DCLance

Lola’s

// September 29th, 2008 // Bars, Capitol Hill, DC, Food & Drink

Lola’s is quite possibly my new favorite sports bar. For being a brand new bar, it has a great deal of personality – it feels like it has been there for years. The walls are covered with nicely framed historic photographs of DC and there is a Washington Redskins 50th Anniversary mirror (which obviously is over 20 years old and is a solid piece of memorabilia I might add) but it doesn’t at all reek of the fabricated nostalgia of Applebee’s. The bar itself is a dark wood that is surprisingly unvarnished and topped with several small lamps that are actually built into its top. The barstools have leather seats, but more importantly, backs…which are key feature for lanky patrons such as yours truly.

The food is very good, and better than traditional bar fare found at other sports bars on the Hill or elsewhere. We had the wedge salad, the supreme grilled cheese, the burger and chocolate cake, all of which were above average and none of which felt like they were dipped in grease before being served. The sandwiches come with a small salad or fries, but the fries are highly recommended, and for good reason.

The staff was very friendly and seemed to be genuinely interested in the diners as well as the televised games. My only concern about Lola’s is size of the space (though its size also contributes to its charm). Beth and I tried to dine there last Sunday after I returned from the Redskins game, but upon arriving saw that the place was packed. When we arrived this Saturday evening around 7:30 p.m. there were only two seats available at the bar, and the place was continuously full throughout the evening. I wouldn’t go there with more than five or six friends, as the space is very narrow and there is very limited seating, but if you have a small group, it is a great location for an evening of good food, drink and sports. I am already looking forward to my next trip there.

Lola’s
711 8th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
202.547.5652