Lolo's Surf Cantina — Restaurant in Miami Beach

I really tried my best to not make this review and to rather reach out to the restaurant directly. I also tried very hard to ignore the fact that we were ignored as a black couple in the establishment. After waiting quite some time and still never getting an email back or even an apology and also after leaving when we never were served our Two very simple drinks and chips and wings on a rather rainy day when there’s video footage of the restaurant being almost empty, And we’re never addressed or stopped as we were walking out to see what the issue was. I’m just going to attach the photos and the email here.

Dear Lolo’s Surf Cantina Team,

I wanted to reach out directly regarding an experience my party and I had at your restaurant yesterday on Miami Beach.

After being seated, we were greeted with what felt like a very dry attitude. We then placed our order with our server: a margarita on the rocks with a salt rim, a frozen margarita with a Tajín rim, chips and queso, and an order of wings to start.

We patiently waited, but nothing was brought to the table. After some time, we asked a passing server about our order. We then waited another 15 minutes, still with nothing coming out. Altogether, we sat for nearly 45 minutes without receiving even the drinks, in a restaurant that was quite empty at the time.

Ultimately, we decided to get up and leave. What was most disappointing is that no one stopped us, said anything, or even offered an apology as we walked out.

As someone who has worked in hospitality for years, doing everything from bartending, serving, bar managing, maître D, restaurant management, to now consulting for restaurants and bars, I’ve never seen anything like this. The way we were treated was truly concerning. If your team was understaffed or behind, it would have been far better to send out items as they were ready or offer something simple, like complimentary chips and salsa, to keep guests comfortable. Waiting that long for a frozen margarita (which is pre-made) is simply unreasonable.

I also want to point out that we came directly from the beach, so we were casually dressed. I noticed other guests, such as (white) businessmen, receiving attentive service. It’s critical to ensure that every patron, regardless of appearance, occupation, or background, is treated equally and receives the level of hospitality they deserve.

Rather than leave a public review or share this with friends in the industry (including food reviewers), I felt it was more fair to reach out to you directly first. I’d appreciate any insight you might have into what happened, and how situations like this are prevented going forward.

Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to...

LoLo's had great Tacos and pretty okay prices and a Taco Tuesday special with 1/2 Price Tacos...a great deal on Tuesday and you could mix and match Tacos any day...almost making up for the sometimes great, mostly lackluster service. (Fuwa and Misha are great) I have been told it's going to be an hour for Tacos on Tuesday because they focus their efforts on serving the Beach and Pool, rather than the dedicated locals that actually take the time to come into the restaurant...and that was not even an issue for me, I live next door for a couple months a year. But in April of 2024 they eliminated 1/2 price tacos, raised prices by upto $1.50 PER TACO and now tacos can't be mixed and matched and are not sold as singles, but only as two oof the same. So they have raised prices ($14 for two small tacos), Cut back variety and eliminated a fan favorite special and still have a built in 18% service charge...not to mention the Website still has all the old prices and Taco Tuesday Special. Manager Erica was willing to honor the special for the tacos, which is great but I have decided that LoLo's does not want local business...and with a 38% increase and 50% less choice...with an 18% mandatory tip for what could be lackluster service (and I am usually a good 20-25% tipper) why would I continue to go here...there are a ton of taco places in the area..Dulce Vida has 4 Amazing Birria Tacos for $17, Balfour has 2 Taco Happy Hour for $10. LoLo's has made their bed, maybe their beach and pool service will keep them afloat...but they have lost their core local business with such ridiculous changes rolled out all at once, yet still representing all the old on the internet...I mentioned a week ago that their site had all the wrong prices...as of today it's still up. Sloppy, Greedy and Disappointing. The shady service fee to sit that is NOT the tip that places like Local House and Pizza Days is next I'm sure...so there will be a charge to sit down. Come on. Sorry LoLo's, your tacos are good but not that good...and your owner/management ruins the taste and then some. I will look for the For Lease sign soon in the window. (forgive any typos, the little window on my phone and auto correct don't make proofing easy)...oh, I forgot...they will buy customers a round of margaritas for a 5 star review done and submitted on the spot...so then there's that...so lots of the reviews may be...

Saw happy hour ads posted on the starbucks next door. Walking by the restaurant, also saw signs out for happy hour being advertised as $5 for each apps. With how expensive things were in south beach, our family of 3 adults and 2 little kids decided to give it a try. What a mistake it was.

Service: 1 When we walked in, the male server brought us regular menu and made no mention of happy hour. When asked about the happy hour menu, the server's facial expression turned sour and walked off without saying anything and came back with a couple of happy hour menus. He also tried to dissuade us from ordering from happy hour menu, saying items are really tiny. Feeling pressured, we ordered a few tacos from the regular menu. When we got the check and I noticed the 18% service included, I did not add any additional tip as I thought 18% was excessive for the level of service we received. I normally tip 20% and 25% for great service as our young kids can make a mess. However, when forced, I refuse to tip any more than required. The server seemed very upset that I did not add an additional tip as he walked off without saying anything. no Thank you, no come again, no have a great evening. Nothing.

Food: 2 Being $14 for two, I expected the tacos to be decent. When the food came out, we were shocked at how tiny things were. The tacos were the size of tiny $3 street taco's at typical taco restaurants and while the quality was ok, I've had a lot better for half the price. We had to order a few more items as everyone was still hungry with how tiny the portions were. The server was correct on this one. We also ordered some cocktails which were watered down and contained very little alcohol.

Overall, this place left a very sour taste in my mouth and was the only bad experience in our trip to south beach. Being from NJ, I am used to attitudes and high prices, but this place was on another level. I think I was not the only one to feel this way since the place was near empty on a Friday evening when all other places nearby seemed pretty packed.

Note to management: please do better. I know rents are expensive and you have bills to pay, but these servers and unreasonable prices are only going to drive customers away and run the place down to the ground and you have nobody but...