Food: *****
Staff: **** 1/2
Ambiance: *** 1/2
Experience: **** 1/2
Overall Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5
Address: 90 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938
Website: http://www.lolanewhope.com
Phone #: (215) 862-3030
LOLA is a quiet little restaurant that finds itself in the midst of the busy town of New Hope, PA. The town itself is always bustling and known for its love of the arts. Just down the street from the restaurant is the Bucks County Playhouse which, by the way, shows free classic movies (like Grease and The Sound of Music) on Friday nights. While there is plenty of shopping and restaurants around, dozens within walking distance, LOLA ranks among the best (and the most affordable)!
I first heard about the restaurant from my buddy, Jeremy. He's spent a decent amount of time visiting New Hope with other friends, and a few weeks ago we had planned to visit another venue in the area but it had closed for the day due to an issue with the heating pipes. We needed an alternate plan, he looked up the place, and we decided to give LOLA a try simply based on its "Happiest Hour." That's half-price appetizers and drinks from 4:30 to 6:30 on weekdays at LOLAs, and boy was it worth it!
I don't even know where to begin...I guess with a little context. Since Jeremy and I went there 2 weeks ago, I have been back 3 more times, and between my friends, Faye, and me, we have ordered almost every appetizer. From the street you may not recognize the sign, but you will notice it's glass front walls. When you first walk through the door, the first thing you see is the circular bar at the front of the restaurant and a digital jukebox on the right. Some great music was playing, and there were flatscreen TVs on the center pillar of the bar (We've watched basketball and Batman Begins while there). Imagine TGI Friday's with a fine dining twist as far as the decor is concerned. There's some trendy art on the walls that's a nice touch and fitting decor for a New Hope restaurant. Sometimes the bartender serves as the host as well, which could be interesting, but it's pretty slow at 4:30. Our drink orders were taken within 10 seconds of sitting down, and the menus were singing their siren songs to us.
Rather than break down each visit, I'm going to give a greatest hits review of the menu. Each time I've gone, I have ordered the Southern Fried Pickles, and they are likely the best fried pickles I have ever eaten. These dill pickle slices are fried in a homemade batter and served with a homemade Marie Rose Sauce (which you get plenty of). The order comes with 13 slices, and this dish was all I could ask for. They weren't oily or greasy, the batter was crisp, and the pickles were juicy! From the first bite, I was hooked on LOLAs. The dish is just as filling as a heavier entrée, but with all of the offerings on LOLAs appetizer menu, I haven't been able to ever hold myself to just one...
The Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cajun Remoulade was most definitely the best bacon wrapped shrimp I have ever had. In my experience, the shrimp is usually wrapped in a bacon ring, more like a blanket, but at LOLAs, they literally wrap the entirety of the shrimp in thinly sliced bacon, and the bacon comes out of the kitchen smoky and crisp while the shrimp remains plump and juicy. Better yet, I'm not usually a fan of mayonnaise-based sauces, but this remoulade is phenomenal with the perfect mixture of creaminess and spices. While I'm sure some might complain about the 5 shrimp serving size, at Happiest Hour prices, you really can't complain. I never would have believed it if someone had told me that a restaurant would put that kind of love into an appetizer, but I cannot sing this dishes praises enough!
Now, if you're a guy and out for happy hour, the staple is obviously buffalo wings, and LOLAs has you covered on that front too. There are two options of wings here, Fried and Buttermilk Fried, and each serving comes with 8 wings. The fried wings were awesome and come with an option of four different sauces, including BBQ, Tabasco BBQ, Hot, and Mild. I'm not a fan of Bleu Cheese, so I can't speak on that front, but I can say that the wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside (catching the trend?). The hot sauce was likely bottled and generic, but I can't really complain about that. If you're looking for fancier hot sauces, like Buffalo Wild Wings, this is not necessarily the place, but every other sauce I have tried here has been amazing! I also tried one of Jeremy's Fried Buttermilk wings, which resemble a higher-quality fried KFC wing, and it was equally as good, but much more filling with the buttermilk breading. Usually these wings come with a Tabasco Honey sauce, but you can get them with any of the sauces you choose. The sauce comes on the side with the buttermilk wings. Jeremy ordered the Tabasco BBQ sauce instead, but my buddy, Ben, tried the same wings with the Tabasco Honey, and he loved it! These are some better than average wings that will leave you full and happy!
As for some of the dishes that I haven't tried but either Faye or my friends have, there are the Pulled Pork Bites, the Loaded Fries, the Cheese Board, and the Grilled Cheese Squares. Faye, Jeremy, and Ben have all tried the pulled pork bites, and they all seemed to agree that the corn bread is a bit dry but eating it with the pork is amazing. The jalapeño relish provides a nice heat, and Jeremy seemed to like it just as much, if not more, than the pork itself. The same pork is used on the loaded fries, which Ben had and Jeremy and I sampled. I'm not a bit fan of cheese (except in certain dishes), so I was not necessarily a fan of the 5 cheese sauce, but Jeremy and Ben loved the fries. The portion was HUGE and definitely sharable. Faye loved the Brie and Raspberry Jam Grilled Cheese Square, especially the jam, which is the same jam served with the cheese board. Ben did not necessarily share Faye's feelings towards the dish, but he said it was not to the fault of LOLA, he just wasn't a fan of brie. The portion size of the cheese board was huge, and if you like cabot cheddar, asiago, and smoked gouda cheeses, then this appetizer with be right up your alley (Faye did wish there was more bread and jam, though). All in all, no one has walked out of here unhappy with the food.
As far as the overall experience is concerned, LOLAs is a place you NEED to visit ASAP! The lighting was a bit dark, but the staff is wonderful and sociable and the music was at a reasonable level. The jukebox seems to be interactive, and while I haven't tried, I believe that the customers can control some of the music for the evening. Some of the staff is already recognizing me and my friends, and that shows that this is a staff that cares about its customers. LOLA is definitely more restaurant than bar, and it is a pleasant experience for you and your friends. There is a kids menu, but if you child doesn't have a semi-open mind towards higher quality food, then I don't know that I would recommend it. I describe the place as if Applebee's were fused with a higher quality, locally sourced restaurant. You will find a variety of comfort food with a semi-fine dining twist that elevates American cuisine beyond that of the average home kitchen. You will love the staff and you will love this town. If you get the chance, take a walk around New Hope and after you've worked up a big appetite, stop by for a dinner of some of the best appetizers that will ever meet your taste buds!
Staff: **** 1/2
Ambiance: *** 1/2
Experience: **** 1/2
Overall Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5
Address: 90 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938
Website: http://www.lolanewhope.com
Phone #: (215) 862-3030
LOLA is a quiet little restaurant that finds itself in the midst of the busy town of New Hope, PA. The town itself is always bustling and known for its love of the arts. Just down the street from the restaurant is the Bucks County Playhouse which, by the way, shows free classic movies (like Grease and The Sound of Music) on Friday nights. While there is plenty of shopping and restaurants around, dozens within walking distance, LOLA ranks among the best (and the most affordable)!
I first heard about the restaurant from my buddy, Jeremy. He's spent a decent amount of time visiting New Hope with other friends, and a few weeks ago we had planned to visit another venue in the area but it had closed for the day due to an issue with the heating pipes. We needed an alternate plan, he looked up the place, and we decided to give LOLA a try simply based on its "Happiest Hour." That's half-price appetizers and drinks from 4:30 to 6:30 on weekdays at LOLAs, and boy was it worth it!
I don't even know where to begin...I guess with a little context. Since Jeremy and I went there 2 weeks ago, I have been back 3 more times, and between my friends, Faye, and me, we have ordered almost every appetizer. From the street you may not recognize the sign, but you will notice it's glass front walls. When you first walk through the door, the first thing you see is the circular bar at the front of the restaurant and a digital jukebox on the right. Some great music was playing, and there were flatscreen TVs on the center pillar of the bar (We've watched basketball and Batman Begins while there). Imagine TGI Friday's with a fine dining twist as far as the decor is concerned. There's some trendy art on the walls that's a nice touch and fitting decor for a New Hope restaurant. Sometimes the bartender serves as the host as well, which could be interesting, but it's pretty slow at 4:30. Our drink orders were taken within 10 seconds of sitting down, and the menus were singing their siren songs to us.
Rather than break down each visit, I'm going to give a greatest hits review of the menu. Each time I've gone, I have ordered the Southern Fried Pickles, and they are likely the best fried pickles I have ever eaten. These dill pickle slices are fried in a homemade batter and served with a homemade Marie Rose Sauce (which you get plenty of). The order comes with 13 slices, and this dish was all I could ask for. They weren't oily or greasy, the batter was crisp, and the pickles were juicy! From the first bite, I was hooked on LOLAs. The dish is just as filling as a heavier entrée, but with all of the offerings on LOLAs appetizer menu, I haven't been able to ever hold myself to just one...
The Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cajun Remoulade was most definitely the best bacon wrapped shrimp I have ever had. In my experience, the shrimp is usually wrapped in a bacon ring, more like a blanket, but at LOLAs, they literally wrap the entirety of the shrimp in thinly sliced bacon, and the bacon comes out of the kitchen smoky and crisp while the shrimp remains plump and juicy. Better yet, I'm not usually a fan of mayonnaise-based sauces, but this remoulade is phenomenal with the perfect mixture of creaminess and spices. While I'm sure some might complain about the 5 shrimp serving size, at Happiest Hour prices, you really can't complain. I never would have believed it if someone had told me that a restaurant would put that kind of love into an appetizer, but I cannot sing this dishes praises enough!
Now, if you're a guy and out for happy hour, the staple is obviously buffalo wings, and LOLAs has you covered on that front too. There are two options of wings here, Fried and Buttermilk Fried, and each serving comes with 8 wings. The fried wings were awesome and come with an option of four different sauces, including BBQ, Tabasco BBQ, Hot, and Mild. I'm not a fan of Bleu Cheese, so I can't speak on that front, but I can say that the wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside (catching the trend?). The hot sauce was likely bottled and generic, but I can't really complain about that. If you're looking for fancier hot sauces, like Buffalo Wild Wings, this is not necessarily the place, but every other sauce I have tried here has been amazing! I also tried one of Jeremy's Fried Buttermilk wings, which resemble a higher-quality fried KFC wing, and it was equally as good, but much more filling with the buttermilk breading. Usually these wings come with a Tabasco Honey sauce, but you can get them with any of the sauces you choose. The sauce comes on the side with the buttermilk wings. Jeremy ordered the Tabasco BBQ sauce instead, but my buddy, Ben, tried the same wings with the Tabasco Honey, and he loved it! These are some better than average wings that will leave you full and happy!
As for some of the dishes that I haven't tried but either Faye or my friends have, there are the Pulled Pork Bites, the Loaded Fries, the Cheese Board, and the Grilled Cheese Squares. Faye, Jeremy, and Ben have all tried the pulled pork bites, and they all seemed to agree that the corn bread is a bit dry but eating it with the pork is amazing. The jalapeño relish provides a nice heat, and Jeremy seemed to like it just as much, if not more, than the pork itself. The same pork is used on the loaded fries, which Ben had and Jeremy and I sampled. I'm not a bit fan of cheese (except in certain dishes), so I was not necessarily a fan of the 5 cheese sauce, but Jeremy and Ben loved the fries. The portion was HUGE and definitely sharable. Faye loved the Brie and Raspberry Jam Grilled Cheese Square, especially the jam, which is the same jam served with the cheese board. Ben did not necessarily share Faye's feelings towards the dish, but he said it was not to the fault of LOLA, he just wasn't a fan of brie. The portion size of the cheese board was huge, and if you like cabot cheddar, asiago, and smoked gouda cheeses, then this appetizer with be right up your alley (Faye did wish there was more bread and jam, though). All in all, no one has walked out of here unhappy with the food.
As far as the overall experience is concerned, LOLAs is a place you NEED to visit ASAP! The lighting was a bit dark, but the staff is wonderful and sociable and the music was at a reasonable level. The jukebox seems to be interactive, and while I haven't tried, I believe that the customers can control some of the music for the evening. Some of the staff is already recognizing me and my friends, and that shows that this is a staff that cares about its customers. LOLA is definitely more restaurant than bar, and it is a pleasant experience for you and your friends. There is a kids menu, but if you child doesn't have a semi-open mind towards higher quality food, then I don't know that I would recommend it. I describe the place as if Applebee's were fused with a higher quality, locally sourced restaurant. You will find a variety of comfort food with a semi-fine dining twist that elevates American cuisine beyond that of the average home kitchen. You will love the staff and you will love this town. If you get the chance, take a walk around New Hope and after you've worked up a big appetite, stop by for a dinner of some of the best appetizers that will ever meet your taste buds!