Update: Jacqueline visited in May 2022 and can confirm that Lola’s is a must-visit when you’re in the Keys. We recommend making a reservation in advance.
This is a repost of a blog that Sarah wrote in September 2020. Based on more recent reviews, it looks like her experience is still relevant, which is why we’re reposting today. She can’t wait to return to Lola’s…
A number of friends were disappointed that we went to Key West for the first time during the pandemic. “It’s just not the same”, we were told, “Key West has so much personality – you just won’t get it.” We didn’t care. All we wanted in August was a few days away, a beach, and an endless supply of cocktails.
Yes, it was quiet. But we still found personality – just maybe not the sort that others had in mind.
Introducing Lola’s, a tiny bistro off Duval Street.
Here’s how it went.
What’s so special about this Key West restaurant?
I arrived five minutes late with Aidan running (literally) behind me – we’d forgotten the wine, and Lola’s Bistro is completely BYOB with no corkage fee. BYOB: This was the first good sign.
I was seated and welcomed in the middle of the restaurant by a server wearing a Hawaiian shirt, and probably a broad grin under his mask. This was the second good sign. Water arrived. No menus. I watch amused as an unexpected table of six walked in, followed by Aidan. Two bulbous wine glasses landed on the table, but still no menus. There was a moment of chaos as tables were rearranged, and people seated.
The chef continued chopping, nonplussed, in corner of the restaurant. The wine key was placed on the table. I opened and poured our wine. It was a delicious Muscadet that tasted like squeezed lemons. Refreshing.
“There’s no menu”, our friend in the Hawaiian shirt explained, “It changes every day”, and then he started to reel off today’s options. We opted to share a dressed artichoke starter, and I chose “surprise me with something vegetarian” for the main course. Aidan selected yellowtail snapper.
A table with a view
This is the sort of place where a “table with a view” means a vantage point to watch the theatre of the restaurant unfold. The head chef (and owner) creates dishes from a spread of fresh ingredients in the back corner.
A second server approached our table and I requested a different wine glass. I noticed that there were three different types of glasses on tables. Mine seems more like a G&T glass, or what some people would consider a Pinot Noir glass. I am the rare soul who hates Pinot Noir glasses. I think they’re too much like fishbowls. “Never had that request before!” he laughed, and swapped my glass.
Artichokes arrived. Delicious. I requested bread to mop up the sauce. It was too good to waste.
The main course arrived. Then mine quickly disappeared. Apparently something was missing. It reappeared on the table 30 seconds later with additional ravioli. “Second time’s a charm!” The wine glass server told me.
Indeed. The medley of vegetables is incredible: Simple yet full of flavor. Rave reviews from Aidan on the fish.
Dessert time
I’m not normally a big dessert person. Occasionally we’ll share something sweet, but there’s the occasional night where we can’t decide and opt for one each, like that night. Cheesecake is always a win, Lola’s special pecan pie threw a spanner in the works.
“What’s pih-can pie?”, I ask. It’s not a ‘thing’ at home in the UK.
“You probably say pee-can, but my mum told me not to say it like that because it sounds like pee-can. Like peeing in a can. You know? The pie is amazing, though”, the waiter in the Hawaiian shirt told us.
“OK, we’ll have one.”
It was.
We debated returning the following day. It was so tempting, but in the end we decided to save it for another visit to Key West. Great restaurants experience should be savored.
But what do I mean by that? All good restaurants have delicious food, friendly service and a good atmosphere. The best ones? They have big personality.
Lola’s bistro is located at 728 Simonton Street in Key West.
Find more articles about great restaurants outside of Miami in our “Travel” section on Wine Guide Miami.
