Fiesta Time

Who is Lola?
There’s a little bit of Lola in everybody.

Okay then, what’s Lola sipping on?
Our margarita list is reflective of an attitude: Lola wants to know how you are feeling. Are you feeling spicy today? There’s a drink for it. The BadAss Margarita is made with whiskey and not tequila.

What’s the most interesting tequila you offer?

Romance… it has a chocolate flavor to it and it comes in an interesting bottle. People always go for Patron, but try Milagro. It’ doesn’t sit in your throat or come back up later; it’s smooth and goes down nicely. We never have fewer than 20 tequilas on hand.

Besides all that tequila, why does everyone seem to flock to Lola’s?
Lola’s opened last July and it’s been busy every day. When it’s nice out, it’s insane here. On Margaritaville Mondays, appetizers are half off ‘til 7pm. Stop in on $2 Taco Tuesdays and enjoy your tacos with a $4 margarita. On Thursdays, it’s Burritos & Blue Grass – enjoy local live blue grass music while you munch on a burrito. Keep your eye on our calendar; we have big block parties coming up in July and August.

Lola’s has such a festive design. Who created the look and feel?
Lola’s was designed by Taniya Nayak, who is featured on HGTV’s Designed to Sell. She was responsible for all the pieces of art that you see, from the crazy Mexican hats to the fun chili peppers. A local artist, Ian Gaudreau, painted the fantastic murals you see on the walls.

What are your chefs serving up at the cantina?
Our menu was created by Executive Chef Jonathan Beres. He’s from out west, so his experiences growing up and eating Mexican food is totally reflective of that. His version of Mexican is California-style. I’m from Texas – it’s a little different from our version of Mexican food. Our items are fresh and handmade daily.

What’s your favorite dish?
The Super Torta. It’s a traditional Mexican sandwich with carnitas, avocado, pico de gallo, shredded romaine and lime-garlic mayo. It’s delicious. Even though it’s not on the menu, Lola will make you a quesadilla; you can’t go wrong with that. Nachos are always a fan favorite. Our menu doesn’t list many vegetarian items, but many of our servers are vegetarians and they can come up with anything and make it delicious.

How did you get into making margaritas? 
I’ve been bartending too long to say – 12 years. I attended Johnson & Wales University where I earned a bachelor’s in hospitality and then a master’s in education. I worked my way up from door girl to a bartender to management. I’ve worked in Boston, hotels and on the Hill; I love it.

What is the key to making the perfect margarita?
Lots of tequila! If you’re making it yourself, use fresh limes. Fresh lime juice and fresh everything will make your margarita 10 times better. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new tequila. Salt or sugar rim? Half salt, half sugar. Meet in the middle When you want salty, you can drink from one side. When you want sweet, you drink from the other.

What do you love about working here?
I’m obsessed with Lola’s. Even when I’m not working, I’m here. This is the only job I have ever had where the staff genuinely cares about the success of this place. We’re always looking to learn and grow; we do all sorts of new things to make Lola’s a better place. Parking is available and if you valet at Whiskey Republic, we will validate parking for you. Boats too!