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Hoboken › Hoboken › Lola's Tapas Bar
Lola's Tapas BarBWorth Trying
153 14th St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
· Spanish restaurant, Bar, Event venue
· 4.5/5 Google (838 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Bustling Hoboken tapas spot with standout octopus and sangria but mixed execution and pricey paellas; go for seafood small plates, not for purist Spanish classics.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Lola's Tapas Bar delivers reliable neighborhood dining with warm, attentive service and standout octopus and seafood tapas that justify its loyal following. However, inconsistent execution on paella and scallops and mixed recent stability prevent a higher grade—the kitchen excels with its signature small plates but struggles with broader menu reliability. Worth visiting for the seafood tapas and patio atmosphere, though expectations should focus on the restaurant's strengths rather than its full range.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy yet lively, with friendly servers who keep the tapas flowing and a patio that draws summer crowds. One guest summed it up: "Octopus was tender with crisp edges and the staff made us feel welcome." Expect a neighborhood buzz that can swing from calm midafternoon to group-friendly energy at night. In the kitchen, the cooking leans classic Spanish tapas with a few house riffs rather than high-wire fusion. The octopus and garlicky shrimp are the safe crowd-pleasers, while paella and some scallop dishes divide opinion. Come for seafood small plates and sangria; purists chasing textbook paella standards may leave unconvinced. For families, there are kid-approachable choices like patatas bravas, tortilla espanola, simple chicken dishes, and pasta-style items, alongside plenty of seafood. No kids menu is cited, and some flavors skew assertive, so selective eaters may prefer the simpler tapas while adults explore bolder plates.
At a Glance
- Octopus and several seafood tapas consistently praised
- Warm, attentive service and patio seating
- Paella and scallops show inconsistent execution and value
- Pricing runs high for the neighborhood, especially seafood and paella
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- octopus_mastery
- seafood_tiles_tradition
- patio_dining
What People Love
- Tender, well-charred octopus
- Refreshing white and red sangria
- Friendly, attentive servers
- Cozy atmosphere with patio seating
- Private party coordination that runs smoothly
Points of Concern
- Paella quality varies; some report bland rice and uneven seafood freshness
- Scallops described as small or rubbery by several diners
- Prices feel steep for mixed execution, especially lobster add-ons
- Occasional outdoor smoke drift noted from nearby tables
- Review patterns are mostly authentic, but some marketing-style praise lacks detail
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-68 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lead with octopus and gambas; add tortilla and patatas for balance
- Choose clams or mussels over scallops for reliability
- Order paella only if you prefer a mixed seafood style rather than strict regional tradition
Perfect For
- Sharing seafood-forward small plates with friends
- Date night with sangria on the patio
- Celebrating a birthday or small private event
- Casual weeknight tapas crawl in Hoboken
Location Insights
Area: Uptown Hoboken near waterfront; lively dining and bar scene with young professionals and weekend groups.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Close to waterfront parks, residential mid-rises, bars and cafes; garage parking options nearby.
HobokenHoboken offers a dynamic dining atmosphere with a mix of trendy bars, casual eateries, and ethnic restaurants. The neighborhood is popular for its social nightlife, walkable streets, and a community-oriented vibe that appeals to both locals and commuters.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday00:00–12:00, 16:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–02:00
Wednesday12:00–02:00
Thursday12:00–02:00
Friday12:00–02:00
Saturday12:00–02:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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