I can see why this place is an "encanto". There are no thrills or whistles about this place very basic BUT with some really good food. I personally love the chimichanga. There chimichanga sets the bar and leaves me looking for something just as great in other places. Yet no other place can compare in the area. They do have a brunch option that is pretty darn good. I had the sangria and lets say while it may not be the best it does the job.....with only a couple you will feel it. The chimichanga alone is the 5. So my review is truly based on that greatness. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Yummmmmy - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

And so my endeavor to find good Mexican food in NYC continues. This time around, I came across L'Encanto D'Lola on my UberEats app. Their enchiladas sounded good, so that is what I ordered that weekend evening. The wait to get my food was reasonable, and the wait was worth it. The enchiladas were amazing! They were stuffed with ample amounts of chicken, and were topped with cheese, green sauce, and sour cream. They were paired with rice and beans. The food was delicious, well-made, and satiating. I was ready to call it a night afterward. This is most definitely one of my favorite Mexican food places in NYC now. I will definitely consider them the next time I am craving Mexican food. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Chimichangas? Whaaaa? I will admit the the clutterness of the restaurant almost discouraged me from entering the restaurant, but I was doing a take-out order so I did not mind. The restaurant was a little crowded, so I felt like I was constantly in the way (it was far too cold to wait outside). The margaritas were quite delicious for me. I am a huge fan of the creamy/frothy, rather than icy, frozen margaritas. The bartender was really cool with charging me the happy hour special, even though I missed it by a few minutes. The restaurant seems like a great place to meet up to grab a drink or a taco ( or five) with friends during the very generous happy hour. Plus, the restaurant has an in-house guitarist who circles the restaurant playing and singing ballads en español. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Frothy frozen margaritas. - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

The surrounding area will scream at you that this place cannot be where you are. Even as you approach you question whether you are in the right place. You push forward anyhow and walk into what is really an authentic Mexican oasis that has the best margaritas (Yes even with the house tequila), best chips and salsa, and the best quesadillas and flautas. You truly don't know what you are missing! All of this becomes compounded with the happy hour prices AND the fact that on Friday and Saturday evenings there is live music. Live music it is, as we along with others were serenaded and asked for requests. The lead guy really is a ton of fun and knows just how to rile up a crowd. This place is solid but it is a disappointment that it is smaller than it looks. There is only one bathroom available, though it is well maintained so no problems there. Bar seating is pretty minimal, with only about 6 stools so plan accordingly depending on your group size. Service was consistently effective, but non-intrusive. This place definitely stood up to the challenge and I wish I had stopped enjoying the food to take more pictures but the fun of the evening trumped any effort in that regard. I will keep that in mind for next time, though. That or you can go and see it for yourself. read more

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Gosh, I love this restaurant so much! I actually have to travel from mid-town to come to this Mexican Food joint. The service is incredible, especially my server Eymar, he is attentive, beyond friendly, and one of the reasons why I keep coming back. And the food- authentic Mexican food and oh so delicious. For some odd reason it is hard to find authentic Mexican food in Manhattan, but then again, I am spoiled from living in LA for 9 years, where Mexican food is almost on every corner. I always order my favorite plate- shredded pork plate, with refried beans (agin why is it so hard to get those in the city), flour tortilla and they of course greet you with chips and delicious salsa. Please make sure to stop on by and show them some love!!!! read more

L Encanto D Lola - endless chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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I had so much fun at Lolita's a charming uptown spot.....on Lenox. I also noted the wet burrito write-up of Pinky..which is my new fave thing. There was salsa and chips....nicely flavored salsa and fresh chips. I went with the trio- taco, flauta and wet burrito($1) extra and comes with rice and refried. Total cost= $14 The trio with vegetables was delicious..........lots of fresh, al dente veggies and good veg action like zucchini and carrots. The fake fireplace was turned on for me which I loved. Very comphy chairs and nice seating is also a draw. There was also music and people started to dance spontaneously and that's when you feel that uptown flavor and fun........ read more

L Encanto D Lola - Trio - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Ordered dinner. Two hours later, with nobody answering their phones there, well, still hungry. I appreciate businesses working hard these days and if they couldn't handle our order, OK, but let us know, don't just leave us in the dark... Giving a second star just to recognize that these are not normal times for restaurants still open. read more

This is my favorite Mexican place in NYC! Everything is sooo delicious, no matter what I try. There are tons of Vegan options, so I can always try different things. Fast delivery, fresh guacamole and I'm never disappointed. The drinks at the bar are also pretty good. The live music was pleasant & comforting. I will definitely be back read more

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First off, the food was amazing, the steak and shrimp tacos were so tasty. I would also recommend their rainbow margaritas because they're pretty and yummy. The service definitely took away from an otherwise delectable experience.Minus 1 star for the condescending and impatient waiter. He wanted us to order as soon as we sat and had to ask him to give us time. There was only one other party in the restaurant so I didn't understand his rush. He asked if I knew the difference between hard shelled and soft tacos (when I only ordered soft tacos). His tone and behavior were unfriendly from start to finish. Then he brought our bill with gratuity already included despite it just being two people. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

3.5 Went to this place with my girlfriend to have a margarita and I wasn't anticipating ordering anything but decided to have the chicken nachos. OMG they were the best nachos I've had in a long time. The customer service was OK the bathroom was really clean, the utensils were basic the atmosphere was the typical Mexican atmosphere. I'm not a drinker but I did try the margarita which was too strong for me but my girlfriend enjoyed hers and mine, so I guess it's a go. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

If you ask me what is my favorite type of food. I would definitely say that Mexican food. I love spicy food, I've always been a fan and to tell the truth I can eat 5 tacos and not feel guilty at all. I ordered from this restaurant one day that I did not know what to cook. I was craving nachos, but I decided to order a chimichanga, a taco and a quesadilla. Since then I never forgot the taste of the fried beans with cheese that they sell here, one of the best I have ever tasted. I recommend them one hundred percent. I love the service and the food is great. I will only give 4 stars because the last time I visited the chicken was a bit dry. Otherwise I think everything was perfect. I can definitely say Lola has a charm. read more

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The manager/host at the front is very sneaky and conniving. He just comes off as really slick and greedy. Tacked on a 20% gratuity when my son and I visited for an early dinner. It's a party of two, it wasn't busy--why are you tacking on 20%? I asked him about it and told me that was done for all tables. I wonder since when bc I've dined in plenty of times and provided a custom tip. Did they recently change policy? He did offer to remove it, but I let it go. I don't plan on returning. I remember how greedy he was during the height of the pandemic. He had tables outdoors packed to the brim. read more

Two stars for their guacamole, salsa and chips. No stars for everything else. A coworker recommended this place because they have happy hour every day until 7pm but their drinks are watered down and their food is super bland so it really isn't worth it. I had the fish tacos and they are made with tilapia and no seasoning so it tastes like nothing. The boyfriend had their mole poblano enchiladas and there was so much sauce you couldn't taste the actual food other than the mole. The rice and beans was okay at best. What we did really like was the guac which is served with salsa and a ton of chips, that was delicious. Too bad the food itself was bad. As far as the drinks go, their sangria is stronger than the margaritas so that should tell you everything you need to know about their happy hour.... read more

L Encanto D Lola - Guacamole and Chips - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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It was a dark rainy stormy Sunday night and we were looking for some food that was close by. LoLa was right there and Mexican food is always good right? The quaint small restaurant was decked out in Halloween/Day of the Day decorations. We noted for two the surly host pointed us to the wobbly table in the corner next to the fireplace. We started with the guacamole/salsa with chips. I had the mixed fajita and my friend got the chicken burrito. We can't say much about the guacamole as it was fine. One can't really mess that up. The burrito came as just that. No sides are anything. It wasn't the best he's ever eaten but we were hungry. The fajita was in a pool of oil. There was plenty for two even though our surly host said it was for one because we initially wanted to share it. The chicken was fine was well as the shrimp but the steak was dry and cooked to death like the La Catrina hanging on the wall. Food was alright. Service was alright. El Encanto didn't quite charm me. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Guacamole and salsa - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Servers are horrible and it makes me question what they do to the food - but assuming nothing bad - the food is ok. Came here every now and then for takeout. It was never bad - but after the interior changed, the service has changed drastically. So much so that I asked if the management changed (it hasn't). I did pick-up and came at the time they requested. I waited 10 minutes and politely asked about my food. The waiter got it out right then, but then when i was paying said, "You had to come at a busy moment, you should've come later" - I thought it was a joke but he just dropped the food on the table and left. Then I checked and didn't see my chips. I told him i ordered guac and chips - he started yelling at me saying he knew what I ordered and I didn't order the chips. I show him my receipt which definitely says "Guac and chips".. and then he starts yelling at the kitchen instead. Never says sorry. TERRIBLE service. Blamed the customer first. And the one waiter who was in the room serving 3 tables and complaining about how busy he was made the experience not worth it. I think he was having a bad day and taking it out on his customers, but either way - not cool. Better Mexican food elsewhere. read more

Lolita's Cafe brings to the neighborhood the kind of restaurant South Harlem needs: solid portions of good food for a reasonable price in a relaxed atmosphere. Serving Mexican cuisine from the state of Morelos, a variety of a la carte tacos (pictured) start at $2.75, and dinner entrees range from $8 to $12. Pina coladas are less than $4, but only served virgin until the liquor license comes through. Until then, patrons can bring in their own beer and wine if they have a receipt. In addition to the indoor seating, Lolita's Cafe has three tables outside in a small gated area. The food was really enjoyed. I rated my chicken burrito 'Mexcellent,' and my new-ish Harlem neighbor's order of 4 enchiladas (two chicken, two beef), looked good enough for me to return the next day with Cheryl and order it for myself. Cheryl said her flautas were made 'the real way,' and having refined her taste for Mexican food when living in Texas, she can be picky. The story behind the cafe's name is touching (in a good touch way). Prior to meeting up, my neighbor and I made Humbert Humbert (he got it!) and Clare Quilty (I didn't get it!) jokes. When we asked about the name's origin, the owners told us it is named after their mother, whose nickname was Lolita. She had hopes of starting her own restaurant, and after her passing, they opened Lolita's Cafe in her honor. Her photo hangs proudly in the dining room. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Lolita's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

So....we arrived a little early for a Tuesday opening but at least we were the first to sit. At first, it wasnt so inviting. However, once we ordered appetizers and the chips & salsa arrived it was on!!!!! Delicious food was served. I ordered 3 tacos (chicken and marinated pork). It was fresh and very tasty. I asked the waiter to bring some sour cream to the table. It was homemade and the perfect compliment to the squeeze of lime juice!!!! For dinner, i ordered the chicken torta. Now that....a little disappointing. It was missing the mexicam cheese and it had jalopeno peppers on it. When i specifically asked for no peppers. I dont do the spicy. Now, i an still craving a breaded chicken torta. And 3 days later still no match. Let's get to the best part: Thee Margarita!!!!! Oh my goodness.....hand shaken goodness with the perfect match of tart and sweet. It was on the rocks and Perrrrrfecto! I cant wait to go back for happy hour. read more

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This place is a "hole in the wall" kinda place. I literally live right around the corner for 2yrs now and I've never went inside n up until yesterday. Food is over priced, portions are small and drinks are watered down. it was tasty tho that's why you get 2 stars read more

For some reason we got the feeling that we should go to Lolita's last week, even though our last visit was spectacularly bad. Food was right back on-par with what we liked, except they didn't have serranos to serve on the side, but the al pastor tacos, tinga enchiladas, beef tacos, and flaming margaritas were delish! However... they've remodeled the restaurant, and while I like the new bar area, the flow of the restaurant is all wrong - everything felt awkward, and I don't think it actually got them more tables? The service was also slow - we had to ask for chips and salsa two or three times, it took over 30min to get our entrees, and over 10min to get our drinks (it was a Tuesday and it was not crowded), but our server was friendly and as helpful as she could be. So, on the way up in my book, but still not AMAZING - definitely will be back soon :) read more

Got takeout from Lolita's...I love their tortilla soup although looking at the grease laden container after you've eaten all 1 million calories makes one feel depressed...not depressed enough to not eat another delicious, fattening and salty spoonful, but still depressed. Tacos are pretty standard, they have 2 shells which sounds like a good idea but for me was just annoying. The flavors in the meat are a bit bland but pleasant and fresh. Definitely get the guacamole though, holy hell it's fantastic. read more

Ordered from here for the first time, tonight...Chimichanga was perfect and they were here faster than the app said. The new regular spot!

I love the wet shrimp burrito! So far it's the best thing I've had from any Mex place around the hood.

This is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in the entire city of New York. If you visiting for the first time I would highly suggest starting with the flaming margarita. A fresh citrus based margaritas maid the classic way with a half empty lime lit on fire. For an appetizer have the chorizo. The chips and salsa come automatically and are fresh to serve. I typically go with the sizzling chicken fajitas or the beef enchiladas depending on how I'm feeling but are quite exceptional and remind me of my days in Los Angeles as a child where Mexican food is pretty much standard fare. The restaurant was originally named "Lolita's" up until 2014 and was family owned and run by the son of Lolita whom the establishment is named after. I believe the restaurant was taken over by new management and is still run and operated like nothing ever changed. The atmosphere is fun and always friendly and on some nights there is a guitarist singing popular Spanish ballads. When the energy of the guest raises up to become festive, the guitar player with offer complimentary shots of tequila to any brave soul! I love this place and probably will also. Enjoy. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Another classic margarita with lime juice, triple sec and El Capricho tequila ::::smooth - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

I was there on Friday evening with a few friends from queens that are school teachers they were visiting. They want authentic Mexican food that didn't taste like Chevys in Times Square or school lunch. We decide to go to Lolita's. We started with the Guacamole and chips... 3 of us wanted sangria and 3 wanted margaritas, the waiter Mario, recommended a new drink that's called " tu y yo " or in English you and I. The drink consisted of frozen margarita and red sangria and fruit in top. . Excellent.. Highly recommend. We had a variety of main dishes. I had the Lolita's burger. Hummy. My wife had the enchiladas suizas , one person had the tostada de tinga . A little spicy for me but good. Overall, the food was excellent . The restaurant decor overall is cozy. The only thing that I didn't like but wasn't a big deal for my friends was when asked for the check it took too long. If you are in Harlem it's a must check... read more

Came here on a Friday night with a group of friends and this place did not disappoint! I was a little skeptical when I came in since it was pretty empty at first but it started to get busier once sitting with my friends. Appetizers were really good with the guacamole and chips. Margaritas and food we're delicious. My favorite part was when the very nice mariachi singer came by our table and sang a few songs. I felt like me we had our own personal concert right at our table. We were singing along with him the entire time. The staff are very friendly. They gave us a round of free shots! Definitely coming back here again. read more

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This my ultimate favorite neighborhood authentic mexican restaurant. The price is affordable and its a family run business. Must have drink on the menu is "GUERO". Has a spicy twist on the classic margarita since it has a spicy salt rim . Staff is pleasant and attentive read more

L Encanto D Lola - Cheese quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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I thought it was ok, but nothing really special. The waitress was very nice and attentive. The restaurant was decorated in "cinco-de-mayo" like decor. A bit cheesy if you ask me. They have a full bar and the drinks are reasonably priced. The food was ok. I liked that the rice was real and not boxed rice. The seasoning for the meats felt a little off, meaning not as authentic as I thought it would be. Overall, this place is a quick fix for food, but looks like a fun place for booze. read more

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Great for parties even though it's not a big place. Manuel was great in arranging everything and it didn't cost an arm and a leg. My garlic shrimp entree was delicious and the preset apps of quesadilla, nachos and guac were fresh and tasty. All this, a frozen margarita and paying for our guest of honor, tax and tip only set us back $50 pp. read more

L Encanto D Lola - Garlic shrimp minus 1 bite! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

L Encanto D Lola was terrific. Excellent place and the rates are reasonable. L Encanto D Lola has an excellent Fish Tacos, try it I think you would really love it, I certainly love it. All of the staff are super friendly - you certainly feel welcome and taken care of. I'd like to try L Encanto D Lola again. read more

I have been a patron since 2010 and always come eat here The food is great!here the ambiance! is great the way they have the booths set up and amazing! customer service and hostess by far ever MANUEL he treats everyone with kindness and make you feel like you're Hone. read more

Amazing place filled with love of culture and food. The drinks are addictive and affordable. The food is authentic and amazing. The atmosphere is lovely and peaceful. It is casual so just get ready to sit eat amazing food and drinks. Most importantly great memories!!! read more

OMG this is a must. The guacamole is so fresh with the right amount of cilantro and the salsa is the perf of amount of heat. We order a $4 combo of 3 different items and it was sooooo good. Margarita was huge and fabulous. I highly recommend. read more

It's a local go to since there are no other classic Mexican restaurants in the area. The food isn't anything to write home about as the food lacks flavor in almost every meal but it is clean and relatively inexpensive. My go to is the chicken flauta which is straight forward and the Guero which is much better and more fresh than the margarita. If you are looking for Mexican in the area definitely come here versus the others around Lenox/Adam Clayton. read more

This is my go to spot for food, drinks and good music. I go with family, friends and sometimes even alone. Food is always fresh and let's not forget the delivery service! My food always arrives hot and fresh. Been going here and ordering from here for over a year and will continue to eat and have delicious margaritas. Thank you! read more

This was 3 years THE restaurant My wife and I came 3 times in 14 days during our holiday. I came here with my best friend 2 1/2 years ago and also alone 2 years ago. TOday I travelled 56 streets by bus - only to get here. But things have changed: The guacamole was tasteless (after I came here I started to copy it at home - Now I do a better guacamole my own), the Burrito was dry, almost no meat. I had better food three days ago at Burrito Box. Sorry Lola, it was the last time you brought me to come to you. read more

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I typed in wet burrito to Google and Lolita's was the only restaurant that came up in NYC. I had a wet burrito in LA and it was incredible! I am not a huge burrito fan because most of the burrito's I have had are not that good. But the wet burrito I had in LA was delicious and memorable! So according to Google this is the only restaurant in NYC that serves a wet burrito. A wet burrito is a burrito with sauce on top of it that's all it is. But it really changes the flavor. So we headed to Harlem so I could full fill my craving. I also read the other reviews before I went to prepare myself on what to expect. I got to chat with the owner and I told him about my search for a wet burrito. Since I know burritos in general are not from Mexico but a Tex Mex creation and wet burritos are a Mexicali creation I assumed he was from LA. No he is from Mexico City. But he said if customers ask for something he will make it and if asked for enough he adds it to the menu. If you know anything about Mexico City most of the restaurants are now serving Tex Mex and not Mexican because the customers from the US have no real frame of reference for real Mexican food and customers ask for Tex Mex menu items such as burritos. So being customer focused like most restaurant owners from Mexico City he has added a few Tex Mex items onto the menu because customers demand them. http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodmexican.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex-Mex http://www.texmex.net/Diction/Diction.htm Most menu items that most Americans think of as Mexican are really Tex Mex. Having said all of that, many of this restaurants items are authentic Mexican. But again he added items that customers think are Mexican but are Tex Mex because they asked. Mexico doesn't have burrtio's so they don't have wet burritos either. The chili relleno is good. The sauce was just right not too much or too little. The cheese inside was Mexican cheese not the garbage I have tasted in some of the restaurants in NYC. The sauces that came with the wet burrito were authentic and tasty. I wanted to make some changes to the wet burrito. I asked for both red adn green sauce the menu calls for one sauce. We share every meal we get so we both had half of the others meal. The burrito was too stuffed with rice and beans and lettuce for my taste because I ordered the pork burrito. The burrito in LA didn't have rice and beans in it. I prefer it that way because then I can taste the pork. But the sauces were good and the sauces themselves were authentic. I think this restaurant will become popular for several reasons. One for his customer focus. Another is the restaurant is very clean. Even the bathroom is clean. When I see reviews of places that I know are filthy but people give them high reviews and eat in, I always think you little piggy have some self respect! For those who don't care stay in Sunset Park and eat tacos in the filth holes there! Lolita's is clean. Even the bathroom is clean. It is also large. They even keep candles lit in the bathroom! Another reason I think it will become popular is the prices are good. The main reason is it has a good balance of being authentic enough for Mexican families to go for dinner but being customer sensitive and focused. The owner did say that if they know how to make a dish and it isn't on the menu and you want it they will make it! I give them 4 stars for being the only restaurant that is known to have a wet burrito in NYC. Now watch after other restaurants get wind of the fact that people are going here for the wet burrito other restaurants will start to serve it as well. Next time I will just ask the owner not to add rice and beans. He is very accommodating to the customers needs. He is also very personable. read more

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2 Words: FOOD POISONING I ordered the chicken enchiladas suizas and the bunuelos con helado. 3 hours later, it started. A VIOLENT and PAINFUL case of food poisoning involving nonstop VOMITTING and DIARRHEA! The vomitting lasted about 18 HOURS and the diarrhea lasted about 4 days. I was totally dehydrated, in pain and could NOT sleep for 24 hours. I had ordered from them before w/o any issues but after this horrendous incident, HELL TO THE NO! No more Lolita's for me!!! read more

I literally ran into this place on the way back to the 'hood from my jog in the Park. Showed up to make up for that run that very night. Finally, real Mexican food in a truly non-Mexican neighborhood. It's a God-send to know that I don't have to truck it to West Harlem to get my fix. The chips are outstanding, as well as the mole...thank you, Lolita's...for filling the void, and my stomach. The last time I went, they ran out of delivery menus, hopefully that will be up and running soon! I can't wait. read more

I have been loving this place for years. Living so close by, I tend to just order delivery a lot of the times...which are always on time or even early. Their menu is legit, from burritos and chimichangas to the more sit-down-and-eat-with-a-fork-and-knife-and-a-bib type of entrées, like one of my favorites: camarones a la diabla (which by the way, when they say spicy....they mean SPICY)! The employees are very nice there too. All in all, a great place for both dine-in and delivery. read more

This visit was kind of tragic since Lolita's opened the same month I moved to within a block...and tonight was the first time I even bothered to go there to eat. The service was great, they have the same set of IKEA dishware and glasses, so it felt comfortable like home, and their tortilla soup was so good I want to go get more. The bland and soggy chicken enchiladas and side dishes were rather disappointing, but the guacamole was spicy. They could have given us more chips with it (because they were so tasty), but it was very good all the same. Before I move in a month, I will definitely go back, but this time I will bring a SIGG full of margaritas with me. read more