Stepping into Lola’s in uptown Hoboken, one feels like they’ve wandered into a Spanish villa. This charming bar and restaurant is reminiscent of European cafes where one can soak up the tranquil environment and the delicious food. Specializing in “small plates,” it offers a tempting array from the land and the sea.
The atmosphere
A patron immediately notices the gleaming dark wood and slate floors, which are offset by the white walls and red-tiled awnings. The fountain serves as a focal point in the dining room and continues the illusion of sitting in an outdoor piazza. Simple barrel tables, iron backed chairs, and rows of wine bottles lining the wall complete this look. The restaurant is kept scrupulously clean, and the service is attentive, yet not overbearing. Guests are allowed to linger. The music varies depending on what time you are there, but it is kept low enough to enjoy the meal and conversation.
Starters
Technically, almost everything is appetizer size, which makes the variety of starters almost limitless. We chose the asparagus rolled in country ham in Lola’s specialty sauce. While we were waiting, a waiter brought fresh rolls that were served warm and cut into quarters. It came with olive oil, which was a little too mild for our tastes. It’s best to save the bread for the excellent sauces that accompany most dishes. The asparagus did not disappoint with the layer of ham and light breading. Their special sauce was fantastic. Made with tomatoes and diced peppers, it was rich and slightly spicy. You’ll want to sop it up with the bread.
More tapas
Next, we tried the salted cod and the chicken in wine sauce. The tender cod was served with a thick, chunky tomato sauce. Another excellent sauce that was loaded with flavor. The large portion of white meat chicken was coated with a creamy sauce, which was made with white wine and olive oil. The sauce gets a bit of texture from the diced fruit (mango, pineapple, and raisins) and the pine nuts. This delicious dish was infused with flavor. Other seafood tapas includes: clams or mussels in tomato sauce, green sauce, or spicy tomato; fresh tuna in tomato sauce, hot sauce, or thyme sauce; swordfish in thyme sauce or Lola’s sauce; salmon in mustard sauce, grilled shrimp, and calamari. Other meat dishes include: pork loin; filet mignon in a whiskey sauce or wine sauce; lamb chops in rosemary; grilled skirt steak; and chicken in mustard, wine, or whiskey sauce.
Price range for tapas is $4.95 to $16.95, with the average at $12.95.
House specialties
In addition to the items mentioned, there are popular items that are the chef’s specialty including: shrimp in garlic with artichokes and ham; scallops wrapped with bacon in a bed of raspberry sauce with almonds; filet mignon served in a volcano; and the grilled meat selection, which is an impressive display that is served on a traditional Spanish roof tile. Other favorites include the gourmet cheese board and the avocado salad served with shrimp and apples.
And…
If after sampling many of the fine dishes you are hungry for dessert, Lola’s has a dessert cart to tempt you. A few of the tempting choices include: tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, pecan tart, lemon tart, and more. Lola’s has a full bar, an extensive wine list, and non-alcoholic beverages. They have several fabulous varieties of Sangria by the pitcher. All major credit cards are accepted and three hours of free parking is available in their lot. Lola’s is open seven days a week. The hours are: Monday/Tuesday from 3:30 to 11 p.m.; Wednesday/Thursday from 12:30 to 11 p.m.; Friday/Saturday from 12:30 to 12 a.m.; and Sunday from 12:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Lola’s is located at 153 14th St. in Hoboken. For more information, call (201) 420-6062.