Lola's Cafe — Restaurant in Fort Wayne

Last week was my first time visiting this wonderful gem of a place. It is a small, cozy little restaurant tucked away on Lower Huntington. If not for the bright colors, you'll miss it if you're driving too fast. You walk in and you're welcomed instantly. Almost as if you're walking into your tia's(aunt) house, you're greeted and see these women working hard on the grill. I was in a trance watching one woman skillfully flip the pupusas back and fourth, laying them down gently and flipping them over without batting an eye. Clearly she has been making these her whole life! Prices are reasonable, considering these items are being freshly prepared. The menu is small, which I like. Pupusas, tamales, tacos ,chips and salsa, horchata and Agua de Jamaica. I ordered a couple of each. It took a few minutes, which is to be expected. Again, this is fresh. You're not at Taco Bell! The women were so kind and gathered up my order and wished me a goodnight. When I got home, I tore into the boxes like a child at Christmas. First, the tacos were so soft. That fresh tortilla is something that still dances in my mind even now. Soft, lightly salted, practically falling apart under the weight of all the meat. These are plump tacos. I asked for hot salsa. That is what I got. It cleared my sinuses instantly. But with the squirt of lime- heaven! I devoured one before I even realized it. Now to my pupusa de frijol y queso(bean and cheese). Again soft, fresh, still hot and melted in my mouth. The curtido(cabbage slaw) was perfection with every bite. The salsa added that extra flair, not that it needed anything extra. The tamal was so tender that you almost need to just open the husk and slide it into your mouth. Silverware are for amateurs! All in all, I was so pleasantly surprised and glad that I made the trip across town, passing by every completely full drive through and landed at this little piece of Heaven. I can't wait to go back and I hope you give them a try. I can't think of a better time to Honor women in business and especially the ones who clearly pour their heart and soul into the food they prepare. Please give them a try and remember...

I called ahead of time, after doing considerable searching beforehand. ordering what I initially wanted and it really only got better once i got there.

The first, and Most Important point to make is that all of the food is made fresh. Nothing from cans. And you'll taste it.

It is Authentic, incredibly so. And while I was there, in the drive through, i was given samples of other menu items, and I knew then that it was going to be a regular part of my restaurant rotation.

Now the food. I ordered a couple medium orders of Arroz Con Gandules, and Six Pork Tamales. while i was there I also got an order of the potato salad, bread pudding, horchata, the hibiscus juice, the lemonade, and a combo.

lets start with the Arroz Con Gandules. It, like most authentic dishes tends to be unique to the cook; no two recipes are identical. Same with tamales. It's the fresh ingredients that stand out. One Bite and you can tell.

The potato salad is a traditional puertorican style, with potatoes mashed. I absolutely love the potato salad, and I'm usually not a big fan of it.

The Tamales were flavorful and moist without being too sloppy. again, most cooks have their own unique recipe. These came in corn husk wrappers.

The bread pudding is absolutely delicious. Its sweet, and theres a hint of cinnamon that gives it a lovely hint of spice.

All in all, definitely will be going back, and if Hispanic and Latin foods are your thing, this is definitely a...

It would in your best interest to bypass the chain Mexican Restaurants and drive off the beaten path, and eat at Lola's Cafe. This was our first time eating at Lola's as we live over 60 miles south past Marion.

Visited rhe daughter who's new to rhe area. We had been busy, and didn't want to drive far. There was no flashy lights, and the menu was not large. But, what was on the menu was great authentic spanish food. The food had that taste of home made, as if it were made by your Abuela somewhere in the back.

During our meal, whom I assume was the owner, reconized we were new, and sincerely thanked us for visiting her restaurant, while asking if we liked our meals and welcoming us back. Which we will be.

The Ft Wayne Chamber of Commerce, should make an honest effort in promoting these small gems in their community. They deserve it, as they are a positive demonstration of the diversity of food and culture in the Ft Wayne Community.

Again, don't pass hp Lola's Cafe. Their worth driving off the...