Lola 55

We drove down to Carlsbad to try the tacos from Lola 55. Lola 55 is tucked away in an open area shops and personal health boutiques on a hill. We ordered from the kiosk. We were able to customize our tacos. Once our order was placed, it took awhile for our food to come to the table. The food tacos were delicious. DJ's rating: 4,35/5.00Would we come back? Maybe.

It wasn't busy and the restaurant was filthy. This in itself is really concerning. What's going on in the kitchen if there's no pride in the appearance of the main restaurant? Tables were not bussed; it was 2 PM and there wasn't a single person walking around cleaning. After we ordered, we were told to pick any table that was open. There were no clean tables to choose; there was food and debris on the floor in addition to table numbers and dishes across most of the tables. The restaurant wasn't busy. The person who took our order was very nice, but can't be the greeter at the counter, the food runner AND the busser. They bussed the tables. Clearly this place is poorly managed. We went during their soft opening and returned in hopes it was better. It wasn't. The food really is mediocre. Not sure why nor how it's Michelin "recommended." The flavors don't gel and they drown the tacos in sauce in hopes people will be distracted that there isn't any flavor elsewhere.

Came on a Sunday evening, there was a short line because one of the ordering iPads was not working. We also found out that they were out of steak once we went to order, which was disappointing. Menu is small and I was also disappointed there were no chips and salsa. Decor was beautiful and comfortable. Several tables in the shade outside were not bussed so we sat inside, where there were also several tables left dirty as well. I appreciated the non alcoholic beer & cocktail options, but both drinks were ordered were forgotten and we had to ask where they were once the food was already delivered. Food also does not come out together. We ordered the mesquite chicken, fish taco, smoked carnitas x2. The star was the smoked carnitas, very tender and flavorful. The chicken was a bit too spicy, and the fish taco was juicy and saucy but a little one note and lacking something. Overall the service is lacking, menu is limited, ambiance beautiful, and food good but I probably won't be back.

So let's see, I'm a service guy and there's no service at this restaurant. You punch a screen that has pictures of food put your card in and wait.Then the food comes and when I say it's a street taco it's a street taco, the steak in the steak taco was nice, but overall not a place I would return to. There was a similarity of spice in everything we had no chips and salsa and no service. It's all I got.

Feeling peckish while doing some weekday shopping with a girlfriend and stopped in for a snack right at opening so had the place almost to ourselves. With the expansive interior and exterior dining areas, however, there's plenty of room to accommodate busy mealtimes as well.Love me a fancy taco, and the Pork Belly Adobada (achiote pork belly, mesquite pineapple, bitter greens, avocado mousse, crema, cilantro) and Steak (mesquite grilled steak, mash, avocado mousse, smokey Padilla salsa, crispy onions, jalapeño toreado, lime) were both well prepared and full of flavor.Service was a bit lacking - I didn't mind ordering at a kiosk or serving ourselves water, but the person who brought our plates neglected to even provide napkins!

San Diego Taco Series, Part 13When I reflect on our first few years of producing "Henry's Take", I have to admit that I'm surprised how many times we've had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with the owners of various businesses. And so it was during our first visit to "Lola 55." The owner Frank so enthusiastically welcomed our discussion about his place that we thought he might just pull up a chair and join our Review Team!During our time with him we mentioned that the beans and rice were amazing and he told us that he believes the beans at a Mexican restaurant are the truest litmus test of quality. According to him, "If the beans are no good, the other menu options will probably not be very good either." So how did the beans here end up being so delicious? Well after their initial attempts yielded beans that were good, but not great, Frank asked his mom to share her personal recipe with the kitchen staff and demonstrate how to make them the way she always has. Seems fitting that he named the place after her, don't you think? As for the tacos, we sampled several different offerings and the presentation of each was carefully thought out by "Team Lola." My favorite (in terms of presentation and flavor) was the "Baja Style Fish" Taco. If you're in the mood for something with a little kick, several of us were impressed by the spicy staying power of the "Mesquite Chicken" Taco. The after affects of the chilis in the peanut macha salsa lingered for several minutes after we enjoyed this taco powerhouse. If you're interested in Vegan taco offerings, there are several on the menu including the "Rainbow Cauliflower" and the "Squa-shroom." Multiple Gluten-free options are also available including "Elote" (when in season).Although our focus during this visit was the tacos, we couldn't resist ordering the "Quesadillas Oaxaca" and they were excellent. If you choose to visit, ask to meet Frank and tell him that we sent you!And that's...Henry's Take.#sandiegotacoseriesPhoto credit: @markschiel

I do like craft tacos, but I didn't enjoy these. The smoked carnitas one has good flavor but the texture wasn't enjoyable. I liked the pickled onion and avocado mouse which went well with the meat. The portion size is small and you are supposed to eat them as is. Meaning if you ask for extra sauce or a different topping, they charge you! Rice was so-so and drinks from the bar were watery. On the positive, the ambiance is nice (and the restaurant is very clean. You can see the kitchen since it is open.I would have preferred regular tacos at a taco shop and not these ones.

Unfortunately we tried to eat at this location, after visiting the one in San Diego, and were turned down. We got to the location 15 min prior to closing (based on their posted schedule which is also on Apple Maps) and they told us the kitchen had already closed and did not allow us to order. I know it is the suburbs, but turning down a group of 5 hungry people 15 min prior to official closing seems a little short sided. Not sure I care to go back and try it!

Not sure where all of the complaints about service are coming from, this isn't a sit down restaurant where you are being waited on so why would you expect as such? In my experience the employees were significantly more attentive and friendly than a typical "order at the counter" spot, but I'm sure everyone's experience could vary. Tacos were great, and well worth the price in my opinion. I could see the argument that they were a smidge on the pricey side, but I think they were in line of what to expect in coastal Southern California.Loved the outside seating, if I had more time to spend I could have easily had a few more margaritas while hanging out with friends on the couches out there. Overall a great spot and will be back!

Service is non existent. Food is fairly good. But service sucks. Sorry we waisted our time. By 9:30 all cheers were picked up and staff was swiping over our us. Again -- DISAPOINTING. and super BAD SERVICE.