Candice "santa ana mama" B.'s Profile

Oh gravy fries... it's all my fault! First I had the friend just order the side of country gravy [great idea!], but dipping those little fries is so time consuming... so enter other friend weeks later, "why don't you just pour the gravy on top?" Asked for about 2 more sides of gravy and we were set.

Weeks later roll around and what pops up on the new late night menu? Gravy fries! I'm just happy that everyone can enjoy this fatty treat now! This is why I love Memphis so much [or just one of the many reasons], because they pay attention to the weird things that people order and sometimes they end up on the menu.

I don't just come here for late night and for Johnny days though, I hit up brunch whenever I have a Sunday morning off. Bottomless mimosas for $8.50 is just insane! And the 2 egg breakfast with pancakes & bacon is just stupid, it's so much food, and it's so good. It fills my usually hungover body with so much glee.

My Memphis affair isn't going to be ending anytime soon, I can tell you that much.

Memphis is kinda my home away from home... seriously. If I'm not at work, I'm usually at Memphis. The pulled pork sliders will probably be my favorite thing to get there, but... BUT this little thing called "country gravy" has somehow wandered into my life [via Nicci G.] and I'm sold. French fries with country gravy is a must if it's before 10pm. But tonight I had the chicken wings with the country gravy, and oh lordy, it was a religious experience. Like dipping CHICKEN in CHICKEN! Really?! Is this possible?

Memphis is like a family that you can always become a part of. The family that I wouldn't mind having over for Thanksgiving [as long as they bring their country gravy mind you]. It's surprising that I used to think this bar was so intimidating, because it's the most laid back and fun place I could possibly find myself at.

Love love love! Come say hi to me, I'm usually at the end of the bar enjoying a freshly cracked open Stella.

I dare you to ask Johnny to make you the PERFECT cocktail.

Just make sure you have a ride home.

JOHNNY'S BACK!

And pulled pork sliders after a few drinks are always amazing. Always. Thank goodness for the late night menu and $5 food!

I REALLY wish I could split this place up and give 5 stars to the bar and like 3 to the restaurant but since that's not possible I have to settle on 4 stars. But I'm honestly hoping that I'll soon be able to bump it back up to 5. Here's the reason it got knocked down...

My friends and I went for dinner last night after the art walk. Our food was fine, I loved the pulled pork sliders [of course], and the flatbread wasn't too bad [I'm not a corn fan, but I just took the salsa off and had the bread with pesto and that was good]. All my friends enjoyed their food and drinks. One even said that the Manhattan he got was the best he's ever had.

Our problem was with the service. We asked our server about the late night menu which just started on Friday. As far as we were aware it's 10pm-1am Thursday-Saturday. This being Saturday at about 10:40pm we figured we were in the clear. We were apparently wrong. Our server said that it didn't start until 11pm, so we said we'd just have our drinks until then. He didn't seem too pleased about it, but was nice enough to throw in the order about 5 minutes before 11pm so our food came out right after 11pm.

When one of our friends asked if the quesadilla could have the chicken taken out of it he said he'd check, but then never came back to tell us. All of our food came out and no quesadilla. So instead of checking and letting her know before he put the order in, just incase she wanted to order something else as well, he just didn't put it in at all [they couldn't take out the chicken he later informed us after we already got our meal]. Luckily she already ordered a salad otherwise she wouldn't have had any food.

He also forgot the same friends drink order for about 30 minutes. And later when we got the bill he kept checking back with my friends to see if we were ready for it yet, and was acting quite impatient. I was inside talking to another friend and honestly didn't think in the 5 minutes I was gone that everyone would finish their food and he would start hounding them to pay the bill. My friend had to come find me so I could go back and pay. Then he ended up taking about 10 minutes with the bill.

When I got home last night I checked on here because that's the first place I heard about the late night menu. It says "10pm-1am"! So did he just not know? I was so confused and disappointed because I LOVE Memphis. I'm here like 3 nights a week usually, and this just broke my heart.

I'm going to give them another chance though. I know it can be better! I understand it was the artist walk and it was really busy, but that really shouldn't be an excuse.

But I think this review does need some good news... Johnny is still amazing. He definitely keeps the peace in the bar, and doesn't put up with disrespectful people or activities [no ass slapping girls in his bar]. I know I can relax whenever I come because he doesn't put up with crap, and we always have a good time. He made me delicious daiquiri's when I was there on Thursday. Not those blender slurpee daiquiri's people, the real classic daiquiri, with simple syrup and all.

I always meet really nice people here, and some interesting folk as well. I know I'll probably run into friends whenever I go, so I'll always have someone to talk to. The DJ's are usually spinning really good music, and are just fun to watch sometimes.

I met Ricky and Mitch, who were behind the bar last night, and they're both really nice guys. Even when it's packed you don't have to wait very long to get a drink.

So Memphis, I'm looking forward to coming back and giving you back that 5th star. I think I need to try brunch sometime because that menu just looks delicious. Have you checked it out? Well you should!

I've been waiting to write a review here in hopes of trying more food so my review could be well rounded, but then I thought screw that! That's what updates are for. I want to tell everyone how awesome Memphis is right now.

I would always walk by Memphis whenever I was in Santa Ana. But for some reason I had it in my head that since I wasn't even hip enough to be in The Crosby [I still go anyway and flaunt my dorky ass around] that I probably wasn't hip enough for Memphis, even though it did look a bit less intimidating. [I think it's because there's more light and you can actually see the people you're talking to.]

Lucky for me though after the Yelp Elite event at the Grand Central Art Center, I met a really awesome guy that invited me over to have a drink. Who knew that this would change my whole perspective of the Santa Ana Artist Village. I have found a new love, and it's Memphis, and if I could marry Memphis I would. We would serve pulled pork sliders and Johnny's red drinks and Stella at the reception.

Christoper H is the awesome guy that dragged me over and now they can't get rid of me. I've gone to Memphis more times in the last 3 weeks than could be considered healthy. But honestly, it's the most comfortable bar I've been to. Everytime I go I run into someone I've met before, or I make new friends. Johnny is always behind the bar, and is such a sweetheart. There's always someone to go out and have a cigarette with, and overall the crowd is a lot friendlier and more laid back than other bars around there.

Now since I usually go here late at night, I walk in when the kitchen is just closing. Sucks for me because all I hear is good things about the food. I did have the pulled pork sliders at the Yelp event, and they were so good my friend and I fought our way through the crowd to get a second one. But I do hope to make some time to hit up dinner and brunch.

Oh and this exciting news about the kitchen being open late Thrus-Sat nights is going to make me a very happy girl. This is why I work 2 jobs, not to make sure all my bills are paid, but to make sure I have enough money to keep up with my Memphis habit.

The decor is very warm and comfortable. I even love the green tile that lines the girls bathroom. The patio outside is especially nice on warm nights, and the DJ's are always spinning great music that's not overwhelmingly loud. No shouting necessary.

I'm sure I'll be there sometime this weekend, so if you see me you should come up and say "hi" because... well you just should.

I decided one night last week to go to Lola and try a new drink and a new dish. After running into Anita at reverse brunch, she suggested the Tangerine Margarita. So I went with that, and I was really happy I did. It tasted like yummy juice, but boy do you feel it later.

Food wise I opted for the quesadilla. This was cheesy goodness at it's best. Definitely something to try again, and next time I think I might add chicken to make it a little more hearty.

It was the perfect start to my night!

Chili Rellano = 5 stars

Epic pick me up and put me on a chair and lean me back and kiss me on the neck hug from Eddie = 8 million stars

I think my Lola habit is getting to the point that I'm gonna have to ask them to just build me a bed in the kitchen cause I'm there all the time. 6 nights in a row... then I took 3 days off... then I was back 5 more days in a row... and I'm now on my 2nd day of not being there, but the night is still young!

The last few times I went I knew I had to try the few new menu items, and of course they were all amazingly delicious. I've had the vegetarian flatbread about 3 or 4 times now, the first time we substituted the fontina cheese for goat cheese and it was great. But then the next few times we got it we had the fontina. We kept forgetting to order it with the prosciutto though! Next time I swear I will order it correctly!

I talked my friend into getting the calamari even though she's not a big fan of seafood. When it came out I didn't even realize it was calamari. This isn't your Yard House deep fried golden brown calamari. This made me realize how simple and yet amazing calamari could be. It was topped with seasonings and not greasy at all. The stewed tomatoes on the plate are becoming my favorite thing at Lola. I didn't think it had a fishy flavor at all, even though my friend said it did. It was a really nice light dish, simple and flavorful.

Now let me tell you have the lamb tacos. The meat was tender and had a great flavor. But the real winner is the mint creme fraiche that you top it with. Oh my tastebuds! Seriously splurge on these one night and you won't regret it. The lamb and duck are the only tacos that you can't get for any of the happy hour prices, but they're both worth it. Your $10 is worth it.

And lastly about how awesome Lola is to put up with me and mis amigos...

We threw my friend a birthday party here last week. They were so nice to let us deck out the patio in cheesey Dollar Tree decorations and even hung the pinata above the entrance. Now you know this is a great place to party!

Eddie and Jerry are just so nice. And yes, the food is great and I'm always full of Alaskan and chorizo flatbread (even when the tap blew on the Alaskan they still managed to get me 1/2 a glass of that amber goodness). But honestly at the end of the day I go here to hang out with friends, meet new people, and just have a good time. Jerry described it as a Latin Pub and I think that's pretty much the best way to put Lola.

They're always willing to give new suggestions on food and drinks (try the Kalimoto). And don't be afraid to go alone either! Just sit at the bar and talk to Eddie or Jerry, that's how I got to know them. They are two of the sweetest guys around, and since they're a bit heavy handed on the drinks, your lips will be loosened up soon enough to start up a conversation with anyone in there.

OKAY OKAY OKAY..... I know I just updated my review like 2 days ago, but I came again tonight and tried something new so I had to share my joy right away. Ya never know, someone might come on and read this before they head over tomorrow and really want to try this dessert, and now they'll know how great it is.

I went tonight because I was sitting at home craving spanish flatbread and a beer. It was even better than when I had it on Saturday! I don't usually eat chunks of tomatoes because I'm an odd person like that, but these were so soft and just melted in my mouth. I completely cleared the board it came on.

Then after my 2 Alaskan Amber's, Jerry asked if I wanted anything else, and I just couldn't pass up dessert. I've had the bread pudding numerous times, and it's just so much for one person, so I decided to try the other dessert on their menu. It's a plate of fresh berries and cream, with some chopped chocolate. [I will have to get the exact name off the menu when I go back.]

First off, the dessert is huge. I walked by 3 girls sharing it actually, so for me to have it alone tells you I was definitely having to make room for it in my already pull of flatbread & booze tummy. But it was so worth it. It was really light. I loved the chopped chocolate because I could get a huge bite with cream, a big ol' strawberry, and some chocolate, and it all just worked perfectly together. Way better than trying to put chocolate sauce or anything because the chopped chocolate added that extra bite. Lots of different textures all working together.

Jerry put on Anthony Bourdain which just made my whole night. Meaghan was really attentive, giving me refills on water and making sure I didn't need anything else. I've had her as my server a few times before and she's always been fantastic [just like everyone else that works here].

So my suggestion for when you go, especially if it's with a big group, get BOTH DESSERTS and just combine them all. But if you are looking for something light on a warm night, the berries and cream are superb. It's definitely not too much for one person, but it's big enough to share if you've already filled up on all their other delicious food.

Simple and executed perfectly.

I really have a feeling that I'm going to have a lot of updates for Lola because I can't stop coming here. Since my first review I've been 3 times in 2 weeks, and I honestly have to stop myself from driving down there again tonight for the late night menu.

Every time I go I have to try something new, so let me think back to what I've been eating lately...

I went with a few gal friends and we split a TON of food. Duck confit fries and duck tacos again, which were still just as good. I think this time they put even more salsa verde on the fries which made me love them even more. We also got chips + salsa & guac, carnintas tacos, the amazing amazing "ohemgee I could live off these" bacon wrapped dates, a pitcher of sangria [came out to exactly 4 lowball glasses], and the banana bread pudding. Everything was so delicious, and there was no food left behind. I also got a glass of Alaskan Amber after my sangria and damn that is a tasty beer. Definitely my favorite drink to get there, even though now I think next time I'll try the mojito because I've heard such good things about it.

About 2 days after this meal I came back because it was 11pm on a Sunday night, and I really needed tacos and a beer. I tried the carne asada tacos and had the salsa verde with them, along with an Alaskan Amber. That meal definitely hit the spot. And the tacos were overflowing with meat! For $5 you can't really beat the tacos, and trust me I was full.

Then last night after the art walk, and an "okay" meal at Memphis, I NEEDED to try the chorizo flatbread, and my friends really wanted the bread pudding. That flatbread is probably my new favorite thing... well until I go back and try something else new. The bread pudding was delicious as usual.

I just love coming to Lola and hanging out and having a really good meal. It's so relaxed. When I went by myself I just sat at the bar and talked to Anna and Jerry. Jerry is a complete doll, always making sure everything is okay with your meal [which it always has been] and that you're just doing good in general. I have so much love for him! Everyone that works here is so sweet. They are always willing to give out suggestions about the food and drinks, and they actually know what they're talking about. The food and people there aren't pretentious, it's really welcoming. And when you start going so often they start to get to know you, which is awesome. It's like Cheers with the most amazing food and really really good music!

I can't wait to come back, I'm sure it'll be in a few days to drag some other friends because all they hear is me bragging about how delicious it is and how I need to come at least once a week. I can't help it, there's still so much more menu to try!

I came here for the first time a little over a week ago and was definitely not let down after hearing it talked up every time I would go to Santa Ana. Thank goodness! Now I'm the one doing the talking up.

The first time I came there were 4 of us so we decided to order a few plates and just share. We went with the chicken tacos, the duck tacos, the bacon wrapped dates, and an aged Angus beef cheeseburger. I unfortunately didn't get to try the chicken tacos, but I can say everything else was delicious. The burger was cooked medium rare and was perfectly pink inside, the duck tacos had just a little spice kick to them, and those bacon wrapped dates were amazing. I also had the sangria, which in my opinion kicks the sangria at The Crosby's ass.

Last night I decided to drag my lovely friend here after waiting, and finally getting a table at The Crosby. Duck tacos just sounded much better than onion rings at that point, and I'm so glad she was okay with switching restaurants. We found a table right in the window and sat down on their ultra comfy bar stools. Our waitress came right over with menus and to get our drink order. We both got the sangria which was just as good again. For it being a Saturday night they were busy with large groups, but we had no problem getting our table inside, plus we saw several tables open up on the patio as well.

When it came time for food we went with the duck tacos and the duck confit fries. Tacos were great again. And the fries... oh the fries! They're just as good as everyone says, the plate is huge enough to share with 1 or 2 other people [depending on how hungry you are, and we were starving]. The sauce on them is delicious, and this coming from a girl that grew up as a very picky eater. Thank goodness I've outgrown that phase. The duck melted in your mouth, and we found ourselves scraping the plate like a couple of starving orphans.

We weren't going to do dessert, we'd already had so much delicious food, but when it came down to it that banana bread pudding was just calling our names. Let me tell you about this bread pudding, it's huge. Now I'm sure I could have a total fat kid moment and eat it all by myself, but in order to not embarrass myself, I won't. My friend took one bite and had to put her fork down to savor the goodness. It was lightly crisp on the outside, and piping warm on the inside. I kinda felt like it was giving me a hug when it hit my belly. Topped with whipped cream, blueberries, oh and there are chocolate chips in the bread as well. How can you resist?

I'm definitely looking forward to going back, especially for their late night happy hour [after 10pm Sun-Thurs] with $5 street tacos. Best way to try them all.

Oh and I have to say we had really excellent service all night. After our waitress took our order, another gal came up to make sure someone had seen us, and then they both checked on us throughout our meal. But not in an annoying breathing down your neck while trying to enjoy duck confit fries kind of way. Rather in an attentive but not bothering us kind of way.

I'm so happy that this place is so close to home. And I'm so grateful for Chris talking it up and bringing me here the first time. I've found a new love in my life, and another excuse to come to Downtown Santa Ana. [/academy award winning speech]