Lola bar — Restaurant in Miami

Terrible Experience at Lola Bar - Avoid at All Costs

Location: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

I typically refrain from posting negative reviews, preferring to highlight exceptional experiences instead. However, my recent visit to Lola Bar at Bayside Marketplace in Miami was so profoundly disappointing that I feel compelled to warn potential customers. This experience was a masterclass in how not to run a business, from start to finish.

First, let’s talk about the food. We were enticed by the menu descriptions, expecting a high-quality meal. However, what we received was anything but. The pizza, which the staff adamantly insisted was made in-house, was clearly frozen. I have pictures that speak for themselves—there’s no mistaking the soggy, cardboard-like crust of a frozen pizza. Even when confronted, the staff, including the management, stubbornly tried to convince us otherwise. While they did eventually remove the pizza from the bill, the deceitful nature of the situation left a bad taste in our mouths (pun intended).

Moving on to the service—or lack thereof. We ordered drinks, appetizers, an entrée, and a hookah. Instead of pacing the meal like any competent establishment would, everything was served at once. This meant that by the time we were ready to eat, the food was cold, the hookah tobacco was burnt, and our drinks were watered down from the melting ice. When we expressed our frustration, the staff seemed genuinely confused as to why we were upset. It’s as if they had no concept of how to properly time service, leaving us with a ruined meal and a terrible overall experience.

To add insult to injury, the "loaded" nachos were a joke. A sad tablespoon of each topping (sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole) barely covered the chips. And then there was the Bloody Mary—$25 for what amounted to a solo cup’s worth of bland, uninspired cocktail. The value for money was non-existent.

The most telling sign of the issues at Lola Bar was the empty tables during peak hours. In a city as bustling as Miami, it's telling when a restaurant is only 40% full while others are packed. It was clear that we weren’t the only ones who saw the glaring problems with this establishment.

In all fairness, I understand that no place is perfect, and I’m not in the business of taking down a company from behind a keyboard. But the blatant disregard by the management, the unprepared staff, and the misleading presentation left me no choice. Lola Bar is not just a disappointment; it’s a prime example of what happens when a business cares more about appearances than substance. In a city with so many incredible dining options, it’s no wonder Lola Bar is striving to remain at the bottom.

A word of advice to the management and board: something needs to change, and fast. Either take charge and make the necessary improvements, or prepare for a harsh reality check. Excess capital doesn’t last long when customers stop showing up, and judging by my experience, that day isn’t far off.

This is, without a doubt, the worst dining experience I’ve had in Miami. Don’t make the same mistake I did—avoid Lola Bar...

Lola Bar in Miami is an absolute standout! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by an intimate, trendy ambiance that feels both upscale and welcoming. It’s the perfect spot for a night out, whether you’re looking to relax with friends or enjoy a lively evening in the heart of Miami.

The cocktails are nothing short of spectacular. Each drink is expertly crafted with a creative twist, blending bold flavors with high-quality ingredients. The mixologists truly know their craft, and their passion shines through in every sip. The menu offers something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic cocktail or an adventurous signature creation.

The food is equally impressive, with dishes that perfectly complement the drink menu. The small plates are thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Every bite feels like a culinary delight, making it hard to choose a favorite.

What truly sets Lola Bar apart is the exceptional service. The staff are friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience. Their recommendations are spot-on, and they go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

The ambiance ties it all together, with chic decor, great music, and a lively yet laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, soaking in the energy and enjoying the company.

Lola Bar is a must-visit in Miami for anyone looking for amazing drinks, fantastic food, and impeccable service in a vibrant setting. It’s a place that leaves you counting down the days until your next visit. Highly...

I visit Miami a couple times a year. I decided to explore Bayside more thoroughly and a stumbled across Lola Bar.

What made them stand out above the other little bars?

The music. The music was mostly Spanish… I do not speak Spanish and I ENJOYED IT! It was upbeat and was fun to dance along to.

The service/bartenders! They’re all absolutely stunning, they all had matching adorable outfits, they were all very nice and welcoming. You can tell they were having fun! That made me want to join in on the excitement!

The drinks: they are SO PRETTY! The flavors were amazing. I’m not a mixed drink girly. I usually just like beer. I decided to try several mixed drinks just to try them out… every single one was perfect!

The hookah!!! I love to hookah & they had a great menu of options!

Location: it’s right on the marina, you can sit by the water and have a wonderful site of the lights!

We ended up tipping close to $200 that night just because we enjoyed our service that much.

I also love that they include a range of different women in their service employees! Different demographics, different body types, some with tattoos, some without… it’s nice to see an inclusive business that also uses sex appeal to attract customers. This shows that beauty and fun both have many different looks!!!

I WILL be back & I WILL visit every time I’m in the area now. 🔥

First impressions definitely last.

I visited some time between 3/5-3/8. I don’t remember...