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Mon-Thu. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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As someone who is originally from Seattle, I firmly believe there is no such thing as too many coffee shops (just too many Starbucks). The more coffee establishments in central Phoenix, the better for the rest of us. I've been to Lola nearly every weekend since they first opened, and I have to say that I'm a fan. I typically stick to a simple iced Americano coffee, so since I have not tried their other mixed beverages I can't comment. Their roast is rather strong (which I like), but some people who might prefer a milder roast should stick with something mixed with milk. Lola has a variety of small pastry, cookies, and granola food items, so while not a full-fledged café they still have a decent selection of bites. Prices on the coffee are in line with what you might pay at a Starbucks, so while Lola is not the least expensive coffee place, at least my money is supporting a local business and economy instead of Starbucks.
The venue is minimalist, but comfortable. The interior receives significant amounts of natural light due to the nearly floor to ceiling windows. The exterior area enjoys a small patio area with several tables and chairs. The WiFi is free and actually works, and there is plenty of power to plug in should one need it.
I have heard they are planning to open another location in downtown proper sometime later this winter. I'm not sure how I feel about that, to be honest. There is something to be said about an unique experience. If the owners plan to open another Lola, I hope they make the venue and experience distinct, rather than attempting to carbon copy the success of the original store and diluting the brand.
As much as I wanted to not love this place because I was so addicted to the original Lola Tapas house I actually fashioned our wedding decor after it.....I don't have the will power to deny the deliousness that is Lola Coffee.
From what I understand, the owner was actually the original owner of Lux, or had something to do with it...but don't quote me on it. It does explain the similarities in style but what Lux lacks is the soul Lola opens up. I hate how cliche it sounds but for me it's true.
The coffee is downright stellar- there is simply nothing else that is as amazing. The decor is urban hip but I've always felt comfortable cruising in here sweaty and gross after a work out or all dolled up ready for work. Either way, I'm always greeted with a friendly smile, small conversation and a question of "the usual?" There are a few staffers that sometimes have a bad day but that's really not the norm.
The pastries are hit and miss. The peanut butter and jelly cookies are ridiculously fantastic and addictive. The daily quiche has a lovely crust, consistently fluffy filling and is always satisfying.
The music is always at the right level and appropriately themed for time of day. The seating and condiment station are always well-kept and inviting.
I love this place and am happy to spend my hard earned money on a well-crafted local establishment.
If I am stranded on a desert island I want it to be with some chiabatta toast and jam from Lola with a soy latte on the side. The quiches would be a close second, as would the savory scones. And the blueberry tart of course.
Lola reminds me a lot of Lux in terms of the food and drink selection and quality, however the atmosphere is a more urban than grunge, and the furniture is cleaner and does not have holes in the upholstery. I've always had great service here, though I show up very early so I cannot vouch for what it's like when it gets busier later in the AM. The music could be turned down a little bit, but otherwise it's a pure treat to enjoy coffee and pastry with the morning sun shining in the windows.
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Love EVERYTHING about this place...The Matador is a pure delight....such a beautiful and friendly place. Parking is a big problem for this and the other businesses located in this area. Wish they could fix this. I just adore this coffee bar!
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This is probably the best cafe to get work done in Phoenix. It has the right mixture of music, yummy loose leaf tea and crowd.You want proof: I've been studying here since March and only now am I writing a review.
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From the moment I walk in, I always feel like I belong there. As a person whose hipness faded quite some time ago, if I ever had any at all, that is a good feeling. I feel like I know the owners and that they're always happy to see me. the heart etched in every sip - while I know it's corny - is worth the extra price for a cup of latte. Someday I'll have time to sit and chat, but for now, it's a quick stop on the way to a long day at work.
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Lola is Lux without the pretentious atmosphere of staff and clientelle. It's gorgeous inside and the barista (looks familiar, is he from Lux?) took pride in his work despite the busy rush on a couple of drinks for my son and me. The peach muffin was fantastic too.
Keep it up, Lola.
I LOVE this coffee shop! I like to buy the coffee that I make at home from a local coffee shop, and I used to get my coffee from Lux. I tried Lola's, though, and made the switch! Some of the reviews that I read said that Lola's beans taste burnt, but I totally disagree. The coffee, to me, is very robust, but has a great smooth finish. I like Lux's coffee, but I think I like Lola's better.
Besides buying my beans for home from here, I like to stop in on the weekend and have a latte. I've had a great experience every time I come, and they have delicious pastries in addition to the coffee. The atmosphere is also top-notch: they keep a variety of interesting magazines/newspapers available, have free Wifi, and the space is very light and open. In addition, the crowd that comes here seems very laid-back and nice. It's everything I would want in a coffee shop.
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Lola's is a fantastic addition to the uptown Phoenix community. The coffee is solid, and the baked goods are stellar, thanks to Danielle from Sweet Pea.
Given their lineage and proximity, comparisons between Lux and Lola and inevitable. Based on my experience and observations, Lux is the place of choice for Gen Y'ers and Lola is the place for Gen Xers. and Boomers. As I fit into the second category, my preference is for Lola's. I find it slightly more relaxed and open -- the windows on the two sides create a light an airy atmosphere, and the layout feels less cluttered. The music also seems suited to a thirty something crowd...
The furniture is a great fit with the mid-century bones of its locations, and the have a great reading selection, including books, magazines and, most importantly, the NYT!
Overall a great place to spend some time working, contemplating the universe, or getting caught up with a friend. 4.45 stars.
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I'm sitting here writing this review, loving the free WiFi and my large drip coffee. I should be finishing up a presentation and tailoring a business plan for a finance group, but I'm taking break, wasting time on Yelp and day-trading a bit too. 60 minutes left in the trading day, the market is soft, two weeks like until the end of the quarter, so...time to position for the bounce before the 30th. I'm nibbling on some take out Al-Hana Babaganoosh, the music is chill, the view is fairly good...and the midday rush should commence any time now....
http://www.youtube.com...
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I had a 3 hour meeting at Lola Coffee, so I saw the lunch/coffee rush and the subsequent 'quiet'… Read more »
In May 2009, the original Coffee Plantation on Mill Avenue in Tempe closed after just over two decades of operation. The sad end of an era was motivated more by leasing shenanigans at the Centerpoint development than anything else, but the event also confirmed a recent trend: Although coffeehouse culture in the metro area may have first burgeoned in Tempe, it is now decidedly stronger in Central Phoenix. The Central Coffee Corridor is apparently far from saturated, though, as evidenced by the opening of two new coffeehouses in the Uptown area near the Central / Camelback light rail station. One is an outpost of the Dutch Brothers chain. Because the emphasis there is on the drive-thru, there's little coffeehouse atmosphere. For good coffee and a good gathering place, the second new opening, Lola Coffee, is the place to be right now in Uptown Phoenix.
Lola is part of the revival of a funky little shopping center at the northwest corner of Central and Highland. The plaza has become more interesting lately with arrivals like Haus, Little Artika, Oliver & Annie, and Unique on Central. There are plenty of places to shop, and now there are finally some nearby places to eat and drink. Lola maintains the theme of cool, contemporary design common in its neighboring boutiques. There's plenty of illumination from the many windows, but also an interesting mix of lighting incorporating a chandelier and contemporary fixtures. Colors are varied but subdued, with mint green seats on the stools along a counter facing Central Avenue.
The look, the music, and the feel are all not too far removed from Lux, Lola's competitor a quarter mile to the south. That's not surprising since Lola is owned by Daniel Wayne, one of the founders of both Lux and Lola Tapas. Given this history, comparisons between Lola and Lux are inevitable. Both have fresh baked goods on display at the counter. Both offer free wifi and a mix of lounge seating and works areas. Both serve most beverages in real ceramic mugs when a customer orders "for here." The differences, then? For one, Lola's interior allows a lot more natural light, something generally available at Lux only when sitting at the picnic tables outside. Second, Lola feels less crowded and less cluttered than Lux. Of course, much of that effect may come from Lola's newness. Given time, it may be just as packed as its peer nearby.
The beverage list is streamlined with about a dozen choices on the chalkboard. Beyond basic coffee, espresso, and cappuccino, look for specialty drinks that blend coffee with flavors that are sweet but not sickeningly so. Cafe Borgia blends coffee with chocolate and orange; the Matador replaces the citrus with cinnamon. Both drinks can be accessorized with an espresso whipped cream, a worthwhile indulgence. These drinks are artistic in appearance, but even basic lattes are enhanced with leaves, hearts, or other designs created by the baristas. For tea drinkers, Lola also delivers. The tea comes in sachets rather than standard bags. That means larger pieces of tea leaves with better flavor. The Earl Grey has an unusually vigorous Bergamot flavor, and the Darjeelling is light, golden, and refreshing.
To match the drink options, Lola has an array of baked good always available. These are not mass-produced pastries in plastic wrap. Instead, Lola has brought Danielle Librera on board as its resident baker. Librera operates the Sweet Pea Bakery at the south end of Downtown. Although Sweet Pea's retail shop has closed, it's still a functioning bakery, and its output upgrades the Lola experience. For a sweet, rich experience, try the coffee cake, which mixes a crumbly top and a blueberry filling. Scones come in both sweet and savory varieties. Almond and cranberry are not surprising flavors, but a parmesan scone is an innovative alternative. For breakfast, ciabatta toast and a daily tart are good options. By the way, anyone wanting to order a custom cake from Sweat Pea can still do so via email: danielle@sweetpeaaz.com
At this point, both Daniel and Danielle are making Lola work with a complementary mix of quality drinks and snacks. The main complaint heard has been the shop's hours, especially the 7 PM closing time from Monday until Thursday. Hours stretch until 10 on Friday and Saturday, but the restricted hours leave Lola at a disadvantage the rest of the week. Right now, only Unlimited Coffee up on Glendale Avenue has the temerity to stay open until midnight. With new later hours going into effect for the light rail trains running outside Lola's doors, it seems only logical for the coffee house to stay up a little later too. Until that happens, enjoy Lola during the day and on weekend nights. It's a different scene than the Coffee Plantation was at its prime, but Lola is a welcome addition to Phoenix coffeehouse culture.
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I stopped in here at 6:45am one morning and was told I was a bit early. I'm used to coffee shops opening earlier I guess, but they were nice about it and invited me in to sit and wait.
I liked their stacks of Latin American Vogue, and the artwork on the walls was nice. They also had ice water out for you to serve yourself.
I ordered my usual americano, and was pleased. They have raw sugar you can serve yourself by the heaping spoonful out of a pretty candy dish. That was lovely.
Also, they are now the only place to carry Sweet Peas Bakery items. My favorite thing to do was walk down to Danielle's shop downtown and pick up some coffee at Royal and some of her Rosemary Shortbread cookies. It doesn't sound yummy, but believe me they are! Be sure to ask for some.
At the time I went, the place was obviously not crowded and I received attentive service...
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Lola's Coffee is owned by the old owners of Lux Coffee - - right down the street on Central before they went into the Tapas business. Now it looks like they are trying to get back in the coffee business.
My man and I stopped by for an iced coffee a couple of weeks back. We were sadly disappointed that the flavor was heavy on the nutty side, which neither of us are a big fan of. You can say that we're old school in the sense that we're not into any of that flavor crap a lot of coffee places try to push. Maybe the machine is too new but we weren't diggin' the new flavor. As far as the dessert selection as many Yelp reviews raved about, I didn't see them. It must have been an off day because nothing looked appealing.
The next day I drove to Lux and got an ice coffee there that made my heart do cartwheels. Lo siento Lola's Coffee, but maybe you shouldn't have sold Lux. I'll try to give you another chance in a couple of months when your coffee machine gets more use.
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Burnt, bitter espresso.
Bitterly disappointing. This place has so much potential, the pasties look yummy. I ordered my usual, an iced triple soy latte, to jolt me awake and fend off the morning headache. (Not iced in the winter.)
This was not drinkable. I will not be back.
Fair Trade Cafe, Lux, AJs,(even Starbucks), I am so sorry I cheated on you.
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For those of you who don't know, I'm addicted to caffeine. So I'm always happy to know when another coffee shop opens up. I don't care if there's more than 3 to choose from within a 0.50 mile radius, I'm allllllll for it. Just like a crackhead wouldn't mind if there were 3 dealers on one block...he/she would be grateful as a mofo.
Lola Coffee is a place you'd choose to go to if you want to sit inside as there isn't much seating area outside like Lux. It's perfect for the hell rising heat in AZ and is more spacious compared to Lux. It's super cute inside with contemporary diner bar stools against the window facing Central Ave., to the large art sketching at the bar top, black chandelier, and comfy leather seats and plush couches, or community tables to sit your laptop on or make new friends. They also have a variety of yummy, fresh baked pastries. The berry coffee cake and scones looked like heaven, but I'm dieting right now so had to admire from afar.
I ordered an iced coffee which comes with 2 shots of espresso just like Lux, but wasn't as strong. I think it was the Barista's skills? And their black straws are skinnier than Lux's. I know, sounds stupid but I like taking big hits or "sips" of my coffee. Take it to the head! I went on a Sunday and on Father's day, so it wasn't too busy which was perfect for me to surf porn...I mean, do some work with my laptop. The wifi was faster than Lux's but don't know if that's because there was only one other person wifi-ing it?
I'm a fan and secretly hope it doesn't get too jam packed like Lux...but if it does, well, there's only one solution-open up another one! :)
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I will put this review simply. I lie awake some nights still craving another encounter with a Lola Coffee muffin. From the moment I bit into it's soft, billowy interior, time slowed down. It was reminiscent of the cartoon love scenes. Butterflies, train whistles and the ability to float of the ground were all happening.
As far as the coffee goes, it was a hit with me. I not a super picky coffee drinker. Perhaps considered by some a lightweight given that my drink of choice is a white chocolate mocha. I've heard those are hard to mess up.
This is less of a review and more of a love profession of the delectables that reside on the counter of Lola. I will return my sweets...
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The lemon shortbread was wonderful! Soft and just a bit more than a "hint" of lemon. The flavor was perfect! I would eat the shortbread any time!
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Lola Coffee is like a modern tango in cafe form, a sultry symphony between the classic and the contemporary: http://www.youtube.com... . And to me, a welcome addition to Central Avenue.
LOCATION
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Situated in a small shopping center at Central & Highland, two doors down from Haus and equidistant between the Central/Camelback and Central/Campbell light rail stops.
SETTING
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* Outdoors: A tall Pete Deise piece greets you in the parking lot, while a couple of small tables and a wooden bench cluster near the entrance and in the shade.
* Indoors: A big open space with a collection of modern couch areas, wooden tables, and window bar seating. Some large pieces of mixed-media art adorn the walls and a rich maroon color accents the back where you order (ok, maybe it's not maroon - but I've always been a dunce at Crayola colors). Great iron-wrought chandelier up above. Congratulatory flowers everywhere, compliments of friends and other local business owners. Much of the eastern wall is all window - brightening the room and providing a full view of the Central Ave traffic/light rail and the Spanish Colonial architecture of the Brophy Chapel looming just beyond. An old school soundsystem complete with turntable plays some modern Latin tracks (I nodded to the remix of "Nutridinha" by Cesaria Evora) and I think a great match for the space.
* Customer Scene: Well, it was Day 1. Not much of a "scene" yet, although I can see neighborhood folks who enjoy Postino /Maize's /Pane Bianco liking this place a lot. Maybe skew a tad older than the Lux crowd? I could be completely off-base on that. The owners and owners' parents were there, plus a handful few others enjoying the space. Really comfortable & relaxed.
ON THE MENU
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The coffee bar includes a counter full of Sweat Pea cookies, pastries, and other goods. I wasn't expecting to be tempted, but man, everything looked excellent. The coffee menu included all the standards, plus teas, French presses and the Matador (I think a cinnamon mocha) and Borgia (sounded to me like that chocolate orange in liquid form). I didn't see any indication that they'll serve anything to eat beyond pastries and bagels, but I may be wrong.
SO MR. K GOT...?
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A soy latte (surprise!). And a chocolate cupcake (whaaa?).
AND...?
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* Soy Latte: Excellent. I'm so used to places making mediocre soy lattes that when someone actually know how to handle soy milk without burning or curdling it, I become doubly impressed. Couple that with perfectly done espresso. Served in a handle-less cup, this tasted silky smooth and rich from start to finish. Plus there was the whole latte arty leaf business on top, and who doesn't like a latte arty leaf?
* Chocolate cupcake: Some of you know of my utter disdain for the current cupcake phenomenon, but this tasted awesome. Also? Awesome. The cake was perfectly moist, the chocolate was just the right amount of richness, there wasn't 4 inches of frosting on top, and IT WASN'T FIVE DOLLARS. Repeat. NOT FIVE DOLLARS. So yeah, I'm impressed by a cupcake. Take that.
ANY CRITICISMS?
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* HOURS - Having closing hours be at 7 (M-Th), 10 (Fri-Sat) and 3 (Su) is going to confuse the general public. I'd recommend keeping consistent closing hours every day (hopefully closing at 10 pm or later). The location is perfect. People will come through the day and after work. And I can see evening business do just fine, for this place is already hearkening Europe. Please?
* PAYMENT - Currently cash only. Hope they get a card machine soon, because folks thinking they're going to walk out with an armload of Sweet Pea goods and Lola's own roasted beans with their debit card are in for a rude awakening.
CONCLUSION
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More like a preface, because I'm definitely coming back.
Lola Coffee is going to be a great neighborhood institution (I can see it doing perfectly fine business-wise, even with Lux and the soon-coming Dutch Bros) and if I want to meet up with a friend or date for coffee, I could see Lola among the top of the list. Especially as there's no pretense coming from the counter or anyone else. There's free Wi-Fi, which is always a bonus, but I'm hoping this place doesn't turn into another laptop convention center (I know, mighty hypocritical of me of all people to say, but whatever). Looks like a great location to read or study.
So 4.49 stars for now. I'll hold off on 5 stars because, well, it's only Day 1 and they'll probably only get better.
So mucho gusto, Lola. Y hasta pronto.
http://www.youtube.com...
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I have been waiting.... for this place to open. The newest addition to a quaint shopping center on Central that is bursting with fun shops.
Lola Coffee is exactly what we needed. Awesome layout with retro-modern furnishings (looks like stuff from Red Modern) this place has a great vibe. It's like going over to your coolest friends ultra fun studio. Me and my bf ordered an americano, latte, blueberry muffin and cinnamon coffee cake. Coffee was great... of course it would be the owners really know their stuff. Original owners of Lux and Lola's Tapas... they were both there and such gracious hosts.
We sat down on a comfy couch in the back corner and enjoyed the artwork and liveliness of the crowd. We skimmed a few magazines on the table.... something for everyone. The cinnamon coffee cake is a must try... I finished every last crumb. Outside they have some patio seating complete with thoughtful hooks for your canine friends. Can't wait to go back. I'll be the one with the little dachshund.
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The fur rugs can also turn into dogs, apparently.
As Kyle and I enjoyed our drinks (Iced Soy Mocha and Iced Latte) and yummies (Lemon Iced Cardemon Bundt Cake and Coffee Cake) on in a nook of living room furniture in a very appealing setting, I noticed random sheepskin rugs throughout the space and I saw a woman bearing a strong resembalance to Gloria Steinem hanging out reading Java with an oddly place rug to her side, and when she got up about a half hour later, it turned into a giant curly black poodle. This coffee may contain another ingredient.
Despite my hallucinations, this space is very inviting. I loved the rusted blue steel furniture and the creation of various spaces throughout this cafe. Mint green and chrome stools that face the street, various tables and chairs near the counter, three seats of sofas and chairs and a large conference style table near the entrance make a variety of meetings possible here.
While Lux is very chaotic, Lola is serene, not as high energy, it very much made me think it would serve an older crowd as well since I thought of many an older friend or mother I would like to bring here but my tatted up friends may prefer Lux. The music here was uneven and the serving style still being worked out, but hey-its the 1st week!
It also created a push for the pet store and Haus clothing store to get walk in traffic from me and my cohorts each I have been here, which I am sure is welcome since the light rail made many promises, but not much follow through.
Overall, my coffee was good, the pastries were fine, the food and coffee didn't really blow me away, but the ambiance was so good and I am excited to see the potential for another sophisticated place to relax outside of Lux in this area.
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The interior of Lola Coffee is beautiful. It is all one room, (even behind the counter) and neatly sectioned by the arrangement of the furniture rather than walls or building floorplan. This is an expert way of dealing with the existing design of the space, rather than tearing up floors and knocking down walls. Furthermore, the (from what I could tell) original ceiling support beams of the building were also left intact, painted, and incorporated as part of the overall design in a very elegant manner.
All in all, I was very impressed at the interior design at Lola. Even though it's a bit like a Eurway showroom, everything is well placed and cohesive.
Beyond the visual aesthetics, my coffee was great. I ordered just a plain latte, which was precisely what I was hoping for. There was an assortment of pastries at the counter, which from what I understand are the work of Sweet Pea Bakery. I tried the cinnamon coffee cake, which was delicious. The crumble topping on the coffee cake was rich and crusty, and the cake was moist and tart, almost carrot cake-like.
It's obvious that the baristas here are still trying to get in the groove of the flow of service and developing a system for taking orders/serving food/making drinks, etc. But this is definitely related to the place barely being open a week. That being said, I was quite impressed with Lola and foresee the cafe doing very well. I'm going to be back soon.
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I like it. Great location, nice ambience, you can drink your coffee and watch the action go by. I made friends with a lady and her giant fancy poodle. Pastries are kick-you-in-the-crotch good. Service can be aloof, but tolerable.
Not much else to say, except the hours kind of suck. Lola is slowly creeping to the top of my favorite coffee places.
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Oh Dear Restaurant Diary, I am in LOVE!
Never did I think that an independent coffee shop in central Phoenix could capture my heart in such a way!
Lola is unpretentious, bright, beautiful, and fun--I'm absolutely enamored!
The space is open (not cluttered) with multiple options of seating...all comfortable without being slouchy and sinking. The big windows allow natural light and the somehow simultaneously ornate and clean decor creates a perfect environment sit, work, relax. A big counter covered with goodies (a basket of fruit, multiple trays of baked goods...mmm...) makes ordering a treat for the eyes (and a treat for the tastebuds if you choose to buy some goodies!).
The bathroom. You know, dear diary, how I am a sucker for a good bathroom. Clean, single, big enough, proper placement of paper products, clean lines, nice, private--it's all I've ever wanted in a coffee shop bathroom!
Black tea...mmm...homemade chai tea...
I hope there will be many happy returns to dear lola...many happy returns.
Lots of love, diary,
XOXO
Christina
PS
Cash only (so make sure you carry)!
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Well.. i love the space. It feels like a fresher, newer LUX. EVerythings "newer"..that's the only real difference (oh..and it;s 3 blocks over). Same varied array of mid-century modern tables and chairs. Original artwork spread thru-out. I've heard it the same original owners of LUX so it makes sense. Even the espresso tastes like LUX.. which i don;t care for really.. tastes burnt. I love my espresso... but not here nor there.
i love the space, its convenient, evreyone was friendly but (BIG BUT).. they close at 7pm Here's why i find it a problem... .Near a big High Rise, off the light rail (central and c-back).. so I would assume the majority of the crowd would prefer showing up, having a copa de cafe', enjoy some wi-fi surfing, mingle with friends.. but... how can I if i get off work at 5... i;m home by 5:30... freshen up at home.. it';s now 6.... i walk to Lola... its now 6:15... I order my coffee... it;s ready.. i sit down.. it;s 6:30, I now have 30 minutes to enjoy my espresso read the paper or check my email.
but hey,,, that;s just me.
why do I give it 4 stars u may ask... again.. i love the space, the people, the art.. the furniture.. and most importantly I love small local business.
PLEASE STAY OPEN LATER! (and reconsider your espresso bean)
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I met a friend at Lola Coffee last week for First Friday but I didn't have any time to spend inside the place. Oh how I now regret not showing up an hour earlier! I went back yesterday to experience what Lola had to offer. I sooooo dug on this place!! For me this place has some of what I miss about the Bay Area and Sacramento. It's a great coffeehouse on a busy street in a vibrant part of the city. I couldn't name all the cool tunes I heard playing over the audio system but I'm pretty sure there was some Depeche Mode (and I'm a product of the 80s/90s). I had myself a double mocha with whipped cream. The whipped cream was one of the best decisions I've made in a week. You see, some dairy alchemist decided to infuse the whipped cream with some vanilla and espresso. All I have to say about that is if the whipped cream spun it would be called DJ YummyTron!!! So I sat down and chilled flipping through an interior design book with a forward by Joely Fisher and sipping on my mocha (I later moved on to reading an issue of NY Times Magazine talking about people who worry a lot). I soon became distracted by the light-rail going by and a bunch of old cars roaring up and down the street (not gonna lie to you, there was some eye-candy of the femme variety in the place too). I soon came to absolutely treasure the huge window fronting Central Ave. Only downside was I don't have a laptop so I couldn't be one of the cool kids surfing the web while sipping my drink. They had a woman come in and put together some floral arrangements which I thought was a nice touch (and I told them as much). Go, sip, listen, watch, and enjoy!!!
Yay! Somone finally knows how to brew an iced mocha with skim milk that isn't completely bitter. Like, really, how hard can this be. Now don't get me wrong I do like Fair Trade, but the only mocha I can get there is whole milk. Yeah, I know what you're thinking and I don't like it. "who orders a mocha with skim milk, honestly?". Well I do, and it shouldn't be hard to get one. Lola comes through- "huzzah!!"
I actually got the Matador (adds cinnamon) and to my surprise- "loved it". Or as Paris Hilton has be tweeting these days "Huge!" yeah, I don't know, don't ask...
The next nice surprise was the frittata. After having just done a 6mi run, I was pretty hungry. We saw two choices and went for the Parmesan/asparagus - very yum as well.
The icing on the cake (no pun intended), is that we got to see our favorite baker - Daniele - and her delicious treats. Give the scones a chance, you'll be happy you did.
Great city atmosphere with lots of bright open windows looking out at Central Avenue. Nice place to relax as the world rushes by outside. Comfortable seating areas and great beverage assortment. Danielle Librera's baked goods are the stars here as far as i'm concerned, i went in at 7 am one morning and was delighted to see the entire front counter filled with her creations (scones, muffins, fruit tarts, quiche, cookies and still warm from the oven coffeecake). It was like a bakery buffet, danielle is right there baking away behind a corner of the counter on most mornings. I often go to Lola in the evenings (they close at 7 most nights, so sad) and by that time of day there are only a few cookies left, so obviously the regulars are tuned into the best time of day to get the baked goodies. A guy in front of me on my 7 am visit scooped up half a warm coffeecake to deliver home to some lucky partner/roommate.
The morning we visited, the 7-8 am hour was peaceful and calm, a great waking up time. It was nice to see an assortment of dads and their young 5-7 year old sons come thru the door and spend time hanging out together at the start of the day. At 8 am the business commuter crowd started arriving in full force and the place got a whole lot more buzz from all of the conversations going on.
Great location approx 1/2 block south of the Central/Camelback light rail stop. Definitely worth a visit!
Please don't kill me---while I really do like this place, and hope it succeeds, i can't yet give it 4 stars....
So, as everyone else said, the decor is awesome. I'd be happy to steal every piece of furniture (especially the light fixture!) and take it home for myself. And, I do like the idea of an open kitchen, though I also wonder if it will really work for a coffee shop when/if it gets busy.
The coffee is good. Not write home to your mom good---but nothing in Phoenix meets that standard. So, this looses a star---goes from 5 to 4.
And then the move from 4 to 3: I walked in and immediately there was this strange smell. After sitting there for a while, I didn't notice it anymore. I don't know if it was a one time thing, or something with their space, or what. But...
Some final comments: It was relatively empty, which made it easier to work at than, say, Lux. (But, also made it less friendly....) They seem to have a great music system but not yet great music. And, as someone else commented, the crowd does seem to be older than at Lux.
... But this all was based on one visit....
The best coffee, the nicest people working, great A/C, lots of chairs, lots of plugs, great music, awesome pastries. Airy & light enough to do work. Lots of parking. Rock on LOLA!
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Lovely and delightful is this new girl Lola. I'm a total sucker for a good, cinnamon-y mexican style coffee, and Lola has an amazing one (it's called the Matador and comes complete with three shots of espresso and a dollop of homemade flavored whipped cream--$4 for a large.) The actual coffee house space is fantastic, as you would expect from anything Wayne touches. Shiny polished concrete floors, with a mix of modern and retro fixtures throughout. Makes me very happy. Being able to bring an iced coffee over to Haus and Oliver and Annie makes me even happier. Can't wait for Hula's Modern Tiki to open up in this plaza, too.
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if it weren't for the parking lot in front of lola coffee i'd give them another star. but construction going on right in front of your establishment with trucks everywhere is a hassle for anyone trying to navigate it. i had to park on the opposite end of the complex to run in and grab a cup of coffee, and convenience and quickness is always something i look for in a good coffee place.
lola is very cute and modern inside, i wish i could have sat down and enjoyed the morning rather than having to run off to work. the bar staff was super friendly and got my drink right away. iced americano. their little bar to get cream and sugar at is cute, with a big bowl of raw sugar for you to dive into with a tiny spoon. my coffee came up quick and i couldn't wait to try it. really, nothing special here. not bad, but not the best, somewhere in the middle. the place is similar to lux in it's look but the coffee just doesn't compare.
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The only reason I give it 2 starts and not the 5 it deserves are the HOURS. Please stay open later. 7pm during the week is too early for a coffee bar, I just get home and eat and head out to study and they're closed!
Great atmosphere, great coffee, James makes a killer latte.
Wow. The reviews for this place are all over the place and I can pretty much see how they're all spot on. This place is still in its infancy. Some things are great. Others not so good. Depending on when you go your experience can go either way. First, my bias is toward downtown and CenPho businesses. The area where Lola Coffee is located is changing and, with a little luck, will be happing in the not-too-distant future. I give a lot of credit to Lola's owners for picking the location and opening a new business in this market. I want this place to succeed and will definitely give it another go.
My daughter and I visited Lola the first time twenty minutes before closing (7:00PM - a ridiculously early time for a coffee house but that's another issue). Before ordering we were asked if we were aware they would be closing in twenty minutes. Undeterred, we ordered a couple of lattes and took a seat at the very well done wooden bar facing Central Avenue. The lattes were good, if a little cool, and the ambience of the entire place is pretty great. It took me a while to get over the cool greeting by the staff but I began to warm to the place. Hey, one of counter girls even asked us if everything was OK. Things were looking up.
I visited Lola a second time by myself to get a coffee to go. Service this time was much like the first time. Hurried, frazzled (though there was no one behind me) and way too cool for this unsettling economy. Now, I'm not expecting anyone to jump across the counter in gratitude but a smile and a simple "thank you" would go a long way toward giving this place another star.
So here's my take on Lola. I want it to succeed and will continue to go back. The coffee (at least mine) was good. I appreciated the pitcher of ice water on the bar (a la Lux?) and the overall decor. BUT, in this weak economy I do expect the service to be ratcheted up A LOT. Here's to hoping that will be the case.
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Cool space and good music. Maybe I'll give it more than one star when it sets its hours to actually serve the downtown community it needs to survive. Why come here when I can go to Lux down the street instead until 10 pm?
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I too was eagerly awaiting this place's arrival. I'm a sucker for both coffee and Lola Tapas, so naturally I was intrigued. It was well worth the wait, even on the first day of business. Great, smooth espresso and awesome pastries from Sweet Pea's Danielle Librera. I dig the whole vibe going on here; it fits in very well next to Haus and the other little shops in this ever-evolving plaza. The retro modern feel and color scheme make it one of the more lively coffee spots in these parts (that's a good thing) and I love the little diner touch with the bar stools looking out onto Central Ave. Judging from the crowd they had at 6:30 p.m. on their first day of business, I'd say we have a winner.
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amazing coffee, amazing goodies now that Danielle is over there from The Sweat Pea. It's a must when I am out in AZ from Jersey...
The real test of a coffee house is not how it prepares its specialty drinks...(let's face it, enough sugar and cream can make anything taste good). No, the real test of a coffee house is how their black, regular drip tastes. I like it complex, rich, and nutty.
How disappointing that Lola's regular drip is weak, watery, and tasteless.
Pastries are great, though. Ambience is cool...though it's echo-y and a little loud if you want to carry on a conversation.
Step up the coffee and I'll be back
After noticing the Dutch Brothers Drive-thru coffee place that opened up on Central and Camelback, I was taken by surprise to notice that Lola Coffee had opened up about a block from it, and another two blocks away from Lux. I'm pretty serious about my coffee and so I was excited to check it out. Right as I walked in, I was amazed at the amount of space and light that filled the room. Their pastry selection was pretty good too. I opted for the orange olive oil cake and a beverage called the Matador, which is basically a mocha with cinnamon on top. Eager for my coffee (which is roasted on the premises), I sat at one of their super comfortable couches only to find that their coffee is SUB-PAR. The beans were either over-roasted or the shots were not pulled correctly. I was disappointed but returned a few days later to do some work and give them another chance. The second time around, I encountered the same problem. Burnt-tasting espresso shots and a dried out tart. I have come to the conclusion that either their espresso machines are not calibrated correctly or they just don't know how to do espresso. If you end up there, go with the French Press, but again, be wary as their beans might just have roasted a little too long for anyone's liking.
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My daughter and I stopped here for coffee on the way to work. My daughter ordered a mocha coffee and I opted for a carmel coffee. Both were excellent. We both agreed the coffees were the best we had ever had! Now I am a loyal Starbucks person but I would have to say Lola is much better! The pastries looked very appealing but I was good and just had coffee. I recommend this place to all coffee lovers!
Lola Coffee is a great addition to the growing coffeehouse community in Cenpho that sprouted around LUX. The place sports a modern just-raided Copenhagen look to it, decorated with various photos of older, bigger cities than PHX. I had a regular latte and a Matador on two occasions, and each was particularly good, although the latte's milkiness slightly subdued its coffee flavor. The Matador had the promised cinnamon spiciness to it, but I was expecting something a bit stronger. It was still a great drink overall, though. I have been tempted to try the pastries, as they're more delicious-looking than other places that pay little attention to them--I'm looking at you, Xtreme Bean! Free and fast wifi is available, and there's plenty of comfortable spots to wield a laptop. The only major issues I have are that on my last visit, the A/C was seemingly cranked down to Siberian levels, and that its not open as late as I'd like it to be.
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