely bring you back for 2 or 3 but beware - if you are of the faint of heart, follow the RIO guidelines of consumption. Be sure to ask for Sara when ordering these drinks as she is the master of disaster when making these pigs..
(4)Caeleon W.
This restaurant is delicious, but the service is inconsistent which is why I give it 3 stars. My girlfriend and I went late (around 930pm) and were able to get a table right away, great considering we were planning on waiting on a Friday night. We sat down then had to wait a good 5-10 minutes for a server to come by, which surprised me considered how fast we were seated. Our server was great when he was there but there were unusually long gaps between when he was there. The food was really good in my opinion (I had the pork chops, my girlfriend had the scallops) but the inconsistent service detracted from the experience.
(3)Suzanne P.
Sangria wasnt very strong. Service was great and the metal artwork here is almost as great as the food. All 4 of us enjoyed our meals and drinks.
(3)Barbara S.
I was excited to bring our somewhat sophisticated diner kids here for Xmas Eve dinner, but it missed the mark with my prime rib. Very tough and fatty. The rest of the dish and my family's meals were terrific, but I shouldn't have opted for their special. My stepdaughter's was equally chewy. Prime rib jerky, really. Our server Joanna was terrific, the guacamole on the super cool granite lazy susan was awesome too. Okay, I'm leaving 3 stars, but not ordering anything other than their regular food.
(3)Sam R.
My wife and I love Lola, superb food and upbeat atmosphere that varies depending on the time or day. Great place for a dinner for two or to have some drinks with friends. Must try the salsas and the carne asada and escolar are a couple favorites from the menu. Have always had good service as well, don't change a thing.
(5)Vi N.
Lola happens to be one of my favorite happy hour places. I actually prefer their happy hour food menu to the regular one. The guacamole is a must have as are the chicken tacos. I discovered a love of radishes on tacos thanks to those tacos. The drinks are unique and delicious and I've yet to find another place that can surpass Lola's tequila selection. The views of the city are also hard to beat.
(4)Hoang L.
Decent but certainly not at the top of my list of Mexican restaurants to come back to. The waitress didn't help the cause either -- seemed like we were an afterthought every time she stopped by. While we were excited when we saw the menu, the food certainly didn't meet our expectations. I did really enjoy the chips and salsa, the ilegal mezcal, and the chicken tortilla soup. Everything else was mediocre imo.
(3)Dennis S.
I went with eight people which is generally asking for poor service. They took great care of us.Everyone enjoyed their meals.i had a special Filet that was just amazing. Others had the Rellano with shrimp. It look very good. and the Carne asada .They said it was great. The drinks were good as well a spicey Fuego verde WOW. We had the guacamole for made at the table to our specs.We were not in a hurry but why not enjoy a place with so much atmosphere.
(5)Happy C.
Great brunch. Deviled egss with lobster, need I say more? OK, More. Very friendly and efficent service, and hand made guacamole at the table. Drinks included a very good chile infused bloody mary and a decent wine list.
(5)Tim C.
I was really impressed with this place. The wait was short. The food was really good. Once we sat the, our appetizers came out within minutes followed by our food. Some in our group mentioned that the entrees came out too fast, but you'll never hear me complain about not having to wait to eat. The restaurant has a really hip vibe, like a lot of restaurants in this area. The chicken and waffles was excellent. The pigs in a blanket, donuts, and banana jalapeño bread were all very good. This was an all around excellent dining experience. 4.5 stars.
(4)Julia W.
Ive been here twice in the past week; the second visit unplanned due to lack of reservations in the area. We sat outdoors both times. The patio is awesome, but the service was a little slow. I sat for 10 or so minutes before getting my glass of wine. The guac is good & the chipolte salsa OK. The greens salad had too much dressing but the tuna rocked my world. The fajitas were weird- I knew I wasn't going to get the typical fajita set up, but theirs were so far off that the word "fajita" shouldn't be in the name of the entree. I'll be back, but probably only for happy hour.
(3)Abe M.
Lola has been a great place for Mexican food in the Highlands, however, their recent switch to a seafood heavy menu will have me looking elsewhere. I can't blame them for the change, I am just not a big seafood fan. They did say that they will always have a non-seafood entree on their regular menu, like the carne asada. If you're here for happy hour, I recommend the table side guacamole. Always as fresh as it gets, and you can request your desired level of heat.
(3)Adrienne D.
They only server tacos at Happy Hour. Their price point has jumped by adding the fresh fish option. The proce point is just all over the place. I only recommned their happy hour. Grab dinner else where.
(3)raj b.
Lola Guacamole Lobster Enchiladas Donuts We were 10minutes away from closing time when we called Lola. The hostess asked our cross streets and assured us a seat and that we would make it. We raced over and boy are we glad we came and had a perfect night! First we were seated in the back patio which was not cold at all. They have a center heater that heats that area to perfection allowing you to enjoy your dinner. It was nicely accented with sting lights and added to the atmosphere. The atmosphere was lively and people looked to be genuinely enjoying themselves! We started with the guacamole. Page friendly gentleman rolled his cart over and started making homemade guacamole which had ingredients such as: lime, salt, cilantro, cayenne, Serrano, garlic, etc. I love fresh guacamole with all those ingredients!! It tasted amazing and he sprinkled cayenne on the side and etched Lola on the plate. My only gripe would be I wish we had more! The lobster enchiladas were great! The tortillas were fried and had a crispy texture to them like flautas/taquitos but not too crispy. It was all on a bed of rice but the flavor was indescribable! It wasn't too filling and left perfect room for dessert. Lastly we ended with Doughnuts: cinnamon whipped cream, dulce de leche. These doughnuts were sitting on a bit of syrup and were coated with cinnamon sugar like a churro. However the icing on the cake was a dipping crème of some sort that just took the doughnuts to the next level. Perfect end to an amazing dinner. The waitstaff were friendly, patient and fun! The night ended perfectly by great music playing and a fireworks show outside put on by the theme park. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect dinner atmosphere!
(5)Attisyn C.
I've only been here for Sunday brunch, but it's always super legit. The menu is unique and creative and delicious. (The presentation is on point too) The service is always fast and friendly. It's a cool spot. I'm a big fan of tableside guac. I keep trying to get a few of the servers to have a guac-off just so I can say guac-off, but no luck yet.
(5)Jennifer S.
I have always loved this restaurant. Food is always amazing and the staff very sweet and attentive.
(4)Roxie C.
Finally found some good Mexican in Denver! We went for happy hour and loved the chips w guacamole, salsa, and queso. Loved the street tacos too... Especially the fried fish taco. Good service and atmosphere too.
(5)Ali L.
Great service and the margaritas were delicious (strong pours, too!) I didn't get a chance to eat, but everyone's food around me looked absolutely scrumptious. Definitely ordering dinner next time!
(4)Kristy R.
This place is growing on me. I remember being unimpressed on my first visit, since everyone I know loves this place and has hyped it up so much. However, my last dining experience was really excellent. Our waitress was super awesome, attentive and sweet. I had a killer Arctic Char dish that was unique and really delicious. Dessert was super yummy too. We caught a couple happy hour drinks in the bar as well. Fun night!
(4)Chad R.
El Jefe was tasty. Waaaaaay tasty. And Pacifio drafts are always a come-up. It took awhile for the server to arrive-- like, awhile enough to be here for the first time, peruse the whole menu for the first time, weigh my options, and have my drinks and apps and entrees all decided by the time they got there. Kind of a bummer. It was also interesting (enough to note) that the open kitchen seems to serve the kitchen staff more than the ambiance/vibe. They never missed an opportunity to holler at the many, many ladies. Not sure I feel about watching them drink either (while 'shutting down'). The food was fantastic and they've obviously got it dialed back there, I just don't need that 'peek (not a peek, exactly-- unavoidable from tables adjacent to the kitchen) behind the curtain.' A patio or bar seat next time. No biggie.
(3)Lauren G.
We usually love Lola, but today the service at the bar was really slow (and they weren't busy). Perhaps the biggest disappointment was a dish that was advertised as coming with "fried plantains." I grew up in South Florida - fried plantains are mushy, like bananas, with a sweet carmelized outer layer that is slightly crispy. I ordered the breakfast dish at Lola specifically because of the plantains, but when it came out I had these thin plantain chips on the plate coated in sugar. Very disappointing. The menu should read "plantain chips," not "fried plantains." False advertising. The yellow rice was also flavorless and our bacon was totally greasy. Restaurants have off days and we will still come here, but we might reconsider if we have another experience like this one.
(2)Solomon W.
Lola Restaurant affords diners a trendier take on brunch--with plenty of Mexican flare. For starters, the salsa sampler gives a good taste of what the flavor profiles are like here. The brunch menu fires off all sorts of brunch favorites, with a benedict and chicken and waffles as the heavy hitters. No one dish for us was too memorable, though I will say I appreciated the new take on chicken and waffles, with chorizo gravy giving a more unique spice than expected. Stick with what you know in the direction of side dishes--biscuits, potatoes, gravy... I get the sense that Lola might be a restaurant that needs to be given a few tries, as the menu is pretty diverse. Next time I'm in town, I might swing by for another go at the brunch or perhaps happy hour.
(3)Henning V.
The food is good, the servers are nice but the seats at the bar suffered from a horribly inattentive and unfriendly bar staff. Won't be back for quite some time.
(2)Samantha E.
Somehow, I'd never heard of Lola, but we wandered into the patio a couple of weeks ago while we were waiting for a table at Linger. Based on our quick experience there, I'd love to plan a repeat visit! The wait for a table was long, but we were able to snag a spot on the open seating patio. I had a mojito and it was fabulous-- as good as the ones I've had on cruise ships. My husband had the ciderhouse and it was equally delicious. I never would have thought to make an apple drink with tequila, but I would definitely order this for myself. For a snack, we tried the cured plate. Everything on it was great-- tequila-smoked salmon, smoked trout, spicy goat cheese, etc. Based on this appetizer, I'd love to try the rest of the menu. The ceviche especially sounds delicious. I've quickly become a big fan of this neighborhood, and I'm sure I'll be back to Lola!
(5)Ellison A.
Needed to eat something before trudging through the LONG line for ice cream at Little Man's. Missed brunch by 30 minutes, but had a great happy hour regardless! The nachos were awesome, as was the octopus taco and pork watermelon taco. Townie Ales to wash it all down! Phoebe was a great server, helping us with the afternoon menu and making us feel right at home.
(4)Cyn C.
Came here for a brunch with some girlfriends. It was near the end of football season (heck, even maybe Superbowl weekend) and this place was empty. I ordered a bloody mary (not bad) and the three of us shared the donut appetizer. I think this appetizer at brunch thing is a new trend, and I heartily approve. These were DELICIOUS. Then I moved onto my main entree.. is no longer on the menu. It was a spicy green chile over a bed of home fries, with over easy eggs on top. When it came out, it looked more like a runny stew, and no potatoes to be found. The waiter, when I flagged him down, was quick to rectify the situation. Great spot for brunch!
(4)Derek L.
The only thing preventing me from giving this place for stars is that I didn't really explore the menu much. However, everything everyone ordered around me looked great. I had a happy hour special. Two fish tacos and a beer for five dollars. You can't beat the value, especially at a place like this. Only a mile from the Pepsi Center, this is a pretty good spot for a pregame dinner. The staff is very friendly and the service was prompt. It does have a little more of a younger person's vibe, but that shouldn't let anyone stop them from going. The noise level is certainly within acceptable tolerances for us old folk!
(3)Nate P.
Went to a birthday gathering here Monday night, and was pleasantly surprised to find that Monday nights are all night happy hour. The menu was great. We all shared apps and had plenty to eat. The service was really great as well. I will go back on Monday nights for sure.
(5)Lauren D.
I've always meant to try Lola, but every time I have an occasion, I somehow forget about it. Well, I finally went this past weekend for my fiancé's birthday and we were both very impressed! The service was so professional -- our waiter was maybe a tad too professional and bordering on rigid, but the guacamole server was great! -- and we both loved our meals. I got the sea bass and it was so flavorful and perfectly crispy on the outside. I was pretty delighted to see kale on the plate (I'm going through an obsession...) and the only thing I can really knock is the sweet potato tamale, which was pretty bland. We also sprung for the tableside guac and although it could've used a bit more salt (next time I'll know), we had no trouble putting away the entire portion. We can't wait to try out Lola's Happy Hour next time!
(4)Mark M.
My company rented the bottom floor for a holiday party - Lola's worked with us to create the atmosphere we were looking for. Food and service was great, had wide variety of tapas and also a taco bar. Food and drinks were replenished quickly. Have never been disappointed at Lola's.
(5)Teresa G.
Lola's has the best Happy Hour in this neighborhood. The cucumber lemonade is to die for, and the queso is one of my favorites in Denver. Love that they will make the guacamole table side.
(5)Phil H.
Was at Lola for a happy hour with some coworkers and was very impressed. First, the atmosphere is very cool, it's got great artwork and murals, plus a really nice (heated when necessary) patio, which is where we settled in. Great specials (2 tacos and a beer for 5 bucks? heck yeah!) and very friendly service. We didn't get to take advantage of the free valet (we got there before 4:30) but that's another really cool perk. Overall a great choice, and I can't wait to go back! Protip: GUAC.
(4)Brittany S.
Lola is one of my favorite brunch spots on earth! The food, service and environment are all great. I've been to brunch here multiple times and rarely get the same entree and have never been disappointed. I dig the chili infused bloody mary, the Lola Huevos, green chili hash and the lolaburguesa are all so great. I also love the hard boiled eggs and the mini donuts. Oh and I can't forget the table side guac service is excellent. The dinner is also great. They do a ceviche bar with different types of ceviche that is so amazing! On the weekends, they typically have a band which is great to listen to while you eat.
(5)Andrea F.
Fan-freaking-tastic!! Perfect place to feed a hangover! The staff was lovely, and the food was amazing.. Order fresh gauc tableside seasoned and flavored to your liking, homemade tortilla chips, and thats just getting you started! Note: the Bloody Marys have a tinge of 'fishy' taste/flavor to them because of the way they make the mix...Good if you're a fan (of which I am not and had to send it back) but the server replaced my drink no problem with a Gin/Ginger/Carrot juice concoction was that super refreshing! Went for brunch, but would love to try this place for dinner one night if I'm ever back in Denver! Just plan on taking food to go bc it is super filling!
(4)Khristina D.
Waited too long watching people stand around not being busy, but not seating guests. However, this is the most amazing bloody Mary. Table side guac...yummo! This is the best brunch. Chicken and waffles and a twist on eggs Benny...delicious....yes yes and yes.
(4)Lannie L.
***late post*** I came for brunch it's a Mexican/American restaurant. If you order guacamole They will make it fresh right by your table. The guacamole was good. I came with 4 other people and we all enjoyed our dishes. The service was good.
(4)Brian H.
had a good lunch here. started out with that lovely Lolas table side guacamole. the guac was really good. also ordered the fundido with chorizo. their take on Fundido is not the same as the rest of the world. it was melted white cheese and not actual thick stringy melted cheese. Kind of a dissapointment. porb belly taco was amazing while the mushroom taco needed more seasoning. I ordered a Michelada for my drink. All in all it was 3.5 out of 5. 1/2 point more because the staff was pretty friendly on giving some recommendations after eating there.
(4)H B.
"Would you like a blueberry pomegranate mimosa?" Yes please! So apparently 5 mimosas later, which I must admit they were absolutely delicious we decided to order. We had wasted our appetite on booze but we decided to try the Chips and table side Guac. The guac did not blow my socks off but the presentation was very clever. They took paprika and sprinkled half the plate and then took the back side of a fork and etched Lola into the paprika; nice touch! We also tried the Chilaquiles. They were amazing. Super crunchy chips in a cast iron type crock with great toppings and flavors. I can't wait to go back and try all the other great menu options.
(4)David D.
loved it. place was lively with good music and people enjoying themselves and the food. located in what seems to be an up and coming area - sort of a "hip" joint, but i brought my octogenarian parents and they liked it too. I am NOT a tequila person, but, when in Rome...., so our party tried some different margaritas and it was fun comparing and they were actually tasty. We got started with oysters and guacamole both excellent. All in our party actually had a variety of appetizers and ate tapas style so we got to taste many different dishes. The Hawaiian marlin was awesome with avocado, pineapple and mustard seeds. Char was good, not great. Crab & Chorizo excellent. For dessert the ice cream sandwich was tasty. This place is different, lively, and has great food.
(5)Ram J.
We (6) walked in late Saturday night without reservations and was welcomed every well The spicy margarita , queso, table side guacamole is not to miss The chef was accommodating for a vegetarian in our party .. The food is more of seafood theme with some Mexican flavors I would go again if I had another chance
(5)Katie G.
Went here for brunch. It was delicious!!! I ordered the chicken and waffles. I kid you not when I say that they're they best chicken and waffles that I've EVER had. The jam on them is delicious. My friend got the "Mexican version of a waffle." I can't remember what it was called. Also delicious. Finally the ultimate Bloody Mary was good. Garnishes were delicious.
(5)Maylee H.
I've posted some pics of certain items we order which that speaks for itself. Delicious, fresh and unique blends of Mexican ingredients with a touch of American flare. The chips and salsa were also stellar which usually indicates how the food will turn out. At least that's my formula :) I gave this establishment 5 stars because I witnessed something that is very unusual. The table next to us had a group of people that had just arrived from the Broncos game. They seemed a bit intoxicated borderline drunk. They were welcomed but as soon as they decided to order alcohol, the waiter politely said it's Lola's policy not to serve people alcohol after the game. Which in my opinion took a lot of guts for him/management to make that call. I'm so glad to see restaurants take responsibility for possibly a human life before profits. The restaurant could of made some money off that group but instead they decided to do the right thing. It's not that they didn't want to serve them food, it was just alcohol. The group ended up leaving, which showed their goal was to get completed wasted without consequence. With that said, the staff were great. My water always replenished and the basket of chips were also refilled... Not that my waist needed that ;)
(5)Courtney S.
Not what it used to be. Our server was not very attentive and the food was either tasteless or so spicy you couldn't taste anything else. I ordered a Caesar salad and added shrimp. I was very disappointed when I received a salad with only two shrimp and was charged $12 for the add on for a total of $22!! I'm usually not one to complain about price but what a royal rip off. I don't see a reason to ever dine at Lola in the future.
(1)Ezra B.
The food, service and atmosphere are all excellent... the one criticism I have is it's a little pricey for Mexican food, even though it's gourmet. The highlight is surely the Lola Guacamole, which they prepare AT YOUR TABLE, in front of you! To top it off, they add their "signature" -- see my uploaded photo. It tastes delicious! The chef accommodated my wife's dietary restrictions (vegan and gluten-free) by making her a special dish which she loved very much. My Baked Poblano Relleno was spicy and yummy. The prices are a little high, but you're paying for the service as well as the food.
(5)Diana W.
I love Mexican food. I love drinks. I love brunch. I love live music...but Lola just didn't do it for me. Came her for Easter brunch so there was plenty of parking. We had reservations and we got seated on time! The variety of mimomas was fun. And so was ordering the guac and having them make it next to your table. The guac was the best thing there. SUPER spicy and flavorful. Unfortunately, the cinnamon rolls were dry. And the Lola bowl that I ordered? Presentation was awesome but everything tasted the same in the bowl! My husband's green chile omelet was delicious though. Who doesn't like goat cheese? The rock shrimp ceviche tasted so creamy. My husband swore it tasted like icecream...yes...seafood icecream. The service was great but I wish the food had more of a kick. By the end of our meal there was a live band. I love me some live music but I couldn't carry on a conversation with my friends without shouting. Maybe I'll sit on the patio and try new dishes next time. It's a fun place and hopefully dinner might be more my style!
(3)L B.
I loved the vibe at Lola. It was trendy without being too uppity (sometimes the Highlands can be hit or miss). The food was great, the servers were attentive and the drinks were incredible! I had the shoulder pork (highly recommend) as well as the table-side made guac... also have to try! This is a great place to hang out and meet some friends for drinks or have dinner and catch up! I will be returning! :)
(4)Jennifer H.
I have been here about a year ago and had a good experience then but when I returned last night, it definitely turned me off. Hosts were ok. Our server was rude. We could tell she was upset that we weren't ordering more. We just came in to share a few plates and try some stuff out. Occupied the table for maybe 30 minutes girl. Calm down. Spent about 60 bucks. The guac was definitely bland. Needed some salt and some spice. I think it is was just the person who was making it at the table because the salsa from the kitchen was great. The food was tasty. From the service alone, I won't be returning. Service can make or break a place for me! There are plenty of other great places around who won't treat you like shit. Won't recommend to any of my friends either. Bye Felicia!
(2)Amanda G.
I recommend this restaurant for a fun summer evening dinner with the family or a group of friends. It's a little loud for dear old Grandma and Grandpa, but everyone would love the food. It's fresh and decadent and absolutely refreshing. The Greens salad was delicious and the Swordfish with the baby carrots was light but packed with flavor. I also adored the salsa. Come here and enjoy :-)
(4)Ron B.
My friend and I decided to give this a shot after reading the menu while sitting in the car, in front of a different establishment. This was based on a review of the brunch menu. We generally try to "explore" places in the city as much as we can. Our options in the "burbs" leave a lot to be desired. So, it was "kuntry come to hipster town" for us! We ordered a couple of drinks, the Mexican Mimosa for me, and the Fred & Ginger for her. We also ordered the doughnuts. We thoroughly enjoyed the drinks and the doughnuts, especially the cinnamon whipped cream. She ordered the chicken & waffles (I am very hesitant with chicken and waffles b/c many places just don't know how to do it), I then ordered the chicken fried steak, with a side of scrambled eggs. I was sold by the green chile-chorizo gravy. Our meals came and we gave it a whirl. I was very impressed with my meal, especially the green chile-chorizo gravy. I was also very impressed with the quality of the eggs, and especially that they were cooked perfectly! So many people screw up scrambled eggs (mostly by accident in my opinion). I was actually blown away with my friend's Chicken & Waffles. There was plenty of chicken, the waffles were cooked correctly, the chorizo gravy was great, as was the cherry-fresno syrup. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals and will invite friends next time. I found the quality of our food and drinks to be superb. I felt that the cost was in line with the quantity, but more than anything, I found the quality to be superb. I am very picky when it comes to "cost" in relation to "quality and quantity". Lola managed to nail this all important combination in my book! So many places pass off absolute garbage as "quality" and "fresh" food and then expect you to pay an exorbitant amount just for the privilege of eating said garbage. We also agreed that our server was very good regarding his knowledge of the dishes, and provided excellent service.....so rare these days in an environment where servers "expect" the maximum tip, versus "earning" a maximum tip by providing exceptional service. We had another drink each, paid our check, wheeled ourself out the door, and walked 3 miles through the neighborhoods to aid in the digestion for our massive meal. Our brunch was worth every penny that we paid. I rarely feel that I get my money's worth these days. We agreed that we would try dinner another time, but I would rather give brunch another go!
(5)Michael C.
Some people complain that LoLa's is over price and they would be wrong. Gourmet Mexican is really hard to find. The food and atmosphere is fantastic. Lola is a representation of the gastronomic revolution that has taken place in Denver. I would definitely say this place is in the top 10. Also know there is a free valet, and that is a must in the highlands. They also do call ahead.
(4)Angie R.
This was such a disappointment! The veggie fajitas were nothing more than a tiny onion some mushrooms and kale. Really? This is Denver - veggie season no less! The salad was oil and lettuce with 2 tiny pieces of pineapple and a slice of jicama. Then my son was downstairs awfully sick after eating the salmon! The waiter didn't even offer a complimentary dessert or comp anything after knowing our disappointment! I will never go back even for the nice patio. I will opt for the traditional Denver LaLoma every time when looking for Mexican in Highlands. In my 40+ years as a Colorado native they have never disappointed.
(1)Blair S.
I have some family in Denver whom I visited this past weekend. They live out in Evergreen but are frequent Denver inhabiters. They made reservations for about 4 restaurants for our group of 11, and I wound up picking this place. Glad I did. Place was in a great neighborhood which has a lot of newer businesses and restaurants and a brewery or two. I had a couple drinks, pretty good, solid B material. Staff was really great too. Very good with dealing with our large(ish) group. They make fresh guac right there at your table after asking for your ingredients and spice level. I'd say this is an A for sure. Chips and salsa were ok, B- / C+. I bet they had much better salsas that we could have ordered. Seemed like everyone had a really good meal, myself included. I had El Jefe' and must comment that I saw chicken thigh and assumed it would be the best part of the dish, but everything else far surpassed it. The chorizo was excellent as was the corn and potatoes. So, sweet place, sweet location, nice and effective staff, very good to great food; can't go wrong.
(4)Maranda O.
Amazing fresh guac and corn chowder! Corn chowder was the best part - definitely not a chowder though. I would call it a lobster bisque soup with corn as an accent! I'm not one to write reviews but it was too exceptional not to, I need the recipe! :)
(5)Victor R.
Always a brunch favorite! I returned here after a three-year hiatus from Denver, and the food is just as good as I remember. Guac will light you up if you ask for it, tableside to boot. My only complaint is the bloody mary is weak, in both spiciness and alcohol content.
(4)Ryan L.
The food was excellent. Definitely a great spot if your looking for a place for date night!
(4)Kelly H.
I've been here a million times, but last night took the cake as best service ever. Our server knew the tequila like the back of her hand. We really grilled her with questions about the difference between types of reposado tequilas, and she went into such detail. She even explained where some tequilas were aged (lowlands versus highlands) and how the humidity affects the structure of tequila, and furthermore how that impacts the taste of our margaritas. It made it so much easier to pick among all of Lola's coinstyle margaritas, and it was fun to learn! I complimented her last night, but I just felt the need to write a review so other tequila lovers can appreciate how much Lola invests in educating their staff.
(4)Risya L.
This truly is as good as it gets. I love their indoor and outdoor seating! Don't be afraid to sit on the patio it's heated. This is a great place to dine with friends for BRUNCH! actually this is the only time my friends and I have dined here. We always would try something new. The service for the most part was always good. A few of our favorites of course was the Chicken and Waffles, Chicken Fried steak(mmm sooo good!) my son would go for the seasonal pancakes,and most the time we would get the table side guacamole! So delicious, you can even pick your heat level. O O O also try their brunch burger...sooo good, make sure you get it with the bacon and egg. My mouth melts thinking of it! lol Also, they have really good mimosa's and bloody mary selections! Just be aware that BRUNCH is only on the weekends, but also know you get to make reservations on Opentable so I highly recommend that. This place also has a full bar with their own infused vodka. Sorry this review is so flip floppy, Just random thoughts here and there. But whatever you do ENJOY!
(5)Ariel S.
Margaritas are on point
(3)Rachel S.
I absolutely love the food and drinks they serve here (make sure to get the butternut squash queso!). They have a nice, open patio and a good happy hour. Check out the happy hour menu here: loladenver.com/menus/hap… The thing preventing me from giving Lola five stars? Inconsistent service. The last few times I've been the service has been really slow. And not just slow because they were busy, just generally slow and seemingly unaware - I've experienced had some bad mess ups (serving everyone but one person for an extended period of time, not checking in before happy hour ended though we were ready to order, not checking in on drinks or food, etc.).
(4)Inayah V.
I was really looking forward to writing this one. From the prime location in the Highlands, the great online reviews, the idea of a Mexican restaurant serving brunch (in a town known both for great Mexican and great brunch establishments), Lola had everything going for it. I was excited to try the chile infused vodka bloody mary, my husband ordered the ultimate bloody mary (which includes a skewer of shrimp, bacon, jalapeño, pickle, banana pepper, and a cube of cheese). We were sadly underwhelmed by the lack of flavor. Table side anything has never appealed to me, in large part because usually the person serving it sees an opportunity to perform. The table side guacamole at Lola was, however, delicious and the waiter preparing it was very unobtrusive. I ordered El Admiral; eggs, bacon, and grits. Everything was well prepared, but lacked flavor. My husband's blueberry lemonade pancakes were much better. By far, my favorite menu item was the donuts. Overall, I'd say cute spot, great location, excellent service, but I've had better.
(3)Kate B.
Wow! What an amazing brunch! The bartenders, Michelle and Will took great care of us! From the yummy salsa, fresh guacamole, creative cocktails, and friendly smiles, we left as very happy people. The chicken fried steak with a Mexican twist was my favorite, and best part, I can't wait to enjoy my leftovers! Huge portions at very reasonable prices. I can't wait to come back and try more! Continue rocking on Lola! Thanks again Michelle and Will!!
(5)Chris T.
Lola... I wanted to like you but it was lacking the taste I was looking for, especially for the price you charge. The guac was blah. The food was worse. Meh. Go elsewhere, you'll be glad you did.
(2)Paula K.
I've lived near Lola since way before it opened and it's always been on the list of places to try. I don't know why it's taken me this many years to finally make it in but I'm glad that I did! I went tonight with two friends and we had an amazing experience. We were there for tapas and drinks and our waitress was great as well as the others that serviced our table. We had some salads, butternut squash queso fundido (holy cow we all wanted to quit the bread and just spoon it straight into our mouths), the tableside guac (YUM) and the three salsas (all were great and we all had different favorites). We had a great time catching up and our waitress was perfectly attentive without being intrusive or making us feel hurried in any way. I can't wait to go back and try brunch which I have also heard great things about!
(5)Clair M.
I have NEVER had quacamole this good! The fact that its made table side is fab too. I wish that there was more parking though, hence losing a star. Their food is always impeccable. I wish I could get there more often!
(4)Meredith C.
There is only one reason why I am not giving this place a 5 star review: our guacamole was SUPER salty - almost inedible. We came in to dine on NYE at 530ish and there wasn't a lot happening. I was glad it wasn't packed as I felt relaxed and like I could really enjoy the experience. I ordered 4 different types of tacos: shrimp, pork, chicken & tilapia. My favorites were definitely the pork and shrimp. The other flavors just weren't really there. We had the tableside guac, but it was nearly inedible as I had indicated above. My reason for not saying something? The guy who made it was super sweet and I didn't feel like being a bitch yuppie on what I was sure was to be a long night for the staff - working on NYE. We also had the shrimp ceviche was was very good. The best part of the meal, other than the service (our waitress was a DOLL, the folks bussing the tables were all smiles and the manager was genuine, sincere and friendly) was the dessert. We had some kind of blood orange, hazelnut chocolate thing that was nearly life changing. I am VERY much looking forward to going back VERY soon!!!
(4)RL N.
I came to this restaurant with high hopes after reading it made the top 10 list of Denver's best brunches. It saddens me to think this is what the culinary scene in Denver has become; dulled-down Mexican food. Drop a cotton ball on the floor and it will collect more spice than the sum of this place. After several mediocre food experiences in the highlands food scene, I've decided the restaurateurs are catering to a crowd raised on PB&J, severed on white bread with the crusts cut off. To start, the house salsa served with chips tasted more like a pizza sauce than a Mexican salsa and do not order the trio of salsas, I repeat do not order the trio of salsas! A gringo's attempt at quasi Mexican salsas served in a trio Petri dish, the "mild" Salsa Verde had the most spice. In the center of the dish, the Salsa Mulato, or "medium", could have been motor oil; tinted red, flavorless and entirely absent of spice. Two bites each and nobody at our table cared to try it again. The last "spiciest" salsa tasted sweet as apple sauce, had the same consistence and again lacked any presence of spiciness. I could not imagine anything going wrong when the nice Latin service staff arrived with the homemade guacamole cart and asked if we wanted mild, medium, or spicy. Seated at the drafty table at the top of the stairs my guests and I begged for anything remotely warm. It didn't take long to realize we'd been had by a misleading food review. Again the guacamole failed to deliver the slightest inkling of heat, although it tasted nice but why not just hand us and avocado and let us mash it up ourselves at this point. I avoided ordering the non-elevated brunch dishes of eggs and beans you can find on any menu, as well as the chicken and waffles and other non-Latin dishes. At last resort I figured I could not go wrong with the Lolaburguesa with bacon jam. I can't remember the last time I was served a rare hamburger, possibly before the last e coli epidemic. Despite the waiter failing to ask my preference, a cook should know better than to serve under-cooked beef. What I got was a thin, bloody rare meat patty, missing the bacon flavors I had prayed for. However, it delivered on spice with sliced Jalapenos, absent the heat-generating seeds of course. In an area of town where I'm certain there is a proud mother just doors away cooking delicious authentic Mexican food, I recommend following your sense of smell to the nearest home and beg for anything other than what I experienced here. I have no doubt it will taste better than a restaurant claiming to be elevated Mexican food.
(2)Taylor S.
Love this restaurant. Fun atmosphere and very tasty food. Also in a cool part of town. I would definitely recommend the guac.
(5)Amanda C.
Amazing guac...Incredible spicy margaritas...shrimp caldo...this place is a MUST if you find yourself in the Highlands. I sat with a large group and the service visits were frequent and well timed to take care of everyone in our group. Great, cozy atmosphere, I wish this place was closer to home for me!
(5)Stuart M.
Great looking menu. Average execution. Fresh guac was great but the rest was not at the level one would expect from the prices.
(2)Micaela H.
This restaurant has been an anchor in LoHi (I still loathe that affectation) for so long that I have a tendency to forget how good it really is. We went in for a late brunch on Sunday after a strange experience at another restaurant sent us packing. (pro tip: non peak-time arrival makes it easier to get a table in most places in the neighborhood and usually ups the chances for better service) Chef Feder is not afraid to shy away from strong flavors, as evidenced in the smoked trout hash that my husband devoured and the robust posole rosa (his use of Chimayo chiles made this posole my new favorite in town). Table-side guac was fresh as ever and the drinks were on point. Our server was on his toes the whole time but never failed to make sure we were attended to, even going out of his way to get an answer to some trivial questions we had. Needless to say, Lola will continue to occupy a spot near the top of our favorites list (even if the infill ruined the view).
(5)Joshua S.
Delicious brunch! Had the biscuits and chorizo gravy with an egg on top. Also had lobster omelette and chicken and waffles. Don't pass on the homemade doughnuts! Will definitely be back
(5)Kamryn C.
I was not incredibly impressed. Came for brunch a few weekends ago, and the experience left a lot to be desired. I'll start with the good- the donuts were amazing, the salsa had the right amount of spice, and the fuego verde cocktail was the right mix of spicy and sweet. The decor was great as well, especially the bathrooms which make you feel like you're under the sea. On to the bad, our waiter didn't appear until about 10 minutes after we had been seated. The seasonal cocktail was a mix of pumpkin and other fall flavors which sounded good, but ultimately tasted weird. Our table had a hard time finishing those. The main dishes were small portions and not exciting. The Lola huevos sounded promising, but the eggs ad beans were uninspired, and unseasoned. My boyfriend's waffle was overcooked, although he claims the chicken was good. Overall, the food felt mediocre, especially for the atmosphere and the price.
(3)Deanna D.
Lola is quite lovely. We stopped in for brunch and had a lovely experience. The Lola Bloody was nothing exciting but Chile Infused tequila Bloody had a good kick. The ambiance is fun: nice decor, warm colors, exposed brick, dark lighting- a great date spot. The service was solid: attentive and friendly. I had the Lola Bowl: sweet potato chorizo hash, crawfish-pork estofada, grilled shrimp, chile rojo broth, fried egg, pico- freaking delicious! It was more smokey than spicy and the flavor- ingredient combos worked really well together. The boyfriend had the Green Chili Hash: pork green chili, breakfast potatoes, egg, pico de gallo, lime crema- which he really enjoyed. The green chili flavor was solid. The prices were very reasonable given the quality of the food and portion sizes. We would definitely go back for more.
(4)Michael F.
FOOD / DRINKS: You absolutely cannot go wrong here. Close your eyes and point at the menu. I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Hash!! I mean highly. Soooo good. You will just devour it. I also enjoyed the Cured Plate. It is Smoked Salmon, Smoked Duck, Smoked Trout, with capers and Serrano Whipped Goat Cheese (wow, I just ate and thinking about it is making me hungry again!). Oh, and it comes with a couple small Corn Masa Jonny cakes and an Habanero Cherry Mustard Sauce for dipping. The Denver Incredible Pedal IPA is nice and hoppy and goes well with the two. SERVICE: Service was incredible. I even asked for a sprig of mint to throw in the water bottle I was toting around and they happily complied and even offered to refill the bottle. Just a very friendly bunch of people. UTILITIES: Bathrooms are downstairs and nice, clean. Did not see a place to plug in phone to charge it. Try to sit outside on the covered patio. Especially on Saturdays during the Farmers Market which is right beside it.
(5)Amy K.
Great service: Adam Great recommendations: fried chicken, chilaquiles Great interior :-) we will be back for sure.
(5)Jason O.
There's nothing like a good bloody Mary with brunch. Sadly, this place doesn't have a good bloody Mary. There's an "ultimate" bloody which has everything but the kitchen sink on the skewer, but the drink itself was watery and flavorless. Adding chili infused vodka helps, but doesn't save it. The food itself was better, especially the guacamole! Ask for them to make it spicy, it's not going to be especially hot but it will be flavorful. I had blueberry lemonade pancakes and my wife had bacon, eggs, and grits. Both of them were pretty good, but not the sort of good that'll keep me coming back when there's plenty better to be had nearby.
(3)Annie S.
I am updating my review and increasing my star rating for two reasons. 1) I went back and was greeting kindly and given prompt and friendly service. 2) The manager responded to my review, concerned about my experiences and wanting to know specifics so they could improve. I didn't want to give any because we all have bad days, but I appreciated the care and time it took to respond. That is cool. This place has great atmosphere, good happy hour and I'm ready to start trying again. Thanks for caring about your neighbors!
(4)Janelle C.
I was pretty excited to visit Lola's. The menu looked great, if a bit sparse, and the desserts looked tasty. When we arrived, we were seated all the way in the back next to the kitchen, so whenever they added a dash of spicy seasoning to the pot/stove, it permeated the air and caused my guest to cough. There were plenty of other tables open we could have been seated at, especially since I had made reservations in advance. We ordered the table-side guacamole which was meh. Needed something- maybe a dash of salt, lime or spice, something. My seafood enchiladas were ok, not terrible but not spectacular. Dessert was the worst, I had their version of a choco-taco-ice cream in a folded waffle cone covered in chocolate. It tasted like a bad drumstick (you know the frozen cone you can buy from an ice cream truck?) I would not go back. I can find better Mexican restaurants that are less pretentious and have better tasting food for less.
(2)Evan A.
Guac is amazing, just get it. Came here for brunch with my sister and brother in law and I couldn't have been happier. I love a place that takes reservations for connivence sake (I hate waiting). I got a bloody, great tasting and helped from a heavy night of drinking before. Chicken and waffles, YES! and YUM! I loved the mixture of salty and sweet. The chicken was moist and the waffles were light and fluffy. Thanks Lola, I'll be back soon.
(5)Gail O.
The term " white people ruin everything" comes to mind every time i've dined here. And don't get me wrong, I'm so white, I'm transparent, but there is absolutely no flavor in any of their "mexican inspired" cuisine. Queso fundido has a super weird texture and is bland. Posole is tiny and watery for 6 dollars. I get it, crab is exspensive, I'm ok with that! Broth isn't, give me a little more than a child's portion. Tableside guacamole, not served tableside....with what appeared to be 1/20 th of a red onion and an avacado for 7 dollars as it's only ingredients. Service is equally bland. Not bad, but just lackluster. The only saving grace is the girl chef that works the raw bar. If your friends insist you try lola at least sit outside at her bench. It fits 3 comfortably. I live across the street and tried to give lola multiple chances, but please do yourself a favor and go to linger. The price is similar and you actually get decent food.
(2)Jennifer S.
Great place to catch up with friends on a Saturday night! - blood orange sunrise: not too sweet, but not too strong. - oysters: wellfleets and kumamotos - guacamole: got this spicy (but it wasn't too spicy) and was one of the highlights of the night...would definitely order again! - special ahi tuna dish with beets: really delicious, but definitely had a spicy afterkick. - little man Mexican chocolate ice cream: rich, but not super sweet. Saved us the wait in line next door! - cinnamon donuts: perfect complement to the Mexican ice cream. Great service and fun, casual vibe!
(4)Ashley M.
I have been to Lola's twice for a birthday party. They have Really cool intimate seating with pillows , making a cozy private spot. Love their all night Monday happy hour. They also make fresh make guacamole at your table which is a nice touch. Good chips and salsa- although they do charge so done be surprised when the bill comes, oh well it was good, right? One problem. The servers both times seemed so miserable... I couldn't figure why.. I even really tried to cheer the guy up and it was bringing down the demeanor of the night. I won't judge a restaurant on a poor server though... Just giving my full review! Check em out! Yummy food!
(4)Robert H.
Nuts good Lola bowl for brunch! Great cocktails Great happy hour Regular dinners fab And frequent speciality/benefit dinners All around A*
(5)Madelyne S.
Lola is quite a scene. The unique set up allows it to function as a lively choice for happy hour or a sit-down dinner restaurant. You can tell that they've maximized the space--some tables are really close to each other as an unfortunate result. We had reservations and still waited a few which was not a big deal--Saturday night's crowd is an amusing bunch and provides for good people watching. The server we ended up having was friendly, funny and attentive. I love margaritas but my relative and I agreed that their silver coin marg was just very "meh" and tasted a bit watered down. We started with table side guac which, for the small, was perfect in size for 3 people. I loved the spice option--spicy it was! We liked the salsa as well but I'm not sure which one we received. We began with the scallop and pork belly appetizer. The scallops were perfectly cooked and I liked the sweet salsa. The pork belly was left to be desired. I sampled the corn chowder soup and that was delectable and creamy. For our entree I split the corvina - a light fish topping a massive tamale with a corn mild salsa topping. I appreciated the topping because, honestly, the fish and tamale weren't anything grand. I may give this place another go since I hear the brunch is fantastic and the porch scene looked fun.
(3)Jordan L.
I have had great experiences at Lola as well as not so great experiences. Today was exceptionally poor. Granted they were super busy so I'll give them that. The hostesses were rude. Our app did not come out til after the food was there. The entrees were cold by the time they got to the table (and cold Benny's are gross).. The lobster omelet was cold to the point of being inedible. And on top of that after my girlfriend specified her order the be pescatarian the order came out covered in chorizo.. Feeling pretty disappointed, but Im sure I'll give it another shot someday.
(3)Tiffany N.
Tableside guacamole is where it's at. In fact most of the food at Lola is where it's at. I've had everything from butternut squash soup to carnitas and enjoyed it all. Plus they make a mean coin margarita. Lola is definitely a see and be scene kind of place, but if you can make it when there isn't a huge crowd or are looking for that kind of atmosphere the food is good, the drinks are good, and both are served quick enough that Speedy Gonzalez would be proud.
(4)Christina L.
We went for Happy Hour for the view of Downtown Denver, only to discover that a building had been built across the street, which completely obstructed the view. Shared the made-to-order Lola Guacamole, then we each got The Platter (i.e. two happy hour tacos, rice and beans). I got one of the taco specials of the day, which was asi-asi (so-so) and a Diablo Shrimp Taco, which was amazing! Not sure if I'd come here again since I don't live in Denver, but I wouldn't nix it if someone suggested it.
(3)Matthew M.
I will definitely be frequenting Lola. Only one TV in the lower level area but seems to be to be a great Sunday spot when the NFL season is over.
(4)Kari M.
Came here for breakfast with my sister. It's a cute little place. They were able to seat us without reservations on Super Bowl Sunday. Heck yes! I ordered a Snazberry, which is essentially a mimosa with different juices and champagne. Pretty awesome. I also got the banana maple pecan pancakes with cinnamon whipped cream. So, So good. Took a picture because the presentation was so good. They don't have much on their menu, which I actually appreciate. I don't like having too many choices and what they have is not your average breakfast, so that makes it different. Kinda pricey, but I really did enjoy it. I would recommend it for sure if you're in the area.
(4)Ali W.
I have been to Lola several times and it is kind of hit-or-miss in terms of the quality of food, but overall, it has been pleasant and I am happy to recommend Lola. There is patio seating, so it's perfect for a weekend brunch on a warm day. The Stuffed Toast (strawberry compote, brioche, spiced rhubarb syrup), Pulled Pork Belly Sandwich (pickled jalapeño bbq, pickled slaw, fried egg), the Mexican Hot Chocolate, and the tableside-prepared guacamole are my favorites. You can customize the guacamole to your liking; I usually add extra garlic. I don't like vampires. 1 star off: for the few times that their food tasted like cafeteria food
(4)S S.
Great staff and beautiful atmosphere. I ordered the lobster enchiladas which just wasn't my favorite. I'm sure most would love the dish, it just didn't strike my taste buds. The chips and salsa and margarita were tops! The restaurant came highly recommended by a friend and I'm so glad I went.
(4)Rebecca G.
I recommend going here to grab a delicious cocktail and share the tasty guacamole that's made at your table. The food is on the pricey side and has been a hit or miss for brunch and dinner. The chips and guacamole are worth the trip though! It's a trendy fun atmosphere and the service has been friendly and attentive. Always a good option for happy hour.
(4)Mo W.
What a disaster. I went in there on a SUNDAY AFTERNOON with my mother to catch up before she left town. The minute we walked in some awful 5 person band started "jamming" out and basically blasted out everyone in the place. We were sitting outside on the patio and we still couldn't hear each other. Of course as soon as we got up to leave they finished their set. Why does any restaurant think people want to listen to that garbage when they are sitting around having a nice drink or snacks with friends and family? People were clapping in between songs and I think it was because they were happy to be free of the music for 45 seconds. Never again.
(1)Sarah W.
I came here for a birthday with a group of twelve--TWELVE--people. A born worrier, I was instantly concerned about the horror that would no doubt ensue when we tried to split the check at the end of the meal. But here's what saved the experience for me: We had the best looking waiter I have ever seen. Said waiter was also an expert on tequilas, margaritas, This American Life, and David Sedaris. And the birthday treats were delicious--custom-made guacamole as an appetizer, and donut holes glazed with dulce de leche and served with salted Oreo ice cream for dessert. The main menu is not great for a vegetarian, but the salads were good enough for me. When it was time for the check, our waiter was totally accommodating, and split it for us without any hassle. Would definitely return for a birthday or celebration.
(4)Jana P.
Great low-key Mexican food restaurant. We went on a Monday night, were seated immediately without a reservation. They have HH all night on Monday nights, so that was perfect. Staff was very attentive & on point with their service. The cucumber lemonade is great, especially with their infused jalapeño vodka! The table side guacamole is great, and since I'm from Texas, I feel like my opinion is valid. We also had the achiote chicken taco and duck carnitas taco.
(5)Jordan N.
I came to Lola to celebrate my birthday with a large group. It was amazing! There were 14 of is, which is definitely not the most convenient. They were super accommodating and everything went smoothly. The food was also amazing. Everything was so delicious. We ordered guacamole for the table and it was so good. I then ordered the sea bass which is also great. When it came to the check, everything was divided and gratuity wasn't tacked on. It was an overall great experience with delicious food and great service!
(5)Leslie P.
After a few margaritas, we snacked on fried pork rinds seasoned with chile powder, shrimp ceviche in chile de arbor aioli, butternut squash & chorizo goat cheese dip, and guacamole. The guacamole was prepared table-side, customized on the spice level. I also had the braised achiote chicken taco topped with cole slaw, jalapeño aioli, & cotija. Pretty damn good!
(4)Sejal T.
I was in Denver for the weekend and found this place. It turned out to be a good spot for Friday evening dinner with a few drinks. Ambience: Good lively ambience but very crowded. Some people mag find it a little loud but it is a good place if you want to be in a lively and fun restaurant. Make sure you have a reservation if you go on a Friday evening or be prepared to wait 45 minutes Drinks: very good cocktails and good variety of drinks specially margaritas. Food: food was very very tasty. It was cooked to perfection and even the presentation was good. But I felt the food was very overpriced specially for the portion size. And the menu looked small. There weren't too many options to choose from. Service overall was good and the servers did a great job. And yes good fresh guacamole, dont forget to order that.
(4)Chris M.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Lola's during Denver Restaurant Week. We sat at the bar for some happy hour cocktails and loved the vibe there... our waitress Phoebe and our tableside guacamole dude Jared were outstanding! I LOVED the butternut squash Fudido and Roasted Corn soup and the guac was YUMMY! I had the chicken special and my hubby had the swordfish... the entree's were but OK but we enjoyed the apps, soup and salad more. I was disappointed with the flan that was part of the DRW week so the waitress asked if I'd like to try the donuts that everyone had recommended in the first place.... they were all correct.. I think I would come for guac, soup and donuts alone.. The basement area looked to be a gathering spot for young executives to hang out after work and the ladies bathrooms were really cool... I love that! I wanted to take the sink home with me.. The happy hour pricing for small bites and drinks was a fantastic deal as well.. I'd recommend Lola's to everyone.
(4)Alissa N.
We came in during happy hour. The band was great! The outdoor covered and heated patio was really nice on a snowy day. The service was ok. We got the queso which was really good. I was not blown away by this place, though.
(3)Noah P.
3 not 5 for a reason. Lola was great. However... I'd like to share my experience. Picked up my mom today at the airport and was planning to take her out to dinner somewhere nice. Our first plan was to grab some sushi at Okinawa (great place!), but we wanted to try something new. A few of my friends are line cooks at Lola, so I thought we should give it a try. As soon as we arrived, the host was not very informative about the special/ menu items. But once we were seated the service was excellent. Our servers name was Brent, and he was fantastic! Informed us of happy hour specials/ his personal favorites on the menu. We split the calamari as a small plate to start. For 7 dollars, it was about 4 pieces of squid each. Not saying it wasn't delicious, it was a large addition to the overall bill for a small amount of the meal. I ordered the Caldo de Mariscos, which consisted of 2 crab legs, 4 muscles, 3 clams, and 2 shrimp in a very very salty broth. A small dash of pesto/ spinach/ and buttered bread added something different, but the seafood alone would have been a disappointment. The happy hour margaritas the waiter suggested were delicious. But like any other coin marg in Denver, it seemed the same quality of a coin marg at Illegal Pete's. Not to mention 4 dollars for a Tecate was a little much. If I could sum up my whole experience at Lola, I would recommend another place. The service was great, but that shouldn't make up for overpriced food. If you're looking for a place to have a meeting where your company is paying for your meal (the table next to us was going crazy...), this is the place. But if you're looking for a place to get a fresh healthy meal with a family member/ friend, Lola is not the place. As a seafood lover, I would have to say I would've had a much better dinner with my family at Okinawa for a much cheaper (and fresh tasting) meal.
(3)Kristin S.
Awesome happy hour and cool patio! Looking forward to future dining experiences.
(5)Doug O.
We met some friends there for Saturday happy hour and had an amazing time. Food was really good and the prices were great. The service was good and I would highly recommend this to anyone. It's a short walk from downtown and there is a B Cycle station right across the street. I loved everything about this place and will definitely go back soon.
(5)Marc D.
Great food, great drinks, great view of the city. I DID spend about $160 for three of us, which was painful, but the food was delicious. I had the Tuesday tastings ($25 for four course small meals) and it was a good choice. Make sure to stop by Little man for ice cream afterwards.
(4)Margaret B.
I really wanted to give Lola 4 stars for the happy hour food, but couldn't because we had terrible service-- including an order of pork braised nachos in which the pork was left out and charge for a beer we never got. The nachos charge was removed, but then we discovered the extra beer charge and just didn't feel like saying anything after all the trouble for the first mix up. I got a cucumber vodka infused lemonade, which was quenched my thirst with the perfect amount of booze. Chicken tacos were delicious; reminded me a bit of Pinche Taco food truck's tacos- very fresh ingredients and well-spiced meat. Me and the boyfriend probably couldn't often afford to eat here for regular meals, but the happy hour menu was very reasonably priced, with mostly everything under $10 and everything under $20. Plus, the patio and live music were a big seller- often happy hour music, imo, is too loud and hinders conversation, but this was instrumental music at a good volume. Bottom line: happy hour!
(3)Christina P.
This place is great for a date. But I could be biased because I went there with a totally hot date... The place is very intimate and romantic, even though it's not that small. Probably because it's so dark inside. There's a patio, but in the "freezing" weather (for this California girl), there was NO way I was sitting out there, heat lamp or not. But, I imagine in the summer, the patio is pretty awesome. We got out first drinks at the bar....very eclectic crowd, which I love. Couples, friends, complainers, etc. Super attentive bartenders. The hostess, however, could use a lesson or two. When she delivered us to our table, she was so busy checking herself out in the mirror by the table, we didn't understand or hear a word of mumbled nonsense she said. Pay attention to your guest, not yourself, duh! Starving, we ordered Queso Fundido and Tableside Guacamole. Both were mediocre. The Queso was not what I expected, or what I've had before. It looked and tasted like melted white velveeta. The consistency was like nacho cheese. Usually it's very cheesy, like actual melted cheese. Stringier and not easy to dip into, which is the way it should be, and I love. I wouldn't order it again. The guacamole was ok. Nothing exciting about their spices, the way it was prepared, or the way it tasted. The only exciting part was the fact that the server knifed in Lola on the plate. For dinner, I had the Ahi Tostada and my date had the Whole Striped Bass. The server probably could have warned me that the tostada was super spicy. I couldn't enjoy the dish because the spice was overwhelming. The bass look delicious, but with it's eyes staring at me, I couldn't bring myself to try a bite. The bathrooms are at the bottom of a very steep staircase, so don't have too many drinks before you decide to go down them. Will I go back? Probably not... Unless the guy who took me REALLY wanted to go again.
(3)Courtney P.
Love this place - I hate the new building that went up across the street, blocking what once was a beautiful view.
(4)Gladys C.
I went to Lola for the first time last week. At first I wasn't sure how Mexican and seafood would go together, but I was not disappointed! I had the caldo de marisco, which is a tomato saffron broth with different kind of seafoods in it. Growing up on the easy coast I am pretty particular about my seafood, but Lola totally nailed it!! It was delicious and I wish I have a bigger stomach to finish up the broth as well. My boyfriend got the brisket taco and it was just as good! Brisket was super tender and it was a rather big serving. Our server was attentive and friendly. The only thing was that the restaurant was a bit noisy for my liking.( I guess the fact that I was seated right behind a group of 8 girls doesn't really justify my complain haha) I know a lot of people raved about their cocktail as well, but I wasn't a big fan of the one that I got. But I m sure their other drinks are delicious. I would totally recommend this place for a nice dinner night out!
(4)Beth A.
Was hoping to hit up Linger or Central Bistro for brunch on Saturday after the Farmer's Market, and Lola was the only place opened. To say I was disappointed when I walked into the door, it would be an understatement. Then I read the menu, and I felt like I had made a horrible decision with nothing sounding that great. Decided on Lobster Deviled Eggs. Didn't pay enough attention to the menu to realize that it includes bacon (I do not eat pork), so I picked it off AND they were the MOST AMAZING Deviled Eggs I've ever had. The sauce was amazing, complimenting the yolk mixture so well. I usually find the yolk mixture in most deviled eggs to be too much, scooping out half of the mixture. (I blame all the egg white omelets I've had for my dislike of yolk) However, it was AMAZING. This place is pretty awesome, even when I came in with a bad attitude.
(4)Jeffrey E.
What I had? carne asada (chile rubbed flatiron, collard greens, chimichurri rojo papas fritas, truffled chile butter). lola guacamole (prepared tableside). Food review: Everything was pretty darn tasty at Lola's. I can't say there's much I didn't like there. Started off with their guacamole which was prepared tableside so that was kind of neat. That was generally good. The carne asada was just about perfect. Very tasty and even more amazing was the chimichurri rojo papas fritas. Aaaammmmaaaazzzing! Only thing that was a little odd with that plate was the collard greens which were ok. The drinks there were quite good as well. The Fuego Verde reminded me of a chile beer except it was a cocktail. Service? No complaints.
(4)Kim S.
Came here for Sunday Brunch. Dang it tastes good! Its in the cutest little neighborhood. Parking was a slight challenge at first, but I found a spot around the corner and it all worked out. There is a lot across the street from the restaurant but it was completely packed (on account of the delicious food at Lola's). I really like the atmosphere here. Plus the delicious juevos. Lola's is a great place to check out if you are around town. I am sure the dinner and lunch is good too, but I was told by a friend who is a local in Denver to try the brunch... so that's exactly what I did!
(5)Lane R.
Happy hour was good here! Margaritas are STRONG, but the Sangria is just all right. Stick to the margaritas and you will be happy. My friend and I each ordered The Platter which is supposed to come with 2 chicken tacos, rice and beans. We were able to upgrade to other tacos of our choice for just $1 more. I chose to get a chicken and pork taco. The chicken was a little dry, but the pork al pastor was excellent! The beans and rice were also good. Chips and salsa were around $2 I think with unlimited refills. We had heard happy hour got pretty busy so we arrived right at 4 and sat out on the patio. It was a Thursday, but it never got to crowded there were always a few open tables.
(4)J. Paul A.
The salsa sampler was a good start and the waitress graciously brought additional house salsa (which was my favorite) to finish the chips. Carne asada was rich and flavorful. One note: Yelp lists this as $$. Seemed closer to $$$ to me.
(4)Erin F.
Only went for drinks and apps but it was great. Jimmy, the bartender, was very knowledgeable and responsive to our needs. Top notch service.
(5)Moira R.
We went here for brunch on a Saturday and the service, food, atmosphere, and drinks were all fabulous! They have a variety of flavors of mimosas - we tried the pineapple and the snazzberry (bartender's secret recipe) and both were great. For our meals we had the chicken and waffles and the peaches and cream waffles. We also had the table side guacamole. I would highly recommend all of these dishes. There are so many unique dishes - I can't wait to go back.
(5)Kristine B.
Not a great experience. I've been wanting to go for awhile now and the food doesn't live up to the lovely descriptions on the menu. Pros: the bar is fun and I really enjoyed my mojito. I realize that tequila is their thing, so I will probably go back to check out what else the bar has to offer. Chips and salsa are tasty, as was the guacamole (although I've had a lot better.) The staff is very friendly and the place has good ambience. Carnitas were also decent and the cabbage slaw adds a nice touch. I loved my roasted corn and chipotle soup. It is the best meatless soup I have had in awhile. Cons: waited for over an hour for a table in the dining room. Tables turn over pretty slowly and it shows in the servers who are chomping at the bit to get some new flesh in there for tips. The "seared sea scallops" is a really poor (and kind of gross) dish --too sweet marmalade over a breaded and fried chunk of over-rich pork belly next to a fishy scallop. It basically ruined the rest of my meal. Street taco was meh, not bad, but definitely not memorable. Would I go again? To the bar for drinks, chips, salsa and soup: totally. For a meal: not ever
(2)James O.
Had to edit a previous negative posting - LoLa recovered in a good way today on a messed up reservation, so looking forward to a great Easter Brunch there. Will post a food review (and drink of course) after tomorrow... - J
(4)Rebecca P.
Lola's deserves a 4 star for their margaritas alone. Finally a place that makes delicious margaritas that don't hide the lime and tequila under a cup of sweet n sour. Why oh why do people think a margarita has to be neon green/yellow to be good? Lola knows how to make a REAL margarita - and they are strong! As for the food - I thought at first my impossible new 'diet - not by choice' of vegetarian plus gluten-free would mean I was left eating guac and salsa because there were no other options on the menu. BUT - when I mentioned my situation to the waitress she went back to the kitchen and they wiped up this delicious roasted veggie platter. Yummmy!!! The rest of my table also enjoyed their meals - mahi mahi and shrimp fajitas. The chips and salsa were also delicious! Not too salty or greasy for the chips and the salsa was like the stuff I ate while living in Oaxaca. The guacamole was okay - definitely not worth the $8 (and we didn't get table side). Overall - I will return to Lola's - definitely for their margaritas!
(4)Chris S.
Good clean tasting food. Meats not hidden by over seasoning. Fish tasty and well prepared. Table side quac, Pork sopes, braised brisket tacos, roasted chicken. All were amazing. Food was slightly slow to the table but more than worth the wait. Service was attentive. Jalepeno Margarita was a good surprise.
(4)Tom L.
Love #loladenver! Good for so many reasons. Great patio and bar that opens up to the outside in the summer. Unbelievable drinks, my favorite is the Fuego Verde - tequila with muddled jalapeno and lime. It's also totally got a totally kid friendly brunch that we just went to for the first time today. Place is so full of energy that nobody notices a couple of noisy kids. The guacamole is the best I've had this side of the border. Happy hour food and drink prices are really good. Lobster tamale is another must. Enjoy!
(5)Chris R.
Great place to meet for a drink and the food's fabulous too!
(4)Matherine G.
Positive: First and foremost, the atmosphere. We hadn't even sat down yet and we loved it there. The view, decoration, music...all very nice! Great place for a first date fyi. Second, just because you have a happy hour all day on Monday does not mean the discounted food is good but in this case it was! Small plates are exactly that, think tapas. For four people, we shared 7 to 8 dishes which were very orignial and tasty. Great selection of specialty drinks. And finally, the service was just what we needed: polite and fast. Negative: Only negative I can think of is the price of the larger plates. It will hurt the wallet if you're not prepared for it. Overall: Great happy hour prices and dishes. Loved being in the restaurant and looking forward to going back for brunch to try out the famous bloody mary perhaps? And yes, it is that awesome to have someone make guacamole at your table to your liking!
(4)Katie H.
I came here for what turned into a much belated birthday celebration, and had a lovely time. Saturday the weather FINALLY turned fall and the patio side of the bar is where I parked myself. The patio was fantastic, and I loved that I could see into the restaurant and people watch. I had their organic coin and q coin margs, as well as a shot of deliciously spicy tequila. All were wonderful. The q coin, with cucumber, is particularly fantastic. We also had an order of the queso, which is made with haystack goat cheese. This is a unique queso - more herby and creamy than spicy and cheesy. I loved it. I make queso at home with goat cheese all the time. Drinks, yay, cheese, yay, and atmosphere, yay. Also, I love my girl Leah but I'm going to have to disagree with her on the bathrooms. There are three women's bathrooms and three men's bathrooms on opposing sides of the hallway. The women's bathrooms all have separate entrances and are divided by floor to ceiling frosted glass. No worries, this is realllllly thick glass. Each has it's own sink. They were clean; there were coat hooks (this is apparently becoming an elusive feature in my life). I liked them as much as it appropriate to like a bathroom.
(4)Melissa B.
At first glance I didn't think I was going to enjoy much. But the butternut squash queso is to die for! The roasted corn soup is crazy good! My bf ate some seafood entree w a tomato broth which was great considering Colorado is a landlocked state.
(4)Rachel P.
Overall my rating of Lola is...overrated. I love mexican food and seafood, and therefore had high expectations for a restaurant that specialized in both. The server seemed annoyed at best and the food was mediocre. I tried the butternut squash queso, the seafood enchiladas, and the doughnuts. Neither the queso nor the enchiladas were particularly flavorful. The doughnuts were very tasty. Though, hard to go wrong with fried bread, cinnamon, and sugar. I thought the food was rather underwhelming. Back to Pinche Tacos on York and Colfax!
(2)suzanne w.
I love Lola... and they take brunch reservations, which is fantastic! Delicious carnitas benedict (although a little more spiciness would be nice - or at least bring out the cholula sauce), bold and robust coffee, and great atmosphere.We will go there again soon.
(4)Darcy Z.
Visited LOLA for the second time last night for 5280 week. The first time i was at LOLA was well over 2 years ago with my ex and his family. I was a little intimidated the first time as there are a lot of unusual menu items and lots of seafood (of which, i'm not a fan). However, last night I was much happier with LOLA. Had reservations but arrived early to ensure parking etc. Got a couple seats at the bar top and ordered a bottle of wine. The malbec we had was very tasty and only 32/bottle, really not bad. Our friends arrived and also ordered a bottle of wine. We were seated about 10 minutes later, right at our reservation time--always a plus. Since we had done our research for restaurant week we already knew what we were going to order. Shrimp Ceviche-- Winner of the night....PERFECTLY seasoned and just tangy enough. Caesar salad--somewhat small portion, average tastes, although I will say the parmesan tasted wonderfully fresh. Corn soup--GREAT! Definitely has a kick of hot sauce at the end, but the creaminess balances out the spice nicely. For our entrees we chose the lamb and the pork. the Lamb gets an A++. It was sooo tender and flavorful. The puree it was on was a perfect compliment, both texture wise and flavor wise. The tortilla was a unique touch and the sweet potatoes were salty and divine. the Pork gets a B-. It was good....but that's kind of all. Not seasoned enough for my liking, although it was cooked perfectly (still veryyy juicy). The enchilada was good, but nothing you couldn't find at your run of the mill mexican cantina. So...my overall suggestion would be to get the lamb if you're there for 5280 week. It is so good. Now, besides the food--service was great. Friendly, unobtrusive, and didn't mess anything up! Yay!
(3)Garrett H.
Excellent restaurant! If you are tired of the usual Mexican food - try Lola! The seafood is amazing. The guacamole appetizer made table-side is awesome. Some of the best servers in town. A great place to take out of town guests. They do have live music some nights so you might want to check the website first. The noise level tends to be very high - to the point that conversations are difficult.
(4)Brianne C.
I have eaten here several times and the food was wonderful each time. I have had the Carnitas Benedict for brunch and they were so good I crave them from time to time. Their adult beverages are super tasty as well. The guacamole is some of the best I have had. Their mexican food is not run of the mill. They add their little twist to it to make it uniquely their own, therefore, can only be had at LOLA! The waitstaff is attentive and helpful.
(4)Monica L.
I tried Lola for the first time tonight. I can't believe I've never been there. The atmosphere is festive and the food is great. I thought the chips and house salsa were very good even if the chips did need more salt (an easy problem to solve). The roasted corn soup was outrageous -- one of the best dishes in Denver I think. The sweet potato and chorizo hash with fried oysters, grilled shrimp, pork belly and a fried egg was very good, but not as good as the soup. Next time I'd just have chips and salsa and then a swimming pool size bowl of the soup.
(4)Erin N.
Ahh Lola my dear neighborhood darling, I love you but I can only give you 4 stars this time. I'm a tough broad to please though in your defense. Brought the Moms & her gentleman there against my better judgment, as their tastes diverge significantly from mine - but they insisted. We had the Cesar for a start. The lettuce the Cesar was made with was very high-quality. The Texans had the pork chop (naturally), I had the sea bass. Slight peeve about the menu - it's getting old to me. Anyhoo....Sea bass....oh how I wanted to taste some semblance of the habanero-grapefruit broth but yet, there was nothing. It was a tasty broth but didn't live up to it's descriptor. What truly disappointed me though were the sweet potato dumplings which tasted like they had been made days ago and then overcooked in some way shape or form tonight. And dammit I love all dumplings and gnocchi, etc., but these - would barely have been edible if it hadn't been for the "habanero" broth to let them sit in. For a long time. In contrast, the Texans loved the pork chop. I was a little surprised to see the onion ring on the plate at Lola but hey whatever they loved it. The service was very good. Although whatever red the waitress recommended was not so good. As a side note, I am a big fan of the brunch!!
(4)Heather W.
The hubs and I were in Denver visiting close friends and we all decided to give this place a try. My friends hadn't been there yet, but had heard great things. Besides the yummy drinks and the ambiance, the rest of the experience was just, eh. My biggest issue was the "chorizo". Perhaps I am spoiled by having a Portuguese husband, and being able to enjoy authentic chorizo all of the time. But this stuff was just gross. It was like ground beef infused with Tabsco sauce. I seriously just dry-heaved a little bit remembering it. But like I said, the ambiance was nice and the drink selection was great. The service was also stellar.
(3)Sandy V.
Lola's was GREAT all around. Lovely neighborhood, went on a saturday afternoon for brunch - cute little farmers market going on outside. Deliciously tasty margaritas, amazing food (um, biscuits and gravy, YES) and prices were great (from a New Yorkers perspective) - service was 5 star as well. Say yes to guac!
(5)Shelli N.
Friendly and lively. While the entree prices seemed a little overpriced, the guacamole was great, the margaritas were delicious, and the service was prompt and pleasant. My server was very accommodating with my food allergies and really took good care of me on that front, which I can say is definitely not my experience everywhere!
(4)Alissa S.
Location is a big part of why I love this place. It's hard to think of anywhere else I'd like to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon during a warm spring day. Nested in Potter Highlands, Lola has a wonderful view of the downtown Denver backdrop from it's cozy patio area. Sunday brunch offers $4 Mimosas, a Bloody Mary bar and some of the classiest chicken and waffles I've ever eaten. The live music is also a nice touch (usually jazz and salsa inspired). If you come by later in the day, you can order some table side guacamole that's the bee's knees. One thing I would not recommend at Lola is anything involving a fried oyster (not that I would ever recommend eating oysters in a land locked state). Otherwise, most things I've tried from the menu (typically brunch) are quite delish.
(4)Lacey M.
I went back to Lola on a Saturday morning with my brunch buddy, because I had heard nothing but great things about their weekend brunch. Now, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite brunch spots in the city (so far). I was expecting a big crowd, so I made reservations. We were seated right away on the patio, as it actually wasn't that busy. We started off with mimosas, of course. I had a hard time deciding because they had 6 different flavors to choose from. My first one was cranberry, and then I had a snazberry mimosa. Both were really good, and at a great price of only $4! I had a couple sips of my friend's grapefruit mimosa, which I am totally getting next time. For my meal, I just had to get the chicken fried steak: with sweet potato rajas, chorizo gravy, sunny side egg. Chicken fried steak is one of my favorite breakfast entrees, and is usually what I order....thus, I've tried it at many places. This was probably the BEST I've ever had. I'm not sure if I'll be able to order it anywhere else again! They use panko bread crumbs, I believe, which makes it super crispy and very unique. The chorizo gravy was a little spicy and very flavorful. They made the sweet potato rajas without onions for me, which I greatly appreciated. It was heaven on a plate! I also had a bite of my friend's dish, the braised pork belly "al pastor" benedicto. Wow. That was really amazing too. The prices are little steap, but the portions are huge, and completely worth it IMO. On the down side, Lola did ruin our plan of brunching it up around town, and going somewhere new every time. We really want toss the plan and go back here next time! Thanks a lot, Lola....really...thanks....(I love you!)
(5)Bryan B.
The margaritas and guacamole was AWESOME!! 5 STARS!!! But....The Seafood enchiladas were dry and hardly any seafood, mostly a plate of beans and rice...for $23.00 there should be more than two enchiladas and maybe put some seafood in side. Just a thought. The Sea Bass was very good...no complaints there. The waitstaff, especially the guacamole guy were very good. After he made the guacamole tableside, he actually came back to check and see how we liked it.
(3)Peter T.
My wife and I wandered in to Lola on a whim a couple nights ago after a 5+ year hiatus (they were still down on Pearl St.) and experienced an unexpectedly wonderful meal. We never actually made it past the Appetizers however the 3 items we ordered were otherworldly. The Guacamole was fresh and flavorful as were the accompanying tortilla chips. The Rock Shrimp Ceviche was an amazing blend of fresh tender shrimp, citrus, mint and cilantro. Possibly the best I have ever had. For our final app, we ordered the Clams & Chorizo w/ Manchego. I don't have enough positive adjectives in my vocabulary to describe my feelings about this dish. Words like Transcendent, Sublime, Glorious come to mind. The wife and I nearly battled for the last drop of the broth. The fresh clams are a perfect match for the house made chorizo and the manchego added an almost creaminess to the whole dish. I can't forget to mention the drinks... make sure to enjoy the Prickly Pear Cactus and the Q Coin Margaritas for a delicious departure from the usual sweet & sour preparations. Final thought... I think I'm going back for Happy Hour tonight
(5)Jenna M.
I can't believe I am giving this place 4 stars. If you had asked me in July how I felt about this place, I would have made some snobby remark about LoHi and we would have all rolled our eyes. This place is usually pretty crowded, loud, filled with bros, and overpriced. Also, the ceviche, one of their "specialties," is lackluster. That being said, their brunch is actually really really good. The waitstaff are especially cheerful and attentive in the mornings, the food is tasty (especially the guac and the waffles), and the crowd is a bit more manageable. If you weren't able to get reservations at Root Down, but you still wanted to go out in the highlands, check out Lola's brunch, you'll be impressed!
(4)Sasha V.
When I think Mexican-American I think grease, cheese, burritos and dirt cheap beer. THis is upscale with a Mexican twist. The guac is made right in front of you, and is delicious. The portions are a perfect size, not overwhelming... except that sea food soup dish (caldo de marisco)... its HUge.... but So good! A few of their main courses did not impress me as much, I almost feel like its win or loose, so i just stick to my favorites.... like the potato soup.. which has disappeared! Bring it back, people! Also, the happy hour menu is pretty great - tacos, ceviche, salsa YUM! The Sangria is only mediocre, its kind of watery, but definitely try some of their other specialty drinks - q coin, margaritas, etc. Lots of tequila to choose from! The view is amazing, patio is warm even when its cold! Come! Pick something you love and stick to it:)
(3)Torsten V.
Every dish is very carefully composed, with a very high degree of creativity. Other than Coyote Cafe and Cantina in Santa Fe, I cannot think of a more special nouveau Mexican place. Also, the drinks are excellent.
(5)Sabrina G.
We went here for 5280 and it was so delicious! I went in a group of 4 so I got to try almost all of the dishes on the menu. As usual, my palate was more than pleased. The variety of spices and flavors were amazing. One of my favorite drinks there is the jalapeno margarita = delicious!
(4)Erin B.
Usually I scoff at the idea of "upscale" Mexican food. I mean, come on. No matter how you dress it up, it's still Mexican food - the quintessential casual restaurant fare. But I have to take it all back after going to Lola. Perched on Boulder St., just steps away from Olinger's Mortuary (the building Lola is in actually used to be a part of the Mortuary - slightly creepy), Lola's patio offers great views of downtown. (Sidenote: the patio fills up quickly, get there early.) The food is splendid. Flavorful and presented nicely. You want guacamole? It's made fresh at your table - and you can dictate how mild or hot you want it. The drinks? Wonderful. My favorite is their coin style margarita, and in my opinion theirs is the best in Denver, with Billy's Inn coming in second. Their mimosas at brunch are delicious and brunch itself is mouthwatering. Really, the best things Lola does are fish and pork. Their escolar is heavenly - melts in your mouth. Also, their version of Ciopinno - Caldo de Mariscos - is a triumph. And whenever they have pork belly, do not pass it up. So, why didn't I give Lola 5-stars? The service. While for the most part the staff is friendly, it tends to be slow. Not sure if it's a kitchen thing or a waiter thing, but things move a little slow at Lola. But if you are cool with that, more power to you!
(4)Steven G.
Well, kinda bummed...I loved Lola (cue the quartet) when it first opened over on Pearl...man, how long ago was that? This location is great, but alas...this place is now relegated to a place where from here on-out I will only have a drink...or the fantastic guacamole. I gave it three tries for brunch...first time (last year) it was very good...second and third times (in the past 4 months)...VERY marginal. However, today's experience was just plain bad. S**t service..as-in this gal (name started with a K and ended with an e) could not have cared less that we were there...much less sat there while table around us were getting their entrees (like 20 mins!) and when I said I didn't care for my dish, she said "Yeah, ever since the new menu a lot of things have changed (making a not-pleasant face)"...well, yeah, it all tastes the same...and my "Lola Quevos" was just bad...cold...hard tortillas with a mush of eggs and a boring green-ish sauce...it was really no-way-in-the-world worth $13...plus I added 2 fried oysters (add another $5)...which were SUPER fishy gel slime grossness (technical term). Didn't take it off the tab...just shrugged and was like "Yeah, kinda sucks" attitude. I didn't eat the thing...really? Amazing. Anyway - again, great space, great location...but I will never eat there again. Who knows...maybe like so many places around town...once they get to a certain "coolness quotient"...then it's all over. Dunno. Wonderful guac (how tough is that?)...good bar...good outdoor area.
(2)Betty S.
The food was amazing - authentic and delicious, reasonably priced and it didn't hurt that they had an excellent cocktail menu that didn't solely consist of margaritas. Great atmosphere, service, food and drink. Can't ask for more!
(4)Lovemydog B.
I like it here- I do. Food is good and so is the service! Fun place to hang out..... just a note- if the bar tenders are going to poke fun at you for ordering the house Cab then you shouldn't have one, it kinda makes the customer feel like ...well you know I will say the day after I posted this- I was contacted by a manger and the problem was taken care of. Nice work Lola!
(4)Alley C.
Great for happy hour. Outdoor patio, & great view. Other than that I don't go for any reason. The food is ok, but not great. Happy hour is a good time.
(4)Kenny N.
Happy Hour all Monday night is a special treat indeed. I enjoyed a fish taco, chicken taco, sweet potato & yuca bocadillos, and guero poppers. They have a great happy hour and bar menu. They have an excellent flavors throughout their menu selections. I particular enjoyed the slaw in the tacos and how the cotija cheese took the edge of some of the spiciness. The yuca flavor comes through nicely in the bocadillos. Smothered in red sauce, it allows extra mopping up with other appetizers. The guero poppers were simply hiccup inducing, but in a good way. I want to go back if only to sample their tequilas and mezcals.
(4)Pepper P.
I Love Lola. Bartenders are bright, efficient and fun... They have a large happy hour menu with small plates, and regular entrees for hungry folk. Their Mexican fare is amazing and fresh. Not nasty cheesy, greasy ho-hum. This has been a fav of mine for many years now.... Order a Mojoto with Malibu rum. Wow.
(4)Mariel R.
The girls and I headed to Lola's for a Saturday night ladies night and I was pleasantly surprised. I had passed this spot while power walking a few times and was interested to try it out, and this weekend I finally had the chance! Highlights: (1) Table-side guac. We not only was our medium-spiced guacamole amazing, I could not stop reaching for the homemade (and still hot!!) tortilla chips. (2) Amazing margaritas that taste fresh-- not like the pre-made, extra sugary, bottled mix. (3) Corn/squash/goat cheese stuffed poblano was amazing. I could not stop picking at it until my plate was clean! (4) Weird, yet cool bathrooms. Sea glass doors and Villeroy and Boch sinks. Nice touch. Would definitely return again, especially when it is warm out, to sit on the outdoor patio while overlooking the gorgeous Denver skyline.
(4)Sarah H.
Great happy hour! Drinks are yummy and well priced during happy hour. Food was decent, table side guacamole is good but I recommend going with more flavor than normal, our first round was a little bland. Atmosphere is awesome, love the patio, and chicklets gum instead of mint's... sold!!
(4)Dale H.
Great food, prices are much steeper than originally thought. Very busy place, great atmosphere, and the staff are very attentive. I wanted an entree, but the Carne Asada would have cost me $26. We went with all happy hour items. The nachos were great!
(4)Ryan C.
We went there for brunch on Sunday and it was excellent. Their menu has changed since the last visit, and everything sounds great. Started with a very good Bloody Mary that included a buffet of food on a stick - shrimp, pickle, olive, asparagus, pepperocini, and sopresatta. Also got the salsa sampler. Each one had nice flavor - I think the chipotle one was my favorite. The apple/green chile salsa was also very tasty I had The Bowl - grits with pork belly and crawfish. Absolutely delicious. My gal had the special - Rock Shrimp Chilaquiles with goat cheese and pickled onions. It was outstanding. Better than any Chilaquiles I've had in Mexico. I was never really impressed with Lola at the old Pearl Street location, but since they've moved, it seems to get better and better.
(5)Keith N.
Go Fish! I moved here last year from the east coast. I assumed that I would be giving up some of the tasty sea creatures I'd grown accustomed to enjoying living next to an ocean. Over the past year I've found that fresh seafood is not that elusive in Colorado. A perfect example of that is Lola. I've had some of the best fish dishes I've ever eaten here. I highly recommend the mahi with molé sauce if it's on the menu. I've been to Lola probably a half dozen times. It's a great place to take a date. The outdoor patio has a great view of Denver and the seating outside is unreserved. If you plan on dining during peak weekend hours, I highly recommend getting a reservation. This is a popular place... for good reason.
(4)Laura O.
Why have I not reviewed this yet? It's one of my neighborhood joints and I find myself meeting people here all the time. First, expect to drop some cash when you are here. My friend and I dropped $65 at happy hour (before tip) over this past weekend. Yowza! But what we got was pretty good even if it wasn't true HH pricing. Margarita, Cucumber lemonades, Sangria and a few apps. The guacamole is really good, and for $8 it better be. My standout though were the pork nachos with goat cheese. Who would've thought to put goat cheese on nachos? I don't know, but thank you! My friend really loved her shrimp taco, $2 for one which seems more appropriate for HH. I keep coming back here and that says something but I always have to brace myself....for the check.
(4)Stephanie B.
Lola is one of my favorite restaurants. Since I started going here years ago, I have never had a bad meal. The recipes change with the seasons, but table-side guacamole is always on tap and always a treat. Lola is also an undiscovered gem for brunch. Affordable and tasty, Lola provides excellent breakfast options chilequiles or breakfast tacos along with favorites such as chicken fried steak and buffalo chimichangas. My husband and I also held our rehearsal dinner here not too long ago and were extremely impressed with their handling of groups in Belola (downstairs). We were able to designate what types of drinks we wanted to pay for and what we didn't, their infamous guacamole was served on all that tables and then we served carnitas and mahi-mahi for the taco bar. They kindly offered veggies for our vegetarian friends. And to end the night, they served killer cupcakes that rivaled some of the cupcake specialties shops that have popped up around Denver. Lola is also great for weekend patio time. I'm a fan of their silver coin margaritas, but they also have a nice "Bloody Maria"-- a spicy tomato mix served with tequila instead of vodka.
(5)Sheila C.
Lolas is MY favorite restaurant in Denver. I've been there a dozen times - and that is saying a lot considering I live on the south side of town. This is how my evening generally goes: 1.Arrive early - order house margarita and guacamole 2.Seated with friends - order guacamole again pretending we didn't just eat it at the bar. 3.Order a new entre (considering they change their menu often) We rarely make it too desert as we eat way too much guacamole - but it is TOTALLY worth it! I've had few bad experiences with Lolas (and those I did have were due to my company, not the restaurant). This is some of the best Mexican food you can find!
(5)Billy B.
Great brunch menu, reasonably priced and delicious bloody marys, comfortable bar seating and service that is professional yet relaxed and friendly. Love this place.
(5)Jocelyn G.
Way over-rated yelpers! Made a dinner reservation for 7 to celebrate hubby's b-day. Excited at first encounter because the atmosphere was nice. All the party was there at 8, but they didn't have a table for us until 8:45. Manager did provide us with some gauc and queso dip, so we thought the night was still salvagable... We are seated, enjoying the chips and salsa. My friend drops salsa on the menu, the waiter responds with, "that's why I brought you the plate"...kinda rude. Meal was so-so. I got the chicken mole, not what I was expecting, but since I was full on chips and gauc I was okay with it. Hubby's fish was too greasy. Not the quality you would expect for the price. Asked if they would do something special for hubby's birthday, and they brought out this delish cholocate cake. Bill arrives and we notice that they charged us for the dessert. Disappointing... The manager we saw in the beginning, yeah, didn't see him the rest of the night. Would have been nice if he would have checked in on us to see how the meal was going. Overall, over-hyped!
(2)Stephanie L.
I officially have a new favorite Mexican spot. This place is amazing! Started off with the scallop cakes, they were like heaven on earth. I've never had anything like it before and I can't imagine I won't order this on EVERY visit. Main course was the vegetable tostada, equally amazing. The mix of veggies and perfect seasoning topped off with goat cheese (my number one love) was everything a vegetarian could want. We finished it off with some sort of apple pastry dessert (don't remember the name) that melted it my mouth. Down it all with a couple glasses of sangria= a wonderful dining experience! Lola, you will see me again. Soon. Not soon enough!
(5)Brent R.
The whole experience at Lola is handily miles above the rest. Thus, it should be known as Colorado's 54th fourteener. Once you scale the somewhat steep prices for mains, soak up some fantastic tequila (or margaritas) with your tableside-prepared guac and feel good about being in Denver.
(4)Matthew C.
GREAT, nontraditional Mexican-style cuisine. FOOD: Lola classifies itself as "coastal Mexican" cuisine, which didn't mean a thing to me, but it's exactly right. Dishes feature lots of seafood, and not the traditional tacos/enchiladas that one might expect from a Mexican restaurant. We had two appetizers: guacamole (made table-side) and empanadas-- both were very good. Everyone enjoyed their dishes. I had theCaldo de Mariscos, which contained shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, scallops in a magnificent tequilla broth... and the dish was superb. I can't recall what the others in our party had, and honestly, I really don't care. I know they all enjoyed their dishes, but I loved mine, and wish I could return to Denver to try it again. SERVICE: The service was friendly, competent, and helpful. They routinely checked on our table without being overbearing. ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere at LoLa isn't anything special. It's casual, but featured a lot of after-business folks. LoLa's is rather loud. SUMMARY: The food at LoLa will blow you away, which is good because the service and atmosphere, while adequate, aren't anything special. Honestly, the next time I'm in Denver, it's the #1 spot on my list.
(4)Aja M.
I'm not a drinker, but happy hour fare is delicious. I got healthy servings of chips, salsa,guac, goat cheese dip,chic tacos (plus rice and beans) for around $20. Food tasted amazing!
(5)Nicole F.
Home away from home! I don't have to say much other than that! I LOVE THIS PLACE IT IS MY FAVORITE PLACE IN DENVER! I pretty much end up here at the end of every night when I've decided to try something or someplace new and it doesn't work out... me and the friends always default to Lola's. The food is the BEST not a bad meal on the menu, don't even get me started on the guacamole oh and the drinks are heavenly. I've spent fourth of July here, New Year's, Valentine's day etc etc...The view of the city is awesome and it's just a bicycle ride away. ps does anyone know who the cute tall dark haired bartender is I keep seeing here :) kind of a Josh Jackson boy next store look alike...
(5)Melissa B.
The guacamole is good but that's about it. I tried the salsa and thought they were lame. They were the not good hot, watery, or nasty. The drinks were watered down and the dishes I've tried were wanting.
(2)Jennifer L.
Pretty much my favorite place to be on a Sunday morning. Delicious food, great view (minus the stupid new apartments being built) AMAZING service, and powerful drinks. I always leave happy.
(4)Lauren S.
Simply delicious! My coworker insisted I try their brunch, and I'm glad I listened. The restaurant has a very cool vibe to it that was both trendy and comfortable. I ordered the shrimp & grits benedict and nearly died at how good it tasted -- gorgeous flavor and texture. I initially thought the portions were a bit small for the price, but it completely filled me up. My brunch companions had the chicken fried steak and lola huevos, both of which were very yummy when snuck of their plates, as were the mimosas. I do think the service was a little slow (they were busy), but our waitress was very friendly. I look forward to stopping there for happy hour sometime soon in the future.
(4)D S.
My mom was in town last weekend and I thought it would be fun to take her someplace I hadn't been to yet, in a cool part of town. The patio was open even though the temp outside was dropping quickly. To be seated sooner, we agreed to sit outside since they turned on the heaters and put down a couple of the side flaps. I guess the temp got down to 40 degrees and we were freezing! We asked repeatedly to turn the heaters up but the waiter and busboy kept forgetting or couldn't do it. When the food came out it instantly became cold. Let me tell you, the caldo de mariscos would have been delicious if it hadn't gotten cold right away. The waiter forgot to bring be a cracker for the crab legs so those sat there getting cold as well. Since we were clearly uncomfortable, it would have been nice to be offered some hot tea or coffee, or even a round of drinks. Terrible service and mediocre food. I would only return here on a nice hot day, and maybe have some sangria. Otherwise, skip it.
(2)Bre P.
The food and drinks are overpriced. Its just an upscale mexican restaurant in a good location, which means they can charge alot. The service is okay. I like the patio!
(3)Frankie C.
Dear Lola, You have the best view in the city, by far the best guac, margaritas, mojitos, sangria - ermm, I am not an alcoholic. Just a fan of fun Happy Hour summer days on the patio with friends. Your food is pretty good too, but I can't remember much after all those silver coin margaritas, orralay. High-five on your Tequila selection. Hostess(es) and staff haven't always been friendly. Maybe it's time for them to go back to school? They stress out too much when there's a "crowd" of 4 waiting at the front entrance. Summer is just about over, but that's cool. Your cozy atmosphere is pretty relaxing during the fall and winter months. I'll be back. Thanks for a memorable summer. (great 80 degree weather ahead, so don't know what I'm talking about - I'll see you next week!) ~Fan of the Silver Coin.
(5)Diana L.
Diablitas! Pineapple and jalapeño agua fresca with te-kills-ya? Oh man, loved the spice with the refreshing taste of the pineapple. I mean, who would have thought?
(4)Em H.
This review is for Lola's BRUNCH. It was awesome! We went for a friend's birthday. Our server was great--very accommodating and responsive to our large group. The mexican mimosas were delicious and unique. The spicy bloody marys were good, too! (There are also non-spicy ones, and a bloody mary bar available on Sundays only). I had the smothered shrimp taco. It was EXCELLENT. Very flavorful and the perfect amount of food. I also tried the chicken and waffles. Not the best I've ever had (I did live in TX after all), but really good. Great chips and salsa and guac. As noted by others, there are also cool (and clean!) bathrooms--each an individual glass enclosure with its own sink. We had such a good time, the food was good, service was good, and atmosphere was fun and inviting. I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(4)Sophie C.
I have been here numerous times for dinner, dessert, and happy hour. My friends and I have always been pleased with the food and drinks. The service ranges from above average to excellent depending on how busy it is. The ambiance is chill. It can get really crowded on the weekends. We will keep returning.
(5)Matthew D.
Definitly need to come back here for brunch. Some of the best guac i've ever had, very nice location as well.
(4)rebecca b.
Update: The chiclet bowl has returned! Huzzah! Also, our waiter this week was very helpful in describing and recommending menu items.... Allegedly, the menu changes every 12 weeks and is due for a change next week, so fingers crossed for a fried oyster tostada to make a reappearance!
(4)Hans O.
I really like this place for their drinks, not so much for their food nor their main restaurant servers including the hosts; Back in the bar it's a completely different game, happy people, people socializing and having fun. Their patio is very cozy and warm during the winter...
(4)Kate M.
Wow, I have seriously failed as a Yelper recently. I was in Denver several months ago, and spent a night uptown over-indulging. Lola was the first stop of the evening, for cocktails and appetizers. Lola is reknowned for having one of the best views of downtown Denver from its patio. I can attest to the accuracy of this statement - if you are looking for the perfect panoramic view of glorious Denver, please head uptown and visit Lola. Such a spectacular view! Lola is a happening place. It's pretty much always packed, and we were fortunate to snag a table in their chic basement area, since we didn't make reservations for appetizers. Lola has an extensive drink menu, including numerous seasonal offerings. I ordered the Cider House Margarita, which was truly unique. I don't know that it's going to become my go-to drink or anything, but it was one-of-a-kind, and definitely did taste like autumn! My companions ordered the old Lola standby, the Q Coin. We ordered the table-side guacamole, which is wheeled over on a cart and prepared before your very eyes! Not totally a novelty, but when you're super-hungry, it's nice to see your delicious guac made right in front of you. It was excellent, as one would expect. We also ordered a salsa sampler, which had great variety, and was a huge hit. Notably, Lola maintains a staff of knowledgeable servers with lots of personality. This can really make or break a dining experience when all other factors are equal, and this is an area where Lola shines. Also, the decor is nicely done, and the bathrooms are really modern and interesting. It's no small wonder that there is usually a line out the door, and I will certainly be back... maybe in the summer, so I can sit on their 2nd floor patio and enjoy that awesome view!
(5)Britney R.
I've been to Lola twice for brunch. Unfortunately, both times we had the same server, and service was sub par. Had I experienced better service, Lola probably would have gotten a 5-star rating from me. The food was amazing both times. On my first visit, I went for my birthday. My 5 friends and I all picked different dishes so we could sample everything. Each dish was better than the next. However, our drinks arrived well into our meal, and almost all our orders were messed up or forgotten. Not the kind of service you'd expect for a $200 brunch. My most recent visit, we were seated on the patio. We sat down at 1:30. Right away, we noticed that we had the same server, Kerrie. For ten minutes, we watched Kerrie chatting with a co-worker at the outside server station. We hadn't even gotten waters in this time. When Kerrie finally approached us with water, she rudely informed us it was last call for brunch. We had been waiting to be approached for 10-15 minutes! We arrived well before last call. Luckily, we had spent that time perusing the menu, and were ready to order. Otherwise, we'd have been denied, I guess. What I ordered was one of the most delectable dishes I've ever tasted- "Pork and waffle" benedict with braised pork belly, poached egg, and bbq hollandaise all served on top of a waffle? YES, PLEASE! I will definitely be returning for this dish. But, I will request another server's section. Our waters were empty for most of the meal, and our side of bacon was forgotten. In Kerrie's defense, she did get us the bacon when we reminded her about it, and had it taken off the bill. It might sound like I'm being too harsh on our service. I'm a server myself and I am tired of feeling obligated to tip 20% for inferior service. I work really hard for my tips, and make sure that my service standards are above par. My tables have water within 2 minutes at the MOST, no question. I'm sick of servers who don't take their jobs seriously and expect tips to just roll in without any real 'work'. Both times, my party felt like we were an inconvenience to Kerrie. I hope the rest of their servers are up to par, or I fear my next visit may be my last!
(3)Andrea R.
Lola brunch, I love you! I've been here for brunch and dinner on many occasions, and I would say, its never been a miss- ALWAYS a win. We even brought my husband's parents from out of town, and impress them we did. This review truly goes out to their weekend brunch though. I have had the: Lola Huevos- so delicious and rich, served with great soft corn tortillas and smoked goat cheese Shrimp and Grits- almost as good as Lucille's Rockefeller dish, down home delicious! Biscuits and gravy- this is a side option, but its big enough and rich enough for its own meal in my opinion. The biscuit is like none other I've tasted and their chorizo gravy is to die for! Mimosas!- only $4, people. And in all different flavors like mango, peach, grapefruit, orange, etc I've also had a few of their daily specials- you really can't go wrong there either. So yeah, I love it.
(5)Annika v.
I went there for a friends birthday dinner on Cinco De Mayo, as you can imagine the place was a zoo. We had reservations for 7:30 but didn't get seated until 8:30, while we waited we sipped on their A-MAZING margaritas. Once we got seated our table was right by the band, which made conversations impossible. Lola offered us some table side guacamole as an apology for the long wait. It was so delicious that I completely forgot about having to wait an hour for our table. The food was delicious, not what I was expecting. I split the casa salad and a pulled pork/rib dish, both were phenomenal. To top it all of they brought out a generous dessert portion for the birthday girl, and the band even played her a song. All in all the pro's out weighed the con's and I will look forward to my next trip to Lola's.
(4)Jo C.
Happy hour here is unbelievable! Real cheap tacos with a beer. The achiote chicken tacos are awesome!! The margs are tasty as they don't use nasty sweet and sour sauce like every taco shack on federal! Which i would rather lick pavement then eat at any of those! Dinner is ok but very pricey.. Good place to hold celebration parties.
(3)Danielle S.
I was really REALLY saddened by my visit to Lola..I've heard such great things..too bad I didn't get to experience the same.. My husband and I were given a gift certificate for this restaurant, and were very VERY excited to go, the actual restaurant was pretty cool, we sat outside on the patio and I really enjoyed it....BUT.... Went at four to have a couple happy hour drinks before dinner. He started off with the happy coin margarita, and I got the highland julius, later on I got the cranberry-mint fizz....sadly the drinks and our server were the only good thing of the night... We got the guacamole for starters, and it was ok..neat that they make it at your table..but not extremely tasty.For dinner I ordered the tacos..one pork, one sea bass. It came with black beans, rice, and an avocado-tomato salad. The only thing I finished on the plate was the rice. I had one bite of the sea bass taco...and that was it was VERY greasy and had absolutely no flavor (which seemed to be a theme thoughout the whole meal) I had two bites of my pork taco..which was cold, and also had no flavor. My plate pretty much looked the same when I was finished as when I got it...minus the rice! My husband ordered the smothered burrito and the chicken tortilla soup, the burrito had absolutely no flavor, and the soup tasted just like spicy tomato soup..blah. I guess I just expected more (FLAVOR) and for the price...it was def not worth it!! All I can say is...I am extremely glad that we didn't have to pay for the meal..and I don't think we will be returning anytime in the near future.
(1)Kelly F.
Excellent food and service! I come here every year for my birthday; brunch or dinner, and I am still in love with how amazing the food is each time!
(5)heather t.
Dinner was okay, brunch was incredible! I first brought a friend here for dinner. We started with signature drinks that packed a hefty price tag, but were a bit watered down really. The salsa sampler was truly lovely, so much that I ordered this on both my visits. For dinner I had a vegetarian, stuffed chile rellano. This was recommended by my server as a great dish, so I was looking forward to it, but it was nothing to be very excited about. Brunch was a completely different story though. My husband and I sat out on the patio and were able to watch the farmer's market as we ate. He had the most fabulous chicken waffle in a chorizo gravy with a cherry sauce drizzled over the top. I could have eaten this all day - each layer was equally incredible. I had a simple, classic breakfast of chorizo, eggs and cheesey, green chile grits. I had never had grits before, but am now a true fan. We also split some sticky buns that were quite a treat. Although I'd only give dinner 3 stars or so, brunch is something special and definitely earns 4+!
(4)Heather S.
Again, Lola does not disappoint! We came here for dinner/drinks the other night, and really enjoyed the fare! House margaritas are FABULOUS, strong, and not sweet. LOVE. Food was delish. I shared mahi mahi and butternut squash enchiladas with a friend, and my husband had shrimp fajitas. Everything was so tasty! Even our gluten-free, vegetarian, super high maintenance friend was able to dine here, because the wonderful chef created her a special dish of her own! What a lovely, customized touch! She was thrilled to have been able to enjoy all of the yumminess with the rest of us for once. I will be back! Love the margs and the food!
(4)Bobby J.
Meh. I've experienced better kind of sums it up for me..... Let's be honest, the patio is great. I love the LoHi area and loved the view of downtown. As a place to grab a couple cocktails, the coin style margaritas are great choice, Lola is worthy of 4 stars, 5 if the weather is sublime. Stroll around LoHi and take in the architecture, the views of downtown, the melding of old and new. Stop by Lola around happy hour, sit on the patio and enjoy a nice summer's eve with a cocktail or two. However... If it is dinner you are in search of, less expensive and equally tasty options abound. I had the pork tacos. Delicious? Yes. Mind blowing? No. The problem? They were street tacos. 2 of 'em for 8 buckaroos. No sides included. I'm not a large man, nor a glutton, but I had to order up another plate of them to satisfy my appetite. We did order some chips and salsa. Freshly made, but again I've had better. Plus this little appetizer usually free at other mexican restaurants comes at a price as well. Not exorbitant, but annoying to pay for something you would expect for free. The bottom line. The food is rather expensive, the atmosphere is nice, and I would have preferred to have come for a drink rather than a meal.
(2)Laura P.
I love that Lola used to be a mortuary and you can't even tell. Okay I realize that is kind of a morbid start to a restaurant review but that is a fairly unique fact for a restaurant. But seriously the decor is inviting and colorful and fun and not at all spooky. I liked the spicy fish tacos that I got and the fresh to order guacomole made at your table is great. If you fancy a cocktail, I recommend the Lola Dark and Stormy. The prices are a bit higher than I would like but the food is good and the service is as well. If you are looking for an event space the downstairs space it great for a cocktail style event.
(4)Robin B.
One word, AMAZING! Great service and quality food. I have been here several times and each time gets better. The atmosphere is great and if you do not want to be in the loud dinning room they have a basement that is much more quite and secluded. The margaritas are the winner. I had a cucumber margarita that was perfect and everything i expect in a GREAT margarita. Lola is a must!
(4)C R.
The patio should get 5 stars... And, maybe the drinks... I want to like the food -- I really do... But, it simply falls short -- every time. So, come for the deck... Just bring a sandwich!
(2)Kari C.
Amazing food and drinks. Our server Jess was fantastic and very patient with our goofy table. Wish I had known abou the tableside guac....probably would have just eaten that all night. Parking is a pain, but you just have to expect that when you go anywhere in or around the city, especially on the weekends.
(4)Christine O.
I love enchilada anything and anything outside of the normal box. Lola, you had me at sweet potato, goat cheese enchilada. I have had to think hard to remember the mahi that came with it - it was good, but I was all over the enchilada. I will have to go back for that plantain tamale. Tableside guac prep - you will have to be sampled, too. I love Lola's use of various chiles and that you can taste the unique flavor of the chile without wanting to cut your own tongue off. And, while I've never been a fan of flan because of texture, I might have to rethink this after the espresso flan. Service was ok, nothing spectacular. The tequila list is extensive, and the wine list decent.
(4)Col. Hector B.
People, was it hot or what? Going out this past weekend was like shambling around in some cosmic sadist's toaster oven. Lola was our second stop on a six-bar Sunday crawl, and the cool basement ("Belola"...get it?) was sweet relief. I peeled away from the crew to sit at the bar by myself. Jimmy, the bartender, displayed the laid-back expertise and cool affability that is the hallmark of the Big Red F restaurant family (Jax, Zolo, West End Tavern). These people know how to take care of people. And they know their menu. I ordered a shot of Milagro Silver (outstanding) and an Ahi Mexi-Roll. It wasn't a tremendous amount of food for the money; it was more like eating a perfect little idea. The fish and mayo came wrapped in thin jicama with red onion and chips of refrigerator pickles, which left a pleasant lingering burn of habanero. Speaking of lingering burns: the Rockies game was on, and I suddenly remembered that a girl I'd been dating was at the game, and I was convinced she was on a date with someone else. I was not prepared for how much this notion stung. I cringed when the camera swept the crowd, thinking I would see them in the bleachers. Jimmy added another fine suggestion to his already expert guidance on food and drink: maybe I shouldn't watch any more Rockies baseball that night. Like I said, they know their stuff here.
(4)Rene B.
hey, in Denver for a workshop, this is a good bet for happy hour. The bar food was good, drinks were pretty cheap, and great atmosphere even on a Monday. Patio was cool like others said and cool crowd. Good view of downtown, good fish tacos, chicken tacos and chimichangas.
(5)Michael M.
The service was adequate. The drinks were terrible. The food wasn't as good as I had been led to believe.
(2)Ashley B.
Great food! Not you typical Mexican food joint. Definitely more upscale than I am used to when in come to Mexican dinning. Very modern restaurant with a great scene. The food was a little more pricey than I expected based on the $$ rating but it is worth every penny. You pay for what you get and what you get is a flavorful work of art. Would recommend this to any one who is looking to have a night on the town either with friends, family or a romantic evening.
(5)Sandi D.
3 1/2 stars... Not Lola's fault, I dislike Mexican food, I'm not a cilantro or tequila fan, and even with all that still really liked Lola's. Been there 3 times so far. 1 Sunday Brunch, a HH, and 1 dinner. I went online, and knew what I wanted prior to opening the door to this hustle and bustle restaurant. Alas, they were out of the smoked salmon quiche' and settled for the bacon and eggs. I had a minor 'tude, that quickly evaporated with 2 orders of table side guac. One mild, one spicy --both yum. 3 french presses of coffee, the guacs, chicken fried steak, and eggs every which way, made for a terrific time. HH was fun; tried a concoction with made me tipsy Dinner was yum, but not quite me. A whole fish with too many seasonings. But, I still really like the restaurant. There's some places which cries out LIKE ME, and Lolas is one of them
(3)Erin J.
the patio rocks and had a great view of downtown until they started construction across the street. the guac is amazing and i'd reccomend that in a heartbeat. can't beat a good margarita there either. BUT their dinner menu really does suck. i sat there for 20 minutes wondering which thing i *might* like *if* i knew what it was. (and i'm no hillbilly, i get out so love new things) the food was okay, wasn't in love with it at all, then the bill came and i almost fell on the floor. WAY too expensive for mediocre food. some of their staff is rude. not just blah and indifferent, but straight up rude. i've dined there twice with friends and had someone in from my corporate office that wanted to host an event there... just not *great* experiences at all.
(2)nicole k.
multi visit review....sorry if it gets too long. (and this is only about the brunch) So this will be one of the few "no holds barred" five star ratings that I ever give! The only thing I could find wrong with them was that their soap in the bathrooms sucked. Yep...the soap. It was that horrendous acid pink soap from your grade school. ugh the smell of labs.....arrrrgh Besides that....the bathroom was gorgeous!!!! I want my house to look like that! All the stalls are separate from each other with unique "bubble" glass panels surrounding them. They are downstairs where a separate lounge/bar is located that you can rent (I so want to have an occasion that will justify renting it!) The first time we were there I had the stuffed french toast, (which I usually never get because most places use strawberries, which I don't really like when cooked) but in this incarnation they used blueberries! I love blueberries! sold. They had fresh and dried in the execution. the only thing I would change about it next time would be to ask for 1/4 less cream cheese in it. it's a very rich creation....The bacon in the syrup, while sounding slightly disgusting to me, actually played an integral part in keeping the sweetness down and letting other flavors come thru with it's saltiness. My b/f had the special that day....and I must say that I have never had eggs cooked as wonderfully as that! silky....creamy.......ahhhhh! (it only takes a few seconds to kill eggs!) The GM of the place was always on the move....watching and improving! When we told them that this was our first time there....they comped my bloody mary. (I do think this Is one of the first times this has happened in my dining career) The second time we went I had the chicken fried steak and eggs. I love any incarnation of this dish...and they didn't leave me hanging! The breading was thick and crusty, and the eggs were nice and runny without any of that nasty clear goo. savory yummieness to the end My b/f had the pork belly bowl. It was good but it was actually a little sweet which I wasn't expecting....but still damn tasty!\\ So I just looked at the brunch menu online....I don't see the french toast...sigh. not sure if it is gone or that is an old version online. sigh if it is gone. ok, double sigh. I have been craving it the last few weeks. I will have to make this at home otherwise.
(5)Kirsten M.
I don't get it. I know plenty of people who LOVE this place. Totally not my thing. It always seems to be crowded with too-cool hipster types jostling and scrambling to see and be seen. Also - $11 for a margarita is craziness. I'll drink them on my own dang patio thank-you very much.
(2)Sarah R.
I had previously been to Lola a few years back and liked it, but also didn't think it was all that great. I recently went back for a friends birthday dinner and am really glad she picked Lola. Service was great as he was very attentive, but not overwhelming, which I really appreciate. We started with the guacamole, which had made spicy and was awesome! One of the best guacamole's I've had next to my boyfriends. I had the spinach and arugula salad with the bay scallop cake appetizer as my entree and they were soo good! The salad was light and had great flavors. The bay scallop appetizer was awesome. I see no need to try anything else when I return! I don't recall what my friends had, but I do remember that they bothed loved what they got and had empty plates. We also split the chocolate cake with salted caramel and it was quite decadent. I'm so glad I went to Lola again as I will definitely not let a few years pass before I return!
(4)Perry E.
Great location great creative feel to the interior and an excellent view patio; a very lively vibe - so far anyway! If you like Tamayo / Zengo, you'll like this (one step more casual). Excellent for tapas style noshing with great drinks (Marg, mojito, Caiphrinias) and appetizer. Rightly famous for table-side guac. Creative menu - a tad obscure, but nothing has disappointed yet. This neighborhood is up and coming, and this restaurant sets a great anchor tenant . Recommended for couple or groups of friends, but expect it to be noisy and busy (in a good way) - not a quiet date locale and not for the highlands ranch crowd...
(4)Steve C.
Great high end Mexican fare. Sounds crazy but the cucumber margarita is amazingly fantastic. Guacamole is excellent! Monday taco night is also very good.
(5)Lauren K.
Some of the best guacamole I've ever had. Great happy hour!
(3)Dan B.
Lola is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. I do love their patio, but have to say I miss the charm a bit of their original Pearl St. location. Love the Mojitos, Ceviche, Guacamole, and creative Latin inspired seafood dishes. The service is always fantastic as well. All around a great and uniquely Denver spot. Come to think of it, writing this is making me want to go there right now! Oh if only I was in Denver....ok actually maybe they should just open up an outpost here in Chicago...a pipe dream, but nonetheless a great idea in my book.
(5)Peyton L.
After receiving positive comments about Lola, I decided to give it a try. While the ambiance was certainly nice, the service and the food simply didn't deliver. Our waiter literally took a drink order and an entree order. That's it. No checking in - empty wine glasses, dirty plates stacked around the table. Heck, the runners did more work than our server. I'd like to chalk it up to getting a bad server, but at $20+ per entree, I'd expect better. I got the "whole fish" with rice. While the food was "solid" it was less flavorful than I expected. Just okay.
(2)Nono B.
Lola, la la la la la lola......I am a bit torn about what to write. Atmosphere is fan-effing-tastic. Overlooks the city, porch is large and covered, and great decor. Also a great atmosphere downstairs for a large party. The drinks definitely hit the spot and don't break the wallet and the bartenders are stellar. They always take care of the customers and are extremely knowledgable about te-te-tequila. Food is the only thing lacking a bit. It's not that it's bad, but based on all the other factors you would expect it to be stellar, and it's not....BUT- it is still wonderful. The owner of this restaurant owns/runs all of my favorite restaurants in Boulder (Jax/Zolo/Westend/Happy) so I know what he's capable of as far as food goes....I will say order the guac and definitely some of the best crawfish etouffee (sunday brunch) that I've had in a landlocked state :) ......Summary: Drinks (absolutely), Dinner (perhaps), Sunday Brunch (great to take guests or girlfriends anytime)...Overall a fav!!!
(4)Richard P.
[[ visit 2/2 ]] We went to Lola's last week for dessert and had a wonderful experience. We arrived at about 9 pm and the place was still fairly busy. At first the hostess told us that we'd have to sit at the bar since tables were reserved for full dinner guests. Within seconds she glanced at the bar and saw that there weren't enough seats for the 4 of us and offered to get us a table. I do enjoy the dcor, which as others have said is hip and I'd add coastal South American. Our waitress was prompt and attentive. We quizzed her on after dinner drinks and she asked about the desserts we were considering. Two of use ordered the mud cake with nice quality dark fudge sauce that clung well to the scoop of coffee-kahlua gelato sat on top of a dense chocolate cake. The cake was great, but almost too much chocolate to handle in one sitting. Overall the size of the dessert was just right, with only a small block of the cake left on the plate. Someone else in the group got the recommended key lime torte with berry sauce and a mojito sorbet. I only tried the sorbet, which was very nice. Tart and sweet with the typical cocktail flavor. The decaf French press was nice too. When the waitress heard that the plunger had come loose from the screen and that I had to use my fork to press the coffee, she quickly asked if she could bring another whole pot. Not needed I said. All in all it was a very pleasant experience. Of course it didn't hurt that our dinner that night was an hour earlier at Domo - we were in a good mood. That review coming soon.
(4)Maureen F.
Great for happy hour and they have yummy gaucamole and chips. I recall them have a great lunch menu as well, when I was here a few years ago. They have a really nice ladies room, always a plus when you have had a few too many drinks.
(4)Londell J.
We've only been there for brunch and both times it was great!!! Service was a little slow, but the food was magnificent!!!
(3)Courtney H.
You know I used to go to Lola a lot. Strawberry Margs - Happy Hour Guac - Great bartenders etc. Now there are NO Strawberry Margs offered at all and for some reason the bartenders there have major attitude. I have always been a fan of this restaurant but now I only go there if friends are already there. Great atmosphere and the Hash is excellent but I prefer my bartenders to at least be nice and engaging instead of acting like a bunch of stuck up idiots.
(2)Stacey A.
Oh. My. Goodness! FIrst order of business....order one (two, three...) of their bloody marys. Best bloody mary EVER! Lola's was another place my girlfriend took me to while I was visiting her Denver and it was SO good. After the bloody mary's we ordered the fresh guacamole that is made right at table side, beautifully plated (see the associated pix of others). We ordered the special which was a fancy grilled cheese with carmalized onlons and the tomatoe soup and I thought we had the lola huevos, but now I'm not sure looking at it on the menu, it may have been another special. The food was all rich in flavor and super filling. It was snowing out so the food was warming and comforting. The tomatoe soup was a little "hot" for me and I forgot that I've recently had a reaction to Cayenne which is one of the ingredients so my lips were a bit bothered, but flavor was delish. The decor is super cool, especially downstairs which when it's open features another bar, lounge and the coolest bathrooms ever seen! The only complaint that I had was there was live music that kicked in later in the afternoon and it was a bit loud and hard to hear each other talk which then led to us having to yell at each other so that we could hear and ultimately led to us leaving and headed to Starbucks where we could continue to chit chat over coffee. It's a great place and the food was good - and apparently the whole menu is killer since many of the items were 86'd! Check it out for some ultimate Mexican food! And...a reminder....BLOODY MARY!
(4)Rob A.
I went with some friends for a birthday thing. So we had a big group which is always hard to deal with. We enjoyed some great food and drink but what set the evening off was what happened next. When we got the bill, you know how it is when you have a few mojitos and a lot of people working on paying a bill. So maybe we were wrong but somehow the money thing became an issue. I wound up paying 4x the amount I owed and so did my dining partner. The server kept coming back saying the tab was short. Some of our group swear we had more than enough to pay plus more than a 20% tip (these are the non drinking ones who can do math) Well all I know is that I've paid for 4 meals, plus tax and tip x 4. The next day, one of the non drinking math doers called and explained the situation to Chris who handled it beautifully. He obviously has a lot of affection for the restaurant and knows how to handle a somewhat disgruntled group of people. So it was kind of an aggravating situation at the time but it's all better now and the food is very high quality. Just make sure you have a designated driver and a designated bill payer
(4)Michael B.
Lola is great but it moved about 8 months ago to 1575 Boulder St Denver, CO 80211 . Not sure if that was a morgue or the original place was a morgue so not sure what location Shiho is talking about.
(4)Cari G.
Excellent silver margaritas. I've been trying to copy their margarita since. It's not sweet, yet it's good! The food is unique and fun, too. Their cerviche is one of the best and the curb side guacamole is a nice treat, too. Try their hayote squash cakes. It has fennel-apple slaw, green chile, & fig jam. Yum!
(4)Paul L.
A friend of mine gets regular gigs at Lola during the summer (Jazz). It is a great place to relax on a Sunday while putting down good tacos and mojitos. I have also been to Lola for dinner a few times. I like the food, the energy, the staff, everything. I am afraid that the Highland Bridge lofts killed Lola's patio view, but I haven't checked lately. Lastly, my friend called Lola a cougar bar, but no hot cougars have tried to attack me...sadly.
(4)Philip M.
Whether you are a resident of Denver or a tourist, you MUST make a stop and visit Lola! The food is unique and different. I love how they made the food work! I love their spicy food, guacamole and salsa. The environment or ambience is at the most excellent with artistic, modern with a rustic and mexican feel. The only downside is the price. Be prepared to pay more or less than 35 bucks for a good time with drinks, food and dessert!
(4)Justin B.
Well here is the deal on Lola it's a cool place with great looking women but it's very expensive and the table side Guac is nothing compared to what they make at (Las Brias on Arapahoe and Clinton) Some of the food is just plain weird. Lobster mash? yeah it's strange for sure. There is only a couple of dishes that are worth the price. Happy hour is nice! The bloodies with Tequila are pretty cool. They have a giant screen in the basement which is great for watching games. The patio is great for lounging. Overall 3 stars mostly because of price
(3)Rhasaan F.
Good restaurant, will always do well. expensive for mexican food although it is in a casual fine dinning establishment. Great tequllia selection, also creative entrees.
(4)Sarah T.
Ok, this place has $3 mimosas....THREE DOLLARS folks!! Sure, they're not gigantic but they're about typical in size. You can catch a nice buzz for under $12 with a few of these babies! We came here for Sunday brunch before catching our flight back to tha LBC and I can honestly tell you that this is the ONLY place in Denver where I *truly* felt at home. This restaurant is located in some funky/artsy/industrial neighborhood so the atmosphere was dope and the people didn't look at me weird when I walked in the door. The decor pretty much looked like a combo of Alex's Bar ( alexsbar.com ) and the Long Beach Museum of Latin American Art. ( molaa.com ) This place even went the extra mile and sound-proofed their ceilings so you wouldn't get bombarded with everyone else's convos!! (they get an A+ for that!!) The food was wicked awesome! (sorry, I was hangin' with some New Jersians this wknd!) We started with the fresh guacamole, which was prepared table-side for us, and it was mmm-mmm good! For my entree I chose the 'Pignon Cristo'--a take on a Monte Cristo sammich. It was basically lighted grilled french toast w/strawberry & vanilla cream cheese inside, topped with pineapple syrup..also served with applewood smoked bacon. Um, seriously, this was ta-die-for! I am a HUGE fan of having a 'sweet' breakfast (pun intended) and this totally hit the spot! Their service was amazing and we even got to speak to the owner, who was crazy cool. I'm definitely going back the next time I'm in Denver!!
(5)Aimee V.
The food is great, the crowd is a little too.....too. Know what I mean? I mean, if I wanted Cherry Creek, I'd go there. You can signficantly cut down on the too-ness and the cost by going for lunch on a weekend. Much less frantic, still yummy, inventive, and fun. They do have a kid's menu, but seriously, go at lunch. The atmosphere at night is guaranteed to wind those youngsters up like maniacal little tops.
(5)Hoku A.
OMG! Returned to Lola, August 21 to meet up with the same group from last year! We actually had 2 more friends join us. Started with the guacamole and hummus! Those alone could be my entree. For my main entree I had the stuffed jalapeno pepper with shrimp! Tah die for! The chocolate cake dessert is absolutely a chocohalics dream!! All the desserts were AMAZING! Oh, Coin Q cocktail was simply LOLALIOUS! This is becoming a habit of making this place our annual get-together! I sure don't mind!! We may need a bigger table for more friends!!
(5)Mara P.
Have been to Lola before in the winter and sat downstairs where the bodies used to be prepared for burial. Pretty cool ambiance. Knew I'd want to go back again in the summer. So on a warm Fri nite took my friend here hoping we might get a table on the patio. It was very lively. No such luck, but without a reservation at around 7:30p, we were seated promptly inside. The hostess was very pleasant and our waiter was quick to provide us with menus and the specials. We started with the salsa sampler - 4 types (mild - hot).. The hottest wasn't as hot as I'd hoped but all quite tasty. I had the special seared albacore tuna with mango salsa - it was delicious. My friend had the eggplant, chile rellenos also quite tasty. We washed it all down with a nice bottle of 2007 Rosenblum Zin (the Spanish/Chilean wines were not familiar to me).. We topped the whole thing off by sharing the dulce de leche brownie. It is now my friend's favorite restaurant for the moment.
(4)Katy O.
One of the most consistently fantastic restaurants in town. My husband and I try to eat here at least once every two or three months to see what they have on the new seasonal menu. Try the jalapeno margarita - awesome!
(5)B C.
Lola is the ultimate place to go for brunch, and they also have a great happy hour. It's hard to beat two really tasty chicken tacos and a Tecate for $5. The Dos Equis flows freely from the taps here, and is also a relatively good bargain at $3 a pour. The bartenders are among the best in Denver, so your glass isn't going to run dry here. The guacamole is freshly prepared (tableside if you dine inside or on the patio) according to your taste. A little more garlic, lime, and extra spicy? I'm in. Their patio is amazing during the summertime, and the inside bar has one of the best views of the city. Go for a late brunch on the weekends (they go until 2) and stay for happy hour (starts at 2:30). The crawfish (or shrimp) and grits are incredible. I'm also a big fan of the Lola huevos and the chicken and waffle. Ah, creamy gravy mixed in with sweet cherry sauce...brilliant. The sweet potato hash with chorizo is great to order as a side and split. Sure, you can go with an old standby such as the El Admiral (eggs and bacon), but then you're missing the true essence of what sets Lola apart: creativity in how the dishes are prepared. The chefs at Lola are masters at making unique recipes come alive with flavor.
(5)Jim R.
Good food and atmosphere. Monday is Chicken Taco Night, a good night to go to get your feet wet. Make sure you get a Patron to go with that.
(4)M B.
Lola's is a great idea that has spun out of control. The place is so loud my wife and I were horse the next day just trying to talk. I had the "shell bowl" which was mussels, clams and crab. The crab was pretty near inedible. The mussels were ok but the broth was boring. My wife and friend had the grouper which they said was ok and the 4th had the "trucha" which was trout and she liked it. The guacamole was made at the table and was great. The biggest downer was the noise, which was loud, and service, which was fair mostly because we couldn't hear her. I don't think I'll be back for awhile.
(2)Taryn F.
Awesome vibe, excellent food, and best margs I've had yet in Denver. I've only had the chicken enchiladas, but was very pleased (it's fancy Mexican, though). I really don't go to Lola for food: I go for drunkenness and atmosphere The bathrooms are so rad that I could simply sit and have drinks by the toilet. You can hit happy hour (still a bit pricey, but the sangria is worth it) or head in late. I really appreciate the slightly older and professional crowd versus LoDo frat land. The outdoor seating is perfect for a warm afternoon or night (even during the winter, it seems to work), but my favorite surprise was the downstairs lounge -- I felt recalled back to the funky and hidden downstairs lairs of Brooklyn (Lola in Williamsburg, to be exact) where it's OK to dress with flair. It's also centered around two other excellent second choices if one must relocate: a jazz champagne-ette next door and Forest Room 5 down the block. It's mighty fun to walk back downtown over the I-25 bridge with a buzz and the lights of downtown greeting you like the Emerald City.
(4)Melissa M.
Lola's has an amazing happy and brunch. The atmosphere is quite unique..a great place to meet after work or have a lazy breakfast. Their peaches and cream pancakes are divine as are their fish tacos.
(4)julia n.
Can you go wrong with tableside guac and happy hour almost every night? They even have a special happy hour drink/food menu that has many options! I was full and buzzed by spending about 15 bucks. The crowd was a mix of mid twenties to 40's, most coming straight from work since happy hour only lasts until 6:30. extra kudos to our waiter, who let us order double drinks before happy hour was over! Yey for Denver and its happy hours, you put Chicago to shame!
(5)Max W.
I went here for weekend brunch and left with generally positive, yet not completely resolute feelings. For one, I just don't think that Lola is at its best for brunch. The patio outside was very inviting, however, and the bloody mary made with their chili infused vodka was quite a pleasant pick-me-up. Our table opted out of the table side personally tailored guacamole service but it did look good a few tables down. I ordered the salmon quiche which was served with a nice simple salad of fresh greens that had been coated in olive oil and just lightly warmed along with the tiniest little cubes of roasted potatoes you've ever seen (sucks to be a prep cook there, i guess!). The food was decent. I personally think that it should not be labeled as Mexican and that I need to come back during happy hour to check out the scene, grab some tacos and drinks, and enjoy the great skyline view of downtown another time....
(3)Katie O.
brunch. is. amazing. everything is delicious but you MUST get the tableside guac and bloody mary.
(4)Shiho F.
Fun hip joint but it used to be a morgue.
(4)marie m.
I went to Lola with some friends and had a great time. There was a wait for a table so we headed down to the musty bar (what can I say? There's a funky smell down there) for some pre-dinner cocktails. The drinks were great and the service fast, thanks fast server girl! Up the stairs we went for dinner and more drinks. The food was fabulous. Our party ordered one of the evening's specials- a " fried chicken" dish which in NO way resembled fried chicken (in a good way) and it was TASty!! We also had pretty much every app on the menu and they were all delicious, there's a huarache something that I gobbled up- it was so freakin good. Our server was great, she was absolutely adorable and all of us (girls and guys) were in love- no joke. We ordered some after dinner drinks which the mixologist came over to the table to create- that was pretty cool, enjoyed the presentation as well as the drinks. The busser mistakenly tossed our leftovers but the server brought out full or half orders of our dishes to compensate which was an appreciated gesture. All in all, it was a great evening- good food, good drinks, great friends, I love Lola and look forward to my next visit!
(5)Jeff D.
The best fusion/spanish/mexican food I have had in Denver. Great food, great atmosphere, great guac and amazing Coin Margs!
(5)Lisa C.
3.5 stars actually. We had brunch at lola as a party of 8 on a recent visit to denver. This is a cool space with lots of outdoor seating. Check out the restrooms Be-lola - super cool. Service here was very friendly, but subpar as far as timing and accuracy goes. It took a long while for our server to take our food order and even longer for our food to come out. 2 of us didn't receive our drink orders (which actually worked out for me since I decided I wanted a rita instead of a bloody mary). We ordered two orders of guacamole, one spicy, the other not. Unfortunately, the spicy guac was not spicy at all and we had to add salt to it. Everyone enjoyed their entrees...mine was the lola huevos - yum. B got the steak & eggs, which comes with a chorizo gravy - as delicious and fattening as it sounds - but he felt the steak would have been a lot better if it weren't cut so thick. I'd like to come back here for brunch again, after acclimating to the altitude, so I can try out more tequila drinks and get my own order of chorizo gravy.
(4)Lauren H.
Great food, great atmosphere - people were nice sometimes. I live in the area and frequent the place for their Monday night taco's ($4 each) and weekend specials!! The guacamole is amazing - as well as the Caipirinhia's (a Brazilian specialty drink). They have some 100 tequila's in the house and make amazing margaritas with all home made ingredients.
(4)Carly B.
I would give this restaurant 5 stars for service and decor but 3 stars for the actual food. My husband and I ordered the chips and medium heat salsa as our appetizer. The chips were so salty I was literally brushing the salt off each chip with my napkin. I thought the salsa was bland and flavorless. My husband liked the salsa but agreed the chips were too salty. I ordered the seared ahi tuna with potatoes. Again the tuna was so salty and so were the sauce on the potatoes. I had to cut the seared portion off the ahi to enjoy the raw ahi tuna. My husband ordered the octopus and he said it was good but the dish was too salty. Our server did ask us if everything was ok we did mention to her the food was really salty but we were so hungry we just ate it anyways. Woke up the next morning feeling dehydrated with a slight headache. Maybe from being a mile high or maybe the salty food not sure.
(3)Darcy P.
I've eaten here many times and cannot say enough great things about it!! Always a good ambiance with perfect balance of fun and, I don't know, sophistication? Service is amazing. Chef is amazing. Patrick the manager is amazing. And the food? SO GOOD (also amazing). I've had the pleasure of trying many things and all were delicious!!! I know it's less than helpful not to list whAt I had but just do yourself a favor and go. You won't be disappointed!! (Cliche but true) :)
(5)Leanna C.
I've only been here three or four times for dinner and happy but nothing else. The drinks are strong and tasty, I highly recommend the fuego verde if you like spicy drinks. This one has a little kick but is still manageable. Everyone needs to order two things when coming here, the butternut squash fundido and the table side guacamole. I know what you're thinking, butternut squash fundido but it is so incredibly rich and creamy that you hardly even know that there is butternut squash in there. For happy hour I enjoy the butternut squash nachos, they seem really small when you get the plate but trust me once you start you realize they are never ending. the guacamole is great because the avocados are always ripe and flavorful and they add the perfect amount of ingredients to give you a full body guacamole without over powering the avocado taste. One of my all time favorite things here are the PEI mussels, they also seem relatively small but they are SO worth it and are actually a lot bigger than you think. The broth that these come in is absolutely delicious, you'll want to ask for a spoon to get all of that goodness in there! They have an incredible happy hour deal where you can get two chicken tacos and a tecate beer for only $5. All around this is one of my favorite happy hour and dinner spots in Denver.
(5)Colter H.
Fantastic service, great mixed drinks, flavor-packed dishes. Date of Visit: 7/19/14 Our company had a large client dinner (~30 people) at Lola in late July 2014. We rented out the downstairs (cleverly named "Belola"), and were extremely pleased with the service, ambiance, and food/drink quality. The seated dinner options we chose were: Apps - Housemade Guacamole, Tuna Poke Spoons, Mushroom/Spinach/Goat Cheese Flautas, Carnitas Sliders, and Chile Braised Brisket Sopes. Entrees - Halibut, Pork Shoulder, Smoked Mushroom Enchiladas, Lobster Enchiladas. I can personally attest to all apps, and the Pork Shoulder, which was one of the better pork dishes I've had of late. The guac was as fresh as it gets, and the tuna poke had just the right amount of kick from the chiles. The drink menu had some great draft beers, beer cocktails, and I heard rave reviews on the margaritas. Overall Lola was a hit with the entire party, and I will definitely keep them in mind for future events.
(4)Kathy T.
Bery tasty and excellent service! Great band and atmosphere! The fish tacos were great!
(4)Matt C.
I've been consistently pleased with Lola. Everything they make is creative, but is still recognizable as good ol' Mexican food. (i.e. no wasabi tacos) They do a great job of using fresh ingredients. I enjoy the patio seating, as well as the seating at the bar. They make a pretty mean margarita, and they're not stingy with the chips.
(4)Taj M.
Wow! What an amazing meal. I had the ... the ... I had the fish. I forgot what it's called but it begins with a "c." Ah, here it is: "pan roasted corvina with smoked tomato-chorizo enchiladas, and mulato chile-saffron broth." That was some good stuff. The house made guacamole (table-side) was fresh, but needed more oomph. All those spices on the tray ... more needed to go into the guac. Good avocado, though. The view from the patio is mildly stunning, but we sat inside, where it was nevertheless beautiful. But here's the WTF moment: to head downstairs is to descend into a cloud of funk that is hard to pin down. What is that smell? Is it a sewer line? A grease trap? A cadaver they missed from when the building used to be a mortuary? I don't know, but it's a thoroughly odd and unsettling aroma. It actually smelled a lot better IN the bathroom down there. One star down for that one. WTF? Speaking of bathrooms, these are like in some movie. They're beautiful inside and actually smelled good. Word to the wise: the fried tilapia is the whole fish, sans head, fried in two or three pieces, plus some other stuff. It comes on a huge platter. It might scare you. It might thrill you. Just know that you will definitely hav an opinion when you experience this dish.
(4)Sean C.
Lola is a great place to enjoy nice expensive margaritas, if the soulless trendoid Highlands neighborhood posers don't annoy you too much. Dinner there is very pricey, and just not very good. Everything was very spicy which I like, but the food just disappoints. Believe me at this price-point ($18 - $28 per entree) there are so many better choices in town. And the wine list is extremely weak. So basically eat first and then drop by for some tasty margs and people watching. . Another funny thing is that I was there with a large group on a Wednesday night. The wait staff insisted that they wouldnt seat us until our whole party was there and that they would cancel our reservation if everyone wasnt there within 15 minutes of our reservation time. The restaurant was more than half empty - give me a break.
(1)Kristen J.
We had bruch here and thought the food was awesome. the bloody mary was also good, and service was nice. I had the hash which was so so tastey. There happy hour menu also look great so I will be back to try it sometime
(4)Valerie G.
So I tend to keep visiting a place throughout the year...I'm one of these light-atmosphere-color-sensitive people who needs to be in a place where are these meld together. Whether it's on the patio outside during Spring's Happy Hour, on the top level in the inside during Summer's Brunch, or in the basement where it's warm and comfortable in Winter, it always feels welcoming. All the colors, the atmosphere and light just come together for me no matter when I visit. Even the bathrooms are super cool. I wonder though, what happens if someone gets really drunk and maybe passes out in the stalls?...how does one know?! You'll see what I mean. The music also adds a nice touch, think Gypsy Kings, Lila Downs, Putumayo worldly beats....it's all very groovy. I'm a fan of French pressed coffee which you can get here which impressed me. Literally every dish is great. I've eaten everything on their menu that doesn't contain meat - all the flavors, spices and sauces are a nice combination of traditional Mexican with South American spices and Coloradoan ingredients. The tableside guacamole - okay, everyone raves about...it's overpriced and I want a GIANT bowl of guacamole when I order it...not one avocado per person at the table. It's still good and I'll probably buy it again. TIP: when you say you want it spicy, ask them to leave extra jalapenos at the table...their hot isn't hot to me. I have one criticism, some of the waiters didn't know how to pronounce the items on the menu! For example, our waiter on one occassion kept saying "SOAP" for Sopes! (Sopes are masa patties topped with a choice of fillings (sigh) You pronounce it SOAP-ES) This place is excellent for vegetarians, meat eaters, families and first dates.
(4)Lynette K.
I first went among bad company, but the food won me over. I am a veggie and it made me forget the losers I was with. Best mimosas flavored ranging from peach to mango mimosas and bloody Marys infused with chile vodka or tequila. I went again and loved the food and company. The menu changes, but is great. The food will satisfied your sweet tooth and those who love savory food. I highly recommend this place :). My go to brunch place for sure. The decor is awesome and the guac is made in front of you to your liking.
(4)Noreen K.
The food was great. But I was compelled to write a review because the service was off the charts. My siblings and I were in Denver for a weekend, and went to Lola for brunch Sunday morning. The kitchen was backed up for whatever reason; we did wait quite a while. What made it okay was that the manager himself was hustling all around the dining room, they brought all the tables churros while they waited, and they comped our appetizer and a round of drinks without our saying a single word or even appearing dismayed by the wait. Churros are cheap and an inexpensive way for management to keep a restaurant full of people appeased. Duh. Our appetizer was chips and salsa. Why not go the extra mile? And given we ordered one profitable round of drinks, why not comp the second round? If I lived in Denver, they would have earned my loyalty, and I would dine there time and time again, even after the long wait we had for our food. That is how exceptional service can rescue any mishap.
(5)Travis A.
Overpriced crappy Mexican food. Oh, thanks for the food poisoning too.
(1)David T.
Lola has the best patio in Denver. And the spendy drinks reflect that fact. Elbows on the outside bar, looking into the restaurant or lounging at one of the tables, you can admire the view of downtown Denver as it disappears behind the relentless Potter Highlights condo development. This place has anchored a little bit of Lodo hip across I-25 and entices the downtown crowd across the 16th Street pedestrian bridge and into the neighborhood. My only issue is that, while the food is good, at some point you realize that you are eating a $12 enchilada and you wonder, "Is this really that much better than a sloppy burritto a couple of blocks down at Aztec Sol?" My suggestion -- start with a first date at happy hour. The table side gaucamole, prepared to your specification -- and is oddly humiliating for the poor buser who has to stand there and make it. -- is great. And you can soak up the establishment's groovy decor before deciding on committing for more. Or, if you want to take the plunge, hit the Sunday brunch. When it's sunny, the place will be full. But it's fun and the upscale chow works best as an end-of-weekend treat.
(4)Kristin B.
perfect location, good food, and good service. my favorite thing is the tableside guacamole... definitely get it! i am not a huge fan of the menu. normally i can find a lot to eat on any menu, and there weren't a lot of items that i was attracted to. the last couple times i've been there i've ordred the pork tacos, which were good. hopefully next time i can find something else! it's a little weird that in such a hot location, they aren't booked every night. i can usually get in same-day. maybe other people agree that the food is just so-so.
(4)M. C.
Lola continues to impress. For years they've been consistently extraordinary. You'll always find interesting Nuevo Mexican on their always updated menu. The patio is a great place for a mojito or Modelo. Once, I went there for a dinner with 12 out-of-town friends and everyone, yes everyone was blown away with their meal. Not an easy task on a busy night. Lola is a great place to take a date as well.
(5)Derek F.
Lola is a decent restaurant. They really don't have anything that really stands out from the crowd in my opinion. The tableside guacamole is a highlight though. They charge for everything so chips and salsa are expensive. Our food was good but it took a long time to get and the waitress never asked if we wanted another drink. I had to flag her down and then she didn't check with anyone else at the table. All special requests such as leaving goat cheese off of a salad were ignored and the items either had to be eaten anyway or it had to be remade. The manager was good and took care of the problem and took some of the items off of the bill. The place can get crowded and frankly I think if I'm going to wait somewhere for dinner I'll pick a better place than Lola.
(3)Eric E.
There are four reasons to hit LoLa: 1. Sunday afternoon happy hour-- cheap drinks, two dollar tacos, live music, best view in the city (until the lofts go up across the street) 2. Fresh guac and killer mojitos while sitting on the patio (if you can squeeze in somewhere), and, yes, still the best view in the city 3. The sweet potato soup, which is more like a dessert in its rich decadence 4. Did I mention the view? One of Dave Query's Big Red F restaurants (the two Jaxs, West End Tavern, Zolo Grille, and Centro round out the roster), LoLa is like a high-end Mexican joint with attitude. What I like best about LoLa is how I can show up there with a few friends to start a bad night out, or I can walk over with my young daughter and sample the dessert menu--either way, I never feel out of place.
(4)Craig D.
The cool factor far outweighs the actual cuisine. It's good, but not spectacular, which is what would really put this place out front. Wanna spend $40/head on 2 drinks and a few appetizers? This is your place.
(2)Cathy C.
Really loved the HH vibe and the food/drink selection at Lola. I thoroughly enjoyed my refreshing cucumber drink, tasty taco and chips and salsa selections. K ordered the ahi crudo which was good but very tiny portion. E had a pork taco that she loved. Nice variety of patrons and an interesting crowd. I've also had brunch here and food was just as good. Simply tasty!
(4)Katherine W.
Fun happy hour, but not worth the price? Margaritas, which the waitress added they were "famous for", were only so-so. The Ceviche was good, but did I get a total of....6 mini shrimp on that dish? Not impressed with the happy hour or the prices. Perhaps the dinner experience is different.
(3)Robin W.
Have only been here for brunch but the Shrimp & Grits was great. Nice patio, but no big tables for groups.
(4)Kavitha B.
One of the best brunches I've had. I was in town visiting for the weekend, so I don't know what else Denver has to offer. But if there is brunch better than this in Denver, you are some lucky folks. We had a big group and were able to try pretty much everything on the menu. The food was fantastic, the drinks were great, and our server was helpful and attentive. All around - a great experience.
(4)Jenn T.
Best brunch ever!!! Table side guac is excellent
(5)Christina Z.
Since I'm such a cheapo, it pains me to give only three stars to Lola which has a crazy awesome happy hour. But this review encompasses both Lola's HH and a brunch I had there. First off, the HH menu is great and offers many tasty choices. My favorite is "The Deal," in which you get two chicken tacos with cabbage slaw AND a Tecate for $5. The HH drinks are also muy delicioso and el cheapo. After having a couple of happy hour drinks, the formerly unreasonable $8 guacamole sounded much more reasonable so I ordered it with extra garlic and a medium to hot spice level. The guy brought out the cart (ooo...a show...people seem to love this here, that it's made tableside) and once he was done mashing, he served us the dish. IT SUCKED. It really tasted like there were only avocadoes in there and to make it even have a hint of flavor, we ordered some salsa and mixed it in with the guacamole. This made it less bland, and for $8, it was a big disappointment. I went another time to check out their brunch and got the most popular item on the menu. The Lola Heuvos, I believe. Dang it, Lola, much like the guacamole, it was kinda bland. The fact it came out cold didn't help. It was an okay dish, but I was really excited to try out brunch after hearing the glowing reviews from fellow reviewers, and it just didn't live up. The restaurant has a good ambiance and the outdoor patio is super cute with string lights and a view of Denver. Am I being suckered in by a restaurant's cuteness? Most likely, as I'll probably give Lola another chance for another meal (brunch/dinner??...I'll keep you in the suspense). I will definitely go for their Happy Hour again. Happy Hour = 4-5 stars Brunch/Guac = 2 stars
(3)Tonya F.
Wonderful Happy Hour!! Didn't think we would be able to get a patio seat but we did, right away!! Loved the food and the atmosphere, staff was friendly and had personality. They always checked on us and made sure we didn't run out of water (especially on the recent 95 degree day). I was very impressed at the food presentation. It was very pleasing to the eye and the mouth. Don't forget to order the side table guacamole...it's one of the best places in Colorado for that service. WILL go again!!!
(4)Holly K.
Decent food, ok service, greeter could use some work. All in all, just ok.
(3)Laura L.
Whoa, Lola, I thought I had reviewed you years ago. Shock! Aww! Here's the thing about Lola - it's in a trendy neighborhood with fantastic patio views of the city. Their tequila selection seems second to none, and you can't beat the tableside guac (no matter how many whiners are out there. I know kick-ass guac when I taste it.) What I can say about the entrees and desserts is that overall, they are okay but nothing has really knocked my socks off. That said, Lola is an excellent place for happy hour and their craft cocktails and margs are delicious. The flavor of the jalapeno marg is outstanding. Try it. And while I've never been here for brunch, it's definitely on my list. Oh, and they score points for having impressive glass-walled restrooms. One note about restaurant week: My excitement level for restaurant week is typically pretty low for several reasons: 1) the wait 2) the restrictive menu selection and 3) portion size. While RW is an exciting (and overhyped) reason to experience lots of restaurants you've never tried before, you really should return at a less chaotic time for a better experience. That's my .02 and I'm sticking to it.
(4)Bill E.
It's been years since I've been to LoLa. And, while I find parking in the 16th/Boulder area of LoHi to be kind of a pain, it's worth it to make the journey here. LoLa is basically an upscale form of Mexican cuisine, specifically from the Oaxaca area. Wonderful preparation of tuna, pork, beef - you name it. The guacamole is excellent, too. They have a great tequila selection, which translates into great margs and other mixed drinks. But don't overlook the wine selection. Everything here was good, and our wait person was very knowledgeable, had great energy, and was very prompt. So many good options... must return soon!
(4)Diana D.
Fun for happy hour! They have their own version of a jalapeno margarita. Great place to gather and hang out.
(4)Rob L.
What a GREAT place! It was fun! Service was GREAT! The food was AWESOME! The vibe was VERY cool too. The drinks were even BETTER! I say, Welcome Home!
(4)Beth B.
This is my new favorite place. Must go when John is the bartender! Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays I think. He knows so much about tequila, and his descriptions of the food were spot on. Love it!
(5)Diana M.
I went with my sisters for my 50th bday and had a fantastic time. Great service, vibes, and staff and of course the food. We had a terrific waitress who made us so comfortable.
(5)Stephen R.
I feel like such a softy for handing out two 5-star reviews in the space of just over a week, but damn it this place impressed. Forget that it's a bit pricey or that it's probably not "authentic" Mexican (not that it necessarily claims to be) or that it's a zoo during happy hour and parking will cost you money. This place gets 5 stars for serving up amazing food... as well as having good service and a nice space in which to enjoy your food. The bar is obviously renowned for mixing up some great cocktails, but I'm not fancy cocktail kind of guy. I settled for beer, of which their selection is good. A couple of micro-brews among the standard fare. The draft selection is pretty minimal, but their are a couple of good ones available. I did see the bartenders building impressive looking cocktails which I can only assume were good as people kept ordering them. Okay, now the nitty gritty: Their chips and salsa are excellent. Both extremely fresh in taste. The salsa could stand to be a wee bit spicier, but it should appeal to a broad range of palettes. I ordered the smothered tacos which were inexplicably amazing. Sometimes you just bite into something and the flavor is so perfectly balanced in every way that you're left in complete awe. Such were the smothered tacos. They couldn't even be eaten by hand as they were... well... smothered in a delicious sauce whose name escapes me at the moment. The tacos were accompanied by a jalapeno coleslaw which was equally impressive. I'm normally pretty indifferent to coleslaw- it just doesn't excite. This jalapeno creation was light years beyond regular coleslaw. I was pretty full from the tacos and chips, but I couldn't stop myself from scarfing down the jalapeno coleslaw. If you like food and flavor, you have to check this place out.
(5)Robert G.
I love this place! Fantastic fun atmosphere with outdoor seating, congenial staff. Try the poached egg brisket, so delicious with the lobster pico de gallo. It has a spicy kick to it! My friends tried the burger which was cooked to perfection and incredibly tasty. Check this place out for brunch!
(5)Gina N.
Table-side guac. Enough said. But seriously. Great food, beautiful presentation. Decent staff. (A lot of young-ins over the summer months, but they did ok).
(5)Aimee C.
Made last minute reservations via Open Table, which stated that patio dining wasn't an option. When we arrived, we tried our chances with the host, who graciously gave us a seat on the patio directly in front of the "cold bar." This basically gave our party of three a front row view of the chef work his magic on delicious ceviches, tiraditos, and mariscos. It must have been a combination of our inquisitive looks and the saliva dripping from the crevice of our mouths because the chef generously gave us a sample of the wild sea bass tiradito. Which simply put, is comparable to a sashimi plate. This one in particular was drizzled in olive oil and coated with macadamia nuts for an added textural component. Light and delicious! Next up, our table enjoyed guacamole which was made fresh table-side and garnished with the namesake of the restaurant in chili powder. Can't get any better than guacamole prepared fresh right in front of you! For our entree, we decided to splurge the $28 and order the blue plate special, which was 1/2 lobster served with flour tortillas, beans, and rice for a "build your own taco," interactive experience. The dipping sauce mixed with butter was by far my favorite of the three! And the Tapena Verdejo house white wine paired nicely with the entirely meal. It was the perfect balance, not too dry, and not too sweet. I recommend this to all you white wine lovers! Everything from the impeccably genuine service and relaxed ambience to the flavorful and fresh ingredients was five stars! If you ever find yourself visiting Denver for the first time like me, I highly recommend visiting this spot. Added bonus is that it's nestled within the hip Lower Highland (LoHi) neighborhood.
(5)Jake H.
Tried a little too hard with mediocre delivery. The custom made guacamole that the waitress pushed did not come with the added explanation that we would have to watch the guacamole get made for 10 minutes. Thats great and all, but when you are trying to catch up with old friends it killed some valuable time. We also got 'checked up' on by four different staff. Again, good intentions but it was strange. The 2-star kicker was the menu bait and switch (pun intended). The fish I ordered on the menu advertised 'whole fish' on red rice. Well the WHOLE fish was deep fried in batter w/o mentioning (just like the guancamole thing). Its a huge annoyance for me to eat unwanted (and unexplained) things dipped in grease. Please mark that on yr menu next time. For a place that is trying to exude an upscale demeanor, this basic precision should be expected.
(2)Crystal C.
I've been here a few times for drinks and brunch but I was disappointed with dinner tonight. The Tampiquena was ok simply because of the steak. Wasn't feeling the enchilada or the mole that came with it. We also ordered the Al Pastor and it was mediocre. Very greasy. We were encouraged to order the side of grits and they had NO flavor. Their service is always great though. No gripes there. Maybe it was an off night with the food but with all the Mexican places in Denver, I think I'll go elsewhere next time.
(3)Kristine N.
Pretty cool restaurant with a nice patio. Service is a bit iffy, wasn't exactly the quickest and friendliest. Can't go wrong with the table side guacamole and fried red snapper.
(3)Shea W.
Yep. Yep. Yep. Can you get married here?...or maybe just married to the Tacos here? But for serious. Lola is excellent. (Probably make a reservation, folks. Its busy for good reason) Mondays are Happy Hour all night long. Tacos are really reasonably priced for Happy Hour and margaritas are 5 bucks. There's a deal you gotta try: 5.00 for 2 chicken tacos and a tecate. That's my kind of happy hour special. I HAVE to go back to get the table side guac. Food and a show? Count me in! Beautiful restaurant, lovely patio. I think there might be a rooftop? Not sure about that but if there is I wanna live up there. Tip: finding the bathroom after 2-3 strong margaritas is a little tough. Its down a large dangerous-when-tipsy flight of stairs. Proceed with caution.
(5)Christina G.
Came here for brunch and it was delicious!!! Found a seat on the patio right away. I'm a huge fan of horchata so I got their drink and the pancakes and they were to die for. Portions were huge, took half of it home. The service was quick and on point. We will be back for sure!
(5)Holly M.
I really wanted to try a new place to eat and someone suggested Lola ..I look it up and felt like we had to give it a go...My friend and I made a reservation and drove on over... Parking is a nightmare I will say ...but it's like that everywhere in Denver these days .. The ambiance here at Lola is very fun and upbeat ...Everyone that works here is very friendly and seems happy to be here... We are seated by the kitchen and we start with chips and guacamole ! The guy comes to the table and made it special for us..nice touch guys! I order a salad with swordfish and my friend orders fajitas ..very tasty !! Finally for dessert we get the donuts and ice cream - by far the best part of the night.., Jeff was our waiter and he was super cool.... All in all I had a great time and will come back !! Thank you Lola Give it a try :) Kinda pricey I must say ...but great service !!
(4)Jessica M.
Lola was amazeballs. This was yet another place I'd been dying to "un-bookmark" from my extensive Yelp list, so when the in-laws were in town - we took advantage of trying out a new place. Yay! We were able to secure an OpenTable rezie, and were greeted and seated upon arrival. We forgot to request a patio table, but not to fret - we were seated on the main level near the kitchen. I actually enjoyed watching them at work and thought it was hilarious that every time someone ordered a whole fish - they chanted whole fish! Obviously we started with guacamole - yum! And margaritas - how can you not have margaritas? Both were delightful. I liked the margaritas in particular - not sweet, fresh, and just screamed "summer is here"! I had the caldo verde for dinner - mussels, clams and shrimp in a delightful spicy kind of cilantro broth. My hubby & MIL shared the cold seafood platter, which they said was good, but probably something you could get anywhere. FIL had the seafood enchiladas, and I snagged a bite - yum! We did skip dessert, but they had some Little Man ice cream on the menu, plus your tasty Mexican postres like churros, flan, and some other things that looked delightful, but can't quite remember what they were. Fun fact - these people are owned/operated by the same folks that run Jax. And supposedly they have all day HH on Mondays? Will definitely be back for that!
(4)Steve S.
I'd really, really like to be able to give Lola a more positive review. It's obviously in a great location, with a fun patio, and lively bar atmosphere. That's what the 2 stars are for. Unfortunately, the food has been sub-par the past three times I've gone, and really awful the last time I went about two weeks ago. I ordered steak fajitas - simple and pretty hard to mess up. The meat was about 3/4 gristle, and basically inedible. I returned it, and they offered to make me another portion, but my friend was already halfway done with his food, and so I declined the offer due to time. Instead they comped our guac and chips. At least they made a small gesture to compensate for the food problem. They're always packed, and have lots of great reviews, so maybe my experience was an anomaly, but this was three trips in a row with just "meh" (or worse) food. On the plus side, their drinks taste good and refreshing, especially the margs and palomas.
(2)Emilee D.
I've come here for brunch and it was excellent. Unfortunately, coming here for dinner is a completely different animal. From the drinks to the tab, our server kept getting things wrong or not bringing certain orders at all. At first we were understanding, but then it just got plain annoying. We arrived for our reservation at 7:30pm. Our entrees didn't arrive until a little after 9pm. That's the inept service we received. He forgot our salsa sampler, so we reminded him. Instead of the salsa sampler, we received a bowl of regular salsa. Then our guacamole was made, which was great, but he forgot to bring us any chips. He also forgot to bring the drink orders for two people. I ordered the Caesar salad and asked for grilled chicken instead of braised. He said okay. My salad came out with a pile of chicken carnitas instead. WTF. This was the worst dinner ever.
(2)Michelle T.
I can only speak of happy Hour & dessert...both are exceptional in every way ! Crazy flavor fusions . Expect the unexpected . HH all day on Monday & the drinks are stiff . I love the Paloma . sitting on the patio works for me ., but the decor is urban chic and you really can't get a bad seat , just so you get one . Most of all the desserts ! Ever changing menu ...for awhile they will serve every flavor combo of hot chocolate --- then that will be gone and "adult popsicles= palletas" are the new thing . The dessert team mixes savory and sweet then crunchy with tangy &topped with butter foam or fruit paste or chili dusted peanut .... You really can't anticipate whats next . I would NEVER miss dessert at Lolas
(5)Paul R.
Started off hot as hell sitting next to the kitchen. hoping that the margs cool us down.
(4)Brad K.
THREE TIPS FOR ENJOYING LOLA 1) The bathrooms are downstairs. - Don't let the kitchen staff get you down when they tell you to get out. Its a common error; many people made the mistake during our visit. 2) Order their delicious drinks. - This will help you forget that the service is not interested in your dining experience. Serious great drinks... spendy though. 3) Avoid the fajitas - This place is better known for other plates. This one was a $30 disappointment that could have been spent on something Lola is not trying to reinvent with spaghetti sauce.
(2)Garkie Z.
First of all, come here for Happy Hour. It's delicious and it's affordable and if you can get a seat on the patio- even better! Lola is one of the few exceptional Happy Hour restaurants in Denver. I couldn't tell you honestly what their breakfast/brunch or even dinner menu is like. But if you're looking for a place to meet some friends after work- LOOK NO FURTHER! They have quite literally the best guacamole in the world made table side right in front of you. And then on top of that some of the best tacos- like ever. The Chicken Taco isn't bad but if you're a seafood lover and want to be really wowed try the Fried Fish Taco and the Diablo Shrimp Taco- both and just incredible! So delicious and fresh! Service here is always top notch. This place gets pretty packed during Happy Hour- especially on Fridays but the service never wanes though- all the service I've ever encountered have been more than nice and very quick as well!
(5)Jennifer M.
The table side guacamole was a wonderful experience! But the guacamole wasn't as great as I'd hope. Also, some chips had no salt and others were overwhelmingly salty! I ordered the Chicharones tamale for a dinner since I wasn't that hungry, ended up eating half of it and took it home and I didn't even finish it! It wasn't that delicious but there are other items on the menu I'm excited to try. Unfortunately, my first experience was not that delicious.
(3)Kimberly I.
Love this place! Excellent patio and service! The outside bar is my favorite place to sit... but this place is HUGE so there are plenty of options. A perfect location in the highlands, offering one of the best places for brunch. I do not recommend the pork belly benedict. Way too fatty and not much flavor. This is done better at other places. The breakfast hamburger is the best thing ever!! Topped with an egg and made in the very worst way possible (in a good way). Definitely come here if you had a late night of drinking the night before. The chips and salsa are top notch as well, giving you several options of salsa. They have the best chaladas ever! Sit back and relax on one of the best patios in the highlands. :)
(4)Chris B.
Found this place on accident walking down the street, the lady outside said we should come in and check it out. I'm glad we did. I've had Mexican food everywhere in the country, and in Mexico. This may be the best Mexican food I've had. We started with the Guac, asked the guy who makes it at the table to make us his ideal Guac. I think it had every toping in it. 5 stars. Next up, queso with lobster. So good we ordered it after our meals too. Seafood enchiladas, to die for. Great atmosphere, friendly service. Well deserved 5 stars. I will be back next time I'm in Denver.
(5)Kelly L.
The guac was delicious and the margaritas were strong! We came here with our Denver passport and got 2-for-1 margs... It's a great deal. We ate tacos and guac from the happy hour menu. The guac was creamy and delicious and the citrus pork tacos were our favorite. We did not order off the dinner menu... Kinda pricey. It took a while to get seated even though there were a few open tables and it took a while to get service and more chips. I'd probably come back for happy hour... The patio looked fun!
(4)Michelle H.
I love the drink menu. I had the Michelada Pop (an actual popsicle was in the drink) and a Mexican Mimosa (beer, tequila, and OJ). Those two drinks alone gave me a pretty good buzz. The Lobster Deviled Eggs was pretty amazing. I could eat like 10 of those... I think. Maybe not. But it was really good. Tried their famous Chicken & Waffles and thought the sweet chili sauce was too much. It was also doused in a chorrizo gravy - all of the flavor was overwhelming. I kind of wanted just regular chicken & waffles. The boyfriend got the Chicken Fried Steak which had the same chorrizo gravy on top. He wasn't a fan of it either. TEXAS size portions, we were stuffed! I will say that I didn't have one amazing meal in Denver but the service has been so awesome in every bar/restaurant we've been to. Kudos to the city!
(3)Emily C.
So, I don't actually think I'm hip enough to come here. But the Happy Hour is so reasonable and delicious, I just put my back to the crowd and my face to the plate. I was charmed and wowwed by the octopus tacos. Whole tentacles, so very tender, so incredibly tasty. The guac broke my heart when I discovered there was an end to it. It's so, so fresh and delicious. The service was efficient, friendly, and fast. It was a busy night when we went, but I still felt like our Happy Hour indulging table was still a priority. When I get a new outfit, I'll come back here and face the crowd as I stuff my unhip face. Damn, it's just so good. I think I need a taco.
(4)Valery L.
The margaritas at this place are out of this world and strong (in a good way)! We usually sit at the bar and grab a couple drinks plus chips and salsa when we are in the Highlands. Their happy hour is great (food and drinks included) and everything we have tried from the food menu is delicious. I love the uniqueness of their menu; a while back we had a cold crab soup/dip type dish served out of a coconut. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Denise G.
I had only been to Lola for drinks prior to a friend's birthday dinner. Now was my chance to try their food that I kept hearing about. It took me what seemed like forever to pick my meal. I couldn't seem to make up my mind. I finally had to just point at one and go with it. I selected the Tampiquena which is Kobe sirloin, smoked cheddar & mushroom enchilada,with heirloom pinto beans. To start, the table got guacamole and my fiance and I ordered some oysters. The guac was made tableside and was presented well. It was extremely tangy and a good amount of spice. Excellent I would say. The oysters were a bit small, but tasted good as well. The silver coin margaritas were especially potent and tasted awesome. I will definitely be getting these in the future. The meals arrived for dinner and mine looked beautiful. I bit into the medium rare sirloin and was really happy. The beef was cooked and seasoned well. The enchilada tasted gross though. It was the only part of the dish that I didn't enjoy. The service was prompt and friendly from all staff. I love that they have valet as well!
(4)Katy S.
Great atmosphere here! We stopped in for drinks only, but I loved the outdoor patio! Our server was very quick and we had our margaritas, beers, and wines within minutes. Moderate prices and a fun interior made this a great spot for us to stop. The food smelled GREAT too. My only regret is that we weren't hungry!
(4)Jasmine S.
For as expensive as this place was, the food was just OK. The guacamole was fantastic, but that's about where it ends. My husband enjoyed his crab, nothin remarkable. Our chicken tacos were burnt, as well as my daughter's chicken in her kids meal. Not horrible, but not worth a second trip!
(3)Cheng Y.
Long wait time for food. Very very small portion ceviche. We also got a burnt octopus. Pollo asada was overly salty. Hard to find parking. Worst part was that all 4 of us left the restaurant hungry after spending that much money. Not recommended.
(2)Alli D.
The Lola colada is Uh-Mazing! Equally important to note is that my friend and I shared the steak fajitas and I can't remember the last time I've ever had such good steak that was cooked perfectly medium rare and soft...I was in love :) and my friend loved the dulce de leche cake for dessert and I was stoked to get the salted Oreo cookie little man ice cream without waiting in that long line!
(5)Ryan M.
I. Love. Lola! Ive been many many times, but Easter Sunday was so delicious! I ordered the pork belly Benedict, and as always it was top notch! Tableside guacamole is always totally worth it! Get it extra spicy! If you like micheladas, be sure to order one for brunch as it has a lime Popsicle in it!!
(5)Cherry L.
Well. The food/brunch was A-OK...Had their fried chicken and waffle that was supposed to be award-winning. But the chicken lacks flavor and the sort of meatiness that you want from fried chicken. Also tried the pumpkin and pecan pancakes, sweet brunch objects are not usually my thing. So I am not going to comment much, but well, it was not mind-blowing? Service wise, made us leave a high table in the patio where supposedly are all free-for-grab, and then eventually (after 15min), move us back to the same table. So.
(3)Sarah M.
Lola is situated just below Linger in the highlands. I first came across Lola when I was in search of the perfect guacamole. As a California kid I was hell bent on finding decent Mexican food in Colorado. Lola boasted strong drinks and serious eats so I grabbed some friends and went to check it out. That was two and a half years ago and I still make Lola a regular spot. The menu changes seasonally ensuring that everything is as fresh as possible which is a huge plus for me. The guacamole is prepared table side and the chips are made fresh. In my opinion they're not overly salty but let the flavor of the chip stand through. And to this day their margaritas still knock me on my ass. If you want something a little out of the ordinary try the cucumber lemonade. For the main plates like I said they change seasonally but the enchilada variation is always my go to. During happy hour the octopus taco is a MUST. I do not say this lightly. It will change your perspective on street tacos forever. They're not tough but tender and packed with flavor. The nachos are perfect for sharing or indulging in solo. The queso blanco is heavenly... Lola continues to be one of the best eateries. I only wish I could move it to California!
(5)Jessica G.
I'm not Pablo Neruda! I cannot put into words how beautiful this food WAS (past tense because I demolished it). Have you tried the country fried steak? No? Do you not want to enjoy life? Are you intimidated by light fluffy waffles with small bits of brown sugar dipped in the sweet love of syrup? Well, I'm not. Eating here is like soaking in a hot natural spring that smells of crisp cucumber while fresh snowfall lays all around like a heavy white blanket. It's that refreshing. Where are you right now? You should be flying, driving, kayaking, or riding your bike to get here. Uber it if you don't know your way. But for the love of whatever you believe in, eat at LOLA's. Cecil
(5)Nyssa H.
I've been here twice and really have never been impressed at all especially considering the high reviews. The only thing I would be willing to get again were the donuts.
(2)Michael K.
Boom! Came to Denver for what would turn out to be an amazing 4 day trip and Lola takes the prize for our top restaurant experience in town! Heck yeah this place had it all. Great atmosphere, great service, great menu (both food and cocktail). We were in for brunch (it should be noted we had evening plans the whole weekend so all restaurants we hit were basically for brunch) and the place was hopping. We were sat immediately, and welcomed by a very friendly and professional server named Charlotte. Here is my recap: Cocktail menu looked great. I got a Fuego Verge, which is basically a tequila drink with lime, jalepeno, and cilantro. I loved it. As a table we split some lobster deviled eggs and they were freaking awesome. I wasn't blown away with lobster but the crunch from the bacon and the seasoning was perfect. We also had a coffee cake app that was delicious. For my entre I ordered the chicken fried steak. Wow, so good and covered with chorizo sausage gravy. I asked the kitchen to sub their regular potatoes rather than the sweet potato hash and that was perfect for me (just wasn't feeling the sweet potato aspect of it). Slam dunk. Everyone else was very very happy with their food. We left very happy that we stumbled in here. The neighborhood itself is pretty awesome too! I would love to come back here anytime I am in Denver. This place rocks.
(5)Amy B.
Very cool spot! Great food, good prices, nice patio, cheap happy hour. This place is a gem. We had the tacos and pork - thought they both were delicious! Flavorful with a good kick. We were visiting from out if town and after reading the reviews thought to give it a go...and I am glad we did! Good choice, enjoy!
(5)Christie L.
Considering this place is in Denver, I wouldn't think "order seafood," but I'm telling you, order seafood. We had the ceviche flight trio of halibut, shrimp, and scallops and it was soo good. Scallops, which we were most worried about, were the best part of it. Great guac, great mojitos. Wasn't crazy about the offerings on the rest of the menu, but this was worth the trip.
(4)Catherine C.
Such a great place! Their brunch is phenomenal and you can't beat fresh guac made table side on the patio!!
(5)Zach L.
Happy hour has some great deals, but a little pricey otherwise. I miss some of the dishes from the previous menu, but they still have great tacos, margs, and salsa.
(4)Bill B.
I love seafood and really like Mexican food so Lola Mexican Fish House was an easy pick on my recent travels through Colorado. We started with guacamole, prepared at the table. It was very good - chunky, well seasoned and plentiful for two. We asked for medium spicy ... that's what we got. My spouse ordered from the Happy Hour menu - beef taco, fish taco, and a margarita. The margarita was not well balanced ... too much tequila, not enough lime mix. The beef taco was excellent - well seasoned, tender, lean meat with crisp cabbage, etc. The fish taco was the perfect balance of firm, tender fish (cod) and crisp breading (not too thick, not to thin) ... the best deep fried fish taco my spouse has ever had. I ordered from the dinner menu - wild King salmon with a warm "salad" of greens and potatoes and avacado slices on the side. King salmon is my favorite fish of all; Lola's preparation was in the top ten of all King salmon dishes I have ever had (and I have had hundreds of them). The salmon was perfectly prepared - warm in the center with plenty of deep, rich flavor. The greens and potatoes were a great accompaniment. The avacado slices didn't add anything to the overall plate. Service was good ... our waiter failed to advise us of all of the specials but overall, was attentive with good pacing and attention to our dining experience. Highly recommended.
(4)Megan W.
Have only been here for brunch...and I keep coming back. The atmosphere of this place is great. If you end up sitting outside, the concrete bar is HEATED. Yes, the bar itself is heated. Which is pretty awesome in and of itself. I love their bloody mary. Not the regular bloody mary, but the special one (the name is escaping me right now, sorry). Table side guacamole is a must here, along with the lobster deviled eggs. Try the juevos for brunch...and the lobster omelete is to die for as well.
(4)Ana A.
Nice place to have a brunch or a drink. Yummy crispy bacon, nice service and good atmosphere. I would recommend it for sure.
(4)Michael S.
This place is a great place to get a drink and hangout with friends. But I must say the food is only "OK" ... Nothing to write home about. Not bad but nothing I need to tell my friends about. Location is PRIME !!
(4)Maria B.
Taco Tuesdays is where it is at! I had a hard time picking anything from the regular menu. The taco platter came with rice, beans, carnitas tacos and a corn on the cob. It was fantastic!
(4)Kersten H.
Fantastic brunch - superb service/patio/chill vibe. Loved the shrimp ceviche (best I've ever had) & the gluten free eggs Benedict option. Highly recommend brunch here. We arrived at 10:30 & there was no wait. Delicious tequila sunrise and brunch cocktail options!!!
(5)Brittany H.
James F and I were flipping through the Denver Passport, trying to figure out somewhere new to try, when we landed on Lola. Mexican and margs? Sure! I'd only ever heard fabulous things about Lola, so off we went! For a Wednesday night, this place was packed! And I don't blame the crowd: it was a stunningly beautiful summer evening and the patio was calling all of our names. Well, James and I didn't get a patio spot, but we did walk right in and score a table, so that was pretty rad. And right from being sat, the service was top notch. Our host noticed the Denver Passport and immediately grabbed us our 2-for-1 drinks. And these Coin margs were perfect. Had it not been a Wednesday night, I probably could have had at least two more. Perfect, I tell you! And let me not forget our server, Jeff. He was on it last night. Since we hadn't been to Lola before, he gave us the rundown of the menu while highlighting some of the best dishes. I wanted to try it all, seriously, but my stomach was only craving a light meal. So we opted for some light bites: the ceviche flight and the Spanish octopus. Oh. My. God. Every single bite was heaven. The ceviche flight had so many amazingly different flavors! I loved all three. As for the octopus, terribly decadent and super rich. Absolutely stunning. I wished I had been hungry for a full meal because I can only imagine how amazing the entrees must be! While our first experience at Lola was on a whim, the next will not be. Everything about this spot is fantastic: the beautiful patio and bar, the fabulous ambiance in the dinning room, the amazing service, and the to-die-for dishes. What else can I say? I am in love with Lola!
(5)Rob T.
Really friendly staff. Cool atmosphere. Salsa is bland. No kick at all!!!!! boooooooo!
(1)Paula H.
I am never disappointed when I stop at Lola's on my walk home. The food is creative. Savory, different, interesting, and lovely presentation. The combinations of unique mixed with common ingredients makes for an intriguing menu...and difficult to commit to just one item. Luckily Adam and Will are there to happily point you in the right direction. Try to go during a less busy time (after dinner rush) and sit at the bar, there you can engage with the staff. Will knows tequila, He made sipping a pour of tequila a true experience.
(5)Alysha T.
I always thought that "chicken and waffles" was an odd combination and never thought of trying it until I went to Lola. "Odd combination", heck no! More like genius! I love the salty- sweet combination and the flavors are spot-on! I haven't tried much else, but am sure the rest would be fantastic too!
(5)Patricia G.
Horrible service! Even if food is good the service is the worst. Would not recommend considering so many great places in Denver!
(1)Sandy S.
A co-worker and I went there last week. We started out with a wonderful butternut squash queso. Perfect! Our waiter described a seafood dish that we decided to order. Unfortunately, he had to later tell us that the dish was actually not on the menu that night - which was really disappointing. However, the manager was very gracious and we each received a free drink. Not finding a replacement for the seafood entree, we ordered a shrimp ceviche that was 'OK' and then the 'Doughnuts' for desert. I would not recommend the doughnuts. They were too dry, the caramel sauce was not very tasty (or there wasn't enough to taste), and the cinnamon whipped cream was uneventful. Overall, Lola's a nice neighborhood eatery with a decent vibe and good drinks and I'll probably go back to try the Sunday brunch.
(3)Jeremy G.
I always enjoy coming here, but this visit was especially good. Fantastic service, great freshly mixed (at tableside) guacamole and tasty main course dishes with live music and a comfortable yet energetic atmosphere. As contemporary mexican cuisine in Denver goes this is as good as it gets.
(5)Jeramiah P.
The portions for the prices do not match up. The piece of swordfish was overcooked and tiny. I could have cooked the same meal for 4 bucks at home. The flavor of the rice was dry but good. Is not Mexican in my opinion rather closer to Caribbean. Was okay but overpriced even for the Denver restaurant week. When the appetizer is larger than entree that seems off.
(2)Rob K.
Great Happy Hour. Went over the weekend. Place was packed but service was still pretty good. Great music and some "nice" sights. Great fun location to hang out. Good food.
(4)Maura R.
After my scathing post from a recent experience at Lola, I would like to change my review to 4 stars. The owner reached out to me and explained the course of action to avoid another experience like my last. Sound customer service goes a long way in my book and I appreciate their eagerness to make their customers happy. Maybe after I go back I can give it five stars, but we'll wait and see.
(4)Taylor W.
I love guacamole, and Lola's guac is one of my very favorites. I would eat here three times a week simply for that guacamole. I also really enjoy their raw bar, specifically the ceviche. I have never had a bad meal here, however I do feel it is a little overpriced. I lived in NYC for four years and have had just as good, if not better, meals there for the same price. In NEW YORK! That being said, I always have a nice time here and would never turn down an opportunity to scoop some of the delectable guacamole right into my mouth. Also, my mom really enjoys their brunch.
(4)Margaret T.
Meh...not thrilled. I'm a foodie. There are better places in Denver to eat. Yep, this place is in a prime location, but, seriously, there are better Mexican restaurants in Denver in just as cool of spots. The margaritas are good, the guacamole is good, but the rest is meh. I've been here a couple of times, both times the service was slow. The first time I went, I ordered soup as my entre - it never came. The poor young server brought every one else's food and didn't even realize that I was foodless and then it took us so long to tag the server down that I decided just to pick off my husbands food, because everyone else in my party was done eating. The second time I ordered a seafood dish it took forever, again, and the shrimp was rubbery. Not my favorite place in Denver even though my suburban friends think this place is great. Must be the atmosphere - it'll give it that. And don't even get me started on the parking.
(2)Amanda N.
Lola turned out to be a driveby that turned into "Yeah, let's try i!" And I am so happy we did. The brunch was beyond amazing. I had the carnitas benedict, hubby had the green chile hash. Both excellent. I can't even describe the dreams I will have about the benedict, it was that good. Two peach mimosas (A little light on the peach) were a great addition. Service - I have to say, probably the best I've experienced in a long time. The host was friendly and quick to seat us, the waiter and busser were so friendly and helpful, and the manager came over to see how we were doing. I can't rave about this place enough, I'm excited to go back and try dinner!
(5)Vanessa C.
The waiter tried to be friendly, but failed to clear our dishes and there was a pile of plates on our table. There were two members of wait staff staring idiotically at each other while a woman was trying to force more plates on our table. They finally cleared our table so that she could serve our dinner. The food was horrible. My salad was wilted, my steak was grisly I asked for medium and got rare... the lobster was extremely over done. The shrimp was the best thing and it was slightly overdone.
(1)Sarah N.
Don't miss the queso! As someone who isn't usually a queso fan this one stands out!
(5)Michelle B.
Great brunch! The Bloody Mary feels like it comes with a buffet of hors d'oeuvres!! So good!
(4)Travis T.
We started with table side guacamole and it was great. Next we ordered the doughnuts which were excellent. I tried both the Loaded Bloody Mary (very nice) and the mimosa (good but not for people who are expecting low quality OJ with tons of sugar). For my main corse I ordered the civeche and it was oddly creamy but enjoyable. My brother had the chicken and waffles and said he would get them again. My sister and wife ordered the tuna tacos and hated them. They said there was very little tuna in them. My father ordered the salmon BLT and complained that the bread was hard but said the flavor was good. Lastly my mother ordered the biscuits and gravy. She said the flavor was very good and the biscuits were home made. Of note. Everything was fresh and while not all of their dishes impressed me, I would definitely return.
(4)Jaclyn B.
This review is based off of their happy hour. It was a great selection of food and drinks. I felt like the tacos were actually pretty good size for street tacos. We enjoyed margaritas. I found the guacamole to be a slight ripe off as it was a very small serving. I would return for happy hour again and order more tacos :)
(3)Melissa D.
Their house margaritas are strong. Like literally, straight booze. Buuuut, hey, I'm not complaining. That's not such a bad thing!
(4)Colette B.
Love this place! Came here for drinks on Sunday afternoon after my graduation. Happy hour Marg's and snacks. Guacamole made table side...yummy! Great atmosphere and super good band playing. Staff was super helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed our afternoon. We will be back for sure!
(5)Damon D.
Although it tasted great, the mushroom enchilada was over priced for what you get. We opted for the shrimp add on for $9 and received 5 shrimp..... service was great.
(2)Alison W.
A - They don't do tableside guacamole anymore. When we said we were bummed, they came and did it anyway! Fun, right? No. The portion we were given beforehand was easily double the size for the same price, but they took that one away and left us with the small. Bummer. B - The food was ehh. I had lobster quesadillas and there was a legitimate hard piece of lobster in there. I have weak gag reflexes, so I'm glad I caught it in time to not get sick on the spot. That's kind of unforgivable to me. C - Make a reservation if you're going in there during the evening. Four of us were jammed into a tiny bar spot after waiting 20 minutes. Not the best. D - They do price their wine in a great way. I appreciated the server's ability to pair wine with what we were going to eat. That was nice. I might go back, but it's kind of unlikely. I don't think the food was worth the wait, or the cost.
(3)Greta H.
The perfect answer to my brunch question! Lola never disappoints. I recently went to Lola with some friends on a sunny Sunday and we sat outside at the patio bar. All of our brunch food (eggs, bacon, waffles, fruit, etc.) was deliciously well done. The coffee was strangely the highlight for me. I had to ask what kind it was becase it was THAT GOOD (yeah, I was the girl at the bar asking what brand of coffee was in my cup but it was worth it). I'll spare you the trouble: Coda Coffee - Columbia Monserrate. Go forth and drink.
(5)Christi O.
I like Lola for their Sunday brunch (great for curing the hangover from the night before) . It's a fun place to get Mexican inspired fare and their food is always good, as are their drinks. When it's nice out, I recommend sitting on their covered patio. Their mimosas are always good. My favorites are the Snazberry and the grapefruit. They always make 'em good! The chicken and waffles are always amazing. The chorizo gravy and cherry syrup they come with are delicious! Definitely a nice twist on chicken and waffles. I had their blueberry lemonade pancakes here and they now have banana pancakes! I haven't had the new banana flavor, but their pancakes were awesome before. I hope they bring the blueberry lemonade flavor back. Their appetizer donuts on the brunch menu are out of this world! Cinnamon sugar and dulce de leche. They melt in your mouth. Highly recommend trying these when you go. I recently went and had their daily special. Shredded beef enchiladas over breakfast potatoes and smothered in green chili. It was pretty good, but I think I'll stick with my chicken and waffles.
(4)David L.
One of the best restaurants in Denver! The food here is absolutely incredible and the servers are very friendly, knowledgable, and most importantly fun! We went at Friday night dinner time and we're told we'd have to wait 45 minutes. Well nobody is perfect and they didn't get us a table until 55 min or so. But the host came and told us it would be a little longer before our time and we got free table side guac. Btw the table side guac, also unbelievable. Love this place!!
(5)Matthew M.
Went for apps and drinks. The ceviche was fantastic, guacamole was good but over priced. Was not impressed with the overall menu. If you like Mezcal, try the Hemingway...it's TERRIFIC!!
(3)Daniela B.
I had heard great things about Lola but my first attempt to try it over 3 years ago failed as my parents couldn't find anything in the menu they liked. We finally went a few weeks ago for brunch with friends. The drinks were very good, the service very slow, we had to continuously ask the waiters to be served, and the food was good but not remarkable. I could see the big draw of the view to downtown during cocktails but now that the view is gone, not sure I get the appeal
(2)Kimberly M.
Came here for happy hour with the boyfriend and we ordered some tacos. They were good, but not fantastic. We had a friend who talked the tacos up, so perhaps we were expecting too much. Even at happy hour I felt that a lot of the items on the menu were a little overpriced. Service was okay. Something happened to our order so we ended up waiting a lot longer for our food than our neighboring tables. Our server did apologize for the wait, which was nice. I'm still not sure if the numerous baskets of chips lining the kitchen were supposed to be complimentary, but I sure spent a lot of time eyeing them while waiting those 30 minutes for some tacos. The manager (I'm assuming) came by to ask us if we wanted something to drink, but didn't make it clear if they would be on the house or if he was just taking another order for us, so we declined. All of that aside, I would definitely return to Lola with coworkers or friends for some chips and drinks at the bar, but probably not for a traditional dining experience. The atmosphere was very unique. I enjoyed the art on the walls, and I think I would enjoy spending more time there.
(3)Miranda P.
Always a fave! Guacamole is a must with extra spice. We had the lobster enchiladas and chicken pan roast.....I never order chicken when I go out, but two people recommended it. It did not disappoint and probably was the best dish on the table! Lola's continues to be a favorite restaurant of mine!
(5)Brian C.
Too expensive for ok mexican food. They have a fun atmosphere and good guac made at your table. The dinner menu is about $22 average per entre. I had the tamales which were $18 without any chicken (add extra $6 for chicken). They were fancy looking and tasted good, but just not traditional mexican. Since when did the cheapest item on the menu at a mexican restaurant become $18 without any chicken? Margs are good etc, but just way to pricey for mexican food in my book. We had one drink each, no apps, and for two of us it was $74 including the tip....
(1)Sara U.
One of my favorites in Denver. First of all, it's an equally great atmosphere for doing happy hour, dinner, or brunch. How many places can you really say that about? Nice but small upstairs bar area, outdoor patio, cozy dining area, and dark and intimate down stairs bar area. Also, great view from the patio! The food is always excellent. Fresh guacamole customized to your taste and made at the table! hell yeah. The drinks are yum as well.
(5)Mark P.
I don't know if there are words of appropriate vigor to fully encapsulate what it's like to devour the chicken and waffle--a perfectly breaded and Frenched chicken breast atop a throne of Belgian waffle, drizzled with the perfect amount of cherry-fresno syrup and chorizo gravy that was presumably poured from a goblet of pure silver. Explore the drink menu before brunch comes. Pineapple or mango mimosas (not skimping on the champagne), anyone? How about the Aztec hot chocolate? Warning to super tasters, the cacao and homemade marshmallows are going to be intense! The tableside guac is amazing--I like it hot. Did I mention the lobster omelette with goat cheese? I've never had a problem getting a table and service is always smooth. Pro tip: walk off your mimosas on the Platte River or at Commons Park. Or head to Breckenridge for another drink.
(5)John B.
your hours are crap how are you not open for lunch every day i call that lazy and bad business!!!!!
(1)Greg H.
This place is GREAT! As my wife and I detoured traffic, we took another self imposed detour to Lola because of how she raved about her previous experience. We arrived just in time for an upfront parking spot and the doors to open for happy hour at 4pm. I started with a margarita which wasn't worth the cost for its size, but it was quite delicious. We also ordered lamb sliders, salsa sampler, chicken tacos with Tecate, and the guacamole. WOW, this is one of the most suprisingly impressive places that I've been to in QUITE a while. I hate guac on a regular basis, but this is made with the ripest avacados, right in front of your face. I loved it! Everything else was great, but my particularly favorite part of the evening was the chicken tacos! OMG I couldn't believe how tasty the meet was. They came out on softened / mushy corn tortillas that kind of fall apart as they flex with some odd concuction of lettuce on top, but it was also good enough to eat by itself. I loved these soooooo much, I ordered a second round! This place is great, and I can't wait to go back again!
(5)Kathy M.
Our first time at Lola tonight and it was very good. Not your typical Denver Mexican restaurant. Brent was our server and graciously answered all of our newbie questions and also made a few recommendations. He's one good waiter! We had the table side guacamole - fab and the ceviche flight. My husband and I shared the Sea Bass which was prepared and presented wonderfully. Our friends had the Peas & Carrots salad-excellent and the Smoked Mushroom Stacked Enchiladas-really fresh tasting and very good. Oh, we had the Queso Blanco Fundido for the table and it was really good too. We will return. Thanks for a great evening.
(5)Scott S.
I'm not certain what all the hype is about this place. It's not bad, but it's not great either. I enjoyed the carne asada, but my margarita was flavorless. It gets LOUD in here and the prices struck me as high for what I got. Perhaps it's the reality of the neighborhood, but I've had better Mexican food elsewhere. The valet parking is a saving grace as parking is scarce otherwise.
(3)R T.
Brunch is the best! Brought an out of town client here for a brunch and I am always impressed with the quality of food and service at this great restaurant! If you haven't tried the ultimate bloody mary, you are missing out. It is a meal in itself with the skewer full of shrimp, bacon, pickles, and cheese! But don't stop there! Try the tableside guac. We ordered several plates, including the Lola bowl and the ahi tacos. The bowl was scrumptious, and the tacos were great., but a little messy. Sit outside, great people watching! their patio is roomy and breezy!
(4)Jo W.
Went there for happy hour and sat at the bar. The bartender was super knowledgeable(I was impressed) and the menu was amazing! The taco's were amazing! Will be back!
(5)Kathleen C.
YUM! I visited Lola with friend while visiting Denver. They have visited many times, and I was excited to try it. The whole experience was great! We were there on a Monday night - who knew it would be soooo crowded! It was packed, but we managed a seat at the bar (outside) where we shared some guac and drinks. The mixed drinks were delicious and that guac..yum yum yum. We were seated relatively quickly outside. The atmosphere is loud and lively and turns really interesting at night! There were some cougars trying to pick up a table of guys...sweet! Anyway, the food was really tasty (I had the burrito) and the service was friendly if a bit haphazard. So...this is a quick one, but.. Food - 4 Service - 3 Atmoshpere - 4 Value - 4
(4)Shanna K.
I wanted to like Lola, I really did. I hear so many good things about it, and so, we scheduled Development Committee Happy Hour there this month. First of all, like most places in that trendy neighborhood, parking was AWFUL. All of us drove around in circles, waiting like predators for people to walk to their cars and open up spots. Then we got in (at 5:30) and asked the hostess to seat 6 of us. She told us that unless all of us were planning on eating dinner, we had to go onto the (cold) patio. Fine. I HATE high-tops because they kill my arthritic knees, but fine. We walked out there; not even 4 seats available period, none the less 6 in the same general area. We got the hostess back and explained that there were NO seats, and we promised to order lots of food if she could seat us. After being incredibly rude and snarky to us, and having us wait another 10 minutes, she sat us at a 4-top. When our other 2 folks showed up, and the majority of the restaurant was empty, we moved over a 2-top to our table (again, we'd originally told her 6 -- not our fault she sat us at a 4 top). She came over and yelled at us, telling us we were messing up her system, and that we should have told her we had 6...which we had. Our server was nice (though it took forever to get our check, and then get change). Everyone liked the food (although they only had one vegetarian entree, which of course wasn't gluten free, and then only 2 vegetarian GF items period; queso and guac. Both were super delicious, but I was hungry when I left). Food was yummy, yes, but the rudeness of the hostess means that I won't be back, not for a long time, and nor would I recommend it to anyone else. The fact that we snuck out quickly and tried our best to avoid eye contact with her because we were so afraid she'd berate us again? Totally not worth coming back for that.
(3)Cassandra F.
Totally love this place. The food is absolutely wonderful and the ambience is really great too, kind of trendy, but very friendly at the same time. I was meeting a group and got there too early, so I found a seat at the bar and grabbed a fresh bread appetizer and a mimosa. The bread was just to die for, so delicious and right out of the oven. The bartender was very friendly and personable. Once we were seated, our waiter was just as nice.....and the food just as fantastic. I tried their version of Eggs Benedict and it was fantastic. Loved every bit. I will definitely be back, excellent restaurant!
(4)Matt D.
Another whif in the Highlands. Butternut squash queso fundido? More like cheez whiz. Ambiance blew, this place was a train wreck. Bad service coupled with shite appetizers and a poor excuse for a margarita = Chi Chi's.
(1)Heather M.
What a lovely place for brunch on a warm sunny day. The patio is perfect for dining, working on your tan, and people watching. We had the home made guacamole, ceviche, fish tacos, and pancakes. The guacamole is tailor-made to your spicy/heat preference, and the ceviche was served on thick salty chips which were delicious. Also ordered some sangria and cucumber lemonade, both perfect for a warm day and not to heavy (alcohol-wise). I've been here a few times in the past for brunch and dinner and always enjoyed the food, thought the service was good, and love the ambiance and energy this place has. The sugar-cinnamon donuts are amazing! Also, check out the bathrooms, they are really cool!
(4)Mics R.
thekitchn.com/use-cautio… Unfortunately, I did not know about the side effects of eating the escolar before it off the menu last Saturday. I do agree with others in that it tasted quite yummy, but about an hour later I felt like I was back in Africa battling all the little parasites that like to party in your tummy. Never paid so much for such an experience in Africa though. Maybe there should be an tiny little footnote on the menu that talks about potential escolar side effects or at least 'escolar: google it on that fancy 'smarter than most' phone before ordering.' Other than that, guac was amazing... not too sure how they make it that good. Service was crap. Well... at least from our waiter. meah. Second time I have been there and can't remember being impressed the first time. Won't forget this time though.
(3)Jennifer B.
I actually give this place a 4.3. I have to hold my 5's for the extraordinary, sorry Lola. I visited this place twice in the past two months. Once while visiting Denver thinking about possibly moving and the second time I actually sought this place out to go with my Mom because I liked it so much the first time. First time I went for dinner with a friend and was automatically impressed with the decor and ambiance. Very cool light fixtures - make sure you take moment to look around. We were seated promptly. First impressions of the menu, a little scared and confused by the menu. I think I just needed a little food dictionary for a little help with the translation. After the initial shell shock I was very impressed by the menu. This menu consists a lot of seafood so if you don't do seafood you may not have a lot of choices. The first time I had the Grilled Escolar (fish for the newbees). FANTASTIC! Moist, warm, visually appealing and yummilicious - is that a real word? Hmmm....made it up just for this dish. My counterpart had the Chicken mole verde and she could attest to the yumminess as she almost at the entire thing...she got full - Slacker! Second visit I sought out this place to show my Mom. Walked in on a Saturday afternoon to experience their brunch menu. A little small in variety my overall pleasing. We both had the Lola Huevos. Yummilicious gain - there's that word again. Woops! Picture perfect and melt in your mouth with all the flavor in the world. If you've read my profile you know I live for onions, and on top of my Lola Huevos where a nice little pile of pickled red onions. Got my vote. Did I mention they have an open kitchen where you can view everything? They do. And that means they have nothing to hide - I like that in a place. GO, GO, GO! You won't regret it.
(4)V.J. M.
Well, Lola has been on my "must try" list since working downtown for about 6 years. I have had many people rant and rave about it, so, I finally made a reservation and brought my appetite and some girlfriends. We had a reservation, and the place seemed pretty full, but there was no wait (granted it was a Sunday night, and the Rockies game was just getting out, so I expected more of a crowd/wait.) We were seated right by the open concept kitchen, which I'm not fond of. If I want to see/hear the kitchen and the food being prepared, I'll go to a Hibachi grill. Plus, a few times, the cooks got a little loud and were chanting something...not sure what that was about, but it was odd. So, the atmosphere was....hipster. I think this would be a great place to come in the summer when it's warm out and the patio "walls" were opened up, because the clear plastic tarp-like drapes gave the place a strange feel. It's pretty dark inside, and there is some pretty lighting and decor, and you definitely know that you're in The Highlands, if you know what I mean. Very hoity toity. The menu was pretty limited. I think there was one dish with chicken, several with seafood, one pork, one carne asada...and then some "for the table" items (appetizers) and a gaggle of ceviche. I don't know why, but I thought they had a main entree of fajitas or tacos, or something a little more traditional Mexican food-esque, but I was wrong. Everything was very unique, and they seem to really cater to seafood lovers. We ordered our food, and it came out after what seemed like 20-30 minutes....just seemed like a long time, but, everything was plated and presented nicely. The portions were somewhat small for the price. I ordered the Baked Poblano Relleno and added the optional chicken. The inside of the chile was filled with butternut squash, red potatoes, cinnamon caps, green chile goat cheese, chili rojo (according to the menu)...but all I tasted was chunks of undercooked potatoes. It had a pretty good flavor, but the chile wasn't spicy AT ALL. I mean, I would have liked a LITTLE spice, but, oh well. There was a lot of sauce covering the whole dish, so the flavor of the poblano was masked anyways. Sad day. One friend ordered the Pan Roasted Black Drum, which came with sweet potato tamale, poblano creamed corn, fried okra...however there was no evidence of creamed corn (maybe this was pulverized corn drizzled around the sides?? We don't know...), and the fried okra was more like a piece of fried avocado. Maybe they were out of okra? Being from the south, we know creamed corn and fried okra, and this just didn't cut it. We also ordered the table side guac. Let me tell you, ORDER THE LARGE...this isn't because it was so incredibly delicious that you will wish you had an abundance of guacamole to bathe in. This is simply because the small was SMALL. I mean, there were 3 of us, and we each had 4-5 chips with guac on it. That's it. And the guacamole actually had a little kick to it, and was just the right touch of spiciness, so I was sad that the portions were small for the price (do you sense a theme?). Overall, the food was OK, the service was OK, and the entire resteraunt itself is, again, just OK. I don't think I'll be rushing back any time soon, but I will try to hit this place for happy hour and just have some chips and salsa, a little cheviche, and a margarita....but, I'm not even convinced that I want to, yet.
(3)Becca W.
I've came here twice. Once for drinks and light foods and another for brunch. When I came for the drinks, I definitely didn't need more then 1 margarita! They are soooo strong. Thought I was drinking straight patron from the bottle, and it definitely did its deed.. Lol and I got the ceviche!! So yummy. My favorite. Second time I came for brunch I got the crab cake Benedict. It wasn't that great. It was decent. Id probably try something else next time though. And I also ordered fresh guacamole. Which was cool because a guy comes over with a little cart and mashes it to your perfection in front of you! The guac was a little pricey, but probably because the guy with the cart comes over to the table to make it for you!
(4)M P.
I moved into the area a month ago and had already been a huge fan of Linger. I was hoping I'd find similar quality and culinary execution at Lola too. With that said, although Lola is good, I really don't think it compares with its neighbor - although that's completely beside the point and actually unfair to bring in this review. Rather than starting this off on a negative note, however, I'll try to concentrate on the positive: I still like Lola a lot, just not for their standard dinner menu. Their happy hour menu is great: The cheese/squash dip is amazing, and all the tacos are great. The fresh-made avocado dip is also very good. The affordable sides like the sweet potatoes are very tasty, but I've found them to be incredibly inconsistent. Sometimes they are great, other times I've wanted to return them - one time the sweet potatoes were practically raw. I also think they have great cocktails - possibly the best in the area. For the happy hour, sides, and drinks - I'd give Lola 5 stars. That being said, I find their entree/dinner menu to be fairly forgettable and definitely overpriced and I'd probably give it three stars, even apart from the price. I've tried a few different entree items and have never left with a meal I'd remember or that I felt was worth the mid-20's average price. Portions are small and I simply can't detect anything apart from presentation that sets the food apart from any other good Mexican restaurant. I'll definitely be returning to Lola often - just not for anything off the dinner menu.
(4)Katie S.
Love the ambiance! We were seated on the heated patio in the winter and it was really nice. We ordered the table side guac and it was really yummy! Fresh ingredients and a fun experience having them make it in front of you. The chips were awesome(like chipotle!) I ordered a bubbly water and was charged $3 (kinda dumb for water). I had the mussels which were delicious. It was a red sauce with sausage of sorts and tomatoes. But to accompany, I was served toast with a weird smear on top that wasn't awesome. Lastly, 3 stars for the portion size given the price. Fun place, but overpriced.
(3)julie n.
It's been a while since I've been to Lola. Patio was pretty packed so we stopped in. Girlfriend and I shared the seafood in broth thing, I remember it being way better. Other girlfriend had wings and said they were good. Husband had a steak and said it was tasty. The tableside guac was delicious!
(3)Victor B.
My girlfriend and I have dined at Lola many times and every time we have been fairly satisfied with our experience. The place holds a special place for both of us as it is where we first met so this past Sunday we decided to visit for our anniversary. This particular experience started off poorly as I had made a reservation for 12:30 and was told that our table was being cleared off and that we would be seated in a couple of minutes. We stood off to the side by the wall next to the hostess/greeting area and what was supposed to be a couple of minutes turned into about 25. A 12:45 reservation came in and was seated promptly which made me a bit annoyed so I asked the hostess what happened at which point she apologized and got us seated quickly (keep in mind the initial girl who had greeted us had walked past my girlfriend and I several times over the course of us waiting which only made me more irritated). Once seated we were brought water quickly but seemingly ignored again! Luckily for us the manager (or what seemed like the manager) was having a conversation with a patron by our table and I believe overheard my girl and I talking about how we weren't being attended to and once finished turned to ask how we were and what was going on. We told him about our experience and he apologized and got someone from the wait staff to check in with us and take our order. Now I realize we went for Sunday brunch and this is one of Lola's busiest times but other tables were being properly attended to. After our mention to the manager the service improved greatly and we were even provided a $5.00 discount on our meal (without asking for it or anything so that was very much appreciated). Now onto the food....I had the chicken and waffle which for me was a little daunting at first as I am a stickler and don't normally like my sweet and salty together but the flavors were awesome! The chicken was tender and seasoned just right, the waffles were a wonderful consistency. The fresno cherry sauce was delish as was the cheese chili sauce accompanying it all.....totally recommend. My Love had the carnitas benedict (initially she was going to have the green chili hash but was told the kitchen had run out of chili) and her dish was equally delicious. Our server, Angela, was very attentive after our initial experience and provided excellent service. I also greatly appreciated the manager's skill and concern for his patrons. Will we dine here again? Of course! It holds a special place in both my girlfriend's and my heart and normally the service is superb....this time though I just couldn't give it more than 2 stars because as stated with the 2 star rating...."meh, I've experienced better" here.
(2)Eden R.
The guacamole was soooo good I wanted to lick the bowl (of course being a cilantro hater, the table side prep is perfect because they can make the guac EXACTLY like you want it- in my case, sans vile weed cilantro). Two of us had the seafood enchiladas which were scrumptious, one had a stuffed rellano which she said was delish. My other half had the whole red snapper which she said was good, but just a fish on a plate with some tortillas and limes, no other accouterments which was the only thing lacking. The Q-Coin martini was also amazing. Will be back!
(4)Elizabeth M.
Love! Love! Love! If I lived in this neighborhood I would be a regular. Guac is awesome, lobster tostada was great, and even their house salad was fabulous! I will definitely be back .....again.
(4)Steve S.
Still great food at Lola! My most recent visit was spent indulging in Tacos al Pastor, which were delicious. The rice was fatty and flavorful too. My only complaints? When it's 100 degrees outside, turn on some A/C! Not everyone likes to sweat when they eat. Also, the happy hour drinks are very weak. Why charge $7 when there is nothing but lemon juice in the margarita?
(4)Angela A.
Jazz Brunch with Joey Porter. Need I say more? I would have given 5 stars but there was a flub up. We ordered the chicken fried chicken but were talking to the server about the Lola Bowl, I guess there was a misunderstanding because we were served the Lola Bowl! Ooops!! Well, if the Lola bowl wasn't fantastic I suppose it would be a different story but my friend and I really enjoyed it so, there ya go. The chicken fried chicken sounded terrific though, it was served with chirzo gravy!! OMG! But like I said, there was live jazz, happy hour booze, and the Lola bowl was yummy. The broth was fantastic and it was full of veggies and seafood. We also really liked the lobster deviled eggs. I hope to get back to explore more of the menu, and hopefully some of that chicken fried chicken!!
(4)Dale Z.
I am really torn between 3 and 4 stars. My overall food experience was solidly 3, but when I factor in happy hour specials, the fact they they were open on Xmas Eve, the quality of the service, and the amazing table-side guacamole . . . I have to bump them to 4. I liked the interior space and anything that is right next to Little Man Ice Cream (like Linger) gets my attention. As I just mentioned, the guacamole was excellent. It had the right flavors, the perfect amount a heat, was prepared artfully, and was presented beautifully (complete with "Lola" signature). I thought the salsa was quite decent, and the chips were warm and fresh. My Mexican beers were cold and reasonably priced during happy hour. My food was not as inspiring. I had the Pork Al Pastor tacos with grilled tomato-chipotle salsa, pickled green cabbage, and cotija cheese. They were okay. They had some flavor (if not what I expected). They were a little too wet (kind of disintegrating) and they were too foo-foo for tacos, if you know what i mean. I also had the Rock Shrimp Ceviche with honeydew salsa, grape tomato pico, and chile de arbol aioli. I am a big fan of Ceviche, but since I don't like fish, I am really excited when a place offers a shrimp-only version. This particular dish was very disappointing. It was extremely bland and did not have the flavors as described. My best way to explain the shrimp themselves is that they seemed "numb". It was as if they had been kept too cold for too long and had not recovered. The texture was a bit rubbery and the flavor was nonexistent. This was the low point of my experience on this visit, but was not enough to drag everything else down.
(4)Candace M.
I wish the view was of DTDenver, otherwise it would have a 5.. MOST DELICIOUS doughnuts I have ever had. Ever. And I've had a lot! I ordered the Green Chili Hash, it was not my favorite. It was too soupy... More of a stew with eggs on top. So I ordered a side of corn tortillas to help dip out the juice, and they took over 15 minutes to come to me. But our kind server comped our doughnuts for the wait. We also had the chance to sit at the ceviche bar (recommended if possible) and had a great view of the chef, who was super nice and entertaining to watch. Overall, great place. I saw SO many other items on the menu I can't wait to try.
(4)Vanessa R.
Guacamole was yum!! Tuna tacos were plain and there wasn't any salad dressing on the salad. Fun atmosphere but not the best food.
(2)Sara B.
I came here for my cousin's rehearsal dinner. The atmosphere is really nice and the food that we had was GREAT. Service was attentive and friendly. I look forward to trying this place on my own for dinner.
(4)N H.
We have been here twice. Both times were fabulous! Menu changes which is fun so try anything! Table side guac is a must! Atmosphere is great as well as the margaritas. Great place to take out of towners!
(5)Matt O.
This place has great service and food. Every time I go we get ceviche and margs and then some more. Love this place and their food.
(5)Nancy A.
I came here when my girlfriends came to visit. We started off with the Lola Guacamole which was prepared tableside. The guac was so fresh and tasty! It was so good, we decided to make it at home ourselves. For my entree, I had the Chicken Fried Steak which came with a sweet potato hash and a chorizo gravy. The portion size here is huge! The dish was wonderful and very flavorful. The carnitas benedict and the Lola bowl are also great.
(4)Tim V.
This place is just ok. The atmosphere is nice and its in a good location. However, if you want authentic Mexican food you can do much better anywhere on Federal Blvd. It is much cheaper that way.
(3)Vivek G.
Ambience- very sexy Food- delicious! (Chicken and waffles- YES PLEASE!!) Drinks- just right (Mango mimosa me more) Sunday brunch BE THERE!
(4)Kim T.
We've been here twice and it was incredible both times. Vegetarian and healthy options. The guacamole looks great (prepared in front of you) but we got the salsa sampler both times instead. The staff is very friendly. Monday they have a happy hour food and drink menu that is a great deal. Sangria for $4 and it was delicious!
(5)Hamburguesa J.
Love Lola's Happy Hour (never had a full meal here). I never order queso fundido but here it's like no other, hola queso de cabra (that's goat cheese)! Tiny little bowl of shrimp ceviche served with potato chips. Delicious pork on those nachos & tacos al pastor and of course tasty tacos de pescado. Oh and the guac...jeez who needs a full dinner! Sip on a HH cocktail or dos! Always come here before (Sipping n) painting across the street (and use their parking lot, score!)
(4)Christopher G.
My wife and I booked Lola three months in advance, because it was one of the nice latin restaurants we wanted to try while in Denver, Co. We arrived early for our reservation and checked in with the staff. They let us know that we would be sat as we got closer to the reservation time. We sat at the bar and let the reservation time approach and pass us by. At our reservation we even had a hostess check our little "fish" stand, to make sure it wasn't our table up. So once the reservation was far enough in the back window that we were getting annoyed. . .my wife approach the hostess stand. At that point she was informed we weren't checked in (our fish must of been a gift), and that our table had been ready. So here we are annoyed for sitting there due to some issue with the restaurant. At this point a hostess comes along, but no apology (congratulations we have a table). So i'm honest, come on guys you have to honor your reservations. . .you need to make this right. The manager comes out soon enough, and apologizes. I ask that is what you do for messing up a reservation and making me wait? "I apologized, what do you want". The negative, condescension, just the annoyance that "how dare I be annoyed that they didn't honor their reservation". It should be noted that at this time the manager gave TWO different excuses (1) table wasn't ready lots of people got up 2) something about our reservation being for 4 . . .at which time I showed him the open table reservation). Why do these people think we want to know why they messed up. Really, I don't care if a alien abducted your chef. . .we had a deal here guy. Here is the best part, the manager acted both annoyed and perplexed about "what do I want" as if a nice restaurant with decent appreciation of their customers time has no idea how to make a customer feel better and that my time isn't wasted. Even the hostess as leaving got in on the condescension, acting pretty happy that her manager "didn't make things right" when she screwed up the reservation. Look - value your time. Its worth something. You may put up with this from a monopoly like verizon, but a nice restaurant - no excuse. Stay away, especially if (like me) you are on a baby sitter schedule.
(1)Rosie M.
I've only been here for Happy Hour, but this place is so tasty! They do the whole tableside guacamole thing. I've yet to have a bad dish here. They offer valet parking and there is a paid lot across the street.
(4)Cheyne M.
Love the fresh guacamole they make at the table... energetic atmosphere... good drinks... inventive menu... nice bar area... awesome view and location... one of my favorite Lower Highland restaurants... have always liked this place and I've been back many times... classy and cool...
(4)Jenn A.
Cool atmosphere. Small menu. Creative Mexican. Food was good, but I like Linger better. Nice bartender.
(3)Danielle S.
I had higher hopes for Lola. We were seated right next to the cold bar, which meant servers were walking behind us to pick up their items from that bar. My enchilada was $19 and did not taste like 19$. The margaritas were eh. I enjoyed myself because of the company, but I'm not in a rush to go back.
(3)Lauren C.
I went here for restaurant week last night with two friends and we all had a great time. Well, at least the parts we remember were great since we drank pretty heavily beforehand. I don't suspect the waiter was so delighted with our louder than necessary voices or that at one point my friend asked another server where he went and he was two feet behind her. (Kind sir, I apologize to you if you ever read this). Anyway, back to the food. I had the shrimp app, salad for second course, and then the carne asada with mole sauce for an entree. It was amazing and I highly recommend it. We liked the atmosphere - not claustrophobic but cozy, dark but not too dark. I think this would be a great date place or...a place for friends to go to scarf down three courses in under six minutes after they've gotten sufficiently sloshed but still have a craving for some high end cuisine
(4)Bryce B.
Nice upscale Mexican spot, but a bit pricey for what it is. Some dishes are excellent while others bland. Good happy hour and brunch. The guac is always tasty.
(3)Tim M.
The taste and quality of the food should match the price that you pay, which it doesn't at all. The prices here are basically double what the quality reflects. You're paying for the atmosphere and that's it. This is basically bland, overpriced food for white people. That is one meal I definitely wish I could take back. If you're concerned about getting a quality return on your investment, steer clear. However if you just want to hang around a bunch of uber cool trendy kids who think that paying more for something automatically makes it better, then this is definitely the place for you. On the plus side the service was excellent though.
(3)R W.
I was a bit nervous to ask for something vegan at a seafood place, but the server was very nice about it. I was prepared to just eat some side dishes or chips + dip, but they made me a vegan version of the Roasted Squash Milanesa. It was delicious, and all the parts went very well together. I only wished for extra pickled onion on the kale for more acidity. All the staff were friendly and attentive. I also liked that the person taking my order and the person delivering my food both specified that it was vegan, and I didn't have to explain too much about what I can and can't eat. Nobody else at my table had diet restrictions, and everybody liked what they ate (nachos, tacos, guac, donuts). My marg was okay but maybe a bit watery. We will definitely be back!
(4)Hannah L.
A happy hour so dangerous I'm glad it's over 1300 miles away from me.... Situated on a prominent corner in Highland, Lola is part of the Big Red F restaurant empire, which includes a couple of my Boulder favorites (Zolo and Centro). While they aren't 'authentic' anything, through creative use of spices and spaces they serve up an experience that's food-made-fun, aided by good drinks, great service, and excellent happy hour pricing. And the menu shifts seasonally, given their interest in working on local and sustainable sourcing. Lola's theme is Coastal Mexican, so there's plenty of fish on the menu from fried tilapia soft tacos to various ceviches to specials like lobster enchiladas enticingly laced with goat cheese. Multiple soups, salads, tableside-made guacamole, and other platters round out the dinner menu: there is truly something for everyone, at all price points. On my first visit, I sampled an excellent chicken tortilla soup made new with sliced radishes in a roasted tomatillo and poblano base, and enjoyed a vibrant scallop ceviche softened by an excellent cucumber-yogurt sauce. And then there's happy hour. While the menu is short, that's a good thing because it means you don't have to spend a long time deciding...and you can't go wrong. Tacos are spicy-good and come with a crisp slaw and perhaps a sprinkling of cotija, the margaritas are heavy on the tequila and light on the mix (just the way I like them, on the pure side), and the sangria is fizzily bright. (And, I should add, only $4 for the pint glass in which it arrives.) Then there are the fried pickles with an avocado-buttermilk dipping sauce. Rarely do I order anything fried, but sometimes a venue gives off the promise of making all that crispy fat worth it. Lola's delivered: the light, almost tempura-like batter enclosed a juicy pickle whose heat was perfectly cooled by the dressing (repurposed to also drizzle over fish tacos). If anyone doing Mexpensive in Seattle is listening, I hope to see this on your menu near me soon. Service was also friendly and always accommodating of our two-year-old youngest diner, from crayons to juice cups to suggestions about quesadillas over tacos. Lola, like Centro and Zolo, seems well-equipped to invite all members of the family without making anyone feel unwelcome, a skill and a warmth I don't often find in Seattle and so stands out when I encounter it elsewhere. Sure, Lola's been corporately and carefully designed, but when it's good (and you spend both your Denver dinners there), it's really good. A sangria, a fried pickle, a patio and a view of the city skyline is only a flight away....
(4)Elaine C.
I've been here on two different occasions now and can say that both experiences were pretty good. I had the lobster enchiladas which were amazing though somewhat overpriced. The guacamole was pretty good though I have had better prepared tableside at other places. I'd recommend coming here for happy hour as theyve got a good selection of food on the happy hour menu. I was a little upset at the calamari portion though...there were only about 3 pieces on the plate and they were over fried and hard. Overall, I'll probably be back again though.
(3)E S.
Great atmosphere and good food and drinks! Their brunch is more lunch than breakfast but it's still worth it. I've never been by for dinner or happy hour but a large group of friends have been and all rave about their HH specials and dinner. Also, table side guac is a must!!
(4)Lily T.
I really wanted to like this place...really! The guac and salsa tray was good. Dinner was just ok. I feel like our dinner at Tamayo was much better. I had the lamb and was not expecting a meatball that was dry. Anyway I don't remember what my husband had but he also wasn't impressed. It was okay food but not worth the money I think.
(3)Christy V.
Just wanted to add that I had yet another delightful brunch at Lola last Sunday. I love this place - there is such a good vibe here and it seems like the management really cares. Patrick stopped by our table a couple of times and because our food took some time to come out of the kitchen (we really barely noticed!) he comped our incredibly delicious table-side guacamole. Gestures like that really stick with me and I was impressed by his attentiveness and generosity. We will be back many times, my friend! I had an amazing brunch special - kale and roasted tomatoes with a poached egg and queso. It was divine! I love the restrooms in the basement - the frosted glass is so fun! Thanks again, Lola!
(5)Greg P.
I love this place even though I give it 3.5 stars. Great atmosphere! The bar area offers so much to look at since you can choose whether to sit on the inside or outside half of it. The bar has a view of the kitchen, the dining area, and the view outside. On a whole, the layout is smart and highly attractive. The decorative items and colors invite you to sit down and soak it in. Even the basement is exceedingly well-designed. Thus far, the patrons are more non-judging than what would be expected, appear educated and know how to have fun, throw in an oddball here and there that spices it up a bit! I've been here three times in the last few weeks, once just for drinks, once for brunch and once for dinner. DRINKS: Mostly mexican beer on draft and there are very few drafts. They badly need more (quality beers). The house marg is one of two I've had so far (don't recall the other one) and they are WAY overpriced for the very little you get out of it and the lack of tastiness, not a good job. The house marg is only worth half the price if at all. FOOD: Had the Green Chile Hash for brunch. Again, overpriced for the small portion. It's a soupy hash and is in desperate need of an accompanying tortilla or two. It's really miserly of Lola not to provide that. It was, however, very original and inspired and tasty. For dinner I had The Hash (just coincidence, not the same item though). This was more filling than the skimpy brunch item, even more inspired and original and more worth the price yet again, just providing one tortilla would go miles for them in every manner (incl. presentation) in order to complete it because it's soupy. The first thing that comes to mind when reviewing Lola's is that it's overpriced, that much is very, very clear. Yet I'll keep returning because I'm willing to pay a little extra for a one of a kind experience which Lola does very well. The food, the layout and to an extent, even the patrons offer complete originality. Very tasteful. The biggest gripe I have however (even more so than being overpriced) is the margs. I love margs and am willing to pay a fair price for them. But $8 for an utterly uninspired house marg served in an 8 ounce glass filled to the brim with ice? I'd have to drink 3 of them to equal a regular-sized marg at another place for the same price! Who wants to spend over $50 on margs on a night out? Still, I'd hate to see Lola's go.
(4)Jason S.
Great spot. Love it for brunch and patio cocktailing. Damn shame they lost any semblance of a view with the new apartments. Hasn't seemed to slow their roll much....we'll see the true impact in a few weeks.
(4)Leah O.
Wah wah wahhhhhhhhhh........ Worst scallop ceviche I've ever had. And I love ceviche so much that it's worth two stars for me, particularly because they served it with limp, chewy potato "chips". Two problems: a) Ceviche is not meant to roll with potatoes- it's a corn party, and other starches should probably not be invited. b) It was so bland that it was absolutely flavorless- I added lime from my drink which helped a little, but it didn't have any zing or crisp or spice to it, all of which I consider essential for solid ceviche. Sorry, guys. For $9 (and a very, very small serving) you shouldn't be biffing that one.
(2)Bruce F.
I've eaten at Lola many times for dinner and brunch. It's a fun, busy atmosphere and reliable tasty food. Ceviches and fish choices tend to be my favorites although there's not much from the sea during brunch. Fair portions and fair prices.
(4)Jet P.
Somewhat disappointing. Loved the atmosphere, nice to have valet parking, great service. But the food? Just okay. The guacamole was fine, but I make better at home. The chips were so thin they kept breaking when we tried to scoop the guac. Pozole was so-so, salad was fresh but overly dressed, the carnitas reminded us of bbq pulled pork. The highlight was definitely dessert! Go for the donuts and ice cream!
(3)Leslie N.
I came here for brunch with my boyfriend on a Sunday afternoon and sat on the patio. We got banana jalapeño bread and a doughnut flight to start. The bread was pretty good although I couldn't taste the jalapeños and the doughnuts never came. We got an ultimate bloody (pic) and a mimosa which was a small glass of warm orange juice. For our meal we got chicken and waffles and the green chili hash. The chicken and waffle was great I mean u can't really go wrong there, and the syrup is a nice surprise. The chili hash was just ok. Nothing really stood out except the Bloody Mary which was loaded. All and all pretty underwhelming. I may go back but not for brunch.
(3)Karen G.
Went here for restaurant week on 2010 and i was disappointed in what they call tres leches pastel, and flan. Hello I'm as beaner as it gets so please don't think i won't know what a tres leeches pastel is. Pork was under cooked and salsas well i can make even better ones and i don't even cook. so won't go back, this place is for White caucasians that want to spend money on what they think is authentic mexican food,
(1)Kalen A.
Went for their award-winning happy hour. How exactly did Lola rig this vote? I'm calling for an investigation. Ceviche was mediocre, at best. Not truly even a ceviche. It was pre-cooked shrimp dressed in a bland aioli. And I could eat it all in two bites. Margarita was good, SLASH NO IT WASN'T. Far too weak and watery. Glass was 90% ice. Barely got a solid ounce of margarita for $5. Rip off. Tacos weren't bad. SLASH YES THEY WERE. Had al pastor and the braised achiote chicken. They switched the aioli on them (put it on the pastor, but forgot it on the chicken). Tacos tasted identical. That's concerning. They should be quite distinct. Both dry. Needed water after my taco and it had nothing to do with spice. They literally sucked the moisture out of my mouth. Maybe living in Texas has spoiled me with tacos and 'ritas, but I still walked into Lola expecting some Mexican flavor from an award-winning restaurant. Sadly, I didn't find it here.
(1)Kate W.
I love this place - beat guacamole ever! I only have one complaint: not a good place to eat if you have gluten issues.
(4)Eamonn M.
Great little hip Mexican restaurant! Has several unique dinner plate selections. The Carne Asdas? plate was delicious. Only downside I believe we're the portions to price, a bit high. Drinks were great and price on point for margaritas and cocktails. Atmosphere and service was top notch, thanks Nicole! Definitely a place we will visit again for drinks out on the patio hot or cold outside!
(4)Kara D.
We had drinks and appetizers on the patio. They had it closed off so it wasn't windy/cold out there. We ordered the shrimp ceviche (delicious), butternut squash queso (amazing) , and the guacamole (made to order at the table). I detest cilantro so having them make our guacamole at the table and make it to each of the three of our taste buds was superb. The BUTTERNUT SQUASH=UTTERLY FANTASTIC! I would eat it every day if possible. It had sun dried tomato and goat cheese and a wonderful taste and texture. The bathrooms are located downstairs and they are in individual little rooms/stalls. It was a nice change from the conventional bathroom stall (odd but its the little things right?) I need to come back to explore the rest of the menu. I really enjoyed it and the service was excellent!
(4)Emily R.
Niet! The dishes were boring (a plate basically would consist of two items) and were VERY overpriced for what they were. Too bad as the atmosphere of this place is quite lovely!
(2)Todd H.
I've been coming here for years....and it seems every month it gets worse and worse. I think last night will be my last visit. Everything was just AWFUL! From the chicken, which was dry and unflavored... As an entree: the black muscles which were fishy, old, small, nothing popped to the flavor (by far the worst), to the chips and salsa which the salsa tasted jar bought. The server was inattentive. I can't do this anymore. Sorry! Customer lost!
(2)Mirka S.
Margaritas are awesome! We had guacamole which was very good. Salsa sampler was ok. As main course we had Carne Asada and Swordfish and both dishes were great! For desert we got homemade ice cream - delicious!
(4)David C.
Decided to meet a friend here for drinks on a Tuesday night and was surprised that it took about 10 mins to find a parking spot, didn't realize this area was so congested! Not a huge problem as long as you are familiar with the neighborhood and which way the streets run I guess. Inside they have a greeter and I told them I would be just sitting at the bar which is two sided, one in and one on the patio. I went out to the patio and it was empty so I went back inside. I ordered a Black Butte Porter from Deschute brewery and the bird was drinking red wine. We tried a couple of appetizers Guero Chili Poppers and the Pork Carnitas Sopes, both kinda small but deffo tasty. The alcohol was flowing and when it was time to find the loo I found out that theres a whole other area downstairs, kinda reminded me of when I stumbled on Under the Snug :o) As time went on I realized that the whole place was packed including the patio, like standing room only, then the live music started. Not sure who they were but they sounded great and not too loud, just made it harder to get back to the bogs. So yeah a cool neighborhood joint that if I lived over there I would visit more frequent.
(4)Kimber S.
Okay, it's official. LOLA is our favorite restaurant. The hubby and I went last night for a spontaneous date night and it couldn't have been more perfect. Our waiter was charming and friendly. He made some great wine recommendations and turned us on to some new ones that we hadn't tried before. We started with the tableside guac service and the guac guy was very entertaining and it was obvious he loves his job. Plus, the guac was fantastic! We learned a couple tricks to make ours taste better at home. For entrees we both had winners. I ordered the goat cheese-stuffed poblano with flat iron steak grilled perfectly to medium-rare. The chile was stuffed with tangy creamy goat cheese, bits of squash, fresh corn and who knows what else.... it was bursting with complex flavors and textures that played so nicely together. The hubby ordered the Baja Fish Fry which was comprised of scallops, shrimp and fish coated in the lightest, crispest tempura-style batter and served with a mouth-wateringly tart citrusy-vinegar sauce. Amazing... and everything was served piping hot! After being treated like rock stars by the entire staff and dining on this quality of cuisine, I had no choice but to up LOLA's star rating. It is a winner on all points and you will walk out of there feeling like a winner, too!
(5)Ann V.
Came here for my final work dinner in Denver for Cinco De Drinko (unknowingly). The restaurant was packed! The table-side guacamole was delicious. How could I not like it? He made it exactly to my taste. More lime, more onions, more chili... yes yes yes. My entree of Caldo de Mariscos was nothing to rave about, but I'd still consider it pretty good. I can say that i've had much better in the past at other restaurants. To finish off my meal, I had a huge magarita. Just enough booze to make me happy!
(4)Cat S.
The guacamole. The table-side made guacamole. This is enough reason for me to go back over and over again. ...I guess the other pluses were: the food, service and ambiance/decor. But seriously, the guac just took the show for me.
(5)Kel D.
We went for Restaurant Week and found both the food and service to be pretty good. We opted for some of the margaritas (okay, very strong) and went for the standard spread of food. The soup and queso were amazing!! The service was also very good - my dinner partner found hair in his salad and they about fell over themselves apologizing and comped us the drinks. Worth the visit!
(4)Gabrian T.
Started with the handmade guacamole they make at the table. Not a lot of guacamole for 10$ but very tasty. Get the donut flight! So very good. Had the ultimate bloody Mary, very good for the price and had decent spice. The chicken and waffles were great. I enjoyed everything I had. Some others with us were not as impressed, especially with the tacos. Ambience was nice and relaxed with moderate noise, great for a date. I'll come back.
(4)Travis B.
Food was decent. Poor oysters. Horrible service at the bar. Good selection of tequila and mescal though.
(3)Rachel S.
My boyfriend and I went to Lola with another couple on Sunday to hit up their Happy Hour menu. The patio was full, so we opted for the dining room. We weren't aware that we would be seated an inch away from a live-band... the music was good, but with the drums and speakers right next to us, I seriously couldn't hear myself think--and I'm in my 20s, not my 80s! {not a fan of live rock bands in such a small, inside space} Anyway, once seated, each couple ordered their own guacamole dish -- when the table-side guacamole-maker showed up to our table, she insisted that she do both orders into one dish (wait! what if one of us wants it hot and the other can't handle the heat?!). The music made it hard for us to argue our point, so we let it happen & settled on medium spice. It turned out delicious. We also all ordered tacos and everyone loved them -- the Pork Carnitas were the best! Needless to say, the food was awesome...and the cucumber vodka lemonade was refreshing and well done. the not so good: I was disappointed to find out that we were charged for 2 separate guacamole orders, ($7 each, totaling $14) here's why I was upset: the happy hour menu has one option of guacamole, $7 ... the dinner menu gives an option for a small: $7 or a large: $10. So why wouldn't our server suggest ordering off of the dinner menu (getting the larger portion of the guacamole), as opposed to paying for 2 separate orders, and then not even getting it separate?! I know it's only an additional $4, but add in a $5 tip to the guacamole-maker and that's almost a $20 dish of guacamole, insane!! Also note, one order is only 1 avocado...it's not like they are dumping 5 avocados into each order. Unfortunately, I didn't notice this until we had returned home and I was browsing their dinner menu online... bummer. Overall Thoughts: would not do Happy Hour on a Sunday again, due to the indoor live band (it's only on Sundays) unless we could get a patio table. and next time, I would specify that I want the *dinner* menu larger portion of guacamole!
(3)Keanen B.
From southern California and this place makes it feel a little bit like home. Great food, a little expensive and the menu does change but its got a fun atmosphere. Great for bringing friends and family.
(4)Eric B.
Best happy hour menu (for my tastes) in Denver. The chili poppers are the best I have ever had, they are made in house like everything else. The place screams fresh food and you can tell the cooks love what they do. Service is solid, little to zero waiting on anything. Our server Jessica was very quick and helpful as well. She also offered menu suggestions that not only pointed us in the right direction, they tasted amazing. Food quality is just outstanding... Can't get over it. You also get Chiclets before they send you on your way... I would take off a star for the pickled topping on the Pastor taco, but it was still delish, just a little different. Protip; order the guacamole... You won't regret it.
(5)Ty M.
Beautifully done plates of authentic, fresh mexican. Definitely get the guacamole! This would be a five star review but I feel mexican food should have the option of being teary eye, head sweating spicy and you just dont get that here. Hip spot to drink and eat a fresher version of mexican.
(4)Constance J.
We went there for a friend's birthday celebration this past Saturday night. There were fifteen of us total. I had been here once before about a year ago and quite enjoyed it. I had only had a few drinks and an appetizer or two, however, and was ready to tuck in to an actual meal. The atmosphere is so live and the drinks *never* dissapoint! Truly the best drinks made with tequila are found here. The guac was fantastic! Sadly, the greatness, for me, stopped here. Our waitress snapped at us at the beginning and that left a bad taste in my mouth. We hadn't done anything rude, it was just the beginning of the evening, we'd just been seated!! I understand that being a waitress on a Saturday night can be crazy and stressful but rudeness from the get-go doesn't make sense to me. We were all so patient and friendly. Now, my food. I love duck! So, I ordered the duck tacos. They were...bland. I had to force myself to finish the first two tacos and found myself munching more chips and guac instead. My boyfriend ordered chicken which was pretty flavorful and smoky. He was pleased, but not necessarily impressed. It's difficult to screw up chicken, after all. The drinks made up for it, but I had to be honest about that duck! Maybe I will see how their brunch is. I want to give them another chance, but I really can't tolerate waitresses snapping at polite guests.
(3)Rick B.
Head to the highlands...it's just 15 minutes up 15th Street. Lola is a fun stop. Be sure to order the tableside guacamole. Ours was customized by Brian, who asked us our preferences for flavors, spicy levels and ingredients. The fresh chips carry a hint of lime. They make great cocktails here, so I ordered two. I preferred the tequila with cucumber and citrus, and the next one with jalapeño might have been better had I not had those amazing drinks at Beatrice and Woodsley earlier in the week. If they have them on the menu, try the lobster deviled eggs that redefine mom's in a good way (and my mom made great ones). I chose the tuna tacos small plate and the two that arrived with pineapple salsa were plenty (especially after the chips and deviled eggs). Tam ordered the shrimp ensalada Vera Cruz with its olives, capers, tomatoes and manchego, and she was smiling. I took that as a good sign. Lola calls itself "modern Mexican," and though the menu showed signs of a broader array of cuisines, the Chiclets at the welcome table seemed to be a nod to the genre. The neighborhood is cool, too, so leave time for a little walk around to work off the calories you've inhaled. And then maybe go back for another one of those cocktails.
(3)Angelina N.
The food definitely has that Mexican feel, their lola guacamole is a must try, they have someone come out and make it in front of you and it is made to order. Their menu changes every week so it has so many varieties each time we eat here is never boring.
(4)Rob M.
I went there last night in a group of 11 people. $439 by the time we were done. Each of us had between two and three drinks. Each of us ordered an entrée only. One appetizer for the table. For this kind of money, I would expect top-notch food, and more than just a small portion. This restaurant has an extremely limited entrée menu. I was unimpressed by the choice. Some of the entrées (pork dinner at $19) were appropriately sized and priced. However, the "three scallop special" (on bean curd) was ridiculously small. Laughable, really. That person in our group was joking about going to McDonald's afterwards to get something to eat. The lobster enchiladas were also very small for the premium price paid. The quality and size of the lobster enchiladas did not match the pricing. Quality of the beef and bean entree was good, not great. For $25, I expect more than 5oz of flank steak on top of bean curd (with a unique Brazilian side sauce). I will note, the warm salted tortilla chips were out of this world! Great job on those. Wait staff was very attentive. Very courteous. The young lady received a $100 tip for her efforts. Bathrooms were very clean. Decent atmosphere, but the restaruant was a little loud at times. Conversation was difficult sometimes. At $43 each, average, I would expect more from the food (both quality and volume). Toss in the absolute lack of street or free parking (there is a paid lot across the street) and this is two stars. I do not think I will return. There are much better family-owned Mexican restaurants in the denver area that I have found that have a great menu choice, and good to great quality food, with parking, at a fraction of the price. Lastly, the margaritas were ridiculously small. For eight dollars each, they should be twice the size. Overall, the seating is a little tight. So if you're in a large group or if you have smaller kids it can be a challenge.
(2)Adam S.
I loved the appetizers here. The guacamole was really wonderful and they had some great pacific coast oysters that were about as good as you could expect to find this far away from a coast. I had the scallop dish for an entree. I thought the scallops were well cooked (not chewy or tough at all). It was a good, but not drop dead amazing dish. The scallops had a slightly stronger fishy flavor than I like and there were only 3 relatively average sized scallops on the plate. Frankly, I expect more scallops if I'm paying $23 for the dish. Service was great. Wish I wasn't too full to try dessert. I will be back.
(5)Stacey P.
I highly recommend the coin margarita and the guacamole! The environment is perfect for a special night out with friends.
(4)Ellie W.
Okay atmosphere. Cane here for brunch on a Sunday and was very very busy. 40 minute wait so we sat at the bar. Bartenders were very attentive to the waiters orders but not to those standing for a drink. Took almost 10 minutes for a bottle of coors light. Once we sat down, I ordered the huevos and my roommate ordered the chicken and waffles. Mine was bland and really tasteless. I wanted to ask for salsa or hot sauce but my waiter rarely sopped by and I was almost done by the time she stopped by. My roommates chicken and waffles was good though! Overall, not great service, over priced and the food was so-so
(2)Emily J.
After my spectacular dinner here last Friday I have been asking myself "why don't I go here more?" because I love Lola! We were 15 minutes late for our reservation and totally spaced calling to let the host know, but luckily enough they were able to give us our table. Our server, Jeff, was really great. He was attentive but not overbearing and had good recommendations. Speaking of, I would highly recommend the Drug Mule. As someone who is obsessed with Moscow Mules I am automatically drawn to any drink with the word "mule" in it. The Drug Mule did not disappoint. Make sure to get the table side prepared guacamole served with warm chips and made to your liking. I wanted it really spicy, my dining companion didn't so we settled for somewhere in the middle. The ceviche is really delicious too and it a nice contrast with the creaminess of the guac. It is served with these homemade potato chips that are to die for! I got the seafood enchiladas and loved them. I also had a bite of the relleno, another favorite, I love the sweet potato. Make sure and check out the downstairs, they have a pretty cool area and bar down there perfect for events and large parties. Before last week, it had been years since I had been to Lola, I am so glad that I went back!
(5)Selah D.
I have to say I'm so happy we came here! We often drive up to Boulder {from Parker} just to eat at Centro for happy hour and now that we have found Lola's {owned by the same people who own Centro} we are ecstatic! First off, I want to say we just had a horrible experience at Linger around the corner {you can see my review there for details} and walked around the corner to find Lola's. The hostess was so welcoming and very sweet with our kids. We often travel to Denver to eat because, lets face it, Parker doesn't have a lot to offer in the culinary department. It was happy hour and, like Centro, they had a great offering of food and drinks at really affordable prices. This is what we had: Fried Tilapia Taco~very tasty with a nice kick! Guacamole~sooo good I could have licked the bowl! Plus they make it at your table, which the kids loved! Half Pound Peeled Shrimp~hubby said it was really good! Shrimp Taco~hubby also loved it! Margaritas~to die for! Kids Meal Quesadillas~portions were huge! Our server was so nice and accommodating and the atmosphere was really great! We especially loved that we were treated so nice, which were weren't at Linger. We will definitely be back soon!
(5)George W.
Lola is always good; it's as simple as that. Stopped last night on the late side (10:45); place was quieting down, kitchen was only serving chicken tacos (delicious!), salsa was tasty, beer was cold, bartenders were cool and atmosphere was just what we were looking for. We stop at the Ale House a lot, but it worked out great to head up the street and hit Lola instead this time.
(4)Anna C.
Food: really really not that good... translation: kinda bad. Guacamole served table side - Basically the server comes to your table and cuts open 2 avocados and mix it up in front of you (you're probably paying $6 for the mixing-show and $2 for the actual Guacamole). The Guacamole tasted like avocado, badly smashed together (meaning the avocado was still very raw, chunky, piecey, and not mixed nor seasoned very well). Damage = $8 Duck Enchiladas - 3 girls from our table ordered this and No One liked it. They said it was too little duck and the entire dish was too sweet. A sweet duck enchiladas?? The sweetness was not in the description and not what anyone was expecting. One friend declared in shock "I FOUND A PIECE OF DUCK!!" couple times throughout her meal lol. Damage = $23 x 3 Thank goodness I had a huge ice cream next door at Little Man before I came in... I ordered a shrimp appetizer and it was blaah... a small container of shrimps seasoned in a mayo-citrusy sauce with bits of tomatoes. Complemented with a cup of not very crispy chips (you know when chips taste kind of soft because its old or exposed to air for too long? similar to that). Damage = $9 Another friend ordered the lamb... she said it was too bland and at $24 she was not happy. The last friend ordered the shrimp special and one side of her plate was overly empowered by lime and the other side was way too peppery. I took a bite of her's to try and it made me go "WOWZA ~ that thing is hella peppery"... its hard to enjoy your dish when half of it taste like all-lime and the other half taste like all-pepper, except they werent limes or black pepper but veggies, rice and shrimps. SERVICE: kind of intimidating. Our server was cranky. Though he kept his polite manners we felt really stressed by his forced smiles because the vibe of wanting to axe us was so strong. Manager came over and gave our table a discount and some gift certificates. Sadly the food was so bad and expensive for what-you-get that nobody wanted to take the gift certificates because it would mean... coming back. Lastly, 5/6 girls were still hungry after Lola's .... pretty sure our driver friend went to Burger King after dropping us off. I'm lucky I had a huge ice cream right before my meal or else that would be 6/6 hungry girls. None of us mind paying more for a delicious meal. We're not there to be difficult. Our table consisted of 3 attorneys, 1 law school grad, 1 third year law school student, and 1 professional... we're not there to try to jip Lola a bowl of their guacamole but that's how our waiter made us feel like. I think the manager was slightly offended and "surprised" that we thought their food were not-so-good.... but HEY! None of us wanted to say anything. We kinda just wanted to eat our stuff and get out considering the *axe vibe coming our way*, but the manager came over several times to ask questions... I give her props for trying but keep on quizzing us on what tasted wrong is not the way to go. One friend answered "too bland" for the Enchiladas and the manager pressed again "how?" Wow lady! She just wants to eat... without stress or pop quiz!! I must say, the host that took my name for the wait was very nice. When our group was outside taking pictures he came out of the restaurant and offered to help. Thank you nice guy! Ever seen the car insurance commercial by Geico or General insurance (I forgot which)? it's a General or lawyer yelling "YOU WANT THE TRUTH?!!??? YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!" (parody of A Few Good Men). I think that's about appropriate to sum up our experience with the Lola staffs... oops! and DUDE! What is going on with the lightening? I cant see my food!
(2)Michelle T.
My dinner companions and I agreed that the guacamole here (made fresh tableside) is probably the best each of us had ever had. The salsa was fantastic too, and the tortilla chips were fresh and light. I ordered the carne asada, and it was cooked perfectly to order, served on a wonderful mole sauce. I'd definitely go back again the next time I'm in Denver.
(5)Emily S.
Always very good. Had the boar tacos that were a nightly special- insanely good!
(4)Jason R.
Great brunch, excellent bloody Mary's and mimosas
(4)Mark L.
LOVE this place. The food is always creative, fresh, and delicious. They feature a drink menu that'll please a tequila connoisseur of any level and offer plenty of mixed drink options, all crafted by the pros behind the bar. Lola has the best staff in town, overseen by Patrick the GM, one of the best in the biz! Also, they have music on Sunday from 2:30-5:00, featuring some of Denver's best musicians. Highly Recommended!
(5)Sean P.
Ok so I have been here several times and on accident I was in the area after a long night of having a good time drinking and came in on a Sunday and was pleasantly surprised about the dish I found. Spanish Paella...now as I have been to Spain for a long time I was quite sceptical. However I was pleasantly surprised as I said this place has the best overall paella in Denver. I do want to point out that there will not we the assortment that is normally found in Spanish paella but a solid mixture of chicken, shrimp peeled and sausage. The rice and the sauce are the main sections of the dish that brought me back to Spanish Paella. The regular menu is good and has some unique fixings but will be going back for paella if I am in the area on a Sunday again. Just as a heads up the parking in the area is street parking so get there a little early.
(4)Chris C.
OMG! This place rocks! We decided to try Lola's for brunch to celebrate my 65th birthday. We didn't go wrong, in fact everything from food to service was exactly right! We were seated before our actual reservation time and our smiling server greeted us not more than 10 seconds after we were we seated. We started with the guacamole made table side, it was the perfect consistency, not too creamy with just the right amount of chunks of avocado and other yummy additions. The chips served along side are awesome too, warm and crunchy, not too salty. The special Lola's Bloody Mary with shrimp, pickle, cheese and bacon was wonderful, albeit it could have used a bit more alcohol. I really didn't taste a drop of vodka in it! Come on Lola's, you do a good enough business, you shouldn't skimp on the alcohol!! I had the buttermilk brined fried chicken on a waffle, a dish seen lots in the south and east, but rarely in the west. It was amazing, crunchy, very tasty chicken breast atop a crunchy, slightly sweet waffle drizzled with a perfectly seasoned cherry sauce. Wow! Others in our group had the special which was a tres Leches French toast, amazingly creative and yummy dish; the huevos rancheros served very creatively in a fried tortilla with all sorts of yummy additions; and last but not least the banana pancake sweet and creamy. For the birthday girl a plate of warm, fresh home made cinnamon donuts with a honey cinnamon whipped cream dipping sauce were the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Thanks Lola's, well be back!!!!
(5)Josh P.
Lola, you get one more star for that patio. 7pm on a Saturday night, hot as the dickens outside...I immediately thought of a caipirinha on the patio at Lola. I was luring my friends in, all the while hoping that 6 for this beautiful patio was a possibility on a Saturday night. Fortunately, the wait wasn't outrageous (fortunately, we never mind waiting as long as we can get a cocktail at the bar). I think, in all, we were there for 4 1/2 hours eating, drinking, enjoying the summer breeze and the view of the City. Lola just might have the best patio in Denver.
(5)Amy O.
Hands down, 5 stars, UH-mazing. First and foremost, the mimosa was the exact way a mimosa should be- 99% champagne and 1% orange juice. That won me over right there, but the tableside guac and El Admiral brunch items were amazing. The only thing that wasn't cool was that it was pretty warm in there, but they do have an open air bar between the restaurant and the patio so that's probably why. But again, the mimosa made up for it.
(5)Leah M.
I have an inkling that Lola waters down their drinks for happy hour. This was a big disappointment because I like Lola's and had high expectations for my favorite time of day. I ordered the house margarita. When I paid full price for it a couple of months ago, it was pure bliss. Tangy, tequila-y deliciousness. But the happy hour version tasted like they let 1,000 ice cubes melt in my glass before serving it. I switched it up and ordered the cranberry-mint fizz for drink #2, and even though it was tasty, it was weak. It could just be me: maybe I'm becoming immune to alcohol. I ordered a fried fish taco and the sweet potato-yucca bocadillos. Both were pretty delcious, but I have never had anything similar to the bocadillos, so they stole the show. They are fried potato balls in a smoky sauce. I follow the Midwestern belief that anything deep-fried will be good. I love Lola's- just not their happy hour. Next time I go back, I'll happily pay full price.
(3)Michael S.
Lola is delicious. I love their drinks, and guacamole especially, which they make tableside. In fact I'd like some right about now... GET THE GUAC. Everything else is delicious too.
(5)Cailin D.
Get a reservation for brunch. The staff was delightful, and tolerated my drunk brunch girlfriends very well, they even let us bring our own birthday cupcakes. We were seated in the back, and had amble space for a 8 person party. Spicy Bloody Mary has a meal on stick when you order it. Cheese, pickle, bacon, other things... Cucumber lemonade is super refreshing. Oyster Shooters have a nice Mexican flair with tequila, tomatillo, orange juice, serrano, cilantro, cucumber and they're in a tiny margarita glass. For breakfast, I tasted around the table, but my Chicken and Waffles were to die for. Actually, anything with the chorizo gravy is fabulous. I also sampled some of the pulled pork benedict, huevos, and chicken fried steak, and all were superb. Go for a spicy breakfast, thank me later.
(5)Dan S.
Had a very nice celebratory dinner here. Here are some highlights and mediumlights: High - the Guacamole is terrific, made tableside. The Whole Snapper was excellently prepared, and the sauce below it really set off the sweetness of this perfectly done fish. You had to bring them together on your own, but it was well worth it. The Yucca dumplings (brought separately so my gluten-free wife could try the dish) were good as well. The Banana Flan was terrific. T-rific. Medium - the Carne Asada was fine, but nothing to write home about. Did like the roasted sweet potatoes with it alot. The Mojito, although recommended, was a little bitter for my taste - and a little strong. I'm a lightweight, would ask for a weak one next time. The service was good, and they took off a few dollars because our main dishes took a while without asking (or apologizing, strangely enough). It is definitely noisy, but we were in the back a bit and it was bearable. Overall an enjoyable meal, and additional things we want to try on our next visit.
(4)Emilee C.
We went to Lola for 5280. I have also been there for a couple Happy Hours on their GREAT little patio with awesome views of downtown Denver. They make pretty killer guacamole that is made fresh in front of you and the margaritas are splendid. As for the night of 5280... It was okay. I wasn't wowed with anything. We started with the queso that tasted good but not great, pretty bland. We all shared a ceviche flight that was pretty tasty, this was my favorite part of the night. They also served a smoked corn soup which was also pretty good. I can't decide if it was only good because of its spiciness. My main course was the Mahi Mahi which was served with an enchilada. I love spice but... this dish was over the top for me. I couldn't taste anything because the it was so spicy. I love mahi and I was really let down. One last note the Doughnuts are AMAZING. The Flan was AWFUL. I ordered the flan and I LOVE SWEETS and I was depressed with my selection :( I only had one bite which is rare. Ususally if there is sugar in it I will eat it anyway... but not in this situation. Great service and the place was not over crowded the evening we went. I would go back... But I choose it to be more of a happy hour place!
(3)Anthony N.
We went here on a tip fhat they'd have great drinks and some tasty food. Prices seemed a bit high, but the food was absolutely delicious. My favorite? I suggest trying the poblano entree with steak. It's to die for! As for the overpriced oysters and everything else... well, let's just say if it wasn't for the delicious jalapeno martinis, I'd have a hard time justifying this place. If you have a date, on the other hand, this may be just the right place to start off the night!
(4)Jessica F.
Never a disappointment. The Fall menu is amazing. Brought out-of-towners here this weekend and they were floored. So nice to show friends a good time and amaze them with a great location. Wish that stupid apartment building across the street wasn't built that now blocks Lola's amazing view. I'll wash my woes away with another margarita :)
(5)Corey H.
Took some visiting friends here for happy hour. The drinks were quenching. The food was ... alright. The ceviche and tacos weren't memorable other than they were ordered. The guacamole bar that they rolled up to our table was memorable and pretty fantastic. They were willing to split our single order to accommodate spicy and non-spicy pallets.
(3)Tara D.
Lola is so beautiful inside and out such unique cuisine music decor atmosphere. Amazing brunch and Happy hour. Tequila!
(5)Maggie P.
Lola's was a much better brunch than I expected. I had the ultimate bloody, guacamole, ceviche trio, chicken and waffles and the country fried steak. I was told that the chicken and waffles were the best in town, but that's not true of last Saturday because the waffles were soft, and I like them crunchier. I have zero complaints about the other food. I eat country fried steak whenever it's on the menu, and I think this might have been the BEST steak ever. Plus, our server Kelly was super on top of it as well as her helpers, and we never once had to flag someone down for something. Great meal and great service.
(4)Tc C.
Nice atmosphere and fairly good service. Guacamole appetizer is a must. They had just changed to the Fall menu two days before I dined, and I have to say that the choices were a little limited and the prices were fairly high for Mexican food.
(3)Kevin N.
Very attractive, fun, energetic restaurant with exceptionally nice and efficient staff. The menu was loaded with interesting choices and my wife and I each wanted to try numerous items. We tried the salsa sampler and two entrees and while all were visually appealing and well prepared, each seemed to lack a little something. The habanero salsa looked fantastic, but our batch was medium-hot at best. Perhaps we ordered new menu items that hadn't been fully worked out. The restaurant was great otherwise and the bar downstairs was hopping so perhaps we'll try it again. With some seasoning and spice tweaks this has great potential.
(4)Kristin W.
We had our rehearsal dinner here recently and were not impressed. While the food was pretty good, the service just was not and everything seemed pretty disorganized. For a group of 30 people, we had one server taking care of everything. That obviously made everything run really slowly (for example taking about 45 minutes to even get a drink order for everyone in). Little things like not having any utensils, having to ask for water refills, etc all added up to a disappointing experience. They need to appoint at least one additional server to group events and maybe things would run better. Overall, it was just super slow and we had to run and find someone to ask for way too many things that should be standard. They forgot a few of the items we ordered (and paid for) and when we are basically walking out the door they asked if we wanted them boxed up. Um, no we would have liked them while we were actually eating. I would not recommend having any kind of formal event here if you are someone who appreciates organization and attention to detail.
(2)Leahrae A.
Came here specifically because they are supposed to have the number one margarita in Denver. Did not have anything except 1 margarita. I would have had more, had I liked it. For me personally, I do not like a margarita to taste like a tequila shot, if I'd wanted a tequila shot that is what I would have ordered. The margarita had so much tequila in it, I could not drink the whole thing, and I love margaritas. The bartender was very friendly and served it right up. The other thing I noticed is that all margaritas are the same with the exception of your choice of tequila. No varieties what so ever. I has the bartender which margarita he recommended, and that is exactly what he told me. I did peruse the menu. What I did see was a lack of an appetizer menu. I might have had one, had they had an appetizer menu. It wasn't happy hour, but still. The menu items were mostly seafood and the price matched the part of town I guess. But nothing on the menu screamed at me to come back.
(3)Alicia H.
All I wanted was a snack, but I didn't want any fast food. So on my Friday night adventure with Amanda T we stopped in here for my first bite of delicious! We got their salsa sampler and the guac.... OMG perfect! It was the perfect amount of food for the snack we were craving but the taste and the service were outstanding! I will be back for a more formal meal for sure!!
(5)Andrea K.
Her name was Lola, she was a great bar... Our last restaurant for 5280 was here on Friday. I had been for happy hour but never a full meal. Here's the good: the bar, the decor, the service, the queso, my Mahi and tasty enchilada. The awesome: the debilita! Love that sweet and spicy drink!! The soup was delicious and the doughnuts...such warm doughnuts with fresh whipped cream...yum. The not so good: happy hour margs! Disappointing. I had the repos ado coin marg and it just tasted like lime juice. Nothing special. Get the debilita!! My mouth waters for the Little devil. The tuna appetizer also not great. Did not taste fresh. All in all, Lola is a saucy little mynx that I will return to for happy hour...the pork nachos look divinely naughty! Great place to sit and enjoy. Tip: happy hour is also available in the restaurant! Do yourself a favor and get a table instead of fighting for the bartenders attention! Your feet will thank you and so will your thirst.
(4)JM N.
This was a wonderful experience! I and my friends had made a last minute decision on a Saturday night due to some complications with another restaurant. Another friend suggested Lola so I walked in hoping for the best given I now had no reservation...the staff was amazing in setting up our table as one of my friends is in a wheelchair...and the manager saw us struggling to get her out of the car and ran to the parking lot to help...food was amazing and our waiter was attentive enough given our group was catching up...highly recommend and looking forward to this becoming a regular spot for my and my friends
(5)Chris Z.
My girlfriend and I did not like the new menu. We LOVED the old one. Both our meals were overly salty. Yelp has it listed at $$ but it's a lot pricier than that. Good, fun atmosphere, but needless to say we won't be back. Their is better Mexican food in Denver at a better price.
(2)Nick C.
I don't know why it has taken me so long to finally try Lola's, but it finally happened as it was the first stop on our long afternoon of Saturday patio hopping. Mostly I have heard about their awesome brunch, which sounds right up my alley, but I have also heard some unfortunate comments about their food only being subpar. Unfortunately this trip did not involve any food, as our patio hopping was well after brunch and moments after the 5 o'clock cutoff to Saturday happy hour. A bit disappointed by missing happy hour we refused to order anything based on principal. We will certainly not make that mistake next time as their happy hour offerings looked awesome. Fish and chicken tacos were only $3 and the most appealing was the shrimp ceviche $6 and ahi crudo $5. I guess I should try them first before I get too excited. Either way, Lola's succeeded in offering an awesome patio setting. The view of downtown is awesome! Although half of the patio was occupied by a wedding party, the service was great. Our waitress was very attentive and recommended my new favorite beer, Agave Wheat. Based on atmosphere and service alone, I was happy with what Lola's had to offer. With an intriguing menu I am encouraged to go back again.
(4)Zina S.
I've been going to this place for drinks since I moved to Denver in October. I just love this area. I'm not going to be happy when they finish the building across the street. Parking is difficult, yes, why wouldn't it be? The drinks are great and so is the food. Stop by for happy hour or Tuesday tastings and you won't be disappointed. True, the food is touch and go, but overall good. The guacamole and chips are excellent. I love the ambiance is very hip without being snobby. The personnel is very attentive and friendly. I will keep coming back for more.
(4)Topaz A.
It has been more than a year since my 1 and only visit and it is highly overrated. Yes, the drinks and chips/salsa were good. The food was very bad. I had a lamb or beef steak dish (can't recall exactly) and it was so very-cooked it was grey in the middle. It was also very salty. There are better places around.
(2)Robert L.
Wonderful Brunch! Mexican food with an American twist.
(5)Danielle C.
I might have a tiny addiction to Denver Restaurant Week. This was the first of four DRW restaurants for me and let's just say I'm glad it was my first. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. It probably didn't help that we got the worst seat in the house: the very back corner on the covered patio, a foot from the door, on the side without a heater. I mean, come on! On a cold winter night, you shouldn't subject any guests to these conditions. My fiance and I ate wearing our down jackets. I'd understand being sat there if there were no other seats, but we passed 3 empty tables on our way to the Arctic Tundra. And yes, we did have reservations. On to the food. We started with the rock shrimp ceviche. I've eaten a lot of ceviche in my life; it's probably my favorite food. This was not good ceviche. The aioli lacked any distinguishable flavor. Here's the thing: when you've got a dish whose traditional preparation is bloody glorious, you'd better be damn sure you're improving upon things when you apply an artistic preparation. The roasted corn chipotle soup was delicious! The blackened mahi was blackened at the expense of maintaining tenderness and the collards were pretty amazing, but the squash enchilada was pretty lame. The cascabel chile cream was OK. Here's what killed me: We ordered the espresso flan for dessert which was supposed to be topped with Patron XO blackberry jam. Instead - and this is unacceptable - ours was covered with CANNED CHERRIES! Was this some sort of mistake? Or a joke? I mean, what the eff? On a positive note, the Q Coin margarita was delicious, although devoid of any detectable alcohol. And our waiter was very kind. The chiclets were a nice touch.
(2)Nick R.
"Whatever the cougars at Lola's want...The cougars get...and little man...these cougars want you!" Great location, but the atmosphere fizzles. A lot of people that *want* to be seen, but the eye-candy is stale. Servers have a dead-beat attitude as if you are forcing them to work for the money.
(2)Matt S.
Very unique brunch on the weekends. The restaurant is in a historic building in Denver and has lots of character. Generally quick to get into for breakfast on the weekends with good variety of menu items and southwestern inspired drinks.
(3)Kelly W.
Pretty good. They don't have much vegetarian stuff. My boyfriend got the chicken and waffles. I honestly don't know how they got the Westword's Best of for chicken and waffles 2013. We both agreed there were too many flavors. They have BOMB guacamole though.
(3)Steve G.
Food was good - a bit different which is interesting and nicely done. Smaller portions and a little expensive. The wait staff was very nice - the atmosphere was urban, young fun, loud and great place to socialize. I'd go again with the right crowd...
(4)Mariah L.
Here's the jest of it - amazing food as usual and they would have gotten 5 stars (most likely) if their service wasn't terrible. I mean, I get that it's Restaurant Week and whatnot, but you also know that too. Hire more people to accommodate the crowds. Duh! BAD SERVICE - what do I mean by that?!?! To start, we had a party of 7 and our waiter brought 2 chips, 1 salsa. We asked for a 2nd salsa...never got it. After ordering off the 5280 menu, the only person who opted for the salad instead of the soup got hers immediately. Weird. You had to raise your wine glass and hope the server saw you barely able to swallow before he stopped by to see if we needed anything. Water....well that was as common as being in desolate wasteland under the burning sun with no shade. It was a chore to get AND when it did happen, pay no attention to the busser setting down all the dirty dishes on our table to fill our glasses instead of dropping them off first. We were overcharged and then that took too long to remedy. Plain and simple, our server sucked and you got the feeling he was miserable with being there, thus making it not as fun as it should have been. FOOD - I got there early to enjoy happy hour ($4 Sangria, thank you very much!) and totally enjoyed the 5280 menu. Since we had a bigger group, we got to basically eat everything they offered. The Queso Fundido was incredible...I'd fill up a bath tub and soak in it if I could; that's how tasty it was. Next was the Roasted Corn & Chipotle Soup which had a really great bite. I opted for the Blackened Mahi, as if done correctly, is very yummy...and that is was. Topped off the night with some Sugar Doughnuts. Kinda bland and flavorless, but the fact that they were piping hot and covered in sugar, I ate them. Best part was the homemade whipped cream - not sure what they did to it but it was fantastic! If you've never been to Lola's before - it is a place to try. Never had bad food. Really like their all day Happy Hour on Monday and appreciate how fresh and creative the menu is.
(3)John K.
Service = Pretty good Bloody Mary = Meh! I have had MUCH better. Food = DAMN! We went for brunch. I had the Chicken and waffles, which were amazing! Never had them before. Anywhere. The waffles were almost floating off the plate they were so light and fluffy. the chicken was cooked perfectly and not overly breaded. The sauces were a combo of sweet and spicy and just amazing. I'll be going back for sure. Need to try their dinner menu!!
(4)Akilah R.
Haven't had food there yet (I hear they have fantastic brunch though), but their drinks are perfect. This is an excellent spot to spend a lazy sunny day with a few friends. Their lemon cucumber cocktail is by far my favorite - very refreshing, well put together, and delicious - if you're not careful, someone will have to carry you home! Very casual atmosphere and attentive staff. My one complaint is that the patio can get extremely crowded - I really wish they'd work more to put a more realistic cap on how many people they have out there - would make for a better experience, I think. But, on the one hand, that is how you know it's good!
(4)Danee C.
I finally made it here for HH last Friday. I anticipated having a drink or two...next thing you know--I am 3 $2 Tecates deep and have my fingers covered in goat cheese queso (yes...goat cheese queso). My friend and I effectively enjoyed our Friday HH with inexpensive apps and beers for under $16 each! The patio is large and is easily enclosed in the event of rain or unbearable breezes. I will certainly be back for HH and dinner soon!
(4)Ken K.
Lola is among the dozens of restaurant/bar trendy hangouts dotting the lower Highlands. A half-outdoor bar wraps around, which is where we sat, and ordered a cocktail called the Drug Mule. While light and refreshing, the taste of my drink wasn't as memorable as its name. Our queso was more of a cream sauce than anything while the guacamole was surprisingly spicy with a generous dash of chili powder mixed in. While I wouldn't make a trip specifically for Lola, it's still a fine place to spend a little time, and by the way, more than a little money.
(3)Stephie B.
Great happy hour on Monday nights! Definitely gets noisy and busy, but the food is consistently good and the crowd is always young and fun. Brunch is also fabulous!
(4)Rebecca R.
I have always loved Lola, but am so impressed with their party hosting! I had my 40th birthday party there and we booked BeLola (the room below Lola) and had about 50 people. They did a great job timing the appetizers, keeping everyone's glasses full, getting meals out to those who ordered them and just being all around awesome to work with. I'll going to do my 50th party there as well! Thanks Lola!!
(5)Stephen S.
Best Margs and Guac in town.
(5)Anne N.
Amazing food. Service was the best I've had in quite some time at any restaurant. Our server couldnt have been more friendly, helpful, and knowledgable of the menu.
(5)Frederick J.
Very good food for very good price.
(4)Betsy V.
It's a good sign when there is a wait on a Monday evening...probably because it's Happy Hour all night on Mondays. We waited for about 20 mins and enjoyed a tasty $5 margarita while we waited. The staff was incredibly attentive. We got drink orders immediately, we didn't have to chase down the bartender to pay our bar tab when our table was ready. Once we got to the table our waiter was there quickly and in minutes we had another round of drinks and table side guac. He gave us some great recommendations! We had the table side guac, the $2 Charcuterie, a chorizo infused tuna small plate. At that point we had a lot going on on our table and our waiter waited to put in the enchilada order until we finished our apps which was perfectly timed! The food was all really tasty and fresh, the service excellent and the vibe fun and the happy hour fantastic! It's added to our go-to list!
(5)Jason J.
I don't want to write this review. Not at all, not in the tiniest bit. But I have to. I like Lola, I do. It's just....it's the food poisoning I don't like. I don't think the ladyfriend liked it either. A visit to Lola for a bday gathering started wonderfully but days later turned over so sour. I ate the Carne Asada, which was pretty decent. The ladyfriend had the Chicken Mole Verde, which was quite good -- but that's where the trouble started. The next morning she felt sick, and ended up leaving work early. We weren't sure if it might be a quick bug, or if it was honest food poisoning, but the symptoms and timeline all pointed to food poisoning. We just...didn't want to admit it, because we really enjoy Lola. Two days later I did one of the dumbest things I've ever done in my life. I decided to eat her leftovers from Lola. Friday I left early from work, just as she had done a couple days earlier, and spent the better part of 6 hours Friday afternoon in ridiculous pain from stomach cramps, and making a place to lay in the bathroom because it's easier than getting up from the bed or couch every 15 minutes. I'd still love to believe that it wasn't the food from Lola, but it's the only food item she and I both ate during that time-span. I emailed Lola (and huge kudos for this) and the Head Chef Duane emailed me back directly just a few short hours later expressing his profound apologies, assured me that they were investigating the issue, and invited us back for another go, and he said he would like to take care of our dinner. In a litigious age where so few restaurants would want to take responsibility, Lola owned up to what was most likely their mistake, and wants to make it right. This gives me confidence in Lola, especially because I have no intention of anything even closely resembling legal action. Food poisoning is one of those understood risks we have when going out to eat, whether as patrons we want to admit that or not, it just is. Lola deserves a ton of credit for this, Chef Duane in particular, and hopefully they found something that prevented another diner from getting sick. Unfortunately this experience has severely stained my perception of Lola. It's not that I don't want to love it, it's that the magic just isn't there especially after this little incident. We'll probably go back, we'll probably let them do their best to make it right, but I just don't think Lola will be sitting in my top 10 list any time in the near future.
(2)L E.
Amazing authentic mexican food. great drink prices. We love it so much we hosted our wedding reception here. I love the service and the food. Go and you will not be disappointed!
(5)Whitney S.
You can't go wrong with a stellar location and view of the city, coupled with creative and fillingly delicious food. Lola is funky AND fresh! We have been meaning to try it since we moved here, but hadn't until tonight. Our first impression was less than fab however. We called for a rez since they are always busy and unfortunately, the hostess was chilly, if not downright rude. When we checked in, we must have talked to the same girl that had answered the phone because she was unfriendly and gave us an eye roll when we decided to sit at the bar instead of being sat at the table we made the rez for. Meh, whatever, I guess I can understand...but still not a good first impression. We sat at the bar and started with the roasted corn and chipotle soup... this stuff was bomb. It was probably corn, chipotle, cream and a bit of goat cheese that had been put in a food processor and blended into a sweet, spicy, creamy bowl o'heaven. I was shoveling it in my mouth with their tortilla chips - so yummy. For entrees, we split the lobster ceviche and blackened mahi (with butternut squash and goat cheese quesadillas on the side). The portions were hearty and the presentation pretty. Overall, with 2 specialty drinks, 2 vodka waters and a beer, with 2 complimentary tequila tastings and tip, we spent just under $100. Very cool spot!!
(4)Jasmyn M.
Ok, this place was expensive. Not gonna lie. As a visitor to Denver, I was expecting pricing to be a few dollars cheaper but oh well. On the deliciousness front, it was exactly that. Delicious. My girlfriend and I just shared the guac (a MUST have) and some pulled pork nachos (fantastic!) and that was enough to have us rolling out the door. The guacamole is made tableside and is everything an avocado lover would hope it would be. The nachos were some of the best I've ever had. Not greasy, full of flavor, not light on portions on chips...a perfect balance of all ingredients. The margaritas looked delicious but was trying to be good that night and stuck to water. I'm guessing that was my mistake. Next time!
(4)Pootums P.
The food here is very delicious and consistent. Great ceviche and chicken dishes. Will be a regular here for sure.
(5)Jaylene W.
July 23. Celebrating a birthday, we reserved a table on the patio on a Monday night. We arrived on time and were seated immediately, beside the kitchen. The patio seemed full, but we had a RESERVATION! Heard the guacamole was fabulous, so we started there. How hard is it to make avocados, tomatos and spices taste good? The guacamole was good the way avocados are good. The server who came to our table to make it seemed bored. I say either bring me some guacamole, or give me a little show worth watching. Don't make me answer a lot of questions about my guacamole if it isn't entertaining. The chips were fresh, warm, and wonderful. For the 2% of the population who are tequila connoisseurs, I bet the margueritas are fantastic. For the rest of us, the margueritas are too astringent. Our server let us know about the dry drinks, and it was happy hour, so we tried them. When my husband asked for his second drink to be a bit sweeter, it came back from the bar perfect and delicious, but the server seemed disappointed in us. Food was good, priced fairly, but we did not feel like we fit this restaurant. It is much more of a 28-year-old-Very-hip-Lodo-resident kind of vibe. We are middle-aged Berkely residents (who tip well) and really felt shuffled to the back by a style-conscious matre'd. Really pretty mosaic decor, interesting, artistic, wildly imaginative.
(3)Elizabeth L.
I was impressed. I came here for dinner at around 8pm and it was happy hour all night long! So of course I had to have their sangria ($4 HH price), and munched on some of their nachos (apparently the best appetizer they have according to everyone at my table), and friend and I shared their guac. GET THE GUAC ($7). They make it fresh right in front of you, and you get to tell the dude what you want in it and exactly how much. Hence, we only asked for a pinch of salt which was perfect! Add lots of spice and you'll have a fun time. The tortilla chips are addictive as well. Light and crispy. Seeing as that it's located in the highlands, you'll thoroughly enjoy the ambiance-- classy yet casual (or in between!), noisy but not obnoxious, dim lighting, sophisticated decor, and AWESOME music. I could not get over how rad their playlist was on a Monday night. Our server was also super informative and patient (seeing as that some of us were inebriated with their cheap drinks). CH-CH-CHECK IT.
(5)Delery G.
Came here for a quick drink before dinner with friends- caught happy hour, had a cucumber drink which was awesome and refreshing- my friend had a spicy jalapeno drink which she asked for the bartender to make super spicy, and damn was it super spicy! But oh so tasty! Haven't eaten here, but can't wait to come back and try it! Looked like great and food and prices from what I could see at the bar! (Really busy around HH as the Highlands tend to be- so plan accordingly!)
(5)Tim F.
Love their brunch. Lobster deviled eggs, hamburguesa, everything is so good. Their bloody Mary's are excellent.
(5)Lars J.
Great atmosphere with phenomenal service. Top 5 tastiest places to eat in Denver hands down.
(5)Maria N.
Eh it was okay. Guacamole was okay. Service was okay. food was okay. I had high hopes because of the great reviews but food was just okay.
(3)JY L.
ummm table side guac is a must have. we watched him like a hawk as he prepared it so we can make it at home. It was super fresh and delicious.
(4)Daisy P.
I wasn't expecting much for Mexican food in Denver, but this place was awesome! We walked in for drinks and a quick bite and sat at the bar. We ordered the rock shrimp ceviche, the guac, the half dozen oysters and the clams & chorizo. I highly recommend the clams & chorizo which melted in my mouth. That sauce is to die for, I wanted to dip that sauce into everything! Drinks were strong, service was prompt, and if I lived in Denver, I would definitely come back for a sit down dinner. Nice decor too.
(5)Meredith G.
Their guac is soooo good! That seems like a good starting place. There were also yummy fried wraps with spinach. A goat cheese queso served that was a bit bland, but I liked the small soft tortilla squares. They were good with the guac too. The staff working the event I attended downstairs were all very friendly and drinks were quickly served.
(3)Kathleen A.
Do yourself a favor and never, ever, ever drink 5 margaritas from Lola in one night, you will be very, very sorry..............
(4)Andy S.
My wife and I spend $300-$400 a month at this place. They need a mealplan or a membership or something. Everything's great about it. When I don't know where to go, this place always sounds good and when I do know where I want to go, it's Lola.
(5)Mark B.
Now granted, I have only ever been here once and it was with a big group on a Monday for ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR, but I still feel compelled to tell more people about this incredible place to be after suffering through a case of the Mondays. "The Deal" may just be the greatest invention of the 21st century; 2 chicken tacos and a tecate for just 5 bucks! They also have fried fish tacos and shrimp tacos for 3 and 4 bucks that taste fan-freakin-tastic with the jalapeno aioli sauce they put on there. I also was able to enjoy several other things like the guacamole they prepare from scratch right at your table. I also tried ceviche for the first time and was really impressed with all three offerings: shrimp, scallops, and corvina. Now I will say that the regular menu did look quite intimidating and not nearly as good of a value as the happy hour menu but the food that I had tasted exquisite and I fully expect the regular menu offerings to exceed the quality of happy hour food. The service was impressive considering they work with a packed house on Mondays. The restaurant does get loud but that is expected with a full house. We were lucky enough to get the back room that is open to view the back half of the restaurant but is walled off and has two tables with bench seating and lots of pillows for comfort. I really can't say anything more to explain how impressed I was with Lola. I highly recommend a visit on a Monday
(5)Taylor T.
I went here the other night for happy hour with a friend and it hasn't been my first time here so I was expecting the drinks to be as good as they are when I have come for dinner. However, I was somewhat disappointed. Both my sangria and my margarita were a bit watered down. I guess that's what I should have expected with HH prices, but come on! My friend and I ordered chicken tacos and ceviche as well and those where both good. I suggest skipping HH and going for dinner and full price drinks if you want the good stuff. The jalapeño margarita is amazing! But for a pretty good deal just be ready to expect a little less.
(3)Devon P.
We had my husbands 40th Birthday party at Lola's last night in their downstairs dining area. It was fantastic! The food was amazing! The service made the party so wonderful. The staff at Lola's is so friendly, helpful, and efficient. The whole party ran so smoothly. I highly recommend Lola's for parties and dining in general.
(5)Kristina N.
Great for Happy Hour!!
(4)Drew L.
Went to Lola today because it is always so good. Ordered the chicken fried steak as usual as I consider myself a pro in this Dept. It came out and did not taste well. I work in restaurants so I was hesitant to send the dish back, but it's $14. So I politely sent it back and ordered another dish which was awesome! Here's the kicker, not only did the manager come by and chat with me about what was wrong but let me know that they were making a fresh one to see if they could see what was wrong. After I was finished with my meal the same manager came back to the table to let me know they had made an error in the preparation of the initial dish and thanked me for telling them so that they could fix the problem. So, we get the bill and see that they comped both dishes, the first one I sent back and my second dish. Not necessary but just showed that they wanted to go the extra mile for their guests. I left Lola very happy! I was pleased at how graciously they admitted their mistake and went the extra mile to make me happy when I left. These folks at Lola are pros and I will be back soon!!
(5)Sean K.
I tried this place for restaurant week at my Daughter's suggestion. Decor is awesome, open kitchen, and professional looking staff. I loved the service as well; it is a unique approach to team service that makes them stand out among Mexican Restaurants. The selections on the 52.80 menu were unique, and definitely a new experience, but not quite to my pallet. I still give them high marks; everything was cooked perfectly, and they offer a fresh guacamole prepared at your table. The only down side was the noise level and distractions of people constantly walking by your table. It was very hard to enjoy any conversation during the dinner. However, if you want great food and service you should expect the place to be busy.
(4)Jason H.
Feels cheap to write a review for a place so great, but I'll throw my two cents into the mix. Any place on this strip has a great view of downtown, but Lola throws in a great staff and mellow atmosphere
(5)Lisa O.
We got a drink at the bar while we waited to be seated. The margaritas were really strong. It took me adding additional lime to cut the flavor back so that I didn't feel like I was drinking just tequila. We both were starving and sucked down are margs a little too quickly - hurray for being tipsy off of one drink. So far good times, right? Right, but it starts to go down hill from here. They sat us next to the kitchen where we watched yummy looking food go in-and-out, while leaving us with just a basket of chips and no salsa for 30-minutes. While we stared at our very dry chips and made sad tipsy puppy dog faces at each other, we little by little sobered up. It took us walking over to a waitress to get assistance. Sober = grumpy, but everyone was very apologetic and giving us salsa and the option to order food and beer made us happy again. When the food came out though, we both went: "meh." It was not as tasty as it looked. We noticed on our bill that they comp'ed us the beer without us asking, which was nice, but the Lola experience was not one that I would like to have again.
(2)John H.
The final clue of a school-sponsored scavenger hunt activity led me and my fellow educated hell-raisers to this popular Denver Mexican food staple. As the conclusion to an almost eleven hour day at school, Lola's hit the spot for a tasty after-school special. Lola's is the kind of place I know by reputation, but inexplicably so. I feel like I've had the place recommended to me dozens of tines...yet I could not name a single person I know who has referred me to it. I couldn't picture it in my head, yet as soon as my friends and I parked our car, I said, 'Oh yeah, THIS place.' In other words, this place could easily glide by on its hipster credit and snappy design sense. Fortunately, our visit to Lola's consisted of much more than hype and drink specials. Their happy hour was great: all the (hot!) tortilla chips we could eat, and the pico and guacamole (also hot!) kept on coming. For dinner, our servers a couple platters of their savory chicken and fish tacos, beaming with a deceptively complex palette (that's a good thing). I would've eaten a bevy of them, had I not filled up on appetizers. Service here was fantastic. Aside from a 10 minute wait to meet our reservation destination (a nice, private space in the back of the restaurant), I felt like I was being waited on hand and foot. Friendly, cheerful staff kept our refreshments refilled, and our chips n dip never ran dry. I can't imagine a restaurant staff on the planet that looks forward to serving an army of hungry, tired high school teachers, but these guys kept up with us flawlessly. A point down for the cheesy decor, and trendy ambiance: even in teacher uniform, we were easily the most blue-collared folk in the joint, which always makes me feel a little uncomfortable. That having been said, when a restaurant's biggest fault is that they're a little TOO dressed up, that can't be a deal breaker. On point, I'm grateful that our admin staff fit the bill on this one, as it seems like 'value' isn't the heart of the Lola's experience. Maybe I should've pocketed a couple tacos for the trip home... Overall, I was very impressed with our school's good taste and Lola certainly didn't drop the ball. I'd love to hit up this place for a hot date or cool happy hour, although it looks like I might have to wait until payday to do it.
(4)Donnie P.
This place is a real sword fight, a sausage fest if you will. The prices and service are decent and Sunday brunch isn't too bad.
(3)Linda A.
food was alright, service was wonderful. great location
(3)Wilson A.
Great place to meet someone for a drink. The bar is indoor/outdoor and when the weather is nice the patio is just a great place to sit and talk with friends while enjoying a drink. They have a good selection of beers and a large tequila menu (I don't really drink Margaritas, but they have plenty of options). It is located on a hill in the Highlands that overlooks Denver and it is a great view of downtown. Parking can be a bit of a pain on busy days. I had met people here several times for drinks and I never tried their food until recently. Boy I was missing out. The food is excellent with obvious chef creations instead of just a normal Mexican menu.
(5)Kalani F.
I've been trying, in vain, to figure out why people love this restaurant ever since I moved to Denver. I don't get it. First of all, I know they try to tout it as Mexican, but from whatever Mexican recipes they acquired, I would love it if they would add some spice. Any spice, even salt! Their guacamole has to be the blandest stuff I've ever eaten- please add some spice to it. Add anything, it tastes like green wall paper paste. I've had shrimp here in various dishes, always tough and chewy. How can anyone ruin shrimp??? Last time I was here I had the roasted corn soup, and I would pay good money for the claim that they had burned it. I've also had the Poblano Rellano, and yes, I feel like sneaking in my own chili powder or something. Bland, bland, bland. There are times I go here where I feel like an imposition to the staff and it can take forever to get waited on in the bar. I am gleefully ever giving up eating here again if I can help it.
(2)Kathy M.
My husband and I loved Lola's. everything about it is wonderful. The service and food are incrediable. The guacamole was some of the best I've ever tasted. It had s real kick to it. The next time we're in Denver we'll definitely come back.
(5)Christine P.
what? What?? WHAT??? That was my evening in a nutshell at Lola. It was a Saturday night and it was SO loud that we couldn't hear each other or our waitress. I ordered off the menu. I love that they accommodated my request on a busy Saturday night, but the outcome wasn't very pleasing. I'll take credit for that one. My friend had the Caldo de Mariscos which is a type of seafood soup. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of seafood in the dish. I thought it was quite tasty and would order it myself. The guacamole, which is prepared table side, was good but not great. The chips were fresh and thankfully not greasy but for my taste they could have been saltier. So, some hits, some misses. The atmosphere is trendy chic with a great view of downtown and outdoor seating. Odds are I'll be back because it's a nice place to go with a group and I'd like to give it another shot. Just not on a Saturday night!.
(3)Corrie F.
Interesting and creative take on mexican good. Try to butternut squash cheese dip, delish. The only reason it gets four stars instead of five is that you get charged for chips and salsa....Personally I want that on the table when I'm seated at a Mexican place. You're going to pay quite a bit for your meal, but if it's a special occasion, it's worth it.
(4)Alissa R.
so I must have visited on a bad day because the last few times I visited for brunch-the food was excellent. sorry lola, also I recently had dinner for the second time and it was awesome! keep it coming
(4)Lindsey S.
After reading the reviews on yelp as well as friends recommendations, I decided to finally trek over to the highlands to check this place out. I was very pleasantly surprised that when we went at 6pm on a Saturday there were plenty of open tables. It was probably a wait to be sat outside (and it was really hot) so we opted for inside instead. I thought we were going to be sat in the main dining area, but instead we were seated in a back area of the restaurant with barely enough room to squeeze into next to the guacamole cart. Granted I know the hostesses try to seat on a rotation, but that far at the back and so cramped? As an appetizer we had the guacamole which I have to say is pretty cool - they bring over a cart table side and make it right in front of you so you can customize it to your liking. That was probably my favorite part of the meal. For dinner I just had a bowl of the tortilla soup and a side of the coconut-horchata fritters. The tortilla soup was pretty good - tomato base instead of broth-based which I was expecting. Not the greatest ever, but certainly not bad. The horchata fritters were...different. Not really sure how to describe them. Not good, not really bad though. For drinks I ordered the white sangria which seemed a little "off" so for drink #2 I ordered a mojito. Pretty run of the mill. Nothing to special about it. Overall this place is alright, but I could eat a lot better for less money.
(2)Jenn B.
If I could dine at one restaurant for the rest of my life this would be it. What is there not to like? Amazing table side guacamole, sweet potato queso, ceviche, and salsa sampler. And that is just the appetizers! Then there are the drinks The Paloma is amazing, and everything else I have tried is equally as delicious. For an entree I love the Escolar and Mahi. Is it busy as hell most nights? Yep, but that is how you know it is good. The atmosphere is fun, but not in a cheesy way. This is a great place for birthdays... I recently went to a rehearsal dinner there and it was amazing. Parking is a pain, but you will get a spot eventually. Plus you will have a nice Paloma to ease your pain of walking up the hill. Sure it is a little pricey, but well worth it for a fun and delicious night out.
(5)Ramon G.
Sexy joint with a simple and tasty menu. I'd like to see some more beef, pork or chicken dishes but the seafood choices are yummy. Three thumbs up for the guacamole made to order at your table side. Great tequila bar if you're into that kinda thing. I sampled about 4 glasses of sangria.... Belly up to the bar and you get a decent view of downtown Denver. Prices were reasonable and staff was very friendly.
(4)Holly G.
More like 3.5 stars on this one. Still not my type of crowd. Like I said the first time, Monday is still the only night I will go... because they have chicken tacos! My boyfriend and I went and split some guac, split a chicken taco plate, and got a drink each. It was under $30. The way to go. I love the rice that comes with the tacos. The guacamole is also really good. Plus, you can't go wrong with a $2 Tecate with lime. The porch is also very lovely on a nice warm day. Their dinner menu just doesn't really do it for me still though. Just the chips & tacos.
(3)Jenn M.
Hi Friends, Beautiful, this word is used frequently during this dining experience with one of my best friends. We come in for brunch on this warm fall Sunday morning. The evening before I had the pleasure of meeting some key members of LOLA at Great American Beer Fest. I was given the opportunity to attend the Farm to Table Pavilion. Only 12 breweries and 12 restaurants were invited to participate and LOLA happened to be there. I will admit I cheated and looked at the menu before arriving, and the Pulled Pork Benedict caught my eye. I tried to shake it, keep an open mind as there were several other brunch options, but no I had to have the eggs bennie. My lovely friend had a terrible time deciding, I almost broke down and said "one of each". However I did not see a wheel barrel so I opted for exercising self control. The difficult decision was made and an order of the Grilled Shrimp Huarache was placed. With this difficult task behind us, the focus became the drinks. My Sunday brunch struggle is always mimosa or bloody... well this time, I said BOTH. I started out with the ULTIMATE Bloody, and I kid you not (see picture) it was the grand pumba of all bloodies I have ever tried. Yes, that is bacon, cheese, olive, baby pickle, banana pepper, asparagus and a tasty shrimp as the garnish. This bloody is made with habanero infused vodka and what a naughty Mary she is. The ultimate flavor packed, morning pick you up, all in one glass. Now on to the dainty part of the drinking, the mimosas. We had several choices of flavored mimosas, I tried pinkberry and my friend had peach. I loved mine as it was crisp, refreshing and fruity. My friends was good too and tasted peachy but not too overpowering. The first dish in our beautiful meal came out; Lobster Deviled Eggs. What a phenomenal twist to the deviled egg. Very fresh, and great flavor combination. I scraped the plate and practically left it clean enough to use again. Finally the main dishes arrive. Jaw promptly drops at the sight of both meals. The aromas are splendid and make me giddy and excited to dig in. Love at first bite with my Pulled Pork Benedict. I have never seen this combination before and it was brilliant. The pork was succulent and very flavorful, the hollandaise sauce was just perfect as well as my eggs. Silence takes over the table. We both kept looking at each other bite after bite and the expression on our faces spells out "beautiful". My friends Shrimp Guarache is glorious and filled with re fried beans, pico scrambled eggs, onions and fresh avocado all coming together for a fantastic flavor party. Plates nearly empty, bellies fully satisfied and nearing full capacity I think, this can't possibly get any better. Well I should know I would be wrong as a plate of doughnuts is placed in front of us. I may be full, but I will always find room for dessert. I sometimes think we should all start our meals off by eating dessert. These scrumptious little nuggets of cinnamon sugar goodness just melt away in our mouths. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful, each bite we take at brunch. Hands down, this is the best brunch I have ever had. Not only was the company stellar, the food was simply beautiful. Till next time, Cheers and Provecho! For photos please go to: jenn-uncorked.com
(5)Ashlee C.
Lolas along with every other highland restaurant attracts you in so many ways. I have been here twice with friends for brunch and for dinner. Usually at brunch I am not into something big so I had the ceviche and it was just right but then again we had chips and salsa at the table so I think that also helped a lot. When my boyfriend and I came for dinner however it did not live up to my expectations that I thought it would. The atmosphere was great from the music to the outdoor seating. The service was also great and the wait staff was helpful with drink choices. In terms of the beverages, they were splendid and did the trick you could tell there was alcohol in the drink. However, the food was just like every other restaurant anywhere but twice the price and I was not full but paid 27 dollars for the market snapper. I think the presentation of the food makes the price because the flavors did not stand out for what they were trying to accomplish. When you want a small bite to eat this is the place to go.
(3)Dan Z.
I was recently re-introduced to Lola's as I went a few years ago and wasn't impressed by the food, but always liked having drinks on the patio. This most recent time, was treated to a multitude of dishes and was highly impressed. Definitely worth your time to try it out.
(4)Trou D.
Much like many others - I typically end up here on a fairly regular basis. I love Mexican food, however, food allergies limits my regular intake for enjoying all of the Mexican dishes that I love. After some persuading from my trusted bartenders (whom are AMAZING), so I tried the Arctic Char and to my surprise - No allergies! The Arctic Char is full of flavor. The three or four times that I have enjoyed this entree it has been consistently and exquisitely prepared . The smokey pancetta, lentils, sautéed greens, apple nogada sauce dance deliciously on my palette while popping with flavor. Another yum factor for me is the rock shrimp ceviche grape tomato pico, melon salsa, jalapeno aioli! The Executive Chef, Jamey Fader truly has a gift for preparing fish.
(4)Bob O.
Lola. I was a little anxious ... seems that the reviews are a mixed bag but I'm a fan of nouveaux, new-age, fusion, pan-southwest / mexican fare which is, I believe, Lola's cred. And the winner is ... "mixed bag." Some things are done really well and others are just OK. I don't have any serious complaints ... closest I'd come is the carne asada sauce which to my palate was a bit muddy. I shared a plate of the mussels which was very nice - and really different than the usual garlic/wine reduction. With enough bread you could make a tasty meal of it. Mi amigo had the scallops which we both thought were stellar. The house salsa was good ... but didn't rock my world but did provide a slow burn on the tongue - the kind that demands "cerveza por favor" !! And to counter some of the other reviews our service was excellent. In fact the carne asada came out overdone ... and I was going to take a pass to not cramp the conversation/dinner flow but the manager showed up and insisted that they would rectify it lickity-split, and they did - kudos to the management. Since I'm a fan of the style I'll try them again ... hoping that there are some untried stars on the menu.
(3)Kyla A.
Lola is a fun place for your weekend brunch. They have a FANTASTIC patio. It used to have a great view too, but development around the area has unfortunately changed that. The place is packed on weekends and when the weather is good the patio is quick to fill up. Their menu is changing all the time, which is refreshing and is in a way, compelling to come back for more. I always get excited for the unique dishes I see on the menu, but I always feel a bit let down. It's not that the food is disappointing, per se, it just sounds like it's going to be amazing and ends up being alright. For example, today I had the special, chilaquiles made with chicken, asparagus, peas, and goat cheese. Sounds like it's gonna be great right? But it really wasn't, sad. Their drinks are alright. Again, there's so much expectation, especially with such a well-equipped bar, but it just ends up being alright. I have had their mimosas on several occasions and I would have to say the grapefruit is the best. The bloody Mary's (even the ones made with tequila) are decent, but I can definitely find better ones in Denver. Some things I really do like about Lola include the interior decor. It's all made from recycled parts. It's crazy what you can make with things like old car parts and such. I also LOVE their guacamole. It's always so fresh and delicious, and it's so great that they mix it right there at your table. It's also a good place to enjoy happy hour and cheap tacos on the patio. As for the service, I would have to say it can sometimes be pretty horrendous. Like today, the hosts were super friendly, but then our server was just not cool. Our table was forgotten, which I understand because it was super busy, so it took like ten minutes just to talk to our server to get drinks. Then, after someone else brought the drinks, another ten minutes passed (maybe more) and she's there to take our order. See explains the special, chilaquiles, and I express my interest and say that's what I'll order. My boyfriend says "we'll start with the guac and I'll have", but then she walks away. No joke, she literally left while he was in the middle of talking. Talk about bad listening skills. So she comes back eventually and we order. During our meal she came by our table, looked at us, didn't ask us if we were okay (good thing we were), and turns around. Little did we know we wouldn't see her again. So we were done with our food for awhile now, when another server kindly clears are table. We wait and wait, but no sight of the server. Eventually we had to ask another server to get our check. Finally, our sever appears to run the credit card and thanks us. I wanted to ask if she was for real, I mean at least apologize or say you were swamped or something. Just so you know, my rating is really based on the food. If I were to rate including the service, I probably would only give 2 stars. I am of the belief though that servers are only human and therefor have bad days. Besides, if the food is great, I would have to endure some really bad service to deter me.
(3)Austin J.
This place is cool enough. I came here to grab a drink with a colleague, so I can't speak to the food or the prices. The patio is awesome as it offers an incredible view of the Denver skyline. Overall, the restaurant had a very trendy feel to it, and the people seemed a bit pretentious. However, if that's your crowd you'll love it.
(3)Cristen B.
I was taken to Lola as a thank you for working a trade show. It was rainy, but the patio was open and the heat was on- nice! It was still happy hour, so part of my group opted for the happy hour Margaritas-they said they tasted horrible. I opted for a mojito- good flavor, very strong. We settled in to our booth after 20 mins of waiting, their ceveche has good flavor and so does their salsa sampler. Thought that the price jump between the $2 happy hour guac and the $8 dinner menu guac was a HUGE jump, and it was just OK. I had the Carne Asada.. I would say 40% of the steak was fat, very disappointing. 3 people in my party had the whole fish and really enjoyed it. The other person had the scallops. Only 3 to an order, and they come on a huge plate on top of sea shells- super cheesy and disappointing considering the $19+ price tag. I did try their sangria, and I have to say it's the best I've had in a while. I would go back here for happy hour any day for the cheap guac, cheap single tacos and the drink specials. I would however not go back for dinner.
(3)Pax T.
The best "Brunch" Burger in the state of Colorado! I'm talking juicy, tender, full of flavor and all out yummy! Worth the money and don't forget the chips. Excellent bloody mary complete with bacon and shrimp. I left here stuffed and wanting to go back.
(5)George M.
Great food and a super cool place...the menu is always changing up to offer new selections...in the summertime, it's a must to dine on the patio
(5)Jaz D.
I had brunch with friends at Lola yesterday and I can't rave enough about this place. I'm surprised to read the negative reviews about the service on here - we were so blown away by the service that we made jokes about the waitstaff being psychic! The food - oh, the food! It was stuff dreams are made of. I had the plate with the grits, bacon and eggs. I don't believe I've had a more perfectly cooked egg at a restaurant and the grits were creamy and just incredibly tasty. My companions' meals were just as tasty. When the food was first delivered, and everyone took a bite, there was a collective gasp and then silence as we all ate in a trace-like state. I pointed out some artwork to a friend, which got her attention long enough for me to snag a bite of potato off of her dish. It was almost as good as the food on my plate. I can't wait to go back.
(5)James J.
The best happy hour in Denver is Monday night at Lola! The Guacamole is excellent and the service is great. I can't say much about the dinner food because I think I've been to happy hr 20+ times, but have only eaten dinner once or twice and I can't even remember what I had. A great place for drinks, year round.
(4)Tim S.
Not impressed at all. A friend recommended Lola to my wife and me. Nice low key atmosphere but the service and food was just average for the price. $9 house Margareta was average (small and not worth $9) $3 for a small bowl of chips $9 for one avocado pealed at your table $22 bowl of Sea Food Stew was good but portions was too small There are so many good restaurants in the Denver area that provide much better service and food at a much grater value (IMO)
(1)Howard R.
My first time at Lola tonight while visiting Denver. Lola has a really nice decor with outdoor dining as well. A great vibe the minute you walk in. We had the table-side guacamole and clams with homemade chorizo. Both were outstanding. The dry-rubbed pork ribs were meaty and flavorful and spicy hot. Absolutely delicious. A combo of clams, mussels and crab legs in a wonderful broth was also delicious. We were too full for dessert. The drinks were great. My only regret is I live out of state. I hope to be back soon. A fantastic meal. Well worth it.
(5)Eli M.
Fresh food. Make a reservation if you don't want to wait online.
(5)Bobby M.
Well we drank margaritas and danced all night Under electric candlelight She picked me up and sat me on her knee And said dear boy wont you come home with me Well Im not the worlds most passionate guy But when I looked in her eyes well I almost fell for my lola The Coin Margaritas rock. $2 taco night is fantastic. The service is good enough- but the summer is gone and with it the patio- so I will see you next year, Lola.
(5)Tiffney J.
Food was amazing and so was the drinks and service! Definiately a fun place.
(5)Sherri K.
Lola has the best atmosphere I have felt in a long time in Denver. Great energy, new fun upbeat crowd and the bartenders were fun and cool. Granted, it was my birthday and the entire bar area sang to me, but outside of that it was still easy breezy~ Everyone seemed relaxed, yet it was a classy, upscale bar/ restaurant. No pretense, just cool peeps enjoying their Saturday night. The whole indoor/ outdoor, bar/ patio thing always does it for me though.
(4)Jason O.
Ok a quick, bullet-pointed review: -Great food! -Fantastic Quacamole!! -Maybe a little to "hip" for me -Solid menu -Excellently prepared food -medium-sized portions -amazing view of city -skip vita next door -will be back! All for now :)
(4)Joel L.
Probably my least favorite it he Big Red F lineup... Seems too similar to Zolo in Boulder but certainly not as good in the food category. Jax is still my favorite in this family of restaurants.
(2)Jake S.
This place used to be pretty decent and affordable. Now its OK and overpriced. I prob wont come back.
(2)Peter P.
Finally ate here last weekend after many recommendations. Loved the guacamole, ceviche & margaritas. Cool atmosphere. Will definitely return in the future.
(5)Laurel M.
Hmm... I've been to LOLA about 2 dozen times since it opened and have to agree with a lot of the folks here by saying it's "hit or miss." It's funny: they are known far and wide for their tableside guacamole, but I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had. Frankly, I could make it better myself and home and pay about 3 dollars for it, all told. I do think that they have some of the BEST COIN STYLE MARGARITAS in the Denver metro area. You have to be a fan of Coin Style to like these. These aren't the same disgustingly sweet margs that places like the Rio Grande (barf barf) serve. Very strong and very fresh. Their current menu is kind of disappointing. We went to LOLA last night to watch the NUGGETS game against LA and struggled to find more than 2 items that we were really interested in ordering. We tried some Yam Fries off the Bar menu that were decent; a bit of a mushy, starchy mess on the inside. We tried this Sashimi style appetizer that was VERY disappointing. In fact, after one bite, we both agreed that it was totally bland and we sent it back. We then tried the Seafood Caldo, a mix of mackerel, shrimp and mussels in a tasty broth. The broth was good; however, the seafood in it was just OK. I've had their Mexican Cupcake. If there's one thing I know, it's chocolate in cake format. I have traveled far and wide for a good piece of chocolate cake or an awesome cupcake. I was really disappointed with the cupcake at LOLA. Kind of dry, not chocolatey enough. I DEFINITELY do not think the packed in outdoor patio is worth the aggravation. A definite BONUS of LOLA is the HUGE TV couch area downstairs that is rarely crowded during important Denver sporting events. I'd say go for the Happy Hour on a Monday or Tuesday....skip the Dinner menu...unless it changes...
(3)Laura B.
NEW BRUNCH MENU! I have been going to this place since it opened at this location. I have to say, it just keeps getting better with time. I went there last week for brunch...the service was great from the bar and our waitress. I went with the chicken fried pork based on what the bartender and waitress said,..this is not something I would typically order...but, the sweetness of the breading and spiciness of the gravy was a great combo! You can forget the delish bloodies either with the house spicy vodka! I need to go back and check out dinner...my guess is that it has improved as well!
(4)Marc B.
This was my third time at Lola, but my first time having brunch here. Went with the LolaBurgeasa. Certainly one of the best Burger's I've had in Denver yet. Lola is a great pleasure every time I go here. Excellent food, excellent service. I also really appreciate how much the servers are excited about the food on the menu--demonstrated by the earnestness with which they speak of the food they offer as well as their willingness to go the extra mile and bring you different salsas, extra chips, etc. I just wish the prices were a bit lower so my frequency of visits could be a bit higher...
(4)Chris B.
4 stars? Really? Did everyone else who wrote a review of Lola actually eat there?! Took my girlfriend here randomly for some birthday drinks last night. Were we disappointed! The guacamole was "OK", not as spectacular as it may seem. Way too much garlic, not enough lime juice and no tomatoes?! Wtf? And $8 for it? Seriously Lola? Not to mention the extremely over the top prices for the rest of their fairly limited menu. Mexican food should NEVER be that expensive. I can't stand when restaurants have prices that reflect you're helping them pay off their business loan rather than the actual value for the quality and quantity of the food received. The mojitos were mediocre, like the bartender who made them was just dumped by his girlfriend. His girlfriend gave up on him, so he gave up on making a decent drink. Couldn't taste any mint, it was like drinking a lime seltzer water, and no sugar cane. We decided not to eat there, finished our mojitos, chips and quac and bounced. Ultimately to end up at another restaurant that is about to receive a similar review (you'll have to read more there). Ambiance was nice and eclectic as you'd expect in the Highlands, but that's about all you should expect here. OVER RATED!
(1)Yvonne C.
The best guac ever! I came here for Sunday brunch and I fell in love with this place. The mimosas were great, the food was fantastic, the service was amazing, and the guacamole was heaven on earth. The set up is awesome too! Who ever thought of making a guacamole cart, genius! Also, they have some of the nicest bathrooms I have ever seen in Denver.
(4)Craig B.
Dinner, happy hour, drinks, service, brunch... it's all great here. I love coming here, drinks are great and an awesome price on Monday all-night happy hour. The ceviche bar is always fresh and perfectly prepared. Table side guac is fun and a great way to impress first time guests.
(4)Jennifer K.
Not for vegetarians. A friend chose this for a girl's dinner and since I am relatively new to Denver, I perused the menu online before arriving. I noticed a lack of vegetarian items but I figured there may be more selections offered if I asked (as with many other Denver restaurants). Wrong! I was asked, "Do you eat fish?" Hmmm, is fish a vegetable? There is one vegetarian entree on the menu (Poblano Relleno) and that's all they offer. I had high hopes based on the description (I love mushrooms) but it was just OK. Honestly it just seemed like a big glob of cheese that was deep fat fried. Both of my friends thoroughly enjoyed their entrees and I see they consistently earn rave reviews so I was surprised to be disappointed on this point, especially in Denver. The guacamole (made fresh table side) is good as are the chips.
(3)Diane M.
Love the guacamole freshly mad table side. Excellent. Happy hour nachos good. Happy hour enchiladas bad. Sauce tastes like tomato sauce. Drinks yummy. Location grand. Over rated Mexican food.
(3)Dan J.
Progressive mexican in a hip environment. Space for bands downstairs, nice patio. Sunday brunch had excellent take on huevos rancheros and the egg sandwhich had an awesome homemade sausage.
(5)Grace B.
I won't allow myself to come here unless it's happy hour. My wallet just can't handle it. But from 2-5 on weekends I'm all about 2 tacos and a tecate for 5 bucks.
(4)sarah o.
Husband's holiday party was at BELOLA last night, they did a really good job. The drinks were as good as always, and the buffet was very good as well. We have been fans of LOLA since it was on south pearl, sometimes the food is great and sometimes it's a bit on the salty side, but overall I think this is a great place to bring parents, or to hang out with friends. Their chicken taco special on Monday nights is always fun, and their Brunch--well that would get 5 stars if I were ranking it on it's own accord :)
(4)Bill W.
Only been there for happy hour and brunch, naturally this review isnt for dinner. The brunch, however, is amazing. Probabaly the best Ive been to in Denver (tied with Olivea.) Especially if you can score an outside table. If youre in the mood for a spicier, mexicanier type brunch, this will not dissapoint. mmmm, i want some now. Im excited for this area to get better (they need to bulldoze just about everything on the NE side of 16th st.) but Lola i think will be a mainstay for sometime because of the excellent and unique food.
(4)Brock S.
My wife and I had a great experience here. The food drinks and service are wonderful and the decor of the upper dinning area was interesting. However, I would not classify this as a 'Mexican' restaurant. Aside from having fresh made guacamole at the table and specialty margaritas, there were not the traditional spicy Mexican dishes I was expecting.
(4)Crystal N.
I thoroughly enjoyed the guacamole boy (is that PC?) He brought out a little cart to make fresh to-our-taste guac and was just adorable. Great food » patio « good drinks. And it's cute.
(4)Ryan S.
When I entered Lola I immediately noticed their amazing decor and great waitstaff. I was their for a large group birthday dinner, all nine of us ordered the tasting menu. Don't get me wrong the Fusion type style of food was good. But it had some flaws for how elegant it was displayed. Maybe I just had higher expectations, and I will try Lola again.
(2)Adriane H.
Great brunch spot. Went here a couple of Sundays ago and was able to get a table within 5 minutes. I had the special which was a pork taquito scramble, delicious. Nice atmosphere and even though it was pretty crowded it wasn't overly noisy so you can actually have a conversation with the others at your table. Will definetly be back to try dinner and drinks sometime.
(5)Mary H.
Reasonably priced mimosas and really unique dishes. I never ate there for anything but brunch. However, the menu always looked delicious. This is my pick for brunch in Denver metro. All my visitors were promptly taken here.
(5)Shannon W.
I really don't like their dinner menu. Granted, I've only had dinner there once, but it just kinda sucked. No one liked their food, and we're people that generally like food. Just, you know, in general. I do, however, enjoy a warm February Sunday afternoon on the patio sipping coin ritas (true margaritas, IMO) eating cheap-but-small tacos and tableside guac (xtra: garlic, japs, cilantro, onions... if I am mad at you I will breathe on you. That's a promise, not a threat). I'm trying to figure out Sunday Funday after two years in this city. There seems to be no consensus on where to go when, but I"ll offer up Lola for the post-brunch pre-dinner-bleeding-into-evening-party. They've got the cheap drinks, tacos and live music, so fits nicely there. Thin Man for the third stop :). Bottom line: It's just not worth it outside of HH.
(3)Stacy J.
Outstanding impromptu evening spent at the bar. Excellent service,knowledgeable, attentive and entertaining. Thank you Billy, we will be back.
(5)karen l.
Hadn't heard of this place until a friend drug me there for the Halloween festivities. Was tons of fun! We've been back for happy hour many times. I'm sure it's been said before, but the guac and sangria are fab!
(4)Heidi E.
After dropping off my B-Cycle (late...$49 charge later), I decided to wait for my friend at Lola and enjoy an early happy hour. The bartender makes you work for the $3 pint of Dos Equis and $7 guacamole you order, but as I was there to wait for my friend, I didn't mind. The chips served with the guacamole were super-crispy and addictive, the guacamole small but satisfying. How can you go wrong with frosty pint o' Dos Equis? Nice ambiance, with both indoor and outdoor bar seating. Sit indoors like I did to enjoy a view of downtown Denver.
(3)Maple L.
Seriously...pretentious. Trying too hard. I'm sorry if this is your favorite place, but I Have to be honest! So if you agreed with my other posts, you will probably agree with me now. So one of my friends from my first visit wanted to use up the voucher they had given her. After calling around and no one wanting to go, lol. She called me back and I agreed to go, she said, "its brunch, how could they mess that up?" lol. OHHHH Lola..... We got the sopapilla, chicken and waffles and eggs benedict. The chicken and waffles were covered with chorizo gravy and cherry syrup over all that. The chicken was covered in "shake and bake" or something extremely similar. The poached eggs were clearly made in an apparatus for pouched eggs that you would have at home, but what you expect for a pricey restaurant. The egg was over a bisquit and "braised pork belly" which actually looked a lot like pulled pork and even had a bbq flavor to it.... topped off with ! surprise! A sweet "hollandaise" --- tasted like there was some pineapple in it, although the menu said peppers. So maybe it was sweet peppers, I have no idea, but either way it tasted like translucent pineapple-ish "gravy." The flavors just don't go well together.... An example I would use to compare it would be like like eating shrimp with chocolate. Or bananas with beef gravy. lol.
(1)Jamie K.
First time at Lola's and I am impressed. I got the El Admiral without grits. I ordered my eggs scrambled and they were amazing definitely with the poblano sauce! Unfortuantely I wanted fruit to replace my grits but they ran out. I thought I would give their yogurt a try. It looked really good, but had no flavor since it was plain, so didn't eat it. So sad they were out of fruit, or maybe offer honey with the yogurt. The server was super friendly and attentive, I will definitely be back and hope that they will have fruit!
(4)Adam C.
Awesome food. Great atmosphere. My wife, son, and I went here during restaurant week and truly enjoyed our experience. We started off with the table side guacamole because we had read so many good things on Yelp about it. From the restaurant week menu we started with the shrimp ceviche which was very good. We moved on to the Cesar salad and corn soup. For the entree course I had the grilled escolar and my wife had the chile rubbed lamb. Both entrees were outstanding. The lamb melted in your mouth and the escolar was buttery goodness. We split the tres leches cake which was also top notch. The service was great overall. We were seated 15 minutes prior to our reservation which we requested and our drinks and chips were always full.
(4)Cobra K.
Um...more like 3 dolla signs fools! $$$!!! Wasn't expecting to spend that much on food but enjoyed it. We started off with the tableside guac like most people do...hum...too expensive for what you pay for. Entrees were good!
(3)Donald M.
Shishi but tasty Mexican food. Very nice view of downtown Denver from the deck.
(4)Robin M.
I was rather dissapointed by Lola, as I had heard great things about it. I found the menu to be rather limited, the drinks were not that great (kinda weak, specialty drinks not very tasty) and the food was Meh! We had the Scallops on Pineapple rice and Chicken Mole, which were fine, but nothing we couldn't have done at home. On the plus, service was very good, and the Cold bar was a fun addition (didn't try anything because we don't really like oysters). I'll only go back if I get invited by friends and they have the hearts set on it.
(3)Carina C.
The Mojitos are muy delicioso! I like the way they make guacamole at your table! Come on a Sunday so you can get their super yummy Paella for two! (It's not on the menu and TWICE I had it on a day other than Sunday...then I cruised in there on another Un-Sunday night and was totally rejected by the waitress...and I pleaded a bit more and they still said no...that was a total bummer. Apparently they were missing some ingredients. Suuuuurrre.) Ok I think that's the extent of what I've had there. :)
(4)lizzie m.
I had been here a few times for drinks before eating elsewhere in the neighborhood, but never for food. My boyfriend and I went in recently on a Thursday for dinner. Drinks were overpriced (normal), and so was the food, which would have been okay if it was great, but it was mediocre at best. We ordered some ceviche to start, which was a small dish that contained tiny salad shrimp and cherry tomatoes in a creamy (ie, mayonnaise!) sauce. The best part of this $9 app was the crispy potato chips it was served with. I ordered a salad as a main course, and though I would have loved to add some protein, it was $9 (!!!!) to add chicken (the salad, sans meat, was $11 to start with). The salad was good, it had pickled yellow beets and green beans, but the dressing was this salsa- type relish which was overpowered by the taste of bacon. My boyfriend ordered the mahi, which, again, was good, but not worth the $22 he paid for it. The sauce was too hot to eat once the fish was gone, and unfortunately it coated every remaining bite left on the plate. Our total bill was $85 before tip (2 margs, 2 glasses of wine, and the food mentioned above). Since we recently moved to the Highlands, we were excited to try new places, and went to Lola because we didn't want to spend too much (we're saving that for Sushi Sasa), but we might as well have gone there and paid slightly more (if not the same) to eat a delicious meal. Oh well! Needless to say, we won't be going back to Lola soon, at least not to eat....
(1)Chris L.
I've been going to Lola since its early days on Pearl and one thing I really appreciate about it is that they refuse to be arrogant or pretentious even though they're wildly popular among a crowd that tends to gravitate toward such things. Lola has my favorite happy hour in Denver and I always get the same things because they're so good. They make a table-side guacamole that is far, far better than any you'll find at places across the metro area that have trained chefs making it. That's because Lola knows what makes it taste good and they train their servers in how to combine the ingredients just right. It helps that I know exactly what I like in my guac (pretty much everything but raw onions), but they have the right ingredients available in the first place, and execution is right every single time at Lola (and I get this at least a few times every month). The other thing I love are the happy hour fish tacos. I get one round of all flavors, then decide which fish is the freshest and order another round of just those. But all are very good - the tortillas are just right (tasty, but unassuming) and the fish is always cooked correctly with subtle spices. Just a bit of sauce rounds out the flavors and I end up eating about six of these at a sitting. Their margaritas with top shelf Tequila are fresh, smooth, and delicious - two of them are just the right amount of happy to wash the workday away.
(4)Rachel S.
I had brunch at Lola for the first time yesterday. I was a huge fan of the menu and had a hard time picking out an entree. We started with the guacamole which was prepared table-side. It was prepared exactly how our table requested and was done in minutes. I ended up settling on the Seafood Fritta. Chunks of seafood paired with goat cheese and covered in an Aoli. It was delicious! All was washed down with the house coffee which was STRONG. Loved it.
(4)Bruce A.
Think the food was better when Lola was located on Old South Pearl. As quantity of customers increases, quality decreases.
(3)Sarah T.
Lola is awesome Mexican. The mojitos and guac are very tasty and fresh. Loved the decor and ambiance. Very comfortable place for a date night out.
(4)Stephanie L.
I liked the food at Lola better when they were at their location in Wash Park. What is still amazing is the tableside guacamole. YUMMO!!
(3)Dan K.
Wow - amazing. Everything was great. Our table had the fried calamari to start (hell of a way to start), chicken thigh confit, enchiladas del mar, chile rubbed carne, and one of the specials. Everything was really good. And the Fuego Verde Cocktail was Incredible. Best mixed drink I've ever had. Perfect match with any of their meals. DAMN IT i want one NOWWWWWW.
(5)Melissa G.
From Atlanta, knowing nothing about Denver, on a friend's advice we booked LOLA's downstairs for our son's casual rehearsal dinner three weeks ago. WOW!!!! FIVE STARS!!!! FIRST STAR: LOLA's staff was amazing to work with in advance--it was easy to book the room, choose the menu, make the deposit. SECOND STAR: cool neighborhood (parking was a little tricky though.) THIRD: perfect venue--given our 60-some guests ranging in age from 16 to 88--booths for oldies, standing tables & bar for younger generations. FOURTH STAR: AMAZING FOOD. So delicious. Everyone from carnivores to vegans felt happy with the buffet. FIFTH: Fantastic drinks. SIXTH STAR ( I'm going to go ahead and give six stars): Wonderful service; really warm & attentive & nice servers & bar-tender. Really, if I could give them seven stars, I would. Among our outstanding food choices were these: Chips, salsa guacamole Flautas with goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms Entrees: Chicken mole with mole negro, queso panella, & pickled kale California bass veracruzana with pickled radish, green olives, caper berry Tostada de mushroom & rapini with queso cotija & white bean refritos Sides: Roasted corn esquites Peas & carrots with a hot cumin vinaigrette
(5)Sarah W.
I've been to Lola a few times over the years - for dinner, happy hour, and late night drinks. Lola consistently provides good food and well made drinks, extra bonus if you can hit is up on a Monday when happy hour goes all night. The only reason I can't give 5 stars is that Lola seems to be missing that thing that will push it over the edge into the elite of Denver eateries - I can't put my finger on it, but there is just something missing. However, it is still a solid place.
(4)Danielle W.
I was in town for one night with a group of my best girlfriends from college and their men and we decided to go to Lola for a casual night of drinks and dinner. We were seated downstairs, which was a little disappointing seeing as the upstairs was so happening and lively, but the downstairs area was spacious and just as crowded. The atmosphere was a fun mexican/american joint and had a large central bar, which always helps bring the restaurants together. We ordered the guacamole that they prepare at your table, and wow it was spicy hot and good! We then ordered a few drinks - the Q-Coin - definitely recommend it, it was really nice and refreshing... So was the lemonade... I had the Sea bass and it was delicious - very good portions and really tasty treat. A few people had the sweet potato and others had more traditional mexican dishes. All and All definitely a fun place and great atmosphere.
(4)Tracie B.
With over 500 reviews, Lola clearly doesn't need another - but here's my 2-cents anyway. Solid 3.5 stars. On the plus side, the table side guacamole is very good however we asked for spicy and it was not even close. Kudos to the guac-guy for adding extra chopped serranos on the side so that we could add more as we needed. I would have preferred jalapenos however as they have more flavor. My pork green chili has was very good. My only nit is that there were several chunks of fat that should not have made it in to the bowl. We were there on a Saturday morning at 11am and were told that we could not order from the lunch menu (bummer - ergo only 3 stars). The brunch menu is limited. Atmosphere - comfortable but if you sit inside it's very dark. I had to use my iPhone flashlight (thanks Apple:-) in order to read the menu. Service was good.
(3)Christopher B.
This will always be officially the first place I went after I moved here. It was recommended to me and I am happy I took the suggestion. We actually met the owner before we came in and she was very nice. She welcomed me with free guacamole- very nice! And very good! We had the sea bass ceviche, which was good but not quite the style I like (a bit too sweet for me) but very generous portions of fish. The empanadas lacked a little flavor, but all in all, they were fine. Finally, we had the seared sea scallops, which may have been the best I've ever had! I'm usually not a fan but, look out, I will be back just for these!!! I will say that this place might have the most pleasant, nicest, and most attentive staff I've experienced. It's probably better than a super high-end restaurant but it's definitely down to earth (and not pretentious!). The atmosphere is super... I had a couple beers and with some small dishes like these it makes for a perfect evening!
(4)Kevin B.
Always enjoy eating at Lola. Very good food & drinks. Perfect for groups or by yourself.
(4)Dawn W.
Brunch at Lola is just as good as it gets - service=10, atmosphere = 10, bloody marys and mimosas = 10! I love the big booth towards the back - my ladies and I packed in there with comfy pillows and great light coming in from the window. You must have the table side guac and the ceviche was perfect. Out of the 10 or so times I have visited Lola, I have never ever been disappointed.
(5)Anne C.
Went for a quick app and ceviche. I originally ordered the tuna poke, and it was ridiculously spicy. Like burn your face off hot with Serrano peppers throughout. They were nice enough to replace it with a scallop dish that was pretty good. The winner was their guacamole, delicious as all get out. The chips, however were seriously lacking. Pretty basic, nothing to write home about. Overall, it was ok. The service was great, however.
(3)Stacie D.
Met some friends here for Brunch on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone loved their food. My Butternut Squash pancakes were exceptional! Great atmosphere, busy place but we had a booth in the back with pillows and a comfortable setting. The server forgot a couple of small things, but after being reminded brought them right away. He also had a rough time when splitting the bill, but we got it worked out. I would definitely go back when in the area!
(4)Nichole C.
Order anything on the menu, you won't be disappointed! By far one of my favorite places in Denver to eat!
(5)Lee S.
This review is only for the guacamole. They make it and serve it right at your table and just exactly how you want it. Also, they sign the plate with a knife in the chili powder...I've tried it at home and it doesn't look the same. Cold, cold Tecate in a can with salt and a lime...exactly as it was meant to be. Maybe I'll go back for dinner, but if not... ...A great time.
(4)Brittany B.
I've been here a handful of times. Food has been solid on all occasions. Service in general is very good. Today my man & I checked in for a 1230 reservation, were told our table was being set up & asked to wait. No problem. About fifteen minutes later another couple comes in, says they have a 1245 reservation, & are immediately sat. We went up to the hostess stand to see about our table & we had apparently been forgotten. We were sat quickly after bringing ourselves to their attention again but not a great start to our experience. Waters are brought by & we sit. And wait. And wait. Then a manager comes by to check in & we're honest: we feel forgotten. Twice. He apologizes, grabs drink & app orders, & our server stops by shortly after. (In her defense, it was incredibly busy & they seemed a bit understaffed for the Sunday brunch crowd.) We were well checked on the rest of our visit, likely because they were on the defense from our initial report to the manager. Andrea, if you're reading this, you were great. Thank you & your manager for righting the hostess wrong. The food was delicious, as is usual for Lola. Donuts, carnitas Benedict, chicken fried steak, chicken & waffles, Lola huevos... all delicious. Always delicious. I was disappointed they were all out of green chili by the time we were sat & ordered, so the green chili hash will have to wait...
(3)Jason I.
This is more of a brunch review, as we went on Sunday... At 1:30...expecting lunch naturally. I'm big on brunch but was surprised to see it go so late. Also, our waitress rushed us to order brunch at 1:55, even tho we asked to just wait for the lunch menu at 2pm. Turns out it was the end of her shift so go figure. Our food was pretty mediocre with a thick pasty white sauce on our breakfast burger that pretty much muted all of the other flavors in our food. They also had live music, but the band was LITERALLY less than 18 inches from four different tables, which ruined our conversation, which was particularly aggravating as the band was just tuning up, playing garbled tunes and nonsense for about 20 minutes. I left without hearing any songs, about 45 minutes after they began setting up... 2 stars could be a little harsh, but I also feel like 3 would be generous. If you're on the edge, know that I'll probably be open to going one more time, not during brunch, to make my final judgments because Lola does have a pretty good track record.
(2)Rose H.
Came here for dinner. Very overpriced for bland fake mexican food. Sat at the 'raw bar' and LOVED the guy shucking the oysters and cooking back there. He was more friendly/helpful than our server.
(3)Eric V.
This is one of my favorite happy hour spots in the country. Chips and guacamole, chicken soft tacos, and a pint of Dos Equis Amber and BOOM! Love it! Also love the setting. Perched up on a little hill with a nice view of the Denver skyline where you can say to yourself, "So glad I'm not in LoDo surrounded by little 20-somethings in their puffy little North Face vests who just pulled up in their Subaru Outback with snowboards, mountain bikes, and kayaks fastened to the roof and having to listen to them go on and on about how cool it is that they're drinking microbrew and eating bison." Yes, Lola is a nice little escape. Solid food, great ambiance, great selection of tequila . . . I've really only done happy hour here, but their happy hour is a solid 5 stars, yo!
(5)Tiara Q.
Amidst all the other trendy places in this area, Lola is established & consistent. They have excellent table side guac prepared the way you ask for it. Their specialty drinks are strong and tasty. I highly recommend the Caipirinha. The patio area is great if you can find a seat. The best happy hour special is the 2 chicken tacos & tecate for $5. We wandered in here on St. patty's day. What a lovely escape from the drunken green beer crowds and noise!! D'Angelo was playing over the speakers and then the live band started. Live music every Sunday! Nice. Today's band was The Rocky Mountain Oysters. Horrible name, wonderful band!! I've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. Year-round excellence. This place is unneccessarily pricey so I can't give it 5 stars. $10 for a mule and $4 for ONE taco is a bit much.
(4)Jen W.
Went here for brunch with a group of 6 and everyone enjoyed their meals in particular the ahi tuna tacos! Served with avocado and a crisp, pineapple slaw - so fresh and chock full of tuna deliciousness. the portion was quite generous and I can't wait to go back and order them again! It was also served with a side salad and the whole plate was filling. Others liked the chicken and waffles with the chicken being served fried and boneless. The space is huge, vibe and decor are cool and our server was friendly and attentive.
(4)Jessica C.
Adorable little spot for brunch on the weekend. The mimosa was wonderful (and affordable!). Also loved the little farmers market outside on Saturday morning!
(4)Matt H.
I love this place. Third time here and it is always delicious. Great product. Always above-board attentiveness from staff (our server was a bit unapproachable tonight, but everyone else was great). I was totally happy with eating their happy hour tacos and drinking Lagunitas IPA. Happy hour is reasonable, but beyond that it gets pricey. I cannot fault them for they provide a quality product consistently. Next time we are up this way we will return. You can never go wrong with their table-side guacamole.
(4)Bizie M.
I came out very unimpressed. Nice ambience, good service. Price and quality of food overated and over priced. Bean and rice should not be this expensive. Very small servings for the pricey menu.
(2)Anna M.
The food was very good. I had the lobster enchiladas and the flavors were great. Not sure they put enough lobster in for the price they charge. The building history adds to the interest of the place. Overall, good place and would recommend it to anyone looking for fresh Mexican seafood.
(4)Amoli P.
I can't believe I lived across the street from Lola for more than 2 years and never once had brunch there. (Though to be honest, I tried a couple times and the wait was just too long.) My friends and I were in CO for a ski trip last weekend and we wanted to do brunch in downtown before flying home on Sunday. After Root Down reported a 2 hour+ waiting time, I recommended Lola. The 40 minute wait at Lola was much more reasonable for a Sunday 11:30am brunch and we had a drink at the bar until our table was ready. The bloodys are very tasty and they offer a variety of flavored mimosas and other fun brunch cocktails. We started with the tableside guac, which is a must. And also ordered the rock shrimp ceviche for the table - very tasty. I went with the day's special for my meal, a tomato stew with poached eggs. The broth was very flavorful, great fresh vegetables with a spanish flavor to it and the eggs blended amazingly when I cut them open and let the yolk mix in. The servings are huge, so beware, but every bite was so delicious I almost finished the whole thing. My fiance ordered the Lola Bowl which was a heaping pile of meat and shrimp and veggies in a mexican chili type of soup - also delicious. Our other friends went with the lobster omelette and their version of huevos rancheros. Everyone fully enjoyed their meal, the drinks were delicious, service was friendly, atmosphere was hip, and I will make this my new go-to brunch place in Denver whenever I'm visiting.
(4)J T.
I've only ever been to Lola for their happy hour, and both experiences have been great so far. I absolutely love their cucumber lemonade drink- it is so refreshing and the cucumber is an unexpected complimentary little twist. Happy hour is great, you can get some decently priced beers here during this time and it's a good time to sample some of their delectable apps. Try the guacamole, it is not to be missed - we asked for it to be 'spicy and hot' and they delivered ! It was amazingly fresh, prepared next to your table...possibly the best guac I've had in the city. Also tried the ceviche and the red pepper / butternut squash queso, which was also delish. The ceviche is different - prepared with a mayo-like citrus base, it was really good. Had the calamari, it was tasty, but the portion was tiny and it was a bit stringy. Overall, a great place to hang out on a weekend afternoon - service is solid, I'm definitely a fan of Lola for happy hour. The service, prices, quality of food and drinks are not to be missed. Must return and update with a review once I come back here for an actual meal!
(4)Phung L.
Went here for brunch one Sunday afternoon and like anywhere, it was busy. The guacamole is prepared fresh right there table side and it's artfully done with a nice Lola inscription on the plate. I'm a sucker for chicken and waffles, and you can almost guarantee I'll order it if it's on the menu. So I did, regrettably so might I add. If I had a chicken and waffles power rankings, Lola would probably be located on the bottom unfortunately. Where do I begin? The fact that it's just a fried chicken breast? Or how it was rather dry and bland? I'm almost certain had I ordered something else on the menu I would have thoroughly enjoyed it more thus giving this place a better rating that they probably deserve.
(2)Tara L.
I have been here for brunch and dinner. Both times I have been, the service has been amazing. They are always quick to see if you need anything else and leave you alone when it looks like you want to be left alone. Brunch I ordered the Huevos and it was delicious. This was after we ordered guacamole and donuts for the table, so I was already getting full- but it was great! You definitely need to get the chips and guac. It is tableside and they ask you what ingredients and level of spice you want your guac to be. DInner was great! More expensive than I wanted it to be but overall it was a great ambiance and they are always willing to find extra space so that you don't have to wait long. Overall, a recommended place on my list!
(4)Mila G.
I came here twice recently, both times with groups. Our larger group had a brunch buffet, which would have been great if there were some gluten free and dairy free items. The mimosas were a little strong, basically champagne with OJ to color. The second time we came with friends to celebrate, and the experience was better. They made our guacamole right at the table, spiced to taste. The drinks were great, and the waiter even took our photo, which I know can be annoying. The second visit was better.
(4)Jessica H.
Our group of three headed to Lola for brunch on a Sunday around 1ish. It was a beautiful day and the patio area was packed and the inside of the restaurant was crowded as well, but we were seated right away. They have a brunch drinks list and we all ordered different mimosas (cranberry, pineapple and the Mexican mimosa, with beer, OJ and tequila- yum!) As an app we ordered a small guacamole, which was made table-side. I thought it was pretty good but thought they could be a little more generous with the portion (one small avocado was used). The chips came out nice and hot! As my entree I ordered the Carnitas Benedict. I thought it was pretty good- the eggs were perfectly poached and the carnitas was very flavorful. It seemed like the others enjoyed their entrees as well. I really like the decor in this place and found the staff to be very friendly. I wouldn't mind going again and hopefully will get a place on the patio next time!
(4)Alexis G.
One of the perks of going out with a group is sampling a lot of good food and drinks! I started off with the peach mimosa, but switched to the snazberry mimosa after tasting a friend's. I had never heard of "snazberry." The server informed me it was a mixture of whatever fruit juices the bartender decided to mix together. The mystery was exciting, but the fruity flavor was addicting! I also sampled the Ultimate Bloody Mary which had great spice and a better presentation. It was served with a skewer of shrimp, bacon, pickle, jalapeno, banana pepper, and cheese. It's a yummy meal-in-a-drink. For an app, I had a lobster deviled egg which was a traditional deviled egg with just a hint of lobster . Honestly, it wasn't the most exciting thing on the menu. The pigs in a blanket looked sinfully amazing, but I didn't sample them. My favorite dish of the day was the biscuits and gravy with an egg. They had a distinct mexican flavor that took southern-style biscuits and gravy to a whole new level. The egg was an exciting twist that made you wonder why no one else is doing it. Their homemade potato chips are peppery and crispy perfection. The chicken and waffles are sweet and savory decadence. But, the carnitas Benedict fell a little flat when compared to all the other extravagant flavors. In addition to the great food, I really liked the ambiance of Lola. They had great music and a lively energy that makes you want to go time-and-time again!
(5)Kinley N.
Had a wonderful experience here today for brunch. I can't remember the name of what I ordered but it was pulled pork with a spicy red sauce and egg on top. The red sauce was too spicy for my liking. I told the waitress and she had it remade for me with the sauce on the side. Excellent experience all around and great manager and wait staff. My husband had the lobster omelet and loved it. Of course the guac is always a must.
(5)Gill C.
LOLA was the best recommendation by my new found friends in Denver. Special thanks to the bartender at My Brother's Bar! This was the perfect spot for Sunday brunch. We didn't have a reservation, but thought it was late enough that we'd beat the brunch rush. We walked in, and there was no wait for a table. Upon entering, we immediately fell in love with this place. The interesting artwork behind the host stand static.px.yelp.com/photo… No seats were available in the patio, but decided to sit at the bar and face outside static.px.yelp.com/photo… .We could still wear our shades and feel the warmth of the sun without getting burned. static.px.yelp.com/photo… After ordering mimosas (the best brunch drink ever) and best cure for a hangover, and perusing the most interesting Mexican brunch entrees. Thought it was cool that you can choose from lobster, shrimp or bacon, chorizo, ham, etc., to add to your breakkie entree. I ordered the - 'El Admiral' - choice of two eggs, smoked bacon or chorizo, asadero-poblando grit cake, and added the shrimp. This was so good, and I got the chorizo, which many places don't offer. It was spicy, but not overwhelming, and loved the grit cake. D ordered: 'Rajas con juevos'- winter squash, crimini mushrooms, avocado cream, and added the lobster, which was a very generous portion. This was a very unique dish, and the flavors of the squash, mushrooms, lobster, and avocado blended so well together. Other patrons were intrigued by D's dish, and asked her about it. Service was just ok, and not very friendly, nor totally efficient. Flagged down our bartender/server a few times for water and Coke (yay, they don't serve Pepsi!), as she didn't bother to check on us. It got more crowded the later it got due to the Happy Hour from 2-5pm on weekends.http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/VpHQW0ÂvAioVLRHdR4fzOCQ/l. There is also have a live band that plays salsa music. They totally rocked! I loved the ambiance and chill vibe of Lola. The colors and interior enhanced her coolness. It's a great for people watching, too. We watched the bartenders make their margaritas, mimosas, and other cocktails. Also, saw two older fellas, who sat across from us, try to bust a move on a bubbly young brunette. Unfortunately, they crashed and burned! I recommend going to Lola, and would definitely go back for brunch the next time I'm in Denver. Would also like to try dinner, too. Hopefully, service would improve, and I'd enjoy dinner as much as brunch.
(4)David L.
Lola's is about as hit and miss as you can get. On my last visit, I had one terribly rude waiter and another who was great. The food is just as iffy...my last brunch there was superb, but a recent dinner there the food was lackluster and lacking seasoning....which is not a winning combo. Yet, sometimes despite these varied reviews...Lola's is a great spot to be. So if you are feeling lucky, I recommend heading here for brunch or happy hour and skipping the rest!
(3)Stacey C.
Completely mediocre. Way too salty. House salad had wilted greens and a tiny piece of salty not so great Mahi for a $9 addition to the base price of $7 for a 1/2 salad. Margarita was average, have had better and more creative. The area is trendy but trying way too hard to be hip. Overpriced and subpar. Would not go back.
(2)Jina E.
This place is beautiful and the food is great. I went for brunch and had the eggs bennie. Not your run of the mill benedict. So unique-braised pork belly, ancho chile hollandaise, and masa-buttermilk biscuit. Service was slow to start, but was on point after we ordered.
(5)Lauren D.
This is a very nice restaurant. And when I say very nice I also mean VERY expensive. Perhaps if I had that in my head prior to sitting down for dinner, i would not have been so disappointed. Regardless, Carina and I split the yes oh-so-delicious-make-me-happy table side guacamole and had some $3 Tecates. And yes the $18 tamales we shared were most scrumptious but there were only 2 and they WAY skimped on the pork inside, which I thought was the most delectable part! Our service started out phenomenal and then of course fell by the wayside when the larger parties that were all actually ordering their own meals walked in. I think I will give Lola's another try for brunch or something, maybe happy hour, if I can get a seat....
(3)Jimmy C.
Paella and the rest of the meal wasn't as good as usual. Being consistent is very important!
(3)John M.
The food is always ranging from Excellent to Good. The service from good to OK. I've done a couple of large groups at this fantastically creative nouveau Mexican restaurant and we've had a couple of service issues but whenever I've done a small party it's been great. Although I liked them better when they were on S. Pearl St. (walking distance to my house) I still head over to highlands to get a shot from one of their huge selection of tequilas. There's always something interesting on the menu. The metalwork and design of the place is stellar. You won't find food like it anywhere else in Denver.
(4)Jeremiah Z.
monday night cast iron chiliquiles, amazingly perfect, the house margarittas, not so much but that's what XX is for...i can't really say more about this place, there's 128 other reviewers who already have...
(3)Alexandra F.
Everyone loves Lola's, but I am not the biggest fan... What happens when Lola's new condo neighbor grows big and tall and then Lola loses her grand sweeping downtown view? What then huh Lola? Ok, Lola's has got a great happy hour and is a scene to be seen and to see.... ;) The outside patio has great heat lamps, awesome fish taco specials, and a great view (for now). But let's be honest folks, I have yet to order a dinner dish that I have been that impressed with. My boyfriend claims that I order the wrong thing. Hmmmm, let's think about this... If a restaurant has good food, then it shouldn't matter what I order, everything should be tasty. Am I wrong on this? Lola's is loud and Lola doesn't care if you have laryngitis and can't talk louder... Lola likes attention and therefore she offers a great party room downstairs that you can rent out. One of my favorite parts about Lola's is the bathrooms... For now, Lolas is not top on my list... BUT, and I said but folks... I have yet to try their brunch and I have heard incredible things about their brunch. Breakfast is my favorite meal... I will definitely give Lola a try in the morning and let you know. Strategy: Go to Lolas for happy hour... Sit outside, enjoy the view and order the fish tacos. * Star one has attitude because Lola's is hot and popular and you look cool wearing your shades indoors ** Star two is a shout out to a cool social environment with lots of eye candy *** Our last and final star is for its hip Highlands location and sweeping downtown Denver view... for now
(3)James W.
the new years eve prix fixe was quite reasonably priced this gave me a reason to try this longtime Denver fav duck confit starter ok corn soup and lobster bisque decent seared ahi tuna ok, but kinda limp; side of roasted vegs in tostada a bit of mishmash nice braised duck leg marred by overly sweet apple sopeseca(?) and apricot jus choco banana empanadas brought down by dense dough pastry and unimpressive chocolate filling (this resulting in a stop at D-Bar later) strong Lolarita nothing special summary: ok eating, but I'll be looking for a different NYE dinner next year. pretty nice cool bar & main room, but side room where I was seated had unappealing view of the kitchen, along being the main recipient of strong grilled fishy smells...actually not as loud as I had been expecting based on reputation. reasonable level of quality service maybe I'll be back for special summer drinks and bargain tacos on the patio, but not too soon - I like Big Red F sister restaurant Centro in my hood better. If I'm around Highlands, I'd be more tempted by Sushi Sasa, trying Zengo or bang!
(3)Elizabeth D.
Not a good place for good food....If you wants lots of noise, drinks, action and great views of downtown Denver, go to Lola, sit outside and enjoy the view....but the food is not up to any standard of good taste. The only salvageable dish is their made-at-table guacamole. The fish tacos were greasy, the snapper Veracruz w whole fish was an old fish, fishy and tough, and a real bad value at $30. Everything is fried without soul or culinary talent. This is not the Lola that existed on Pearl St., and that is too bad.
(1)Cristina G.
I'm only giving Lola 2 stars because the Whole grilled Fish was absolutely delicious!! My husband and I were driving around and we saw this place. I had expressed that I wanted Mexican food for dinner. So we go to Lola. There was a 20min wait which was fine, so we headed towards the bar to get some drinks while we waited. I love sangria and when I saw it on the drink menu I had to have it. The sangria sucked!!! It tasted nothing like sangria, not sweet, not even like red wine, just terrible. We soon got a table which we shared with another couple. The chowder sounded good to me since I was a bit cold and wanted to warm up. I asked our server (who never shared her name with us) if there was anything else in the soup other than clams. I told her I didn't eat meat but that I eat fish. She assured me there wasn't . Of course there was bacon in the chowder. I sent it back. We ordered the ceviche as an app and well it wasn't what ceviche is supposed to be like. It wasn't horrible we ate it but the point of ceviche is too cook the fish in lime and there was nothing lime-y about this ceviche it was bland. My husband makes ceviche and honestly it is not difficult at all to achieve a good flavor the lime does it for you. It didn't feel nor did it taste like I was at a Mexican restaurant. Like I mentioned before the fish was great!!! There were no Mexicans (that I could see) cooking in the kitchen. The deco was Mexican and there were two Mexican flags hanging by the kitchen but nothing else in that place was Mexican not even the food. The music was not Mexican in the least, I think it was cluby but not good. Our server was not very good,and at the end we wanted to split the check. Put the liquor in one card and the food on another. Not difficult. I've waited tables for years and the system they have here makes splitting checks very easy. Of course she comes back and shows us our cards and she mixed them up. She said she could do it over but we know better. We had been charged already and if she did it again it would be charged twice until it all cleared which is about a week sometimes. She mentioned something about us handing the cards to her wrong when this did not happen. We merely pointed at which card we wanted to put the liquor on and then the rest on the other, easy? I guess not. We will not go back even if the fish was good. This place was a disappointment.
(2)Travis D.
Best Margarita. Really great lunch, and the guacamole is soo good, such a gimmick but it's bad ass
(4)Scott N.
We went to Lola after a bad experience at Venue. We have been there many times before and it never fails to be great. We got there 5 minutes before happy hour ended and ordered some strong margaritas and excellent salsa. The service was great and we tried some fish we had never had before. The patio is outstanding and looking forward to another trip back.
(5)barb b.
Here's the deal--Lola tries hard, but just isn't all that good. In general, Denver doesn't have really great options for haute mex or latin, and Lola is further proof of this. If you've eaten in a city that delivers spectacular latin cuisine, you will be sorely disappointed with the quality, creativity and flavors. If you're a Denver foodie who is used to the beautiful food at so many of our farm-to-table places, you'll be very disappointed in this over-priced restaurant that under-delivers. That being said, the deck is a great place to have a cocktail on a balmy summer evening and the Highlands location is a great little hood.
(2)Rod S.
I am very disappointed, over the years I would have given them 4 stars.... what happened? Ok, the food is generally good, creative and the brunch is fun. Great selection of tequilas too, generous mimosas and yummy coin margaritas and everything is freshly squeezed. The "made at your table" guac is good, can't get much fresher than that. I like the decor, many of the steel and iron fixtures are recycled junk from automobile suspension, tractors etc, really cool stuff. Even the concrete bar on the patio is heated, heated from inside the concrete. The patio view is awesome, live music on the weekends and fun happy hour. So why two stars? Well Kerrie our server basically neglected our table in every way. Upon seating it was at least 5+ minutes (maybe even 10) before anyone came over. Another server came to talk to us and appologized that our server has not come over. He was very friendly and took our drink order so we could get going. Our server still had not come to greet us after the drinks arrived. When she finally arrived to tell us the specials we probably had a good 15-20 minutes at the table so we knew what we wanted. We proceeded to order and she just walked away, yes just walked away. She didn't come back for a bit, we put in our order. Food came out quickly but our server never once check on us. Bussers cleared our table and it was a good 10 more minutes before I flagged down another server to grab our check for us and that was done quickly. He was the same person who appologized earlier to us and you could sense we was upset about our server. He must have mentioned something to our server because after the check was dropped our server quickly processed our check. I wish the pen worked for the comment cards because either Kerrie was having a bad day or she just sucks as a server. I'd still go back though and try again because it seemed everyone else was having a good time. PS. This place has had sewer problems in the basement. Once I went and it was actually closed, and another time they were having problems in the basement where the restrooms are located during service. I hope they have fixed this. PPS. Oh and my Herradura Silver Bloody Maria was pretty gross, maybe it's just me but I really disliked it. Reminded me of vinegar or spicy tomato ketchup and normally I like Bloody Marias/Marys. If our server had come to simply ask how things we're I would have sent it back.
(2)David D.
Quaint and intimate, this local treasure is a great find after a stroll around the river front. We were lucky to find this restaurant during a lazy Sunday afternoon. Their Sunday Supper offers a great happy hour (I recommend the cucumber lemonade) and live music.
(5)Joel C.
Lola is one of the wonderfully lauded Big Red F restaurants (Jax Fish House, West End Tavern, Centro, etc.) and has done well to fit in with the new fusion type cuisine that one often finds at its sister restaurants. Fortunately for us, we can enjoy a lively (read: very noisy) atmosphere especially with the staff does their best to mitigate any sound/hearing issues and works extra hard to ensure that service is top notch. Our table was near the kitchen, with only the server's walkway between us and the kitchen, which made it a lot of fun to be in the middle of everything and see how the kitchen operated (very hectic to say the least). The decor around the restaurant is festive, bright, and lively--all of which makes for a fun experience to immerse yourself in. But, depending on your preferences, this may not be the best place for an intimate dinner. For the food: We ordered cocktail drinks, an appetizer and then two entrees. Drinks: Q Coin - Muddled cucumber and agave nectar give a very fresh and light twist to a standard coin margarita. It was wonderful though it feels too small by the time you drink it because it is very refreshing on a warm/hot evening. Prickly Pear Margarita - Fresh prickly pear nectar is what makes this one so special, although very good, it can be very sweet and thus is not a great mid-dinner drink but would be best as a first pre-appetizer drink so that you can clear your palate before the food arrives and isn't tainting the flavors that the rest of the food brings forth. Sangria Rojo - One of the best sangrias I've had in the states. It's hard to find a restaurant that makes a sangria that isn't too sweet and instead relies upon the nuances of the mixture of flavors in the fruit and liquors to back it up. There was just enough wine/liquor/juice mix to soda to make it again, another drink that felt too small because it was too refreshing. This drink would work well at any time, but perhaps may even be best at the end of the meal. Food - Appetizers: Salsa Sampler - Wonderful fresh salsas with an interesting twist on what you'd normally expect. Our sampler had chipotle-grilled tomato, blistered green chile, and tomatillo-green apple. My favorite was the chipotle based, my wife's was the tomatillo. The acidity of the tomatillo was greatly reduced and its sweetness enhanced by the flavors of the green apple, it was fantastic, not hot, but definitely sweet. The blistered green chile was good, but not fantastic and was the least favorite of the trio because it was the least distinct in flavor and complexity. Finally, my favorite was the chipotle-grilled tomato. The sweet smoky-ness that you'd expect from the chipotle was cut by the grilled tomato. Instead of a very oaky smoky-ness, it was instead a slightly sweet, moderately smoky salsa that had a kick on the tail end of it. It wasn't as strong in flavor as the tomatillo based, but it was very tasty and while it did not have the overwhelming nature of what most chipotle based foods have, it hit an almost perfect balance between sweet, hot (spice) and smoky. Rock Shrimp Ceviche - While this was less than I desired, it was perfect for an appetizer. The grape tomato pico, melon salsa, and jalapeno aioli worked very well together. And, as anyone that has had ceviche knows, it all relies on the seafood you're making the dish with. Needless to say the rock shrimp tasted as though it was pulled from the water that morning and it had the texture of almost melting in your mouth while still offering enough substance to ensure that you knew what you were eating. One of the better ceviches I've had in the last couple years. Not the best, but very good in its own way. Food - Entrees: Grilled Steelhead - The steelhead was good, but it was the sides of the dish that made it great. The anaheim chile and sunchoke hash combined with the sweet tequila lemons left my mouth watering and wanting more. However, that was not the dish I had ordered and was left watching them disappear slowly while each bite was savored. The fish was good, but again as I said, the accompaniments are what made it great. Whole Snapper (Grilled) - I opted for the healthier version of this whole fish, as they also offer a fried version. Fairly straight forward grilled fish with some sides that weren't amazing, but the fish was great on its own. Not much to say, other than it's definitely worth trying as it's always fun to pick apart a whole fish in a relatively upscale restaurant. All in all, it was a wonderful dinner, but not amazing. The cuisine is very good to great, but had discrepencies in between dishes that makes it hard to know what is going to be best. But, the drinks and atmosphere made for a great experience and will def. be back at a later date.
(4)J P.
If you've got the cash, spend it here! The menu is simple and seasonal, which is the sign of a great chef. We always get the Caldo, a shellfish soup. It is memorable. Plus, if you're a fan of tequila (which I happen to be), their drink menu will bring a smile to your face.
(5)Audrey R.
My husband and I went last night with another couple for dinner and drinks. First of all, they have an excellent tequila selection. Our friend had a mojito, very good, not too sweet. Their salsa sampler, pretty good. Excellent chips. Table side guacamole, eh, alright. The avocados were a bit brown. I guess when eating here you need to keep in mind that the food is "inspired" by coastal Mexican fare. The "Veracruz" style fish, not Veracruz in style what so ever. Fried in a batter and quite greasy. The pork chops were extremely dry and tasteless. The so called "carne asada" wasn't carne asada, but it did have a good flavor. Very expensive. $200 for four people with drinks and dinner. I might try this place again, but either go at happy hour and/or go with the mind set that it's not real Mexican food, but instead an Americanized shi-shi version. Unfortunately living in Mexico has ruined us as far as good, authentic Mexican food goes.
(3)Sammy L.
Extremely accommodating. Great food, not so trendy as to make it awkward, the service and presentation are fantastic. Will be there often to enjoy the patio this summer.
(4)Brian E.
One of my favorite Denver restaurants. Great to sit outside when the weather is nice, especially during happy hour. Best margarita with tons of tequilla choices. Food is modern Spanish and you can rarely go wrong. In the adorable Highlands Neighborhood.
(5)Brandon H.
In many facets of life I'm conflicted, and one of those are weekend mornings. I'm a night owl by nature and spend the wee hours in the morning working on various creative and "start my own company" type projects. By the time the weekend rolls around I'm beyond ready to sleep until the clock reads PM. However, I also love breakfast food and most places do not serve breakfast until the hours I like to get up at on the weekend. Recently my girlfriend brought home a few bites of leftovers from Lola, and they were definitely good enough to get up for. A few weekends ago, I was actually up at a reasonable time and we decided to head over for brunch. They had just updated their menu for the Fall, and there were plenty of delicious sounding things to be had. I opted for the short rib hash which was a generous portion of tender, flavorful pork with roasted new potatoes, smoked goat cheese, and green chili which had a very distinct flavor and a very good amount of heat. I really can't elaborate how delicious this was.. probably the best thing I have ever had at Breakfast or Brunch! This food was so amazing I was able to forget about the sweaty foursome sitting next to us decked-out in their Tour de France gear stinking up the place. Keep in mind this review is for Brunch only-- I can't vouch for what it's like in the evenings, but I get the feeling I would probably hate it. I'm not really big on going to "places to be seen" as I'm not an attention whore, so I could care less about that. One last note- it seemed to start getting pretty packed at 11:30 or so, so I'd advise getting there earlier than that if possible.
(5)Kurt M.
Best Mexican/ Tex-Mex since I've left Texas. It is a little steep for meals, but their happy hour more than makes up for it. Cheap and good tacos, plus a assortment of other eats reasonably priced and $3 Pacifico on draft make this one of my favorite happy hours right now. Views from the outside area are awesome and honestly I really didn't think parking was to bad either. Now the only reason that I don't flat out give the place 5 stars, is well A) It's not in Texas so, yes that some how makes it not quite as good and B) When I get there early for happy hour I find the service to be more concerned with the impending night rush then the customers already there. Not overly slow, just enough to make you a little impatient. Still I would recommend it to anyone, mostly for happy hour, to hang out with friends on a nice afternoon and get some drinks and tapas. Also yes it's $8 but table made guac done right as it is here, is actually worth the cost.
(4)Jessica P.
Okay monumental moment in my breakfast world: I have officially found my favorite eggs Benedict! First of all this is by far my favorite breakfast food. I literally try it at every restaurant I go to. So on Saturday morning when I went back to Lola's I was so stoked to try the lobster Benedicto. Let me break this down for you people. The base is a sweet warm biscuit, the succulent lobster is generously placed on top with claw meat, not the crappy tough tail the creme de le creme of the lobster, then a perfect poached eggs is the next layer and that is elegantly topped with not one but two excellent sauces. The first sauce is in true Lola form, a smoked corn hollandaise sauce and the second is a bright green pesto? Thank you Lola, I can die now.
(5)Bryan H.
Top 3 in the highlands
(5)Michael F.
Tequila, brunch and mojitos. If that's what you want (I don't know why you wouldn't), this is the place for you. Great place for people watching out on the patio, not to mention the view of the mountains and downtown.
(5)Tim E.
Lola's food is absolutely excellent. Delicious, spicy burn. Everybody knows that. I wrote this review because wanted to share my experience with their customer service. My lady and I were there for brunch, I ordered the "burguesa". Our waitress unfortunately forgot to put our order in and they ran out of the burguesa. The chef came out, personally apologized and had a discussion with me about what he could offer me instead. He later came out to make sure everything was to our satisfaction and THEN paid for my dish. Seriously classy. And I am definitely not VIP.
(5)Michelle R.
Maybe I'm a little bit biased because I live in LoHi, but Lola is my default when it comes to brunch, or Monday night. The grapefruit mimosas are amazing, and the menu is always changing to keep me coming back for more. On Mondays, happy hour is all night with $2 tacos and $3 wells. It's always packed. Not too shabby of a view either. I don't come here for dinner all that often, but it's typically pretty delicious. The patio is one of my favorites in the city.
(4)Jonathon J.
This place is awsome. Great happy hour, great food, great atmosphere. Try the hppy hour tacos.
(5)Emily T.
Went here with a friend for dinner and drinks. Margaritas and paloma were both fantastic. To start we got the nachos, which was a very generous serving and had good toppings. After that we just got a few of the tacos, including shrimp, beef and octopus. All were great, would come back to try a few more.
(4)Angelina G.
The food was excellent. We had great service on father's day and can't wait to go back in the future! We had a great brunch and can't wait to try there dinner menu
(5)Richard Y.
Stopped here for dinner with friends on a weeknight while I was in town. Casual, inviting ambiance and a friendly hostess was a good start and we liked our table with a full view of the kitchen. For modern Mex, I thought that the menu was in the leaner side choice wise. I ordered the lobster enchiladas while we were chowing down our chips and salsa. The delight was table side guac, which has been done before, but not as part of the gratis app. Net, the food was 3 stars--skimpy lobster pieces and I was expecting much bolder flavor. The service was SLOW and we were convinced that our waiter got lost a few times. Ambiance 3 stars. And that friendly hostess ignored us on the way out. How about thanking us or at least a cordial g'nite?
(3)Missy W.
Great happy hour, good service, and great food. Everything was delicious, though my husband's lobster was a little chewy. We started with cheese dip, and I got the ahi tuna. All of it was to die for. A little pricey for the offerings, but a cool vibe and a nice patio were great.
(4)Ben L.
Lola continues to be one of my favorite places to eat in Denver. Mix a great atmosphere, with very friendly service and an amazing dinner (or brunch) menu and you have an excellent place to enjoy a meal any time of day. The most recent trip was for a New Year's brunch, and despite the holiday, and the fact the place was hopping, we were served with great friendly service and quickly. Started with oysters on a half shell which came with a great sauce. Followed this up with a bloody mary (spicy infused vodka was excellent) and the best lobster omelet I've ever had. Avocado, a generous service of lobster and the overall meal was quite perfect. The portion size was enough to fill me as well, which is often a problem at nice places. Despite it being brunch I was so very tempted to order the guacamole which is still one of my favorites in Denver, but instead decided to save it for our next visit which I hope will be soon.
(5)Amanda E.
Had a reservation at 815 and arrived early. We were seated immediately, which was great. Ordered the table side guac and it was delicious (fresh and chunky). Sangria was average as was the pork dish I ordered. My boyfriend ordered the steak which was under prepared and they didn't ask how he wanted it prepared which was slightly annoying. Our service left much to be desired but our waitress comped one round of our two rounds of drinks (without a complaint from us) and that was slightly redemptive. The hostess was very sweet and accommodating. However she was training a young lady who seemed less than enthusiastic about being there and was in no hurry to tender the cash for the dessert taco my boyfriend purchased on the way out. Will probably think twice before coming back.
(3)Nathan P.
Baby's first meal five years ago, awesome time many moons ago! Go every month, tomorrow early can't wait! I should post bad reviews for my own convenience! I can't ;/(
(5)Luca P.
Awesome experience here at Lola! Best oysters in town always as fresh as you can get!
(4)Daniel G.
Had a late-ish dinner last night with some friends from out of town. Decided to visit Lola since it's only a block and half from home and it's a great location. Table side guac was pretty good. (Yes I've had better) but the young man who prepared it was super nice and brought me some extra jalapenos immediately when I asked for them. Our server whom I don't remember her name, was quite helpful and really sweet. (Worth the 20% tip) The plan was to share the fajitas with chicken with my buddy. The server told us that it was not the "traditional sizzling fajitas" most people are used to and that it was only enough for one. The problem here, it that it cost an astronomical 28 bucks! Really?! Complete rip off! I know how much it costs to make rice, toss in a few mushrooms and a handful of grilled pieces of zucchini and maybe a bucks worth of chicken. ( Adding the chicken is an additional 6 dollars) They were marginal at best. I understand that everybody is all aflutter with the LoHi area these days and there certainly is no shortage of pretentious and attitude filled eateries within a 6 block radius but come on!! 28 dollar fajitas??! I wont' be returning.
(2)Brandi W.
Three stars for awesome guacamole - sadly they don't do table-side out on the patio though. I didn't really enjoy the other food - there weren't too many options on the happy hour menu besides little tacos. Shrimp cocktail was pretty tasty, I tried a bite. My horchata was awful though, the worst I've ever had. Thankfully she took it off the bill upon asking.
(3)Katie R.
After oogling the menu for years and finding an excuse to go downtown for brunch, I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY experienced Lola...and wow. My parents decided to take my boyfriend and I to brunch to celebrate our birthdays, and celebrate we did! I made reservations online through open table and it was easy as pie. [Although I had requested an outdoor table to experience the glorious patio, but was told the patio was full. so much for that]. My takeaways: Star 1 = Service is amazing. We were seated in a back table with a half booth/half table which was adorned with cute/rustic pillows. So comfortable! Our waiter greeted us with a huge smile, suggested a few dishes and when we mentioned we were celebrating our birthday's he graciously sent over an order of table side guac! Star 2 = The food is to die for. The guac is insanely fresh with fresh ingredients, the drinks are crisp [ I had the beer mimosa!] and everything was made/cooked to perfection! While we all ordered seperate meals, we sampled each dish to the last bite! Dad ordered an open faced sandwich covered in chilie, mom ate two cutesey breakfast buritos, while the bf had their famous chicken and waffles and noshed on the lobster green chilie omlette! everything was outstanding and presentation was gorgeous. Star 3 = Prices are pretty decent for what you get for this type of establishment ;) Star 4 = Perfect for brunch, happy hour and dinner. I've heard good things about their food and now i'm anxious to come back! Star 5 = Atmosphere is awesome, unique and so much fun. Nothing beats sipping margs on a killer patio adorned with authentic mexican artwork with a modern twis! I can't wait to return :) Thanks LoLA for an amazing kickoff to my 28th year!
(5)Eve S.
Went for 10am brunch on Saturday and sat on the patio. Service was promt, my server (Jessica?) got me in and out fast (I didn't have much time). The Chicharron Benny was excellent, I actually couldn't finish it sadly. I tried the pomegranate mimosa & it was delicious. I got their appetizer doughnuts to go & those were TO DIE FOR. Every employee I encountered was great. Such a great experience.
(5)Victoria C.
3.5 stars. I've been here more than two handfuls of times over the last year, and just realized I never felt prompted to review it. Lola does well on its own and doesn't need more reviews I guess. My general feeling is, their appetizers and tacos and smaller plates are good. Every single main plate I've ever gotten has been disappointing. It's always a little bland, or too much of one flavor (salt?) and sometimes a little mushy. The fried whole fish was fun but ultimately disappointing. I've also had lobster and (something else) enchiladas, and a couple of other items. Good things here: guac (spicy please), butternut squash queso fundido (this coming from a girl who is not a fan of queso), tacos on Tuesday are a good deal. So, would definitely come again, it's fun, and the appetizers and snacks can fill you up and are better deals that taste better.
(3)Frances G.
Reserving a table at Lola is a breeze! Needing a table of 10 for a bachelorette brunch, I had no problem. Not only was it easy, but they followed through confirming my reservation more than one time - a quality that comes in handy with a forgetful person like myself. What really struck me as the most appealing quality of Lola was the space. The indoor/outdoor bar and patio set-up is so inviting on a nice Summer day when you're in the mood for a marg in the sun. The decor is exciting with you're typical bright colors, Latin American motif decor, and fun people having fun drinking fun drinks. We were seated right away in the spacious dining room toward to private room in the back and the great time ensued. I settled the for the Trout Hash stacked with brussel sprouts, roasted poblanos, fried spuds, piquillo pepper sofrito, poached egg, and pepita vinaigrette. The trout could have made a bigger appearance, but the flavor medley and presentation was spot on. Such a creative dish for a Mexican restaurants, I couldn't help but order it. It was divine as was the service.
(4)Ali W.
This place has good outdoor seating. We started with the guac and chips, it was pretty standard. The entrees (Lobster enchilada and Pork) were unimpressive and definitely not worth the price so I would try other menu items. One good thing is that they have a partnership with Little man Ice cream and you can order their ice cream there and not have to wait in the line around the corner.
(3)Nathan G.
Good place. Excellent raw bar. We were directed nicely from the chef working @ the raw bar towards the west coast oysters and the ahi. Both were excellent. Very nice presentation of guacamole made table side. This is a fun place.
(4)John F.
Lola has a great environment. The staff are very attractive and a lot of fun. The only problem I had was with the live band. It was great but played at such a volume that conversations became tedious and pedantic.
(4)Mari C.
We didn't have a reservation but luckily we were able to get a seat here without to much of a wait. I would recommend making reservations if you are planning on going to have dinner here, especially on the weekend. The service was good. No complaints there. The servers assistant/busser (Herman) was awesome. He always cleaned out our table and we never worried about getting refills. We sat out in the patio and it wasn't even cold out there. I was surprised, I thought it would be drafty and cold but no such thing! It was nice and cozy in there. We ordered an appetizer and a bottle of wine. Those two were great! Our food tasted good. We ordered the steak tampiquena and the lobster enchiladas. The portion sizes were perfect. The sauces were great. My gripe about the entire evening was that our food was cold. It was very disappointing. I would expect a restaurant like Lola's not to make a mistake like this. I like the food but not when it's been sitting there like that. So I'm not sure when, OR if I am ever going back, at least any time soon.
(3)Gino C.
I've been here a few times and I'm not a huge fan. The salsa is a little watery and has no kick. The menu is fairly limited and dinner on a Sunday night was tough because they were out of a number of items. I was looking forward to good Mexican and expecting tacos, burritos or quesadillas, but they mean what they say by having seafood house in the title. The portions are somewhat small but my friends had the swordfish and said it was delicious. I would come back for a drink but find a place nearby for dinner.
(3)Heather C.
I went here for brunch with a few friends and everything was great. They have an interesting variety of mimosas (snazberry, for example) as well as other cocktails to enjoy. We got the table side guac too which was awesome. We asked for it hot, and it definitely was not hot, but oh well. I got the eggs benny for my entree and it was sooo good - perfectly poached eggs, flavorful tender belly pork, etc. I will definitely come back here for dinner!
(4)Kameron C.
If you are ever here on a Sunday night I would recommend the Family Style Paella. This is a off the menu special and is absolutely delicious. The Spanish dish consists of rice with a red sauce full of octopus, muscles, clams, sausage, and a chicken thigh served with a side of toast. (picture attached) Aside from the great food, the bartender Adam was very helpful and quite the expert on tequila! I will be back!
(5)Tanner M.
Best ceviche I have had in denver....ever, get the Marlin meat. Also, the chicharron benny was legit.
(5)T B.
Overpriced middle of the road Mexican food. Margs are watered down. Service is average at best. Location is nice.
(2)Hannah S.
No, just no. Maybe it was just my taste buds, but Lola's food did not suit me at all. Everything was so salty... I drank 5 cups of water with my entree. They literally try to enhance flavors with salt. Everything else was fine. Ambiance, service, staff were all okay. My friends and I shared 3 dishes, but I didn't enjoy any of them. Guacamole and ceviches were good though. I don't remember which ceviche it was, but both had good flavors.
(2)Karlye P.
Whatever LOLA wants, LOLA gets, and in this case it's my patronage! Haha. I'm obsessed with the Fuego Verde. "corazón blanco, muddled jalapeño & cilantro, fresh lime, agave nectar, slice of jalapeño, cilantro sprig" It's possibly the best cocktail I've ever had. Ok. 2nd best. The gin gin mule at the whistler in chicago gets best place. BUT this place is just the best. The bartenders are awesome. I think our bartender's name last night was Adam. He was super patient with us and even let us sample a little mezcal! I thought it was smoky and delicious, so he ended up making me a bloody Mary with mezcal instead of their infused vodka. I need to cheat on my liquid diet next time I visit so that I can sample some of their seafood... it smells incredible. APPROVED
(5)Valerie E.
Well, I enjoyed the cocktails, and the tableside guac. Prob would go for happy hour when they have tacos, if i were going back at all. The menu wasn't very appealing, and very expensive. No tacos on the menu. Very disappointing. The ceviche was in a cocktail sauce so it was more like a fish cocktail than ceviche.
(3)Amanda G.
We've been here for happy hour a couple times and really like it (although be ware it gets LOUD so if you're looking for a peaceful happy hour go next door to Vita). We stopped in for brunch on New Year's day and really liked it. Good service, reasonable prices and the brunch was quite good without having the wait of some of the other popular brunch spots in town.
(4)Darren C.
Cool spot, excellent patio, great service and very eclectic Menu in a cool, hip young professional part of Denver. Had the ahi Tiradito (Peruvian Sashimi) with toasted coconut, avocado and a lime vinaigrette which tasted super fresh and delicious. The dirty rice with chorizo was excellent though maybe a touch too spicy, and the fired fish taco was only okay though for 3 bucks on happy hour you can't go wrong. Either way, people love the food here as the place was popping and this is definitely one of those places that I'd like to come back and try all of their other random creations like the chicharron Benny, lobster green chili omelet, lobster deviled eggs, Spanish Octopus and wild sea bass. Yeah, I'll be back.
(4)Megan C.
Such a cool spot in The Highlands! Plus, they offer a fresh take on Mexican food (which is always tasty in CO) with their emphasis on "coastal Mexican," so it's a nice change from the over-abundance of enchiladas/tacos/flautas, etc. Plus, they honor OpenTable reservations and have very creative and tasty cocktails! We obviously started with the tableside guacamole, made-to-order and beautifully-presented with the "LOLA" name written in paprika. Chips are crisp, crunchy, and not too greasy or salty. We didn't receive any salsa with our chips, not sure if it's part of their de rigeur service or not. Margaritas were good-quality and not killed by "mix" or crappy Cuervo Gold fake tequila. Oh, and our server was awesome - loved his laid-back CO attitude; he sidled up to our table and was very detail-oriented, and didn't skip a beat at all. Our table, BTW, was located in what I thought was THE BEST corner of the restaurant. There are these two intimate corner booths in a back corner of the restaurant; I will be requesting this seat from now on, as should you! You're set back from some of the noise, clatter and activity from the seating and semi-open kitchen of the rest of the restaurant, which is great. I had to order the pork green chile since I order some at every restaurant I can when in CO (can't find it at home in the DC area, so sad). LOLA's was tasty and stuck to one's ribs, but could have been a LOT spicier. I also ordered the Caesar salad, which was actually beautifully-presented and very tasty. We were all happy and satisfied, other than my typical Spice Fiend-fueled lament that the pork green chile was a bit bland. A great spot, one at which I will continue to frequent any time I'm visiting the Denver area. Street parking was easy to find, too.
(4)Shana L.
I haven't had a ton of brunch in Denver since leaving three years ago, but I can't imagine it gets much better than this. Was able to make a reservation for 7 the night before, no problem, and we were seated right away. Great location, great decor, friendly staff. Love the tequila bloodies and variety of mimosas! I think we sampled every single thing on the brunch menu and everyone raved. I got the benedict which seemed like the smallest of all the dishes, but it was so very scrumptious and super filling - and I eat a lot :chubz: Very surprised at how reasonable the pricing was for this joint considering the locale and quality of food and venue.
(5)Kathryn E.
Fun environment, amazing tequila selection, great service. Loved the tableside guacamole. Food is overpriced but tasty. Definitely recommend trying, especially if you like upscale mexican and margaritas!
(4)Mark R.
Went to Lola's this past weekend for dinner. The food was good, the Sangria was great, we would go again. It doesn't hurt that is is next door to Little Man Ice Cream for dessert!
(4)Kara A.
I came to Lola for brunch and had a much better experience than when I came for dinner. I started with a mimosa and the strawberry-tequila coffee cake. The cake was SO delicious!! I found myself wanting to order another but resisted the temptation. It was sweet but not overly sweet. I will definitely be ordering this menu item again. I also ordered the blueberry lemonade pancakes. These were good, not great, but definitely good. The decor is cute in Lola. It's got a trendy, Mexican theme. I especially love the sign informing you that bathrooms are "Belola." The service is always friendly and quick. Overall, brunch at Lola is a good choice. Order the strawberry-tequila coffee cake! So, so, so delicious!
(4)J A A.
Enjoyed live music yesterday - The Congress is great! Unfortunately, free music draws a low-life bar crowd. Gets increasingly worse Paella was flavorless and too saucy Bloody Mary's were fantastic - as always
(2)Chris D.
Lola's never disappoints. From the service to the food, this place is one of the best. Parking sometimes can be a challenge if you don't want to pay, otherwise there is a pay parking lot right across the street. One of our favorites is the homemade by the table side guacamole, delicious. They will make it how you like. The Lobster enchilada was great. A fair amount of Lobster, could have been more, but as I said it was fair. This is definitely one of mine and my wife's favorite places to go in Denver and would recommend it to anyone.
(5)Gee W.
Been here a number of times, but it seems like the 'trend isn't your friend' when it comes to Lola, it seems to me that it is slowly going downhill. Came here the day after Thanksgiving, made a rez on OpenTable and just breezed into a half full restaurant. Server took a long time to even recognize us, and longer to start helping us...not a great start. After a painfully long wait, we finally got some service. We were in the mood for ceviche, and ceviche is exactly what we ordered. Out of 3 different kinds, I was pretty unimpressed with all of it...sadly. The fish didn't seem that fresh, the flavors not that crisp. I used to like this place a few years back, but recently haven't been all that excited about it. Maybe I recently caught them on an off night, but its been that way the last few times. I think I will be passing on future meals here. And another side note that is not related to the kitchen: what is up with the female valet that touches me when getting my car? Weird enough as it is, but even more strange when it's IN FRONT OF MY WIFE!! I appreciate good service, and as a guy that used to run cars, I understand the 'work that tip' concept, but come on, that's a little much!
(2)Jason R.
Great brunch, excellent bloody Mary's and mimosas
(4)Micaela H.
This restaurant has been an anchor in LoHi (I still loathe that affectation) for so long that I have a tendency to forget how good it really is. We went in for a late brunch on Sunday after a strange experience at another restaurant sent us packing. (pro tip: non peak-time arrival makes it easier to get a table in most places in the neighborhood and usually ups the chances for better service) Chef Feder is not afraid to shy away from strong flavors, as evidenced in the smoked trout hash that my husband devoured and the robust posole rosa (his use of Chimayo chiles made this posole my new favorite in town). Table-side guac was fresh as ever and the drinks were on point. Our server was on his toes the whole time but never failed to make sure we were attended to, even going out of his way to get an answer to some trivial questions we had. Needless to say, Lola will continue to occupy a spot near the top of our favorites list (even if the infill ruined the view).
(5)Joshua S.
Delicious brunch! Had the biscuits and chorizo gravy with an egg on top. Also had lobster omelette and chicken and waffles. Don't pass on the homemade doughnuts! Will definitely be back
(5)Kamryn C.
I was not incredibly impressed. Came for brunch a few weekends ago, and the experience left a lot to be desired. I'll start with the good- the donuts were amazing, the salsa had the right amount of spice, and the fuego verde cocktail was the right mix of spicy and sweet. The decor was great as well, especially the bathrooms which make you feel like you're under the sea. On to the bad, our waiter didn't appear until about 10 minutes after we had been seated. The seasonal cocktail was a mix of pumpkin and other fall flavors which sounded good, but ultimately tasted weird. Our table had a hard time finishing those. The main dishes were small portions and not exciting. The Lola huevos sounded promising, but the eggs ad beans were uninspired, and unseasoned. My boyfriend's waffle was overcooked, although he claims the chicken was good. Overall, the food felt mediocre, especially for the atmosphere and the price.
(3)Deanna D.
Lola is quite lovely. We stopped in for brunch and had a lovely experience. The Lola Bloody was nothing exciting but Chile Infused tequila Bloody had a good kick. The ambiance is fun: nice decor, warm colors, exposed brick, dark lighting- a great date spot. The service was solid: attentive and friendly. I had the Lola Bowl: sweet potato chorizo hash, crawfish-pork estofada, grilled shrimp, chile rojo broth, fried egg, pico- freaking delicious! It was more smokey than spicy and the flavor- ingredient combos worked really well together. The boyfriend had the Green Chili Hash: pork green chili, breakfast potatoes, egg, pico de gallo, lime crema- which he really enjoyed. The green chili flavor was solid. The prices were very reasonable given the quality of the food and portion sizes. We would definitely go back for more.
(4)Julia W.
Ive been here twice in the past week; the second visit unplanned due to lack of reservations in the area. We sat outdoors both times. The patio is awesome, but the service was a little slow. I sat for 10 or so minutes before getting my glass of wine. The guac is good & the chipolte salsa OK. The greens salad had too much dressing but the tuna rocked my world. The fajitas were weird- I knew I wasn't going to get the typical fajita set up, but theirs were so far off that the word "fajita" shouldn't be in the name of the entree. I'll be back, but probably only for happy hour.
(3)Abe M.
Lola has been a great place for Mexican food in the Highlands, however, their recent switch to a seafood heavy menu will have me looking elsewhere. I can't blame them for the change, I am just not a big seafood fan. They did say that they will always have a non-seafood entree on their regular menu, like the carne asada. If you're here for happy hour, I recommend the table side guacamole. Always as fresh as it gets, and you can request your desired level of heat.
(3)Tim C.
I was really impressed with this place. The wait was short. The food was really good. Once we sat the, our appetizers came out within minutes followed by our food. Some in our group mentioned that the entrees came out too fast, but you'll never hear me complain about not having to wait to eat. The restaurant has a really hip vibe, like a lot of restaurants in this area. The chicken and waffles was excellent. The pigs in a blanket, donuts, and banana jalapeño bread were all very good. This was an all around excellent dining experience. 4.5 stars.
(4)Adrienne D.
They only server tacos at Happy Hour. Their price point has jumped by adding the fresh fish option. The proce point is just all over the place. I only recommned their happy hour. Grab dinner else where.
(3)raj b.
Lola Guacamole Lobster Enchiladas Donuts We were 10minutes away from closing time when we called Lola. The hostess asked our cross streets and assured us a seat and that we would make it. We raced over and boy are we glad we came and had a perfect night! First we were seated in the back patio which was not cold at all. They have a center heater that heats that area to perfection allowing you to enjoy your dinner. It was nicely accented with sting lights and added to the atmosphere. The atmosphere was lively and people looked to be genuinely enjoying themselves! We started with the guacamole. Page friendly gentleman rolled his cart over and started making homemade guacamole which had ingredients such as: lime, salt, cilantro, cayenne, Serrano, garlic, etc. I love fresh guacamole with all those ingredients!! It tasted amazing and he sprinkled cayenne on the side and etched Lola on the plate. My only gripe would be I wish we had more! The lobster enchiladas were great! The tortillas were fried and had a crispy texture to them like flautas/taquitos but not too crispy. It was all on a bed of rice but the flavor was indescribable! It wasn't too filling and left perfect room for dessert. Lastly we ended with Doughnuts: cinnamon whipped cream, dulce de leche. These doughnuts were sitting on a bit of syrup and were coated with cinnamon sugar like a churro. However the icing on the cake was a dipping crème of some sort that just took the doughnuts to the next level. Perfect end to an amazing dinner. The waitstaff were friendly, patient and fun! The night ended perfectly by great music playing and a fireworks show outside put on by the theme park. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect dinner atmosphere!
(5)Attisyn C.
I've only been here for Sunday brunch, but it's always super legit. The menu is unique and creative and delicious. (The presentation is on point too) The service is always fast and friendly. It's a cool spot. I'm a big fan of tableside guac. I keep trying to get a few of the servers to have a guac-off just so I can say guac-off, but no luck yet.
(5)Jennifer S.
I have always loved this restaurant. Food is always amazing and the staff very sweet and attentive.
(4)Roxie C.
Finally found some good Mexican in Denver! We went for happy hour and loved the chips w guacamole, salsa, and queso. Loved the street tacos too... Especially the fried fish taco. Good service and atmosphere too.
(5)Ali L.
Great service and the margaritas were delicious (strong pours, too!) I didn't get a chance to eat, but everyone's food around me looked absolutely scrumptious. Definitely ordering dinner next time!
(4)Kristy R.
This place is growing on me. I remember being unimpressed on my first visit, since everyone I know loves this place and has hyped it up so much. However, my last dining experience was really excellent. Our waitress was super awesome, attentive and sweet. I had a killer Arctic Char dish that was unique and really delicious. Dessert was super yummy too. We caught a couple happy hour drinks in the bar as well. Fun night!
(4)Chad R.
El Jefe was tasty. Waaaaaay tasty. And Pacifio drafts are always a come-up. It took awhile for the server to arrive-- like, awhile enough to be here for the first time, peruse the whole menu for the first time, weigh my options, and have my drinks and apps and entrees all decided by the time they got there. Kind of a bummer. It was also interesting (enough to note) that the open kitchen seems to serve the kitchen staff more than the ambiance/vibe. They never missed an opportunity to holler at the many, many ladies. Not sure I feel about watching them drink either (while 'shutting down'). The food was fantastic and they've obviously got it dialed back there, I just don't need that 'peek (not a peek, exactly-- unavoidable from tables adjacent to the kitchen) behind the curtain.' A patio or bar seat next time. No biggie.
(3)Lauren G.
We usually love Lola, but today the service at the bar was really slow (and they weren't busy). Perhaps the biggest disappointment was a dish that was advertised as coming with "fried plantains." I grew up in South Florida - fried plantains are mushy, like bananas, with a sweet carmelized outer layer that is slightly crispy. I ordered the breakfast dish at Lola specifically because of the plantains, but when it came out I had these thin plantain chips on the plate coated in sugar. Very disappointing. The menu should read "plantain chips," not "fried plantains." False advertising. The yellow rice was also flavorless and our bacon was totally greasy. Restaurants have off days and we will still come here, but we might reconsider if we have another experience like this one.
(2)Solomon W.
Lola Restaurant affords diners a trendier take on brunch--with plenty of Mexican flare. For starters, the salsa sampler gives a good taste of what the flavor profiles are like here. The brunch menu fires off all sorts of brunch favorites, with a benedict and chicken and waffles as the heavy hitters. No one dish for us was too memorable, though I will say I appreciated the new take on chicken and waffles, with chorizo gravy giving a more unique spice than expected. Stick with what you know in the direction of side dishes--biscuits, potatoes, gravy... I get the sense that Lola might be a restaurant that needs to be given a few tries, as the menu is pretty diverse. Next time I'm in town, I might swing by for another go at the brunch or perhaps happy hour.
(3)Henning V.
The food is good, the servers are nice but the seats at the bar suffered from a horribly inattentive and unfriendly bar staff. Won't be back for quite some time.
(2)Michael F.
FOOD / DRINKS: You absolutely cannot go wrong here. Close your eyes and point at the menu. I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Hash!! I mean highly. Soooo good. You will just devour it. I also enjoyed the Cured Plate. It is Smoked Salmon, Smoked Duck, Smoked Trout, with capers and Serrano Whipped Goat Cheese (wow, I just ate and thinking about it is making me hungry again!). Oh, and it comes with a couple small Corn Masa Jonny cakes and an Habanero Cherry Mustard Sauce for dipping. The Denver Incredible Pedal IPA is nice and hoppy and goes well with the two. SERVICE: Service was incredible. I even asked for a sprig of mint to throw in the water bottle I was toting around and they happily complied and even offered to refill the bottle. Just a very friendly bunch of people. UTILITIES: Bathrooms are downstairs and nice, clean. Did not see a place to plug in phone to charge it. Try to sit outside on the covered patio. Especially on Saturdays during the Farmers Market which is right beside it.
(5)Amy K.
Great service: Adam Great recommendations: fried chicken, chilaquiles Great interior :-) we will be back for sure.
(5)Jason O.
There's nothing like a good bloody Mary with brunch. Sadly, this place doesn't have a good bloody Mary. There's an "ultimate" bloody which has everything but the kitchen sink on the skewer, but the drink itself was watery and flavorless. Adding chili infused vodka helps, but doesn't save it. The food itself was better, especially the guacamole! Ask for them to make it spicy, it's not going to be especially hot but it will be flavorful. I had blueberry lemonade pancakes and my wife had bacon, eggs, and grits. Both of them were pretty good, but not the sort of good that'll keep me coming back when there's plenty better to be had nearby.
(3)Janelle C.
I was pretty excited to visit Lola's. The menu looked great, if a bit sparse, and the desserts looked tasty. When we arrived, we were seated all the way in the back next to the kitchen, so whenever they added a dash of spicy seasoning to the pot/stove, it permeated the air and caused my guest to cough. There were plenty of other tables open we could have been seated at, especially since I had made reservations in advance. We ordered the table-side guacamole which was meh. Needed something- maybe a dash of salt, lime or spice, something. My seafood enchiladas were ok, not terrible but not spectacular. Dessert was the worst, I had their version of a choco-taco-ice cream in a folded waffle cone covered in chocolate. It tasted like a bad drumstick (you know the frozen cone you can buy from an ice cream truck?) I would not go back. I can find better Mexican restaurants that are less pretentious and have better tasting food for less.
(2)Evan A.
Guac is amazing, just get it. Came here for brunch with my sister and brother in law and I couldn't have been happier. I love a place that takes reservations for connivence sake (I hate waiting). I got a bloody, great tasting and helped from a heavy night of drinking before. Chicken and waffles, YES! and YUM! I loved the mixture of salty and sweet. The chicken was moist and the waffles were light and fluffy. Thanks Lola, I'll be back soon.
(5)Gail O.
The term " white people ruin everything" comes to mind every time i've dined here. And don't get me wrong, I'm so white, I'm transparent, but there is absolutely no flavor in any of their "mexican inspired" cuisine. Queso fundido has a super weird texture and is bland. Posole is tiny and watery for 6 dollars. I get it, crab is exspensive, I'm ok with that! Broth isn't, give me a little more than a child's portion. Tableside guacamole, not served tableside....with what appeared to be 1/20 th of a red onion and an avacado for 7 dollars as it's only ingredients. Service is equally bland. Not bad, but just lackluster. The only saving grace is the girl chef that works the raw bar. If your friends insist you try lola at least sit outside at her bench. It fits 3 comfortably. I live across the street and tried to give lola multiple chances, but please do yourself a favor and go to linger. The price is similar and you actually get decent food.
(2)Jennifer S.
Great place to catch up with friends on a Saturday night! - blood orange sunrise: not too sweet, but not too strong. - oysters: wellfleets and kumamotos - guacamole: got this spicy (but it wasn't too spicy) and was one of the highlights of the night...would definitely order again! - special ahi tuna dish with beets: really delicious, but definitely had a spicy afterkick. - little man Mexican chocolate ice cream: rich, but not super sweet. Saved us the wait in line next door! - cinnamon donuts: perfect complement to the Mexican ice cream. Great service and fun, casual vibe!
(4)Annie S.
I am updating my review and increasing my star rating for two reasons. 1) I went back and was greeting kindly and given prompt and friendly service. 2) The manager responded to my review, concerned about my experiences and wanting to know specifics so they could improve. I didn't want to give any because we all have bad days, but I appreciated the care and time it took to respond. That is cool. This place has great atmosphere, good happy hour and I'm ready to start trying again. Thanks for caring about your neighbors!
(4)Ashley M.
I have been to Lola's twice for a birthday party. They have Really cool intimate seating with pillows , making a cozy private spot. Love their all night Monday happy hour. They also make fresh make guacamole at your table which is a nice touch. Good chips and salsa- although they do charge so done be surprised when the bill comes, oh well it was good, right? One problem. The servers both times seemed so miserable... I couldn't figure why.. I even really tried to cheer the guy up and it was bringing down the demeanor of the night. I won't judge a restaurant on a poor server though... Just giving my full review! Check em out! Yummy food!
(4)Robert H.
Nuts good Lola bowl for brunch! Great cocktails Great happy hour Regular dinners fab And frequent speciality/benefit dinners All around A*
(5)Madelyne S.
Lola is quite a scene. The unique set up allows it to function as a lively choice for happy hour or a sit-down dinner restaurant. You can tell that they've maximized the space--some tables are really close to each other as an unfortunate result. We had reservations and still waited a few which was not a big deal--Saturday night's crowd is an amusing bunch and provides for good people watching. The server we ended up having was friendly, funny and attentive. I love margaritas but my relative and I agreed that their silver coin marg was just very "meh" and tasted a bit watered down. We started with table side guac which, for the small, was perfect in size for 3 people. I loved the spice option--spicy it was! We liked the salsa as well but I'm not sure which one we received. We began with the scallop and pork belly appetizer. The scallops were perfectly cooked and I liked the sweet salsa. The pork belly was left to be desired. I sampled the corn chowder soup and that was delectable and creamy. For our entree I split the corvina - a light fish topping a massive tamale with a corn mild salsa topping. I appreciated the topping because, honestly, the fish and tamale weren't anything grand. I may give this place another go since I hear the brunch is fantastic and the porch scene looked fun.
(3)Jordan L.
I have had great experiences at Lola as well as not so great experiences. Today was exceptionally poor. Granted they were super busy so I'll give them that. The hostesses were rude. Our app did not come out til after the food was there. The entrees were cold by the time they got to the table (and cold Benny's are gross).. The lobster omelet was cold to the point of being inedible. And on top of that after my girlfriend specified her order the be pescatarian the order came out covered in chorizo.. Feeling pretty disappointed, but Im sure I'll give it another shot someday.
(3)Tiffany N.
Tableside guacamole is where it's at. In fact most of the food at Lola is where it's at. I've had everything from butternut squash soup to carnitas and enjoyed it all. Plus they make a mean coin margarita. Lola is definitely a see and be scene kind of place, but if you can make it when there isn't a huge crowd or are looking for that kind of atmosphere the food is good, the drinks are good, and both are served quick enough that Speedy Gonzalez would be proud.
(4)Christina L.
We went for Happy Hour for the view of Downtown Denver, only to discover that a building had been built across the street, which completely obstructed the view. Shared the made-to-order Lola Guacamole, then we each got The Platter (i.e. two happy hour tacos, rice and beans). I got one of the taco specials of the day, which was asi-asi (so-so) and a Diablo Shrimp Taco, which was amazing! Not sure if I'd come here again since I don't live in Denver, but I wouldn't nix it if someone suggested it.
(3)Matthew M.
I will definitely be frequenting Lola. Only one TV in the lower level area but seems to be to be a great Sunday spot when the NFL season is over.
(4)Kari M.
Came here for breakfast with my sister. It's a cute little place. They were able to seat us without reservations on Super Bowl Sunday. Heck yes! I ordered a Snazberry, which is essentially a mimosa with different juices and champagne. Pretty awesome. I also got the banana maple pecan pancakes with cinnamon whipped cream. So, So good. Took a picture because the presentation was so good. They don't have much on their menu, which I actually appreciate. I don't like having too many choices and what they have is not your average breakfast, so that makes it different. Kinda pricey, but I really did enjoy it. I would recommend it for sure if you're in the area.
(4)Anne C.
Went for a quick app and ceviche. I originally ordered the tuna poke, and it was ridiculously spicy. Like burn your face off hot with Serrano peppers throughout. They were nice enough to replace it with a scallop dish that was pretty good. The winner was their guacamole, delicious as all get out. The chips, however were seriously lacking. Pretty basic, nothing to write home about. Overall, it was ok. The service was great, however.
(3)Chris M.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Lola's during Denver Restaurant Week. We sat at the bar for some happy hour cocktails and loved the vibe there... our waitress Phoebe and our tableside guacamole dude Jared were outstanding! I LOVED the butternut squash Fudido and Roasted Corn soup and the guac was YUMMY! I had the chicken special and my hubby had the swordfish... the entree's were but OK but we enjoyed the apps, soup and salad more. I was disappointed with the flan that was part of the DRW week so the waitress asked if I'd like to try the donuts that everyone had recommended in the first place.... they were all correct.. I think I would come for guac, soup and donuts alone.. The basement area looked to be a gathering spot for young executives to hang out after work and the ladies bathrooms were really cool... I love that! I wanted to take the sink home with me.. The happy hour pricing for small bites and drinks was a fantastic deal as well.. I'd recommend Lola's to everyone.
(4)Alissa N.
We came in during happy hour. The band was great! The outdoor covered and heated patio was really nice on a snowy day. The service was ok. We got the queso which was really good. I was not blown away by this place, though.
(3)Dawn W.
Brunch at Lola is just as good as it gets - service=10, atmosphere = 10, bloody marys and mimosas = 10! I love the big booth towards the back - my ladies and I packed in there with comfy pillows and great light coming in from the window. You must have the table side guac and the ceviche was perfect. Out of the 10 or so times I have visited Lola, I have never ever been disappointed.
(5)Noah P.
3 not 5 for a reason. Lola was great. However... I'd like to share my experience. Picked up my mom today at the airport and was planning to take her out to dinner somewhere nice. Our first plan was to grab some sushi at Okinawa (great place!), but we wanted to try something new. A few of my friends are line cooks at Lola, so I thought we should give it a try. As soon as we arrived, the host was not very informative about the special/ menu items. But once we were seated the service was excellent. Our servers name was Brent, and he was fantastic! Informed us of happy hour specials/ his personal favorites on the menu. We split the calamari as a small plate to start. For 7 dollars, it was about 4 pieces of squid each. Not saying it wasn't delicious, it was a large addition to the overall bill for a small amount of the meal. I ordered the Caldo de Mariscos, which consisted of 2 crab legs, 4 muscles, 3 clams, and 2 shrimp in a very very salty broth. A small dash of pesto/ spinach/ and buttered bread added something different, but the seafood alone would have been a disappointment. The happy hour margaritas the waiter suggested were delicious. But like any other coin marg in Denver, it seemed the same quality of a coin marg at Illegal Pete's. Not to mention 4 dollars for a Tecate was a little much. If I could sum up my whole experience at Lola, I would recommend another place. The service was great, but that shouldn't make up for overpriced food. If you're looking for a place to have a meeting where your company is paying for your meal (the table next to us was going crazy...), this is the place. But if you're looking for a place to get a fresh healthy meal with a family member/ friend, Lola is not the place. As a seafood lover, I would have to say I would've had a much better dinner with my family at Okinawa for a much cheaper (and fresh tasting) meal.
(3)Melissa G.
From Atlanta, knowing nothing about Denver, on a friend's advice we booked LOLA's downstairs for our son's casual rehearsal dinner three weeks ago. WOW!!!! FIVE STARS!!!! FIRST STAR: LOLA's staff was amazing to work with in advance--it was easy to book the room, choose the menu, make the deposit. SECOND STAR: cool neighborhood (parking was a little tricky though.) THIRD: perfect venue--given our 60-some guests ranging in age from 16 to 88--booths for oldies, standing tables & bar for younger generations. FOURTH STAR: AMAZING FOOD. So delicious. Everyone from carnivores to vegans felt happy with the buffet. FIFTH: Fantastic drinks. SIXTH STAR ( I'm going to go ahead and give six stars): Wonderful service; really warm & attentive & nice servers & bar-tender. Really, if I could give them seven stars, I would. Among our outstanding food choices were these: Chips, salsa guacamole Flautas with goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms Entrees: Chicken mole with mole negro, queso panella, & pickled kale California bass veracruzana with pickled radish, green olives, caper berry Tostada de mushroom & rapini with queso cotija & white bean refritos Sides: Roasted corn esquites Peas & carrots with a hot cumin vinaigrette
(5)Sarah W.
I've been to Lola a few times over the years - for dinner, happy hour, and late night drinks. Lola consistently provides good food and well made drinks, extra bonus if you can hit is up on a Monday when happy hour goes all night. The only reason I can't give 5 stars is that Lola seems to be missing that thing that will push it over the edge into the elite of Denver eateries - I can't put my finger on it, but there is just something missing. However, it is still a solid place.
(4)Danielle W.
I was in town for one night with a group of my best girlfriends from college and their men and we decided to go to Lola for a casual night of drinks and dinner. We were seated downstairs, which was a little disappointing seeing as the upstairs was so happening and lively, but the downstairs area was spacious and just as crowded. The atmosphere was a fun mexican/american joint and had a large central bar, which always helps bring the restaurants together. We ordered the guacamole that they prepare at your table, and wow it was spicy hot and good! We then ordered a few drinks - the Q-Coin - definitely recommend it, it was really nice and refreshing... So was the lemonade... I had the Sea bass and it was delicious - very good portions and really tasty treat. A few people had the sweet potato and others had more traditional mexican dishes. All and All definitely a fun place and great atmosphere.
(4)Tracie B.
With over 500 reviews, Lola clearly doesn't need another - but here's my 2-cents anyway. Solid 3.5 stars. On the plus side, the table side guacamole is very good however we asked for spicy and it was not even close. Kudos to the guac-guy for adding extra chopped serranos on the side so that we could add more as we needed. I would have preferred jalapenos however as they have more flavor. My pork green chili has was very good. My only nit is that there were several chunks of fat that should not have made it in to the bowl. We were there on a Saturday morning at 11am and were told that we could not order from the lunch menu (bummer - ergo only 3 stars). The brunch menu is limited. Atmosphere - comfortable but if you sit inside it's very dark. I had to use my iPhone flashlight (thanks Apple:-) in order to read the menu. Service was good.
(3)S S.
Great staff and beautiful atmosphere. I ordered the lobster enchiladas which just wasn't my favorite. I'm sure most would love the dish, it just didn't strike my taste buds. The chips and salsa and margarita were tops! The restaurant came highly recommended by a friend and I'm so glad I went.
(4)Christopher B.
This will always be officially the first place I went after I moved here. It was recommended to me and I am happy I took the suggestion. We actually met the owner before we came in and she was very nice. She welcomed me with free guacamole- very nice! And very good! We had the sea bass ceviche, which was good but not quite the style I like (a bit too sweet for me) but very generous portions of fish. The empanadas lacked a little flavor, but all in all, they were fine. Finally, we had the seared sea scallops, which may have been the best I've ever had! I'm usually not a fan but, look out, I will be back just for these!!! I will say that this place might have the most pleasant, nicest, and most attentive staff I've experienced. It's probably better than a super high-end restaurant but it's definitely down to earth (and not pretentious!). The atmosphere is super... I had a couple beers and with some small dishes like these it makes for a perfect evening!
(4)Kevin B.
Always enjoy eating at Lola. Very good food & drinks. Perfect for groups or by yourself.
(4)Stacie D.
Met some friends here for Brunch on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone loved their food. My Butternut Squash pancakes were exceptional! Great atmosphere, busy place but we had a booth in the back with pillows and a comfortable setting. The server forgot a couple of small things, but after being reminded brought them right away. He also had a rough time when splitting the bill, but we got it worked out. I would definitely go back when in the area!
(4)Brittany B.
I've been here a handful of times. Food has been solid on all occasions. Service in general is very good. Today my man & I checked in for a 1230 reservation, were told our table was being set up & asked to wait. No problem. About fifteen minutes later another couple comes in, says they have a 1245 reservation, & are immediately sat. We went up to the hostess stand to see about our table & we had apparently been forgotten. We were sat quickly after bringing ourselves to their attention again but not a great start to our experience. Waters are brought by & we sit. And wait. And wait. Then a manager comes by to check in & we're honest: we feel forgotten. Twice. He apologizes, grabs drink & app orders, & our server stops by shortly after. (In her defense, it was incredibly busy & they seemed a bit understaffed for the Sunday brunch crowd.) We were well checked on the rest of our visit, likely because they were on the defense from our initial report to the manager. Andrea, if you're reading this, you were great. Thank you & your manager for righting the hostess wrong. The food was delicious, as is usual for Lola. Donuts, carnitas Benedict, chicken fried steak, chicken & waffles, Lola huevos... all delicious. Always delicious. I was disappointed they were all out of green chili by the time we were sat & ordered, so the green chili hash will have to wait...
(3)Jason I.
This is more of a brunch review, as we went on Sunday... At 1:30...expecting lunch naturally. I'm big on brunch but was surprised to see it go so late. Also, our waitress rushed us to order brunch at 1:55, even tho we asked to just wait for the lunch menu at 2pm. Turns out it was the end of her shift so go figure. Our food was pretty mediocre with a thick pasty white sauce on our breakfast burger that pretty much muted all of the other flavors in our food. They also had live music, but the band was LITERALLY less than 18 inches from four different tables, which ruined our conversation, which was particularly aggravating as the band was just tuning up, playing garbled tunes and nonsense for about 20 minutes. I left without hearing any songs, about 45 minutes after they began setting up... 2 stars could be a little harsh, but I also feel like 3 would be generous. If you're on the edge, know that I'll probably be open to going one more time, not during brunch, to make my final judgments because Lola does have a pretty good track record.
(2)Rose H.
Came here for dinner. Very overpriced for bland fake mexican food. Sat at the 'raw bar' and LOVED the guy shucking the oysters and cooking back there. He was more friendly/helpful than our server.
(3)Eric V.
This is one of my favorite happy hour spots in the country. Chips and guacamole, chicken soft tacos, and a pint of Dos Equis Amber and BOOM! Love it! Also love the setting. Perched up on a little hill with a nice view of the Denver skyline where you can say to yourself, "So glad I'm not in LoDo surrounded by little 20-somethings in their puffy little North Face vests who just pulled up in their Subaru Outback with snowboards, mountain bikes, and kayaks fastened to the roof and having to listen to them go on and on about how cool it is that they're drinking microbrew and eating bison." Yes, Lola is a nice little escape. Solid food, great ambiance, great selection of tequila . . . I've really only done happy hour here, but their happy hour is a solid 5 stars, yo!
(5)Nichole C.
Order anything on the menu, you won't be disappointed! By far one of my favorite places in Denver to eat!
(5)Tiara Q.
Amidst all the other trendy places in this area, Lola is established & consistent. They have excellent table side guac prepared the way you ask for it. Their specialty drinks are strong and tasty. I highly recommend the Caipirinha. The patio area is great if you can find a seat. The best happy hour special is the 2 chicken tacos & tecate for $5. We wandered in here on St. patty's day. What a lovely escape from the drunken green beer crowds and noise!! D'Angelo was playing over the speakers and then the live band started. Live music every Sunday! Nice. Today's band was The Rocky Mountain Oysters. Horrible name, wonderful band!! I've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. Year-round excellence. This place is unneccessarily pricey so I can't give it 5 stars. $10 for a mule and $4 for ONE taco is a bit much.
(4)Jen W.
Went here for brunch with a group of 6 and everyone enjoyed their meals in particular the ahi tuna tacos! Served with avocado and a crisp, pineapple slaw - so fresh and chock full of tuna deliciousness. the portion was quite generous and I can't wait to go back and order them again! It was also served with a side salad and the whole plate was filling. Others liked the chicken and waffles with the chicken being served fried and boneless. The space is huge, vibe and decor are cool and our server was friendly and attentive.
(4)Jessica C.
Adorable little spot for brunch on the weekend. The mimosa was wonderful (and affordable!). Also loved the little farmers market outside on Saturday morning!
(4)Matt H.
I love this place. Third time here and it is always delicious. Great product. Always above-board attentiveness from staff (our server was a bit unapproachable tonight, but everyone else was great). I was totally happy with eating their happy hour tacos and drinking Lagunitas IPA. Happy hour is reasonable, but beyond that it gets pricey. I cannot fault them for they provide a quality product consistently. Next time we are up this way we will return. You can never go wrong with their table-side guacamole.
(4)Bizie M.
I came out very unimpressed. Nice ambience, good service. Price and quality of food overated and over priced. Bean and rice should not be this expensive. Very small servings for the pricey menu.
(2)Anna M.
The food was very good. I had the lobster enchiladas and the flavors were great. Not sure they put enough lobster in for the price they charge. The building history adds to the interest of the place. Overall, good place and would recommend it to anyone looking for fresh Mexican seafood.
(4)Amoli P.
I can't believe I lived across the street from Lola for more than 2 years and never once had brunch there. (Though to be honest, I tried a couple times and the wait was just too long.) My friends and I were in CO for a ski trip last weekend and we wanted to do brunch in downtown before flying home on Sunday. After Root Down reported a 2 hour+ waiting time, I recommended Lola. The 40 minute wait at Lola was much more reasonable for a Sunday 11:30am brunch and we had a drink at the bar until our table was ready. The bloodys are very tasty and they offer a variety of flavored mimosas and other fun brunch cocktails. We started with the tableside guac, which is a must. And also ordered the rock shrimp ceviche for the table - very tasty. I went with the day's special for my meal, a tomato stew with poached eggs. The broth was very flavorful, great fresh vegetables with a spanish flavor to it and the eggs blended amazingly when I cut them open and let the yolk mix in. The servings are huge, so beware, but every bite was so delicious I almost finished the whole thing. My fiance ordered the Lola Bowl which was a heaping pile of meat and shrimp and veggies in a mexican chili type of soup - also delicious. Our other friends went with the lobster omelette and their version of huevos rancheros. Everyone fully enjoyed their meal, the drinks were delicious, service was friendly, atmosphere was hip, and I will make this my new go-to brunch place in Denver whenever I'm visiting.
(4)J T.
I've only ever been to Lola for their happy hour, and both experiences have been great so far. I absolutely love their cucumber lemonade drink- it is so refreshing and the cucumber is an unexpected complimentary little twist. Happy hour is great, you can get some decently priced beers here during this time and it's a good time to sample some of their delectable apps. Try the guacamole, it is not to be missed - we asked for it to be 'spicy and hot' and they delivered ! It was amazingly fresh, prepared next to your table...possibly the best guac I've had in the city. Also tried the ceviche and the red pepper / butternut squash queso, which was also delish. The ceviche is different - prepared with a mayo-like citrus base, it was really good. Had the calamari, it was tasty, but the portion was tiny and it was a bit stringy. Overall, a great place to hang out on a weekend afternoon - service is solid, I'm definitely a fan of Lola for happy hour. The service, prices, quality of food and drinks are not to be missed. Must return and update with a review once I come back here for an actual meal!
(4)Phung L.
Went here for brunch one Sunday afternoon and like anywhere, it was busy. The guacamole is prepared fresh right there table side and it's artfully done with a nice Lola inscription on the plate. I'm a sucker for chicken and waffles, and you can almost guarantee I'll order it if it's on the menu. So I did, regrettably so might I add. If I had a chicken and waffles power rankings, Lola would probably be located on the bottom unfortunately. Where do I begin? The fact that it's just a fried chicken breast? Or how it was rather dry and bland? I'm almost certain had I ordered something else on the menu I would have thoroughly enjoyed it more thus giving this place a better rating that they probably deserve.
(2)Lee S.
This review is only for the guacamole. They make it and serve it right at your table and just exactly how you want it. Also, they sign the plate with a knife in the chili powder...I've tried it at home and it doesn't look the same. Cold, cold Tecate in a can with salt and a lime...exactly as it was meant to be. Maybe I'll go back for dinner, but if not... ...A great time.
(4)Tara L.
I have been here for brunch and dinner. Both times I have been, the service has been amazing. They are always quick to see if you need anything else and leave you alone when it looks like you want to be left alone. Brunch I ordered the Huevos and it was delicious. This was after we ordered guacamole and donuts for the table, so I was already getting full- but it was great! You definitely need to get the chips and guac. It is tableside and they ask you what ingredients and level of spice you want your guac to be. DInner was great! More expensive than I wanted it to be but overall it was a great ambiance and they are always willing to find extra space so that you don't have to wait long. Overall, a recommended place on my list!
(4)Mila G.
I came here twice recently, both times with groups. Our larger group had a brunch buffet, which would have been great if there were some gluten free and dairy free items. The mimosas were a little strong, basically champagne with OJ to color. The second time we came with friends to celebrate, and the experience was better. They made our guacamole right at the table, spiced to taste. The drinks were great, and the waiter even took our photo, which I know can be annoying. The second visit was better.
(4)Jessica H.
Our group of three headed to Lola for brunch on a Sunday around 1ish. It was a beautiful day and the patio area was packed and the inside of the restaurant was crowded as well, but we were seated right away. They have a brunch drinks list and we all ordered different mimosas (cranberry, pineapple and the Mexican mimosa, with beer, OJ and tequila- yum!) As an app we ordered a small guacamole, which was made table-side. I thought it was pretty good but thought they could be a little more generous with the portion (one small avocado was used). The chips came out nice and hot! As my entree I ordered the Carnitas Benedict. I thought it was pretty good- the eggs were perfectly poached and the carnitas was very flavorful. It seemed like the others enjoyed their entrees as well. I really like the decor in this place and found the staff to be very friendly. I wouldn't mind going again and hopefully will get a place on the patio next time!
(4)Victor B.
My girlfriend and I have dined at Lola many times and every time we have been fairly satisfied with our experience. The place holds a special place for both of us as it is where we first met so this past Sunday we decided to visit for our anniversary. This particular experience started off poorly as I had made a reservation for 12:30 and was told that our table was being cleared off and that we would be seated in a couple of minutes. We stood off to the side by the wall next to the hostess/greeting area and what was supposed to be a couple of minutes turned into about 25. A 12:45 reservation came in and was seated promptly which made me a bit annoyed so I asked the hostess what happened at which point she apologized and got us seated quickly (keep in mind the initial girl who had greeted us had walked past my girlfriend and I several times over the course of us waiting which only made me more irritated). Once seated we were brought water quickly but seemingly ignored again! Luckily for us the manager (or what seemed like the manager) was having a conversation with a patron by our table and I believe overheard my girl and I talking about how we weren't being attended to and once finished turned to ask how we were and what was going on. We told him about our experience and he apologized and got someone from the wait staff to check in with us and take our order. Now I realize we went for Sunday brunch and this is one of Lola's busiest times but other tables were being properly attended to. After our mention to the manager the service improved greatly and we were even provided a $5.00 discount on our meal (without asking for it or anything so that was very much appreciated). Now onto the food....I had the chicken and waffle which for me was a little daunting at first as I am a stickler and don't normally like my sweet and salty together but the flavors were awesome! The chicken was tender and seasoned just right, the waffles were a wonderful consistency. The fresno cherry sauce was delish as was the cheese chili sauce accompanying it all.....totally recommend. My Love had the carnitas benedict (initially she was going to have the green chili hash but was told the kitchen had run out of chili) and her dish was equally delicious. Our server, Angela, was very attentive after our initial experience and provided excellent service. I also greatly appreciated the manager's skill and concern for his patrons. Will we dine here again? Of course! It holds a special place in both my girlfriend's and my heart and normally the service is superb....this time though I just couldn't give it more than 2 stars because as stated with the 2 star rating...."meh, I've experienced better" here.
(2)Eden R.
The guacamole was soooo good I wanted to lick the bowl (of course being a cilantro hater, the table side prep is perfect because they can make the guac EXACTLY like you want it- in my case, sans vile weed cilantro). Two of us had the seafood enchiladas which were scrumptious, one had a stuffed rellano which she said was delish. My other half had the whole red snapper which she said was good, but just a fish on a plate with some tortillas and limes, no other accouterments which was the only thing lacking. The Q-Coin martini was also amazing. Will be back!
(4)Elizabeth M.
Love! Love! Love! If I lived in this neighborhood I would be a regular. Guac is awesome, lobster tostada was great, and even their house salad was fabulous! I will definitely be back .....again.
(4)Dale Z.
I am really torn between 3 and 4 stars. My overall food experience was solidly 3, but when I factor in happy hour specials, the fact they they were open on Xmas Eve, the quality of the service, and the amazing table-side guacamole . . . I have to bump them to 4. I liked the interior space and anything that is right next to Little Man Ice Cream (like Linger) gets my attention. As I just mentioned, the guacamole was excellent. It had the right flavors, the perfect amount a heat, was prepared artfully, and was presented beautifully (complete with "Lola" signature). I thought the salsa was quite decent, and the chips were warm and fresh. My Mexican beers were cold and reasonably priced during happy hour. My food was not as inspiring. I had the Pork Al Pastor tacos with grilled tomato-chipotle salsa, pickled green cabbage, and cotija cheese. They were okay. They had some flavor (if not what I expected). They were a little too wet (kind of disintegrating) and they were too foo-foo for tacos, if you know what i mean. I also had the Rock Shrimp Ceviche with honeydew salsa, grape tomato pico, and chile de arbol aioli. I am a big fan of Ceviche, but since I don't like fish, I am really excited when a place offers a shrimp-only version. This particular dish was very disappointing. It was extremely bland and did not have the flavors as described. My best way to explain the shrimp themselves is that they seemed "numb". It was as if they had been kept too cold for too long and had not recovered. The texture was a bit rubbery and the flavor was nonexistent. This was the low point of my experience on this visit, but was not enough to drag everything else down.
(4)Candace M.
I wish the view was of DTDenver, otherwise it would have a 5.. MOST DELICIOUS doughnuts I have ever had. Ever. And I've had a lot! I ordered the Green Chili Hash, it was not my favorite. It was too soupy... More of a stew with eggs on top. So I ordered a side of corn tortillas to help dip out the juice, and they took over 15 minutes to come to me. But our kind server comped our doughnuts for the wait. We also had the chance to sit at the ceviche bar (recommended if possible) and had a great view of the chef, who was super nice and entertaining to watch. Overall, great place. I saw SO many other items on the menu I can't wait to try.
(4)Vanessa R.
Guacamole was yum!! Tuna tacos were plain and there wasn't any salad dressing on the salad. Fun atmosphere but not the best food.
(2)Sara B.
I came here for my cousin's rehearsal dinner. The atmosphere is really nice and the food that we had was GREAT. Service was attentive and friendly. I look forward to trying this place on my own for dinner.
(4)N H.
We have been here twice. Both times were fabulous! Menu changes which is fun so try anything! Table side guac is a must! Atmosphere is great as well as the margaritas. Great place to take out of towners!
(5)Matt O.
This place has great service and food. Every time I go we get ceviche and margs and then some more. Love this place and their food.
(5)Nancy A.
I came here when my girlfriends came to visit. We started off with the Lola Guacamole which was prepared tableside. The guac was so fresh and tasty! It was so good, we decided to make it at home ourselves. For my entree, I had the Chicken Fried Steak which came with a sweet potato hash and a chorizo gravy. The portion size here is huge! The dish was wonderful and very flavorful. The carnitas benedict and the Lola bowl are also great.
(4)Tim V.
This place is just ok. The atmosphere is nice and its in a good location. However, if you want authentic Mexican food you can do much better anywhere on Federal Blvd. It is much cheaper that way.
(3)Vivek G.
Ambience- very sexy Food- delicious! (Chicken and waffles- YES PLEASE!!) Drinks- just right (Mango mimosa me more) Sunday brunch BE THERE!
(4)Kim T.
We've been here twice and it was incredible both times. Vegetarian and healthy options. The guacamole looks great (prepared in front of you) but we got the salsa sampler both times instead. The staff is very friendly. Monday they have a happy hour food and drink menu that is a great deal. Sangria for $4 and it was delicious!
(5)Hamburguesa J.
Love Lola's Happy Hour (never had a full meal here). I never order queso fundido but here it's like no other, hola queso de cabra (that's goat cheese)! Tiny little bowl of shrimp ceviche served with potato chips. Delicious pork on those nachos & tacos al pastor and of course tasty tacos de pescado. Oh and the guac...jeez who needs a full dinner! Sip on a HH cocktail or dos! Always come here before (Sipping n) painting across the street (and use their parking lot, score!)
(4)Colette B.
Love this place! Came here for drinks on Sunday afternoon after my graduation. Happy hour Marg's and snacks. Guacamole made table side...yummy! Great atmosphere and super good band playing. Staff was super helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed our afternoon. We will be back for sure!
(5)Damon D.
Although it tasted great, the mushroom enchilada was over priced for what you get. We opted for the shrimp add on for $9 and received 5 shrimp..... service was great.
(2)Alison W.
A - They don't do tableside guacamole anymore. When we said we were bummed, they came and did it anyway! Fun, right? No. The portion we were given beforehand was easily double the size for the same price, but they took that one away and left us with the small. Bummer. B - The food was ehh. I had lobster quesadillas and there was a legitimate hard piece of lobster in there. I have weak gag reflexes, so I'm glad I caught it in time to not get sick on the spot. That's kind of unforgivable to me. C - Make a reservation if you're going in there during the evening. Four of us were jammed into a tiny bar spot after waiting 20 minutes. Not the best. D - They do price their wine in a great way. I appreciated the server's ability to pair wine with what we were going to eat. That was nice. I might go back, but it's kind of unlikely. I don't think the food was worth the wait, or the cost.
(3)Christopher G.
My wife and I booked Lola three months in advance, because it was one of the nice latin restaurants we wanted to try while in Denver, Co. We arrived early for our reservation and checked in with the staff. They let us know that we would be sat as we got closer to the reservation time. We sat at the bar and let the reservation time approach and pass us by. At our reservation we even had a hostess check our little "fish" stand, to make sure it wasn't our table up. So once the reservation was far enough in the back window that we were getting annoyed. . .my wife approach the hostess stand. At that point she was informed we weren't checked in (our fish must of been a gift), and that our table had been ready. So here we are annoyed for sitting there due to some issue with the restaurant. At this point a hostess comes along, but no apology (congratulations we have a table). So i'm honest, come on guys you have to honor your reservations. . .you need to make this right. The manager comes out soon enough, and apologizes. I ask that is what you do for messing up a reservation and making me wait? "I apologized, what do you want". The negative, condescension, just the annoyance that "how dare I be annoyed that they didn't honor their reservation". It should be noted that at this time the manager gave TWO different excuses (1) table wasn't ready lots of people got up 2) something about our reservation being for 4 . . .at which time I showed him the open table reservation). Why do these people think we want to know why they messed up. Really, I don't care if a alien abducted your chef. . .we had a deal here guy. Here is the best part, the manager acted both annoyed and perplexed about "what do I want" as if a nice restaurant with decent appreciation of their customers time has no idea how to make a customer feel better and that my time isn't wasted. Even the hostess as leaving got in on the condescension, acting pretty happy that her manager "didn't make things right" when she screwed up the reservation. Look - value your time. Its worth something. You may put up with this from a monopoly like verizon, but a nice restaurant - no excuse. Stay away, especially if (like me) you are on a baby sitter schedule.
(1)Rosie M.
I've only been here for Happy Hour, but this place is so tasty! They do the whole tableside guacamole thing. I've yet to have a bad dish here. They offer valet parking and there is a paid lot across the street.
(4)Cheyne M.
Love the fresh guacamole they make at the table... energetic atmosphere... good drinks... inventive menu... nice bar area... awesome view and location... one of my favorite Lower Highland restaurants... have always liked this place and I've been back many times... classy and cool...
(4)Jenn A.
Cool atmosphere. Small menu. Creative Mexican. Food was good, but I like Linger better. Nice bartender.
(3)Danielle S.
I had higher hopes for Lola. We were seated right next to the cold bar, which meant servers were walking behind us to pick up their items from that bar. My enchilada was $19 and did not taste like 19$. The margaritas were eh. I enjoyed myself because of the company, but I'm not in a rush to go back.
(3)Lauren C.
I went here for restaurant week last night with two friends and we all had a great time. Well, at least the parts we remember were great since we drank pretty heavily beforehand. I don't suspect the waiter was so delighted with our louder than necessary voices or that at one point my friend asked another server where he went and he was two feet behind her. (Kind sir, I apologize to you if you ever read this). Anyway, back to the food. I had the shrimp app, salad for second course, and then the carne asada with mole sauce for an entree. It was amazing and I highly recommend it. We liked the atmosphere - not claustrophobic but cozy, dark but not too dark. I think this would be a great date place or...a place for friends to go to scarf down three courses in under six minutes after they've gotten sufficiently sloshed but still have a craving for some high end cuisine
(4)Bryce B.
Nice upscale Mexican spot, but a bit pricey for what it is. Some dishes are excellent while others bland. Good happy hour and brunch. The guac is always tasty.
(3)Vanessa C.
The waiter tried to be friendly, but failed to clear our dishes and there was a pile of plates on our table. There were two members of wait staff staring idiotically at each other while a woman was trying to force more plates on our table. They finally cleared our table so that she could serve our dinner. The food was horrible. My salad was wilted, my steak was grisly I asked for medium and got rare... the lobster was extremely over done. The shrimp was the best thing and it was slightly overdone.
(1)Sarah N.
Don't miss the queso! As someone who isn't usually a queso fan this one stands out!
(5)Michelle B.
Great brunch! The Bloody Mary feels like it comes with a buffet of hors d'oeuvres!! So good!
(4)Travis T.
We started with table side guacamole and it was great. Next we ordered the doughnuts which were excellent. I tried both the Loaded Bloody Mary (very nice) and the mimosa (good but not for people who are expecting low quality OJ with tons of sugar). For my main corse I ordered the civeche and it was oddly creamy but enjoyable. My brother had the chicken and waffles and said he would get them again. My sister and wife ordered the tuna tacos and hated them. They said there was very little tuna in them. My father ordered the salmon BLT and complained that the bread was hard but said the flavor was good. Lastly my mother ordered the biscuits and gravy. She said the flavor was very good and the biscuits were home made. Of note. Everything was fresh and while not all of their dishes impressed me, I would definitely return.
(4)Jaclyn B.
This review is based off of their happy hour. It was a great selection of food and drinks. I felt like the tacos were actually pretty good size for street tacos. We enjoyed margaritas. I found the guacamole to be a slight ripe off as it was a very small serving. I would return for happy hour again and order more tacos :)
(3)Melissa D.
Their house margaritas are strong. Like literally, straight booze. Buuuut, hey, I'm not complaining. That's not such a bad thing!
(4)Greta H.
The perfect answer to my brunch question! Lola never disappoints. I recently went to Lola with some friends on a sunny Sunday and we sat outside at the patio bar. All of our brunch food (eggs, bacon, waffles, fruit, etc.) was deliciously well done. The coffee was strangely the highlight for me. I had to ask what kind it was becase it was THAT GOOD (yeah, I was the girl at the bar asking what brand of coffee was in my cup but it was worth it). I'll spare you the trouble: Coda Coffee - Columbia Monserrate. Go forth and drink.
(5)Elaine C.
I've been here on two different occasions now and can say that both experiences were pretty good. I had the lobster enchiladas which were amazing though somewhat overpriced. The guacamole was pretty good though I have had better prepared tableside at other places. I'd recommend coming here for happy hour as theyve got a good selection of food on the happy hour menu. I was a little upset at the calamari portion though...there were only about 3 pieces on the plate and they were over fried and hard. Overall, I'll probably be back again though.
(3)E S.
Great atmosphere and good food and drinks! Their brunch is more lunch than breakfast but it's still worth it. I've never been by for dinner or happy hour but a large group of friends have been and all rave about their HH specials and dinner. Also, table side guac is a must!!
(4)Lily T.
I really wanted to like this place...really! The guac and salsa tray was good. Dinner was just ok. I feel like our dinner at Tamayo was much better. I had the lamb and was not expecting a meatball that was dry. Anyway I don't remember what my husband had but he also wasn't impressed. It was okay food but not worth the money I think.
(3)Christy V.
Just wanted to add that I had yet another delightful brunch at Lola last Sunday. I love this place - there is such a good vibe here and it seems like the management really cares. Patrick stopped by our table a couple of times and because our food took some time to come out of the kitchen (we really barely noticed!) he comped our incredibly delicious table-side guacamole. Gestures like that really stick with me and I was impressed by his attentiveness and generosity. We will be back many times, my friend! I had an amazing brunch special - kale and roasted tomatoes with a poached egg and queso. It was divine! I love the restrooms in the basement - the frosted glass is so fun! Thanks again, Lola!
(5)Greg P.
I love this place even though I give it 3.5 stars. Great atmosphere! The bar area offers so much to look at since you can choose whether to sit on the inside or outside half of it. The bar has a view of the kitchen, the dining area, and the view outside. On a whole, the layout is smart and highly attractive. The decorative items and colors invite you to sit down and soak it in. Even the basement is exceedingly well-designed. Thus far, the patrons are more non-judging than what would be expected, appear educated and know how to have fun, throw in an oddball here and there that spices it up a bit! I've been here three times in the last few weeks, once just for drinks, once for brunch and once for dinner. DRINKS: Mostly mexican beer on draft and there are very few drafts. They badly need more (quality beers). The house marg is one of two I've had so far (don't recall the other one) and they are WAY overpriced for the very little you get out of it and the lack of tastiness, not a good job. The house marg is only worth half the price if at all. FOOD: Had the Green Chile Hash for brunch. Again, overpriced for the small portion. It's a soupy hash and is in desperate need of an accompanying tortilla or two. It's really miserly of Lola not to provide that. It was, however, very original and inspired and tasty. For dinner I had The Hash (just coincidence, not the same item though). This was more filling than the skimpy brunch item, even more inspired and original and more worth the price yet again, just providing one tortilla would go miles for them in every manner (incl. presentation) in order to complete it because it's soupy. The first thing that comes to mind when reviewing Lola's is that it's overpriced, that much is very, very clear. Yet I'll keep returning because I'm willing to pay a little extra for a one of a kind experience which Lola does very well. The food, the layout and to an extent, even the patrons offer complete originality. Very tasteful. The biggest gripe I have however (even more so than being overpriced) is the margs. I love margs and am willing to pay a fair price for them. But $8 for an utterly uninspired house marg served in an 8 ounce glass filled to the brim with ice? I'd have to drink 3 of them to equal a regular-sized marg at another place for the same price! Who wants to spend over $50 on margs on a night out? Still, I'd hate to see Lola's go.
(4)Jason S.
Great spot. Love it for brunch and patio cocktailing. Damn shame they lost any semblance of a view with the new apartments. Hasn't seemed to slow their roll much....we'll see the true impact in a few weeks.
(4)Leah O.
Wah wah wahhhhhhhhhh........ Worst scallop ceviche I've ever had. And I love ceviche so much that it's worth two stars for me, particularly because they served it with limp, chewy potato "chips". Two problems: a) Ceviche is not meant to roll with potatoes- it's a corn party, and other starches should probably not be invited. b) It was so bland that it was absolutely flavorless- I added lime from my drink which helped a little, but it didn't have any zing or crisp or spice to it, all of which I consider essential for solid ceviche. Sorry, guys. For $9 (and a very, very small serving) you shouldn't be biffing that one.
(2)Bruce F.
I've eaten at Lola many times for dinner and brunch. It's a fun, busy atmosphere and reliable tasty food. Ceviches and fish choices tend to be my favorites although there's not much from the sea during brunch. Fair portions and fair prices.
(4)Jet P.
Somewhat disappointing. Loved the atmosphere, nice to have valet parking, great service. But the food? Just okay. The guacamole was fine, but I make better at home. The chips were so thin they kept breaking when we tried to scoop the guac. Pozole was so-so, salad was fresh but overly dressed, the carnitas reminded us of bbq pulled pork. The highlight was definitely dessert! Go for the donuts and ice cream!
(3)Leslie N.
I came here for brunch with my boyfriend on a Sunday afternoon and sat on the patio. We got banana jalapeño bread and a doughnut flight to start. The bread was pretty good although I couldn't taste the jalapeños and the doughnuts never came. We got an ultimate bloody (pic) and a mimosa which was a small glass of warm orange juice. For our meal we got chicken and waffles and the green chili hash. The chicken and waffle was great I mean u can't really go wrong there, and the syrup is a nice surprise. The chili hash was just ok. Nothing really stood out except the Bloody Mary which was loaded. All and all pretty underwhelming. I may go back but not for brunch.
(3)Karen G.
Went here for restaurant week on 2010 and i was disappointed in what they call tres leches pastel, and flan. Hello I'm as beaner as it gets so please don't think i won't know what a tres leeches pastel is. Pork was under cooked and salsas well i can make even better ones and i don't even cook. so won't go back, this place is for White caucasians that want to spend money on what they think is authentic mexican food,
(1)Kalen A.
Went for their award-winning happy hour. How exactly did Lola rig this vote? I'm calling for an investigation. Ceviche was mediocre, at best. Not truly even a ceviche. It was pre-cooked shrimp dressed in a bland aioli. And I could eat it all in two bites. Margarita was good, SLASH NO IT WASN'T. Far too weak and watery. Glass was 90% ice. Barely got a solid ounce of margarita for $5. Rip off. Tacos weren't bad. SLASH YES THEY WERE. Had al pastor and the braised achiote chicken. They switched the aioli on them (put it on the pastor, but forgot it on the chicken). Tacos tasted identical. That's concerning. They should be quite distinct. Both dry. Needed water after my taco and it had nothing to do with spice. They literally sucked the moisture out of my mouth. Maybe living in Texas has spoiled me with tacos and 'ritas, but I still walked into Lola expecting some Mexican flavor from an award-winning restaurant. Sadly, I didn't find it here.
(1)Kate W.
I love this place - beat guacamole ever! I only have one complaint: not a good place to eat if you have gluten issues.
(4)Samantha E.
Somehow, I'd never heard of Lola, but we wandered into the patio a couple of weeks ago while we were waiting for a table at Linger. Based on our quick experience there, I'd love to plan a repeat visit! The wait for a table was long, but we were able to snag a spot on the open seating patio. I had a mojito and it was fabulous-- as good as the ones I've had on cruise ships. My husband had the ciderhouse and it was equally delicious. I never would have thought to make an apple drink with tequila, but I would definitely order this for myself. For a snack, we tried the cured plate. Everything on it was great-- tequila-smoked salmon, smoked trout, spicy goat cheese, etc. Based on this appetizer, I'd love to try the rest of the menu. The ceviche especially sounds delicious. I've quickly become a big fan of this neighborhood, and I'm sure I'll be back to Lola!
(5)Ellison A.
Needed to eat something before trudging through the LONG line for ice cream at Little Man's. Missed brunch by 30 minutes, but had a great happy hour regardless! The nachos were awesome, as was the octopus taco and pork watermelon taco. Townie Ales to wash it all down! Phoebe was a great server, helping us with the afternoon menu and making us feel right at home.
(4)Cyn C.
Came here for a brunch with some girlfriends. It was near the end of football season (heck, even maybe Superbowl weekend) and this place was empty. I ordered a bloody mary (not bad) and the three of us shared the donut appetizer. I think this appetizer at brunch thing is a new trend, and I heartily approve. These were DELICIOUS. Then I moved onto my main entree.. is no longer on the menu. It was a spicy green chile over a bed of home fries, with over easy eggs on top. When it came out, it looked more like a runny stew, and no potatoes to be found. The waiter, when I flagged him down, was quick to rectify the situation. Great spot for brunch!
(4)Derek L.
The only thing preventing me from giving this place for stars is that I didn't really explore the menu much. However, everything everyone ordered around me looked great. I had a happy hour special. Two fish tacos and a beer for five dollars. You can't beat the value, especially at a place like this. Only a mile from the Pepsi Center, this is a pretty good spot for a pregame dinner. The staff is very friendly and the service was prompt. It does have a little more of a younger person's vibe, but that shouldn't let anyone stop them from going. The noise level is certainly within acceptable tolerances for us old folk!
(3)Nate P.
Went to a birthday gathering here Monday night, and was pleasantly surprised to find that Monday nights are all night happy hour. The menu was great. We all shared apps and had plenty to eat. The service was really great as well. I will go back on Monday nights for sure.
(5)Lauren D.
I've always meant to try Lola, but every time I have an occasion, I somehow forget about it. Well, I finally went this past weekend for my fiancé's birthday and we were both very impressed! The service was so professional -- our waiter was maybe a tad too professional and bordering on rigid, but the guacamole server was great! -- and we both loved our meals. I got the sea bass and it was so flavorful and perfectly crispy on the outside. I was pretty delighted to see kale on the plate (I'm going through an obsession...) and the only thing I can really knock is the sweet potato tamale, which was pretty bland. We also sprung for the tableside guac and although it could've used a bit more salt (next time I'll know), we had no trouble putting away the entire portion. We can't wait to try out Lola's Happy Hour next time!
(4)Mark M.
My company rented the bottom floor for a holiday party - Lola's worked with us to create the atmosphere we were looking for. Food and service was great, had wide variety of tapas and also a taco bar. Food and drinks were replenished quickly. Have never been disappointed at Lola's.
(5)Teresa G.
Lola's has the best Happy Hour in this neighborhood. The cucumber lemonade is to die for, and the queso is one of my favorites in Denver. Love that they will make the guacamole table side.
(5)Phil H.
Was at Lola for a happy hour with some coworkers and was very impressed. First, the atmosphere is very cool, it's got great artwork and murals, plus a really nice (heated when necessary) patio, which is where we settled in. Great specials (2 tacos and a beer for 5 bucks? heck yeah!) and very friendly service. We didn't get to take advantage of the free valet (we got there before 4:30) but that's another really cool perk. Overall a great choice, and I can't wait to go back! Protip: GUAC.
(4)Brittany S.
Lola is one of my favorite brunch spots on earth! The food, service and environment are all great. I've been to brunch here multiple times and rarely get the same entree and have never been disappointed. I dig the chili infused bloody mary, the Lola Huevos, green chili hash and the lolaburguesa are all so great. I also love the hard boiled eggs and the mini donuts. Oh and I can't forget the table side guac service is excellent. The dinner is also great. They do a ceviche bar with different types of ceviche that is so amazing! On the weekends, they typically have a band which is great to listen to while you eat.
(5)Andrea F.
Fan-freaking-tastic!! Perfect place to feed a hangover! The staff was lovely, and the food was amazing.. Order fresh gauc tableside seasoned and flavored to your liking, homemade tortilla chips, and thats just getting you started! Note: the Bloody Marys have a tinge of 'fishy' taste/flavor to them because of the way they make the mix...Good if you're a fan (of which I am not and had to send it back) but the server replaced my drink no problem with a Gin/Ginger/Carrot juice concoction was that super refreshing! Went for brunch, but would love to try this place for dinner one night if I'm ever back in Denver! Just plan on taking food to go bc it is super filling!
(4)Khristina D.
Waited too long watching people stand around not being busy, but not seating guests. However, this is the most amazing bloody Mary. Table side guac...yummo! This is the best brunch. Chicken and waffles and a twist on eggs Benny...delicious....yes yes and yes.
(4)Lannie L.
***late post*** I came for brunch it's a Mexican/American restaurant. If you order guacamole They will make it fresh right by your table. The guacamole was good. I came with 4 other people and we all enjoyed our dishes. The service was good.
(4)Brian H.
had a good lunch here. started out with that lovely Lolas table side guacamole. the guac was really good. also ordered the fundido with chorizo. their take on Fundido is not the same as the rest of the world. it was melted white cheese and not actual thick stringy melted cheese. Kind of a dissapointment. porb belly taco was amazing while the mushroom taco needed more seasoning. I ordered a Michelada for my drink. All in all it was 3.5 out of 5. 1/2 point more because the staff was pretty friendly on giving some recommendations after eating there.
(4)H B.
"Would you like a blueberry pomegranate mimosa?" Yes please! So apparently 5 mimosas later, which I must admit they were absolutely delicious we decided to order. We had wasted our appetite on booze but we decided to try the Chips and table side Guac. The guac did not blow my socks off but the presentation was very clever. They took paprika and sprinkled half the plate and then took the back side of a fork and etched Lola into the paprika; nice touch! We also tried the Chilaquiles. They were amazing. Super crunchy chips in a cast iron type crock with great toppings and flavors. I can't wait to go back and try all the other great menu options.
(4)David D.
loved it. place was lively with good music and people enjoying themselves and the food. located in what seems to be an up and coming area - sort of a "hip" joint, but i brought my octogenarian parents and they liked it too. I am NOT a tequila person, but, when in Rome...., so our party tried some different margaritas and it was fun comparing and they were actually tasty. We got started with oysters and guacamole both excellent. All in our party actually had a variety of appetizers and ate tapas style so we got to taste many different dishes. The Hawaiian marlin was awesome with avocado, pineapple and mustard seeds. Char was good, not great. Crab & Chorizo excellent. For dessert the ice cream sandwich was tasty. This place is different, lively, and has great food.
(5)Ram J.
We (6) walked in late Saturday night without reservations and was welcomed every well The spicy margarita , queso, table side guacamole is not to miss The chef was accommodating for a vegetarian in our party .. The food is more of seafood theme with some Mexican flavors I would go again if I had another chance
(5)Katie G.
Went here for brunch. It was delicious!!! I ordered the chicken and waffles. I kid you not when I say that they're they best chicken and waffles that I've EVER had. The jam on them is delicious. My friend got the "Mexican version of a waffle." I can't remember what it was called. Also delicious. Finally the ultimate Bloody Mary was good. Garnishes were delicious.
(5)Maylee H.
I've posted some pics of certain items we order which that speaks for itself. Delicious, fresh and unique blends of Mexican ingredients with a touch of American flare. The chips and salsa were also stellar which usually indicates how the food will turn out. At least that's my formula :) I gave this establishment 5 stars because I witnessed something that is very unusual. The table next to us had a group of people that had just arrived from the Broncos game. They seemed a bit intoxicated borderline drunk. They were welcomed but as soon as they decided to order alcohol, the waiter politely said it's Lola's policy not to serve people alcohol after the game. Which in my opinion took a lot of guts for him/management to make that call. I'm so glad to see restaurants take responsibility for possibly a human life before profits. The restaurant could of made some money off that group but instead they decided to do the right thing. It's not that they didn't want to serve them food, it was just alcohol. The group ended up leaving, which showed their goal was to get completed wasted without consequence. With that said, the staff were great. My water always replenished and the basket of chips were also refilled... Not that my waist needed that ;)
(5)Courtney S.
Not what it used to be. Our server was not very attentive and the food was either tasteless or so spicy you couldn't taste anything else. I ordered a Caesar salad and added shrimp. I was very disappointed when I received a salad with only two shrimp and was charged $12 for the add on for a total of $22!! I'm usually not one to complain about price but what a royal rip off. I don't see a reason to ever dine at Lola in the future.
(1)Ezra B.
The food, service and atmosphere are all excellent... the one criticism I have is it's a little pricey for Mexican food, even though it's gourmet. The highlight is surely the Lola Guacamole, which they prepare AT YOUR TABLE, in front of you! To top it off, they add their "signature" -- see my uploaded photo. It tastes delicious! The chef accommodated my wife's dietary restrictions (vegan and gluten-free) by making her a special dish which she loved very much. My Baked Poblano Relleno was spicy and yummy. The prices are a little high, but you're paying for the service as well as the food.
(5)Diana W.
I love Mexican food. I love drinks. I love brunch. I love live music...but Lola just didn't do it for me. Came her for Easter brunch so there was plenty of parking. We had reservations and we got seated on time! The variety of mimomas was fun. And so was ordering the guac and having them make it next to your table. The guac was the best thing there. SUPER spicy and flavorful. Unfortunately, the cinnamon rolls were dry. And the Lola bowl that I ordered? Presentation was awesome but everything tasted the same in the bowl! My husband's green chile omelet was delicious though. Who doesn't like goat cheese? The rock shrimp ceviche tasted so creamy. My husband swore it tasted like icecream...yes...seafood icecream. The service was great but I wish the food had more of a kick. By the end of our meal there was a live band. I love me some live music but I couldn't carry on a conversation with my friends without shouting. Maybe I'll sit on the patio and try new dishes next time. It's a fun place and hopefully dinner might be more my style!
(3)L B.
I loved the vibe at Lola. It was trendy without being too uppity (sometimes the Highlands can be hit or miss). The food was great, the servers were attentive and the drinks were incredible! I had the shoulder pork (highly recommend) as well as the table-side made guac... also have to try! This is a great place to hang out and meet some friends for drinks or have dinner and catch up! I will be returning! :)
(4)Jennifer H.
I have been here about a year ago and had a good experience then but when I returned last night, it definitely turned me off. Hosts were ok. Our server was rude. We could tell she was upset that we weren't ordering more. We just came in to share a few plates and try some stuff out. Occupied the table for maybe 30 minutes girl. Calm down. Spent about 60 bucks. The guac was definitely bland. Needed some salt and some spice. I think it is was just the person who was making it at the table because the salsa from the kitchen was great. The food was tasty. From the service alone, I won't be returning. Service can make or break a place for me! There are plenty of other great places around who won't treat you like shit. Won't recommend to any of my friends either. Bye Felicia!
(2)Amanda G.
I recommend this restaurant for a fun summer evening dinner with the family or a group of friends. It's a little loud for dear old Grandma and Grandpa, but everyone would love the food. It's fresh and decadent and absolutely refreshing. The Greens salad was delicious and the Swordfish with the baby carrots was light but packed with flavor. I also adored the salsa. Come here and enjoy :-)
(4)Ron B.
My friend and I decided to give this a shot after reading the menu while sitting in the car, in front of a different establishment. This was based on a review of the brunch menu. We generally try to "explore" places in the city as much as we can. Our options in the "burbs" leave a lot to be desired. So, it was "kuntry come to hipster town" for us! We ordered a couple of drinks, the Mexican Mimosa for me, and the Fred & Ginger for her. We also ordered the doughnuts. We thoroughly enjoyed the drinks and the doughnuts, especially the cinnamon whipped cream. She ordered the chicken & waffles (I am very hesitant with chicken and waffles b/c many places just don't know how to do it), I then ordered the chicken fried steak, with a side of scrambled eggs. I was sold by the green chile-chorizo gravy. Our meals came and we gave it a whirl. I was very impressed with my meal, especially the green chile-chorizo gravy. I was also very impressed with the quality of the eggs, and especially that they were cooked perfectly! So many people screw up scrambled eggs (mostly by accident in my opinion). I was actually blown away with my friend's Chicken & Waffles. There was plenty of chicken, the waffles were cooked correctly, the chorizo gravy was great, as was the cherry-fresno syrup. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals and will invite friends next time. I found the quality of our food and drinks to be superb. I felt that the cost was in line with the quantity, but more than anything, I found the quality to be superb. I am very picky when it comes to "cost" in relation to "quality and quantity". Lola managed to nail this all important combination in my book! So many places pass off absolute garbage as "quality" and "fresh" food and then expect you to pay an exorbitant amount just for the privilege of eating said garbage. We also agreed that our server was very good regarding his knowledge of the dishes, and provided excellent service.....so rare these days in an environment where servers "expect" the maximum tip, versus "earning" a maximum tip by providing exceptional service. We had another drink each, paid our check, wheeled ourself out the door, and walked 3 miles through the neighborhoods to aid in the digestion for our massive meal. Our brunch was worth every penny that we paid. I rarely feel that I get my money's worth these days. We agreed that we would try dinner another time, but I would rather give brunch another go!
(5)J A A.
Enjoyed live music yesterday - The Congress is great! Unfortunately, free music draws a low-life bar crowd. Gets increasingly worse Paella was flavorless and too saucy Bloody Mary's were fantastic - as always
(2)Chris D.
Lola's never disappoints. From the service to the food, this place is one of the best. Parking sometimes can be a challenge if you don't want to pay, otherwise there is a pay parking lot right across the street. One of our favorites is the homemade by the table side guacamole, delicious. They will make it how you like. The Lobster enchilada was great. A fair amount of Lobster, could have been more, but as I said it was fair. This is definitely one of mine and my wife's favorite places to go in Denver and would recommend it to anyone.
(5)Gee W.
Been here a number of times, but it seems like the 'trend isn't your friend' when it comes to Lola, it seems to me that it is slowly going downhill. Came here the day after Thanksgiving, made a rez on OpenTable and just breezed into a half full restaurant. Server took a long time to even recognize us, and longer to start helping us...not a great start. After a painfully long wait, we finally got some service. We were in the mood for ceviche, and ceviche is exactly what we ordered. Out of 3 different kinds, I was pretty unimpressed with all of it...sadly. The fish didn't seem that fresh, the flavors not that crisp. I used to like this place a few years back, but recently haven't been all that excited about it. Maybe I recently caught them on an off night, but its been that way the last few times. I think I will be passing on future meals here. And another side note that is not related to the kitchen: what is up with the female valet that touches me when getting my car? Weird enough as it is, but even more strange when it's IN FRONT OF MY WIFE!! I appreciate good service, and as a guy that used to run cars, I understand the 'work that tip' concept, but come on, that's a little much!
(2)Michael C.
Some people complain that LoLa's is over price and they would be wrong. Gourmet Mexican is really hard to find. The food and atmosphere is fantastic. Lola is a representation of the gastronomic revolution that has taken place in Denver. I would definitely say this place is in the top 10. Also know there is a free valet, and that is a must in the highlands. They also do call ahead.
(4)Angie R.
This was such a disappointment! The veggie fajitas were nothing more than a tiny onion some mushrooms and kale. Really? This is Denver - veggie season no less! The salad was oil and lettuce with 2 tiny pieces of pineapple and a slice of jicama. Then my son was downstairs awfully sick after eating the salmon! The waiter didn't even offer a complimentary dessert or comp anything after knowing our disappointment! I will never go back even for the nice patio. I will opt for the traditional Denver LaLoma every time when looking for Mexican in Highlands. In my 40+ years as a Colorado native they have never disappointed.
(1)Blair S.
I have some family in Denver whom I visited this past weekend. They live out in Evergreen but are frequent Denver inhabiters. They made reservations for about 4 restaurants for our group of 11, and I wound up picking this place. Glad I did. Place was in a great neighborhood which has a lot of newer businesses and restaurants and a brewery or two. I had a couple drinks, pretty good, solid B material. Staff was really great too. Very good with dealing with our large(ish) group. They make fresh guac right there at your table after asking for your ingredients and spice level. I'd say this is an A for sure. Chips and salsa were ok, B- / C+. I bet they had much better salsas that we could have ordered. Seemed like everyone had a really good meal, myself included. I had El Jefe' and must comment that I saw chicken thigh and assumed it would be the best part of the dish, but everything else far surpassed it. The chorizo was excellent as was the corn and potatoes. So, sweet place, sweet location, nice and effective staff, very good to great food; can't go wrong.
(4)Maranda O.
Amazing fresh guac and corn chowder! Corn chowder was the best part - definitely not a chowder though. I would call it a lobster bisque soup with corn as an accent! I'm not one to write reviews but it was too exceptional not to, I need the recipe! :)
(5)Victor R.
Always a brunch favorite! I returned here after a three-year hiatus from Denver, and the food is just as good as I remember. Guac will light you up if you ask for it, tableside to boot. My only complaint is the bloody mary is weak, in both spiciness and alcohol content.
(4)Ryan L.
The food was excellent. Definitely a great spot if your looking for a place for date night!
(4)Kelly H.
I've been here a million times, but last night took the cake as best service ever. Our server knew the tequila like the back of her hand. We really grilled her with questions about the difference between types of reposado tequilas, and she went into such detail. She even explained where some tequilas were aged (lowlands versus highlands) and how the humidity affects the structure of tequila, and furthermore how that impacts the taste of our margaritas. It made it so much easier to pick among all of Lola's coinstyle margaritas, and it was fun to learn! I complimented her last night, but I just felt the need to write a review so other tequila lovers can appreciate how much Lola invests in educating their staff.
(4)Risya L.
This truly is as good as it gets. I love their indoor and outdoor seating! Don't be afraid to sit on the patio it's heated. This is a great place to dine with friends for BRUNCH! actually this is the only time my friends and I have dined here. We always would try something new. The service for the most part was always good. A few of our favorites of course was the Chicken and Waffles, Chicken Fried steak(mmm sooo good!) my son would go for the seasonal pancakes,and most the time we would get the table side guacamole! So delicious, you can even pick your heat level. O O O also try their brunch burger...sooo good, make sure you get it with the bacon and egg. My mouth melts thinking of it! lol Also, they have really good mimosa's and bloody mary selections! Just be aware that BRUNCH is only on the weekends, but also know you get to make reservations on Opentable so I highly recommend that. This place also has a full bar with their own infused vodka. Sorry this review is so flip floppy, Just random thoughts here and there. But whatever you do ENJOY!
(5)Ariel S.
Margaritas are on point
(3)Rachel S.
I absolutely love the food and drinks they serve here (make sure to get the butternut squash queso!). They have a nice, open patio and a good happy hour. Check out the happy hour menu here: loladenver.com/menus/hap… The thing preventing me from giving Lola five stars? Inconsistent service. The last few times I've been the service has been really slow. And not just slow because they were busy, just generally slow and seemingly unaware - I've experienced had some bad mess ups (serving everyone but one person for an extended period of time, not checking in before happy hour ended though we were ready to order, not checking in on drinks or food, etc.).
(4)Taylor S.
Love this restaurant. Fun atmosphere and very tasty food. Also in a cool part of town. I would definitely recommend the guac.
(5)Amanda C.
Amazing guac...Incredible spicy margaritas...shrimp caldo...this place is a MUST if you find yourself in the Highlands. I sat with a large group and the service visits were frequent and well timed to take care of everyone in our group. Great, cozy atmosphere, I wish this place was closer to home for me!
(5)Stuart M.
Great looking menu. Average execution. Fresh guac was great but the rest was not at the level one would expect from the prices.
(2)Inayah V.
I was really looking forward to writing this one. From the prime location in the Highlands, the great online reviews, the idea of a Mexican restaurant serving brunch (in a town known both for great Mexican and great brunch establishments), Lola had everything going for it. I was excited to try the chile infused vodka bloody mary, my husband ordered the ultimate bloody mary (which includes a skewer of shrimp, bacon, jalapeño, pickle, banana pepper, and a cube of cheese). We were sadly underwhelmed by the lack of flavor. Table side anything has never appealed to me, in large part because usually the person serving it sees an opportunity to perform. The table side guacamole at Lola was, however, delicious and the waiter preparing it was very unobtrusive. I ordered El Admiral; eggs, bacon, and grits. Everything was well prepared, but lacked flavor. My husband's blueberry lemonade pancakes were much better. By far, my favorite menu item was the donuts. Overall, I'd say cute spot, great location, excellent service, but I've had better.
(3)Kate B.
Wow! What an amazing brunch! The bartenders, Michelle and Will took great care of us! From the yummy salsa, fresh guacamole, creative cocktails, and friendly smiles, we left as very happy people. The chicken fried steak with a Mexican twist was my favorite, and best part, I can't wait to enjoy my leftovers! Huge portions at very reasonable prices. I can't wait to come back and try more! Continue rocking on Lola! Thanks again Michelle and Will!!
(5)Chris T.
Lola... I wanted to like you but it was lacking the taste I was looking for, especially for the price you charge. The guac was blah. The food was worse. Meh. Go elsewhere, you'll be glad you did.
(2)Paula K.
I've lived near Lola since way before it opened and it's always been on the list of places to try. I don't know why it's taken me this many years to finally make it in but I'm glad that I did! I went tonight with two friends and we had an amazing experience. We were there for tapas and drinks and our waitress was great as well as the others that serviced our table. We had some salads, butternut squash queso fundido (holy cow we all wanted to quit the bread and just spoon it straight into our mouths), the tableside guac (YUM) and the three salsas (all were great and we all had different favorites). We had a great time catching up and our waitress was perfectly attentive without being intrusive or making us feel hurried in any way. I can't wait to go back and try brunch which I have also heard great things about!
(5)Clair M.
I have NEVER had quacamole this good! The fact that its made table side is fab too. I wish that there was more parking though, hence losing a star. Their food is always impeccable. I wish I could get there more often!
(4)Meredith C.
There is only one reason why I am not giving this place a 5 star review: our guacamole was SUPER salty - almost inedible. We came in to dine on NYE at 530ish and there wasn't a lot happening. I was glad it wasn't packed as I felt relaxed and like I could really enjoy the experience. I ordered 4 different types of tacos: shrimp, pork, chicken & tilapia. My favorites were definitely the pork and shrimp. The other flavors just weren't really there. We had the tableside guac, but it was nearly inedible as I had indicated above. My reason for not saying something? The guy who made it was super sweet and I didn't feel like being a bitch yuppie on what I was sure was to be a long night for the staff - working on NYE. We also had the shrimp ceviche was was very good. The best part of the meal, other than the service (our waitress was a DOLL, the folks bussing the tables were all smiles and the manager was genuine, sincere and friendly) was the dessert. We had some kind of blood orange, hazelnut chocolate thing that was nearly life changing. I am VERY much looking forward to going back VERY soon!!!
(4)RL N.
I came to this restaurant with high hopes after reading it made the top 10 list of Denver's best brunches. It saddens me to think this is what the culinary scene in Denver has become; dulled-down Mexican food. Drop a cotton ball on the floor and it will collect more spice than the sum of this place. After several mediocre food experiences in the highlands food scene, I've decided the restaurateurs are catering to a crowd raised on PB&J, severed on white bread with the crusts cut off. To start, the house salsa served with chips tasted more like a pizza sauce than a Mexican salsa and do not order the trio of salsas, I repeat do not order the trio of salsas! A gringo's attempt at quasi Mexican salsas served in a trio Petri dish, the "mild" Salsa Verde had the most spice. In the center of the dish, the Salsa Mulato, or "medium", could have been motor oil; tinted red, flavorless and entirely absent of spice. Two bites each and nobody at our table cared to try it again. The last "spiciest" salsa tasted sweet as apple sauce, had the same consistence and again lacked any presence of spiciness. I could not imagine anything going wrong when the nice Latin service staff arrived with the homemade guacamole cart and asked if we wanted mild, medium, or spicy. Seated at the drafty table at the top of the stairs my guests and I begged for anything remotely warm. It didn't take long to realize we'd been had by a misleading food review. Again the guacamole failed to deliver the slightest inkling of heat, although it tasted nice but why not just hand us and avocado and let us mash it up ourselves at this point. I avoided ordering the non-elevated brunch dishes of eggs and beans you can find on any menu, as well as the chicken and waffles and other non-Latin dishes. At last resort I figured I could not go wrong with the Lolaburguesa with bacon jam. I can't remember the last time I was served a rare hamburger, possibly before the last e coli epidemic. Despite the waiter failing to ask my preference, a cook should know better than to serve under-cooked beef. What I got was a thin, bloody rare meat patty, missing the bacon flavors I had prayed for. However, it delivered on spice with sliced Jalapenos, absent the heat-generating seeds of course. In an area of town where I'm certain there is a proud mother just doors away cooking delicious authentic Mexican food, I recommend following your sense of smell to the nearest home and beg for anything other than what I experienced here. I have no doubt it will taste better than a restaurant claiming to be elevated Mexican food.
(2)Tanner M.
Best ceviche I have had in denver....ever, get the Marlin meat. Also, the chicharron benny was legit.
(5)Holly M.
I really wanted to try a new place to eat and someone suggested Lola ..I look it up and felt like we had to give it a go...My friend and I made a reservation and drove on over... Parking is a nightmare I will say ...but it's like that everywhere in Denver these days .. The ambiance here at Lola is very fun and upbeat ...Everyone that works here is very friendly and seems happy to be here... We are seated by the kitchen and we start with chips and guacamole ! The guy comes to the table and made it special for us..nice touch guys! I order a salad with swordfish and my friend orders fajitas ..very tasty !! Finally for dessert we get the donuts and ice cream - by far the best part of the night.., Jeff was our waiter and he was super cool.... All in all I had a great time and will come back !! Thank you Lola Give it a try :) Kinda pricey I must say ...but great service !!
(4)Jessica M.
Lola was amazeballs. This was yet another place I'd been dying to "un-bookmark" from my extensive Yelp list, so when the in-laws were in town - we took advantage of trying out a new place. Yay! We were able to secure an OpenTable rezie, and were greeted and seated upon arrival. We forgot to request a patio table, but not to fret - we were seated on the main level near the kitchen. I actually enjoyed watching them at work and thought it was hilarious that every time someone ordered a whole fish - they chanted whole fish! Obviously we started with guacamole - yum! And margaritas - how can you not have margaritas? Both were delightful. I liked the margaritas in particular - not sweet, fresh, and just screamed "summer is here"! I had the caldo verde for dinner - mussels, clams and shrimp in a delightful spicy kind of cilantro broth. My hubby & MIL shared the cold seafood platter, which they said was good, but probably something you could get anywhere. FIL had the seafood enchiladas, and I snagged a bite - yum! We did skip dessert, but they had some Little Man ice cream on the menu, plus your tasty Mexican postres like churros, flan, and some other things that looked delightful, but can't quite remember what they were. Fun fact - these people are owned/operated by the same folks that run Jax. And supposedly they have all day HH on Mondays? Will definitely be back for that!
(4)Robert G.
I love this place! Fantastic fun atmosphere with outdoor seating, congenial staff. Try the poached egg brisket, so delicious with the lobster pico de gallo. It has a spicy kick to it! My friends tried the burger which was cooked to perfection and incredibly tasty. Check this place out for brunch!
(5)Steve S.
I'd really, really like to be able to give Lola a more positive review. It's obviously in a great location, with a fun patio, and lively bar atmosphere. That's what the 2 stars are for. Unfortunately, the food has been sub-par the past three times I've gone, and really awful the last time I went about two weeks ago. I ordered steak fajitas - simple and pretty hard to mess up. The meat was about 3/4 gristle, and basically inedible. I returned it, and they offered to make me another portion, but my friend was already halfway done with his food, and so I declined the offer due to time. Instead they comped our guac and chips. At least they made a small gesture to compensate for the food problem. They're always packed, and have lots of great reviews, so maybe my experience was an anomaly, but this was three trips in a row with just "meh" (or worse) food. On the plus side, their drinks taste good and refreshing, especially the margs and palomas.
(2)Emilee D.
I've come here for brunch and it was excellent. Unfortunately, coming here for dinner is a completely different animal. From the drinks to the tab, our server kept getting things wrong or not bringing certain orders at all. At first we were understanding, but then it just got plain annoying. We arrived for our reservation at 7:30pm. Our entrees didn't arrive until a little after 9pm. That's the inept service we received. He forgot our salsa sampler, so we reminded him. Instead of the salsa sampler, we received a bowl of regular salsa. Then our guacamole was made, which was great, but he forgot to bring us any chips. He also forgot to bring the drink orders for two people. I ordered the Caesar salad and asked for grilled chicken instead of braised. He said okay. My salad came out with a pile of chicken carnitas instead. WTF. This was the worst dinner ever.
(2)Michelle T.
I can only speak of happy Hour & dessert...both are exceptional in every way ! Crazy flavor fusions . Expect the unexpected . HH all day on Monday & the drinks are stiff . I love the Paloma . sitting on the patio works for me ., but the decor is urban chic and you really can't get a bad seat , just so you get one . Most of all the desserts ! Ever changing menu ...for awhile they will serve every flavor combo of hot chocolate --- then that will be gone and "adult popsicles= palletas" are the new thing . The dessert team mixes savory and sweet then crunchy with tangy &topped with butter foam or fruit paste or chili dusted peanut .... You really can't anticipate whats next . I would NEVER miss dessert at Lolas
(5)Paul R.
Started off hot as hell sitting next to the kitchen. hoping that the margs cool us down.
(4)Brad K.
THREE TIPS FOR ENJOYING LOLA 1) The bathrooms are downstairs. - Don't let the kitchen staff get you down when they tell you to get out. Its a common error; many people made the mistake during our visit. 2) Order their delicious drinks. - This will help you forget that the service is not interested in your dining experience. Serious great drinks... spendy though. 3) Avoid the fajitas - This place is better known for other plates. This one was a $30 disappointment that could have been spent on something Lola is not trying to reinvent with spaghetti sauce.
(2)Gina N.
Table-side guac. Enough said. But seriously. Great food, beautiful presentation. Decent staff. (A lot of young-ins over the summer months, but they did ok).
(5)T B.
Overpriced middle of the road Mexican food. Margs are watered down. Service is average at best. Location is nice.
(2)Hannah S.
No, just no. Maybe it was just my taste buds, but Lola's food did not suit me at all. Everything was so salty... I drank 5 cups of water with my entree. They literally try to enhance flavors with salt. Everything else was fine. Ambiance, service, staff were all okay. My friends and I shared 3 dishes, but I didn't enjoy any of them. Guacamole and ceviches were good though. I don't remember which ceviche it was, but both had good flavors.
(2)Garkie Z.
First of all, come here for Happy Hour. It's delicious and it's affordable and if you can get a seat on the patio- even better! Lola is one of the few exceptional Happy Hour restaurants in Denver. I couldn't tell you honestly what their breakfast/brunch or even dinner menu is like. But if you're looking for a place to meet some friends after work- LOOK NO FURTHER! They have quite literally the best guacamole in the world made table side right in front of you. And then on top of that some of the best tacos- like ever. The Chicken Taco isn't bad but if you're a seafood lover and want to be really wowed try the Fried Fish Taco and the Diablo Shrimp Taco- both and just incredible! So delicious and fresh! Service here is always top notch. This place gets pretty packed during Happy Hour- especially on Fridays but the service never wanes though- all the service I've ever encountered have been more than nice and very quick as well!
(5)Jennifer M.
The table side guacamole was a wonderful experience! But the guacamole wasn't as great as I'd hope. Also, some chips had no salt and others were overwhelmingly salty! I ordered the Chicharones tamale for a dinner since I wasn't that hungry, ended up eating half of it and took it home and I didn't even finish it! It wasn't that delicious but there are other items on the menu I'm excited to try. Unfortunately, my first experience was not that delicious.
(3)Alli D.
The Lola colada is Uh-Mazing! Equally important to note is that my friend and I shared the steak fajitas and I can't remember the last time I've ever had such good steak that was cooked perfectly medium rare and soft...I was in love :) and my friend loved the dulce de leche cake for dessert and I was stoked to get the salted Oreo cookie little man ice cream without waiting in that long line!
(5)Ryan M.
I. Love. Lola! Ive been many many times, but Easter Sunday was so delicious! I ordered the pork belly Benedict, and as always it was top notch! Tableside guacamole is always totally worth it! Get it extra spicy! If you like micheladas, be sure to order one for brunch as it has a lime Popsicle in it!!
(5)Cherry L.
Well. The food/brunch was A-OK...Had their fried chicken and waffle that was supposed to be award-winning. But the chicken lacks flavor and the sort of meatiness that you want from fried chicken. Also tried the pumpkin and pecan pancakes, sweet brunch objects are not usually my thing. So I am not going to comment much, but well, it was not mind-blowing? Service wise, made us leave a high table in the patio where supposedly are all free-for-grab, and then eventually (after 15min), move us back to the same table. So.
(3)Nathan G.
Good place. Excellent raw bar. We were directed nicely from the chef working @ the raw bar towards the west coast oysters and the ahi. Both were excellent. Very nice presentation of guacamole made table side. This is a fun place.
(4)John F.
Lola has a great environment. The staff are very attractive and a lot of fun. The only problem I had was with the live band. It was great but played at such a volume that conversations became tedious and pedantic.
(4)Sarah M.
Lola is situated just below Linger in the highlands. I first came across Lola when I was in search of the perfect guacamole. As a California kid I was hell bent on finding decent Mexican food in Colorado. Lola boasted strong drinks and serious eats so I grabbed some friends and went to check it out. That was two and a half years ago and I still make Lola a regular spot. The menu changes seasonally ensuring that everything is as fresh as possible which is a huge plus for me. The guacamole is prepared table side and the chips are made fresh. In my opinion they're not overly salty but let the flavor of the chip stand through. And to this day their margaritas still knock me on my ass. If you want something a little out of the ordinary try the cucumber lemonade. For the main plates like I said they change seasonally but the enchilada variation is always my go to. During happy hour the octopus taco is a MUST. I do not say this lightly. It will change your perspective on street tacos forever. They're not tough but tender and packed with flavor. The nachos are perfect for sharing or indulging in solo. The queso blanco is heavenly... Lola continues to be one of the best eateries. I only wish I could move it to California!
(5)Jessica G.
I'm not Pablo Neruda! I cannot put into words how beautiful this food WAS (past tense because I demolished it). Have you tried the country fried steak? No? Do you not want to enjoy life? Are you intimidated by light fluffy waffles with small bits of brown sugar dipped in the sweet love of syrup? Well, I'm not. Eating here is like soaking in a hot natural spring that smells of crisp cucumber while fresh snowfall lays all around like a heavy white blanket. It's that refreshing. Where are you right now? You should be flying, driving, kayaking, or riding your bike to get here. Uber it if you don't know your way. But for the love of whatever you believe in, eat at LOLA's. Cecil
(5)Nyssa H.
I've been here twice and really have never been impressed at all especially considering the high reviews. The only thing I would be willing to get again were the donuts.
(2)Michael K.
Boom! Came to Denver for what would turn out to be an amazing 4 day trip and Lola takes the prize for our top restaurant experience in town! Heck yeah this place had it all. Great atmosphere, great service, great menu (both food and cocktail). We were in for brunch (it should be noted we had evening plans the whole weekend so all restaurants we hit were basically for brunch) and the place was hopping. We were sat immediately, and welcomed by a very friendly and professional server named Charlotte. Here is my recap: Cocktail menu looked great. I got a Fuego Verge, which is basically a tequila drink with lime, jalepeno, and cilantro. I loved it. As a table we split some lobster deviled eggs and they were freaking awesome. I wasn't blown away with lobster but the crunch from the bacon and the seasoning was perfect. We also had a coffee cake app that was delicious. For my entre I ordered the chicken fried steak. Wow, so good and covered with chorizo sausage gravy. I asked the kitchen to sub their regular potatoes rather than the sweet potato hash and that was perfect for me (just wasn't feeling the sweet potato aspect of it). Slam dunk. Everyone else was very very happy with their food. We left very happy that we stumbled in here. The neighborhood itself is pretty awesome too! I would love to come back here anytime I am in Denver. This place rocks.
(5)Bill B.
I love seafood and really like Mexican food so Lola Mexican Fish House was an easy pick on my recent travels through Colorado. We started with guacamole, prepared at the table. It was very good - chunky, well seasoned and plentiful for two. We asked for medium spicy ... that's what we got. My spouse ordered from the Happy Hour menu - beef taco, fish taco, and a margarita. The margarita was not well balanced ... too much tequila, not enough lime mix. The beef taco was excellent - well seasoned, tender, lean meat with crisp cabbage, etc. The fish taco was the perfect balance of firm, tender fish (cod) and crisp breading (not too thick, not to thin) ... the best deep fried fish taco my spouse has ever had. I ordered from the dinner menu - wild King salmon with a warm "salad" of greens and potatoes and avacado slices on the side. King salmon is my favorite fish of all; Lola's preparation was in the top ten of all King salmon dishes I have ever had (and I have had hundreds of them). The salmon was perfectly prepared - warm in the center with plenty of deep, rich flavor. The greens and potatoes were a great accompaniment. The avacado slices didn't add anything to the overall plate. Service was good ... our waiter failed to advise us of all of the specials but overall, was attentive with good pacing and attention to our dining experience. Highly recommended.
(4)Megan W.
Have only been here for brunch...and I keep coming back. The atmosphere of this place is great. If you end up sitting outside, the concrete bar is HEATED. Yes, the bar itself is heated. Which is pretty awesome in and of itself. I love their bloody mary. Not the regular bloody mary, but the special one (the name is escaping me right now, sorry). Table side guacamole is a must here, along with the lobster deviled eggs. Try the juevos for brunch...and the lobster omelete is to die for as well.
(4)Ana A.
Nice place to have a brunch or a drink. Yummy crispy bacon, nice service and good atmosphere. I would recommend it for sure.
(4)Angelina G.
The food was excellent. We had great service on father's day and can't wait to go back in the future! We had a great brunch and can't wait to try there dinner menu
(5)Brittany H.
James F and I were flipping through the Denver Passport, trying to figure out somewhere new to try, when we landed on Lola. Mexican and margs? Sure! I'd only ever heard fabulous things about Lola, so off we went! For a Wednesday night, this place was packed! And I don't blame the crowd: it was a stunningly beautiful summer evening and the patio was calling all of our names. Well, James and I didn't get a patio spot, but we did walk right in and score a table, so that was pretty rad. And right from being sat, the service was top notch. Our host noticed the Denver Passport and immediately grabbed us our 2-for-1 drinks. And these Coin margs were perfect. Had it not been a Wednesday night, I probably could have had at least two more. Perfect, I tell you! And let me not forget our server, Jeff. He was on it last night. Since we hadn't been to Lola before, he gave us the rundown of the menu while highlighting some of the best dishes. I wanted to try it all, seriously, but my stomach was only craving a light meal. So we opted for some light bites: the ceviche flight and the Spanish octopus. Oh. My. God. Every single bite was heaven. The ceviche flight had so many amazingly different flavors! I loved all three. As for the octopus, terribly decadent and super rich. Absolutely stunning. I wished I had been hungry for a full meal because I can only imagine how amazing the entrees must be! While our first experience at Lola was on a whim, the next will not be. Everything about this spot is fantastic: the beautiful patio and bar, the fabulous ambiance in the dinning room, the amazing service, and the to-die-for dishes. What else can I say? I am in love with Lola!
(5)Rob T.
Really friendly staff. Cool atmosphere. Salsa is bland. No kick at all!!!!! boooooooo!
(1)Paula H.
I am never disappointed when I stop at Lola's on my walk home. The food is creative. Savory, different, interesting, and lovely presentation. The combinations of unique mixed with common ingredients makes for an intriguing menu...and difficult to commit to just one item. Luckily Adam and Will are there to happily point you in the right direction. Try to go during a less busy time (after dinner rush) and sit at the bar, there you can engage with the staff. Will knows tequila, He made sipping a pour of tequila a true experience.
(5)Elizabeth L.
I was impressed. I came here for dinner at around 8pm and it was happy hour all night long! So of course I had to have their sangria ($4 HH price), and munched on some of their nachos (apparently the best appetizer they have according to everyone at my table), and friend and I shared their guac. GET THE GUAC ($7). They make it fresh right in front of you, and you get to tell the dude what you want in it and exactly how much. Hence, we only asked for a pinch of salt which was perfect! Add lots of spice and you'll have a fun time. The tortilla chips are addictive as well. Light and crispy. Seeing as that it's located in the highlands, you'll thoroughly enjoy the ambiance-- classy yet casual (or in between!), noisy but not obnoxious, dim lighting, sophisticated decor, and AWESOME music. I could not get over how rad their playlist was on a Monday night. Our server was also super informative and patient (seeing as that some of us were inebriated with their cheap drinks). CH-CH-CHECK IT.
(5)Delery G.
Came here for a quick drink before dinner with friends- caught happy hour, had a cucumber drink which was awesome and refreshing- my friend had a spicy jalapeno drink which she asked for the bartender to make super spicy, and damn was it super spicy! But oh so tasty! Haven't eaten here, but can't wait to come back and try it! Looked like great and food and prices from what I could see at the bar! (Really busy around HH as the Highlands tend to be- so plan accordingly!)
(5)Tim F.
Love their brunch. Lobster deviled eggs, hamburguesa, everything is so good. Their bloody Mary's are excellent.
(5)Lars J.
Great atmosphere with phenomenal service. Top 5 tastiest places to eat in Denver hands down.
(5)Maria N.
Eh it was okay. Guacamole was okay. Service was okay. food was okay. I had high hopes because of the great reviews but food was just okay.
(3)JY L.
ummm table side guac is a must have. we watched him like a hawk as he prepared it so we can make it at home. It was super fresh and delicious.
(4)Daisy P.
I wasn't expecting much for Mexican food in Denver, but this place was awesome! We walked in for drinks and a quick bite and sat at the bar. We ordered the rock shrimp ceviche, the guac, the half dozen oysters and the clams & chorizo. I highly recommend the clams & chorizo which melted in my mouth. That sauce is to die for, I wanted to dip that sauce into everything! Drinks were strong, service was prompt, and if I lived in Denver, I would definitely come back for a sit down dinner. Nice decor too.
(5)Meredith G.
Their guac is soooo good! That seems like a good starting place. There were also yummy fried wraps with spinach. A goat cheese queso served that was a bit bland, but I liked the small soft tortilla squares. They were good with the guac too. The staff working the event I attended downstairs were all very friendly and drinks were quickly served.
(3)Kathleen A.
Do yourself a favor and never, ever, ever drink 5 margaritas from Lola in one night, you will be very, very sorry..............
(4)Alexis G.
One of the perks of going out with a group is sampling a lot of good food and drinks! I started off with the peach mimosa, but switched to the snazberry mimosa after tasting a friend's. I had never heard of "snazberry." The server informed me it was a mixture of whatever fruit juices the bartender decided to mix together. The mystery was exciting, but the fruity flavor was addicting! I also sampled the Ultimate Bloody Mary which had great spice and a better presentation. It was served with a skewer of shrimp, bacon, pickle, jalapeno, banana pepper, and cheese. It's a yummy meal-in-a-drink. For an app, I had a lobster deviled egg which was a traditional deviled egg with just a hint of lobster . Honestly, it wasn't the most exciting thing on the menu. The pigs in a blanket looked sinfully amazing, but I didn't sample them. My favorite dish of the day was the biscuits and gravy with an egg. They had a distinct mexican flavor that took southern-style biscuits and gravy to a whole new level. The egg was an exciting twist that made you wonder why no one else is doing it. Their homemade potato chips are peppery and crispy perfection. The chicken and waffles are sweet and savory decadence. But, the carnitas Benedict fell a little flat when compared to all the other extravagant flavors. In addition to the great food, I really liked the ambiance of Lola. They had great music and a lively energy that makes you want to go time-and-time again!
(5)Kinley N.
Had a wonderful experience here today for brunch. I can't remember the name of what I ordered but it was pulled pork with a spicy red sauce and egg on top. The red sauce was too spicy for my liking. I told the waitress and she had it remade for me with the sauce on the side. Excellent experience all around and great manager and wait staff. My husband had the lobster omelet and loved it. Of course the guac is always a must.
(5)Alysha T.
I always thought that "chicken and waffles" was an odd combination and never thought of trying it until I went to Lola. "Odd combination", heck no! More like genius! I love the salty- sweet combination and the flavors are spot-on! I haven't tried much else, but am sure the rest would be fantastic too!
(5)Patricia G.
Horrible service! Even if food is good the service is the worst. Would not recommend considering so many great places in Denver!
(1)Michael S.
This place is a great place to get a drink and hangout with friends. But I must say the food is only "OK" ... Nothing to write home about. Not bad but nothing I need to tell my friends about. Location is PRIME !!
(4)Maria B.
Taco Tuesdays is where it is at! I had a hard time picking anything from the regular menu. The taco platter came with rice, beans, carnitas tacos and a corn on the cob. It was fantastic!
(4)Kersten H.
Fantastic brunch - superb service/patio/chill vibe. Loved the shrimp ceviche (best I've ever had) & the gluten free eggs Benedict option. Highly recommend brunch here. We arrived at 10:30 & there was no wait. Delicious tequila sunrise and brunch cocktail options!!!
(5)Sandy S.
A co-worker and I went there last week. We started out with a wonderful butternut squash queso. Perfect! Our waiter described a seafood dish that we decided to order. Unfortunately, he had to later tell us that the dish was actually not on the menu that night - which was really disappointing. However, the manager was very gracious and we each received a free drink. Not finding a replacement for the seafood entree, we ordered a shrimp ceviche that was 'OK' and then the 'Doughnuts' for desert. I would not recommend the doughnuts. They were too dry, the caramel sauce was not very tasty (or there wasn't enough to taste), and the cinnamon whipped cream was uneventful. Overall, Lola's a nice neighborhood eatery with a decent vibe and good drinks and I'll probably go back to try the Sunday brunch.
(3)Jeremy G.
I always enjoy coming here, but this visit was especially good. Fantastic service, great freshly mixed (at tableside) guacamole and tasty main course dishes with live music and a comfortable yet energetic atmosphere. As contemporary mexican cuisine in Denver goes this is as good as it gets.
(5)Jeramiah P.
The portions for the prices do not match up. The piece of swordfish was overcooked and tiny. I could have cooked the same meal for 4 bucks at home. The flavor of the rice was dry but good. Is not Mexican in my opinion rather closer to Caribbean. Was okay but overpriced even for the Denver restaurant week. When the appetizer is larger than entree that seems off.
(2)Rob K.
Great Happy Hour. Went over the weekend. Place was packed but service was still pretty good. Great music and some "nice" sights. Great fun location to hang out. Good food.
(4)Amy B.
Very cool spot! Great food, good prices, nice patio, cheap happy hour. This place is a gem. We had the tacos and pork - thought they both were delicious! Flavorful with a good kick. We were visiting from out if town and after reading the reviews thought to give it a go...and I am glad we did! Good choice, enjoy!
(5)Christie L.
Considering this place is in Denver, I wouldn't think "order seafood," but I'm telling you, order seafood. We had the ceviche flight trio of halibut, shrimp, and scallops and it was soo good. Scallops, which we were most worried about, were the best part of it. Great guac, great mojitos. Wasn't crazy about the offerings on the rest of the menu, but this was worth the trip.
(4)Catherine C.
Such a great place! Their brunch is phenomenal and you can't beat fresh guac made table side on the patio!!
(5)Zach L.
Happy hour has some great deals, but a little pricey otherwise. I miss some of the dishes from the previous menu, but they still have great tacos, margs, and salsa.
(4)Maura R.
After my scathing post from a recent experience at Lola, I would like to change my review to 4 stars. The owner reached out to me and explained the course of action to avoid another experience like my last. Sound customer service goes a long way in my book and I appreciate their eagerness to make their customers happy. Maybe after I go back I can give it five stars, but we'll wait and see.
(4)Taylor W.
I love guacamole, and Lola's guac is one of my very favorites. I would eat here three times a week simply for that guacamole. I also really enjoy their raw bar, specifically the ceviche. I have never had a bad meal here, however I do feel it is a little overpriced. I lived in NYC for four years and have had just as good, if not better, meals there for the same price. In NEW YORK! That being said, I always have a nice time here and would never turn down an opportunity to scoop some of the delectable guacamole right into my mouth. Also, my mom really enjoys their brunch.
(4)Margaret T.
Meh...not thrilled. I'm a foodie. There are better places in Denver to eat. Yep, this place is in a prime location, but, seriously, there are better Mexican restaurants in Denver in just as cool of spots. The margaritas are good, the guacamole is good, but the rest is meh. I've been here a couple of times, both times the service was slow. The first time I went, I ordered soup as my entre - it never came. The poor young server brought every one else's food and didn't even realize that I was foodless and then it took us so long to tag the server down that I decided just to pick off my husbands food, because everyone else in my party was done eating. The second time I ordered a seafood dish it took forever, again, and the shrimp was rubbery. Not my favorite place in Denver even though my suburban friends think this place is great. Must be the atmosphere - it'll give it that. And don't even get me started on the parking.
(2)Amanda N.
Lola turned out to be a driveby that turned into "Yeah, let's try i!" And I am so happy we did. The brunch was beyond amazing. I had the carnitas benedict, hubby had the green chile hash. Both excellent. I can't even describe the dreams I will have about the benedict, it was that good. Two peach mimosas (A little light on the peach) were a great addition. Service - I have to say, probably the best I've experienced in a long time. The host was friendly and quick to seat us, the waiter and busser were so friendly and helpful, and the manager came over to see how we were doing. I can't rave about this place enough, I'm excited to go back and try dinner!
(5)Miranda P.
Always a fave! Guacamole is a must with extra spice. We had the lobster enchiladas and chicken pan roast.....I never order chicken when I go out, but two people recommended it. It did not disappoint and probably was the best dish on the table! Lola's continues to be a favorite restaurant of mine!
(5)Brian C.
Too expensive for ok mexican food. They have a fun atmosphere and good guac made at your table. The dinner menu is about $22 average per entre. I had the tamales which were $18 without any chicken (add extra $6 for chicken). They were fancy looking and tasted good, but just not traditional mexican. Since when did the cheapest item on the menu at a mexican restaurant become $18 without any chicken? Margs are good etc, but just way to pricey for mexican food in my book. We had one drink each, no apps, and for two of us it was $74 including the tip....
(1)Rebecca G.
I recommend going here to grab a delicious cocktail and share the tasty guacamole that's made at your table. The food is on the pricey side and has been a hit or miss for brunch and dinner. The chips and guacamole are worth the trip though! It's a trendy fun atmosphere and the service has been friendly and attentive. Always a good option for happy hour.
(4)Mo W.
What a disaster. I went in there on a SUNDAY AFTERNOON with my mother to catch up before she left town. The minute we walked in some awful 5 person band started "jamming" out and basically blasted out everyone in the place. We were sitting outside on the patio and we still couldn't hear each other. Of course as soon as we got up to leave they finished their set. Why does any restaurant think people want to listen to that garbage when they are sitting around having a nice drink or snacks with friends and family? People were clapping in between songs and I think it was because they were happy to be free of the music for 45 seconds. Never again.
(1)Sarah W.
I came here for a birthday with a group of twelve--TWELVE--people. A born worrier, I was instantly concerned about the horror that would no doubt ensue when we tried to split the check at the end of the meal. But here's what saved the experience for me: We had the best looking waiter I have ever seen. Said waiter was also an expert on tequilas, margaritas, This American Life, and David Sedaris. And the birthday treats were delicious--custom-made guacamole as an appetizer, and donut holes glazed with dulce de leche and served with salted Oreo ice cream for dessert. The main menu is not great for a vegetarian, but the salads were good enough for me. When it was time for the check, our waiter was totally accommodating, and split it for us without any hassle. Would definitely return for a birthday or celebration.
(4)Jana P.
Great low-key Mexican food restaurant. We went on a Monday night, were seated immediately without a reservation. They have HH all night on Monday nights, so that was perfect. Staff was very attentive & on point with their service. The cucumber lemonade is great, especially with their infused jalapeño vodka! The table side guacamole is great, and since I'm from Texas, I feel like my opinion is valid. We also had the achiote chicken taco and duck carnitas taco.
(5)Jordan N.
I came to Lola to celebrate my birthday with a large group. It was amazing! There were 14 of is, which is definitely not the most convenient. They were super accommodating and everything went smoothly. The food was also amazing. Everything was so delicious. We ordered guacamole for the table and it was so good. I then ordered the sea bass which is also great. When it came to the check, everything was divided and gratuity wasn't tacked on. It was an overall great experience with delicious food and great service!
(5)Leslie P.
After a few margaritas, we snacked on fried pork rinds seasoned with chile powder, shrimp ceviche in chile de arbor aioli, butternut squash & chorizo goat cheese dip, and guacamole. The guacamole was prepared table-side, customized on the spice level. I also had the braised achiote chicken taco topped with cole slaw, jalapeño aioli, & cotija. Pretty damn good!
(4)Sejal T.
I was in Denver for the weekend and found this place. It turned out to be a good spot for Friday evening dinner with a few drinks. Ambience: Good lively ambience but very crowded. Some people mag find it a little loud but it is a good place if you want to be in a lively and fun restaurant. Make sure you have a reservation if you go on a Friday evening or be prepared to wait 45 minutes Drinks: very good cocktails and good variety of drinks specially margaritas. Food: food was very very tasty. It was cooked to perfection and even the presentation was good. But I felt the food was very overpriced specially for the portion size. And the menu looked small. There weren't too many options to choose from. Service overall was good and the servers did a great job. And yes good fresh guacamole, dont forget to order that.
(4)Christi O.
I like Lola for their Sunday brunch (great for curing the hangover from the night before) . It's a fun place to get Mexican inspired fare and their food is always good, as are their drinks. When it's nice out, I recommend sitting on their covered patio. Their mimosas are always good. My favorites are the Snazberry and the grapefruit. They always make 'em good! The chicken and waffles are always amazing. The chorizo gravy and cherry syrup they come with are delicious! Definitely a nice twist on chicken and waffles. I had their blueberry lemonade pancakes here and they now have banana pancakes! I haven't had the new banana flavor, but their pancakes were awesome before. I hope they bring the blueberry lemonade flavor back. Their appetizer donuts on the brunch menu are out of this world! Cinnamon sugar and dulce de leche. They melt in your mouth. Highly recommend trying these when you go. I recently went and had their daily special. Shredded beef enchiladas over breakfast potatoes and smothered in green chili. It was pretty good, but I think I'll stick with my chicken and waffles.
(4)David L.
One of the best restaurants in Denver! The food here is absolutely incredible and the servers are very friendly, knowledgable, and most importantly fun! We went at Friday night dinner time and we're told we'd have to wait 45 minutes. Well nobody is perfect and they didn't get us a table until 55 min or so. But the host came and told us it would be a little longer before our time and we got free table side guac. Btw the table side guac, also unbelievable. Love this place!!
(5)Matthew M.
Went for apps and drinks. The ceviche was fantastic, guacamole was good but over priced. Was not impressed with the overall menu. If you like Mezcal, try the Hemingway...it's TERRIFIC!!
(3)Daniela B.
I had heard great things about Lola but my first attempt to try it over 3 years ago failed as my parents couldn't find anything in the menu they liked. We finally went a few weeks ago for brunch with friends. The drinks were very good, the service very slow, we had to continuously ask the waiters to be served, and the food was good but not remarkable. I could see the big draw of the view to downtown during cocktails but now that the view is gone, not sure I get the appeal
(2)Kimberly M.
Came here for happy hour with the boyfriend and we ordered some tacos. They were good, but not fantastic. We had a friend who talked the tacos up, so perhaps we were expecting too much. Even at happy hour I felt that a lot of the items on the menu were a little overpriced. Service was okay. Something happened to our order so we ended up waiting a lot longer for our food than our neighboring tables. Our server did apologize for the wait, which was nice. I'm still not sure if the numerous baskets of chips lining the kitchen were supposed to be complimentary, but I sure spent a lot of time eyeing them while waiting those 30 minutes for some tacos. The manager (I'm assuming) came by to ask us if we wanted something to drink, but didn't make it clear if they would be on the house or if he was just taking another order for us, so we declined. All of that aside, I would definitely return to Lola with coworkers or friends for some chips and drinks at the bar, but probably not for a traditional dining experience. The atmosphere was very unique. I enjoyed the art on the walls, and I think I would enjoy spending more time there.
(3)Sara U.
One of my favorites in Denver. First of all, it's an equally great atmosphere for doing happy hour, dinner, or brunch. How many places can you really say that about? Nice but small upstairs bar area, outdoor patio, cozy dining area, and dark and intimate down stairs bar area. Also, great view from the patio! The food is always excellent. Fresh guacamole customized to your taste and made at the table! hell yeah. The drinks are yum as well.
(5)Mark P.
I don't know if there are words of appropriate vigor to fully encapsulate what it's like to devour the chicken and waffle--a perfectly breaded and Frenched chicken breast atop a throne of Belgian waffle, drizzled with the perfect amount of cherry-fresno syrup and chorizo gravy that was presumably poured from a goblet of pure silver. Explore the drink menu before brunch comes. Pineapple or mango mimosas (not skimping on the champagne), anyone? How about the Aztec hot chocolate? Warning to super tasters, the cacao and homemade marshmallows are going to be intense! The tableside guac is amazing--I like it hot. Did I mention the lobster omelette with goat cheese? I've never had a problem getting a table and service is always smooth. Pro tip: walk off your mimosas on the Platte River or at Commons Park. Or head to Breckenridge for another drink.
(5)John B.
your hours are crap how are you not open for lunch every day i call that lazy and bad business!!!!!
(1)Greg H.
This place is GREAT! As my wife and I detoured traffic, we took another self imposed detour to Lola because of how she raved about her previous experience. We arrived just in time for an upfront parking spot and the doors to open for happy hour at 4pm. I started with a margarita which wasn't worth the cost for its size, but it was quite delicious. We also ordered lamb sliders, salsa sampler, chicken tacos with Tecate, and the guacamole. WOW, this is one of the most suprisingly impressive places that I've been to in QUITE a while. I hate guac on a regular basis, but this is made with the ripest avacados, right in front of your face. I loved it! Everything else was great, but my particularly favorite part of the evening was the chicken tacos! OMG I couldn't believe how tasty the meet was. They came out on softened / mushy corn tortillas that kind of fall apart as they flex with some odd concuction of lettuce on top, but it was also good enough to eat by itself. I loved these soooooo much, I ordered a second round! This place is great, and I can't wait to go back again!
(5)Kathy M.
Our first time at Lola tonight and it was very good. Not your typical Denver Mexican restaurant. Brent was our server and graciously answered all of our newbie questions and also made a few recommendations. He's one good waiter! We had the table side guacamole - fab and the ceviche flight. My husband and I shared the Sea Bass which was prepared and presented wonderfully. Our friends had the Peas & Carrots salad-excellent and the Smoked Mushroom Stacked Enchiladas-really fresh tasting and very good. Oh, we had the Queso Blanco Fundido for the table and it was really good too. We will return. Thanks for a great evening.
(5)Scott S.
I'm not certain what all the hype is about this place. It's not bad, but it's not great either. I enjoyed the carne asada, but my margarita was flavorless. It gets LOUD in here and the prices struck me as high for what I got. Perhaps it's the reality of the neighborhood, but I've had better Mexican food elsewhere. The valet parking is a saving grace as parking is scarce otherwise.
(3)Kathleen C.
YUM! I visited Lola with friend while visiting Denver. They have visited many times, and I was excited to try it. The whole experience was great! We were there on a Monday night - who knew it would be soooo crowded! It was packed, but we managed a seat at the bar (outside) where we shared some guac and drinks. The mixed drinks were delicious and that guac..yum yum yum. We were seated relatively quickly outside. The atmosphere is loud and lively and turns really interesting at night! There were some cougars trying to pick up a table of guys...sweet! Anyway, the food was really tasty (I had the burrito) and the service was friendly if a bit haphazard. So...this is a quick one, but.. Food - 4 Service - 3 Atmoshpere - 4 Value - 4
(4)Steve S.
Still great food at Lola! My most recent visit was spent indulging in Tacos al Pastor, which were delicious. The rice was fatty and flavorful too. My only complaints? When it's 100 degrees outside, turn on some A/C! Not everyone likes to sweat when they eat. Also, the happy hour drinks are very weak. Why charge $7 when there is nothing but lemon juice in the margarita?
(4)Angela A.
Jazz Brunch with Joey Porter. Need I say more? I would have given 5 stars but there was a flub up. We ordered the chicken fried chicken but were talking to the server about the Lola Bowl, I guess there was a misunderstanding because we were served the Lola Bowl! Ooops!! Well, if the Lola bowl wasn't fantastic I suppose it would be a different story but my friend and I really enjoyed it so, there ya go. The chicken fried chicken sounded terrific though, it was served with chirzo gravy!! OMG! But like I said, there was live jazz, happy hour booze, and the Lola bowl was yummy. The broth was fantastic and it was full of veggies and seafood. We also really liked the lobster deviled eggs. I hope to get back to explore more of the menu, and hopefully some of that chicken fried chicken!!
(4)Shanna K.
I wanted to like Lola, I really did. I hear so many good things about it, and so, we scheduled Development Committee Happy Hour there this month. First of all, like most places in that trendy neighborhood, parking was AWFUL. All of us drove around in circles, waiting like predators for people to walk to their cars and open up spots. Then we got in (at 5:30) and asked the hostess to seat 6 of us. She told us that unless all of us were planning on eating dinner, we had to go onto the (cold) patio. Fine. I HATE high-tops because they kill my arthritic knees, but fine. We walked out there; not even 4 seats available period, none the less 6 in the same general area. We got the hostess back and explained that there were NO seats, and we promised to order lots of food if she could seat us. After being incredibly rude and snarky to us, and having us wait another 10 minutes, she sat us at a 4-top. When our other 2 folks showed up, and the majority of the restaurant was empty, we moved over a 2-top to our table (again, we'd originally told her 6 -- not our fault she sat us at a 4 top). She came over and yelled at us, telling us we were messing up her system, and that we should have told her we had 6...which we had. Our server was nice (though it took forever to get our check, and then get change). Everyone liked the food (although they only had one vegetarian entree, which of course wasn't gluten free, and then only 2 vegetarian GF items period; queso and guac. Both were super delicious, but I was hungry when I left). Food was yummy, yes, but the rudeness of the hostess means that I won't be back, not for a long time, and nor would I recommend it to anyone else. The fact that we snuck out quickly and tried our best to avoid eye contact with her because we were so afraid she'd berate us again? Totally not worth coming back for that.
(3)Cassandra F.
Totally love this place. The food is absolutely wonderful and the ambience is really great too, kind of trendy, but very friendly at the same time. I was meeting a group and got there too early, so I found a seat at the bar and grabbed a fresh bread appetizer and a mimosa. The bread was just to die for, so delicious and right out of the oven. The bartender was very friendly and personable. Once we were seated, our waiter was just as nice.....and the food just as fantastic. I tried their version of Eggs Benedict and it was fantastic. Loved every bit. I will definitely be back, excellent restaurant!
(4)R T.
Brunch is the best! Brought an out of town client here for a brunch and I am always impressed with the quality of food and service at this great restaurant! If you haven't tried the ultimate bloody mary, you are missing out. It is a meal in itself with the skewer full of shrimp, bacon, pickles, and cheese! But don't stop there! Try the tableside guac. We ordered several plates, including the Lola bowl and the ahi tacos. The bowl was scrumptious, and the tacos were great., but a little messy. Sit outside, great people watching! their patio is roomy and breezy!
(4)Jo W.
Went there for happy hour and sat at the bar. The bartender was super knowledgeable(I was impressed) and the menu was amazing! The taco's were amazing! Will be back!
(5)Matt D.
Another whif in the Highlands. Butternut squash queso fundido? More like cheez whiz. Ambiance blew, this place was a train wreck. Bad service coupled with shite appetizers and a poor excuse for a margarita = Chi Chi's.
(1)Heather M.
What a lovely place for brunch on a warm sunny day. The patio is perfect for dining, working on your tan, and people watching. We had the home made guacamole, ceviche, fish tacos, and pancakes. The guacamole is tailor-made to your spicy/heat preference, and the ceviche was served on thick salty chips which were delicious. Also ordered some sangria and cucumber lemonade, both perfect for a warm day and not to heavy (alcohol-wise). I've been here a few times in the past for brunch and dinner and always enjoyed the food, thought the service was good, and love the ambiance and energy this place has. The sugar-cinnamon donuts are amazing! Also, check out the bathrooms, they are really cool!
(4)Mics R.
thekitchn.com/use-cautio… Unfortunately, I did not know about the side effects of eating the escolar before it off the menu last Saturday. I do agree with others in that it tasted quite yummy, but about an hour later I felt like I was back in Africa battling all the little parasites that like to party in your tummy. Never paid so much for such an experience in Africa though. Maybe there should be an tiny little footnote on the menu that talks about potential escolar side effects or at least 'escolar: google it on that fancy 'smarter than most' phone before ordering.' Other than that, guac was amazing... not too sure how they make it that good. Service was crap. Well... at least from our waiter. meah. Second time I have been there and can't remember being impressed the first time. Won't forget this time though.
(3)Jennifer B.
I actually give this place a 4.3. I have to hold my 5's for the extraordinary, sorry Lola. I visited this place twice in the past two months. Once while visiting Denver thinking about possibly moving and the second time I actually sought this place out to go with my Mom because I liked it so much the first time. First time I went for dinner with a friend and was automatically impressed with the decor and ambiance. Very cool light fixtures - make sure you take moment to look around. We were seated promptly. First impressions of the menu, a little scared and confused by the menu. I think I just needed a little food dictionary for a little help with the translation. After the initial shell shock I was very impressed by the menu. This menu consists a lot of seafood so if you don't do seafood you may not have a lot of choices. The first time I had the Grilled Escolar (fish for the newbees). FANTASTIC! Moist, warm, visually appealing and yummilicious - is that a real word? Hmmm....made it up just for this dish. My counterpart had the Chicken mole verde and she could attest to the yumminess as she almost at the entire thing...she got full - Slacker! Second visit I sought out this place to show my Mom. Walked in on a Saturday afternoon to experience their brunch menu. A little small in variety my overall pleasing. We both had the Lola Huevos. Yummilicious gain - there's that word again. Woops! Picture perfect and melt in your mouth with all the flavor in the world. If you've read my profile you know I live for onions, and on top of my Lola Huevos where a nice little pile of pickled red onions. Got my vote. Did I mention they have an open kitchen where you can view everything? They do. And that means they have nothing to hide - I like that in a place. GO, GO, GO! You won't regret it.
(4)V.J. M.
Well, Lola has been on my "must try" list since working downtown for about 6 years. I have had many people rant and rave about it, so, I finally made a reservation and brought my appetite and some girlfriends. We had a reservation, and the place seemed pretty full, but there was no wait (granted it was a Sunday night, and the Rockies game was just getting out, so I expected more of a crowd/wait.) We were seated right by the open concept kitchen, which I'm not fond of. If I want to see/hear the kitchen and the food being prepared, I'll go to a Hibachi grill. Plus, a few times, the cooks got a little loud and were chanting something...not sure what that was about, but it was odd. So, the atmosphere was....hipster. I think this would be a great place to come in the summer when it's warm out and the patio "walls" were opened up, because the clear plastic tarp-like drapes gave the place a strange feel. It's pretty dark inside, and there is some pretty lighting and decor, and you definitely know that you're in The Highlands, if you know what I mean. Very hoity toity. The menu was pretty limited. I think there was one dish with chicken, several with seafood, one pork, one carne asada...and then some "for the table" items (appetizers) and a gaggle of ceviche. I don't know why, but I thought they had a main entree of fajitas or tacos, or something a little more traditional Mexican food-esque, but I was wrong. Everything was very unique, and they seem to really cater to seafood lovers. We ordered our food, and it came out after what seemed like 20-30 minutes....just seemed like a long time, but, everything was plated and presented nicely. The portions were somewhat small for the price. I ordered the Baked Poblano Relleno and added the optional chicken. The inside of the chile was filled with butternut squash, red potatoes, cinnamon caps, green chile goat cheese, chili rojo (according to the menu)...but all I tasted was chunks of undercooked potatoes. It had a pretty good flavor, but the chile wasn't spicy AT ALL. I mean, I would have liked a LITTLE spice, but, oh well. There was a lot of sauce covering the whole dish, so the flavor of the poblano was masked anyways. Sad day. One friend ordered the Pan Roasted Black Drum, which came with sweet potato tamale, poblano creamed corn, fried okra...however there was no evidence of creamed corn (maybe this was pulverized corn drizzled around the sides?? We don't know...), and the fried okra was more like a piece of fried avocado. Maybe they were out of okra? Being from the south, we know creamed corn and fried okra, and this just didn't cut it. We also ordered the table side guac. Let me tell you, ORDER THE LARGE...this isn't because it was so incredibly delicious that you will wish you had an abundance of guacamole to bathe in. This is simply because the small was SMALL. I mean, there were 3 of us, and we each had 4-5 chips with guac on it. That's it. And the guacamole actually had a little kick to it, and was just the right touch of spiciness, so I was sad that the portions were small for the price (do you sense a theme?). Overall, the food was OK, the service was OK, and the entire resteraunt itself is, again, just OK. I don't think I'll be rushing back any time soon, but I will try to hit this place for happy hour and just have some chips and salsa, a little cheviche, and a margarita....but, I'm not even convinced that I want to, yet.
(3)Becca W.
I've came here twice. Once for drinks and light foods and another for brunch. When I came for the drinks, I definitely didn't need more then 1 margarita! They are soooo strong. Thought I was drinking straight patron from the bottle, and it definitely did its deed.. Lol and I got the ceviche!! So yummy. My favorite. Second time I came for brunch I got the crab cake Benedict. It wasn't that great. It was decent. Id probably try something else next time though. And I also ordered fresh guacamole. Which was cool because a guy comes over with a little cart and mashes it to your perfection in front of you! The guac was a little pricey, but probably because the guy with the cart comes over to the table to make it for you!
(4)M P.
I moved into the area a month ago and had already been a huge fan of Linger. I was hoping I'd find similar quality and culinary execution at Lola too. With that said, although Lola is good, I really don't think it compares with its neighbor - although that's completely beside the point and actually unfair to bring in this review. Rather than starting this off on a negative note, however, I'll try to concentrate on the positive: I still like Lola a lot, just not for their standard dinner menu. Their happy hour menu is great: The cheese/squash dip is amazing, and all the tacos are great. The fresh-made avocado dip is also very good. The affordable sides like the sweet potatoes are very tasty, but I've found them to be incredibly inconsistent. Sometimes they are great, other times I've wanted to return them - one time the sweet potatoes were practically raw. I also think they have great cocktails - possibly the best in the area. For the happy hour, sides, and drinks - I'd give Lola 5 stars. That being said, I find their entree/dinner menu to be fairly forgettable and definitely overpriced and I'd probably give it three stars, even apart from the price. I've tried a few different entree items and have never left with a meal I'd remember or that I felt was worth the mid-20's average price. Portions are small and I simply can't detect anything apart from presentation that sets the food apart from any other good Mexican restaurant. I'll definitely be returning to Lola often - just not for anything off the dinner menu.
(4)Katie S.
Love the ambiance! We were seated on the heated patio in the winter and it was really nice. We ordered the table side guac and it was really yummy! Fresh ingredients and a fun experience having them make it in front of you. The chips were awesome(like chipotle!) I ordered a bubbly water and was charged $3 (kinda dumb for water). I had the mussels which were delicious. It was a red sauce with sausage of sorts and tomatoes. But to accompany, I was served toast with a weird smear on top that wasn't awesome. Lastly, 3 stars for the portion size given the price. Fun place, but overpriced.
(3)julie n.
It's been a while since I've been to Lola. Patio was pretty packed so we stopped in. Girlfriend and I shared the seafood in broth thing, I remember it being way better. Other girlfriend had wings and said they were good. Husband had a steak and said it was tasty. The tableside guac was delicious!
(3)Anne N.
Amazing food. Service was the best I've had in quite some time at any restaurant. Our server couldnt have been more friendly, helpful, and knowledgable of the menu.
(5)Frederick J.
Very good food for very good price.
(4)Andy S.
My wife and I spend $300-$400 a month at this place. They need a mealplan or a membership or something. Everything's great about it. When I don't know where to go, this place always sounds good and when I do know where I want to go, it's Lola.
(5)Mark B.
Now granted, I have only ever been here once and it was with a big group on a Monday for ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR, but I still feel compelled to tell more people about this incredible place to be after suffering through a case of the Mondays. "The Deal" may just be the greatest invention of the 21st century; 2 chicken tacos and a tecate for just 5 bucks! They also have fried fish tacos and shrimp tacos for 3 and 4 bucks that taste fan-freakin-tastic with the jalapeno aioli sauce they put on there. I also was able to enjoy several other things like the guacamole they prepare from scratch right at your table. I also tried ceviche for the first time and was really impressed with all three offerings: shrimp, scallops, and corvina. Now I will say that the regular menu did look quite intimidating and not nearly as good of a value as the happy hour menu but the food that I had tasted exquisite and I fully expect the regular menu offerings to exceed the quality of happy hour food. The service was impressive considering they work with a packed house on Mondays. The restaurant does get loud but that is expected with a full house. We were lucky enough to get the back room that is open to view the back half of the restaurant but is walled off and has two tables with bench seating and lots of pillows for comfort. I really can't say anything more to explain how impressed I was with Lola. I highly recommend a visit on a Monday
(5)Taylor T.
I went here the other night for happy hour with a friend and it hasn't been my first time here so I was expecting the drinks to be as good as they are when I have come for dinner. However, I was somewhat disappointed. Both my sangria and my margarita were a bit watered down. I guess that's what I should have expected with HH prices, but come on! My friend and I ordered chicken tacos and ceviche as well and those where both good. I suggest skipping HH and going for dinner and full price drinks if you want the good stuff. The jalapeño margarita is amazing! But for a pretty good deal just be ready to expect a little less.
(3)Devon P.
We had my husbands 40th Birthday party at Lola's last night in their downstairs dining area. It was fantastic! The food was amazing! The service made the party so wonderful. The staff at Lola's is so friendly, helpful, and efficient. The whole party ran so smoothly. I highly recommend Lola's for parties and dining in general.
(5)Kristina N.
Great for Happy Hour!!
(4)Drew L.
Went to Lola today because it is always so good. Ordered the chicken fried steak as usual as I consider myself a pro in this Dept. It came out and did not taste well. I work in restaurants so I was hesitant to send the dish back, but it's $14. So I politely sent it back and ordered another dish which was awesome! Here's the kicker, not only did the manager come by and chat with me about what was wrong but let me know that they were making a fresh one to see if they could see what was wrong. After I was finished with my meal the same manager came back to the table to let me know they had made an error in the preparation of the initial dish and thanked me for telling them so that they could fix the problem. So, we get the bill and see that they comped both dishes, the first one I sent back and my second dish. Not necessary but just showed that they wanted to go the extra mile for their guests. I left Lola very happy! I was pleased at how graciously they admitted their mistake and went the extra mile to make me happy when I left. These folks at Lola are pros and I will be back soon!!
(5)Sean K.
I tried this place for restaurant week at my Daughter's suggestion. Decor is awesome, open kitchen, and professional looking staff. I loved the service as well; it is a unique approach to team service that makes them stand out among Mexican Restaurants. The selections on the 52.80 menu were unique, and definitely a new experience, but not quite to my pallet. I still give them high marks; everything was cooked perfectly, and they offer a fresh guacamole prepared at your table. The only down side was the noise level and distractions of people constantly walking by your table. It was very hard to enjoy any conversation during the dinner. However, if you want great food and service you should expect the place to be busy.
(4)Bill E.
It's been years since I've been to LoLa. And, while I find parking in the 16th/Boulder area of LoHi to be kind of a pain, it's worth it to make the journey here. LoLa is basically an upscale form of Mexican cuisine, specifically from the Oaxaca area. Wonderful preparation of tuna, pork, beef - you name it. The guacamole is excellent, too. They have a great tequila selection, which translates into great margs and other mixed drinks. But don't overlook the wine selection. Everything here was good, and our wait person was very knowledgeable, had great energy, and was very prompt. So many good options... must return soon!
(4)Diana D.
Fun for happy hour! They have their own version of a jalapeno margarita. Great place to gather and hang out.
(4)Rob L.
What a GREAT place! It was fun! Service was GREAT! The food was AWESOME! The vibe was VERY cool too. The drinks were even BETTER! I say, Welcome Home!
(4)Beth B.
This is my new favorite place. Must go when John is the bartender! Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays I think. He knows so much about tequila, and his descriptions of the food were spot on. Love it!
(5)Diana M.
I went with my sisters for my 50th bday and had a fantastic time. Great service, vibes, and staff and of course the food. We had a terrific waitress who made us so comfortable.
(5)Gill C.
LOLA was the best recommendation by my new found friends in Denver. Special thanks to the bartender at My Brother's Bar! This was the perfect spot for Sunday brunch. We didn't have a reservation, but thought it was late enough that we'd beat the brunch rush. We walked in, and there was no wait for a table. Upon entering, we immediately fell in love with this place. The interesting artwork behind the host stand static.px.yelp.com/photo… No seats were available in the patio, but decided to sit at the bar and face outside static.px.yelp.com/photo… .We could still wear our shades and feel the warmth of the sun without getting burned. static.px.yelp.com/photo… After ordering mimosas (the best brunch drink ever) and best cure for a hangover, and perusing the most interesting Mexican brunch entrees. Thought it was cool that you can choose from lobster, shrimp or bacon, chorizo, ham, etc., to add to your breakkie entree. I ordered the - 'El Admiral' - choice of two eggs, smoked bacon or chorizo, asadero-poblando grit cake, and added the shrimp. This was so good, and I got the chorizo, which many places don't offer. It was spicy, but not overwhelming, and loved the grit cake. D ordered: 'Rajas con juevos'- winter squash, crimini mushrooms, avocado cream, and added the lobster, which was a very generous portion. This was a very unique dish, and the flavors of the squash, mushrooms, lobster, and avocado blended so well together. Other patrons were intrigued by D's dish, and asked her about it. Service was just ok, and not very friendly, nor totally efficient. Flagged down our bartender/server a few times for water and Coke (yay, they don't serve Pepsi!), as she didn't bother to check on us. It got more crowded the later it got due to the Happy Hour from 2-5pm on weekends.http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/VpHQW0ÂvAioVLRHdR4fzOCQ/l. There is also have a live band that plays salsa music. They totally rocked! I loved the ambiance and chill vibe of Lola. The colors and interior enhanced her coolness. It's a great for people watching, too. We watched the bartenders make their margaritas, mimosas, and other cocktails. Also, saw two older fellas, who sat across from us, try to bust a move on a bubbly young brunette. Unfortunately, they crashed and burned! I recommend going to Lola, and would definitely go back for brunch the next time I'm in Denver. Would also like to try dinner, too. Hopefully, service would improve, and I'd enjoy dinner as much as brunch.
(4)Ali W.
I have been to Lola several times and it is kind of hit-or-miss in terms of the quality of food, but overall, it has been pleasant and I am happy to recommend Lola. There is patio seating, so it's perfect for a weekend brunch on a warm day. The Stuffed Toast (strawberry compote, brioche, spiced rhubarb syrup), Pulled Pork Belly Sandwich (pickled jalapeño bbq, pickled slaw, fried egg), the Mexican Hot Chocolate, and the tableside-prepared guacamole are my favorites. You can customize the guacamole to your liking; I usually add extra garlic. I don't like vampires. 1 star off: for the few times that their food tasted like cafeteria food
(4)Christina Z.
Since I'm such a cheapo, it pains me to give only three stars to Lola which has a crazy awesome happy hour. But this review encompasses both Lola's HH and a brunch I had there. First off, the HH menu is great and offers many tasty choices. My favorite is "The Deal," in which you get two chicken tacos with cabbage slaw AND a Tecate for $5. The HH drinks are also muy delicioso and el cheapo. After having a couple of happy hour drinks, the formerly unreasonable $8 guacamole sounded much more reasonable so I ordered it with extra garlic and a medium to hot spice level. The guy brought out the cart (ooo...a show...people seem to love this here, that it's made tableside) and once he was done mashing, he served us the dish. IT SUCKED. It really tasted like there were only avocadoes in there and to make it even have a hint of flavor, we ordered some salsa and mixed it in with the guacamole. This made it less bland, and for $8, it was a big disappointment. I went another time to check out their brunch and got the most popular item on the menu. The Lola Heuvos, I believe. Dang it, Lola, much like the guacamole, it was kinda bland. The fact it came out cold didn't help. It was an okay dish, but I was really excited to try out brunch after hearing the glowing reviews from fellow reviewers, and it just didn't live up. The restaurant has a good ambiance and the outdoor patio is super cute with string lights and a view of Denver. Am I being suckered in by a restaurant's cuteness? Most likely, as I'll probably give Lola another chance for another meal (brunch/dinner??...I'll keep you in the suspense). I will definitely go for their Happy Hour again. Happy Hour = 4-5 stars Brunch/Guac = 2 stars
(3)Tonya F.
Wonderful Happy Hour!! Didn't think we would be able to get a patio seat but we did, right away!! Loved the food and the atmosphere, staff was friendly and had personality. They always checked on us and made sure we didn't run out of water (especially on the recent 95 degree day). I was very impressed at the food presentation. It was very pleasing to the eye and the mouth. Don't forget to order the side table guacamole...it's one of the best places in Colorado for that service. WILL go again!!!
(4)Holly K.
Decent food, ok service, greeter could use some work. All in all, just ok.
(3)Laura L.
Whoa, Lola, I thought I had reviewed you years ago. Shock! Aww! Here's the thing about Lola - it's in a trendy neighborhood with fantastic patio views of the city. Their tequila selection seems second to none, and you can't beat the tableside guac (no matter how many whiners are out there. I know kick-ass guac when I taste it.) What I can say about the entrees and desserts is that overall, they are okay but nothing has really knocked my socks off. That said, Lola is an excellent place for happy hour and their craft cocktails and margs are delicious. The flavor of the jalapeno marg is outstanding. Try it. And while I've never been here for brunch, it's definitely on my list. Oh, and they score points for having impressive glass-walled restrooms. One note about restaurant week: My excitement level for restaurant week is typically pretty low for several reasons: 1) the wait 2) the restrictive menu selection and 3) portion size. While RW is an exciting (and overhyped) reason to experience lots of restaurants you've never tried before, you really should return at a less chaotic time for a better experience. That's my .02 and I'm sticking to it.
(4)Stephen R.
I feel like such a softy for handing out two 5-star reviews in the space of just over a week, but damn it this place impressed. Forget that it's a bit pricey or that it's probably not "authentic" Mexican (not that it necessarily claims to be) or that it's a zoo during happy hour and parking will cost you money. This place gets 5 stars for serving up amazing food... as well as having good service and a nice space in which to enjoy your food. The bar is obviously renowned for mixing up some great cocktails, but I'm not fancy cocktail kind of guy. I settled for beer, of which their selection is good. A couple of micro-brews among the standard fare. The draft selection is pretty minimal, but their are a couple of good ones available. I did see the bartenders building impressive looking cocktails which I can only assume were good as people kept ordering them. Okay, now the nitty gritty: Their chips and salsa are excellent. Both extremely fresh in taste. The salsa could stand to be a wee bit spicier, but it should appeal to a broad range of palettes. I ordered the smothered tacos which were inexplicably amazing. Sometimes you just bite into something and the flavor is so perfectly balanced in every way that you're left in complete awe. Such were the smothered tacos. They couldn't even be eaten by hand as they were... well... smothered in a delicious sauce whose name escapes me at the moment. The tacos were accompanied by a jalapeno coleslaw which was equally impressive. I'm normally pretty indifferent to coleslaw- it just doesn't excite. This jalapeno creation was light years beyond regular coleslaw. I was pretty full from the tacos and chips, but I couldn't stop myself from scarfing down the jalapeno coleslaw. If you like food and flavor, you have to check this place out.
(5)Mark L.
LOVE this place. The food is always creative, fresh, and delicious. They feature a drink menu that'll please a tequila connoisseur of any level and offer plenty of mixed drink options, all crafted by the pros behind the bar. Lola has the best staff in town, overseen by Patrick the GM, one of the best in the biz! Also, they have music on Sunday from 2:30-5:00, featuring some of Denver's best musicians. Highly Recommended!
(5)Sean P.
Ok so I have been here several times and on accident I was in the area after a long night of having a good time drinking and came in on a Sunday and was pleasantly surprised about the dish I found. Spanish Paella...now as I have been to Spain for a long time I was quite sceptical. However I was pleasantly surprised as I said this place has the best overall paella in Denver. I do want to point out that there will not we the assortment that is normally found in Spanish paella but a solid mixture of chicken, shrimp peeled and sausage. The rice and the sauce are the main sections of the dish that brought me back to Spanish Paella. The regular menu is good and has some unique fixings but will be going back for paella if I am in the area on a Sunday again. Just as a heads up the parking in the area is street parking so get there a little early.
(4)Chris C.
OMG! This place rocks! We decided to try Lola's for brunch to celebrate my 65th birthday. We didn't go wrong, in fact everything from food to service was exactly right! We were seated before our actual reservation time and our smiling server greeted us not more than 10 seconds after we were we seated. We started with the guacamole made table side, it was the perfect consistency, not too creamy with just the right amount of chunks of avocado and other yummy additions. The chips served along side are awesome too, warm and crunchy, not too salty. The special Lola's Bloody Mary with shrimp, pickle, cheese and bacon was wonderful, albeit it could have used a bit more alcohol. I really didn't taste a drop of vodka in it! Come on Lola's, you do a good enough business, you shouldn't skimp on the alcohol!! I had the buttermilk brined fried chicken on a waffle, a dish seen lots in the south and east, but rarely in the west. It was amazing, crunchy, very tasty chicken breast atop a crunchy, slightly sweet waffle drizzled with a perfectly seasoned cherry sauce. Wow! Others in our group had the special which was a tres Leches French toast, amazingly creative and yummy dish; the huevos rancheros served very creatively in a fried tortilla with all sorts of yummy additions; and last but not least the banana pancake sweet and creamy. For the birthday girl a plate of warm, fresh home made cinnamon donuts with a honey cinnamon whipped cream dipping sauce were the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Thanks Lola's, well be back!!!!
(5)Josh P.
Lola, you get one more star for that patio. 7pm on a Saturday night, hot as the dickens outside...I immediately thought of a caipirinha on the patio at Lola. I was luring my friends in, all the while hoping that 6 for this beautiful patio was a possibility on a Saturday night. Fortunately, the wait wasn't outrageous (fortunately, we never mind waiting as long as we can get a cocktail at the bar). I think, in all, we were there for 4 1/2 hours eating, drinking, enjoying the summer breeze and the view of the City. Lola just might have the best patio in Denver.
(5)Amy O.
Hands down, 5 stars, UH-mazing. First and foremost, the mimosa was the exact way a mimosa should be- 99% champagne and 1% orange juice. That won me over right there, but the tableside guac and El Admiral brunch items were amazing. The only thing that wasn't cool was that it was pretty warm in there, but they do have an open air bar between the restaurant and the patio so that's probably why. But again, the mimosa made up for it.
(5)Leah M.
I have an inkling that Lola waters down their drinks for happy hour. This was a big disappointment because I like Lola's and had high expectations for my favorite time of day. I ordered the house margarita. When I paid full price for it a couple of months ago, it was pure bliss. Tangy, tequila-y deliciousness. But the happy hour version tasted like they let 1,000 ice cubes melt in my glass before serving it. I switched it up and ordered the cranberry-mint fizz for drink #2, and even though it was tasty, it was weak. It could just be me: maybe I'm becoming immune to alcohol. I ordered a fried fish taco and the sweet potato-yucca bocadillos. Both were pretty delcious, but I have never had anything similar to the bocadillos, so they stole the show. They are fried potato balls in a smoky sauce. I follow the Midwestern belief that anything deep-fried will be good. I love Lola's- just not their happy hour. Next time I go back, I'll happily pay full price.
(3)Dan S.
Had a very nice celebratory dinner here. Here are some highlights and mediumlights: High - the Guacamole is terrific, made tableside. The Whole Snapper was excellently prepared, and the sauce below it really set off the sweetness of this perfectly done fish. You had to bring them together on your own, but it was well worth it. The Yucca dumplings (brought separately so my gluten-free wife could try the dish) were good as well. The Banana Flan was terrific. T-rific. Medium - the Carne Asada was fine, but nothing to write home about. Did like the roasted sweet potatoes with it alot. The Mojito, although recommended, was a little bitter for my taste - and a little strong. I'm a lightweight, would ask for a weak one next time. The service was good, and they took off a few dollars because our main dishes took a while without asking (or apologizing, strangely enough). It is definitely noisy, but we were in the back a bit and it was bearable. Overall an enjoyable meal, and additional things we want to try on our next visit.
(4)Emilee C.
We went to Lola for 5280. I have also been there for a couple Happy Hours on their GREAT little patio with awesome views of downtown Denver. They make pretty killer guacamole that is made fresh in front of you and the margaritas are splendid. As for the night of 5280... It was okay. I wasn't wowed with anything. We started with the queso that tasted good but not great, pretty bland. We all shared a ceviche flight that was pretty tasty, this was my favorite part of the night. They also served a smoked corn soup which was also pretty good. I can't decide if it was only good because of its spiciness. My main course was the Mahi Mahi which was served with an enchilada. I love spice but... this dish was over the top for me. I couldn't taste anything because the it was so spicy. I love mahi and I was really let down. One last note the Doughnuts are AMAZING. The Flan was AWFUL. I ordered the flan and I LOVE SWEETS and I was depressed with my selection :( I only had one bite which is rare. Ususally if there is sugar in it I will eat it anyway... but not in this situation. Great service and the place was not over crowded the evening we went. I would go back... But I choose it to be more of a happy hour place!
(3)Anthony N.
We went here on a tip fhat they'd have great drinks and some tasty food. Prices seemed a bit high, but the food was absolutely delicious. My favorite? I suggest trying the poblano entree with steak. It's to die for! As for the overpriced oysters and everything else... well, let's just say if it wasn't for the delicious jalapeno martinis, I'd have a hard time justifying this place. If you have a date, on the other hand, this may be just the right place to start off the night!
(4)Jessica F.
Never a disappointment. The Fall menu is amazing. Brought out-of-towners here this weekend and they were floored. So nice to show friends a good time and amaze them with a great location. Wish that stupid apartment building across the street wasn't built that now blocks Lola's amazing view. I'll wash my woes away with another margarita :)
(5)Corey H.
Took some visiting friends here for happy hour. The drinks were quenching. The food was ... alright. The ceviche and tacos weren't memorable other than they were ordered. The guacamole bar that they rolled up to our table was memorable and pretty fantastic. They were willing to split our single order to accommodate spicy and non-spicy pallets.
(3)Tara D.
Lola is so beautiful inside and out such unique cuisine music decor atmosphere. Amazing brunch and Happy hour. Tequila!
(5)Maggie P.
Lola's was a much better brunch than I expected. I had the ultimate bloody, guacamole, ceviche trio, chicken and waffles and the country fried steak. I was told that the chicken and waffles were the best in town, but that's not true of last Saturday because the waffles were soft, and I like them crunchier. I have zero complaints about the other food. I eat country fried steak whenever it's on the menu, and I think this might have been the BEST steak ever. Plus, our server Kelly was super on top of it as well as her helpers, and we never once had to flag someone down for something. Great meal and great service.
(4)Tc C.
Nice atmosphere and fairly good service. Guacamole appetizer is a must. They had just changed to the Fall menu two days before I dined, and I have to say that the choices were a little limited and the prices were fairly high for Mexican food.
(3)Kristin W.
We had our rehearsal dinner here recently and were not impressed. While the food was pretty good, the service just was not and everything seemed pretty disorganized. For a group of 30 people, we had one server taking care of everything. That obviously made everything run really slowly (for example taking about 45 minutes to even get a drink order for everyone in). Little things like not having any utensils, having to ask for water refills, etc all added up to a disappointing experience. They need to appoint at least one additional server to group events and maybe things would run better. Overall, it was just super slow and we had to run and find someone to ask for way too many things that should be standard. They forgot a few of the items we ordered (and paid for) and when we are basically walking out the door they asked if we wanted them boxed up. Um, no we would have liked them while we were actually eating. I would not recommend having any kind of formal event here if you are someone who appreciates organization and attention to detail.
(2)Leahrae A.
Came here specifically because they are supposed to have the number one margarita in Denver. Did not have anything except 1 margarita. I would have had more, had I liked it. For me personally, I do not like a margarita to taste like a tequila shot, if I'd wanted a tequila shot that is what I would have ordered. The margarita had so much tequila in it, I could not drink the whole thing, and I love margaritas. The bartender was very friendly and served it right up. The other thing I noticed is that all margaritas are the same with the exception of your choice of tequila. No varieties what so ever. I has the bartender which margarita he recommended, and that is exactly what he told me. I did peruse the menu. What I did see was a lack of an appetizer menu. I might have had one, had they had an appetizer menu. It wasn't happy hour, but still. The menu items were mostly seafood and the price matched the part of town I guess. But nothing on the menu screamed at me to come back.
(3)Alicia H.
All I wanted was a snack, but I didn't want any fast food. So on my Friday night adventure with Amanda T we stopped in here for my first bite of delicious! We got their salsa sampler and the guac.... OMG perfect! It was the perfect amount of food for the snack we were craving but the taste and the service were outstanding! I will be back for a more formal meal for sure!!
(5)Andrea K.
Her name was Lola, she was a great bar... Our last restaurant for 5280 was here on Friday. I had been for happy hour but never a full meal. Here's the good: the bar, the decor, the service, the queso, my Mahi and tasty enchilada. The awesome: the debilita! Love that sweet and spicy drink!! The soup was delicious and the doughnuts...such warm doughnuts with fresh whipped cream...yum. The not so good: happy hour margs! Disappointing. I had the repos ado coin marg and it just tasted like lime juice. Nothing special. Get the debilita!! My mouth waters for the Little devil. The tuna appetizer also not great. Did not taste fresh. All in all, Lola is a saucy little mynx that I will return to for happy hour...the pork nachos look divinely naughty! Great place to sit and enjoy. Tip: happy hour is also available in the restaurant! Do yourself a favor and get a table instead of fighting for the bartenders attention! Your feet will thank you and so will your thirst.
(4)Kevin N.
Very attractive, fun, energetic restaurant with exceptionally nice and efficient staff. The menu was loaded with interesting choices and my wife and I each wanted to try numerous items. We tried the salsa sampler and two entrees and while all were visually appealing and well prepared, each seemed to lack a little something. The habanero salsa looked fantastic, but our batch was medium-hot at best. Perhaps we ordered new menu items that hadn't been fully worked out. The restaurant was great otherwise and the bar downstairs was hopping so perhaps we'll try it again. With some seasoning and spice tweaks this has great potential.
(4)JM N.
This was a wonderful experience! I and my friends had made a last minute decision on a Saturday night due to some complications with another restaurant. Another friend suggested Lola so I walked in hoping for the best given I now had no reservation...the staff was amazing in setting up our table as one of my friends is in a wheelchair...and the manager saw us struggling to get her out of the car and ran to the parking lot to help...food was amazing and our waiter was attentive enough given our group was catching up...highly recommend and looking forward to this becoming a regular spot for my and my friends
(5)Chris Z.
My girlfriend and I did not like the new menu. We LOVED the old one. Both our meals were overly salty. Yelp has it listed at $$ but it's a lot pricier than that. Good, fun atmosphere, but needless to say we won't be back. Their is better Mexican food in Denver at a better price.
(2)Nick C.
I don't know why it has taken me so long to finally try Lola's, but it finally happened as it was the first stop on our long afternoon of Saturday patio hopping. Mostly I have heard about their awesome brunch, which sounds right up my alley, but I have also heard some unfortunate comments about their food only being subpar. Unfortunately this trip did not involve any food, as our patio hopping was well after brunch and moments after the 5 o'clock cutoff to Saturday happy hour. A bit disappointed by missing happy hour we refused to order anything based on principal. We will certainly not make that mistake next time as their happy hour offerings looked awesome. Fish and chicken tacos were only $3 and the most appealing was the shrimp ceviche $6 and ahi crudo $5. I guess I should try them first before I get too excited. Either way, Lola's succeeded in offering an awesome patio setting. The view of downtown is awesome! Although half of the patio was occupied by a wedding party, the service was great. Our waitress was very attentive and recommended my new favorite beer, Agave Wheat. Based on atmosphere and service alone, I was happy with what Lola's had to offer. With an intriguing menu I am encouraged to go back again.
(4)Zina S.
I've been going to this place for drinks since I moved to Denver in October. I just love this area. I'm not going to be happy when they finish the building across the street. Parking is difficult, yes, why wouldn't it be? The drinks are great and so is the food. Stop by for happy hour or Tuesday tastings and you won't be disappointed. True, the food is touch and go, but overall good. The guacamole and chips are excellent. I love the ambiance is very hip without being snobby. The personnel is very attentive and friendly. I will keep coming back for more.
(4)Topaz A.
It has been more than a year since my 1 and only visit and it is highly overrated. Yes, the drinks and chips/salsa were good. The food was very bad. I had a lamb or beef steak dish (can't recall exactly) and it was so very-cooked it was grey in the middle. It was also very salty. There are better places around.
(2)Robert L.
Wonderful Brunch! Mexican food with an American twist.
(5)Ken K.
Lola is among the dozens of restaurant/bar trendy hangouts dotting the lower Highlands. A half-outdoor bar wraps around, which is where we sat, and ordered a cocktail called the Drug Mule. While light and refreshing, the taste of my drink wasn't as memorable as its name. Our queso was more of a cream sauce than anything while the guacamole was surprisingly spicy with a generous dash of chili powder mixed in. While I wouldn't make a trip specifically for Lola, it's still a fine place to spend a little time, and by the way, more than a little money.
(3)Stephen S.
Best Margs and Guac in town.
(5)Danielle C.
I might have a tiny addiction to Denver Restaurant Week. This was the first of four DRW restaurants for me and let's just say I'm glad it was my first. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. It probably didn't help that we got the worst seat in the house: the very back corner on the covered patio, a foot from the door, on the side without a heater. I mean, come on! On a cold winter night, you shouldn't subject any guests to these conditions. My fiance and I ate wearing our down jackets. I'd understand being sat there if there were no other seats, but we passed 3 empty tables on our way to the Arctic Tundra. And yes, we did have reservations. On to the food. We started with the rock shrimp ceviche. I've eaten a lot of ceviche in my life; it's probably my favorite food. This was not good ceviche. The aioli lacked any distinguishable flavor. Here's the thing: when you've got a dish whose traditional preparation is bloody glorious, you'd better be damn sure you're improving upon things when you apply an artistic preparation. The roasted corn chipotle soup was delicious! The blackened mahi was blackened at the expense of maintaining tenderness and the collards were pretty amazing, but the squash enchilada was pretty lame. The cascabel chile cream was OK. Here's what killed me: We ordered the espresso flan for dessert which was supposed to be topped with Patron XO blackberry jam. Instead - and this is unacceptable - ours was covered with CANNED CHERRIES! Was this some sort of mistake? Or a joke? I mean, what the eff? On a positive note, the Q Coin margarita was delicious, although devoid of any detectable alcohol. And our waiter was very kind. The chiclets were a nice touch.
(2)Nick R.
"Whatever the cougars at Lola's want...The cougars get...and little man...these cougars want you!" Great location, but the atmosphere fizzles. A lot of people that *want* to be seen, but the eye-candy is stale. Servers have a dead-beat attitude as if you are forcing them to work for the money.
(2)Matt S.
Very unique brunch on the weekends. The restaurant is in a historic building in Denver and has lots of character. Generally quick to get into for breakfast on the weekends with good variety of menu items and southwestern inspired drinks.
(3)Kelly W.
Pretty good. They don't have much vegetarian stuff. My boyfriend got the chicken and waffles. I honestly don't know how they got the Westword's Best of for chicken and waffles 2013. We both agreed there were too many flavors. They have BOMB guacamole though.
(3)Steve G.
Food was good - a bit different which is interesting and nicely done. Smaller portions and a little expensive. The wait staff was very nice - the atmosphere was urban, young fun, loud and great place to socialize. I'd go again with the right crowd...
(4)Mariah L.
Here's the jest of it - amazing food as usual and they would have gotten 5 stars (most likely) if their service wasn't terrible. I mean, I get that it's Restaurant Week and whatnot, but you also know that too. Hire more people to accommodate the crowds. Duh! BAD SERVICE - what do I mean by that?!?! To start, we had a party of 7 and our waiter brought 2 chips, 1 salsa. We asked for a 2nd salsa...never got it. After ordering off the 5280 menu, the only person who opted for the salad instead of the soup got hers immediately. Weird. You had to raise your wine glass and hope the server saw you barely able to swallow before he stopped by to see if we needed anything. Water....well that was as common as being in desolate wasteland under the burning sun with no shade. It was a chore to get AND when it did happen, pay no attention to the busser setting down all the dirty dishes on our table to fill our glasses instead of dropping them off first. We were overcharged and then that took too long to remedy. Plain and simple, our server sucked and you got the feeling he was miserable with being there, thus making it not as fun as it should have been. FOOD - I got there early to enjoy happy hour ($4 Sangria, thank you very much!) and totally enjoyed the 5280 menu. Since we had a bigger group, we got to basically eat everything they offered. The Queso Fundido was incredible...I'd fill up a bath tub and soak in it if I could; that's how tasty it was. Next was the Roasted Corn & Chipotle Soup which had a really great bite. I opted for the Blackened Mahi, as if done correctly, is very yummy...and that is was. Topped off the night with some Sugar Doughnuts. Kinda bland and flavorless, but the fact that they were piping hot and covered in sugar, I ate them. Best part was the homemade whipped cream - not sure what they did to it but it was fantastic! If you've never been to Lola's before - it is a place to try. Never had bad food. Really like their all day Happy Hour on Monday and appreciate how fresh and creative the menu is.
(3)John K.
Service = Pretty good Bloody Mary = Meh! I have had MUCH better. Food = DAMN! We went for brunch. I had the Chicken and waffles, which were amazing! Never had them before. Anywhere. The waffles were almost floating off the plate they were so light and fluffy. the chicken was cooked perfectly and not overly breaded. The sauces were a combo of sweet and spicy and just amazing. I'll be going back for sure. Need to try their dinner menu!!
(4)Akilah R.
Haven't had food there yet (I hear they have fantastic brunch though), but their drinks are perfect. This is an excellent spot to spend a lazy sunny day with a few friends. Their lemon cucumber cocktail is by far my favorite - very refreshing, well put together, and delicious - if you're not careful, someone will have to carry you home! Very casual atmosphere and attentive staff. My one complaint is that the patio can get extremely crowded - I really wish they'd work more to put a more realistic cap on how many people they have out there - would make for a better experience, I think. But, on the one hand, that is how you know it's good!
(4)Danee C.
I finally made it here for HH last Friday. I anticipated having a drink or two...next thing you know--I am 3 $2 Tecates deep and have my fingers covered in goat cheese queso (yes...goat cheese queso). My friend and I effectively enjoyed our Friday HH with inexpensive apps and beers for under $16 each! The patio is large and is easily enclosed in the event of rain or unbearable breezes. I will certainly be back for HH and dinner soon!
(4)Rebecca R.
I have always loved Lola, but am so impressed with their party hosting! I had my 40th birthday party there and we booked BeLola (the room below Lola) and had about 50 people. They did a great job timing the appetizers, keeping everyone's glasses full, getting meals out to those who ordered them and just being all around awesome to work with. I'll going to do my 50th party there as well! Thanks Lola!!
(5)Jaylene W.
July 23. Celebrating a birthday, we reserved a table on the patio on a Monday night. We arrived on time and were seated immediately, beside the kitchen. The patio seemed full, but we had a RESERVATION! Heard the guacamole was fabulous, so we started there. How hard is it to make avocados, tomatos and spices taste good? The guacamole was good the way avocados are good. The server who came to our table to make it seemed bored. I say either bring me some guacamole, or give me a little show worth watching. Don't make me answer a lot of questions about my guacamole if it isn't entertaining. The chips were fresh, warm, and wonderful. For the 2% of the population who are tequila connoisseurs, I bet the margueritas are fantastic. For the rest of us, the margueritas are too astringent. Our server let us know about the dry drinks, and it was happy hour, so we tried them. When my husband asked for his second drink to be a bit sweeter, it came back from the bar perfect and delicious, but the server seemed disappointed in us. Food was good, priced fairly, but we did not feel like we fit this restaurant. It is much more of a 28-year-old-Very-hip-Lodo-resident kind of vibe. We are middle-aged Berkely residents (who tip well) and really felt shuffled to the back by a style-conscious matre'd. Really pretty mosaic decor, interesting, artistic, wildly imaginative.
(3)Kristin S.
Awesome happy hour and cool patio! Looking forward to future dining experiences.
(5)Doug O.
We met some friends there for Saturday happy hour and had an amazing time. Food was really good and the prices were great. The service was good and I would highly recommend this to anyone. It's a short walk from downtown and there is a B Cycle station right across the street. I loved everything about this place and will definitely go back soon.
(5)Marc D.
Great food, great drinks, great view of the city. I DID spend about $160 for three of us, which was painful, but the food was delicious. I had the Tuesday tastings ($25 for four course small meals) and it was a good choice. Make sure to stop by Little man for ice cream afterwards.
(4)Margaret B.
I really wanted to give Lola 4 stars for the happy hour food, but couldn't because we had terrible service-- including an order of pork braised nachos in which the pork was left out and charge for a beer we never got. The nachos charge was removed, but then we discovered the extra beer charge and just didn't feel like saying anything after all the trouble for the first mix up. I got a cucumber vodka infused lemonade, which was quenched my thirst with the perfect amount of booze. Chicken tacos were delicious; reminded me a bit of Pinche Taco food truck's tacos- very fresh ingredients and well-spiced meat. Me and the boyfriend probably couldn't often afford to eat here for regular meals, but the happy hour menu was very reasonably priced, with mostly everything under $10 and everything under $20. Plus, the patio and live music were a big seller- often happy hour music, imo, is too loud and hinders conversation, but this was instrumental music at a good volume. Bottom line: happy hour!
(3)Moira R.
We went here for brunch on a Saturday and the service, food, atmosphere, and drinks were all fabulous! They have a variety of flavors of mimosas - we tried the pineapple and the snazzberry (bartender's secret recipe) and both were great. For our meals we had the chicken and waffles and the peaches and cream waffles. We also had the table side guacamole. I would highly recommend all of these dishes. There are so many unique dishes - I can't wait to go back.
(5)Christina P.
This place is great for a date. But I could be biased because I went there with a totally hot date... The place is very intimate and romantic, even though it's not that small. Probably because it's so dark inside. There's a patio, but in the "freezing" weather (for this California girl), there was NO way I was sitting out there, heat lamp or not. But, I imagine in the summer, the patio is pretty awesome. We got out first drinks at the bar....very eclectic crowd, which I love. Couples, friends, complainers, etc. Super attentive bartenders. The hostess, however, could use a lesson or two. When she delivered us to our table, she was so busy checking herself out in the mirror by the table, we didn't understand or hear a word of mumbled nonsense she said. Pay attention to your guest, not yourself, duh! Starving, we ordered Queso Fundido and Tableside Guacamole. Both were mediocre. The Queso was not what I expected, or what I've had before. It looked and tasted like melted white velveeta. The consistency was like nacho cheese. Usually it's very cheesy, like actual melted cheese. Stringier and not easy to dip into, which is the way it should be, and I love. I wouldn't order it again. The guacamole was ok. Nothing exciting about their spices, the way it was prepared, or the way it tasted. The only exciting part was the fact that the server knifed in Lola on the plate. For dinner, I had the Ahi Tostada and my date had the Whole Striped Bass. The server probably could have warned me that the tostada was super spicy. I couldn't enjoy the dish because the spice was overwhelming. The bass look delicious, but with it's eyes staring at me, I couldn't bring myself to try a bite. The bathrooms are at the bottom of a very steep staircase, so don't have too many drinks before you decide to go down them. Will I go back? Probably not... Unless the guy who took me REALLY wanted to go again.
(3)Courtney P.
Love this place - I hate the new building that went up across the street, blocking what once was a beautiful view.
(4)Gladys C.
I went to Lola for the first time last week. At first I wasn't sure how Mexican and seafood would go together, but I was not disappointed! I had the caldo de marisco, which is a tomato saffron broth with different kind of seafoods in it. Growing up on the easy coast I am pretty particular about my seafood, but Lola totally nailed it!! It was delicious and I wish I have a bigger stomach to finish up the broth as well. My boyfriend got the brisket taco and it was just as good! Brisket was super tender and it was a rather big serving. Our server was attentive and friendly. The only thing was that the restaurant was a bit noisy for my liking.( I guess the fact that I was seated right behind a group of 8 girls doesn't really justify my complain haha) I know a lot of people raved about their cocktail as well, but I wasn't a big fan of the one that I got. But I m sure their other drinks are delicious. I would totally recommend this place for a nice dinner night out!
(4)Beth A.
Was hoping to hit up Linger or Central Bistro for brunch on Saturday after the Farmer's Market, and Lola was the only place opened. To say I was disappointed when I walked into the door, it would be an understatement. Then I read the menu, and I felt like I had made a horrible decision with nothing sounding that great. Decided on Lobster Deviled Eggs. Didn't pay enough attention to the menu to realize that it includes bacon (I do not eat pork), so I picked it off AND they were the MOST AMAZING Deviled Eggs I've ever had. The sauce was amazing, complimenting the yolk mixture so well. I usually find the yolk mixture in most deviled eggs to be too much, scooping out half of the mixture. (I blame all the egg white omelets I've had for my dislike of yolk) However, it was AMAZING. This place is pretty awesome, even when I came in with a bad attitude.
(4)Jeffrey E.
What I had? carne asada (chile rubbed flatiron, collard greens, chimichurri rojo papas fritas, truffled chile butter). lola guacamole (prepared tableside). Food review: Everything was pretty darn tasty at Lola's. I can't say there's much I didn't like there. Started off with their guacamole which was prepared tableside so that was kind of neat. That was generally good. The carne asada was just about perfect. Very tasty and even more amazing was the chimichurri rojo papas fritas. Aaaammmmaaaazzzing! Only thing that was a little odd with that plate was the collard greens which were ok. The drinks there were quite good as well. The Fuego Verde reminded me of a chile beer except it was a cocktail. Service? No complaints.
(4)Kim S.
Came here for Sunday Brunch. Dang it tastes good! Its in the cutest little neighborhood. Parking was a slight challenge at first, but I found a spot around the corner and it all worked out. There is a lot across the street from the restaurant but it was completely packed (on account of the delicious food at Lola's). I really like the atmosphere here. Plus the delicious juevos. Lola's is a great place to check out if you are around town. I am sure the dinner and lunch is good too, but I was told by a friend who is a local in Denver to try the brunch... so that's exactly what I did!
(5)Lane R.
Happy hour was good here! Margaritas are STRONG, but the Sangria is just all right. Stick to the margaritas and you will be happy. My friend and I each ordered The Platter which is supposed to come with 2 chicken tacos, rice and beans. We were able to upgrade to other tacos of our choice for just $1 more. I chose to get a chicken and pork taco. The chicken was a little dry, but the pork al pastor was excellent! The beans and rice were also good. Chips and salsa were around $2 I think with unlimited refills. We had heard happy hour got pretty busy so we arrived right at 4 and sat out on the patio. It was a Thursday, but it never got to crowded there were always a few open tables.
(4)J. Paul A.
The salsa sampler was a good start and the waitress graciously brought additional house salsa (which was my favorite) to finish the chips. Carne asada was rich and flavorful. One note: Yelp lists this as $$. Seemed closer to $$$ to me.
(4)Erin F.
Only went for drinks and apps but it was great. Jimmy, the bartender, was very knowledgeable and responsive to our needs. Top notch service.
(5)Kristine B.
Not a great experience. I've been wanting to go for awhile now and the food doesn't live up to the lovely descriptions on the menu. Pros: the bar is fun and I really enjoyed my mojito. I realize that tequila is their thing, so I will probably go back to check out what else the bar has to offer. Chips and salsa are tasty, as was the guacamole (although I've had a lot better.) The staff is very friendly and the place has good ambience. Carnitas were also decent and the cabbage slaw adds a nice touch. I loved my roasted corn and chipotle soup. It is the best meatless soup I have had in awhile. Cons: waited for over an hour for a table in the dining room. Tables turn over pretty slowly and it shows in the servers who are chomping at the bit to get some new flesh in there for tips. The "seared sea scallops" is a really poor (and kind of gross) dish --too sweet marmalade over a breaded and fried chunk of over-rich pork belly next to a fishy scallop. It basically ruined the rest of my meal. Street taco was meh, not bad, but definitely not memorable. Would I go again? To the bar for drinks, chips, salsa and soup: totally. For a meal: not ever
(2)James O.
Had to edit a previous negative posting - LoLa recovered in a good way today on a messed up reservation, so looking forward to a great Easter Brunch there. Will post a food review (and drink of course) after tomorrow... - J
(4)Rebecca P.
Lola's deserves a 4 star for their margaritas alone. Finally a place that makes delicious margaritas that don't hide the lime and tequila under a cup of sweet n sour. Why oh why do people think a margarita has to be neon green/yellow to be good? Lola knows how to make a REAL margarita - and they are strong! As for the food - I thought at first my impossible new 'diet - not by choice' of vegetarian plus gluten-free would mean I was left eating guac and salsa because there were no other options on the menu. BUT - when I mentioned my situation to the waitress she went back to the kitchen and they wiped up this delicious roasted veggie platter. Yummmy!!! The rest of my table also enjoyed their meals - mahi mahi and shrimp fajitas. The chips and salsa were also delicious! Not too salty or greasy for the chips and the salsa was like the stuff I ate while living in Oaxaca. The guacamole was okay - definitely not worth the $8 (and we didn't get table side). Overall - I will return to Lola's - definitely for their margaritas!
(4)Betsy V.
It's a good sign when there is a wait on a Monday evening...probably because it's Happy Hour all night on Mondays. We waited for about 20 mins and enjoyed a tasty $5 margarita while we waited. The staff was incredibly attentive. We got drink orders immediately, we didn't have to chase down the bartender to pay our bar tab when our table was ready. Once we got to the table our waiter was there quickly and in minutes we had another round of drinks and table side guac. He gave us some great recommendations! We had the table side guac, the $2 Charcuterie, a chorizo infused tuna small plate. At that point we had a lot going on on our table and our waiter waited to put in the enchilada order until we finished our apps which was perfectly timed! The food was all really tasty and fresh, the service excellent and the vibe fun and the happy hour fantastic! It's added to our go-to list!
(5)Jason J.
I don't want to write this review. Not at all, not in the tiniest bit. But I have to. I like Lola, I do. It's just....it's the food poisoning I don't like. I don't think the ladyfriend liked it either. A visit to Lola for a bday gathering started wonderfully but days later turned over so sour. I ate the Carne Asada, which was pretty decent. The ladyfriend had the Chicken Mole Verde, which was quite good -- but that's where the trouble started. The next morning she felt sick, and ended up leaving work early. We weren't sure if it might be a quick bug, or if it was honest food poisoning, but the symptoms and timeline all pointed to food poisoning. We just...didn't want to admit it, because we really enjoy Lola. Two days later I did one of the dumbest things I've ever done in my life. I decided to eat her leftovers from Lola. Friday I left early from work, just as she had done a couple days earlier, and spent the better part of 6 hours Friday afternoon in ridiculous pain from stomach cramps, and making a place to lay in the bathroom because it's easier than getting up from the bed or couch every 15 minutes. I'd still love to believe that it wasn't the food from Lola, but it's the only food item she and I both ate during that time-span. I emailed Lola (and huge kudos for this) and the Head Chef Duane emailed me back directly just a few short hours later expressing his profound apologies, assured me that they were investigating the issue, and invited us back for another go, and he said he would like to take care of our dinner. In a litigious age where so few restaurants would want to take responsibility, Lola owned up to what was most likely their mistake, and wants to make it right. This gives me confidence in Lola, especially because I have no intention of anything even closely resembling legal action. Food poisoning is one of those understood risks we have when going out to eat, whether as patrons we want to admit that or not, it just is. Lola deserves a ton of credit for this, Chef Duane in particular, and hopefully they found something that prevented another diner from getting sick. Unfortunately this experience has severely stained my perception of Lola. It's not that I don't want to love it, it's that the magic just isn't there especially after this little incident. We'll probably go back, we'll probably let them do their best to make it right, but I just don't think Lola will be sitting in my top 10 list any time in the near future.
(2)L E.
Amazing authentic mexican food. great drink prices. We love it so much we hosted our wedding reception here. I love the service and the food. Go and you will not be disappointed!
(5)Stephie B.
Great happy hour on Monday nights! Definitely gets noisy and busy, but the food is consistently good and the crowd is always young and fun. Brunch is also fabulous!
(4)Whitney S.
You can't go wrong with a stellar location and view of the city, coupled with creative and fillingly delicious food. Lola is funky AND fresh! We have been meaning to try it since we moved here, but hadn't until tonight. Our first impression was less than fab however. We called for a rez since they are always busy and unfortunately, the hostess was chilly, if not downright rude. When we checked in, we must have talked to the same girl that had answered the phone because she was unfriendly and gave us an eye roll when we decided to sit at the bar instead of being sat at the table we made the rez for. Meh, whatever, I guess I can understand...but still not a good first impression. We sat at the bar and started with the roasted corn and chipotle soup... this stuff was bomb. It was probably corn, chipotle, cream and a bit of goat cheese that had been put in a food processor and blended into a sweet, spicy, creamy bowl o'heaven. I was shoveling it in my mouth with their tortilla chips - so yummy. For entrees, we split the lobster ceviche and blackened mahi (with butternut squash and goat cheese quesadillas on the side). The portions were hearty and the presentation pretty. Overall, with 2 specialty drinks, 2 vodka waters and a beer, with 2 complimentary tequila tastings and tip, we spent just under $100. Very cool spot!!
(4)Jasmyn M.
Ok, this place was expensive. Not gonna lie. As a visitor to Denver, I was expecting pricing to be a few dollars cheaper but oh well. On the deliciousness front, it was exactly that. Delicious. My girlfriend and I just shared the guac (a MUST have) and some pulled pork nachos (fantastic!) and that was enough to have us rolling out the door. The guacamole is made tableside and is everything an avocado lover would hope it would be. The nachos were some of the best I've ever had. Not greasy, full of flavor, not light on portions on chips...a perfect balance of all ingredients. The margaritas looked delicious but was trying to be good that night and stuck to water. I'm guessing that was my mistake. Next time!
(4)Pootums P.
The food here is very delicious and consistent. Great ceviche and chicken dishes. Will be a regular here for sure.
(5)Brianne C.
I have eaten here several times and the food was wonderful each time. I have had the Carnitas Benedict for brunch and they were so good I crave them from time to time. Their adult beverages are super tasty as well. The guacamole is some of the best I have had. Their mexican food is not run of the mill. They add their little twist to it to make it uniquely their own, therefore, can only be had at LOLA! The waitstaff is attentive and helpful.
(4)Monica L.
I tried Lola for the first time tonight. I can't believe I've never been there. The atmosphere is festive and the food is great. I thought the chips and house salsa were very good even if the chips did need more salt (an easy problem to solve). The roasted corn soup was outrageous -- one of the best dishes in Denver I think. The sweet potato and chorizo hash with fried oysters, grilled shrimp, pork belly and a fried egg was very good, but not as good as the soup. Next time I'd just have chips and salsa and then a swimming pool size bowl of the soup.
(4)Erin N.
Ahh Lola my dear neighborhood darling, I love you but I can only give you 4 stars this time. I'm a tough broad to please though in your defense. Brought the Moms & her gentleman there against my better judgment, as their tastes diverge significantly from mine - but they insisted. We had the Cesar for a start. The lettuce the Cesar was made with was very high-quality. The Texans had the pork chop (naturally), I had the sea bass. Slight peeve about the menu - it's getting old to me. Anyhoo....Sea bass....oh how I wanted to taste some semblance of the habanero-grapefruit broth but yet, there was nothing. It was a tasty broth but didn't live up to it's descriptor. What truly disappointed me though were the sweet potato dumplings which tasted like they had been made days ago and then overcooked in some way shape or form tonight. And dammit I love all dumplings and gnocchi, etc., but these - would barely have been edible if it hadn't been for the "habanero" broth to let them sit in. For a long time. In contrast, the Texans loved the pork chop. I was a little surprised to see the onion ring on the plate at Lola but hey whatever they loved it. The service was very good. Although whatever red the waitress recommended was not so good. As a side note, I am a big fan of the brunch!!
(4)Heather W.
The hubs and I were in Denver visiting close friends and we all decided to give this place a try. My friends hadn't been there yet, but had heard great things. Besides the yummy drinks and the ambiance, the rest of the experience was just, eh. My biggest issue was the "chorizo". Perhaps I am spoiled by having a Portuguese husband, and being able to enjoy authentic chorizo all of the time. But this stuff was just gross. It was like ground beef infused with Tabsco sauce. I seriously just dry-heaved a little bit remembering it. But like I said, the ambiance was nice and the drink selection was great. The service was also stellar.
(3)Sandy V.
Lola's was GREAT all around. Lovely neighborhood, went on a saturday afternoon for brunch - cute little farmers market going on outside. Deliciously tasty margaritas, amazing food (um, biscuits and gravy, YES) and prices were great (from a New Yorkers perspective) - service was 5 star as well. Say yes to guac!
(5)Shelli N.
Friendly and lively. While the entree prices seemed a little overpriced, the guacamole was great, the margaritas were delicious, and the service was prompt and pleasant. My server was very accommodating with my food allergies and really took good care of me on that front, which I can say is definitely not my experience everywhere!
(4)Alissa S.
Location is a big part of why I love this place. It's hard to think of anywhere else I'd like to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon during a warm spring day. Nested in Potter Highlands, Lola has a wonderful view of the downtown Denver backdrop from it's cozy patio area. Sunday brunch offers $4 Mimosas, a Bloody Mary bar and some of the classiest chicken and waffles I've ever eaten. The live music is also a nice touch (usually jazz and salsa inspired). If you come by later in the day, you can order some table side guacamole that's the bee's knees. One thing I would not recommend at Lola is anything involving a fried oyster (not that I would ever recommend eating oysters in a land locked state). Otherwise, most things I've tried from the menu (typically brunch) are quite delish.
(4)Lacey M.
I went back to Lola on a Saturday morning with my brunch buddy, because I had heard nothing but great things about their weekend brunch. Now, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite brunch spots in the city (so far). I was expecting a big crowd, so I made reservations. We were seated right away on the patio, as it actually wasn't that busy. We started off with mimosas, of course. I had a hard time deciding because they had 6 different flavors to choose from. My first one was cranberry, and then I had a snazberry mimosa. Both were really good, and at a great price of only $4! I had a couple sips of my friend's grapefruit mimosa, which I am totally getting next time. For my meal, I just had to get the chicken fried steak: with sweet potato rajas, chorizo gravy, sunny side egg. Chicken fried steak is one of my favorite breakfast entrees, and is usually what I order....thus, I've tried it at many places. This was probably the BEST I've ever had. I'm not sure if I'll be able to order it anywhere else again! They use panko bread crumbs, I believe, which makes it super crispy and very unique. The chorizo gravy was a little spicy and very flavorful. They made the sweet potato rajas without onions for me, which I greatly appreciated. It was heaven on a plate! I also had a bite of my friend's dish, the braised pork belly "al pastor" benedicto. Wow. That was really amazing too. The prices are little steap, but the portions are huge, and completely worth it IMO. On the down side, Lola did ruin our plan of brunching it up around town, and going somewhere new every time. We really want toss the plan and go back here next time! Thanks a lot, Lola....really...thanks....(I love you!)
(5)Bryan B.
The margaritas and guacamole was AWESOME!! 5 STARS!!! But....The Seafood enchiladas were dry and hardly any seafood, mostly a plate of beans and rice...for $23.00 there should be more than two enchiladas and maybe put some seafood in side. Just a thought. The Sea Bass was very good...no complaints there. The waitstaff, especially the guacamole guy were very good. After he made the guacamole tableside, he actually came back to check and see how we liked it.
(3)Peter T.
My wife and I wandered in to Lola on a whim a couple nights ago after a 5+ year hiatus (they were still down on Pearl St.) and experienced an unexpectedly wonderful meal. We never actually made it past the Appetizers however the 3 items we ordered were otherworldly. The Guacamole was fresh and flavorful as were the accompanying tortilla chips. The Rock Shrimp Ceviche was an amazing blend of fresh tender shrimp, citrus, mint and cilantro. Possibly the best I have ever had. For our final app, we ordered the Clams & Chorizo w/ Manchego. I don't have enough positive adjectives in my vocabulary to describe my feelings about this dish. Words like Transcendent, Sublime, Glorious come to mind. The wife and I nearly battled for the last drop of the broth. The fresh clams are a perfect match for the house made chorizo and the manchego added an almost creaminess to the whole dish. I can't forget to mention the drinks... make sure to enjoy the Prickly Pear Cactus and the Q Coin Margaritas for a delicious departure from the usual sweet & sour preparations. Final thought... I think I'm going back for Happy Hour tonight
(5)Jenna M.
I can't believe I am giving this place 4 stars. If you had asked me in July how I felt about this place, I would have made some snobby remark about LoHi and we would have all rolled our eyes. This place is usually pretty crowded, loud, filled with bros, and overpriced. Also, the ceviche, one of their "specialties," is lackluster. That being said, their brunch is actually really really good. The waitstaff are especially cheerful and attentive in the mornings, the food is tasty (especially the guac and the waffles), and the crowd is a bit more manageable. If you weren't able to get reservations at Root Down, but you still wanted to go out in the highlands, check out Lola's brunch, you'll be impressed!
(4)Sasha V.
When I think Mexican-American I think grease, cheese, burritos and dirt cheap beer. THis is upscale with a Mexican twist. The guac is made right in front of you, and is delicious. The portions are a perfect size, not overwhelming... except that sea food soup dish (caldo de marisco)... its HUge.... but So good! A few of their main courses did not impress me as much, I almost feel like its win or loose, so i just stick to my favorites.... like the potato soup.. which has disappeared! Bring it back, people! Also, the happy hour menu is pretty great - tacos, ceviche, salsa YUM! The Sangria is only mediocre, its kind of watery, but definitely try some of their other specialty drinks - q coin, margaritas, etc. Lots of tequila to choose from! The view is amazing, patio is warm even when its cold! Come! Pick something you love and stick to it:)
(3)Torsten V.
Every dish is very carefully composed, with a very high degree of creativity. Other than Coyote Cafe and Cantina in Santa Fe, I cannot think of a more special nouveau Mexican place. Also, the drinks are excellent.
(5)Sabrina G.
We went here for 5280 and it was so delicious! I went in a group of 4 so I got to try almost all of the dishes on the menu. As usual, my palate was more than pleased. The variety of spices and flavors were amazing. One of my favorite drinks there is the jalapeno margarita = delicious!
(4)Erin B.
Usually I scoff at the idea of "upscale" Mexican food. I mean, come on. No matter how you dress it up, it's still Mexican food - the quintessential casual restaurant fare. But I have to take it all back after going to Lola. Perched on Boulder St., just steps away from Olinger's Mortuary (the building Lola is in actually used to be a part of the Mortuary - slightly creepy), Lola's patio offers great views of downtown. (Sidenote: the patio fills up quickly, get there early.) The food is splendid. Flavorful and presented nicely. You want guacamole? It's made fresh at your table - and you can dictate how mild or hot you want it. The drinks? Wonderful. My favorite is their coin style margarita, and in my opinion theirs is the best in Denver, with Billy's Inn coming in second. Their mimosas at brunch are delicious and brunch itself is mouthwatering. Really, the best things Lola does are fish and pork. Their escolar is heavenly - melts in your mouth. Also, their version of Ciopinno - Caldo de Mariscos - is a triumph. And whenever they have pork belly, do not pass it up. So, why didn't I give Lola 5-stars? The service. While for the most part the staff is friendly, it tends to be slow. Not sure if it's a kitchen thing or a waiter thing, but things move a little slow at Lola. But if you are cool with that, more power to you!
(4)Steven G.
Well, kinda bummed...I loved Lola (cue the quartet) when it first opened over on Pearl...man, how long ago was that? This location is great, but alas...this place is now relegated to a place where from here on-out I will only have a drink...or the fantastic guacamole. I gave it three tries for brunch...first time (last year) it was very good...second and third times (in the past 4 months)...VERY marginal. However, today's experience was just plain bad. S**t service..as-in this gal (name started with a K and ended with an e) could not have cared less that we were there...much less sat there while table around us were getting their entrees (like 20 mins!) and when I said I didn't care for my dish, she said "Yeah, ever since the new menu a lot of things have changed (making a not-pleasant face)"...well, yeah, it all tastes the same...and my "Lola Quevos" was just bad...cold...hard tortillas with a mush of eggs and a boring green-ish sauce...it was really no-way-in-the-world worth $13...plus I added 2 fried oysters (add another $5)...which were SUPER fishy gel slime grossness (technical term). Didn't take it off the tab...just shrugged and was like "Yeah, kinda sucks" attitude. I didn't eat the thing...really? Amazing. Anyway - again, great space, great location...but I will never eat there again. Who knows...maybe like so many places around town...once they get to a certain "coolness quotient"...then it's all over. Dunno. Wonderful guac (how tough is that?)...good bar...good outdoor area.
(2)Betty S.
The food was amazing - authentic and delicious, reasonably priced and it didn't hurt that they had an excellent cocktail menu that didn't solely consist of margaritas. Great atmosphere, service, food and drink. Can't ask for more!
(4)Lovemydog B.
I like it here- I do. Food is good and so is the service! Fun place to hang out..... just a note- if the bar tenders are going to poke fun at you for ordering the house Cab then you shouldn't have one, it kinda makes the customer feel like ...well you know I will say the day after I posted this- I was contacted by a manger and the problem was taken care of. Nice work Lola!
(4)Alley C.
Great for happy hour. Outdoor patio, & great view. Other than that I don't go for any reason. The food is ok, but not great. Happy hour is a good time.
(4)Kenny N.
Happy Hour all Monday night is a special treat indeed. I enjoyed a fish taco, chicken taco, sweet potato & yuca bocadillos, and guero poppers. They have a great happy hour and bar menu. They have an excellent flavors throughout their menu selections. I particular enjoyed the slaw in the tacos and how the cotija cheese took the edge of some of the spiciness. The yuca flavor comes through nicely in the bocadillos. Smothered in red sauce, it allows extra mopping up with other appetizers. The guero poppers were simply hiccup inducing, but in a good way. I want to go back if only to sample their tequilas and mezcals.
(4)Pepper P.
I Love Lola. Bartenders are bright, efficient and fun... They have a large happy hour menu with small plates, and regular entrees for hungry folk. Their Mexican fare is amazing and fresh. Not nasty cheesy, greasy ho-hum. This has been a fav of mine for many years now.... Order a Mojoto with Malibu rum. Wow.
(4)Mariel R.
The girls and I headed to Lola's for a Saturday night ladies night and I was pleasantly surprised. I had passed this spot while power walking a few times and was interested to try it out, and this weekend I finally had the chance! Highlights: (1) Table-side guac. We not only was our medium-spiced guacamole amazing, I could not stop reaching for the homemade (and still hot!!) tortilla chips. (2) Amazing margaritas that taste fresh-- not like the pre-made, extra sugary, bottled mix. (3) Corn/squash/goat cheese stuffed poblano was amazing. I could not stop picking at it until my plate was clean! (4) Weird, yet cool bathrooms. Sea glass doors and Villeroy and Boch sinks. Nice touch. Would definitely return again, especially when it is warm out, to sit on the outdoor patio while overlooking the gorgeous Denver skyline.
(4)Sarah H.
Great happy hour! Drinks are yummy and well priced during happy hour. Food was decent, table side guacamole is good but I recommend going with more flavor than normal, our first round was a little bland. Atmosphere is awesome, love the patio, and chicklets gum instead of mint's... sold!!
(4)Dale H.
Great food, prices are much steeper than originally thought. Very busy place, great atmosphere, and the staff are very attentive. I wanted an entree, but the Carne Asada would have cost me $26. We went with all happy hour items. The nachos were great!
(4)Ryan C.
We went there for brunch on Sunday and it was excellent. Their menu has changed since the last visit, and everything sounds great. Started with a very good Bloody Mary that included a buffet of food on a stick - shrimp, pickle, olive, asparagus, pepperocini, and sopresatta. Also got the salsa sampler. Each one had nice flavor - I think the chipotle one was my favorite. The apple/green chile salsa was also very tasty I had The Bowl - grits with pork belly and crawfish. Absolutely delicious. My gal had the special - Rock Shrimp Chilaquiles with goat cheese and pickled onions. It was outstanding. Better than any Chilaquiles I've had in Mexico. I was never really impressed with Lola at the old Pearl Street location, but since they've moved, it seems to get better and better.
(5)Keith N.
Go Fish! I moved here last year from the east coast. I assumed that I would be giving up some of the tasty sea creatures I'd grown accustomed to enjoying living next to an ocean. Over the past year I've found that fresh seafood is not that elusive in Colorado. A perfect example of that is Lola. I've had some of the best fish dishes I've ever eaten here. I highly recommend the mahi with molé sauce if it's on the menu. I've been to Lola probably a half dozen times. It's a great place to take a date. The outdoor patio has a great view of Denver and the seating outside is unreserved. If you plan on dining during peak weekend hours, I highly recommend getting a reservation. This is a popular place... for good reason.
(4)Laura O.
Why have I not reviewed this yet? It's one of my neighborhood joints and I find myself meeting people here all the time. First, expect to drop some cash when you are here. My friend and I dropped $65 at happy hour (before tip) over this past weekend. Yowza! But what we got was pretty good even if it wasn't true HH pricing. Margarita, Cucumber lemonades, Sangria and a few apps. The guacamole is really good, and for $8 it better be. My standout though were the pork nachos with goat cheese. Who would've thought to put goat cheese on nachos? I don't know, but thank you! My friend really loved her shrimp taco, $2 for one which seems more appropriate for HH. I keep coming back here and that says something but I always have to brace myself....for the check.
(4)Stephanie B.
Lola is one of my favorite restaurants. Since I started going here years ago, I have never had a bad meal. The recipes change with the seasons, but table-side guacamole is always on tap and always a treat. Lola is also an undiscovered gem for brunch. Affordable and tasty, Lola provides excellent breakfast options chilequiles or breakfast tacos along with favorites such as chicken fried steak and buffalo chimichangas. My husband and I also held our rehearsal dinner here not too long ago and were extremely impressed with their handling of groups in Belola (downstairs). We were able to designate what types of drinks we wanted to pay for and what we didn't, their infamous guacamole was served on all that tables and then we served carnitas and mahi-mahi for the taco bar. They kindly offered veggies for our vegetarian friends. And to end the night, they served killer cupcakes that rivaled some of the cupcake specialties shops that have popped up around Denver. Lola is also great for weekend patio time. I'm a fan of their silver coin margaritas, but they also have a nice "Bloody Maria"-- a spicy tomato mix served with tequila instead of vodka.
(5)Sheila C.
Lolas is MY favorite restaurant in Denver. I've been there a dozen times - and that is saying a lot considering I live on the south side of town. This is how my evening generally goes: 1.Arrive early - order house margarita and guacamole 2.Seated with friends - order guacamole again pretending we didn't just eat it at the bar. 3.Order a new entre (considering they change their menu often) We rarely make it too desert as we eat way too much guacamole - but it is TOTALLY worth it! I've had few bad experiences with Lolas (and those I did have were due to my company, not the restaurant). This is some of the best Mexican food you can find!
(5)Billy B.
Great brunch menu, reasonably priced and delicious bloody marys, comfortable bar seating and service that is professional yet relaxed and friendly. Love this place.
(5)Jocelyn G.
Way over-rated yelpers! Made a dinner reservation for 7 to celebrate hubby's b-day. Excited at first encounter because the atmosphere was nice. All the party was there at 8, but they didn't have a table for us until 8:45. Manager did provide us with some gauc and queso dip, so we thought the night was still salvagable... We are seated, enjoying the chips and salsa. My friend drops salsa on the menu, the waiter responds with, "that's why I brought you the plate"...kinda rude. Meal was so-so. I got the chicken mole, not what I was expecting, but since I was full on chips and gauc I was okay with it. Hubby's fish was too greasy. Not the quality you would expect for the price. Asked if they would do something special for hubby's birthday, and they brought out this delish cholocate cake. Bill arrives and we notice that they charged us for the dessert. Disappointing... The manager we saw in the beginning, yeah, didn't see him the rest of the night. Would have been nice if he would have checked in on us to see how the meal was going. Overall, over-hyped!
(2)Stephanie L.
I officially have a new favorite Mexican spot. This place is amazing! Started off with the scallop cakes, they were like heaven on earth. I've never had anything like it before and I can't imagine I won't order this on EVERY visit. Main course was the vegetable tostada, equally amazing. The mix of veggies and perfect seasoning topped off with goat cheese (my number one love) was everything a vegetarian could want. We finished it off with some sort of apple pastry dessert (don't remember the name) that melted it my mouth. Down it all with a couple glasses of sangria= a wonderful dining experience! Lola, you will see me again. Soon. Not soon enough!
(5)Brent R.
The whole experience at Lola is handily miles above the rest. Thus, it should be known as Colorado's 54th fourteener. Once you scale the somewhat steep prices for mains, soak up some fantastic tequila (or margaritas) with your tableside-prepared guac and feel good about being in Denver.
(4)Matthew C.
GREAT, nontraditional Mexican-style cuisine. FOOD: Lola classifies itself as "coastal Mexican" cuisine, which didn't mean a thing to me, but it's exactly right. Dishes feature lots of seafood, and not the traditional tacos/enchiladas that one might expect from a Mexican restaurant. We had two appetizers: guacamole (made table-side) and empanadas-- both were very good. Everyone enjoyed their dishes. I had theCaldo de Mariscos, which contained shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, scallops in a magnificent tequilla broth... and the dish was superb. I can't recall what the others in our party had, and honestly, I really don't care. I know they all enjoyed their dishes, but I loved mine, and wish I could return to Denver to try it again. SERVICE: The service was friendly, competent, and helpful. They routinely checked on our table without being overbearing. ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere at LoLa isn't anything special. It's casual, but featured a lot of after-business folks. LoLa's is rather loud. SUMMARY: The food at LoLa will blow you away, which is good because the service and atmosphere, while adequate, aren't anything special. Honestly, the next time I'm in Denver, it's the #1 spot on my list.
(4)Aja M.
I'm not a drinker, but happy hour fare is delicious. I got healthy servings of chips, salsa,guac, goat cheese dip,chic tacos (plus rice and beans) for around $20. Food tasted amazing!
(5)Nicole F.
Home away from home! I don't have to say much other than that! I LOVE THIS PLACE IT IS MY FAVORITE PLACE IN DENVER! I pretty much end up here at the end of every night when I've decided to try something or someplace new and it doesn't work out... me and the friends always default to Lola's. The food is the BEST not a bad meal on the menu, don't even get me started on the guacamole oh and the drinks are heavenly. I've spent fourth of July here, New Year's, Valentine's day etc etc...The view of the city is awesome and it's just a bicycle ride away. ps does anyone know who the cute tall dark haired bartender is I keep seeing here :) kind of a Josh Jackson boy next store look alike...
(5)Melissa B.
The guacamole is good but that's about it. I tried the salsa and thought they were lame. They were the not good hot, watery, or nasty. The drinks were watered down and the dishes I've tried were wanting.
(2)Jennifer L.
Pretty much my favorite place to be on a Sunday morning. Delicious food, great view (minus the stupid new apartments being built) AMAZING service, and powerful drinks. I always leave happy.
(4)Lauren S.
Simply delicious! My coworker insisted I try their brunch, and I'm glad I listened. The restaurant has a very cool vibe to it that was both trendy and comfortable. I ordered the shrimp & grits benedict and nearly died at how good it tasted -- gorgeous flavor and texture. I initially thought the portions were a bit small for the price, but it completely filled me up. My brunch companions had the chicken fried steak and lola huevos, both of which were very yummy when snuck of their plates, as were the mimosas. I do think the service was a little slow (they were busy), but our waitress was very friendly. I look forward to stopping there for happy hour sometime soon in the future.
(4)D S.
My mom was in town last weekend and I thought it would be fun to take her someplace I hadn't been to yet, in a cool part of town. The patio was open even though the temp outside was dropping quickly. To be seated sooner, we agreed to sit outside since they turned on the heaters and put down a couple of the side flaps. I guess the temp got down to 40 degrees and we were freezing! We asked repeatedly to turn the heaters up but the waiter and busboy kept forgetting or couldn't do it. When the food came out it instantly became cold. Let me tell you, the caldo de mariscos would have been delicious if it hadn't gotten cold right away. The waiter forgot to bring be a cracker for the crab legs so those sat there getting cold as well. Since we were clearly uncomfortable, it would have been nice to be offered some hot tea or coffee, or even a round of drinks. Terrible service and mediocre food. I would only return here on a nice hot day, and maybe have some sangria. Otherwise, skip it.
(2)Bre P.
The food and drinks are overpriced. Its just an upscale mexican restaurant in a good location, which means they can charge alot. The service is okay. I like the patio!
(3)Frankie C.
Dear Lola, You have the best view in the city, by far the best guac, margaritas, mojitos, sangria - ermm, I am not an alcoholic. Just a fan of fun Happy Hour summer days on the patio with friends. Your food is pretty good too, but I can't remember much after all those silver coin margaritas, orralay. High-five on your Tequila selection. Hostess(es) and staff haven't always been friendly. Maybe it's time for them to go back to school? They stress out too much when there's a "crowd" of 4 waiting at the front entrance. Summer is just about over, but that's cool. Your cozy atmosphere is pretty relaxing during the fall and winter months. I'll be back. Thanks for a memorable summer. (great 80 degree weather ahead, so don't know what I'm talking about - I'll see you next week!) ~Fan of the Silver Coin.
(5)Diana L.
Diablitas! Pineapple and jalapeño agua fresca with te-kills-ya? Oh man, loved the spice with the refreshing taste of the pineapple. I mean, who would have thought?
(4)Em H.
This review is for Lola's BRUNCH. It was awesome! We went for a friend's birthday. Our server was great--very accommodating and responsive to our large group. The mexican mimosas were delicious and unique. The spicy bloody marys were good, too! (There are also non-spicy ones, and a bloody mary bar available on Sundays only). I had the smothered shrimp taco. It was EXCELLENT. Very flavorful and the perfect amount of food. I also tried the chicken and waffles. Not the best I've ever had (I did live in TX after all), but really good. Great chips and salsa and guac. As noted by others, there are also cool (and clean!) bathrooms--each an individual glass enclosure with its own sink. We had such a good time, the food was good, service was good, and atmosphere was fun and inviting. I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(4)Sophie C.
I have been here numerous times for dinner, dessert, and happy hour. My friends and I have always been pleased with the food and drinks. The service ranges from above average to excellent depending on how busy it is. The ambiance is chill. It can get really crowded on the weekends. We will keep returning.
(5)Matthew D.
Definitly need to come back here for brunch. Some of the best guac i've ever had, very nice location as well.
(4)rebecca b.
Update: The chiclet bowl has returned! Huzzah! Also, our waiter this week was very helpful in describing and recommending menu items.... Allegedly, the menu changes every 12 weeks and is due for a change next week, so fingers crossed for a fried oyster tostada to make a reappearance!
(4)Hans O.
I really like this place for their drinks, not so much for their food nor their main restaurant servers including the hosts; Back in the bar it's a completely different game, happy people, people socializing and having fun. Their patio is very cozy and warm during the winter...
(4)Kate M.
Wow, I have seriously failed as a Yelper recently. I was in Denver several months ago, and spent a night uptown over-indulging. Lola was the first stop of the evening, for cocktails and appetizers. Lola is reknowned for having one of the best views of downtown Denver from its patio. I can attest to the accuracy of this statement - if you are looking for the perfect panoramic view of glorious Denver, please head uptown and visit Lola. Such a spectacular view! Lola is a happening place. It's pretty much always packed, and we were fortunate to snag a table in their chic basement area, since we didn't make reservations for appetizers. Lola has an extensive drink menu, including numerous seasonal offerings. I ordered the Cider House Margarita, which was truly unique. I don't know that it's going to become my go-to drink or anything, but it was one-of-a-kind, and definitely did taste like autumn! My companions ordered the old Lola standby, the Q Coin. We ordered the table-side guacamole, which is wheeled over on a cart and prepared before your very eyes! Not totally a novelty, but when you're super-hungry, it's nice to see your delicious guac made right in front of you. It was excellent, as one would expect. We also ordered a salsa sampler, which had great variety, and was a huge hit. Notably, Lola maintains a staff of knowledgeable servers with lots of personality. This can really make or break a dining experience when all other factors are equal, and this is an area where Lola shines. Also, the decor is nicely done, and the bathrooms are really modern and interesting. It's no small wonder that there is usually a line out the door, and I will certainly be back... maybe in the summer, so I can sit on their 2nd floor patio and enjoy that awesome view!
(5)Britney R.
I've been to Lola twice for brunch. Unfortunately, both times we had the same server, and service was sub par. Had I experienced better service, Lola probably would have gotten a 5-star rating from me. The food was amazing both times. On my first visit, I went for my birthday. My 5 friends and I all picked different dishes so we could sample everything. Each dish was better than the next. However, our drinks arrived well into our meal, and almost all our orders were messed up or forgotten. Not the kind of service you'd expect for a $200 brunch. My most recent visit, we were seated on the patio. We sat down at 1:30. Right away, we noticed that we had the same server, Kerrie. For ten minutes, we watched Kerrie chatting with a co-worker at the outside server station. We hadn't even gotten waters in this time. When Kerrie finally approached us with water, she rudely informed us it was last call for brunch. We had been waiting to be approached for 10-15 minutes! We arrived well before last call. Luckily, we had spent that time perusing the menu, and were ready to order. Otherwise, we'd have been denied, I guess. What I ordered was one of the most delectable dishes I've ever tasted- "Pork and waffle" benedict with braised pork belly, poached egg, and bbq hollandaise all served on top of a waffle? YES, PLEASE! I will definitely be returning for this dish. But, I will request another server's section. Our waters were empty for most of the meal, and our side of bacon was forgotten. In Kerrie's defense, she did get us the bacon when we reminded her about it, and had it taken off the bill. It might sound like I'm being too harsh on our service. I'm a server myself and I am tired of feeling obligated to tip 20% for inferior service. I work really hard for my tips, and make sure that my service standards are above par. My tables have water within 2 minutes at the MOST, no question. I'm sick of servers who don't take their jobs seriously and expect tips to just roll in without any real 'work'. Both times, my party felt like we were an inconvenience to Kerrie. I hope the rest of their servers are up to par, or I fear my next visit may be my last!
(3)Chris S.
Good clean tasting food. Meats not hidden by over seasoning. Fish tasty and well prepared. Table side quac, Pork sopes, braised brisket tacos, roasted chicken. All were amazing. Food was slightly slow to the table but more than worth the wait. Service was attentive. Jalepeno Margarita was a good surprise.
(4)Tom L.
Love #loladenver! Good for so many reasons. Great patio and bar that opens up to the outside in the summer. Unbelievable drinks, my favorite is the Fuego Verde - tequila with muddled jalapeno and lime. It's also totally got a totally kid friendly brunch that we just went to for the first time today. Place is so full of energy that nobody notices a couple of noisy kids. The guacamole is the best I've had this side of the border. Happy hour food and drink prices are really good. Lobster tamale is another must. Enjoy!
(5)Chris R.
Great place to meet for a drink and the food's fabulous too!
(4)Matherine G.
Positive: First and foremost, the atmosphere. We hadn't even sat down yet and we loved it there. The view, decoration, music...all very nice! Great place for a first date fyi. Second, just because you have a happy hour all day on Monday does not mean the discounted food is good but in this case it was! Small plates are exactly that, think tapas. For four people, we shared 7 to 8 dishes which were very orignial and tasty. Great selection of specialty drinks. And finally, the service was just what we needed: polite and fast. Negative: Only negative I can think of is the price of the larger plates. It will hurt the wallet if you're not prepared for it. Overall: Great happy hour prices and dishes. Loved being in the restaurant and looking forward to going back for brunch to try out the famous bloody mary perhaps? And yes, it is that awesome to have someone make guacamole at your table to your liking!
(4)Katie H.
I came here for what turned into a much belated birthday celebration, and had a lovely time. Saturday the weather FINALLY turned fall and the patio side of the bar is where I parked myself. The patio was fantastic, and I loved that I could see into the restaurant and people watch. I had their organic coin and q coin margs, as well as a shot of deliciously spicy tequila. All were wonderful. The q coin, with cucumber, is particularly fantastic. We also had an order of the queso, which is made with haystack goat cheese. This is a unique queso - more herby and creamy than spicy and cheesy. I loved it. I make queso at home with goat cheese all the time. Drinks, yay, cheese, yay, and atmosphere, yay. Also, I love my girl Leah but I'm going to have to disagree with her on the bathrooms. There are three women's bathrooms and three men's bathrooms on opposing sides of the hallway. The women's bathrooms all have separate entrances and are divided by floor to ceiling frosted glass. No worries, this is realllllly thick glass. Each has it's own sink. They were clean; there were coat hooks (this is apparently becoming an elusive feature in my life). I liked them as much as it appropriate to like a bathroom.
(4)Melissa B.
At first glance I didn't think I was going to enjoy much. But the butternut squash queso is to die for! The roasted corn soup is crazy good! My bf ate some seafood entree w a tomato broth which was great considering Colorado is a landlocked state.
(4)Rachel P.
Overall my rating of Lola is...overrated. I love mexican food and seafood, and therefore had high expectations for a restaurant that specialized in both. The server seemed annoyed at best and the food was mediocre. I tried the butternut squash queso, the seafood enchiladas, and the doughnuts. Neither the queso nor the enchiladas were particularly flavorful. The doughnuts were very tasty. Though, hard to go wrong with fried bread, cinnamon, and sugar. I thought the food was rather underwhelming. Back to Pinche Tacos on York and Colfax!
(2)suzanne w.
I love Lola... and they take brunch reservations, which is fantastic! Delicious carnitas benedict (although a little more spiciness would be nice - or at least bring out the cholula sauce), bold and robust coffee, and great atmosphere.We will go there again soon.
(4)Darcy Z.
Visited LOLA for the second time last night for 5280 week. The first time i was at LOLA was well over 2 years ago with my ex and his family. I was a little intimidated the first time as there are a lot of unusual menu items and lots of seafood (of which, i'm not a fan). However, last night I was much happier with LOLA. Had reservations but arrived early to ensure parking etc. Got a couple seats at the bar top and ordered a bottle of wine. The malbec we had was very tasty and only 32/bottle, really not bad. Our friends arrived and also ordered a bottle of wine. We were seated about 10 minutes later, right at our reservation time--always a plus. Since we had done our research for restaurant week we already knew what we were going to order. Shrimp Ceviche-- Winner of the night....PERFECTLY seasoned and just tangy enough. Caesar salad--somewhat small portion, average tastes, although I will say the parmesan tasted wonderfully fresh. Corn soup--GREAT! Definitely has a kick of hot sauce at the end, but the creaminess balances out the spice nicely. For our entrees we chose the lamb and the pork. the Lamb gets an A++. It was sooo tender and flavorful. The puree it was on was a perfect compliment, both texture wise and flavor wise. The tortilla was a unique touch and the sweet potatoes were salty and divine. the Pork gets a B-. It was good....but that's kind of all. Not seasoned enough for my liking, although it was cooked perfectly (still veryyy juicy). The enchilada was good, but nothing you couldn't find at your run of the mill mexican cantina. So...my overall suggestion would be to get the lamb if you're there for 5280 week. It is so good. Now, besides the food--service was great. Friendly, unobtrusive, and didn't mess anything up! Yay!
(3)Garrett H.
Excellent restaurant! If you are tired of the usual Mexican food - try Lola! The seafood is amazing. The guacamole appetizer made table-side is awesome. Some of the best servers in town. A great place to take out of town guests. They do have live music some nights so you might want to check the website first. The noise level tends to be very high - to the point that conversations are difficult.
(4)Eamonn M.
Great little hip Mexican restaurant! Has several unique dinner plate selections. The Carne Asdas? plate was delicious. Only downside I believe we're the portions to price, a bit high. Drinks were great and price on point for margaritas and cocktails. Atmosphere and service was top notch, thanks Nicole! Definitely a place we will visit again for drinks out on the patio hot or cold outside!
(4)Kara D.
We had drinks and appetizers on the patio. They had it closed off so it wasn't windy/cold out there. We ordered the shrimp ceviche (delicious), butternut squash queso (amazing) , and the guacamole (made to order at the table). I detest cilantro so having them make our guacamole at the table and make it to each of the three of our taste buds was superb. The BUTTERNUT SQUASH=UTTERLY FANTASTIC! I would eat it every day if possible. It had sun dried tomato and goat cheese and a wonderful taste and texture. The bathrooms are located downstairs and they are in individual little rooms/stalls. It was a nice change from the conventional bathroom stall (odd but its the little things right?) I need to come back to explore the rest of the menu. I really enjoyed it and the service was excellent!
(4)Emily R.
Niet! The dishes were boring (a plate basically would consist of two items) and were VERY overpriced for what they were. Too bad as the atmosphere of this place is quite lovely!
(2)Todd H.
I've been coming here for years....and it seems every month it gets worse and worse. I think last night will be my last visit. Everything was just AWFUL! From the chicken, which was dry and unflavored... As an entree: the black muscles which were fishy, old, small, nothing popped to the flavor (by far the worst), to the chips and salsa which the salsa tasted jar bought. The server was inattentive. I can't do this anymore. Sorry! Customer lost!
(2)Mirka S.
Margaritas are awesome! We had guacamole which was very good. Salsa sampler was ok. As main course we had Carne Asada and Swordfish and both dishes were great! For desert we got homemade ice cream - delicious!
(4)David C.
Decided to meet a friend here for drinks on a Tuesday night and was surprised that it took about 10 mins to find a parking spot, didn't realize this area was so congested! Not a huge problem as long as you are familiar with the neighborhood and which way the streets run I guess. Inside they have a greeter and I told them I would be just sitting at the bar which is two sided, one in and one on the patio. I went out to the patio and it was empty so I went back inside. I ordered a Black Butte Porter from Deschute brewery and the bird was drinking red wine. We tried a couple of appetizers Guero Chili Poppers and the Pork Carnitas Sopes, both kinda small but deffo tasty. The alcohol was flowing and when it was time to find the loo I found out that theres a whole other area downstairs, kinda reminded me of when I stumbled on Under the Snug :o) As time went on I realized that the whole place was packed including the patio, like standing room only, then the live music started. Not sure who they were but they sounded great and not too loud, just made it harder to get back to the bogs. So yeah a cool neighborhood joint that if I lived over there I would visit more frequent.
(4)Kimber S.
Okay, it's official. LOLA is our favorite restaurant. The hubby and I went last night for a spontaneous date night and it couldn't have been more perfect. Our waiter was charming and friendly. He made some great wine recommendations and turned us on to some new ones that we hadn't tried before. We started with the tableside guac service and the guac guy was very entertaining and it was obvious he loves his job. Plus, the guac was fantastic! We learned a couple tricks to make ours taste better at home. For entrees we both had winners. I ordered the goat cheese-stuffed poblano with flat iron steak grilled perfectly to medium-rare. The chile was stuffed with tangy creamy goat cheese, bits of squash, fresh corn and who knows what else.... it was bursting with complex flavors and textures that played so nicely together. The hubby ordered the Baja Fish Fry which was comprised of scallops, shrimp and fish coated in the lightest, crispest tempura-style batter and served with a mouth-wateringly tart citrusy-vinegar sauce. Amazing... and everything was served piping hot! After being treated like rock stars by the entire staff and dining on this quality of cuisine, I had no choice but to up LOLA's star rating. It is a winner on all points and you will walk out of there feeling like a winner, too!
(5)Ann V.
Came here for my final work dinner in Denver for Cinco De Drinko (unknowingly). The restaurant was packed! The table-side guacamole was delicious. How could I not like it? He made it exactly to my taste. More lime, more onions, more chili... yes yes yes. My entree of Caldo de Mariscos was nothing to rave about, but I'd still consider it pretty good. I can say that i've had much better in the past at other restaurants. To finish off my meal, I had a huge magarita. Just enough booze to make me happy!
(4)Cat S.
The guacamole. The table-side made guacamole. This is enough reason for me to go back over and over again. ...I guess the other pluses were: the food, service and ambiance/decor. But seriously, the guac just took the show for me.
(5)Kel D.
We went for Restaurant Week and found both the food and service to be pretty good. We opted for some of the margaritas (okay, very strong) and went for the standard spread of food. The soup and queso were amazing!! The service was also very good - my dinner partner found hair in his salad and they about fell over themselves apologizing and comped us the drinks. Worth the visit!
(4)Gabrian T.
Started with the handmade guacamole they make at the table. Not a lot of guacamole for 10$ but very tasty. Get the donut flight! So very good. Had the ultimate bloody Mary, very good for the price and had decent spice. The chicken and waffles were great. I enjoyed everything I had. Some others with us were not as impressed, especially with the tacos. Ambience was nice and relaxed with moderate noise, great for a date. I'll come back.
(4)Travis B.
Food was decent. Poor oysters. Horrible service at the bar. Good selection of tequila and mescal though.
(3)Rachel S.
My boyfriend and I went to Lola with another couple on Sunday to hit up their Happy Hour menu. The patio was full, so we opted for the dining room. We weren't aware that we would be seated an inch away from a live-band... the music was good, but with the drums and speakers right next to us, I seriously couldn't hear myself think--and I'm in my 20s, not my 80s! {not a fan of live rock bands in such a small, inside space} Anyway, once seated, each couple ordered their own guacamole dish -- when the table-side guacamole-maker showed up to our table, she insisted that she do both orders into one dish (wait! what if one of us wants it hot and the other can't handle the heat?!). The music made it hard for us to argue our point, so we let it happen & settled on medium spice. It turned out delicious. We also all ordered tacos and everyone loved them -- the Pork Carnitas were the best! Needless to say, the food was awesome...and the cucumber vodka lemonade was refreshing and well done. the not so good: I was disappointed to find out that we were charged for 2 separate guacamole orders, ($7 each, totaling $14) here's why I was upset: the happy hour menu has one option of guacamole, $7 ... the dinner menu gives an option for a small: $7 or a large: $10. So why wouldn't our server suggest ordering off of the dinner menu (getting the larger portion of the guacamole), as opposed to paying for 2 separate orders, and then not even getting it separate?! I know it's only an additional $4, but add in a $5 tip to the guacamole-maker and that's almost a $20 dish of guacamole, insane!! Also note, one order is only 1 avocado...it's not like they are dumping 5 avocados into each order. Unfortunately, I didn't notice this until we had returned home and I was browsing their dinner menu online... bummer. Overall Thoughts: would not do Happy Hour on a Sunday again, due to the indoor live band (it's only on Sundays) unless we could get a patio table. and next time, I would specify that I want the *dinner* menu larger portion of guacamole!
(3)Keanen B.
From southern California and this place makes it feel a little bit like home. Great food, a little expensive and the menu does change but its got a fun atmosphere. Great for bringing friends and family.
(4)Eric B.
Best happy hour menu (for my tastes) in Denver. The chili poppers are the best I have ever had, they are made in house like everything else. The place screams fresh food and you can tell the cooks love what they do. Service is solid, little to zero waiting on anything. Our server Jessica was very quick and helpful as well. She also offered menu suggestions that not only pointed us in the right direction, they tasted amazing. Food quality is just outstanding... Can't get over it. You also get Chiclets before they send you on your way... I would take off a star for the pickled topping on the Pastor taco, but it was still delish, just a little different. Protip; order the guacamole... You won't regret it.
(5)Ty M.
Beautifully done plates of authentic, fresh mexican. Definitely get the guacamole! This would be a five star review but I feel mexican food should have the option of being teary eye, head sweating spicy and you just dont get that here. Hip spot to drink and eat a fresher version of mexican.
(4)Constance J.
We went there for a friend's birthday celebration this past Saturday night. There were fifteen of us total. I had been here once before about a year ago and quite enjoyed it. I had only had a few drinks and an appetizer or two, however, and was ready to tuck in to an actual meal. The atmosphere is so live and the drinks *never* dissapoint! Truly the best drinks made with tequila are found here. The guac was fantastic! Sadly, the greatness, for me, stopped here. Our waitress snapped at us at the beginning and that left a bad taste in my mouth. We hadn't done anything rude, it was just the beginning of the evening, we'd just been seated!! I understand that being a waitress on a Saturday night can be crazy and stressful but rudeness from the get-go doesn't make sense to me. We were all so patient and friendly. Now, my food. I love duck! So, I ordered the duck tacos. They were...bland. I had to force myself to finish the first two tacos and found myself munching more chips and guac instead. My boyfriend ordered chicken which was pretty flavorful and smoky. He was pleased, but not necessarily impressed. It's difficult to screw up chicken, after all. The drinks made up for it, but I had to be honest about that duck! Maybe I will see how their brunch is. I want to give them another chance, but I really can't tolerate waitresses snapping at polite guests.
(3)Rick B.
Head to the highlands...it's just 15 minutes up 15th Street. Lola is a fun stop. Be sure to order the tableside guacamole. Ours was customized by Brian, who asked us our preferences for flavors, spicy levels and ingredients. The fresh chips carry a hint of lime. They make great cocktails here, so I ordered two. I preferred the tequila with cucumber and citrus, and the next one with jalapeño might have been better had I not had those amazing drinks at Beatrice and Woodsley earlier in the week. If they have them on the menu, try the lobster deviled eggs that redefine mom's in a good way (and my mom made great ones). I chose the tuna tacos small plate and the two that arrived with pineapple salsa were plenty (especially after the chips and deviled eggs). Tam ordered the shrimp ensalada Vera Cruz with its olives, capers, tomatoes and manchego, and she was smiling. I took that as a good sign. Lola calls itself "modern Mexican," and though the menu showed signs of a broader array of cuisines, the Chiclets at the welcome table seemed to be a nod to the genre. The neighborhood is cool, too, so leave time for a little walk around to work off the calories you've inhaled. And then maybe go back for another one of those cocktails.
(3)Angelina N.
The food definitely has that Mexican feel, their lola guacamole is a must try, they have someone come out and make it in front of you and it is made to order. Their menu changes every week so it has so many varieties each time we eat here is never boring.
(4)Rob M.
I went there last night in a group of 11 people. $439 by the time we were done. Each of us had between two and three drinks. Each of us ordered an entrée only. One appetizer for the table. For this kind of money, I would expect top-notch food, and more than just a small portion. This restaurant has an extremely limited entrée menu. I was unimpressed by the choice. Some of the entrées (pork dinner at $19) were appropriately sized and priced. However, the "three scallop special" (on bean curd) was ridiculously small. Laughable, really. That person in our group was joking about going to McDonald's afterwards to get something to eat. The lobster enchiladas were also very small for the premium price paid. The quality and size of the lobster enchiladas did not match the pricing. Quality of the beef and bean entree was good, not great. For $25, I expect more than 5oz of flank steak on top of bean curd (with a unique Brazilian side sauce). I will note, the warm salted tortilla chips were out of this world! Great job on those. Wait staff was very attentive. Very courteous. The young lady received a $100 tip for her efforts. Bathrooms were very clean. Decent atmosphere, but the restaruant was a little loud at times. Conversation was difficult sometimes. At $43 each, average, I would expect more from the food (both quality and volume). Toss in the absolute lack of street or free parking (there is a paid lot across the street) and this is two stars. I do not think I will return. There are much better family-owned Mexican restaurants in the denver area that I have found that have a great menu choice, and good to great quality food, with parking, at a fraction of the price. Lastly, the margaritas were ridiculously small. For eight dollars each, they should be twice the size. Overall, the seating is a little tight. So if you're in a large group or if you have smaller kids it can be a challenge.
(2)Aimee C.
Made last minute reservations via Open Table, which stated that patio dining wasn't an option. When we arrived, we tried our chances with the host, who graciously gave us a seat on the patio directly in front of the "cold bar." This basically gave our party of three a front row view of the chef work his magic on delicious ceviches, tiraditos, and mariscos. It must have been a combination of our inquisitive looks and the saliva dripping from the crevice of our mouths because the chef generously gave us a sample of the wild sea bass tiradito. Which simply put, is comparable to a sashimi plate. This one in particular was drizzled in olive oil and coated with macadamia nuts for an added textural component. Light and delicious! Next up, our table enjoyed guacamole which was made fresh table-side and garnished with the namesake of the restaurant in chili powder. Can't get any better than guacamole prepared fresh right in front of you! For our entree, we decided to splurge the $28 and order the blue plate special, which was 1/2 lobster served with flour tortillas, beans, and rice for a "build your own taco," interactive experience. The dipping sauce mixed with butter was by far my favorite of the three! And the Tapena Verdejo house white wine paired nicely with the entirely meal. It was the perfect balance, not too dry, and not too sweet. I recommend this to all you white wine lovers! Everything from the impeccably genuine service and relaxed ambience to the flavorful and fresh ingredients was five stars! If you ever find yourself visiting Denver for the first time like me, I highly recommend visiting this spot. Added bonus is that it's nestled within the hip Lower Highland (LoHi) neighborhood.
(5)Gino C.
I've been here a few times and I'm not a huge fan. The salsa is a little watery and has no kick. The menu is fairly limited and dinner on a Sunday night was tough because they were out of a number of items. I was looking forward to good Mexican and expecting tacos, burritos or quesadillas, but they mean what they say by having seafood house in the title. The portions are somewhat small but my friends had the swordfish and said it was delicious. I would come back for a drink but find a place nearby for dinner.
(3)Heather C.
I went here for brunch with a few friends and everything was great. They have an interesting variety of mimosas (snazberry, for example) as well as other cocktails to enjoy. We got the table side guac too which was awesome. We asked for it hot, and it definitely was not hot, but oh well. I got the eggs benny for my entree and it was sooo good - perfectly poached eggs, flavorful tender belly pork, etc. I will definitely come back here for dinner!
(4)Jake H.
Tried a little too hard with mediocre delivery. The custom made guacamole that the waitress pushed did not come with the added explanation that we would have to watch the guacamole get made for 10 minutes. Thats great and all, but when you are trying to catch up with old friends it killed some valuable time. We also got 'checked up' on by four different staff. Again, good intentions but it was strange. The 2-star kicker was the menu bait and switch (pun intended). The fish I ordered on the menu advertised 'whole fish' on red rice. Well the WHOLE fish was deep fried in batter w/o mentioning (just like the guancamole thing). Its a huge annoyance for me to eat unwanted (and unexplained) things dipped in grease. Please mark that on yr menu next time. For a place that is trying to exude an upscale demeanor, this basic precision should be expected.
(2)Crystal C.
I've been here a few times for drinks and brunch but I was disappointed with dinner tonight. The Tampiquena was ok simply because of the steak. Wasn't feeling the enchilada or the mole that came with it. We also ordered the Al Pastor and it was mediocre. Very greasy. We were encouraged to order the side of grits and they had NO flavor. Their service is always great though. No gripes there. Maybe it was an off night with the food but with all the Mexican places in Denver, I think I'll go elsewhere next time.
(3)Kristine N.
Pretty cool restaurant with a nice patio. Service is a bit iffy, wasn't exactly the quickest and friendliest. Can't go wrong with the table side guacamole and fried red snapper.
(3)Shea W.
Yep. Yep. Yep. Can you get married here?...or maybe just married to the Tacos here? But for serious. Lola is excellent. (Probably make a reservation, folks. Its busy for good reason) Mondays are Happy Hour all night long. Tacos are really reasonably priced for Happy Hour and margaritas are 5 bucks. There's a deal you gotta try: 5.00 for 2 chicken tacos and a tecate. That's my kind of happy hour special. I HAVE to go back to get the table side guac. Food and a show? Count me in! Beautiful restaurant, lovely patio. I think there might be a rooftop? Not sure about that but if there is I wanna live up there. Tip: finding the bathroom after 2-3 strong margaritas is a little tough. Its down a large dangerous-when-tipsy flight of stairs. Proceed with caution.
(5)Christina G.
Came here for brunch and it was delicious!!! Found a seat on the patio right away. I'm a huge fan of horchata so I got their drink and the pancakes and they were to die for. Portions were huge, took half of it home. The service was quick and on point. We will be back for sure!
(5)Kameron C.
If you are ever here on a Sunday night I would recommend the Family Style Paella. This is a off the menu special and is absolutely delicious. The Spanish dish consists of rice with a red sauce full of octopus, muscles, clams, sausage, and a chicken thigh served with a side of toast. (picture attached) Aside from the great food, the bartender Adam was very helpful and quite the expert on tequila! I will be back!
(5)Danielle S.
I was really REALLY saddened by my visit to Lola..I've heard such great things..too bad I didn't get to experience the same.. My husband and I were given a gift certificate for this restaurant, and were very VERY excited to go, the actual restaurant was pretty cool, we sat outside on the patio and I really enjoyed it....BUT.... Went at four to have a couple happy hour drinks before dinner. He started off with the happy coin margarita, and I got the highland julius, later on I got the cranberry-mint fizz....sadly the drinks and our server were the only good thing of the night... We got the guacamole for starters, and it was ok..neat that they make it at your table..but not extremely tasty.For dinner I ordered the tacos..one pork, one sea bass. It came with black beans, rice, and an avocado-tomato salad. The only thing I finished on the plate was the rice. I had one bite of the sea bass taco...and that was it was VERY greasy and had absolutely no flavor (which seemed to be a theme thoughout the whole meal) I had two bites of my pork taco..which was cold, and also had no flavor. My plate pretty much looked the same when I was finished as when I got it...minus the rice! My husband ordered the smothered burrito and the chicken tortilla soup, the burrito had absolutely no flavor, and the soup tasted just like spicy tomato soup..blah. I guess I just expected more (FLAVOR) and for the price...it was def not worth it!! All I can say is...I am extremely glad that we didn't have to pay for the meal..and I don't think we will be returning anytime in the near future.
(1)Kelly F.
Excellent food and service! I come here every year for my birthday; brunch or dinner, and I am still in love with how amazing the food is each time!
(5)heather t.
Dinner was okay, brunch was incredible! I first brought a friend here for dinner. We started with signature drinks that packed a hefty price tag, but were a bit watered down really. The salsa sampler was truly lovely, so much that I ordered this on both my visits. For dinner I had a vegetarian, stuffed chile rellano. This was recommended by my server as a great dish, so I was looking forward to it, but it was nothing to be very excited about. Brunch was a completely different story though. My husband and I sat out on the patio and were able to watch the farmer's market as we ate. He had the most fabulous chicken waffle in a chorizo gravy with a cherry sauce drizzled over the top. I could have eaten this all day - each layer was equally incredible. I had a simple, classic breakfast of chorizo, eggs and cheesey, green chile grits. I had never had grits before, but am now a true fan. We also split some sticky buns that were quite a treat. Although I'd only give dinner 3 stars or so, brunch is something special and definitely earns 4+!
(4)Heather S.
Again, Lola does not disappoint! We came here for dinner/drinks the other night, and really enjoyed the fare! House margaritas are FABULOUS, strong, and not sweet. LOVE. Food was delish. I shared mahi mahi and butternut squash enchiladas with a friend, and my husband had shrimp fajitas. Everything was so tasty! Even our gluten-free, vegetarian, super high maintenance friend was able to dine here, because the wonderful chef created her a special dish of her own! What a lovely, customized touch! She was thrilled to have been able to enjoy all of the yumminess with the rest of us for once. I will be back! Love the margs and the food!
(4)Bobby J.
Meh. I've experienced better kind of sums it up for me..... Let's be honest, the patio is great. I love the LoHi area and loved the view of downtown. As a place to grab a couple cocktails, the coin style margaritas are great choice, Lola is worthy of 4 stars, 5 if the weather is sublime. Stroll around LoHi and take in the architecture, the views of downtown, the melding of old and new. Stop by Lola around happy hour, sit on the patio and enjoy a nice summer's eve with a cocktail or two. However... If it is dinner you are in search of, less expensive and equally tasty options abound. I had the pork tacos. Delicious? Yes. Mind blowing? No. The problem? They were street tacos. 2 of 'em for 8 buckaroos. No sides included. I'm not a large man, nor a glutton, but I had to order up another plate of them to satisfy my appetite. We did order some chips and salsa. Freshly made, but again I've had better. Plus this little appetizer usually free at other mexican restaurants comes at a price as well. Not exorbitant, but annoying to pay for something you would expect for free. The bottom line. The food is rather expensive, the atmosphere is nice, and I would have preferred to have come for a drink rather than a meal.
(2)Laura P.
I love that Lola used to be a mortuary and you can't even tell. Okay I realize that is kind of a morbid start to a restaurant review but that is a fairly unique fact for a restaurant. But seriously the decor is inviting and colorful and fun and not at all spooky. I liked the spicy fish tacos that I got and the fresh to order guacomole made at your table is great. If you fancy a cocktail, I recommend the Lola Dark and Stormy. The prices are a bit higher than I would like but the food is good and the service is as well. If you are looking for an event space the downstairs space it great for a cocktail style event.
(4)Robin B.
One word, AMAZING! Great service and quality food. I have been here several times and each time gets better. The atmosphere is great and if you do not want to be in the loud dinning room they have a basement that is much more quite and secluded. The margaritas are the winner. I had a cucumber margarita that was perfect and everything i expect in a GREAT margarita. Lola is a must!
(4)C R.
The patio should get 5 stars... And, maybe the drinks... I want to like the food -- I really do... But, it simply falls short -- every time. So, come for the deck... Just bring a sandwich!
(2)Kari C.
Amazing food and drinks. Our server Jess was fantastic and very patient with our goofy table. Wish I had known abou the tableside guac....probably would have just eaten that all night. Parking is a pain, but you just have to expect that when you go anywhere in or around the city, especially on the weekends.
(4)Christine O.
I love enchilada anything and anything outside of the normal box. Lola, you had me at sweet potato, goat cheese enchilada. I have had to think hard to remember the mahi that came with it - it was good, but I was all over the enchilada. I will have to go back for that plantain tamale. Tableside guac prep - you will have to be sampled, too. I love Lola's use of various chiles and that you can taste the unique flavor of the chile without wanting to cut your own tongue off. And, while I've never been a fan of flan because of texture, I might have to rethink this after the espresso flan. Service was ok, nothing spectacular. The tequila list is extensive, and the wine list decent.
(4)Jason H.
Feels cheap to write a review for a place so great, but I'll throw my two cents into the mix. Any place on this strip has a great view of downtown, but Lola throws in a great staff and mellow atmosphere
(5)Lisa O.
We got a drink at the bar while we waited to be seated. The margaritas were really strong. It took me adding additional lime to cut the flavor back so that I didn't feel like I was drinking just tequila. We both were starving and sucked down are margs a little too quickly - hurray for being tipsy off of one drink. So far good times, right? Right, but it starts to go down hill from here. They sat us next to the kitchen where we watched yummy looking food go in-and-out, while leaving us with just a basket of chips and no salsa for 30-minutes. While we stared at our very dry chips and made sad tipsy puppy dog faces at each other, we little by little sobered up. It took us walking over to a waitress to get assistance. Sober = grumpy, but everyone was very apologetic and giving us salsa and the option to order food and beer made us happy again. When the food came out though, we both went: "meh." It was not as tasty as it looked. We noticed on our bill that they comp'ed us the beer without us asking, which was nice, but the Lola experience was not one that I would like to have again.
(2)Holly G.
More like 3.5 stars on this one. Still not my type of crowd. Like I said the first time, Monday is still the only night I will go... because they have chicken tacos! My boyfriend and I went and split some guac, split a chicken taco plate, and got a drink each. It was under $30. The way to go. I love the rice that comes with the tacos. The guacamole is also really good. Plus, you can't go wrong with a $2 Tecate with lime. The porch is also very lovely on a nice warm day. Their dinner menu just doesn't really do it for me still though. Just the chips & tacos.
(3)Howard R.
My first time at Lola tonight while visiting Denver. Lola has a really nice decor with outdoor dining as well. A great vibe the minute you walk in. We had the table-side guacamole and clams with homemade chorizo. Both were outstanding. The dry-rubbed pork ribs were meaty and flavorful and spicy hot. Absolutely delicious. A combo of clams, mussels and crab legs in a wonderful broth was also delicious. We were too full for dessert. The drinks were great. My only regret is I live out of state. I hope to be back soon. A fantastic meal. Well worth it.
(5)Eli M.
Fresh food. Make a reservation if you don't want to wait online.
(5)John H.
The final clue of a school-sponsored scavenger hunt activity led me and my fellow educated hell-raisers to this popular Denver Mexican food staple. As the conclusion to an almost eleven hour day at school, Lola's hit the spot for a tasty after-school special. Lola's is the kind of place I know by reputation, but inexplicably so. I feel like I've had the place recommended to me dozens of tines...yet I could not name a single person I know who has referred me to it. I couldn't picture it in my head, yet as soon as my friends and I parked our car, I said, 'Oh yeah, THIS place.' In other words, this place could easily glide by on its hipster credit and snappy design sense. Fortunately, our visit to Lola's consisted of much more than hype and drink specials. Their happy hour was great: all the (hot!) tortilla chips we could eat, and the pico and guacamole (also hot!) kept on coming. For dinner, our servers a couple platters of their savory chicken and fish tacos, beaming with a deceptively complex palette (that's a good thing). I would've eaten a bevy of them, had I not filled up on appetizers. Service here was fantastic. Aside from a 10 minute wait to meet our reservation destination (a nice, private space in the back of the restaurant), I felt like I was being waited on hand and foot. Friendly, cheerful staff kept our refreshments refilled, and our chips n dip never ran dry. I can't imagine a restaurant staff on the planet that looks forward to serving an army of hungry, tired high school teachers, but these guys kept up with us flawlessly. A point down for the cheesy decor, and trendy ambiance: even in teacher uniform, we were easily the most blue-collared folk in the joint, which always makes me feel a little uncomfortable. That having been said, when a restaurant's biggest fault is that they're a little TOO dressed up, that can't be a deal breaker. On point, I'm grateful that our admin staff fit the bill on this one, as it seems like 'value' isn't the heart of the Lola's experience. Maybe I should've pocketed a couple tacos for the trip home... Overall, I was very impressed with our school's good taste and Lola certainly didn't drop the ball. I'd love to hit up this place for a hot date or cool happy hour, although it looks like I might have to wait until payday to do it.
(4)Donnie P.
This place is a real sword fight, a sausage fest if you will. The prices and service are decent and Sunday brunch isn't too bad.
(3)Linda A.
food was alright, service was wonderful. great location
(3)Wilson A.
Great place to meet someone for a drink. The bar is indoor/outdoor and when the weather is nice the patio is just a great place to sit and talk with friends while enjoying a drink. They have a good selection of beers and a large tequila menu (I don't really drink Margaritas, but they have plenty of options). It is located on a hill in the Highlands that overlooks Denver and it is a great view of downtown. Parking can be a bit of a pain on busy days. I had met people here several times for drinks and I never tried their food until recently. Boy I was missing out. The food is excellent with obvious chef creations instead of just a normal Mexican menu.
(5)Kalani F.
I've been trying, in vain, to figure out why people love this restaurant ever since I moved to Denver. I don't get it. First of all, I know they try to tout it as Mexican, but from whatever Mexican recipes they acquired, I would love it if they would add some spice. Any spice, even salt! Their guacamole has to be the blandest stuff I've ever eaten- please add some spice to it. Add anything, it tastes like green wall paper paste. I've had shrimp here in various dishes, always tough and chewy. How can anyone ruin shrimp??? Last time I was here I had the roasted corn soup, and I would pay good money for the claim that they had burned it. I've also had the Poblano Rellano, and yes, I feel like sneaking in my own chili powder or something. Bland, bland, bland. There are times I go here where I feel like an imposition to the staff and it can take forever to get waited on in the bar. I am gleefully ever giving up eating here again if I can help it.
(2)Kathy M.
My husband and I loved Lola's. everything about it is wonderful. The service and food are incrediable. The guacamole was some of the best I've ever tasted. It had s real kick to it. The next time we're in Denver we'll definitely come back.
(5)Christine P.
what? What?? WHAT??? That was my evening in a nutshell at Lola. It was a Saturday night and it was SO loud that we couldn't hear each other or our waitress. I ordered off the menu. I love that they accommodated my request on a busy Saturday night, but the outcome wasn't very pleasing. I'll take credit for that one. My friend had the Caldo de Mariscos which is a type of seafood soup. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of seafood in the dish. I thought it was quite tasty and would order it myself. The guacamole, which is prepared table side, was good but not great. The chips were fresh and thankfully not greasy but for my taste they could have been saltier. So, some hits, some misses. The atmosphere is trendy chic with a great view of downtown and outdoor seating. Odds are I'll be back because it's a nice place to go with a group and I'd like to give it another shot. Just not on a Saturday night!.
(3)Corrie F.
Interesting and creative take on mexican good. Try to butternut squash cheese dip, delish. The only reason it gets four stars instead of five is that you get charged for chips and salsa....Personally I want that on the table when I'm seated at a Mexican place. You're going to pay quite a bit for your meal, but if it's a special occasion, it's worth it.
(4)Alissa R.
so I must have visited on a bad day because the last few times I visited for brunch-the food was excellent. sorry lola, also I recently had dinner for the second time and it was awesome! keep it coming
(4)Lindsey S.
After reading the reviews on yelp as well as friends recommendations, I decided to finally trek over to the highlands to check this place out. I was very pleasantly surprised that when we went at 6pm on a Saturday there were plenty of open tables. It was probably a wait to be sat outside (and it was really hot) so we opted for inside instead. I thought we were going to be sat in the main dining area, but instead we were seated in a back area of the restaurant with barely enough room to squeeze into next to the guacamole cart. Granted I know the hostesses try to seat on a rotation, but that far at the back and so cramped? As an appetizer we had the guacamole which I have to say is pretty cool - they bring over a cart table side and make it right in front of you so you can customize it to your liking. That was probably my favorite part of the meal. For dinner I just had a bowl of the tortilla soup and a side of the coconut-horchata fritters. The tortilla soup was pretty good - tomato base instead of broth-based which I was expecting. Not the greatest ever, but certainly not bad. The horchata fritters were...different. Not really sure how to describe them. Not good, not really bad though. For drinks I ordered the white sangria which seemed a little "off" so for drink #2 I ordered a mojito. Pretty run of the mill. Nothing to special about it. Overall this place is alright, but I could eat a lot better for less money.
(2)Jenn B.
If I could dine at one restaurant for the rest of my life this would be it. What is there not to like? Amazing table side guacamole, sweet potato queso, ceviche, and salsa sampler. And that is just the appetizers! Then there are the drinks The Paloma is amazing, and everything else I have tried is equally as delicious. For an entree I love the Escolar and Mahi. Is it busy as hell most nights? Yep, but that is how you know it is good. The atmosphere is fun, but not in a cheesy way. This is a great place for birthdays... I recently went to a rehearsal dinner there and it was amazing. Parking is a pain, but you will get a spot eventually. Plus you will have a nice Paloma to ease your pain of walking up the hill. Sure it is a little pricey, but well worth it for a fun and delicious night out.
(5)Ramon G.
Sexy joint with a simple and tasty menu. I'd like to see some more beef, pork or chicken dishes but the seafood choices are yummy. Three thumbs up for the guacamole made to order at your table side. Great tequila bar if you're into that kinda thing. I sampled about 4 glasses of sangria.... Belly up to the bar and you get a decent view of downtown Denver. Prices were reasonable and staff was very friendly.
(4)Jenn M.
Hi Friends, Beautiful, this word is used frequently during this dining experience with one of my best friends. We come in for brunch on this warm fall Sunday morning. The evening before I had the pleasure of meeting some key members of LOLA at Great American Beer Fest. I was given the opportunity to attend the Farm to Table Pavilion. Only 12 breweries and 12 restaurants were invited to participate and LOLA happened to be there. I will admit I cheated and looked at the menu before arriving, and the Pulled Pork Benedict caught my eye. I tried to shake it, keep an open mind as there were several other brunch options, but no I had to have the eggs bennie. My lovely friend had a terrible time deciding, I almost broke down and said "one of each". However I did not see a wheel barrel so I opted for exercising self control. The difficult decision was made and an order of the Grilled Shrimp Huarache was placed. With this difficult task behind us, the focus became the drinks. My Sunday brunch struggle is always mimosa or bloody... well this time, I said BOTH. I started out with the ULTIMATE Bloody, and I kid you not (see picture) it was the grand pumba of all bloodies I have ever tried. Yes, that is bacon, cheese, olive, baby pickle, banana pepper, asparagus and a tasty shrimp as the garnish. This bloody is made with habanero infused vodka and what a naughty Mary she is. The ultimate flavor packed, morning pick you up, all in one glass. Now on to the dainty part of the drinking, the mimosas. We had several choices of flavored mimosas, I tried pinkberry and my friend had peach. I loved mine as it was crisp, refreshing and fruity. My friends was good too and tasted peachy but not too overpowering. The first dish in our beautiful meal came out; Lobster Deviled Eggs. What a phenomenal twist to the deviled egg. Very fresh, and great flavor combination. I scraped the plate and practically left it clean enough to use again. Finally the main dishes arrive. Jaw promptly drops at the sight of both meals. The aromas are splendid and make me giddy and excited to dig in. Love at first bite with my Pulled Pork Benedict. I have never seen this combination before and it was brilliant. The pork was succulent and very flavorful, the hollandaise sauce was just perfect as well as my eggs. Silence takes over the table. We both kept looking at each other bite after bite and the expression on our faces spells out "beautiful". My friends Shrimp Guarache is glorious and filled with re fried beans, pico scrambled eggs, onions and fresh avocado all coming together for a fantastic flavor party. Plates nearly empty, bellies fully satisfied and nearing full capacity I think, this can't possibly get any better. Well I should know I would be wrong as a plate of doughnuts is placed in front of us. I may be full, but I will always find room for dessert. I sometimes think we should all start our meals off by eating dessert. These scrumptious little nuggets of cinnamon sugar goodness just melt away in our mouths. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful, each bite we take at brunch. Hands down, this is the best brunch I have ever had. Not only was the company stellar, the food was simply beautiful. Till next time, Cheers and Provecho! For photos please go to: jenn-uncorked.com
(5)Ashlee C.
Lolas along with every other highland restaurant attracts you in so many ways. I have been here twice with friends for brunch and for dinner. Usually at brunch I am not into something big so I had the ceviche and it was just right but then again we had chips and salsa at the table so I think that also helped a lot. When my boyfriend and I came for dinner however it did not live up to my expectations that I thought it would. The atmosphere was great from the music to the outdoor seating. The service was also great and the wait staff was helpful with drink choices. In terms of the beverages, they were splendid and did the trick you could tell there was alcohol in the drink. However, the food was just like every other restaurant anywhere but twice the price and I was not full but paid 27 dollars for the market snapper. I think the presentation of the food makes the price because the flavors did not stand out for what they were trying to accomplish. When you want a small bite to eat this is the place to go.
(3)Dan Z.
I was recently re-introduced to Lola's as I went a few years ago and wasn't impressed by the food, but always liked having drinks on the patio. This most recent time, was treated to a multitude of dishes and was highly impressed. Definitely worth your time to try it out.
(4)Trou D.
Much like many others - I typically end up here on a fairly regular basis. I love Mexican food, however, food allergies limits my regular intake for enjoying all of the Mexican dishes that I love. After some persuading from my trusted bartenders (whom are AMAZING), so I tried the Arctic Char and to my surprise - No allergies! The Arctic Char is full of flavor. The three or four times that I have enjoyed this entree it has been consistently and exquisitely prepared . The smokey pancetta, lentils, sautéed greens, apple nogada sauce dance deliciously on my palette while popping with flavor. Another yum factor for me is the rock shrimp ceviche grape tomato pico, melon salsa, jalapeno aioli! The Executive Chef, Jamey Fader truly has a gift for preparing fish.
(4)Bob O.
Lola. I was a little anxious ... seems that the reviews are a mixed bag but I'm a fan of nouveaux, new-age, fusion, pan-southwest / mexican fare which is, I believe, Lola's cred. And the winner is ... "mixed bag." Some things are done really well and others are just OK. I don't have any serious complaints ... closest I'd come is the carne asada sauce which to my palate was a bit muddy. I shared a plate of the mussels which was very nice - and really different than the usual garlic/wine reduction. With enough bread you could make a tasty meal of it. Mi amigo had the scallops which we both thought were stellar. The house salsa was good ... but didn't rock my world but did provide a slow burn on the tongue - the kind that demands "cerveza por favor" !! And to counter some of the other reviews our service was excellent. In fact the carne asada came out overdone ... and I was going to take a pass to not cramp the conversation/dinner flow but the manager showed up and insisted that they would rectify it lickity-split, and they did - kudos to the management. Since I'm a fan of the style I'll try them again ... hoping that there are some untried stars on the menu.
(3)Kyla A.
Lola is a fun place for your weekend brunch. They have a FANTASTIC patio. It used to have a great view too, but development around the area has unfortunately changed that. The place is packed on weekends and when the weather is good the patio is quick to fill up. Their menu is changing all the time, which is refreshing and is in a way, compelling to come back for more. I always get excited for the unique dishes I see on the menu, but I always feel a bit let down. It's not that the food is disappointing, per se, it just sounds like it's going to be amazing and ends up being alright. For example, today I had the special, chilaquiles made with chicken, asparagus, peas, and goat cheese. Sounds like it's gonna be great right? But it really wasn't, sad. Their drinks are alright. Again, there's so much expectation, especially with such a well-equipped bar, but it just ends up being alright. I have had their mimosas on several occasions and I would have to say the grapefruit is the best. The bloody Mary's (even the ones made with tequila) are decent, but I can definitely find better ones in Denver. Some things I really do like about Lola include the interior decor. It's all made from recycled parts. It's crazy what you can make with things like old car parts and such. I also LOVE their guacamole. It's always so fresh and delicious, and it's so great that they mix it right there at your table. It's also a good place to enjoy happy hour and cheap tacos on the patio. As for the service, I would have to say it can sometimes be pretty horrendous. Like today, the hosts were super friendly, but then our server was just not cool. Our table was forgotten, which I understand because it was super busy, so it took like ten minutes just to talk to our server to get drinks. Then, after someone else brought the drinks, another ten minutes passed (maybe more) and she's there to take our order. See explains the special, chilaquiles, and I express my interest and say that's what I'll order. My boyfriend says "we'll start with the guac and I'll have", but then she walks away. No joke, she literally left while he was in the middle of talking. Talk about bad listening skills. So she comes back eventually and we order. During our meal she came by our table, looked at us, didn't ask us if we were okay (good thing we were), and turns around. Little did we know we wouldn't see her again. So we were done with our food for awhile now, when another server kindly clears are table. We wait and wait, but no sight of the server. Eventually we had to ask another server to get our check. Finally, our sever appears to run the credit card and thanks us. I wanted to ask if she was for real, I mean at least apologize or say you were swamped or something. Just so you know, my rating is really based on the food. If I were to rate including the service, I probably would only give 2 stars. I am of the belief though that servers are only human and therefor have bad days. Besides, if the food is great, I would have to endure some really bad service to deter me.
(3)Austin J.
This place is cool enough. I came here to grab a drink with a colleague, so I can't speak to the food or the prices. The patio is awesome as it offers an incredible view of the Denver skyline. Overall, the restaurant had a very trendy feel to it, and the people seemed a bit pretentious. However, if that's your crowd you'll love it.
(3)Cristen B.
I was taken to Lola as a thank you for working a trade show. It was rainy, but the patio was open and the heat was on- nice! It was still happy hour, so part of my group opted for the happy hour Margaritas-they said they tasted horrible. I opted for a mojito- good flavor, very strong. We settled in to our booth after 20 mins of waiting, their ceveche has good flavor and so does their salsa sampler. Thought that the price jump between the $2 happy hour guac and the $8 dinner menu guac was a HUGE jump, and it was just OK. I had the Carne Asada.. I would say 40% of the steak was fat, very disappointing. 3 people in my party had the whole fish and really enjoyed it. The other person had the scallops. Only 3 to an order, and they come on a huge plate on top of sea shells- super cheesy and disappointing considering the $19+ price tag. I did try their sangria, and I have to say it's the best I've had in a while. I would go back here for happy hour any day for the cheap guac, cheap single tacos and the drink specials. I would however not go back for dinner.
(3)Pax T.
The best "Brunch" Burger in the state of Colorado! I'm talking juicy, tender, full of flavor and all out yummy! Worth the money and don't forget the chips. Excellent bloody mary complete with bacon and shrimp. I left here stuffed and wanting to go back.
(5)George M.
Great food and a super cool place...the menu is always changing up to offer new selections...in the summertime, it's a must to dine on the patio
(5)Jaz D.
I had brunch with friends at Lola yesterday and I can't rave enough about this place. I'm surprised to read the negative reviews about the service on here - we were so blown away by the service that we made jokes about the waitstaff being psychic! The food - oh, the food! It was stuff dreams are made of. I had the plate with the grits, bacon and eggs. I don't believe I've had a more perfectly cooked egg at a restaurant and the grits were creamy and just incredibly tasty. My companions' meals were just as tasty. When the food was first delivered, and everyone took a bite, there was a collective gasp and then silence as we all ate in a trace-like state. I pointed out some artwork to a friend, which got her attention long enough for me to snag a bite of potato off of her dish. It was almost as good as the food on my plate. I can't wait to go back.
(5)James J.
The best happy hour in Denver is Monday night at Lola! The Guacamole is excellent and the service is great. I can't say much about the dinner food because I think I've been to happy hr 20+ times, but have only eaten dinner once or twice and I can't even remember what I had. A great place for drinks, year round.
(4)Tim S.
Not impressed at all. A friend recommended Lola to my wife and me. Nice low key atmosphere but the service and food was just average for the price. $9 house Margareta was average (small and not worth $9) $3 for a small bowl of chips $9 for one avocado pealed at your table $22 bowl of Sea Food Stew was good but portions was too small There are so many good restaurants in the Denver area that provide much better service and food at a much grater value (IMO)
(1)Andrea R.
Lola brunch, I love you! I've been here for brunch and dinner on many occasions, and I would say, its never been a miss- ALWAYS a win. We even brought my husband's parents from out of town, and impress them we did. This review truly goes out to their weekend brunch though. I have had the: Lola Huevos- so delicious and rich, served with great soft corn tortillas and smoked goat cheese Shrimp and Grits- almost as good as Lucille's Rockefeller dish, down home delicious! Biscuits and gravy- this is a side option, but its big enough and rich enough for its own meal in my opinion. The biscuit is like none other I've tasted and their chorizo gravy is to die for! Mimosas!- only $4, people. And in all different flavors like mango, peach, grapefruit, orange, etc I've also had a few of their daily specials- you really can't go wrong there either. So yeah, I love it.
(5)Annika v.
I went there for a friends birthday dinner on Cinco De Mayo, as you can imagine the place was a zoo. We had reservations for 7:30 but didn't get seated until 8:30, while we waited we sipped on their A-MAZING margaritas. Once we got seated our table was right by the band, which made conversations impossible. Lola offered us some table side guacamole as an apology for the long wait. It was so delicious that I completely forgot about having to wait an hour for our table. The food was delicious, not what I was expecting. I split the casa salad and a pulled pork/rib dish, both were phenomenal. To top it all of they brought out a generous dessert portion for the birthday girl, and the band even played her a song. All in all the pro's out weighed the con's and I will look forward to my next trip to Lola's.
(4)Jo C.
Happy hour here is unbelievable! Real cheap tacos with a beer. The achiote chicken tacos are awesome!! The margs are tasty as they don't use nasty sweet and sour sauce like every taco shack on federal! Which i would rather lick pavement then eat at any of those! Dinner is ok but very pricey.. Good place to hold celebration parties.
(3)Kavitha B.
One of the best brunches I've had. I was in town visiting for the weekend, so I don't know what else Denver has to offer. But if there is brunch better than this in Denver, you are some lucky folks. We had a big group and were able to try pretty much everything on the menu. The food was fantastic, the drinks were great, and our server was helpful and attentive. All around - a great experience.
(4)Jenn T.
Best brunch ever!!! Table side guac is excellent
(5)Jason O.
Ok a quick, bullet-pointed review: -Great food! -Fantastic Quacamole!! -Maybe a little to "hip" for me -Solid menu -Excellently prepared food -medium-sized portions -amazing view of city -skip vita next door -will be back! All for now :)
(4)Joel L.
Probably my least favorite it he Big Red F lineup... Seems too similar to Zolo in Boulder but certainly not as good in the food category. Jax is still my favorite in this family of restaurants.
(2)Jake S.
This place used to be pretty decent and affordable. Now its OK and overpriced. I prob wont come back.
(2)Peter P.
Finally ate here last weekend after many recommendations. Loved the guacamole, ceviche & margaritas. Cool atmosphere. Will definitely return in the future.
(5)Laurel M.
Hmm... I've been to LOLA about 2 dozen times since it opened and have to agree with a lot of the folks here by saying it's "hit or miss." It's funny: they are known far and wide for their tableside guacamole, but I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had. Frankly, I could make it better myself and home and pay about 3 dollars for it, all told. I do think that they have some of the BEST COIN STYLE MARGARITAS in the Denver metro area. You have to be a fan of Coin Style to like these. These aren't the same disgustingly sweet margs that places like the Rio Grande (barf barf) serve. Very strong and very fresh. Their current menu is kind of disappointing. We went to LOLA last night to watch the NUGGETS game against LA and struggled to find more than 2 items that we were really interested in ordering. We tried some Yam Fries off the Bar menu that were decent; a bit of a mushy, starchy mess on the inside. We tried this Sashimi style appetizer that was VERY disappointing. In fact, after one bite, we both agreed that it was totally bland and we sent it back. We then tried the Seafood Caldo, a mix of mackerel, shrimp and mussels in a tasty broth. The broth was good; however, the seafood in it was just OK. I've had their Mexican Cupcake. If there's one thing I know, it's chocolate in cake format. I have traveled far and wide for a good piece of chocolate cake or an awesome cupcake. I was really disappointed with the cupcake at LOLA. Kind of dry, not chocolatey enough. I DEFINITELY do not think the packed in outdoor patio is worth the aggravation. A definite BONUS of LOLA is the HUGE TV couch area downstairs that is rarely crowded during important Denver sporting events. I'd say go for the Happy Hour on a Monday or Tuesday....skip the Dinner menu...unless it changes...
(3)Laura B.
NEW BRUNCH MENU! I have been going to this place since it opened at this location. I have to say, it just keeps getting better with time. I went there last week for brunch...the service was great from the bar and our waitress. I went with the chicken fried pork based on what the bartender and waitress said,..this is not something I would typically order...but, the sweetness of the breading and spiciness of the gravy was a great combo! You can forget the delish bloodies either with the house spicy vodka! I need to go back and check out dinner...my guess is that it has improved as well!
(4)Marc B.
This was my third time at Lola, but my first time having brunch here. Went with the LolaBurgeasa. Certainly one of the best Burger's I've had in Denver yet. Lola is a great pleasure every time I go here. Excellent food, excellent service. I also really appreciate how much the servers are excited about the food on the menu--demonstrated by the earnestness with which they speak of the food they offer as well as their willingness to go the extra mile and bring you different salsas, extra chips, etc. I just wish the prices were a bit lower so my frequency of visits could be a bit higher...
(4)Chris B.
4 stars? Really? Did everyone else who wrote a review of Lola actually eat there?! Took my girlfriend here randomly for some birthday drinks last night. Were we disappointed! The guacamole was "OK", not as spectacular as it may seem. Way too much garlic, not enough lime juice and no tomatoes?! Wtf? And $8 for it? Seriously Lola? Not to mention the extremely over the top prices for the rest of their fairly limited menu. Mexican food should NEVER be that expensive. I can't stand when restaurants have prices that reflect you're helping them pay off their business loan rather than the actual value for the quality and quantity of the food received. The mojitos were mediocre, like the bartender who made them was just dumped by his girlfriend. His girlfriend gave up on him, so he gave up on making a decent drink. Couldn't taste any mint, it was like drinking a lime seltzer water, and no sugar cane. We decided not to eat there, finished our mojitos, chips and quac and bounced. Ultimately to end up at another restaurant that is about to receive a similar review (you'll have to read more there). Ambiance was nice and eclectic as you'd expect in the Highlands, but that's about all you should expect here. OVER RATED!
(1)Yvonne C.
The best guac ever! I came here for Sunday brunch and I fell in love with this place. The mimosas were great, the food was fantastic, the service was amazing, and the guacamole was heaven on earth. The set up is awesome too! Who ever thought of making a guacamole cart, genius! Also, they have some of the nicest bathrooms I have ever seen in Denver.
(4)Craig B.
Dinner, happy hour, drinks, service, brunch... it's all great here. I love coming here, drinks are great and an awesome price on Monday all-night happy hour. The ceviche bar is always fresh and perfectly prepared. Table side guac is fun and a great way to impress first time guests.
(4)Jennifer K.
Not for vegetarians. A friend chose this for a girl's dinner and since I am relatively new to Denver, I perused the menu online before arriving. I noticed a lack of vegetarian items but I figured there may be more selections offered if I asked (as with many other Denver restaurants). Wrong! I was asked, "Do you eat fish?" Hmmm, is fish a vegetable? There is one vegetarian entree on the menu (Poblano Relleno) and that's all they offer. I had high hopes based on the description (I love mushrooms) but it was just OK. Honestly it just seemed like a big glob of cheese that was deep fat fried. Both of my friends thoroughly enjoyed their entrees and I see they consistently earn rave reviews so I was surprised to be disappointed on this point, especially in Denver. The guacamole (made fresh table side) is good as are the chips.
(3)Diane M.
Love the guacamole freshly mad table side. Excellent. Happy hour nachos good. Happy hour enchiladas bad. Sauce tastes like tomato sauce. Drinks yummy. Location grand. Over rated Mexican food.
(3)Dan J.
Progressive mexican in a hip environment. Space for bands downstairs, nice patio. Sunday brunch had excellent take on huevos rancheros and the egg sandwhich had an awesome homemade sausage.
(5)Bobby M.
Well we drank margaritas and danced all night Under electric candlelight She picked me up and sat me on her knee And said dear boy wont you come home with me Well Im not the worlds most passionate guy But when I looked in her eyes well I almost fell for my lola The Coin Margaritas rock. $2 taco night is fantastic. The service is good enough- but the summer is gone and with it the patio- so I will see you next year, Lola.
(5)Tiffney J.
Food was amazing and so was the drinks and service! Definiately a fun place.
(5)Sherri K.
Lola has the best atmosphere I have felt in a long time in Denver. Great energy, new fun upbeat crowd and the bartenders were fun and cool. Granted, it was my birthday and the entire bar area sang to me, but outside of that it was still easy breezy~ Everyone seemed relaxed, yet it was a classy, upscale bar/ restaurant. No pretense, just cool peeps enjoying their Saturday night. The whole indoor/ outdoor, bar/ patio thing always does it for me though.
(4)Grace B.
I won't allow myself to come here unless it's happy hour. My wallet just can't handle it. But from 2-5 on weekends I'm all about 2 tacos and a tecate for 5 bucks.
(4)sarah o.
Husband's holiday party was at BELOLA last night, they did a really good job. The drinks were as good as always, and the buffet was very good as well. We have been fans of LOLA since it was on south pearl, sometimes the food is great and sometimes it's a bit on the salty side, but overall I think this is a great place to bring parents, or to hang out with friends. Their chicken taco special on Monday nights is always fun, and their Brunch--well that would get 5 stars if I were ranking it on it's own accord :)
(4)Bill W.
Only been there for happy hour and brunch, naturally this review isnt for dinner. The brunch, however, is amazing. Probabaly the best Ive been to in Denver (tied with Olivea.) Especially if you can score an outside table. If youre in the mood for a spicier, mexicanier type brunch, this will not dissapoint. mmmm, i want some now. Im excited for this area to get better (they need to bulldoze just about everything on the NE side of 16th st.) but Lola i think will be a mainstay for sometime because of the excellent and unique food.
(4)Brock S.
My wife and I had a great experience here. The food drinks and service are wonderful and the decor of the upper dinning area was interesting. However, I would not classify this as a 'Mexican' restaurant. Aside from having fresh made guacamole at the table and specialty margaritas, there were not the traditional spicy Mexican dishes I was expecting.
(4)Crystal N.
I thoroughly enjoyed the guacamole boy (is that PC?) He brought out a little cart to make fresh to-our-taste guac and was just adorable. Great food » patio « good drinks. And it's cute.
(4)Ryan S.
When I entered Lola I immediately noticed their amazing decor and great waitstaff. I was their for a large group birthday dinner, all nine of us ordered the tasting menu. Don't get me wrong the Fusion type style of food was good. But it had some flaws for how elegant it was displayed. Maybe I just had higher expectations, and I will try Lola again.
(2)Adriane H.
Great brunch spot. Went here a couple of Sundays ago and was able to get a table within 5 minutes. I had the special which was a pork taquito scramble, delicious. Nice atmosphere and even though it was pretty crowded it wasn't overly noisy so you can actually have a conversation with the others at your table. Will definetly be back to try dinner and drinks sometime.
(5)Mary H.
Reasonably priced mimosas and really unique dishes. I never ate there for anything but brunch. However, the menu always looked delicious. This is my pick for brunch in Denver metro. All my visitors were promptly taken here.
(5)Shannon W.
I really don't like their dinner menu. Granted, I've only had dinner there once, but it just kinda sucked. No one liked their food, and we're people that generally like food. Just, you know, in general. I do, however, enjoy a warm February Sunday afternoon on the patio sipping coin ritas (true margaritas, IMO) eating cheap-but-small tacos and tableside guac (xtra: garlic, japs, cilantro, onions... if I am mad at you I will breathe on you. That's a promise, not a threat). I'm trying to figure out Sunday Funday after two years in this city. There seems to be no consensus on where to go when, but I"ll offer up Lola for the post-brunch pre-dinner-bleeding-into-evening-party. They've got the cheap drinks, tacos and live music, so fits nicely there. Thin Man for the third stop :). Bottom line: It's just not worth it outside of HH.
(3)Stacy J.
Outstanding impromptu evening spent at the bar. Excellent service,knowledgeable, attentive and entertaining. Thank you Billy, we will be back.
(5)karen l.
Hadn't heard of this place until a friend drug me there for the Halloween festivities. Was tons of fun! We've been back for happy hour many times. I'm sure it's been said before, but the guac and sangria are fab!
(4)Heidi E.
After dropping off my B-Cycle (late...$49 charge later), I decided to wait for my friend at Lola and enjoy an early happy hour. The bartender makes you work for the $3 pint of Dos Equis and $7 guacamole you order, but as I was there to wait for my friend, I didn't mind. The chips served with the guacamole were super-crispy and addictive, the guacamole small but satisfying. How can you go wrong with frosty pint o' Dos Equis? Nice ambiance, with both indoor and outdoor bar seating. Sit indoors like I did to enjoy a view of downtown Denver.
(3)Maple L.
Seriously...pretentious. Trying too hard. I'm sorry if this is your favorite place, but I Have to be honest! So if you agreed with my other posts, you will probably agree with me now. So one of my friends from my first visit wanted to use up the voucher they had given her. After calling around and no one wanting to go, lol. She called me back and I agreed to go, she said, "its brunch, how could they mess that up?" lol. OHHHH Lola..... We got the sopapilla, chicken and waffles and eggs benedict. The chicken and waffles were covered with chorizo gravy and cherry syrup over all that. The chicken was covered in "shake and bake" or something extremely similar. The poached eggs were clearly made in an apparatus for pouched eggs that you would have at home, but what you expect for a pricey restaurant. The egg was over a bisquit and "braised pork belly" which actually looked a lot like pulled pork and even had a bbq flavor to it.... topped off with ! surprise! A sweet "hollandaise" --- tasted like there was some pineapple in it, although the menu said peppers. So maybe it was sweet peppers, I have no idea, but either way it tasted like translucent pineapple-ish "gravy." The flavors just don't go well together.... An example I would use to compare it would be like like eating shrimp with chocolate. Or bananas with beef gravy. lol.
(1)Jamie K.
First time at Lola's and I am impressed. I got the El Admiral without grits. I ordered my eggs scrambled and they were amazing definitely with the poblano sauce! Unfortuantely I wanted fruit to replace my grits but they ran out. I thought I would give their yogurt a try. It looked really good, but had no flavor since it was plain, so didn't eat it. So sad they were out of fruit, or maybe offer honey with the yogurt. The server was super friendly and attentive, I will definitely be back and hope that they will have fruit!
(4)Adam C.
Awesome food. Great atmosphere. My wife, son, and I went here during restaurant week and truly enjoyed our experience. We started off with the table side guacamole because we had read so many good things on Yelp about it. From the restaurant week menu we started with the shrimp ceviche which was very good. We moved on to the Cesar salad and corn soup. For the entree course I had the grilled escolar and my wife had the chile rubbed lamb. Both entrees were outstanding. The lamb melted in your mouth and the escolar was buttery goodness. We split the tres leches cake which was also top notch. The service was great overall. We were seated 15 minutes prior to our reservation which we requested and our drinks and chips were always full.
(4)Cobra K.
Um...more like 3 dolla signs fools! $$$!!! Wasn't expecting to spend that much on food but enjoyed it. We started off with the tableside guac like most people do...hum...too expensive for what you pay for. Entrees were good!
(3)Donald M.
Shishi but tasty Mexican food. Very nice view of downtown Denver from the deck.
(4)Robin M.
I was rather dissapointed by Lola, as I had heard great things about it. I found the menu to be rather limited, the drinks were not that great (kinda weak, specialty drinks not very tasty) and the food was Meh! We had the Scallops on Pineapple rice and Chicken Mole, which were fine, but nothing we couldn't have done at home. On the plus, service was very good, and the Cold bar was a fun addition (didn't try anything because we don't really like oysters). I'll only go back if I get invited by friends and they have the hearts set on it.
(3)Carina C.
The Mojitos are muy delicioso! I like the way they make guacamole at your table! Come on a Sunday so you can get their super yummy Paella for two! (It's not on the menu and TWICE I had it on a day other than Sunday...then I cruised in there on another Un-Sunday night and was totally rejected by the waitress...and I pleaded a bit more and they still said no...that was a total bummer. Apparently they were missing some ingredients. Suuuuurrre.) Ok I think that's the extent of what I've had there. :)
(4)lizzie m.
I had been here a few times for drinks before eating elsewhere in the neighborhood, but never for food. My boyfriend and I went in recently on a Thursday for dinner. Drinks were overpriced (normal), and so was the food, which would have been okay if it was great, but it was mediocre at best. We ordered some ceviche to start, which was a small dish that contained tiny salad shrimp and cherry tomatoes in a creamy (ie, mayonnaise!) sauce. The best part of this $9 app was the crispy potato chips it was served with. I ordered a salad as a main course, and though I would have loved to add some protein, it was $9 (!!!!) to add chicken (the salad, sans meat, was $11 to start with). The salad was good, it had pickled yellow beets and green beans, but the dressing was this salsa- type relish which was overpowered by the taste of bacon. My boyfriend ordered the mahi, which, again, was good, but not worth the $22 he paid for it. The sauce was too hot to eat once the fish was gone, and unfortunately it coated every remaining bite left on the plate. Our total bill was $85 before tip (2 margs, 2 glasses of wine, and the food mentioned above). Since we recently moved to the Highlands, we were excited to try new places, and went to Lola because we didn't want to spend too much (we're saving that for Sushi Sasa), but we might as well have gone there and paid slightly more (if not the same) to eat a delicious meal. Oh well! Needless to say, we won't be going back to Lola soon, at least not to eat....
(1)Chris L.
I've been going to Lola since its early days on Pearl and one thing I really appreciate about it is that they refuse to be arrogant or pretentious even though they're wildly popular among a crowd that tends to gravitate toward such things. Lola has my favorite happy hour in Denver and I always get the same things because they're so good. They make a table-side guacamole that is far, far better than any you'll find at places across the metro area that have trained chefs making it. That's because Lola knows what makes it taste good and they train their servers in how to combine the ingredients just right. It helps that I know exactly what I like in my guac (pretty much everything but raw onions), but they have the right ingredients available in the first place, and execution is right every single time at Lola (and I get this at least a few times every month). The other thing I love are the happy hour fish tacos. I get one round of all flavors, then decide which fish is the freshest and order another round of just those. But all are very good - the tortillas are just right (tasty, but unassuming) and the fish is always cooked correctly with subtle spices. Just a bit of sauce rounds out the flavors and I end up eating about six of these at a sitting. Their margaritas with top shelf Tequila are fresh, smooth, and delicious - two of them are just the right amount of happy to wash the workday away.
(4)Rachel S.
I had brunch at Lola for the first time yesterday. I was a huge fan of the menu and had a hard time picking out an entree. We started with the guacamole which was prepared table-side. It was prepared exactly how our table requested and was done in minutes. I ended up settling on the Seafood Fritta. Chunks of seafood paired with goat cheese and covered in an Aoli. It was delicious! All was washed down with the house coffee which was STRONG. Loved it.
(4)Belinda B.
Decent food (appetizers), great atmosphere, good place for a up town casual or hipster dressed up evening meeting place. Service can be a bit spotty - at first I though it was how small our group was, but even with a good sized crowd, it tends to feel like they are 1 or maybe 1/2 a server short. Just a little long to get your next order or get water refilled. However, the patio scene can make it worth the wait if the weather is nice. Good for people watching at happy hour.
(3)Leslie W.
We went to dinner at Lola Friday night, and was really impressed. The place is hip, and has a really cool view of downtown Denver from the patio. My fiance and I started off with splitting a bowl of the chowder. Beware! It was so good, and I ate so much of it, that I almost ruined my dinner by being too full! I had the escolar, which has this great green tomitillo like sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly, and the sauce complimented it really well. Jim had the salmon huevos, which he said was excellent. Service was good and not overbearing. Only thing that was fair was the little dessert at the end. It was restaurant week, and some at our table had the set menu. The dessert that came with it was a brownie in a plastic bowl with ice cream. It was fair, nothing to write home about. However overall, I would certainly come back!
(4)Lor V.
Agree on tableside guac. I have always found the food average.. But i love grabbing a drink and an app here. Has a good drink menu. Get there early though.
(3)Jules G.
Finally made it in for a sit-down dinner, instead of the usual sit-at-the-bar to drink and order some apps as an afterthought (or, more specifically, put something in our stomachs to help soak up the, ahem, tequila). Yawn. I say this because, again, this review is redundant and I'm sure you're bored by now with the sheer awesome-ness that is Lola. However, the more you read about the fabulousity of Lola, the better, because this place deserves every great review it gets. Heres' the dealio-yo- I've given up my quest to find the Mexican food of my childhood from growing up in So. Cal. I don't compare what I know to be stellar Mexican to Lola. Because Lola is playing the game all on her own. So I'm good. We started with the guac (mais oui!) and the Shrimp Ceviche. The quac was spicy (as ordered), fresh, and scooped perfectly onto the delectable, crispy-light, not-too-salty tortilla chips. The Shrimp Ceviche was chock full o' lovely shrimp, in a light, spicy lime sauce that went perfectly with the potato crisps served for scooping. Um, kind of like shrimp crack. Entrees... Where to start? And by that, i mean, how's a girl to chose? The solution? Look around at what my fellow diners were ordering. Not too shy to twist my body around my chair to scope out the table behind me. Holy crispy Relleno! Yes please! Perfectly battered, a bright green chile encompassing glorious bites of Asadero, with a warm, smoky sauce. Added shredded chicken, cause j'adore protein, and it was the perfect addition to the fabulous textures of the plate. The heat of the chile was mouth-watering and demanded continuous swigs from my Silver Coin marg (which, by the way was EXACTLY how I drink my margs- light, no syrupy-sweet mix to jack it up, heavy on the lime and tequila. Sublime). Sampled my bff's Seared Ahi and was equally impressed. Seared Ahi can be so 2000-late, or it can rock my world, which Lola's Ahi did. Ordered another round. Continued to eat off eachother's plates, moaning in delight... smiled at our neighbors in appreciation... If I EVER have another kid, I shall name her Lola.
(5)Kendra R.
On the west side of 25, driving around quiet streets with quaint buildings, and then *Pop* there's this beating thriving patio that doesn't appear to have any wiggle room in it to breathe. Just in front of whatever neon sign it is, you have found Lola. Busy atmosphere, with a variety of pretty boys to has been cougars dotting the bar and the table. Walk a little further and there are some tables that will actually let you talk to your friends without the need to scream. Bathrooms are actually individual modern stalls including their own vanity and sink. Still smells of #1. The only tasty alchy treat I touched was the sangria. Please pass this up; this stuff is no where near what it should be. With the wide array of tequilas available, I bet your best buck should go toward a marg. Heck, order a corona. Food: Inventive. Yet inventive doesn't equal good. The lobster quasadias were fabo and I liked the snapper ceviche, everything else was a bit lacking (avocado fondue, dumplings, tuna ceviche). For my main dish I had the smoked salmon huevos ranchero. Curiosity didn't kill the cat, but it didn't make it purr either. The nasty aftertaste is still haunting me, just a mere few hours after consumption. Whatever fruit cake the birthday girl got tasted like a lemon flavored sugar cube soaked in simple syrup. Come for the drinks and the atmosphere, grab some grub somewhere else.
(4)Yona S.
I used to work at Lola back when it was near the Sushi Den, and I know the amount of effort they put into creating wonderful food in the Mexican coastal tradition. This is not traditional mexican food that you think of ordering so don't expect a smothered burrito or chili rellenos. If you want that go to Benny's. The new location is beautiful, hip, energetic, and open, but I miss the intimate atmosphere of the former Lola back when half the people who frequented the joint were familiar faces. But you can't fight progress! Some great things about Lola include: The tableside guacamole - hands down one the best things to ever grace the menu (don't let anyone try to convince you that the Avocado Fondue is better) Their menu changes seasonally so there's always something new to try. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, go for a drink and a couple of appetizers. Most of their appetizers are just as good as their entrees. Try the sweet potato chorizo hash, the fried plantains or any of their soups and salads! (skip the beans/rice - you can get that anywhere). Their drinks are to die for. If you aren't a fan of sweet and sour in your margarita, they make "coin style" margs, which skips the sweet and sour and goes straight for the flavors of the liquors contained within. They also have great wines and other mixed drinks for non-tequila fans. Their tequila bar is the best in the country. No Jose Cuervo Gold served here! If you are a vegetarian, intolerant to gluten, or allergic to nuts, there are usually a few options for you. The service is impeccable. The staff are all very friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable about the menu.
(4)Daniel B.
Went there for drinks. Loved the outdoor patio.
(4)Jenn M.
The best brunch in Denver, no competition. The drinks are amazing, the food is orgasmic, and the atmosphere is energizing- yet relaxing. I love love love Lola. If you're looking for traditional brunch, this is NOT the place. Chili infused vodka for a spicy bloody mary, grits flown in special from South Carolina, spicy chorizo, thick applewood bacon, and the craziest assortment of spices and sauces. Think soul food meets mexican brunch. Now, don't get intimidated by my review. This place, although has a lot of extreme ingredients and flare in their food, they have perfected fusion food. Everything flows together. I've been to Lola for lunch and dinner and it's decent- nothing I would go out of my way for though.
(4)Muriel P.
Yeah bof. We went on a sunday night, and it is really noisy i wonder how it is on a saturday. I guess it does not matter for some people, but i always take that into consideration. As for the food : i had the special, a 'paella'. There was some tortillas with it, which i guess they put to try to make it mexican. Also the waitress said there would be potatoes in it (who has ever seen potatoes in a paella), but fortunately there were none. Overall, it was ok food. As we were 2 to have the paella, they served it in a community dish which i am fine with. A friend had the halibut and was still so hungry that he finished our paella... Overall, food was ok, ambiance was too noisy and price was really high. I won't be back.
(3)Dan W.
So, I've gone to Lola for happy hour before but it's typically a little too trendy and crowded for me for dinner on a weekend. But, I went there for weekend brunch with a hangover and it was amazing. You can sit on the patio and the Mimosas and Bloody Marys are fairly cheap and good. The best thing is getting the chicken fried steak, which is on the menu as "steak and eggs." There are a few awesome-looking things on the menu for brunch, but the steak and eggs stands out. It's like a well-tenderized breaded and chicken-fried skirt steak (I think), with some potatoes, an egg, chorizo gravy and some random vegetables. I've had it twice now, once at the old Lola near Sushiden, and once at the new place in the Highlands. I think the first time I specified the egg over easy, this time I didn't specify anything and it was sunny-side up but it was a little runny. Still amazing. It's not exactly healthy and I think around $12, but if you've just downed a thousand too many calories of alcohol the night before and can still afford to eat, why not keep it going the next day? My wife had the Veggie Migas and it was pretty good but I didn't like the sauce that was on it. Their veggie migas is nothing like traditional Migas and had the tortilla chips on top with guacamole. I would also complain that it came that way but their guacamole is good enough that I didn't care. Some of the other things on the menu I'd like to try, but some were a little over the top both as far as price and complexity for brunch. When we went the service was really good. There was a long wait for larger groups but we got right in. Really nice view of downtown, too.
(5)Kevin H.
Sometimes I'm reminded of why I love food. Sometimes I'm reminded of why I don't spend my money at Outback Steakhouse, or Chili's. Sometimes I'm reminded of why I'm willing to go a little farther, spend a little more, and wait a little longer to get my belly filled. Lola is as good of a reminder as it gets. Lola is beautiful. The decor is modern, and certainly accentuates the Coastal Mexican style that they market themselves on. It's classy, and comfortable. In this environment you can't help but crave a margarita. Good news: there isn't a better place in the city to satisfy such a craving. Lola is friendly. Upon arrival for Easter brunch, chef Austin sat at the table next to ours, finishing up something or other just as they opened their doors. As he stood to resume duties in the kitchen, he struck up conversation with us. After a few moments of friendly banter, he then offered us up some banana sopapillas that were unique to the brunch menu that day, on the house. The sopapillas were warm and soft, with subtle banana and caramel undertones. A light sugared crust flaked over the top of the pastry, adding a slightly crunchy texture. Served alongside was a dark, melted Mexican chocolate, with a strong hint of cinnamon. This was no syrup, but rather a freshly liquefied, high-quality chocolate. Lola is delicious. For entrees, we had the Lola Huevos with lobster, and the Chicken Fried Steak with grilled shrimp. The Huevos were served as enchiladas, stacked with black bean ranchera, a delightfully smoky goat cheese, and a thin, spicy guacamole. The addition of lobster came as a huge portion, and was as succulent and flavorful as one would expect the keystone of a dish to be, rather than just an add-on. The Chicken Fried Steak was light, as far as Chicken Fried Steak goes. The meat was succulent and smooth, but not entirely suffocated in grease. The fried batter was firm, yet held loosely onto the steak making it so you could almost forgo a knife altogether. The green chili chorizo gravy brings the Coastal Mexican flare into the dish. Sweet, spicy and slightly salty, the gravy is what makes the dish. The chicken fried steak comes alive under the influence of the green chili. The grilled shrimp added alongside the dish were cooked to a level of perfection. The slightly charred exterior that is the indicator of all things properly grilled gave the shrimp a firm texture, and a smoky bite. The shrimp accentuated the Mexican flare by incorporating a subtle red pepper and lime flavor to the dish. Lola is generous. Upon finishing our meal, we inquired with the server as to a margarita. The margarita that was recommended was full of natural, unique flavors. An initial sour zest, rounded out by and aftertaste dominated by mango. The drink had a punch, too. It wouldn't take more than a couple to get you smiling. Best part? Our inquiry was again, on the house. Then, upon the already remarkable generosity that Lola showed us, our server threw in a voucher for a free guac appetizer next time we were in. All and all, 2 appetizers and an $11 margarita on the house. These people know customer service. Dining is a social experience. Food brings together loved ones and strangers alike, binding us all upon a common need. Lola brings all of this together for a warm, inviting, and most of all deliciously rewarding experience that I simply can't wait to repeat. Eat at this restaurant.
(5)Natalie W.
I've got to be honest with you. I was pretty excited about having an impromptu meal at Lola after hearing about it from a few friends but the food just wasn't up to par with the atmosphere in my opinion. I loved the warmth of this restaurant. The vibe is really lovely and everyone seems to really enjoy coming here. The cocktails are out of this world delicious. I was in a purist kind of mood so went with the organic coin margarita and it was as basic as it gets but my husband had balls and ordered the fuego verde (muddled jalapeno and cilantro, fresh lime and agave nectar with tequila) and it ended up being a highlight of my evening and for sure a hard act to follow. Our friends ordered raspberry lemonade (raspberry infused vodka, lavender simple syrup and lemonade) I thought lavender and raspberry were an odd pairing but I didn't mind it when I tasted it. Still didn't make sense in my mind but it wasn't terrible. Her husband ordered a Caipirinha (cachaca 51, muddled lime and simple syrup). On to appetizers: Rock Shrimp Ceviche-I would say this one would have most likely been a little tastier if it was really cold rather than room temp. I just found it to be pretty bland with very little acid to cut the creamy jalapeno aioli. I was pretty disappointed with the flavors and really wanted more excitement. Clams and Chorizo- This appetizer was just overall off balance. The biggest mistake in my opinion was that the clams and chorizo were lost in way too much of the thin sauce (which consisted of mostly oil and not enough punch that you would normally expect from a 'chimichurri') Once we dug up the chorizo, my heart sank as it looked more like a hunk of ground sausage than authentic spanish chorizo which is much more dense and has a very complex flavor. The clams were cooked properly but overall I wanted this one to shine and it just didn't. I'm glad that we kept it light for dinner especially after appetizers that felt quite heavy. My husband and I both ordered the gazpacho (with blue crab, field pea and pickled cucumber salad and cilantro lime aioli). Aside from the fact that it was served in a warm bowl (yuck), this was delicious. Really, truly delicious and all of the flavors complimented one another beautifully. The crab was sweet and delicate and the soup itself was not too 'tomato-y'. Everything was in harmony and we decided to end our visit on a high note and go somewhere else for dessert. All in all it was just okay but I think we will return for happy hour and try some other things on the menu to give it another try. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? Maybe We'll try brunch instead... p.s. our server was great. Friendly and personable. So were the hosts. Awesome staff.
(3)Lynn L.
There are only two things great about Lola: their drinks, and their patio in the summer. If you're coming here for the food, you're coming for the wrong reasons. Don't even bother unless you are having their happy hour tacos. The chef is trying WAY to hard here. Mexican food should be simple, and delicious. The dining room is loud, the service is spotty, and the food is mediocre. If you don't have a reservation, you'll be waiting for a LONG time. Really long. And if you do have a reservation, you'd better make sure that no one in your party is late because they will only seat you once everyone is there. This is definitely a restaurant that does not live up to the hype.
(2)Kimberly G.
The guacamole was the only thing I was truly passionate about. It is made fresh to order table side. I ordered the chorizo and squash enchilada; the only downside, there was no chorizo and was not what I was expecting. I prefer traditional Mexican, so this review is somewhat biased. The menu was limited, and the wait staff was negligent to my table. I felt as though we never once had the same waiter, and it was hard to get another mojito when my glass was empty! (And it was empty often, because it was delicious!)
(2)Johnny H.
We checked around for some place close to REI and Lola's sounded great! Awesome! As has already been shared...get the guacamole! Fantabulious! They make it right at the table to your taste, fresh limes and all! My girlfriend had the HUGE whole grilled snapper! Delicious! ( I helped of course) I had the ahi tuna and it was just as good, excellent dinner experience!
(5)Rob K.
There is a new menu as of a week or so ago, and to me, one of the best features is the ability to order the small plates sampler (in 3 sizes, 3, 5, or 8 items) to graze your way through the menu. One of the best Happy Hours in Denver with $2 tacos and cheap beers/margs. Then the All-Day Happy Hour on Monday is an even better deal. If you are headed to an event at Coors Field or Pepsi Center, Lola is a great place to hit up before, then stumble downhill to your event. They do great things with Nuevo Mex without the pretention and complete lack of attention to detail that you get at Tamayo. Keep it up, LOLA!!!
(4)Kendall B.
The food is good, and for some entrees really reasonably priced. However, I think the portions are obscene. I love leftovers, but if I can't finish them in a few days, they are worthless. I will say though, the the hash is to die for, and does go really nicely in a breakfast burrito the next day. Lola's good, but not great. Their cheap tacos are a good excuse to go though.
(3)John N.
Always fantastic with friendly staff and affordable prices.
(5)Susie H.
We went to this restaurant for my birthday recently... I had the stuffed poblano pepper that was crispy on the outside and had a nice sauce on it.. Delicious! The staff was attentive and the margaritas were great... We also had the guacamole table side... It was delicious! It was good to have reservations as we got right in.. They were nice to bring us a dessert that was a strawberry churro --- YUMMMM..... All in all, a good experience!
(4)Lesly K.
Always fantastic. My favorite restaurant in Denver. One margarita just about knocked me out though. Bring a designated driver! The food is always fantastic and the service too. I would recommend Lola without hesitation. And you must be sure to visit the very cool bathrooms downstairs. Design is really interesting and adds to the experience.
(5)martin k.
Loved it! Always wanted to go here and was not disappointed. We had some great seafood -- scallops and sea bass. Really good. Their margarita was great too! We came late and didn't hang out on the patio -- we will next time.
(4)Catherine N.
I recently came here for Sunday brunch. My husband and I had a reservation for 12:30 p.m., and I'm glad because it was quite busy and heard that the wait was about 45 minutes for those without reservations. We started off with the guacamole prepared tableside and the pepita pecan brioche cinnamon rolls. The guacamole was good, spicy enough and not too salty, although I like mine a little more lime-y. The cinnamon rolls were wonderfully buttery and sticky yet not too sweet. For entrees, I had the chicken and waffle and my husband had the lobster green chile omelet. The chicken and waffle seemed like a pretty straightforward interpretation of chicken and waffles with just a slight Mexican flair. The chicken was nice and crispy and moist. I didn't really notice the chorizo gravy. I thought there was just a bit too much syrup on my waffles and would have preferred to add the syrup myself. I didn't try my husband's omelet but he said he enjoyed it. Overall, I liked Lola. I'd definitely come back for brunch and would love to see what they have to offer for dinner.
(4)Brett R.
Eric Clapon had Layla, I have Lola. It was my birthday over the weekend and this was my top pick for my B-day dinner. It did not disappoint. Pork RIBS/habanero bbq, saffron potato salad, calabacitas slaw, black beans yucatan. Truely one of the best things I have ever eaten. By far the most tender and flavorful ribs ever known to man. Table side prepared Guac and a beer and I am in heaven. Thanks Lola!
(5)S B.
I went to Lola's again during happy hour, and was impressed with the good food for cheap.
(4)Tessa M.
Love their mojitos and guacamole. They have a cart where they make the guacamole right in front of you. I haven't been there for awhile so hopefully it is still that way. Love the happy hour and Sunday brunch. Normal menu is a little expensive and the valentine's day special was not great.
(4)Shannon P.
I've been to Lola's a few times for Sunday brunch and I've not been disappointed by the food or service at all! I've learned to just order the special; the creativity and combination of tastes they conjure are really among the best I've had in Denver. I love the throw pillows on the bench seats - great for reclining after a big meal. And the atmosphere is great; call it hip or whatever - it's just got a great open feel about it. No seating unless all members of your party are present - a rule I've always hated. Also, the menus are heavy and a bit lethal - like big metal clip boards - so it's not really a good place to bring the kids.
(4)Philip K.
Gains a star for the bathroom. If this were a bathroom review only, it'd be 5 stars. Clean, smells nice, paper towels abound. Smallish, but still nice.
(3)Tara N.
Was just at Lola again this past Sunday, and they seemed to have addressed the volume issue with the band. Cheers!
(4)Sam W.
Came for happy hour and i would like to say it was good time. The service was stellar and the specials were good as well. Great for happy hour.
(4)Brandon D.
I basically love the brunch here - a tad expensivo but the bloodies and fresh grits always settle my stomach after wrenching it the prior night at 3 dogs or Highlands lounge.. Typically the staff is very friendly. Weekday jaunts to this hipster spot should be focused around Monday when they have a killer happy hour going down. Tacos and good tequila.. it is almost like you are down on the baja peninsula except... staring at Coors field.. lol. Q Coin Marg is my drink of choice - it is an interesting concauction of tequila and various nectars that will surely bring you back for 2 or 3 but beware - if you are of the faint of heart, follow the RIO guidelines of consumption. Be sure to ask for Sara when ordering these drinks as she is the master of disaster when making these pigs..
(4)Caeleon W.
This restaurant is delicious, but the service is inconsistent which is why I give it 3 stars. My girlfriend and I went late (around 930pm) and were able to get a table right away, great considering we were planning on waiting on a Friday night. We sat down then had to wait a good 5-10 minutes for a server to come by, which surprised me considered how fast we were seated. Our server was great when he was there but there were unusually long gaps between when he was there. The food was really good in my opinion (I had the pork chops, my girlfriend had the scallops) but the inconsistent service detracted from the experience.
(3)Suzanne P.
Sangria wasnt very strong. Service was great and the metal artwork here is almost as great as the food. All 4 of us enjoyed our meals and drinks.
(3)Barbara S.
I was excited to bring our somewhat sophisticated diner kids here for Xmas Eve dinner, but it missed the mark with my prime rib. Very tough and fatty. The rest of the dish and my family's meals were terrific, but I shouldn't have opted for their special. My stepdaughter's was equally chewy. Prime rib jerky, really. Our server Joanna was terrific, the guacamole on the super cool granite lazy susan was awesome too. Okay, I'm leaving 3 stars, but not ordering anything other than their regular food.
(3)Vi N.
Lola happens to be one of my favorite happy hour places. I actually prefer their happy hour food menu to the regular one. The guacamole is a must have as are the chicken tacos. I discovered a love of radishes on tacos thanks to those tacos. The drinks are unique and delicious and I've yet to find another place that can surpass Lola's tequila selection. The views of the city are also hard to beat.
(4)Hoang L.
Decent but certainly not at the top of my list of Mexican restaurants to come back to. The waitress didn't help the cause either -- seemed like we were an afterthought every time she stopped by. While we were excited when we saw the menu, the food certainly didn't meet our expectations. I did really enjoy the chips and salsa, the ilegal mezcal, and the chicken tortilla soup. Everything else was mediocre imo.
(3)Dennis S.
I went with eight people which is generally asking for poor service. They took great care of us.Everyone enjoyed their meals.i had a special Filet that was just amazing. Others had the Rellano with shrimp. It look very good. and the Carne asada .They said it was great. The drinks were good as well a spicey Fuego verde WOW. We had the guacamole for made at the table to our specs.We were not in a hurry but why not enjoy a place with so much atmosphere.
(5)Happy C.
Great brunch. Deviled egss with lobster, need I say more? OK, More. Very friendly and efficent service, and hand made guacamole at the table. Drinks included a very good chile infused bloody mary and a decent wine list.
(5)Kathy T.
Bery tasty and excellent service! Great band and atmosphere! The fish tacos were great!
(4)Matt C.
I've been consistently pleased with Lola. Everything they make is creative, but is still recognizable as good ol' Mexican food. (i.e. no wasabi tacos) They do a great job of using fresh ingredients. I enjoy the patio seating, as well as the seating at the bar. They make a pretty mean margarita, and they're not stingy with the chips.
(4)Taj M.
Wow! What an amazing meal. I had the ... the ... I had the fish. I forgot what it's called but it begins with a "c." Ah, here it is: "pan roasted corvina with smoked tomato-chorizo enchiladas, and mulato chile-saffron broth." That was some good stuff. The house made guacamole (table-side) was fresh, but needed more oomph. All those spices on the tray ... more needed to go into the guac. Good avocado, though. The view from the patio is mildly stunning, but we sat inside, where it was nevertheless beautiful. But here's the WTF moment: to head downstairs is to descend into a cloud of funk that is hard to pin down. What is that smell? Is it a sewer line? A grease trap? A cadaver they missed from when the building used to be a mortuary? I don't know, but it's a thoroughly odd and unsettling aroma. It actually smelled a lot better IN the bathroom down there. One star down for that one. WTF? Speaking of bathrooms, these are like in some movie. They're beautiful inside and actually smelled good. Word to the wise: the fried tilapia is the whole fish, sans head, fried in two or three pieces, plus some other stuff. It comes on a huge platter. It might scare you. It might thrill you. Just know that you will definitely hav an opinion when you experience this dish.
(4)Sean C.
Lola is a great place to enjoy nice expensive margaritas, if the soulless trendoid Highlands neighborhood posers don't annoy you too much. Dinner there is very pricey, and just not very good. Everything was very spicy which I like, but the food just disappoints. Believe me at this price-point ($18 - $28 per entree) there are so many better choices in town. And the wine list is extremely weak. So basically eat first and then drop by for some tasty margs and people watching. . Another funny thing is that I was there with a large group on a Wednesday night. The wait staff insisted that they wouldnt seat us until our whole party was there and that they would cancel our reservation if everyone wasnt there within 15 minutes of our reservation time. The restaurant was more than half empty - give me a break.
(1)Kristen J.
We had bruch here and thought the food was awesome. the bloody mary was also good, and service was nice. I had the hash which was so so tastey. There happy hour menu also look great so I will be back to try it sometime
(4)Valerie G.
So I tend to keep visiting a place throughout the year...I'm one of these light-atmosphere-color-sensitive people who needs to be in a place where are these meld together. Whether it's on the patio outside during Spring's Happy Hour, on the top level in the inside during Summer's Brunch, or in the basement where it's warm and comfortable in Winter, it always feels welcoming. All the colors, the atmosphere and light just come together for me no matter when I visit. Even the bathrooms are super cool. I wonder though, what happens if someone gets really drunk and maybe passes out in the stalls?...how does one know?! You'll see what I mean. The music also adds a nice touch, think Gypsy Kings, Lila Downs, Putumayo worldly beats....it's all very groovy. I'm a fan of French pressed coffee which you can get here which impressed me. Literally every dish is great. I've eaten everything on their menu that doesn't contain meat - all the flavors, spices and sauces are a nice combination of traditional Mexican with South American spices and Coloradoan ingredients. The tableside guacamole - okay, everyone raves about...it's overpriced and I want a GIANT bowl of guacamole when I order it...not one avocado per person at the table. It's still good and I'll probably buy it again. TIP: when you say you want it spicy, ask them to leave extra jalapenos at the table...their hot isn't hot to me. I have one criticism, some of the waiters didn't know how to pronounce the items on the menu! For example, our waiter on one occassion kept saying "SOAP" for Sopes! (Sopes are masa patties topped with a choice of fillings (sigh) You pronounce it SOAP-ES) This place is excellent for vegetarians, meat eaters, families and first dates.
(4)Lynette K.
I first went among bad company, but the food won me over. I am a veggie and it made me forget the losers I was with. Best mimosas flavored ranging from peach to mango mimosas and bloody Marys infused with chile vodka or tequila. I went again and loved the food and company. The menu changes, but is great. The food will satisfied your sweet tooth and those who love savory food. I highly recommend this place :). My go to brunch place for sure. The decor is awesome and the guac is made in front of you to your liking.
(4)Noreen K.
The food was great. But I was compelled to write a review because the service was off the charts. My siblings and I were in Denver for a weekend, and went to Lola for brunch Sunday morning. The kitchen was backed up for whatever reason; we did wait quite a while. What made it okay was that the manager himself was hustling all around the dining room, they brought all the tables churros while they waited, and they comped our appetizer and a round of drinks without our saying a single word or even appearing dismayed by the wait. Churros are cheap and an inexpensive way for management to keep a restaurant full of people appeased. Duh. Our appetizer was chips and salsa. Why not go the extra mile? And given we ordered one profitable round of drinks, why not comp the second round? If I lived in Denver, they would have earned my loyalty, and I would dine there time and time again, even after the long wait we had for our food. That is how exceptional service can rescue any mishap.
(5)Travis A.
Overpriced crappy Mexican food. Oh, thanks for the food poisoning too.
(1)David T.
Lola has the best patio in Denver. And the spendy drinks reflect that fact. Elbows on the outside bar, looking into the restaurant or lounging at one of the tables, you can admire the view of downtown Denver as it disappears behind the relentless Potter Highlights condo development. This place has anchored a little bit of Lodo hip across I-25 and entices the downtown crowd across the 16th Street pedestrian bridge and into the neighborhood. My only issue is that, while the food is good, at some point you realize that you are eating a $12 enchilada and you wonder, "Is this really that much better than a sloppy burritto a couple of blocks down at Aztec Sol?" My suggestion -- start with a first date at happy hour. The table side gaucamole, prepared to your specification -- and is oddly humiliating for the poor buser who has to stand there and make it. -- is great. And you can soak up the establishment's groovy decor before deciding on committing for more. Or, if you want to take the plunge, hit the Sunday brunch. When it's sunny, the place will be full. But it's fun and the upscale chow works best as an end-of-weekend treat.
(4)Kristin B.
perfect location, good food, and good service. my favorite thing is the tableside guacamole... definitely get it! i am not a huge fan of the menu. normally i can find a lot to eat on any menu, and there weren't a lot of items that i was attracted to. the last couple times i've been there i've ordred the pork tacos, which were good. hopefully next time i can find something else! it's a little weird that in such a hot location, they aren't booked every night. i can usually get in same-day. maybe other people agree that the food is just so-so.
(4)M. C.
Lola continues to impress. For years they've been consistently extraordinary. You'll always find interesting Nuevo Mexican on their always updated menu. The patio is a great place for a mojito or Modelo. Once, I went there for a dinner with 12 out-of-town friends and everyone, yes everyone was blown away with their meal. Not an easy task on a busy night. Lola is a great place to take a date as well.
(5)Derek F.
Lola is a decent restaurant. They really don't have anything that really stands out from the crowd in my opinion. The tableside guacamole is a highlight though. They charge for everything so chips and salsa are expensive. Our food was good but it took a long time to get and the waitress never asked if we wanted another drink. I had to flag her down and then she didn't check with anyone else at the table. All special requests such as leaving goat cheese off of a salad were ignored and the items either had to be eaten anyway or it had to be remade. The manager was good and took care of the problem and took some of the items off of the bill. The place can get crowded and frankly I think if I'm going to wait somewhere for dinner I'll pick a better place than Lola.
(3)Eric E.
There are four reasons to hit LoLa: 1. Sunday afternoon happy hour-- cheap drinks, two dollar tacos, live music, best view in the city (until the lofts go up across the street) 2. Fresh guac and killer mojitos while sitting on the patio (if you can squeeze in somewhere), and, yes, still the best view in the city 3. The sweet potato soup, which is more like a dessert in its rich decadence 4. Did I mention the view? One of Dave Query's Big Red F restaurants (the two Jaxs, West End Tavern, Zolo Grille, and Centro round out the roster), LoLa is like a high-end Mexican joint with attitude. What I like best about LoLa is how I can show up there with a few friends to start a bad night out, or I can walk over with my young daughter and sample the dessert menu--either way, I never feel out of place.
(4)Craig D.
The cool factor far outweighs the actual cuisine. It's good, but not spectacular, which is what would really put this place out front. Wanna spend $40/head on 2 drinks and a few appetizers? This is your place.
(2)Cathy C.
Really loved the HH vibe and the food/drink selection at Lola. I thoroughly enjoyed my refreshing cucumber drink, tasty taco and chips and salsa selections. K ordered the ahi crudo which was good but very tiny portion. E had a pork taco that she loved. Nice variety of patrons and an interesting crowd. I've also had brunch here and food was just as good. Simply tasty!
(4)Katherine W.
Fun happy hour, but not worth the price? Margaritas, which the waitress added they were "famous for", were only so-so. The Ceviche was good, but did I get a total of....6 mini shrimp on that dish? Not impressed with the happy hour or the prices. Perhaps the dinner experience is different.
(3)Robin W.
Have only been here for brunch but the Shrimp & Grits was great. Nice patio, but no big tables for groups.
(4)Bruce A.
Think the food was better when Lola was located on Old South Pearl. As quantity of customers increases, quality decreases.
(3)Sarah T.
Lola is awesome Mexican. The mojitos and guac are very tasty and fresh. Loved the decor and ambiance. Very comfortable place for a date night out.
(4)Stephanie L.
I liked the food at Lola better when they were at their location in Wash Park. What is still amazing is the tableside guacamole. YUMMO!!
(3)Dan K.
Wow - amazing. Everything was great. Our table had the fried calamari to start (hell of a way to start), chicken thigh confit, enchiladas del mar, chile rubbed carne, and one of the specials. Everything was really good. And the Fuego Verde Cocktail was Incredible. Best mixed drink I've ever had. Perfect match with any of their meals. DAMN IT i want one NOWWWWWW.
(5)David L.
Lola's is about as hit and miss as you can get. On my last visit, I had one terribly rude waiter and another who was great. The food is just as iffy...my last brunch there was superb, but a recent dinner there the food was lackluster and lacking seasoning....which is not a winning combo. Yet, sometimes despite these varied reviews...Lola's is a great spot to be. So if you are feeling lucky, I recommend heading here for brunch or happy hour and skipping the rest!
(3)Stacey C.
Completely mediocre. Way too salty. House salad had wilted greens and a tiny piece of salty not so great Mahi for a $9 addition to the base price of $7 for a 1/2 salad. Margarita was average, have had better and more creative. The area is trendy but trying way too hard to be hip. Overpriced and subpar. Would not go back.
(2)Jina E.
This place is beautiful and the food is great. I went for brunch and had the eggs bennie. Not your run of the mill benedict. So unique-braised pork belly, ancho chile hollandaise, and masa-buttermilk biscuit. Service was slow to start, but was on point after we ordered.
(5)Lauren D.
This is a very nice restaurant. And when I say very nice I also mean VERY expensive. Perhaps if I had that in my head prior to sitting down for dinner, i would not have been so disappointed. Regardless, Carina and I split the yes oh-so-delicious-make-me-happy table side guacamole and had some $3 Tecates. And yes the $18 tamales we shared were most scrumptious but there were only 2 and they WAY skimped on the pork inside, which I thought was the most delectable part! Our service started out phenomenal and then of course fell by the wayside when the larger parties that were all actually ordering their own meals walked in. I think I will give Lola's another try for brunch or something, maybe happy hour, if I can get a seat....
(3)Jimmy C.
Paella and the rest of the meal wasn't as good as usual. Being consistent is very important!
(3)David D.
Quaint and intimate, this local treasure is a great find after a stroll around the river front. We were lucky to find this restaurant during a lazy Sunday afternoon. Their Sunday Supper offers a great happy hour (I recommend the cucumber lemonade) and live music.
(5)Joel C.
Lola is one of the wonderfully lauded Big Red F restaurants (Jax Fish House, West End Tavern, Centro, etc.) and has done well to fit in with the new fusion type cuisine that one often finds at its sister restaurants. Fortunately for us, we can enjoy a lively (read: very noisy) atmosphere especially with the staff does their best to mitigate any sound/hearing issues and works extra hard to ensure that service is top notch. Our table was near the kitchen, with only the server's walkway between us and the kitchen, which made it a lot of fun to be in the middle of everything and see how the kitchen operated (very hectic to say the least). The decor around the restaurant is festive, bright, and lively--all of which makes for a fun experience to immerse yourself in. But, depending on your preferences, this may not be the best place for an intimate dinner. For the food: We ordered cocktail drinks, an appetizer and then two entrees. Drinks: Q Coin - Muddled cucumber and agave nectar give a very fresh and light twist to a standard coin margarita. It was wonderful though it feels too small by the time you drink it because it is very refreshing on a warm/hot evening. Prickly Pear Margarita - Fresh prickly pear nectar is what makes this one so special, although very good, it can be very sweet and thus is not a great mid-dinner drink but would be best as a first pre-appetizer drink so that you can clear your palate before the food arrives and isn't tainting the flavors that the rest of the food brings forth. Sangria Rojo - One of the best sangrias I've had in the states. It's hard to find a restaurant that makes a sangria that isn't too sweet and instead relies upon the nuances of the mixture of flavors in the fruit and liquors to back it up. There was just enough wine/liquor/juice mix to soda to make it again, another drink that felt too small because it was too refreshing. This drink would work well at any time, but perhaps may even be best at the end of the meal. Food - Appetizers: Salsa Sampler - Wonderful fresh salsas with an interesting twist on what you'd normally expect. Our sampler had chipotle-grilled tomato, blistered green chile, and tomatillo-green apple. My favorite was the chipotle based, my wife's was the tomatillo. The acidity of the tomatillo was greatly reduced and its sweetness enhanced by the flavors of the green apple, it was fantastic, not hot, but definitely sweet. The blistered green chile was good, but not fantastic and was the least favorite of the trio because it was the least distinct in flavor and complexity. Finally, my favorite was the chipotle-grilled tomato. The sweet smoky-ness that you'd expect from the chipotle was cut by the grilled tomato. Instead of a very oaky smoky-ness, it was instead a slightly sweet, moderately smoky salsa that had a kick on the tail end of it. It wasn't as strong in flavor as the tomatillo based, but it was very tasty and while it did not have the overwhelming nature of what most chipotle based foods have, it hit an almost perfect balance between sweet, hot (spice) and smoky. Rock Shrimp Ceviche - While this was less than I desired, it was perfect for an appetizer. The grape tomato pico, melon salsa, and jalapeno aioli worked very well together. And, as anyone that has had ceviche knows, it all relies on the seafood you're making the dish with. Needless to say the rock shrimp tasted as though it was pulled from the water that morning and it had the texture of almost melting in your mouth while still offering enough substance to ensure that you knew what you were eating. One of the better ceviches I've had in the last couple years. Not the best, but very good in its own way. Food - Entrees: Grilled Steelhead - The steelhead was good, but it was the sides of the dish that made it great. The anaheim chile and sunchoke hash combined with the sweet tequila lemons left my mouth watering and wanting more. However, that was not the dish I had ordered and was left watching them disappear slowly while each bite was savored. The fish was good, but again as I said, the accompaniments are what made it great. Whole Snapper (Grilled) - I opted for the healthier version of this whole fish, as they also offer a fried version. Fairly straight forward grilled fish with some sides that weren't amazing, but the fish was great on its own. Not much to say, other than it's definitely worth trying as it's always fun to pick apart a whole fish in a relatively upscale restaurant. All in all, it was a wonderful dinner, but not amazing. The cuisine is very good to great, but had discrepencies in between dishes that makes it hard to know what is going to be best. But, the drinks and atmosphere made for a great experience and will def. be back at a later date.
(4)Alexandra F.
Everyone loves Lola's, but I am not the biggest fan... What happens when Lola's new condo neighbor grows big and tall and then Lola loses her grand sweeping downtown view? What then huh Lola? Ok, Lola's has got a great happy hour and is a scene to be seen and to see.... ;) The outside patio has great heat lamps, awesome fish taco specials, and a great view (for now). But let's be honest folks, I have yet to order a dinner dish that I have been that impressed with. My boyfriend claims that I order the wrong thing. Hmmmm, let's think about this... If a restaurant has good food, then it shouldn't matter what I order, everything should be tasty. Am I wrong on this? Lola's is loud and Lola doesn't care if you have laryngitis and can't talk louder... Lola likes attention and therefore she offers a great party room downstairs that you can rent out. One of my favorite parts about Lola's is the bathrooms... For now, Lolas is not top on my list... BUT, and I said but folks... I have yet to try their brunch and I have heard incredible things about their brunch. Breakfast is my favorite meal... I will definitely give Lola a try in the morning and let you know. Strategy: Go to Lolas for happy hour... Sit outside, enjoy the view and order the fish tacos. * Star one has attitude because Lola's is hot and popular and you look cool wearing your shades indoors ** Star two is a shout out to a cool social environment with lots of eye candy *** Our last and final star is for its hip Highlands location and sweeping downtown Denver view... for now
(3)Cliff T.
Ha! I love when people bitch about a place crawling with hipsters. Ha! Ha! You know what hipsters do? They poo-poo a place because it's hip. Anyway... I finally got to try this place out and I think it is hip and fun and has a great brunch. I don't know about the lunch and dinner, so I'll have to take the other reviewers word for it. Brunch, however, is awesome. I had the mexican mimosa, or something like that, and it was delicious. The food was also amazing. If you go, make sure to ask for Erin. She's the best waitress in town.
(4)Cristina G.
I'm only giving Lola 2 stars because the Whole grilled Fish was absolutely delicious!! My husband and I were driving around and we saw this place. I had expressed that I wanted Mexican food for dinner. So we go to Lola. There was a 20min wait which was fine, so we headed towards the bar to get some drinks while we waited. I love sangria and when I saw it on the drink menu I had to have it. The sangria sucked!!! It tasted nothing like sangria, not sweet, not even like red wine, just terrible. We soon got a table which we shared with another couple. The chowder sounded good to me since I was a bit cold and wanted to warm up. I asked our server (who never shared her name with us) if there was anything else in the soup other than clams. I told her I didn't eat meat but that I eat fish. She assured me there wasn't . Of course there was bacon in the chowder. I sent it back. We ordered the ceviche as an app and well it wasn't what ceviche is supposed to be like. It wasn't horrible we ate it but the point of ceviche is too cook the fish in lime and there was nothing lime-y about this ceviche it was bland. My husband makes ceviche and honestly it is not difficult at all to achieve a good flavor the lime does it for you. It didn't feel nor did it taste like I was at a Mexican restaurant. Like I mentioned before the fish was great!!! There were no Mexicans (that I could see) cooking in the kitchen. The deco was Mexican and there were two Mexican flags hanging by the kitchen but nothing else in that place was Mexican not even the food. The music was not Mexican in the least, I think it was cluby but not good. Our server was not very good,and at the end we wanted to split the check. Put the liquor in one card and the food on another. Not difficult. I've waited tables for years and the system they have here makes splitting checks very easy. Of course she comes back and shows us our cards and she mixed them up. She said she could do it over but we know better. We had been charged already and if she did it again it would be charged twice until it all cleared which is about a week sometimes. She mentioned something about us handing the cards to her wrong when this did not happen. We merely pointed at which card we wanted to put the liquor on and then the rest on the other, easy? I guess not. We will not go back even if the fish was good. This place was a disappointment.
(2)Travis D.
Best Margarita. Really great lunch, and the guacamole is soo good, such a gimmick but it's bad ass
(4)Scott N.
We went to Lola after a bad experience at Venue. We have been there many times before and it never fails to be great. We got there 5 minutes before happy hour ended and ordered some strong margaritas and excellent salsa. The service was great and we tried some fish we had never had before. The patio is outstanding and looking forward to another trip back.
(5)Jessica W.
After my first visit to Lola, I can safely say that this place is an instant Denver favorite. The ambiance is warm and inviting, yet trendy. The patio looked like a great place to enjoy drinks with friends, and they do have heat lamps which makes this a possibility more often than not. My Lola experience began with a margarita (a "Lolarita" to be exact) in the basement area of Lola (called "Belola"). We were originally told the wait would be 30-45 minutes, which is totally understandable and expected for a good restaurant at 7:15 on a Friday night. I don't think I even took a sip of my drink before my table was ready- shockingly fast! My friend and I each started with a cup of the corn soup- what a way to start off the meal! This soup was FABULOUS. I don't think I'll be able to come to Lola and not have this soup. It was perfectly creamy with a fried potato sitting in the middle. yummm. I was originally going to order the whole fish, but our server warned me that it would have bones in it. I was impressed- this advice saved me from ordering something that would have definitely disappointed me. Kudos to the wait staff at Lola who are well-informed regarding the menu and communicate this knowledge to their guests. I settled on a salad with scallops and I was definitely impressed. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the salad was served with a flavorful, hearty tomato gazpacho on top and pine nuts mixed throughout. It was a healthy, satisfying salad. A+. All in all, Lola is great, I had a fabulous time, and I will be back soon!
(5)Nick S.
Fantastic food and margaritas!!! I tried a little of everyone's plates at my table and we ordered the "made at your table" guacamole and the ceviche. Absolutely every bite was a big winner in my book!
(5)Nolan P.
Stay with the seafood, shrimp cocktail, tuna, oysters...awesome mix of Mexican and seafood...all I need is Kenny chesney to play a guitar now!
(5)Justin W.
You've heard all about the happy hours and margaritas, BUT... as usual, for me, it's all about diggin' the brunch. There's no other brunch scene in Denver quite like it... You would think a lot of the flavors would involve a lot of heat, but it's actually centered more on sweet and rich. The guac is pricey, but it's a must-- just too fresh to not get. They make it how you like it at the table, so don't be shy about adding that extra cilantro or garlic (you only live once, right?) The benedict comes HUGE with the largest poached eggs I've ever poked. Love the sweet corn biscuit and smoked corn hollandaise too. The Mexican Hot Chocolate with cinnamon whipped cream is seriously out of this world. And I'm always a fan of french-pressed coffee. Don't forget to book it on opentable.
(4)John G.
Had a great dinner last night at Lola. Jeff our server was attentive but not hoovering. The guac and oysters were top notch. Try the burrito. It is made fresh you can taste everything. It's harmonic yet you taste every note. The seafood stew was cooked perfectly. Hard to do with mussels, clams, crab, shrimp and calamari. One of the best dinning experiences I've had in quite a while. Enjoy!
(5)doug d.
Love this place great patio, beautiful crowd, great guac, great happy hour, great food. Could go on and on just go there!
(5)Audrey R.
My husband and I went last night with another couple for dinner and drinks. First of all, they have an excellent tequila selection. Our friend had a mojito, very good, not too sweet. Their salsa sampler, pretty good. Excellent chips. Table side guacamole, eh, alright. The avocados were a bit brown. I guess when eating here you need to keep in mind that the food is "inspired" by coastal Mexican fare. The "Veracruz" style fish, not Veracruz in style what so ever. Fried in a batter and quite greasy. The pork chops were extremely dry and tasteless. The so called "carne asada" wasn't carne asada, but it did have a good flavor. Very expensive. $200 for four people with drinks and dinner. I might try this place again, but either go at happy hour and/or go with the mind set that it's not real Mexican food, but instead an Americanized shi-shi version. Unfortunately living in Mexico has ruined us as far as good, authentic Mexican food goes.
(3)Sammy L.
Extremely accommodating. Great food, not so trendy as to make it awkward, the service and presentation are fantastic. Will be there often to enjoy the patio this summer.
(4)Brian E.
One of my favorite Denver restaurants. Great to sit outside when the weather is nice, especially during happy hour. Best margarita with tons of tequilla choices. Food is modern Spanish and you can rarely go wrong. In the adorable Highlands Neighborhood.
(5)Brandon H.
In many facets of life I'm conflicted, and one of those are weekend mornings. I'm a night owl by nature and spend the wee hours in the morning working on various creative and "start my own company" type projects. By the time the weekend rolls around I'm beyond ready to sleep until the clock reads PM. However, I also love breakfast food and most places do not serve breakfast until the hours I like to get up at on the weekend. Recently my girlfriend brought home a few bites of leftovers from Lola, and they were definitely good enough to get up for. A few weekends ago, I was actually up at a reasonable time and we decided to head over for brunch. They had just updated their menu for the Fall, and there were plenty of delicious sounding things to be had. I opted for the short rib hash which was a generous portion of tender, flavorful pork with roasted new potatoes, smoked goat cheese, and green chili which had a very distinct flavor and a very good amount of heat. I really can't elaborate how delicious this was.. probably the best thing I have ever had at Breakfast or Brunch! This food was so amazing I was able to forget about the sweaty foursome sitting next to us decked-out in their Tour de France gear stinking up the place. Keep in mind this review is for Brunch only-- I can't vouch for what it's like in the evenings, but I get the feeling I would probably hate it. I'm not really big on going to "places to be seen" as I'm not an attention whore, so I could care less about that. One last note- it seemed to start getting pretty packed at 11:30 or so, so I'd advise getting there earlier than that if possible.
(5)Kurt M.
Best Mexican/ Tex-Mex since I've left Texas. It is a little steep for meals, but their happy hour more than makes up for it. Cheap and good tacos, plus a assortment of other eats reasonably priced and $3 Pacifico on draft make this one of my favorite happy hours right now. Views from the outside area are awesome and honestly I really didn't think parking was to bad either. Now the only reason that I don't flat out give the place 5 stars, is well A) It's not in Texas so, yes that some how makes it not quite as good and B) When I get there early for happy hour I find the service to be more concerned with the impending night rush then the customers already there. Not overly slow, just enough to make you a little impatient. Still I would recommend it to anyone, mostly for happy hour, to hang out with friends on a nice afternoon and get some drinks and tapas. Also yes it's $8 but table made guac done right as it is here, is actually worth the cost.
(4)Jessica P.
Okay monumental moment in my breakfast world: I have officially found my favorite eggs Benedict! First of all this is by far my favorite breakfast food. I literally try it at every restaurant I go to. So on Saturday morning when I went back to Lola's I was so stoked to try the lobster Benedicto. Let me break this down for you people. The base is a sweet warm biscuit, the succulent lobster is generously placed on top with claw meat, not the crappy tough tail the creme de le creme of the lobster, then a perfect poached eggs is the next layer and that is elegantly topped with not one but two excellent sauces. The first sauce is in true Lola form, a smoked corn hollandaise sauce and the second is a bright green pesto? Thank you Lola, I can die now.
(5)Bryan H.
Top 3 in the highlands
(5)Michael F.
Tequila, brunch and mojitos. If that's what you want (I don't know why you wouldn't), this is the place for you. Great place for people watching out on the patio, not to mention the view of the mountains and downtown.
(5)Tim E.
Lola's food is absolutely excellent. Delicious, spicy burn. Everybody knows that. I wrote this review because wanted to share my experience with their customer service. My lady and I were there for brunch, I ordered the "burguesa". Our waitress unfortunately forgot to put our order in and they ran out of the burguesa. The chef came out, personally apologized and had a discussion with me about what he could offer me instead. He later came out to make sure everything was to our satisfaction and THEN paid for my dish. Seriously classy. And I am definitely not VIP.
(5)Michelle R.
Maybe I'm a little bit biased because I live in LoHi, but Lola is my default when it comes to brunch, or Monday night. The grapefruit mimosas are amazing, and the menu is always changing to keep me coming back for more. On Mondays, happy hour is all night with $2 tacos and $3 wells. It's always packed. Not too shabby of a view either. I don't come here for dinner all that often, but it's typically pretty delicious. The patio is one of my favorites in the city.
(4)Jonathon J.
This place is awsome. Great happy hour, great food, great atmosphere. Try the hppy hour tacos.
(5)Col. Hector B.
People, was it hot or what? Going out this past weekend was like shambling around in some cosmic sadist's toaster oven. Lola was our second stop on a six-bar Sunday crawl, and the cool basement ("Belola"...get it?) was sweet relief. I peeled away from the crew to sit at the bar by myself. Jimmy, the bartender, displayed the laid-back expertise and cool affability that is the hallmark of the Big Red F restaurant family (Jax, Zolo, West End Tavern). These people know how to take care of people. And they know their menu. I ordered a shot of Milagro Silver (outstanding) and an Ahi Mexi-Roll. It wasn't a tremendous amount of food for the money; it was more like eating a perfect little idea. The fish and mayo came wrapped in thin jicama with red onion and chips of refrigerator pickles, which left a pleasant lingering burn of habanero. Speaking of lingering burns: the Rockies game was on, and I suddenly remembered that a girl I'd been dating was at the game, and I was convinced she was on a date with someone else. I was not prepared for how much this notion stung. I cringed when the camera swept the crowd, thinking I would see them in the bleachers. Jimmy added another fine suggestion to his already expert guidance on food and drink: maybe I shouldn't watch any more Rockies baseball that night. Like I said, they know their stuff here.
(4)Rene B.
hey, in Denver for a workshop, this is a good bet for happy hour. The bar food was good, drinks were pretty cheap, and great atmosphere even on a Monday. Patio was cool like others said and cool crowd. Good view of downtown, good fish tacos, chicken tacos and chimichangas.
(5)Michael M.
The service was adequate. The drinks were terrible. The food wasn't as good as I had been led to believe.
(2)Ashley B.
Great food! Not you typical Mexican food joint. Definitely more upscale than I am used to when in come to Mexican dinning. Very modern restaurant with a great scene. The food was a little more pricey than I expected based on the $$ rating but it is worth every penny. You pay for what you get and what you get is a flavorful work of art. Would recommend this to any one who is looking to have a night on the town either with friends, family or a romantic evening.
(5)Sandi D.
3 1/2 stars... Not Lola's fault, I dislike Mexican food, I'm not a cilantro or tequila fan, and even with all that still really liked Lola's. Been there 3 times so far. 1 Sunday Brunch, a HH, and 1 dinner. I went online, and knew what I wanted prior to opening the door to this hustle and bustle restaurant. Alas, they were out of the smoked salmon quiche' and settled for the bacon and eggs. I had a minor 'tude, that quickly evaporated with 2 orders of table side guac. One mild, one spicy --both yum. 3 french presses of coffee, the guacs, chicken fried steak, and eggs every which way, made for a terrific time. HH was fun; tried a concoction with made me tipsy Dinner was yum, but not quite me. A whole fish with too many seasonings. But, I still really like the restaurant. There's some places which cries out LIKE ME, and Lolas is one of them
(3)Erin J.
the patio rocks and had a great view of downtown until they started construction across the street. the guac is amazing and i'd reccomend that in a heartbeat. can't beat a good margarita there either. BUT their dinner menu really does suck. i sat there for 20 minutes wondering which thing i *might* like *if* i knew what it was. (and i'm no hillbilly, i get out so love new things) the food was okay, wasn't in love with it at all, then the bill came and i almost fell on the floor. WAY too expensive for mediocre food. some of their staff is rude. not just blah and indifferent, but straight up rude. i've dined there twice with friends and had someone in from my corporate office that wanted to host an event there... just not *great* experiences at all.
(2)nicole k.
multi visit review....sorry if it gets too long. (and this is only about the brunch) So this will be one of the few "no holds barred" five star ratings that I ever give! The only thing I could find wrong with them was that their soap in the bathrooms sucked. Yep...the soap. It was that horrendous acid pink soap from your grade school. ugh the smell of labs.....arrrrgh Besides that....the bathroom was gorgeous!!!! I want my house to look like that! All the stalls are separate from each other with unique "bubble" glass panels surrounding them. They are downstairs where a separate lounge/bar is located that you can rent (I so want to have an occasion that will justify renting it!) The first time we were there I had the stuffed french toast, (which I usually never get because most places use strawberries, which I don't really like when cooked) but in this incarnation they used blueberries! I love blueberries! sold. They had fresh and dried in the execution. the only thing I would change about it next time would be to ask for 1/4 less cream cheese in it. it's a very rich creation....The bacon in the syrup, while sounding slightly disgusting to me, actually played an integral part in keeping the sweetness down and letting other flavors come thru with it's saltiness. My b/f had the special that day....and I must say that I have never had eggs cooked as wonderfully as that! silky....creamy.......ahhhhh! (it only takes a few seconds to kill eggs!) The GM of the place was always on the move....watching and improving! When we told them that this was our first time there....they comped my bloody mary. (I do think this Is one of the first times this has happened in my dining career) The second time we went I had the chicken fried steak and eggs. I love any incarnation of this dish...and they didn't leave me hanging! The breading was thick and crusty, and the eggs were nice and runny without any of that nasty clear goo. savory yummieness to the end My b/f had the pork belly bowl. It was good but it was actually a little sweet which I wasn't expecting....but still damn tasty!\\ So I just looked at the brunch menu online....I don't see the french toast...sigh. not sure if it is gone or that is an old version online. sigh if it is gone. ok, double sigh. I have been craving it the last few weeks. I will have to make this at home otherwise.
(5)Kirsten M.
I don't get it. I know plenty of people who LOVE this place. Totally not my thing. It always seems to be crowded with too-cool hipster types jostling and scrambling to see and be seen. Also - $11 for a margarita is craziness. I'll drink them on my own dang patio thank-you very much.
(2)J P.
If you've got the cash, spend it here! The menu is simple and seasonal, which is the sign of a great chef. We always get the Caldo, a shellfish soup. It is memorable. Plus, if you're a fan of tequila (which I happen to be), their drink menu will bring a smile to your face.
(5)Sarah R.
I had previously been to Lola a few years back and liked it, but also didn't think it was all that great. I recently went back for a friends birthday dinner and am really glad she picked Lola. Service was great as he was very attentive, but not overwhelming, which I really appreciate. We started with the guacamole, which had made spicy and was awesome! One of the best guacamole's I've had next to my boyfriends. I had the spinach and arugula salad with the bay scallop cake appetizer as my entree and they were soo good! The salad was light and had great flavors. The bay scallop appetizer was awesome. I see no need to try anything else when I return! I don't recall what my friends had, but I do remember that they bothed loved what they got and had empty plates. We also split the chocolate cake with salted caramel and it was quite decadent. I'm so glad I went to Lola again as I will definitely not let a few years pass before I return!
(4)Perry E.
Great location great creative feel to the interior and an excellent view patio; a very lively vibe - so far anyway! If you like Tamayo / Zengo, you'll like this (one step more casual). Excellent for tapas style noshing with great drinks (Marg, mojito, Caiphrinias) and appetizer. Rightly famous for table-side guac. Creative menu - a tad obscure, but nothing has disappointed yet. This neighborhood is up and coming, and this restaurant sets a great anchor tenant . Recommended for couple or groups of friends, but expect it to be noisy and busy (in a good way) - not a quiet date locale and not for the highlands ranch crowd...
(4)Steve C.
Great high end Mexican fare. Sounds crazy but the cucumber margarita is amazingly fantastic. Guacamole is excellent! Monday taco night is also very good.
(5)Lauren K.
Some of the best guacamole I've ever had. Great happy hour!
(3)Dan B.
Lola is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. I do love their patio, but have to say I miss the charm a bit of their original Pearl St. location. Love the Mojitos, Ceviche, Guacamole, and creative Latin inspired seafood dishes. The service is always fantastic as well. All around a great and uniquely Denver spot. Come to think of it, writing this is making me want to go there right now! Oh if only I was in Denver....ok actually maybe they should just open up an outpost here in Chicago...a pipe dream, but nonetheless a great idea in my book.
(5)Nono B.
Lola, la la la la la lola......I am a bit torn about what to write. Atmosphere is fan-effing-tastic. Overlooks the city, porch is large and covered, and great decor. Also a great atmosphere downstairs for a large party. The drinks definitely hit the spot and don't break the wallet and the bartenders are stellar. They always take care of the customers and are extremely knowledgable about te-te-tequila. Food is the only thing lacking a bit. It's not that it's bad, but based on all the other factors you would expect it to be stellar, and it's not....BUT- it is still wonderful. The owner of this restaurant owns/runs all of my favorite restaurants in Boulder (Jax/Zolo/Westend/Happy) so I know what he's capable of as far as food goes....I will say order the guac and definitely some of the best crawfish etouffee (sunday brunch) that I've had in a landlocked state :) ......Summary: Drinks (absolutely), Dinner (perhaps), Sunday Brunch (great to take guests or girlfriends anytime)...Overall a fav!!!
(4)Richard P.
[[ visit 2/2 ]] We went to Lola's last week for dessert and had a wonderful experience. We arrived at about 9 pm and the place was still fairly busy. At first the hostess told us that we'd have to sit at the bar since tables were reserved for full dinner guests. Within seconds she glanced at the bar and saw that there weren't enough seats for the 4 of us and offered to get us a table. I do enjoy the dcor, which as others have said is hip and I'd add coastal South American. Our waitress was prompt and attentive. We quizzed her on after dinner drinks and she asked about the desserts we were considering. Two of use ordered the mud cake with nice quality dark fudge sauce that clung well to the scoop of coffee-kahlua gelato sat on top of a dense chocolate cake. The cake was great, but almost too much chocolate to handle in one sitting. Overall the size of the dessert was just right, with only a small block of the cake left on the plate. Someone else in the group got the recommended key lime torte with berry sauce and a mojito sorbet. I only tried the sorbet, which was very nice. Tart and sweet with the typical cocktail flavor. The decaf French press was nice too. When the waitress heard that the plunger had come loose from the screen and that I had to use my fork to press the coffee, she quickly asked if she could bring another whole pot. Not needed I said. All in all it was a very pleasant experience. Of course it didn't hurt that our dinner that night was an hour earlier at Domo - we were in a good mood. That review coming soon.
(4)Maureen F.
Great for happy hour and they have yummy gaucamole and chips. I recall them have a great lunch menu as well, when I was here a few years ago. They have a really nice ladies room, always a plus when you have had a few too many drinks.
(4)Londell J.
We've only been there for brunch and both times it was great!!! Service was a little slow, but the food was magnificent!!!
(3)Courtney H.
You know I used to go to Lola a lot. Strawberry Margs - Happy Hour Guac - Great bartenders etc. Now there are NO Strawberry Margs offered at all and for some reason the bartenders there have major attitude. I have always been a fan of this restaurant but now I only go there if friends are already there. Great atmosphere and the Hash is excellent but I prefer my bartenders to at least be nice and engaging instead of acting like a bunch of stuck up idiots.
(2)Stacey A.
Oh. My. Goodness! FIrst order of business....order one (two, three...) of their bloody marys. Best bloody mary EVER! Lola's was another place my girlfriend took me to while I was visiting her Denver and it was SO good. After the bloody mary's we ordered the fresh guacamole that is made right at table side, beautifully plated (see the associated pix of others). We ordered the special which was a fancy grilled cheese with carmalized onlons and the tomatoe soup and I thought we had the lola huevos, but now I'm not sure looking at it on the menu, it may have been another special. The food was all rich in flavor and super filling. It was snowing out so the food was warming and comforting. The tomatoe soup was a little "hot" for me and I forgot that I've recently had a reaction to Cayenne which is one of the ingredients so my lips were a bit bothered, but flavor was delish. The decor is super cool, especially downstairs which when it's open features another bar, lounge and the coolest bathrooms ever seen! The only complaint that I had was there was live music that kicked in later in the afternoon and it was a bit loud and hard to hear each other talk which then led to us having to yell at each other so that we could hear and ultimately led to us leaving and headed to Starbucks where we could continue to chit chat over coffee. It's a great place and the food was good - and apparently the whole menu is killer since many of the items were 86'd! Check it out for some ultimate Mexican food! And...a reminder....BLOODY MARY!
(4)Rob A.
I went with some friends for a birthday thing. So we had a big group which is always hard to deal with. We enjoyed some great food and drink but what set the evening off was what happened next. When we got the bill, you know how it is when you have a few mojitos and a lot of people working on paying a bill. So maybe we were wrong but somehow the money thing became an issue. I wound up paying 4x the amount I owed and so did my dining partner. The server kept coming back saying the tab was short. Some of our group swear we had more than enough to pay plus more than a 20% tip (these are the non drinking ones who can do math) Well all I know is that I've paid for 4 meals, plus tax and tip x 4. The next day, one of the non drinking math doers called and explained the situation to Chris who handled it beautifully. He obviously has a lot of affection for the restaurant and knows how to handle a somewhat disgruntled group of people. So it was kind of an aggravating situation at the time but it's all better now and the food is very high quality. Just make sure you have a designated driver and a designated bill payer
(4)Michael B.
Lola is great but it moved about 8 months ago to 1575 Boulder St Denver, CO 80211 . Not sure if that was a morgue or the original place was a morgue so not sure what location Shiho is talking about.
(4)Cari G.
Excellent silver margaritas. I've been trying to copy their margarita since. It's not sweet, yet it's good! The food is unique and fun, too. Their cerviche is one of the best and the curb side guacamole is a nice treat, too. Try their hayote squash cakes. It has fennel-apple slaw, green chile, & fig jam. Yum!
(4)Peyton L.
After receiving positive comments about Lola, I decided to give it a try. While the ambiance was certainly nice, the service and the food simply didn't deliver. Our waiter literally took a drink order and an entree order. That's it. No checking in - empty wine glasses, dirty plates stacked around the table. Heck, the runners did more work than our server. I'd like to chalk it up to getting a bad server, but at $20+ per entree, I'd expect better. I got the "whole fish" with rice. While the food was "solid" it was less flavorful than I expected. Just okay.
(2)John M.
The food is always ranging from Excellent to Good. The service from good to OK. I've done a couple of large groups at this fantastically creative nouveau Mexican restaurant and we've had a couple of service issues but whenever I've done a small party it's been great. Although I liked them better when they were on S. Pearl St. (walking distance to my house) I still head over to highlands to get a shot from one of their huge selection of tequilas. There's always something interesting on the menu. The metalwork and design of the place is stellar. You won't find food like it anywhere else in Denver.
(4)Jeremiah Z.
monday night cast iron chiliquiles, amazingly perfect, the house margarittas, not so much but that's what XX is for...i can't really say more about this place, there's 128 other reviewers who already have...
(3)Paul L.
A friend of mine gets regular gigs at Lola during the summer (Jazz). It is a great place to relax on a Sunday while putting down good tacos and mojitos. I have also been to Lola for dinner a few times. I like the food, the energy, the staff, everything. I am afraid that the Highland Bridge lofts killed Lola's patio view, but I haven't checked lately. Lastly, my friend called Lola a cougar bar, but no hot cougars have tried to attack me...sadly.
(4)James W.
the new years eve prix fixe was quite reasonably priced this gave me a reason to try this longtime Denver fav duck confit starter ok corn soup and lobster bisque decent seared ahi tuna ok, but kinda limp; side of roasted vegs in tostada a bit of mishmash nice braised duck leg marred by overly sweet apple sopeseca(?) and apricot jus choco banana empanadas brought down by dense dough pastry and unimpressive chocolate filling (this resulting in a stop at D-Bar later) strong Lolarita nothing special summary: ok eating, but I'll be looking for a different NYE dinner next year. pretty nice cool bar & main room, but side room where I was seated had unappealing view of the kitchen, along being the main recipient of strong grilled fishy smells...actually not as loud as I had been expecting based on reputation. reasonable level of quality service maybe I'll be back for special summer drinks and bargain tacos on the patio, but not too soon - I like Big Red F sister restaurant Centro in my hood better. If I'm around Highlands, I'd be more tempted by Sushi Sasa, trying Zengo or bang!
(3)Elizabeth D.
Not a good place for good food....If you wants lots of noise, drinks, action and great views of downtown Denver, go to Lola, sit outside and enjoy the view....but the food is not up to any standard of good taste. The only salvageable dish is their made-at-table guacamole. The fish tacos were greasy, the snapper Veracruz w whole fish was an old fish, fishy and tough, and a real bad value at $30. Everything is fried without soul or culinary talent. This is not the Lola that existed on Pearl St., and that is too bad.
(1)barb b.
Here's the deal--Lola tries hard, but just isn't all that good. In general, Denver doesn't have really great options for haute mex or latin, and Lola is further proof of this. If you've eaten in a city that delivers spectacular latin cuisine, you will be sorely disappointed with the quality, creativity and flavors. If you're a Denver foodie who is used to the beautiful food at so many of our farm-to-table places, you'll be very disappointed in this over-priced restaurant that under-delivers. That being said, the deck is a great place to have a cocktail on a balmy summer evening and the Highlands location is a great little hood.
(2)Rod S.
I am very disappointed, over the years I would have given them 4 stars.... what happened? Ok, the food is generally good, creative and the brunch is fun. Great selection of tequilas too, generous mimosas and yummy coin margaritas and everything is freshly squeezed. The "made at your table" guac is good, can't get much fresher than that. I like the decor, many of the steel and iron fixtures are recycled junk from automobile suspension, tractors etc, really cool stuff. Even the concrete bar on the patio is heated, heated from inside the concrete. The patio view is awesome, live music on the weekends and fun happy hour. So why two stars? Well Kerrie our server basically neglected our table in every way. Upon seating it was at least 5+ minutes (maybe even 10) before anyone came over. Another server came to talk to us and appologized that our server has not come over. He was very friendly and took our drink order so we could get going. Our server still had not come to greet us after the drinks arrived. When she finally arrived to tell us the specials we probably had a good 15-20 minutes at the table so we knew what we wanted. We proceeded to order and she just walked away, yes just walked away. She didn't come back for a bit, we put in our order. Food came out quickly but our server never once check on us. Bussers cleared our table and it was a good 10 more minutes before I flagged down another server to grab our check for us and that was done quickly. He was the same person who appologized earlier to us and you could sense we was upset about our server. He must have mentioned something to our server because after the check was dropped our server quickly processed our check. I wish the pen worked for the comment cards because either Kerrie was having a bad day or she just sucks as a server. I'd still go back though and try again because it seemed everyone else was having a good time. PS. This place has had sewer problems in the basement. Once I went and it was actually closed, and another time they were having problems in the basement where the restrooms are located during service. I hope they have fixed this. PPS. Oh and my Herradura Silver Bloody Maria was pretty gross, maybe it's just me but I really disliked it. Reminded me of vinegar or spicy tomato ketchup and normally I like Bloody Marias/Marys. If our server had come to simply ask how things we're I would have sent it back.
(2)Philip M.
Whether you are a resident of Denver or a tourist, you MUST make a stop and visit Lola! The food is unique and different. I love how they made the food work! I love their spicy food, guacamole and salsa. The environment or ambience is at the most excellent with artistic, modern with a rustic and mexican feel. The only downside is the price. Be prepared to pay more or less than 35 bucks for a good time with drinks, food and dessert!
(4)Justin B.
Well here is the deal on Lola it's a cool place with great looking women but it's very expensive and the table side Guac is nothing compared to what they make at (Las Brias on Arapahoe and Clinton) Some of the food is just plain weird. Lobster mash? yeah it's strange for sure. There is only a couple of dishes that are worth the price. Happy hour is nice! The bloodies with Tequila are pretty cool. They have a giant screen in the basement which is great for watching games. The patio is great for lounging. Overall 3 stars mostly because of price
(3)Rhasaan F.
Good restaurant, will always do well. expensive for mexican food although it is in a casual fine dinning establishment. Great tequllia selection, also creative entrees.
(4)Sarah T.
Ok, this place has $3 mimosas....THREE DOLLARS folks!! Sure, they're not gigantic but they're about typical in size. You can catch a nice buzz for under $12 with a few of these babies! We came here for Sunday brunch before catching our flight back to tha LBC and I can honestly tell you that this is the ONLY place in Denver where I *truly* felt at home. This restaurant is located in some funky/artsy/industrial neighborhood so the atmosphere was dope and the people didn't look at me weird when I walked in the door. The decor pretty much looked like a combo of Alex's Bar ( alexsbar.com ) and the Long Beach Museum of Latin American Art. ( molaa.com ) This place even went the extra mile and sound-proofed their ceilings so you wouldn't get bombarded with everyone else's convos!! (they get an A+ for that!!) The food was wicked awesome! (sorry, I was hangin' with some New Jersians this wknd!) We started with the fresh guacamole, which was prepared table-side for us, and it was mmm-mmm good! For my entree I chose the 'Pignon Cristo'--a take on a Monte Cristo sammich. It was basically lighted grilled french toast w/strawberry & vanilla cream cheese inside, topped with pineapple syrup..also served with applewood smoked bacon. Um, seriously, this was ta-die-for! I am a HUGE fan of having a 'sweet' breakfast (pun intended) and this totally hit the spot! Their service was amazing and we even got to speak to the owner, who was crazy cool. I'm definitely going back the next time I'm in Denver!!
(5)Aimee V.
The food is great, the crowd is a little too.....too. Know what I mean? I mean, if I wanted Cherry Creek, I'd go there. You can signficantly cut down on the too-ness and the cost by going for lunch on a weekend. Much less frantic, still yummy, inventive, and fun. They do have a kid's menu, but seriously, go at lunch. The atmosphere at night is guaranteed to wind those youngsters up like maniacal little tops.
(5)Hoku A.
OMG! Returned to Lola, August 21 to meet up with the same group from last year! We actually had 2 more friends join us. Started with the guacamole and hummus! Those alone could be my entree. For my main entree I had the stuffed jalapeno pepper with shrimp! Tah die for! The chocolate cake dessert is absolutely a chocohalics dream!! All the desserts were AMAZING! Oh, Coin Q cocktail was simply LOLALIOUS! This is becoming a habit of making this place our annual get-together! I sure don't mind!! We may need a bigger table for more friends!!
(5)Mara P.
Have been to Lola before in the winter and sat downstairs where the bodies used to be prepared for burial. Pretty cool ambiance. Knew I'd want to go back again in the summer. So on a warm Fri nite took my friend here hoping we might get a table on the patio. It was very lively. No such luck, but without a reservation at around 7:30p, we were seated promptly inside. The hostess was very pleasant and our waiter was quick to provide us with menus and the specials. We started with the salsa sampler - 4 types (mild - hot).. The hottest wasn't as hot as I'd hoped but all quite tasty. I had the special seared albacore tuna with mango salsa - it was delicious. My friend had the eggplant, chile rellenos also quite tasty. We washed it all down with a nice bottle of 2007 Rosenblum Zin (the Spanish/Chilean wines were not familiar to me).. We topped the whole thing off by sharing the dulce de leche brownie. It is now my friend's favorite restaurant for the moment.
(4)Katy O.
One of the most consistently fantastic restaurants in town. My husband and I try to eat here at least once every two or three months to see what they have on the new seasonal menu. Try the jalapeno margarita - awesome!
(5)B C.
Lola is the ultimate place to go for brunch, and they also have a great happy hour. It's hard to beat two really tasty chicken tacos and a Tecate for $5. The Dos Equis flows freely from the taps here, and is also a relatively good bargain at $3 a pour. The bartenders are among the best in Denver, so your glass isn't going to run dry here. The guacamole is freshly prepared (tableside if you dine inside or on the patio) according to your taste. A little more garlic, lime, and extra spicy? I'm in. Their patio is amazing during the summertime, and the inside bar has one of the best views of the city. Go for a late brunch on the weekends (they go until 2) and stay for happy hour (starts at 2:30). The crawfish (or shrimp) and grits are incredible. I'm also a big fan of the Lola huevos and the chicken and waffle. Ah, creamy gravy mixed in with sweet cherry sauce...brilliant. The sweet potato hash with chorizo is great to order as a side and split. Sure, you can go with an old standby such as the El Admiral (eggs and bacon), but then you're missing the true essence of what sets Lola apart: creativity in how the dishes are prepared. The chefs at Lola are masters at making unique recipes come alive with flavor.
(5)Jim R.
Good food and atmosphere. Monday is Chicken Taco Night, a good night to go to get your feet wet. Make sure you get a Patron to go with that.
(4)M B.
Lola's is a great idea that has spun out of control. The place is so loud my wife and I were horse the next day just trying to talk. I had the "shell bowl" which was mussels, clams and crab. The crab was pretty near inedible. The mussels were ok but the broth was boring. My wife and friend had the grouper which they said was ok and the 4th had the "trucha" which was trout and she liked it. The guacamole was made at the table and was great. The biggest downer was the noise, which was loud, and service, which was fair mostly because we couldn't hear her. I don't think I'll be back for awhile.
(2)Taryn F.
Awesome vibe, excellent food, and best margs I've had yet in Denver. I've only had the chicken enchiladas, but was very pleased (it's fancy Mexican, though). I really don't go to Lola for food: I go for drunkenness and atmosphere The bathrooms are so rad that I could simply sit and have drinks by the toilet. You can hit happy hour (still a bit pricey, but the sangria is worth it) or head in late. I really appreciate the slightly older and professional crowd versus LoDo frat land. The outdoor seating is perfect for a warm afternoon or night (even during the winter, it seems to work), but my favorite surprise was the downstairs lounge -- I felt recalled back to the funky and hidden downstairs lairs of Brooklyn (Lola in Williamsburg, to be exact) where it's OK to dress with flair. It's also centered around two other excellent second choices if one must relocate: a jazz champagne-ette next door and Forest Room 5 down the block. It's mighty fun to walk back downtown over the I-25 bridge with a buzz and the lights of downtown greeting you like the Emerald City.
(4)Melissa M.
Lola's has an amazing happy and brunch. The atmosphere is quite unique..a great place to meet after work or have a lazy breakfast. Their peaches and cream pancakes are divine as are their fish tacos.
(4)julia n.
Can you go wrong with tableside guac and happy hour almost every night? They even have a special happy hour drink/food menu that has many options! I was full and buzzed by spending about 15 bucks. The crowd was a mix of mid twenties to 40's, most coming straight from work since happy hour only lasts until 6:30. extra kudos to our waiter, who let us order double drinks before happy hour was over! Yey for Denver and its happy hours, you put Chicago to shame!
(5)Max W.
I went here for weekend brunch and left with generally positive, yet not completely resolute feelings. For one, I just don't think that Lola is at its best for brunch. The patio outside was very inviting, however, and the bloody mary made with their chili infused vodka was quite a pleasant pick-me-up. Our table opted out of the table side personally tailored guacamole service but it did look good a few tables down. I ordered the salmon quiche which was served with a nice simple salad of fresh greens that had been coated in olive oil and just lightly warmed along with the tiniest little cubes of roasted potatoes you've ever seen (sucks to be a prep cook there, i guess!). The food was decent. I personally think that it should not be labeled as Mexican and that I need to come back during happy hour to check out the scene, grab some tacos and drinks, and enjoy the great skyline view of downtown another time....
(3)Katie O.
brunch. is. amazing. everything is delicious but you MUST get the tableside guac and bloody mary.
(4)Shiho F.
Fun hip joint but it used to be a morgue.
(4)marie m.
I went to Lola with some friends and had a great time. There was a wait for a table so we headed down to the musty bar (what can I say? There's a funky smell down there) for some pre-dinner cocktails. The drinks were great and the service fast, thanks fast server girl! Up the stairs we went for dinner and more drinks. The food was fabulous. Our party ordered one of the evening's specials- a " fried chicken" dish which in NO way resembled fried chicken (in a good way) and it was TASty!! We also had pretty much every app on the menu and they were all delicious, there's a huarache something that I gobbled up- it was so freakin good. Our server was great, she was absolutely adorable and all of us (girls and guys) were in love- no joke. We ordered some after dinner drinks which the mixologist came over to the table to create- that was pretty cool, enjoyed the presentation as well as the drinks. The busser mistakenly tossed our leftovers but the server brought out full or half orders of our dishes to compensate which was an appreciated gesture. All in all, it was a great evening- good food, good drinks, great friends, I love Lola and look forward to my next visit!
(5)Jeff D.
The best fusion/spanish/mexican food I have had in Denver. Great food, great atmosphere, great guac and amazing Coin Margs!
(5)Lisa C.
3.5 stars actually. We had brunch at lola as a party of 8 on a recent visit to denver. This is a cool space with lots of outdoor seating. Check out the restrooms Be-lola - super cool. Service here was very friendly, but subpar as far as timing and accuracy goes. It took a long while for our server to take our food order and even longer for our food to come out. 2 of us didn't receive our drink orders (which actually worked out for me since I decided I wanted a rita instead of a bloody mary). We ordered two orders of guacamole, one spicy, the other not. Unfortunately, the spicy guac was not spicy at all and we had to add salt to it. Everyone enjoyed their entrees...mine was the lola huevos - yum. B got the steak & eggs, which comes with a chorizo gravy - as delicious and fattening as it sounds - but he felt the steak would have been a lot better if it weren't cut so thick. I'd like to come back here for brunch again, after acclimating to the altitude, so I can try out more tequila drinks and get my own order of chorizo gravy.
(4)Lauren H.
Great food, great atmosphere - people were nice sometimes. I live in the area and frequent the place for their Monday night taco's ($4 each) and weekend specials!! The guacamole is amazing - as well as the Caipirinhia's (a Brazilian specialty drink). They have some 100 tequila's in the house and make amazing margaritas with all home made ingredients.
(4)Adam S.
I loved the appetizers here. The guacamole was really wonderful and they had some great pacific coast oysters that were about as good as you could expect to find this far away from a coast. I had the scallop dish for an entree. I thought the scallops were well cooked (not chewy or tough at all). It was a good, but not drop dead amazing dish. The scallops had a slightly stronger fishy flavor than I like and there were only 3 relatively average sized scallops on the plate. Frankly, I expect more scallops if I'm paying $23 for the dish. Service was great. Wish I wasn't too full to try dessert. I will be back.
(5)Stacey P.
I highly recommend the coin margarita and the guacamole! The environment is perfect for a special night out with friends.
(4)Ellie W.
Okay atmosphere. Cane here for brunch on a Sunday and was very very busy. 40 minute wait so we sat at the bar. Bartenders were very attentive to the waiters orders but not to those standing for a drink. Took almost 10 minutes for a bottle of coors light. Once we sat down, I ordered the huevos and my roommate ordered the chicken and waffles. Mine was bland and really tasteless. I wanted to ask for salsa or hot sauce but my waiter rarely sopped by and I was almost done by the time she stopped by. My roommates chicken and waffles was good though! Overall, not great service, over priced and the food was so-so
(2)Emily J.
After my spectacular dinner here last Friday I have been asking myself "why don't I go here more?" because I love Lola! We were 15 minutes late for our reservation and totally spaced calling to let the host know, but luckily enough they were able to give us our table. Our server, Jeff, was really great. He was attentive but not overbearing and had good recommendations. Speaking of, I would highly recommend the Drug Mule. As someone who is obsessed with Moscow Mules I am automatically drawn to any drink with the word "mule" in it. The Drug Mule did not disappoint. Make sure to get the table side prepared guacamole served with warm chips and made to your liking. I wanted it really spicy, my dining companion didn't so we settled for somewhere in the middle. The ceviche is really delicious too and it a nice contrast with the creaminess of the guac. It is served with these homemade potato chips that are to die for! I got the seafood enchiladas and loved them. I also had a bite of the relleno, another favorite, I love the sweet potato. Make sure and check out the downstairs, they have a pretty cool area and bar down there perfect for events and large parties. Before last week, it had been years since I had been to Lola, I am so glad that I went back!
(5)Selah D.
I have to say I'm so happy we came here! We often drive up to Boulder {from Parker} just to eat at Centro for happy hour and now that we have found Lola's {owned by the same people who own Centro} we are ecstatic! First off, I want to say we just had a horrible experience at Linger around the corner {you can see my review there for details} and walked around the corner to find Lola's. The hostess was so welcoming and very sweet with our kids. We often travel to Denver to eat because, lets face it, Parker doesn't have a lot to offer in the culinary department. It was happy hour and, like Centro, they had a great offering of food and drinks at really affordable prices. This is what we had: Fried Tilapia Taco~very tasty with a nice kick! Guacamole~sooo good I could have licked the bowl! Plus they make it at your table, which the kids loved! Half Pound Peeled Shrimp~hubby said it was really good! Shrimp Taco~hubby also loved it! Margaritas~to die for! Kids Meal Quesadillas~portions were huge! Our server was so nice and accommodating and the atmosphere was really great! We especially loved that we were treated so nice, which were weren't at Linger. We will definitely be back soon!
(5)George W.
Lola is always good; it's as simple as that. Stopped last night on the late side (10:45); place was quieting down, kitchen was only serving chicken tacos (delicious!), salsa was tasty, beer was cold, bartenders were cool and atmosphere was just what we were looking for. We stop at the Ale House a lot, but it worked out great to head up the street and hit Lola instead this time.
(4)Anna C.
Food: really really not that good... translation: kinda bad. Guacamole served table side - Basically the server comes to your table and cuts open 2 avocados and mix it up in front of you (you're probably paying $6 for the mixing-show and $2 for the actual Guacamole). The Guacamole tasted like avocado, badly smashed together (meaning the avocado was still very raw, chunky, piecey, and not mixed nor seasoned very well). Damage = $8 Duck Enchiladas - 3 girls from our table ordered this and No One liked it. They said it was too little duck and the entire dish was too sweet. A sweet duck enchiladas?? The sweetness was not in the description and not what anyone was expecting. One friend declared in shock "I FOUND A PIECE OF DUCK!!" couple times throughout her meal lol. Damage = $23 x 3 Thank goodness I had a huge ice cream next door at Little Man before I came in... I ordered a shrimp appetizer and it was blaah... a small container of shrimps seasoned in a mayo-citrusy sauce with bits of tomatoes. Complemented with a cup of not very crispy chips (you know when chips taste kind of soft because its old or exposed to air for too long? similar to that). Damage = $9 Another friend ordered the lamb... she said it was too bland and at $24 she was not happy. The last friend ordered the shrimp special and one side of her plate was overly empowered by lime and the other side was way too peppery. I took a bite of her's to try and it made me go "WOWZA ~ that thing is hella peppery"... its hard to enjoy your dish when half of it taste like all-lime and the other half taste like all-pepper, except they werent limes or black pepper but veggies, rice and shrimps. SERVICE: kind of intimidating. Our server was cranky. Though he kept his polite manners we felt really stressed by his forced smiles because the vibe of wanting to axe us was so strong. Manager came over and gave our table a discount and some gift certificates. Sadly the food was so bad and expensive for what-you-get that nobody wanted to take the gift certificates because it would mean... coming back. Lastly, 5/6 girls were still hungry after Lola's .... pretty sure our driver friend went to Burger King after dropping us off. I'm lucky I had a huge ice cream right before my meal or else that would be 6/6 hungry girls. None of us mind paying more for a delicious meal. We're not there to be difficult. Our table consisted of 3 attorneys, 1 law school grad, 1 third year law school student, and 1 professional... we're not there to try to jip Lola a bowl of their guacamole but that's how our waiter made us feel like. I think the manager was slightly offended and "surprised" that we thought their food were not-so-good.... but HEY! None of us wanted to say anything. We kinda just wanted to eat our stuff and get out considering the *axe vibe coming our way*, but the manager came over several times to ask questions... I give her props for trying but keep on quizzing us on what tasted wrong is not the way to go. One friend answered "too bland" for the Enchiladas and the manager pressed again "how?" Wow lady! She just wants to eat... without stress or pop quiz!! I must say, the host that took my name for the wait was very nice. When our group was outside taking pictures he came out of the restaurant and offered to help. Thank you nice guy! Ever seen the car insurance commercial by Geico or General insurance (I forgot which)? it's a General or lawyer yelling "YOU WANT THE TRUTH?!!??? YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!" (parody of A Few Good Men). I think that's about appropriate to sum up our experience with the Lola staffs... oops! and DUDE! What is going on with the lightening? I cant see my food!
(2)Tim M.
The taste and quality of the food should match the price that you pay, which it doesn't at all. The prices here are basically double what the quality reflects. You're paying for the atmosphere and that's it. This is basically bland, overpriced food for white people. That is one meal I definitely wish I could take back. If you're concerned about getting a quality return on your investment, steer clear. However if you just want to hang around a bunch of uber cool trendy kids who think that paying more for something automatically makes it better, then this is definitely the place for you. On the plus side the service was excellent though.
(3)R W.
I was a bit nervous to ask for something vegan at a seafood place, but the server was very nice about it. I was prepared to just eat some side dishes or chips + dip, but they made me a vegan version of the Roasted Squash Milanesa. It was delicious, and all the parts went very well together. I only wished for extra pickled onion on the kale for more acidity. All the staff were friendly and attentive. I also liked that the person taking my order and the person delivering my food both specified that it was vegan, and I didn't have to explain too much about what I can and can't eat. Nobody else at my table had diet restrictions, and everybody liked what they ate (nachos, tacos, guac, donuts). My marg was okay but maybe a bit watery. We will definitely be back!
(4)Michael S.
Lola is delicious. I love their drinks, and guacamole especially, which they make tableside. In fact I'd like some right about now... GET THE GUAC. Everything else is delicious too.
(5)Cailin D.
Get a reservation for brunch. The staff was delightful, and tolerated my drunk brunch girlfriends very well, they even let us bring our own birthday cupcakes. We were seated in the back, and had amble space for a 8 person party. Spicy Bloody Mary has a meal on stick when you order it. Cheese, pickle, bacon, other things... Cucumber lemonade is super refreshing. Oyster Shooters have a nice Mexican flair with tequila, tomatillo, orange juice, serrano, cilantro, cucumber and they're in a tiny margarita glass. For breakfast, I tasted around the table, but my Chicken and Waffles were to die for. Actually, anything with the chorizo gravy is fabulous. I also sampled some of the pulled pork benedict, huevos, and chicken fried steak, and all were superb. Go for a spicy breakfast, thank me later.
(5)Hannah L.
A happy hour so dangerous I'm glad it's over 1300 miles away from me.... Situated on a prominent corner in Highland, Lola is part of the Big Red F restaurant empire, which includes a couple of my Boulder favorites (Zolo and Centro). While they aren't 'authentic' anything, through creative use of spices and spaces they serve up an experience that's food-made-fun, aided by good drinks, great service, and excellent happy hour pricing. And the menu shifts seasonally, given their interest in working on local and sustainable sourcing. Lola's theme is Coastal Mexican, so there's plenty of fish on the menu from fried tilapia soft tacos to various ceviches to specials like lobster enchiladas enticingly laced with goat cheese. Multiple soups, salads, tableside-made guacamole, and other platters round out the dinner menu: there is truly something for everyone, at all price points. On my first visit, I sampled an excellent chicken tortilla soup made new with sliced radishes in a roasted tomatillo and poblano base, and enjoyed a vibrant scallop ceviche softened by an excellent cucumber-yogurt sauce. And then there's happy hour. While the menu is short, that's a good thing because it means you don't have to spend a long time deciding...and you can't go wrong. Tacos are spicy-good and come with a crisp slaw and perhaps a sprinkling of cotija, the margaritas are heavy on the tequila and light on the mix (just the way I like them, on the pure side), and the sangria is fizzily bright. (And, I should add, only $4 for the pint glass in which it arrives.) Then there are the fried pickles with an avocado-buttermilk dipping sauce. Rarely do I order anything fried, but sometimes a venue gives off the promise of making all that crispy fat worth it. Lola's delivered: the light, almost tempura-like batter enclosed a juicy pickle whose heat was perfectly cooled by the dressing (repurposed to also drizzle over fish tacos). If anyone doing Mexpensive in Seattle is listening, I hope to see this on your menu near me soon. Service was also friendly and always accommodating of our two-year-old youngest diner, from crayons to juice cups to suggestions about quesadillas over tacos. Lola, like Centro and Zolo, seems well-equipped to invite all members of the family without making anyone feel unwelcome, a skill and a warmth I don't often find in Seattle and so stands out when I encounter it elsewhere. Sure, Lola's been corporately and carefully designed, but when it's good (and you spend both your Denver dinners there), it's really good. A sangria, a fried pickle, a patio and a view of the city skyline is only a flight away....
(4)Michelle T.
My dinner companions and I agreed that the guacamole here (made fresh tableside) is probably the best each of us had ever had. The salsa was fantastic too, and the tortilla chips were fresh and light. I ordered the carne asada, and it was cooked perfectly to order, served on a wonderful mole sauce. I'd definitely go back again the next time I'm in Denver.
(5)Emily S.
Always very good. Had the boar tacos that were a nightly special- insanely good!
(4)Sam R.
My wife and I love Lola, superb food and upbeat atmosphere that varies depending on the time or day. Great place for a dinner for two or to have some drinks with friends. Must try the salsas and the carne asada and escolar are a couple favorites from the menu. Have always had good service as well, don't change a thing.
(5)Darcy P.
I've eaten here many times and cannot say enough great things about it!! Always a good ambiance with perfect balance of fun and, I don't know, sophistication? Service is amazing. Chef is amazing. Patrick the manager is amazing. And the food? SO GOOD (also amazing). I've had the pleasure of trying many things and all were delicious!!! I know it's less than helpful not to list whAt I had but just do yourself a favor and go. You won't be disappointed!! (Cliche but true) :)
(5)Eve S.
Went for 10am brunch on Saturday and sat on the patio. Service was promt, my server (Jessica?) got me in and out fast (I didn't have much time). The Chicharron Benny was excellent, I actually couldn't finish it sadly. I tried the pomegranate mimosa & it was delicious. I got their appetizer doughnuts to go & those were TO DIE FOR. Every employee I encountered was great. Such a great experience.
(5)Carly B.
I would give this restaurant 5 stars for service and decor but 3 stars for the actual food. My husband and I ordered the chips and medium heat salsa as our appetizer. The chips were so salty I was literally brushing the salt off each chip with my napkin. I thought the salsa was bland and flavorless. My husband liked the salsa but agreed the chips were too salty. I ordered the seared ahi tuna with potatoes. Again the tuna was so salty and so were the sauce on the potatoes. I had to cut the seared portion off the ahi to enjoy the raw ahi tuna. My husband ordered the octopus and he said it was good but the dish was too salty. Our server did ask us if everything was ok we did mention to her the food was really salty but we were so hungry we just ate it anyways. Woke up the next morning feeling dehydrated with a slight headache. Maybe from being a mile high or maybe the salty food not sure.
(3)Leanna C.
I've only been here three or four times for dinner and happy but nothing else. The drinks are strong and tasty, I highly recommend the fuego verde if you like spicy drinks. This one has a little kick but is still manageable. Everyone needs to order two things when coming here, the butternut squash fundido and the table side guacamole. I know what you're thinking, butternut squash fundido but it is so incredibly rich and creamy that you hardly even know that there is butternut squash in there. For happy hour I enjoy the butternut squash nachos, they seem really small when you get the plate but trust me once you start you realize they are never ending. the guacamole is great because the avocados are always ripe and flavorful and they add the perfect amount of ingredients to give you a full body guacamole without over powering the avocado taste. One of my all time favorite things here are the PEI mussels, they also seem relatively small but they are SO worth it and are actually a lot bigger than you think. The broth that these come in is absolutely delicious, you'll want to ask for a spoon to get all of that goodness in there! They have an incredible happy hour deal where you can get two chicken tacos and a tecate beer for only $5. All around this is one of my favorite happy hour and dinner spots in Denver.
(5)Colter H.
Fantastic service, great mixed drinks, flavor-packed dishes. Date of Visit: 7/19/14 Our company had a large client dinner (~30 people) at Lola in late July 2014. We rented out the downstairs (cleverly named "Belola"), and were extremely pleased with the service, ambiance, and food/drink quality. The seated dinner options we chose were: Apps - Housemade Guacamole, Tuna Poke Spoons, Mushroom/Spinach/Goat Cheese Flautas, Carnitas Sliders, and Chile Braised Brisket Sopes. Entrees - Halibut, Pork Shoulder, Smoked Mushroom Enchiladas, Lobster Enchiladas. I can personally attest to all apps, and the Pork Shoulder, which was one of the better pork dishes I've had of late. The guac was as fresh as it gets, and the tuna poke had just the right amount of kick from the chiles. The drink menu had some great draft beers, beer cocktails, and I heard rave reviews on the margaritas. Overall Lola was a hit with the entire party, and I will definitely keep them in mind for future events.
(4)Emily T.
Went here with a friend for dinner and drinks. Margaritas and paloma were both fantastic. To start we got the nachos, which was a very generous serving and had good toppings. After that we just got a few of the tacos, including shrimp, beef and octopus. All were great, would come back to try a few more.
(4)Richard Y.
Stopped here for dinner with friends on a weeknight while I was in town. Casual, inviting ambiance and a friendly hostess was a good start and we liked our table with a full view of the kitchen. For modern Mex, I thought that the menu was in the leaner side choice wise. I ordered the lobster enchiladas while we were chowing down our chips and salsa. The delight was table side guac, which has been done before, but not as part of the gratis app. Net, the food was 3 stars--skimpy lobster pieces and I was expecting much bolder flavor. The service was SLOW and we were convinced that our waiter got lost a few times. Ambiance 3 stars. And that friendly hostess ignored us on the way out. How about thanking us or at least a cordial g'nite?
(3)Missy W.
Great happy hour, good service, and great food. Everything was delicious, though my husband's lobster was a little chewy. We started with cheese dip, and I got the ahi tuna. All of it was to die for. A little pricey for the offerings, but a cool vibe and a nice patio were great.
(4)Ben L.
Lola continues to be one of my favorite places to eat in Denver. Mix a great atmosphere, with very friendly service and an amazing dinner (or brunch) menu and you have an excellent place to enjoy a meal any time of day. The most recent trip was for a New Year's brunch, and despite the holiday, and the fact the place was hopping, we were served with great friendly service and quickly. Started with oysters on a half shell which came with a great sauce. Followed this up with a bloody mary (spicy infused vodka was excellent) and the best lobster omelet I've ever had. Avocado, a generous service of lobster and the overall meal was quite perfect. The portion size was enough to fill me as well, which is often a problem at nice places. Despite it being brunch I was so very tempted to order the guacamole which is still one of my favorites in Denver, but instead decided to save it for our next visit which I hope will be soon.
(5)Amanda E.
Had a reservation at 815 and arrived early. We were seated immediately, which was great. Ordered the table side guac and it was delicious (fresh and chunky). Sangria was average as was the pork dish I ordered. My boyfriend ordered the steak which was under prepared and they didn't ask how he wanted it prepared which was slightly annoying. Our service left much to be desired but our waitress comped one round of our two rounds of drinks (without a complaint from us) and that was slightly redemptive. The hostess was very sweet and accommodating. However she was training a young lady who seemed less than enthusiastic about being there and was in no hurry to tender the cash for the dessert taco my boyfriend purchased on the way out. Will probably think twice before coming back.
(3)Nathan P.
Baby's first meal five years ago, awesome time many moons ago! Go every month, tomorrow early can't wait! I should post bad reviews for my own convenience! I can't ;/(
(5)Luca P.
Awesome experience here at Lola! Best oysters in town always as fresh as you can get!
(4)Daniel G.
Had a late-ish dinner last night with some friends from out of town. Decided to visit Lola since it's only a block and half from home and it's a great location. Table side guac was pretty good. (Yes I've had better) but the young man who prepared it was super nice and brought me some extra jalapenos immediately when I asked for them. Our server whom I don't remember her name, was quite helpful and really sweet. (Worth the 20% tip) The plan was to share the fajitas with chicken with my buddy. The server told us that it was not the "traditional sizzling fajitas" most people are used to and that it was only enough for one. The problem here, it that it cost an astronomical 28 bucks! Really?! Complete rip off! I know how much it costs to make rice, toss in a few mushrooms and a handful of grilled pieces of zucchini and maybe a bucks worth of chicken. ( Adding the chicken is an additional 6 dollars) They were marginal at best. I understand that everybody is all aflutter with the LoHi area these days and there certainly is no shortage of pretentious and attitude filled eateries within a 6 block radius but come on!! 28 dollar fajitas??! I wont' be returning.
(2)Brandi W.
Three stars for awesome guacamole - sadly they don't do table-side out on the patio though. I didn't really enjoy the other food - there weren't too many options on the happy hour menu besides little tacos. Shrimp cocktail was pretty tasty, I tried a bite. My horchata was awful though, the worst I've ever had. Thankfully she took it off the bill upon asking.
(3)Katie R.
After oogling the menu for years and finding an excuse to go downtown for brunch, I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY experienced Lola...and wow. My parents decided to take my boyfriend and I to brunch to celebrate our birthdays, and celebrate we did! I made reservations online through open table and it was easy as pie. [Although I had requested an outdoor table to experience the glorious patio, but was told the patio was full. so much for that]. My takeaways: Star 1 = Service is amazing. We were seated in a back table with a half booth/half table which was adorned with cute/rustic pillows. So comfortable! Our waiter greeted us with a huge smile, suggested a few dishes and when we mentioned we were celebrating our birthday's he graciously sent over an order of table side guac! Star 2 = The food is to die for. The guac is insanely fresh with fresh ingredients, the drinks are crisp [ I had the beer mimosa!] and everything was made/cooked to perfection! While we all ordered seperate meals, we sampled each dish to the last bite! Dad ordered an open faced sandwich covered in chilie, mom ate two cutesey breakfast buritos, while the bf had their famous chicken and waffles and noshed on the lobster green chilie omlette! everything was outstanding and presentation was gorgeous. Star 3 = Prices are pretty decent for what you get for this type of establishment ;) Star 4 = Perfect for brunch, happy hour and dinner. I've heard good things about their food and now i'm anxious to come back! Star 5 = Atmosphere is awesome, unique and so much fun. Nothing beats sipping margs on a killer patio adorned with authentic mexican artwork with a modern twis! I can't wait to return :) Thanks LoLA for an amazing kickoff to my 28th year!
(5)Victoria C.
3.5 stars. I've been here more than two handfuls of times over the last year, and just realized I never felt prompted to review it. Lola does well on its own and doesn't need more reviews I guess. My general feeling is, their appetizers and tacos and smaller plates are good. Every single main plate I've ever gotten has been disappointing. It's always a little bland, or too much of one flavor (salt?) and sometimes a little mushy. The fried whole fish was fun but ultimately disappointing. I've also had lobster and (something else) enchiladas, and a couple of other items. Good things here: guac (spicy please), butternut squash queso fundido (this coming from a girl who is not a fan of queso), tacos on Tuesday are a good deal. So, would definitely come again, it's fun, and the appetizers and snacks can fill you up and are better deals that taste better.
(3)Frances G.
Reserving a table at Lola is a breeze! Needing a table of 10 for a bachelorette brunch, I had no problem. Not only was it easy, but they followed through confirming my reservation more than one time - a quality that comes in handy with a forgetful person like myself. What really struck me as the most appealing quality of Lola was the space. The indoor/outdoor bar and patio set-up is so inviting on a nice Summer day when you're in the mood for a marg in the sun. The decor is exciting with you're typical bright colors, Latin American motif decor, and fun people having fun drinking fun drinks. We were seated right away in the spacious dining room toward to private room in the back and the great time ensued. I settled the for the Trout Hash stacked with brussel sprouts, roasted poblanos, fried spuds, piquillo pepper sofrito, poached egg, and pepita vinaigrette. The trout could have made a bigger appearance, but the flavor medley and presentation was spot on. Such a creative dish for a Mexican restaurants, I couldn't help but order it. It was divine as was the service.
(4)Ali W.
This place has good outdoor seating. We started with the guac and chips, it was pretty standard. The entrees (Lobster enchilada and Pork) were unimpressive and definitely not worth the price so I would try other menu items. One good thing is that they have a partnership with Little man Ice cream and you can order their ice cream there and not have to wait in the line around the corner.
(3)Mari C.
We didn't have a reservation but luckily we were able to get a seat here without to much of a wait. I would recommend making reservations if you are planning on going to have dinner here, especially on the weekend. The service was good. No complaints there. The servers assistant/busser (Herman) was awesome. He always cleaned out our table and we never worried about getting refills. We sat out in the patio and it wasn't even cold out there. I was surprised, I thought it would be drafty and cold but no such thing! It was nice and cozy in there. We ordered an appetizer and a bottle of wine. Those two were great! Our food tasted good. We ordered the steak tampiquena and the lobster enchiladas. The portion sizes were perfect. The sauces were great. My gripe about the entire evening was that our food was cold. It was very disappointing. I would expect a restaurant like Lola's not to make a mistake like this. I like the food but not when it's been sitting there like that. So I'm not sure when, OR if I am ever going back, at least any time soon.
(3)Karlye P.
Whatever LOLA wants, LOLA gets, and in this case it's my patronage! Haha. I'm obsessed with the Fuego Verde. "corazón blanco, muddled jalapeño & cilantro, fresh lime, agave nectar, slice of jalapeño, cilantro sprig" It's possibly the best cocktail I've ever had. Ok. 2nd best. The gin gin mule at the whistler in chicago gets best place. BUT this place is just the best. The bartenders are awesome. I think our bartender's name last night was Adam. He was super patient with us and even let us sample a little mezcal! I thought it was smoky and delicious, so he ended up making me a bloody Mary with mezcal instead of their infused vodka. I need to cheat on my liquid diet next time I visit so that I can sample some of their seafood... it smells incredible. APPROVED
(5)Valerie E.
Well, I enjoyed the cocktails, and the tableside guac. Prob would go for happy hour when they have tacos, if i were going back at all. The menu wasn't very appealing, and very expensive. No tacos on the menu. Very disappointing. The ceviche was in a cocktail sauce so it was more like a fish cocktail than ceviche.
(3)Amanda G.
We've been here for happy hour a couple times and really like it (although be ware it gets LOUD so if you're looking for a peaceful happy hour go next door to Vita). We stopped in for brunch on New Year's day and really liked it. Good service, reasonable prices and the brunch was quite good without having the wait of some of the other popular brunch spots in town.
(4)Darren C.
Cool spot, excellent patio, great service and very eclectic Menu in a cool, hip young professional part of Denver. Had the ahi Tiradito (Peruvian Sashimi) with toasted coconut, avocado and a lime vinaigrette which tasted super fresh and delicious. The dirty rice with chorizo was excellent though maybe a touch too spicy, and the fired fish taco was only okay though for 3 bucks on happy hour you can't go wrong. Either way, people love the food here as the place was popping and this is definitely one of those places that I'd like to come back and try all of their other random creations like the chicharron Benny, lobster green chili omelet, lobster deviled eggs, Spanish Octopus and wild sea bass. Yeah, I'll be back.
(4)Emily C.
So, I don't actually think I'm hip enough to come here. But the Happy Hour is so reasonable and delicious, I just put my back to the crowd and my face to the plate. I was charmed and wowwed by the octopus tacos. Whole tentacles, so very tender, so incredibly tasty. The guac broke my heart when I discovered there was an end to it. It's so, so fresh and delicious. The service was efficient, friendly, and fast. It was a busy night when we went, but I still felt like our Happy Hour indulging table was still a priority. When I get a new outfit, I'll come back here and face the crowd as I stuff my unhip face. Damn, it's just so good. I think I need a taco.
(4)Valery L.
The margaritas at this place are out of this world and strong (in a good way)! We usually sit at the bar and grab a couple drinks plus chips and salsa when we are in the Highlands. Their happy hour is great (food and drinks included) and everything we have tried from the food menu is delicious. I love the uniqueness of their menu; a while back we had a cold crab soup/dip type dish served out of a coconut. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Megan C.
Such a cool spot in The Highlands! Plus, they offer a fresh take on Mexican food (which is always tasty in CO) with their emphasis on "coastal Mexican," so it's a nice change from the over-abundance of enchiladas/tacos/flautas, etc. Plus, they honor OpenTable reservations and have very creative and tasty cocktails! We obviously started with the tableside guacamole, made-to-order and beautifully-presented with the "LOLA" name written in paprika. Chips are crisp, crunchy, and not too greasy or salty. We didn't receive any salsa with our chips, not sure if it's part of their de rigeur service or not. Margaritas were good-quality and not killed by "mix" or crappy Cuervo Gold fake tequila. Oh, and our server was awesome - loved his laid-back CO attitude; he sidled up to our table and was very detail-oriented, and didn't skip a beat at all. Our table, BTW, was located in what I thought was THE BEST corner of the restaurant. There are these two intimate corner booths in a back corner of the restaurant; I will be requesting this seat from now on, as should you! You're set back from some of the noise, clatter and activity from the seating and semi-open kitchen of the rest of the restaurant, which is great. I had to order the pork green chile since I order some at every restaurant I can when in CO (can't find it at home in the DC area, so sad). LOLA's was tasty and stuck to one's ribs, but could have been a LOT spicier. I also ordered the Caesar salad, which was actually beautifully-presented and very tasty. We were all happy and satisfied, other than my typical Spice Fiend-fueled lament that the pork green chile was a bit bland. A great spot, one at which I will continue to frequent any time I'm visiting the Denver area. Street parking was easy to find, too.
(4)Shana L.
I haven't had a ton of brunch in Denver since leaving three years ago, but I can't imagine it gets much better than this. Was able to make a reservation for 7 the night before, no problem, and we were seated right away. Great location, great decor, friendly staff. Love the tequila bloodies and variety of mimosas! I think we sampled every single thing on the brunch menu and everyone raved. I got the benedict which seemed like the smallest of all the dishes, but it was so very scrumptious and super filling - and I eat a lot :chubz: Very surprised at how reasonable the pricing was for this joint considering the locale and quality of food and venue.
(5)Kathryn E.
Fun environment, amazing tequila selection, great service. Loved the tableside guacamole. Food is overpriced but tasty. Definitely recommend trying, especially if you like upscale mexican and margaritas!
(4)Mark R.
Went to Lola's this past weekend for dinner. The food was good, the Sangria was great, we would go again. It doesn't hurt that is is next door to Little Man Ice Cream for dessert!
(4)Kara A.
I came to Lola for brunch and had a much better experience than when I came for dinner. I started with a mimosa and the strawberry-tequila coffee cake. The cake was SO delicious!! I found myself wanting to order another but resisted the temptation. It was sweet but not overly sweet. I will definitely be ordering this menu item again. I also ordered the blueberry lemonade pancakes. These were good, not great, but definitely good. The decor is cute in Lola. It's got a trendy, Mexican theme. I especially love the sign informing you that bathrooms are "Belola." The service is always friendly and quick. Overall, brunch at Lola is a good choice. Order the strawberry-tequila coffee cake! So, so, so delicious!
(4)Kimberly I.
Love this place! Excellent patio and service! The outside bar is my favorite place to sit... but this place is HUGE so there are plenty of options. A perfect location in the highlands, offering one of the best places for brunch. I do not recommend the pork belly benedict. Way too fatty and not much flavor. This is done better at other places. The breakfast hamburger is the best thing ever!! Topped with an egg and made in the very worst way possible (in a good way). Definitely come here if you had a late night of drinking the night before. The chips and salsa are top notch as well, giving you several options of salsa. They have the best chaladas ever! Sit back and relax on one of the best patios in the highlands. :)
(4)Chris B.
Found this place on accident walking down the street, the lady outside said we should come in and check it out. I'm glad we did. I've had Mexican food everywhere in the country, and in Mexico. This may be the best Mexican food I've had. We started with the Guac, asked the guy who makes it at the table to make us his ideal Guac. I think it had every toping in it. 5 stars. Next up, queso with lobster. So good we ordered it after our meals too. Seafood enchiladas, to die for. Great atmosphere, friendly service. Well deserved 5 stars. I will be back next time I'm in Denver.
(5)Kelly L.
The guac was delicious and the margaritas were strong! We came here with our Denver passport and got 2-for-1 margs... It's a great deal. We ate tacos and guac from the happy hour menu. The guac was creamy and delicious and the citrus pork tacos were our favorite. We did not order off the dinner menu... Kinda pricey. It took a while to get seated even though there were a few open tables and it took a while to get service and more chips. I'd probably come back for happy hour... The patio looked fun!
(4)Michelle H.
I love the drink menu. I had the Michelada Pop (an actual popsicle was in the drink) and a Mexican Mimosa (beer, tequila, and OJ). Those two drinks alone gave me a pretty good buzz. The Lobster Deviled Eggs was pretty amazing. I could eat like 10 of those... I think. Maybe not. But it was really good. Tried their famous Chicken & Waffles and thought the sweet chili sauce was too much. It was also doused in a chorrizo gravy - all of the flavor was overwhelming. I kind of wanted just regular chicken & waffles. The boyfriend got the Chicken Fried Steak which had the same chorrizo gravy on top. He wasn't a fan of it either. TEXAS size portions, we were stuffed! I will say that I didn't have one amazing meal in Denver but the service has been so awesome in every bar/restaurant we've been to. Kudos to the city!
(3)Denise G.
I had only been to Lola for drinks prior to a friend's birthday dinner. Now was my chance to try their food that I kept hearing about. It took me what seemed like forever to pick my meal. I couldn't seem to make up my mind. I finally had to just point at one and go with it. I selected the Tampiquena which is Kobe sirloin, smoked cheddar & mushroom enchilada,with heirloom pinto beans. To start, the table got guacamole and my fiance and I ordered some oysters. The guac was made tableside and was presented well. It was extremely tangy and a good amount of spice. Excellent I would say. The oysters were a bit small, but tasted good as well. The silver coin margaritas were especially potent and tasted awesome. I will definitely be getting these in the future. The meals arrived for dinner and mine looked beautiful. I bit into the medium rare sirloin and was really happy. The beef was cooked and seasoned well. The enchilada tasted gross though. It was the only part of the dish that I didn't enjoy. The service was prompt and friendly from all staff. I love that they have valet as well!
(4)Katy S.
Great atmosphere here! We stopped in for drinks only, but I loved the outdoor patio! Our server was very quick and we had our margaritas, beers, and wines within minutes. Moderate prices and a fun interior made this a great spot for us to stop. The food smelled GREAT too. My only regret is that we weren't hungry!
(4)Jasmine S.
For as expensive as this place was, the food was just OK. The guacamole was fantastic, but that's about where it ends. My husband enjoyed his crab, nothin remarkable. Our chicken tacos were burnt, as well as my daughter's chicken in her kids meal. Not horrible, but not worth a second trip!
(3)Cheng Y.
Long wait time for food. Very very small portion ceviche. We also got a burnt octopus. Pollo asada was overly salty. Hard to find parking. Worst part was that all 4 of us left the restaurant hungry after spending that much money. Not recommended.
(2)