There’s no shortage of places to eat in Hoboken—our vibrant little city is practically brimming with diverse culinary experiences. Still, if you’ve ever strolled down Washington Street on a weekend night, you know that certain spots radiate an energy that’s difficult to ignore. One such place is Lola’s Tapas Bar, a Spanish-inspired haven that promises unforgettable small plates, lively cocktails, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. As a 26-year-old Hoboken resident who always has her eye on the next best place to eat, I decided it was time to give Lola’s a try. While I wasn’t exactly swept off my feet by the waitress’s attitude, the food itself absolutely lived up to the hype.
First Impressions: A Warm Welcome—Sort Of
Walking into Lola’s, the first thing I noticed was its warm, rustic interior. There’s an unmistakable sense of Spanish flair that permeates the décor, from the warm lighting to the mosaic tiling on the bar, and it’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into creating a charming, intimate setting. Dim lights cast a cozy glow across wooden tables, while flickering candles on each tabletop add a romantic, old-world vibe. It’s the kind of place where you could imagine sitting for hours, savoring a bottle of wine or a pitcher of sangria.
Unfortunately, my first interaction with the staff was a little underwhelming. My friend and I were greeted by a hostess who was perfectly pleasant—she showed us to our table near the window, which I loved because it offered a great view of Hoboken’s bustling streets. But soon after, our waitress arrived, and let’s just say her energy did not match the warm ambiance. She seemed rushed and slightly impatient, barely making eye contact as she dropped our menus off. I tried to shrug it off, thinking maybe she was having a bad day, and focused on the menu instead, hoping the meal would make up for the shaky start.
The Menu: Small Plates With Big Flavor
To start, we settled on a few must-try dishes:
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Patatas Bravas: These were perfectly crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and generously drizzled with a tangy, spicy sauce. A well-executed patatas bravas can set the tone for an entire Spanish meal, and Lola’s definitely passed the test.
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Croquetas de Jamón: I’ve always been a sucker for croquetas, and these little golden cylinders of béchamel and serrano ham did not disappoint. Each bite was creamy, savory, and utterly addictive, and I found myself wishing I’d ordered an extra portion.
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Gambas al Ajillo: If you love garlic, this is the dish for you. The shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked, swimming in an aromatic olive oil infused with garlic, chili, and a hint of paprika. We used the accompanying bread to mop up every last drop of that sauce, which was too good to leave behind.
Despite the waitress’s hurried demeanor, the food arrived at a good pace, allowing us to savor each dish before moving on to the next. I was relieved that at least the kitchen seemed to have its timing down, because if there’s one thing that can ruin a tapas experience, it’s poorly timed plates.
Entrées and More Substantial Fare
While tapas are typically the main event in a Spanish restaurant, Lola’s also offers larger entrées for those who want something more substantial. The menu features items like paella, grilled fish, and even steaks for heartier appetites. My friend and I decided to share a Paella de Mariscos, a saffron-infused rice dish brimming with mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari.
I was initially skeptical about ordering paella at a tapas bar—I’ve had too many disappointing versions that were either too dry or under-seasoned. But Lola’s paella was a pleasant surprise. The rice was cooked to a perfect al dente, and there was a rich depth of flavor that spoke to a well-seasoned stock. The seafood was fresh and not overcooked—a minor miracle, in my experience—and the overall dish had that trademark saffron aroma that wafted gently across the table, enticing everyone in the vicinity. My only complaint? I wish there had been a bit more of that delicious socarrat, the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of a well-made paella, but that’s just me being picky.
Cocktails and Beverages: A Toast to Good Times
No Spanish meal would be complete without a glass of sangria or a creative cocktail—and Lola’s definitely does not skimp on the drink menu. They offer both red and white sangria, and I decided to sample the classic red. It arrived in a tall glass brimming with diced apples and oranges, and it was refreshingly fruity without being overly sweet. The wine’s tannins were still present, lending a slight dryness that balanced the fruit and sugar nicely.
If sangria isn’t your thing, Lola’s also boasts an impressive cocktail selection. My friend tried the Spicy Paloma, a zesty twist on the classic tequila-and-grapefruit concoction that featured a spicy rim and a dash of jalapeño-infused simple syrup. The heat was there, but it never overpowered the citrusy brightness of the drink, making it an ideal palate-cleanser between rich tapas bites.
Beer lovers aren’t left out, either: there’s a rotating list of craft beers on tap, plus a handful of Spanish and local brews in bottles and cans. For those who prefer wine, the list is diverse enough to satisfy most palates, including a couple of lesser-known Spanish varietals that pair beautifully with Lola’s selection of tapas.
Ambiance: Great for Date Night or a Night Out with Friends
As we moved through our meal, I couldn’t help but appreciate how comfortable and easygoing the vibe at Lola’s was. Despite the upscale touches in the décor, the overall feel is far from stuffy. Tables of friends chatted animatedly over shared plates, while couples leaned in close, sipping sangria and stealing bites of one another’s dishes. The music, a blend of soft Latin tunes and mellow pop, played at just the right volume—enough to lend energy to the room but not so loud that I had to shout to be heard.
It’s the kind of place you could bring a date for a more intimate evening or gather with a group to celebrate a birthday or special occasion. Lola’s seems to accommodate both moods seamlessly—there’s a welcoming, communal spirit to tapas dining that encourages conversation and sharing, making it a surefire way to bring people together.
