Lola 55

Lola 55 scores big with locals for their juicy, mesquite-grilled Steak Tacos topped with avocado mousse, smoky pasilla salsa, crispy leeks, and jalapeño toreado. Vegetarian options are equally thoughtful—the Cauliflower taco, stuffed with charred cauliflower, eggplant bacon, avocado mousse, almonds, golden raisins and morita dulce salsa, is especially delectable. Takeout salads aren’t usually inspired, but Lola Caesar is the exception, made in the original style using whole crisp romaine leaves tossed in traditional anchovy dressing and showers of parmesan and pepper, with stout hunks of manteca croutons.
How to book: Indoor and patio seating is on a first-come basis. Call 619-542-9155 or order online for takeout.

The usual beer and fish taco combo pales in comparison to the cocktail menu at the East Village’s Lola 55. The Baja-style fish taco featuring local fish with a chorizo-tomato vinaigrette, frisee, pickled serranos, and purple basil is a taste sensation by itself. You can’t go wrong pairing the taco with the requisite house margarita featuring Lola 55’s grapefruit cordial and Espolòn tequila, or any of the cocktails that incorporates the restaurant’s housemade agua frescas. A fine selection of beers and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

Lola 55 scores big with locals for their juicy, mesquite-grilled Filet Mignon Tacos topped with avocado mousse, smoky pasilla salsa, crispy leeks, and jalapeño toreado. Vegetarian options are equally thoughtful—the Squash Blossom Relleno, with house-made beet chorizo stuffed inside the flower and deep-fried, is especially delectable. And while it’s hard to get excited about salad, the Lola Caesar is the exception, made in the original style using whole crisp romaine leaves tossed in traditional anchovy dressing and showers of parmesan and pepper, with stout hunks of toasted bread.
How to book: Indoor and patio seating is on a first-come basis.