Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Lola 55

    4.3 (912 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Lola 55 Takeout or Delivery

    Lola 55 Photos

    Business Info

    LOLA 55 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Lola 55

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Quesabirria, Two taco plate (flank steak, Baja style thresher shark) with chipotle rice and Lola's Beans
    Jiansen W.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Elevated are the food, service, and ambiance at modern Taqueria Lola 55, as expected of a place with consecutive years of Michelin recognition.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] FOOD SPECIALS 5/5 Quesa Birria Taco slow cooked chuck birria (flavorful and tender), melted oaxacan cheese (lots), avocado mousse, habanero pickled onions (not spicy imo) & pasilla salt (expect grease!) 5/5 Two taco plate with chipotle rice and Lola's Beans (it's a deal when you add a third taco): 5/5 Steak Taco marinated wood fired steak (cooked well per server recommendation as this is flank), potato mash (not sure I had this), avocado mousse, (very) smokey pasilla salsa, crispy onions (nice texture and flavor), jalapeño toreado (pickled) 5/5 Baja Style Fish beer battered local fish (so tender), jalapeño remoulade chorizo-tomato vinaigrette, bitter greens, pickled serranos, purple basil.

    Baja fish taco on the left, carnitas taco on the right, and beans and rice.
    Jeffrey E.

    Evidently they have multiple Michelin bib gourmand awards, the food was gorgeous, Baja fish taco was really delicious and the rice and beans were really really good as well, I prefer my carnitas a bit crispier but all the food was gorgeous and delicious. Highly recommend!

    Ruzanna M.

    This place had so many michelin signs displayed, and highly reviewed, we decided to give it a shot. The tacos were just okay. The pork belly adobada was the best one, the other ones we tried were not special at all. Living in San Diego, we have way better taco places to enjoy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior was nicely decorated, it was not crowded, and i appreciated that the prices were not exorbitant for this type of establishment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Mariness D.

    I have passed this place many times saying I'd try them out for years, and I finally did. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is part of Idea One building and is bright, with an open concept. The greenery all throughout gives it an airy yet urban vibe, so 9/10 on ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Tried their fish tacos, which was filling and fresh - a 10/10. Their chips and guacamole however, missed the mark 5/10, only because the chips were a bit stale. But it wasn't a deal breaker. They have happy hour during the weekdays, so you'll see me come back for that to try out their drinks and other tacos.

    Steak huarache.

    I went to Lola 55 this morning after hearing so many good things about it. I ordered two huarache one birria, one steak and a side of chicken to go. After running a few errands, I got home and started eating. The birria huarache was absolutely delicious great flavor and easily the highlight of the meal. Then I opened the steak huarache. It looked fine, so I picked up a piece of steak and took a bite. When I looked back down at my food, I found a dead fly in it, Needless to say, my appetite was gone. It's incredibly disappointing because the food had so much potential, but finding a dead fly in my meal is unacceptable. I wanted to love this place, especially after such a great start with the birria, but this completely ruined the experience

    Afshin D.

    The food is the main reason this place has a reputation and Michelin awards, and the tacos truly are very good. It is not the most authentic experience but it is definitely a delicious one. The tacos are great and the desserts, especially the churros, are a must try. They are by far the best I have had and simply perfect. The service is also good. Everyone is attentive and the drinks are fine. If I were to list things I do not like about the place, the first would be their lounge style seating. It is not comfortable for eating and they do not have tables that seat more than four people inside. The second would be that it is not ideal if you are in a rush. I ate my tacos in ten minutes and ordered no drinks, yet the entire visit took around one hour and fifteen minutes, even with no wait to be seated.

    Katherine L.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lola 55 is a gem! This restaurant is large and spacious with big windows, open seating, a full bar and artisan tacos.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Drinks start at around $13 and there are also fresh Agua frescas. Service is quick and friendly. I would love to see a HH menu here.. We ordered pork belly adobada, smoked carnita, Baja style fish taco and squashroom tacos. Pork belly adobada(7.5/10) thick slices of pork belly with lots of greens. I thought the sauce overpowered the pork belly and wasn't a huge fan of this one. Smoked carnitas(8/10): the pork shoulder is confit for 72 hours and topped with tomatillo. You can definitely taste the love they poured into making this one. It's incredibly tender. Baja style fish(9/10): one of my favorites. Fish was crispy and topped with greens and the sauce complemented this dish perfectly! Don't skip this one Squashroom(10/10): where else can you find a taco with squash blossom, battered locally grown lions mane mushroom with beet soyrizo? The beet soyrizo is smokey along with a bit of spice. I loved the textural components of this dish. I could order just 3 of these and be happy

    Steak taco
    Jeremiah H.

    I got the Steak, Pork Belly, Chicken, Baja Fish, Cauliflower, and Smoked Carnitas. The service was great. Jacob was a great server and bartender. The food I would give an 8.3 out of 10. Loved everything, but the Chicken tacos were ok. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very relaxed ambiance and environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Samantha S.

    We came here on Saturday before a comedy show and were really looking forward to it based on the photos and strong reviews. Unfortunately, the experience didn't live up to the hype. The biggest issue was the service. It took over 30 minutes just to get our drinks from the bar, and they didn't arrive until after our food had already been served. That's a pretty big miss. The food itself looked great, but it lacked flavor across the board. Everything was just... underwhelming. Not terrible, but definitely not what we expected given how it's presented online. To their credit, they did offer to make it right with a complimentary dessert, which we appreciated. However, the overall service felt disorganized, and the interactions with our server were awkward and didn't help the experience. Not rude at all - just very odd. He would walk away from the table as we were in the middle of speaking to him (multiple times). It seemed like he was either new to the job or new to serving because all of our interactions were very awkward. Overall, I really wanted to like this place, but between the slow service and bland food, it just didn't deliver.

    Christy C.

    How have I not posted this??? Bottom line...eat here!! Their tacos are all amazing, and their sides are mouthwatering. Tortillas are made fresh in the open kitchen. Lovely bar as well although beer menu is a bit limited. Staff is incredibly friendly, service is quick. Ample indoor and outdoor seating with a Mexican street cafe vibe.

    Happy hour menu as of 12/12/25
    Jennifer C.

    It's been a while since I've been back and this place is still great. Got to come in for happy hour this time which runs till 6, even on Fri! The space was busy but we were able to get seated right away with our group of 4 at 5:30. We got a round of margaritas ($7) and ordered a few chicken and pork tacos (each $4) off their happy hour menu. Such a great deal, especially for the quality. Both tacos were delicious but I had a slight preference for the pork since it had a nice textural contrast and I loved the avocado in it. Service was very friendly although we did have to call our waiter over after waiting a bit to get our food order in but the restaurant was busy.

    Marc M.

    Lola 55: 8.5 I can see why this place is on the Michelin guide, from fresh tortillas to pork being cooked for 72 hours, this place was worth the trip. Service: 11/10 you have to go here just to dine with Hailey - she was awesome from start to finish and even when they were sold out of the carnitas she was able to get me a portion. Aesthetic & Ambiance: 8.5/10 super chill, nice upscale bar vibes with open airy aesthetic. Ambiance was chill during the lunch time with no wait. They do smoke the meat there so you probably will leave smelling a little smokey. Masa fritas: 8/10 interesting fried little chip with a punch of seasoning and flavor TACOS: Smoked carnitas: 7.5/10 for being smoked for so long, it was good but not the star. Mesquite chicken: 3.5/10 honestly not that great and wayyyy to spicy Steak:9/10 it's one slab of steak and it's delicious! Perfectly cooked and delicious bark.

    Steak Taco
    Daisy S.

    Parking was a bit of a headache since it was the night of a Padres game--nearby lots were charging $10 an hour, which felt inconvenient. Once inside though, I loved the modern vibe of the dining area. You order at the register and they bring your food to the table, which keeps things simple and efficient. The menu is small but curated to the essentials. One of the coolest parts was watching them make the tortillas fresh right in front of you--those tortillas ended up being my favorite part of the meal! We ordered the Caesar salad, which I'd rate a 2/5. The dressing was just okay, but the croutons were surprisingly delicious. I also tried a steak taco and a fish taco. The steak taco was the star--perfectly cooked and flavorful. The fish taco was nice and crispy, but it didn't taste like a traditional fish taco, so I'm a little on the fence about it. Overall, the quality of food for the price makes this spot worth coming back to. They also have a great bar with a solid selection of mixed drinks. I had the Michelada, which uses a vegan mix--slightly tangy but a nice touch, especially for anyone vegan. Would definitely return for the tacos (and those tortillas!).

    Beans and rice

    See all

    Review Insights

    18 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve S.
    37
    88
    18

    16 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nate V.

    Nate V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rose C.
    99
    47
    64

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nessie B.
    82
    32
    33

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Tameka J.
    218
    89
    497

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jonnell T.
    131
    336
    377

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jose B.
    1
    40
    56

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 23

    Lola 55 Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Lola 55

    Are the tortillas made with corn? Gluten free? Want to take a friend who cant have gluten

    Yes the tortillas are gluten free. Just ensure to let them know gluten allergy upon ordering, and when receiving the food.

    Do you have outdoor seating? How many tables?

    They do. I counted at least 8 tables

    Do they accept reservations for dinner?

    No, they don't. It's first come, first serve

    Is this offering dine in now?

    They offer dine-in, but only "outdoors". Unknown as to when the state & county will allow indoor dine-in.

    Does Lola 55 serve vegan tacos?

    Does Lola 55 have vegetarian options?

    Vegan tacos are available and everything is modifiable.

    Anyone know whats in the Manteca croutons?

    I believe it's lard.

    Does this place offer Happy Hour? Cause it should, at least for drinks

    Of course! Not too long but it does

    What are the happy hour specials?

    Happy hour? Every hour is happy there.

    Table service or order at counter?

    All orders are at the counter. The bar is a separate counter, so you have to wait for both.

    Any deals on Taco Tuesdays?

    There is a plate special on Tuesday, but there isn't a discount on tacos.

    Do they serve cocktails and beer?

    Yes full bar

    View All 13 Questions

    You might also consider

    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (968 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for a fun evening with great drinks and food, you should come here. It's in South…read morePark and we easily found street parking. Definitely make a reservation. They also have some seats at the bar. This restaurant has gone all in on the space theme, from the hostess greeting to the decor in the restaurant and restroom, and even the menu and tables. Such a fun vibe! This place is known for their cocktails. I forget what we ordered because they all have funny names, but both my friend and I really enjoyed our choices. The food was great too. We ordered the tofu. I think it had a light tempura fry, yummy sauce, and very large portion. The bread is roti with an eggplant and tomato dip. Very good, but not enough dip. I'd still order it again. Probably the only negative was that I felt a bit rushed to leave. We were enjoying our conversation, entrees, and drinks and got checked on quite frequently. Eventually the waiter said, no rush but here's the check. Kind of ruined the vibe. We decided to pass on dessert here and walk to an ice cream shop in the same neighborhood.

    The single worst experience I've ever had going out…read more If you're friends with the servers, bartenders, or hosts, you'll probably have a great time. If you're not a regular, be careful, because apparently all it takes is one drunk friend of the staff making up a story to get you kicked out. While visiting San Diego with friends, we came here after hearing so many great things. There was a short wait, which was fine. The four of us were seated at a small standing table, also fine. Behind us were two guys drinking at the standing bar. One of them bumped into my friend and then stroked her arm while apologizing. She was visibly uncomfortable, so I told her to switch places with me. The guy immediately said, "We're gay, so you don't have to worry," then turned to his friend and said, "Now he looks so stupid and embarrassing." I told him, "I don't think it's embarrassing to make sure your friends are comfortable," then turned back around. I didn't argue with him, insult him, or continue the conversation. I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, the manager came over and told us we had made comments that made other patrons uncomfortable and asked us to leave. We had already paid for our drinks and were still waiting for them. My friend followed the manager to ask what was going on, and I joined shortly after. The person complaining was, of course, the same guy who had bumped into her. He was clearly drunk and started rambling about how we had made homophobic comments toward him and his friend. This was especially ridiculous considering the friend I switched places with was there with her girlfriend. We calmly explained exactly what happened. The manager did not care. There was no real attempt to hear our side, ask questions, or figure out what actually happened. The decision had clearly already been made. While we were speaking to the manager, the guy who complained was cheerfully talking with one of the bartenders, receiving a to-go meal, and greeting them cheek to cheek. He very obviously appeared to know the staff. So that seems to be how things work here: a drunk regular or friend of the staff can make up whatever story he wants, and management will throw out an entire group of paying customers without even pretending to investigate. They refunded the drinks, which was the bare minimum. The ambience was nice, but that means absolutely nothing when the staff handles customers this poorly. Awful management, blatant favoritism, and easily the worst service I have ever experienced. I would never come back, and I would strongly warn anyone who isn't already friends with the staff to stay away.

    Photos
    Mindkiller
    Mindkiller
    Away Mission
    Away Mission
    The bar area

    See all

    The bar area
    Noble Experiment

    Noble Experiment

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    This is an easy one and Consortium Holdings does it again...a MUST go. You know the rules...one…read moreshort review, let's go: Drinks: no menu. Love it. True bartender skills. Love it. Drinks. Love them! Whole crew did. Well done Ambiance: top tier. As with anything CH. so fun Service: amazing. Knowledgeable. Attentive. And so nice. Go go go to NE

    Photos
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Bartenders creations.
    Bartenders creations.
    Skull wall

    See all

    Skull wall
    False Idol

    False Idol

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

    This place is hidden inside Craft & Commerce which is a quirky little bar itself. There was a wait…read morefor entry this past Sunday after 9pm. Staff was also not very attentive to guests' needs, rather just going through the motions. For instance, they noted "standing room only" and that they would eventually seat our party of two. They walked us to an exact spot on the floor to stand and view the menu in the dark (we used our phone flashlights, but it wasn't easy while carrying our belongings too), and they instructed us not to order at the bar in this colorful but dimly lit tiki lounge. We essentially ordered from staff who took our order in the middle of the floor, then we had to hold our drinks, some that came with additional shot glasses, in full hands, as we were never seated. We did find a barrel to set our drinks on later, but their process and expectations for guests was just really weird and impractical. The theme and decor of the setting was lovely, with moments of a lightning and thunder effect that made the experience more immersive. But we were not impressed by the sticky menus and sticky floor, nor the lack of service and minimal help from staff while there. We made the most of our time at False Idol regardless of their shortcomings. The bombay sling and enigma de muerte were pretty decent in quality and flavor, so it's safe to say the drinks aren't the problem here. And though we probably won't return, it was cool for a one-time experience.

    Photos
    Tiki themed decor
    Tiki themed decor
    Rum barrel
    Rum barrel
    Back bar rum selection

    See all

    Back bar rum selection
    Books & Records

    Books & Records

    4.3
    (417 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Books & Records Delivers Live Jazz, Standout Cocktails, and Exceptional Happy Hour Bites…read moreAs a fan of Common Stock, expectations were high for its Bankers Hill sister spot, Books & Records--and it easily delivered. The moment you step inside, the bi-level space makes a striking impression with its mid-century accents, exposed brick, and warm, moody lighting. It manages to balance a lively, energetic atmosphere with an effortless chicness that feels tailored for a memorable night out. The happy hour here is an absolute standout, featuring an expansive array of creative food options and crafted drinks. The menu brings an inventive Asian fusion twist to bar bites, offering flavor-forward small plates that pair seamlessly with the beverage program. The drinks deserve equal applause: the craft cocktails are meticulously balanced, and the signature ube-inspired cocktails are as vibrant and distinct as they are delicious. Adding to the venue's overall charm is the live music program. Catching live jazz, soul, and blues sets elevates the entire experience from a simple dinner run into a full sensory event. The music creates a vibrant, soulful backdrop without overpowering table conversation, striking just the right rhythm for intimate catch-ups or energetic group gatherings. Whether you are dropping in for a quick drink, indulging in a multi-dish happy hour spread, or lingering late for the live tunes and exceptional cocktails, Books & Records captures everything that makes CS Hospitality's concepts so special. It is a stylish, fun, and flavorful addition to San Diego's dining scene.

    I heard nothing, but great things about this spot so I had to check it out with my friends!…read more First let's start with the decor, this place is very chic and elegant looking. I like the different variety of table seating to the different rooms of where you can dine. It was inviting and very spacious. Everyone that we encountered was super friendly and outgoing. It was very great hospitality. Our waiter was very helpful and check in on us quite often. The service was Superb. Now the food, we went on a Wednesday which they have Happy Hour all day. We ordered The Record Room Burger which came with Fries. This was very tasty. The fries were excellent. I tried one of my friend's dishes which was the Lamb Meatballs and that was amazing. Sadly, the B&R Mac n Cheese did not do it for me. It was missing seasoning and the flakes tasted stale. The staff did give us salt & pepper to jazz it up which did help. Regardless of the mac n cheese, I really enjoyed this place. The red wine was perfection. Overall it was a great experience and I gotta go back to check out other food items.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Crispy Brussels (Happy Hour)
    Crispy Brussels (Happy Hour)
    Blueberry Beret ($14)

    See all

    Blueberry Beret ($14)
    Good Enough Cocktail Club

    Good Enough Cocktail Club

    4.5
    (35 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    Private events
    Large group friendly

    555 those are great numbers & the address to this establishment. Came for one last drink before I…read moreleave. It's been great, fantastic Little Italy & this spot is perfect for afternoon easy breezy vibes. The decor is inviting & the music is chill, relax with a laidback groove. The bartenders on point with this drink. I ordered the MMM. . . Food. It's more sour in the Whiskey Rye sour category Love the record collection. Wanna just hang after dinner, this is your spot. I'm including the screen shot of the music playing right now. Bravo bartender/DJ You can also order & pay by barcode. How convenient when the night gets busy. Will definitely be back.

    I came here on a Tuesday around 5 PM, just as they were opening. They have patio seating right next…read moreto the bar as well as a really cute indoor seating area if you prefer to escape the heat. The bartender was fantastic. She was friendly and on top of it. She appeared to be the only one working, yet there were already eight or nine people on the patio. Even so, she stayed on top of everything, and we never had to wait to place an order or receive our drinks. I ordered: * Static Age: This refreshing green cocktail is served in a tall Collins glass and is made with vodka, matcha green tea, vanilla, yuzu, and seltzer. It wasn't overly liquor-forward, making it light and perfect for a warm afternoon. * MM..Food?: Served in a cocktail glass, this drink features masala chai rye whiskey, vanilla honey, ginger bitters, lemon, and egg white. While the flavor combination sounded interesting, it ended up being just okay. It wasn't bad, but it didn't really stand out and wasn't my favorite of the two. *Espresso Martini: this was also enjoyable and not too sweet. Overall, this is a fun spot with a great atmosphere. The courtyard has plenty of energy, live musicians performing, and several restaurants surrounding the area, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. Although none of the cocktails I tried really stood out or have me rushing back for more, it's a nice spot to stop by.

    Photos
    OST Cocktail
 Tequila, Black Sesame Syrup, Yuzu, Melon Calpico, Hibiscus Float
    OST Cocktail Tequila, Black Sesame Syrup, Yuzu, Melon Calpico, Hibiscus Float
    Comfy bench seating
    Comfy bench seating
    Atmosphere

    See all

    Atmosphere
    Charade

    Charade

    4.5
    (83 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    As the self-appointed king of speakeasies, I'm back at it with another one. After having dinner in…read morethe area, we stopped by Charade for some drinks on a Monday night. I parked on the street close to the dinner spot I went to and then walked over to Charade. Ambiance (5/5): Charade is a speakeasy so here's your clue. It's located inside Balboa. Look for the room with the arcade games and you're on the right track. Once you enter the speakeasy, you'll immediately be impressed with the old school charm. It seats roughly 20-30 people and there's a bar on one end and a stage on the other end. Old school red curtains add to the vibe. And here's the best part. On Mondays, it's jazz night. Local musicians will play which makes for a great time. Service (3/5): There was one bartender working when we were there. Overall, she provided pretty good service. There was one comment she made which rubbed me the wrong way but no biggie. Food (N/A): I had dinner prior so were on a liquid diet. I did notice that they have a few snacks available like popcorn. Drinks (4.5/5): When you think of speakeasies, you think of elevated cocktails. I look for creativity and an interesting blend of flavors and ingredients. The menu here, while not huge, has some interesting options. Outside of the menu itself, the prices are reasonable (especially for California). And they make you stiff drinks which is always appreciated. Taking into account the cocktails and the ambiance, Charade is an awesome laid-back speakeasy. Make sure to stop by on a Monday for jazz night. That takes things up a notch.

    This review is long overdue! My friends & I came here when they first opened, even before they…read morestarted hosting entertainment shows (which we were so bummed to have missed out but excited to check out soon). Friendly service & good cocktails. Located in The Balboa Bar & Grill.

    Photos
    Burlesque fridays
    Burlesque fridays
    The jazzy sound of Sip & Curl
    The jazzy sound of Sip & Curl
    Back room at the Charade

    See all

    Back room at the Charade

    Lola 55 - mexican - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...