Food and service were great. Also have a good liquor selection. Wait staff were very knowledgeable and being new to the meals being served thoroughly enjoyed learning
(4)
Chef V.
I'm torn between two and three stars. 3 stars because the food was very flavorful and I walked out with a full tummy and leftovers. However... If it wasn't for my Groupon special discount, I would have been one very displeased customer. As a culinarian & chef, I expected more. Not very vegetarian friendly either.
(2)
Maria S.
Food was on point. If I ever visit the Detroit metro area again I will be sure to visit. I had the jollof rice with oxtail, pounded yam and plantains. I tried the goat. It was all very good. Tasted authentic to me as I have had home cooked African food (I believe it was Ghanaian and Nigerian) but then again I've had it few times and probably wouldn't know the difference.... But everything was great!
(4)
Jes P.
Up til now, Kola Restaurant and Lounge only has an average of 2 stars but that's a little harsh and here is why. Although what other Yelpers have said is true, it's not the full and final story. When I walked in to dine with my significant other on a Friday night, I also wondered, is this a nightclub or restaurant? One of the workers told us to sit wherever we liked. Had we gone to the right it would have put us in what I deemed as the 'nightclub area'. This was clearly the more active zone with a live band, low lights and dancing. However, we opted for the area that looked more like a restaurant/cafeteria (which was to the left). This section was close to the kitchen, cashier/check-out and had televisions for viewing. We personally did not have any problems with service but some of the things we saw were a bit odd. For starters, there was one man working practically the entire restaurant, even though there were three other waitresses. For the majority of the time, the 3 waitresses stood around the cash register and ate fried chicken wings. Our table was directly in front of the cash register, so we had a birds' eye view of what was going on. This area also seem to be where unfinished plates from diners would go. For an average restaurant, one would expect this area to be cleared right away so that diners would not have to look at half eaten food. But when you only have one man running almost the entire place on a Friday night, this area gets backed up. At one point this man went to the cash register where the three waitresses were standing to ask about the mess. The one waitress asked the other next to her to clean up and that waitress asked the one next to her to do it! In the end, the plates of half eaten food stayed right where they were!!! After this 'uneventful' encounter we witnessed, our food arrived. I got the Edikang Ikong (spinach, dried fish, kale, spices and palm oil) served with a big chunk of mashed cassava (or, fufu). My significant other ordered the Jollof Rice with oxtail. He found some of the tail to be 'lacking' (as another person put it) but other parts to be heavy on the meat and tender. I was very pleased with my food and even though others have commented on the 'inauthenticity' of their dishes, I would like to say that I found mine to be just as I remembered it from West Africa - DELICIOUS! I didn't eat with my hands but this is a common thing to do in certain areas where Edikang Ikong is served. I did see that a bowl of water was brought out so that another diner could wash their hands before/after their meal so it is an option. I left Kola Restaurant feeling full, satisfied and with left-overs to last all of the following day. Some of the ways they chose to run their place is a bit different than what I am used to but it didn't effect how we were served or the quality of our meal. I would go back!
(3)
Jordan G.
My first visit to Kola Lounge and I first fell in love with the atmosphere and then I tried the food and wanted to stay there all night. Once the lights went down and music started I was sold on this place. I wish a place like this existed in California where I live. I would definitely be a regular. If you haven't been there yet, go!
(5)
Michael M.
The wait staff was fantastic and management especially friendly. Suya: Exceptional with amazing spice. Edikang Ikong w/ oxtail: Pretty good, very fishy, large portion with enough for two but oxtail was slightly bland. Plantain, fried: Not crispy as in Latin dish but good still if you like plantain.
(3)
Carl S.
I attended the anniversary celebration for the restaurant. It was a fantastic experience. Being an American, I am not familiar with West African cuisine. However, the meal that was prepared was splendid and I found myself seeking a second helping. In addition, the atmosphere was contemporary with a strong West African influence that complimented the meal and the uniqueness of the experience. I was able to enjoy a variety of music genres from modern R&B, to old school hip-hop, to traditional reggae. The wait staff was very friendly and seemed sincere in ensuring my comfort as well as in overall hospitality. My only disappointment is that there is not a location closer to my home!
(5)
Alexus W.
The food was decent and flavorful. I was surprised of a cover charge at the door when my main objective is to eat dinner. Price of food is expensive since everything is a la carte. I was hoping for more options. I did enjoy the entertainment and there was a nice crowd in the little space. I don't think it's really worth returning.
(3)
Hasani G.
I have been to Kola Ultra Lounge several times now and it consistently exceeded my expectations. It is a very unique kind of place. The name somewhat gives it away as it's a cool combination of great African food and an upscale lounge spot. I have gotten several drinks from there and they have been made very well. Liz, the restaurant manager, does a great job of checking-in with customers to ensure they are being well taken care of. The best dish I have had there is by far the Suya. Not being West African, it reminds me of some Indian or Caribbean spices on a good cut of beef. What make it outstanding is the fresh veggies that go along with it. This place seems to be gaining a lot of momentum as both times that I have been there it has been packed featuring top notch live entertainment. And where are these customers from? I have never seen these people out! It's some of the best and most unique dancing that I have seen on a dance floor in a long time. I will definitely be back and want to attend one of the international specialty nights (Ethiopian, Indian, Russian, etc).
(5)
Lola B.
Coming from a Nigerian. This place is so horrible. After Metro Detroit not having a Nigerian Restaurant I was excited about this one! I looked at their menu prior to going and saw that their meals were basic things that I liked. I went there with a friend and ordered meat pie and suya.... while waiting for my food, I could barely hear my friend because there was a party going on. it seems like this place doesn't know what they want to be... a nightclub or a restaurant. If it's a private party they need to close the place down or have a designated time for parties.... anywho, The meat pie arrived and it was something they had in the freezer and microwaved for me to spend $2.50 on...whatever, i still have the suya... after about THIRTY (30) minutes, I finally got my suya, thinking it would be on a kabob stick and actually grilled, but NOPE. this was BOILED beef with the suya seasoning sprinkled over it with raw tomatoes and onions on the side. Don't waste your money. I am NEVER going back there. Long story short, not a single penny of mine is going back to this place.
(2)
Sola P.
My first time visiting this restaurant was a disaster. I ordered just the suya, but it was burnt and salty, that I had to spit it out. On my next visit, I ordered fried rice and goat meat with scotch egg as the appetizer. But I was charged twice as much for the scotch egg, I checked the menu to confirm the price of the scotch egg and realized I have been grossly overcharged for it. I spoke to the so-called manager, and she spoke as if she was doing me a favor. Hmmm, no ma'am, you are not. I was over charged - period. On my third visit with a close friend, we were the first customer for the day and our ordered took one hour. I ordered the coconut rice and stewed meat. The meat was fine but the coconut rice tasted like the hardened bottom of the pot in the freezer that was microwaved. As for my friend, she ordered edikaikong with goat meat (spinach and kale soup) with pounded yam. Can you believe they forgot to include the goat meat. We brought it to the attention of our waitress and she took the soup back to the kitchen and we can see the waitress arguing with the cook over what or what not! So unprofessional. Anyways, the waitress eventually brought plain boiled meat pieces for my friend to include in her food. Simply unstewed meat. Can you believe that? In a nut shell, as a Nigerian who CAN cook, I will have to be starving for some Nigerian food to go back. And check your bill well ! Pros: Good night life ambience.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Loud Music : DJ Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Ken J.
Food and service were great. Also have a good liquor selection. Wait staff were very knowledgeable and being new to the meals being served thoroughly enjoyed learning
(4)Chef V.
I'm torn between two and three stars. 3 stars because the food was very flavorful and I walked out with a full tummy and leftovers. However... If it wasn't for my Groupon special discount, I would have been one very displeased customer. As a culinarian & chef, I expected more. Not very vegetarian friendly either.
(2)Maria S.
Food was on point. If I ever visit the Detroit metro area again I will be sure to visit. I had the jollof rice with oxtail, pounded yam and plantains. I tried the goat. It was all very good. Tasted authentic to me as I have had home cooked African food (I believe it was Ghanaian and Nigerian) but then again I've had it few times and probably wouldn't know the difference.... But everything was great!
(4)Jes P.
Up til now, Kola Restaurant and Lounge only has an average of 2 stars but that's a little harsh and here is why. Although what other Yelpers have said is true, it's not the full and final story. When I walked in to dine with my significant other on a Friday night, I also wondered, is this a nightclub or restaurant? One of the workers told us to sit wherever we liked. Had we gone to the right it would have put us in what I deemed as the 'nightclub area'. This was clearly the more active zone with a live band, low lights and dancing. However, we opted for the area that looked more like a restaurant/cafeteria (which was to the left). This section was close to the kitchen, cashier/check-out and had televisions for viewing. We personally did not have any problems with service but some of the things we saw were a bit odd. For starters, there was one man working practically the entire restaurant, even though there were three other waitresses. For the majority of the time, the 3 waitresses stood around the cash register and ate fried chicken wings. Our table was directly in front of the cash register, so we had a birds' eye view of what was going on. This area also seem to be where unfinished plates from diners would go. For an average restaurant, one would expect this area to be cleared right away so that diners would not have to look at half eaten food. But when you only have one man running almost the entire place on a Friday night, this area gets backed up. At one point this man went to the cash register where the three waitresses were standing to ask about the mess. The one waitress asked the other next to her to clean up and that waitress asked the one next to her to do it! In the end, the plates of half eaten food stayed right where they were!!! After this 'uneventful' encounter we witnessed, our food arrived. I got the Edikang Ikong (spinach, dried fish, kale, spices and palm oil) served with a big chunk of mashed cassava (or, fufu). My significant other ordered the Jollof Rice with oxtail. He found some of the tail to be 'lacking' (as another person put it) but other parts to be heavy on the meat and tender. I was very pleased with my food and even though others have commented on the 'inauthenticity' of their dishes, I would like to say that I found mine to be just as I remembered it from West Africa - DELICIOUS! I didn't eat with my hands but this is a common thing to do in certain areas where Edikang Ikong is served. I did see that a bowl of water was brought out so that another diner could wash their hands before/after their meal so it is an option. I left Kola Restaurant feeling full, satisfied and with left-overs to last all of the following day. Some of the ways they chose to run their place is a bit different than what I am used to but it didn't effect how we were served or the quality of our meal. I would go back!
(3)Jordan G.
My first visit to Kola Lounge and I first fell in love with the atmosphere and then I tried the food and wanted to stay there all night. Once the lights went down and music started I was sold on this place. I wish a place like this existed in California where I live. I would definitely be a regular. If you haven't been there yet, go!
(5)Michael M.
The wait staff was fantastic and management especially friendly. Suya: Exceptional with amazing spice. Edikang Ikong w/ oxtail: Pretty good, very fishy, large portion with enough for two but oxtail was slightly bland. Plantain, fried: Not crispy as in Latin dish but good still if you like plantain.
(3)Carl S.
I attended the anniversary celebration for the restaurant. It was a fantastic experience. Being an American, I am not familiar with West African cuisine. However, the meal that was prepared was splendid and I found myself seeking a second helping. In addition, the atmosphere was contemporary with a strong West African influence that complimented the meal and the uniqueness of the experience. I was able to enjoy a variety of music genres from modern R&B, to old school hip-hop, to traditional reggae. The wait staff was very friendly and seemed sincere in ensuring my comfort as well as in overall hospitality. My only disappointment is that there is not a location closer to my home!
(5)Alexus W.
The food was decent and flavorful. I was surprised of a cover charge at the door when my main objective is to eat dinner. Price of food is expensive since everything is a la carte. I was hoping for more options. I did enjoy the entertainment and there was a nice crowd in the little space. I don't think it's really worth returning.
(3)Hasani G.
I have been to Kola Ultra Lounge several times now and it consistently exceeded my expectations. It is a very unique kind of place. The name somewhat gives it away as it's a cool combination of great African food and an upscale lounge spot. I have gotten several drinks from there and they have been made very well. Liz, the restaurant manager, does a great job of checking-in with customers to ensure they are being well taken care of. The best dish I have had there is by far the Suya. Not being West African, it reminds me of some Indian or Caribbean spices on a good cut of beef. What make it outstanding is the fresh veggies that go along with it. This place seems to be gaining a lot of momentum as both times that I have been there it has been packed featuring top notch live entertainment. And where are these customers from? I have never seen these people out! It's some of the best and most unique dancing that I have seen on a dance floor in a long time. I will definitely be back and want to attend one of the international specialty nights (Ethiopian, Indian, Russian, etc).
(5)Lola B.
Coming from a Nigerian. This place is so horrible. After Metro Detroit not having a Nigerian Restaurant I was excited about this one! I looked at their menu prior to going and saw that their meals were basic things that I liked. I went there with a friend and ordered meat pie and suya.... while waiting for my food, I could barely hear my friend because there was a party going on. it seems like this place doesn't know what they want to be... a nightclub or a restaurant. If it's a private party they need to close the place down or have a designated time for parties.... anywho, The meat pie arrived and it was something they had in the freezer and microwaved for me to spend $2.50 on...whatever, i still have the suya... after about THIRTY (30) minutes, I finally got my suya, thinking it would be on a kabob stick and actually grilled, but NOPE. this was BOILED beef with the suya seasoning sprinkled over it with raw tomatoes and onions on the side. Don't waste your money. I am NEVER going back there. Long story short, not a single penny of mine is going back to this place.
(2)Sola P.
My first time visiting this restaurant was a disaster. I ordered just the suya, but it was burnt and salty, that I had to spit it out. On my next visit, I ordered fried rice and goat meat with scotch egg as the appetizer. But I was charged twice as much for the scotch egg, I checked the menu to confirm the price of the scotch egg and realized I have been grossly overcharged for it. I spoke to the so-called manager, and she spoke as if she was doing me a favor. Hmmm, no ma'am, you are not. I was over charged - period. On my third visit with a close friend, we were the first customer for the day and our ordered took one hour. I ordered the coconut rice and stewed meat. The meat was fine but the coconut rice tasted like the hardened bottom of the pot in the freezer that was microwaved. As for my friend, she ordered edikaikong with goat meat (spinach and kale soup) with pounded yam. Can you believe they forgot to include the goat meat. We brought it to the attention of our waitress and she took the soup back to the kitchen and we can see the waitress arguing with the cook over what or what not! So unprofessional. Anyways, the waitress eventually brought plain boiled meat pieces for my friend to include in her food. Simply unstewed meat. Can you believe that? In a nut shell, as a Nigerian who CAN cook, I will have to be starving for some Nigerian food to go back. And check your bill well ! Pros: Good night life ambience.
(2)