Lalo

let's admit it: fusion is tricky. sometimes it's because chef/cook is indecisive.Lalo blends it PER-FECT-LY!full disclosure: we only went to Lalo because we had an event downtown and many joints are closed on Monday evenings. Lala fit our needs, even if we didn't have high expectations.the hostess was pulling triple duty. hostess-bartender-server. and though the place was not busy (who actually eats at 5pm on a Monday?!--my weirdos and me, that's who), she was deft and efficient in all rolls.the kitchen was quick and every order was delicious, vibrant and well-received at our table. we started with queso fundido to share. excellent in it's simplicity. two from our party ordered an assortment of tacos (one with flour tortillas and one with lettuce wraps) and praised each one. another had the mexi-pad Thai (I grabbed a bite of that one and I had to take a moment to savor it). my teen son, the bottomless pit, ordered the curry chicken burrito and could not finish it all--serving size and value is strong at Lalo. I had the birria quesadilla and likewise could not finish it all.it's hard for me to speak to ambiance. the decor (not something that I generally notice) was fine. and again, it was a slow night, but they were staffed well and I imagine whoever is in charge is a pretty smart cookie and when the place starts hopping, they get it done.we'll be back!

I wish I could give a 3.5. Lalo is a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant that always hits the spot. I've been here a few times for special occasions and I've had a good experience every time. The servers are very accommodating. Each time I go to Lalo I try something new and I regretted that a little bit this time. I didn't love the drunken brisket burrito. It just had too many beans for me, I didn't like the texture of it. However, my drink was great. And I would definitely eat here again. My favorite thing on the menu is the Mexi Pad Thai. I do not have a picture of it, but it is so good. I will randomly get cravings for it. The restaurant is doing the best they can with the space that they have . It's not the cutest place to eat, but the tables are set up nice enough. In the front of the restaurant is a lot more aesthetically pleasing than the back. My only wish is that they improve their communication among their staff. I've had some really great servers there, but sometimes the hostess and the bartenders are not the best or there seems to be some type of miscommunication between them every time I'm there. I always have a reservation for this restaurant and I still end up waiting. I definitely recommend it because of the food but be prepared to wait a while and give the staff some grace.

I had a great experience here. I tried the wings and the CUBANO BANH - MI. I have no complaints what so ever!The staff and the food were great. The restaurant is so pretty on the inside.

I was excited to try Lalo. It's been on my radar for years. It was Margarita day so perfect. Service was good. We were greeted also by another customer who absolutely loved it and was sharing as this was her first time. We had margaritas and burria egg rolls. I did not like the egg rolls, too much cheese vs meat ratio. I do love burria tacos in general. The margarita was too sweet for me. It seems thier base/basic is sweeter. I like to taste more fresh lime. The place is cute inside.

I love Lalo, and I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. Probably because every time I go, I dig right into my food and don't take a picture. But I remembered this time for Restaurant Week! We got the zucchini fries and Birria egg rolls for apps, and both were incredible. I get the Mexi Pad Thai every time I go because it's so delicious. The desserts and drinks were just ok. Staff is very friendly at both lunch and dinner. I've never needed a reservation - typically you can just walk right in. Seating is colorful and fun and there's plenty of it. Good location of Court St that has a lot of parking options. I highly recommend this restaurant- it's one of my favorites in the city.

Decided to try Lalo during Cincinnati Burger Week. We got there a little early before they opened, 10:30 am, and were waiting in our truck in the parking spot. About a quarter til 11:00 a police car showed up and turned sideways right next to us blocking the road. Several more officers showed up and surrounded a guy that was on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Exciting start to our day, lol. A resident said he was likely a drug dealer but who knows! So after that cleared we were able to enter Lalo. I have had a meal next door to Lalo at Hawker's Alley before and really have no issue with the neighborhood as it is a typical downtown area in a larger city. We were greeted as soon as we entered and we were told to sit where we would like. We chose a booth. She brought us a menu and silverware and ice water. They had two choices for Cincinnati Burger Week and I ordered on and my friend ordered the other. I also ordered the pork kimchi dumplings and my friend ordered the zucchini fries & sriracha aioli. Both of these starter items were delicious and next time I would definitely order the zucchini as they were so lightly battered and fried crispy, so good! Nothing wrong with my dumplings either. The burgers were hot and delicious! We also had a shot of Bulleit Bourbon to go with our meal as it was on special as well with the burger week offerings.Our waitress/bartender was great and made sure we were taken care of. We will definitely be back here again to try something else off their menu.

Food was delicious! Good size portions. Delicious authentic fusion. Food served hot with wonderful kind service. The venue is beautiful with the neon light signs and murals. Will be back next time I'm in Cincinnati!

Was downtown for music at Fountain Square and my friend recommended this place to eat. I liked the way they did the booths and the general atmosphere of the place. The food was great! Such a unique thing with fusion of asian and mexican, lots of vegetarian options! I got 3 tacos: poblano mushroom, teriyaki tofu, and teriyaki salmon. My friend got Mexi Bibimbap with tofu, and couldn't finish all of it. It was definitely satisfying and unique. I got a mocktail and she got a cocktail. Service was good. They were busy enough but not too busy. If I'm in the area downtown closeby, I will probably come again.

It was relatively quiet on a Tuesday evening however, the atmosphere was very clean and festive to the restaurants fusion theme. The birria egg rolls were so tasty to be able to dip into the beef sauce and lastly, the drunken burrito was perfect and absolute fusion of both Asian and Mexican flavors. I would recommend having the guacamole as that added an additional freshness to the already tasteful burrito. The service was outstanding as the waitresses successfully were able to check up on our order and make sure we have everything we need would highly recommend this restaurant!

Wow, wowWe read the reviews! This is not those reviews it's 100% better. The appetizer queso fundido with chorizo and jalapeño and the chips are fresh and new and hot. I had the pad Thai that was huge.. my partner had Hawaii chicken over rice. Phenomenal! Service was excellent Come back, hell yeah this place is amazing