Lola's Cafe — Restaurant in California

My first and only experience at Lola's Cafe was as confusing as it was enjoyable. As soon as I walked into the quaint little establishment with random decorations strewn about, hot and stagnant air blasted my face. I wasn't too worried though, the ambiance was favorable despite not being able to smell any of the coffee or food I had heard they frequently boast about from others. It took a bit of a search to find the menus, which at the time were placed in a bucket, attached to clipboards, atop a counter off to the side of the disheveled pastry case. Being treated to the meal by my girlfriend who had a job interview that day, I ordered the Turkey Club with basil aioli substituted for the garlic aioli, and a honey vanilla latte to accompany it.

Perusing the dining room after having ordered I was able to get a detailed set of observations concerning the establishment. One wall was covered in music memorabilia and directly next to it was a hodgepodge of local business promotions and placards. The next wall was a mix and match of random photography and paintings. On the final wall was a myriad of different rustic decorations combined with retail items available for purchase. It made me wonder who decided the layout, but was overall negligible compared to the uncomfortable feeling I got from the emptiness of the place at the time.

When your rear end begins to get sore after almost an hour of waiting for your food, sitting on a hard wood bench and chugging three glasses of water in the sweltering heat, seeing your food sit in the window as employees of the establishment get served before you can be a bit perturbing. Compounding the issue was my wondering why there was only two other pairs of people within the restaurant at the time and a single man hammering away at his laptop. The only other people to walk in were denied food due to them closing the kitchen at the early time of 2:30 PM. Seemed strange, but understandable for a business in this area.

When my food had finally arrived, after being inspected by Ava herself nonetheless, I was excited to dig in as the wait had built a burning hunger in my gut. I noticed a piece of meat I mistook for turkey sitting in a crease of the wooden board my sandwich was sitting atop, and to my horror it was tuna. I nearly regurgitated the three glasses of water I drank prior. Not letting this one mistake ruin the meal, I dared to bite into the sandwich and it turned out to be one of the most splendid sandwiches I have ever eaten. The coffee, which seems to be placed on some sort of pedestal, tasted so watered down I'd be afraid recommending this place for it at all. Nonetheless, I do recommend it on the grounds that when they are at the top of their game I am sure the food is absolutely delicious.

I would find it morally reprehensible at this point, however, for myself to be spending my own money here until more has been done and that effort has been maintained much longer concerning the allegations of employee abuse around the establishment over the last three years. I have heard through the grapevine, though, that not only the kitchen's procedures have finally been given a chance to try new routines, but also that treatment of the staff is more appropriate.

Only time will tell what is true between the surface presentation and what goes on behind the scenes. I hope to one day take this one star to five, because as I said earlier, the food...

Tip Expected just to take order, LARGE screen used, server turns it towards you, steps back & then pretends to make it private by no longer looking in your direction, everyone in line can see what you're gonna do, very awkward. You would think turning a LARGE screen towards you would be to check your order first and foremost, none of that, or reading back of order before the tip turn.

Avocado Toast thin (I mean thin) mashed spread (also spicy), IHOP does better with nice thick slices in their Avocado Toast.

Ordered to-go, no napkins, no to-go utensils given (must self-serve), not sure why a tip given, it made no difference in getting good service or plain-old getting the order right. I'm old school, I believe a tip should be given at the end, based on the level of service received. Not a, 'congrats you took my order, way to go!'

While waiting I noticed they don't even do a good job bus'n tables & no option for self-bus.

As previously mentioned, the order wasn't even right, it was missing things, showed on receipt ordered/paid for it.

Albeit if you have special dietary needs or preferences it seems like they cater to that. But if you are allergic I wouldn't put my faith in the order going as requested.

And if you 'need a drink', they have beer libations. It's kinda an everything cafe right by dog groomers, nail care, & various gyms. It is a good location tucked away from the busy street with outside shaded seating. Bottom line, the menu looks amazing, but the food wasn't tasty or was ok but soaked in oil? butter?...

It is a very nice place and they have great food and coffee. But my last few experiences have definitely made me reevaluate this place. The only reason I’m giving it 3 stars is a several things. Customer service is kinda a hit or miss. There are times the employees are super kind and awesome. But the last time I went I was standing there waiting and the guy behind the counter was just standing there, talking to another employee doing nothing. And he didn’t really acknowledge I was there. It took a few minutes for someone to ask me if I’ve been helped. So it was kinda a bit of a turn off. Wait times can be pretty crazy on weekends. Sometimes waiting more than 20 minutes for food or drinks depending on the time you go. Nevertheless, that is to be expected on weekends. The last thing is it can be a bit pricey, depending on what your budget is. I did spend $22 on a coffee and sandwich just myself. But again this is all subjective and I do believe people should go check it out and see if they like it or not, as they do really have good food and coffee. And the dining area inside and outside is a really nice place to chill...