LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar Hudson — Restaurant in Hudson

Jam on 'cause LoLo's got it!

I've been waiting for so long for some excellent restaurants to hit the market and I just can't hold back my excitement for this latest gem we found thanks to a recommendation from our pal Taco (which by the way, is a fitting nickname which you'll understand a little later on). Whelp, It's time for me to stop listening to the Backstreet Boys and let it all go! Let you all know about this amazing new place.

With three locations to choose from, one in Stillwater and their original, one in downtown Hudson and the other in the MSP airport for all you following the Boys on tour, Lolo American Kitchen & Craft Bar is not a place you can pass up. My wife and I were looking for something new to try (as always) and we're glad Taco mentioned this place to us. We decided on the Hudson location, which hasn't been opened very long right on the main drag of Downtown Hudson.

I started to review the menu just before we headed out and items were catching my attention, left and right. A coupe of items really caught my attention and they all were coming from their tacos and dogs menu. Now, for those who know me best, I'm a huge stickler when it comes to tacos. So many places try to make tacos, but the large majority simply fail. And, not just the authentic version, but failing with the Americanized versions as well. But, there was something about LoLo's creations that was catching my attention and telling my belly to go for it.

My wife and I decided to share their Korean BBQ Hanger Steak Tacos and their Fish Tacos. Now before I share the ingredients in creating these two masterpieces, I have to just say it right away, easily two of the best Americanized tacos I've ever had (I hope LoLo's ownership isn't offended by that, because they shouldn't be!).

Lets start with the Korean Tacos. Made obviously with a Korean BBQ and Hanger Steak, but also prepared with napa (cabbage), pickle (definitely house prepared) and this insanely awesome aioli. So good, it would make you want to get out of your chair and start dancing like the Boys do. Seriously, So dang delicious! As for those Fish Tacos, well, just as insane. Perfectly prepared fish fillets, lightly battered and prepared with a creamy chimichurri sauce, salsa, avocado and cabbage. Their creamy chimichurri sauce was the best chimichurri I've ever had and I wanted more. Thankfully, their awesome smoked salt fries comes with a side of it that didn't last long.

We can't forget about the little guys' burger or this new craft brew I tried. My little guys' simple cheese burger, might of been simple, but it was an awesome burger! Even he ate most of it! And the brew that I had, well it was something I've never had before and I hope I can find it in liquor stores. New Holland's - Lost Dune, a coriander and blueberry golden ale that had a really nice color and and even better flavor.

Jam on 'cause LoLo's DEFINITELY got it goin' on and I can't wait to head back for some delicious food. And, if you decide to visit the Hudson location ask to sit in Zack Morris' section, yes the same Zack from Saved By The Bell. No, not really, but that's what he told us because there's two Zack's, but this real life Zack did an exceptional job and a great...

Visited a couple times over the last couple months as I truly enjoy Nova Bar, but we always want to get some food ahead of time. The first time we visited was probably a 4⭐️, however this las trip was evident that some of my assumptions were just how the staff are.

😩 I really love the vibes of the restaurant, however it’s quickly overcome by lack of appreciation for your business (unless you’re a known customer). We were greeted fine by the hostess, but while we watched people leave, there was a lack of urgency to seat the growing line at the door. I asked for a whiskey menu to which I received a cocktail menu. Once we were finally acknowledged, our server (who was a leader covering the floor) was not friendly and told me there “wasn’t a whiskey menu….” Nothing after that just let me sit awkwardly to finally say I’ll stick with water.

🐮 The food was good. I love the hanger steak bowl. A little spicy but I don’t mind a little heat. We also had a burger and tacos between the two visits. The burger wasn’t my favorite, but the tacos were enjoyed by my wife. Overall no issues with food.

🥃 While we waited to be seated, I approached the bar and after sometime was acknowledged. I asked for a red blend and the cost of the last 1.5oz pour from an allocated bottle of whiskey. The price was not worth it, especially since it was the very last pour. I recommend hydrate at LoLo and save your money for reasonably priced pours at Nova Bar.

⚠️ Customer service from leaders to the host stand is disappointing. Recommend spending time to acknowledge all customers with respect and urgency. With such a great whiskey selection, a menu should be available to see how your pricing is. Unfortunately, bourbon prices vary too much, and there is such thing a overpriced bourbon.

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Having tried three times previously to eat at this place (too crowded/too long of a wait) we felt lucky when the parking lot wasn't packed full. But after walking in and being ignored for almost 5 minutes, we were close to walking out. I realize everyone has a zone/role for which they are responsible, but can't wait staff/bartenders say, "hey, welcome! the hostess will be right out!" But no, we were looked at, from mere feet away, as curiousities, or at least it felt so. The hostess at last came out -there was a slight wait for a table- and then the bartender very quickly got us drinks as we waited. We ordered the marinated olives and Korean chicken wings for small plates. The wings were delicious and flavorful. The olives, disappointing. Some were almost crunchy. I expected tender, flavorful olives of many varieties. I think there were three varieties, and very few of them kalamata. And, sadly, very bland. We got a burger with fries, and the Amish chicken. The burger was very good, but we didn't realize the fries came with rosemary liberally sprinkled over them. I wish that was made clear in the menu. The menu was horribly difficult to understand. It took a bit to decipher, and we had to ask the server to explain much of it. The Amish chicken was excellent, and the gnocci even better. The flavor was outstanding. Our server was, as well. So, quicker acknowledgement on entrance, a decipherable menu, better olives, and the option to get fries the way we always expect them (and by all means, offer the rosemary option for those who have more adventurous palates!) might have made this $130+ meal feel worth a return trip. But at these prices, it had to be so...