Lola’s Lounge

Lola’s is a pretty cool looking, eclectic and slightly kitschy restaurant in downtown Sarnia. The décor is wild: lanterns hang over each table, lit up in primary colours that catch the plastic snowflakes (?) from the ceiling.
The menu is all over the place. I thought it would be more traditional, given that escargot and beef carpaccio are on the menu, but the modern twist on these dishes fell a bit flat for me. For example, the escargots were baked in a crusty bun, the inside soaked in garlic butter and the outside covered in cheese. I really didn’t like this dish. While I like inventive food, you really shouldn’t mess with the classics. The cheese was totally unnecessary, and reminded me of a certain chain restaurant with a penchant for off colour jokes.
My friend ordered the gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream sauce. Again, indulgent and overloaded with cheese, but she seemed to enjoy it. It was a sizeable portion, I noted, and had the option of adding shrimp.
They have an interesting martini and dessert list (the former with the cheeky Diet Martini, complete with vodka, low fat lemon and diet ice, haha). The service was efficient, but not very welcoming either.
I’d love to see a little less invention, a return to the classics. Lola’s is an interesting place, but it’s only 2.5 stars for me on this visit.

I have been to Lola’s a few times and every time was memorable. The service can be a bit patchy but the food, especially the fish is outstanding. Fresh and vibrant flavours, interesting flavour combinations that you haven’t had a million times before. The décor is amazingly kitsch and quirky, a bit burlesque and drag but it transforms a tiny space into an unforgettable atmosphere. Great cocktail menu as well.

Can’t say enough about Lola’s. Hands down the coolest atmosphere not only in Sarnia Lambton, but throw Port Huron in as well. It’s like walking into a set on «Mad Men.» The cocktails and food are awesome, and if it weren’t such a hassle getting across the border sometimes, we’d be over more often.

The wacky décor alone is worth a stop as we devoured the delicious jalapeño mussels. Service was not particularly warm and ice in martinis was an unusual touch (at least compared to the U.S.), but we would definitely come back. Reservations appear needed after 6 PM on weekends.

Just got dinner there with a friend. Crabcake appetizer special was crunchy and fresh, served with some greens. Had the mussels in garlic butter sauce… very tasty and delicious… they serve them with some shrimp and scallops mixed in which add to the flavor… they come topped with french fries which I thought was different but hey more to soak up some of that tasty broth ! It was my entrée as it is a huge bowl. The atmosphere is a cross between a nightclub and a cozy restaurant. Décor is a conversation starter for sure. Don’t forget to check out the restrooms… the décor continues there.

Cool space and great food. Waitstaff could be friendlier.

A few fellow health and safety professionals and I had a very nice dinner here during my recent audit trip to Sarnia. We really couldn’t talk about the audit itself during our meal, but we sure managed to talk about everything else! It was great to catch up with the latest news and gossip. Also up for discussion was bad humor, Canadian and US politics, family, Las Vegas lounge acts and gambling strategy, and recent AC-​DC and Nickelback concerts.
Lola’s Lounge is located in downtown Sarnia and once you see the bright neon, you know you’ve arrived. This long and narrow space has a welcoming, fun, cool, and kitchy feel, including interesting sparkly things hanging from the ceiling. I could see taking Gayle here for a nice evening of food and conversation.
The menu was somewhat eclectic and had a little bit of something for everyone. While a few of my colleagues opted for a huge steak with a delicious macaroni and cheese interpretation, I opted for an equally unique Kung Pao Chicken selection that I thoroughly enjoyed (along with a few bottles of Keith’s IPA). I finished off with a very good and well presented slice of homemade key lime pie. Our waitperson for the evening was also excellent.
It was a great evening and at least in my very limited experience, one of the best meals that Sarnia has to offer.