Bee Appetit: Take a tiny trip to Puerto Rico by way of this Land Park back patio
When I last visited Lola’s Lounge for my roundup of Caribbean restaurants, it was winter, which meant their back patio was not open. That’s a shame, because the restaurant’s patio, which they call El Jardin de Elda, is one of the best-kept secrets in the city.
Part of the reason for that is, even if you are in the restaurant, it’s not immediately apparent they have one. You have to skirt past the kitchen to a back door to access it. But once you get there, you are transported.
The space is colorful, playful and surprisingly quiet considering the adjacency to the freeway and Broadway. However, it’s not always so quiet.
On the second Sunday of June, they host a Boricua Day, a celebration of Puerto Rican culture coinciding with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. They have live music, dancing and more — and it’s already sold out for this year.
On any given day, though, the patio is one of the city’s many charming al fresco dining destinations, 30 of which I’ve rounded up for your reference.
I popped by Lola’s as part of the story, and spoke with the eponymous Lola, daughter of the owner, about the restaurant. Of course, I had to enjoy a bite as well.
I started with the empanadillas ($5), small fried pastries filled with meat, seasoned ground chicken in this case, served with a creamy sauce reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing.
Then I went for the greatest hits. The Puerto Rican Special ($22) hits all the high notes, with pernil (roast pork), arroz con gandules (seasoned rice with pigeon peas), maduritos (fried sweet plantains) and avocado. For those who like to kick things up a bit, like I do, Lola’s has a housemade hot sauce called pique, though my calloused palate can take much hotter stuff.
Naturally, I had to wash it down with some sangria ($15). The bar menu is recommendable overall, with Caribbean twists on classics, such as a guava daiquiri ($15) and a fruity passionfruit paloma ($16).
El Jardin de Elda is a tribute to Lola’s grandmother, who is the inspiration for the restaurant, and whose recipes form the backbone of the menu. Even the plants that deck the patio were hers, cared for by the family. If the space reflects her spirit, she must have been a remarkable woman indeed.
Lola’s Lounge
Address: 2424 16th St., Land Park
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays
Phone: 916-389-0429
Website: lolaslounge.co
Vegetarian options: Some, including a vegan bowl, but as with most of Puerto Rican food, it’s pretty meat-forward
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on how busy
