I have walked by this place 100 times and didn't give it much thought. But decided to give it a try on national margarita day. They kindly made room for me at the bar & told me it was happy hour until 9p. I think it's typically until 7p. The margaritas aren't gourmet but they're big & they hit the spot.What really surprised me was the food. The guacamole was special - I had a spicy pineapple. YUM. I still think about it. Then I ordered the barbacoa tacos.. omg. The flavor! Quite unexpected for your average-looking Mexican restaurant in NYC. I will be back & think this spot is underrated.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jade Zeller
Came for a drink- tamarind margarita, and it was very good!!! Their spicy rim is SPICY & I loved that :) also, their glasses were all made by hand so different shapes and colors- really enjoyed it! Bartender was also very nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Shelley Wheeler
We had a big pitcher of Margaritos. And chips, salsa, guacamole, steak quesadillo, a burrito, and more. Our server was fabulous.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Quesadilla, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole & Chips
C S.
On December 31. 2023 at around 7:45pm my daughter and I, (regular customers who have been loyal to this establishment for over 10 years) stopped by El Encanto De Lola 2 to celebrate New Years Eve. Upon entry we were stopped and told that the restaurant staff was closing early at 8pm. Disappointed, we wished the staff a happy New Year and proceeded to go somewhere else. As we were heading back home around 9pm, we passed by El Encanto De Lola 2 and noticed through the window that the restaurant was in fact still open and that they were serving a table full of white people (image attached). I was taken aback and went in back inside restaurant to question the staff. They were laughing, rude and blatantly stated that by allowing these customers in was good for business because they were going to spend a lot money. This treatment was truly disheartening not only to me but to my daughter and follows a pattern of discriminatory and disrespectful treatment of Black customers in the Harlem community. I have asked numerous times to speak to the owner regarding this latest incident and have not heard back from him. READ OTHER REVIEWS THAT MAY ALSO FALL UNDER THE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NAME OF EL ENCANTO DE LOLA. THIS MUST COME TO AN END!!!
Dorothea Cantey
So as soon as we walked in we wanted happy hour drinks. We were initially told we couldn't get that if we didn't sit at the bar. Once the waiter saw there was no room he told us he'd still give it to us and we sat at a reg table. The place is really cute and festive but kinda small once u look around. We had guacamole with chips and salsa while we waited for our food. The guac was very delicious. Bae was hungry hungry so he ordered fish tacos and steak chicken and shrimp fajitas I had the shrimp chimmichunga. The fish tacos were great but had beets in them not really a fan Soo that be my only complaint but all in all the food was pretty good. We got our bill and was floored. $165 for everything. While the food and drinks were good I def don't think they were $165 good! Happy hour there was a joke. I guess the guy realized because he brought over shots of tequila before we left. But all in all I guess I'd recommend trying them I probably won't be back though.Parking: The location is by paid parking and residential so you could luck up or end up paying. Either way u gotta drive around.
So as soon as we walked in we wanted happy hour drinks. We were initially told we couldn't get that if we didn't sit at the bar. Once the waiter saw there was no room he told us he'd still give it to us and we sat at a reg table. The place is really cute and festive but kinda small once u look around. We had guacamole with chips and salsa while we waited for our food. The guac was very delicious. Bae was hungry hungry so he ordered fish tacos and steak chicken and shrimp fajitas I had the shrimp chimmichunga. The fish tacos were great but had beets in them not really a fan Soo that be my only complaint but all in all the food was pretty good. We got our bill and was floored. $165 for everything. While the food and drinks were good I def don't think they were $165 good! Happy hour there was a joke. I guess the guy realized because he brought over shots of tequila before we left. But all in all I guess I'd recommend trying them I probably won't be back though.
Brandie Sutton
Always our favorite place to go. We are regulars here! Hopefully, that should tell you a lot.
I just loved everything about this restaurant I will
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sergi SM
Good Mexican food. The attentive and pleasant service. The place was entertained by a friendly and talented mariachi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Nikkia A.
El Encanto de Lola will hold you down. I was a little hesitant to come here because of some of the reviews citing the food wasn't really flavorful and initially thought this would only be a spot for cocktails but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, their cocktails are great. And the shot they gave you when you have concluded your meal? Chef's kiss! The chips and guacamole were fresh as were the other meals we ordered. Their dishes are also large and probably good to share as well. I could barely finish my enchiladas, and if I wasn't going to a show after, I would've taken them with me. The green sauce wasn't overly spicy and the tortilla was so fresh. The steak tacos and rice and beans were also flavorful. I don't know if people are used to mass produced Mexican food but the dishes I've tried here weren't dry or lacking in flavor at all. The staff were also efficient. I know I'm already thinking about what I'll order when I go back...
Price is right but you don't always get what you expect. This is a cool spot to stop in for reliably flavorful rice and beans. Unfortunately in my experience chicken meals are dry and lack flavor. I had fajitas1
Char J
Enormous amount of food. I had enough for the next day. I had turkey bacon, home fries, and pan cakes. I highly recommend this eatey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Niloufer Taber
Cochinita Pibil and the Aguachile were incredible. Beautiful outdoor and indoor space. Delicious margaritas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Nunez
Had a great time seated in their outdoor space with the kids. The coconut margarita was a bit strong, the chicken fajitas were great, guacamole was yummy, the singer came outside and serenaded us a bit, the wait staff were attentive and not overbearing, overall a very pleasant experience.Kid-friendliness: They have high chairs for the littles but I didn't use one as my kids are 3 and 5. They did allow me to keep my sleeping 5 year old in a stroller outside until she woke up and tore up a plate of fries. They brought out cups with lids for their water without me asking. Little things like this show me that they take care of the children as patrons as much as the paying adult.
I have walked by this place 100 times and didn't give it much thought. But decided to give it a try on national margarita day. They kindly made room for me at the bar & told me it was happy hour until 9p. I think it's typically until 7p. The margaritas aren't gourmet but they're big & they hit the spot.What really surprised me was the food. The guacamole was special - I had a spicy pineapple. YUM. I still think about it. Then I ordered the barbacoa tacos.. omg. The flavor! Quite unexpected for your average-looking Mexican restaurant in NYC. I will be back & think this spot is underrated.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came for a drink- tamarind margarita, and it was very good!!! Their spicy rim is SPICY & I loved that :) also, their glasses were all made by hand so different shapes and colors- really enjoyed it! Bartender was also very nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
We had a big pitcher of Margaritos. And chips, salsa, guacamole, steak quesadillo, a burrito, and more. Our server was fabulous.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Quesadilla, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole & Chips
On December 31. 2023 at around 7:45pm my daughter and I, (regular customers who have been loyal to this establishment for over 10 years) stopped by El Encanto De Lola 2 to celebrate New Years Eve. Upon entry we were stopped and told that the restaurant staff was closing early at 8pm. Disappointed, we wished the staff a happy New Year and proceeded to go somewhere else. As we were heading back home around 9pm, we passed by El Encanto De Lola 2 and noticed through the window that the restaurant was in fact still open and that they were serving a table full of white people (image attached). I was taken aback and went in back inside restaurant to question the staff. They were laughing, rude and blatantly stated that by allowing these customers in was good for business because they were going to spend a lot money. This treatment was truly disheartening not only to me but to my daughter and follows a pattern of discriminatory and disrespectful treatment of Black customers in the Harlem community. I have asked numerous times to speak to the owner regarding this latest incident and have not heard back from him. READ OTHER REVIEWS THAT MAY ALSO FALL UNDER THE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NAME OF EL ENCANTO DE LOLA. THIS MUST COME TO AN END!!!
So as soon as we walked in we wanted happy hour drinks. We were initially told we couldn't get that if we didn't sit at the bar. Once the waiter saw there was no room he told us he'd still give it to us and we sat at a reg table. The place is really cute and festive but kinda small once u look around. We had guacamole with chips and salsa while we waited for our food. The guac was very delicious. Bae was hungry hungry so he ordered fish tacos and steak chicken and shrimp fajitas I had the shrimp chimmichunga. The fish tacos were great but had beets in them not really a fan Soo that be my only complaint but all in all the food was pretty good. We got our bill and was floored. $165 for everything. While the food and drinks were good I def don't think they were $165 good! Happy hour there was a joke. I guess the guy realized because he brought over shots of tequila before we left. But all in all I guess I'd recommend trying them I probably won't be back though.Parking: The location is by paid parking and residential so you could luck up or end up paying. Either way u gotta drive around.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Chimichangas, Guacamole & Chips, Rice Refried Beans, Baja Fish Tacos
So as soon as we walked in we wanted happy hour drinks. We were initially told we couldn't get that if we didn't sit at the bar. Once the waiter saw there was no room he told us he'd still give it to us and we sat at a reg table. The place is really cute and festive but kinda small once u look around. We had guacamole with chips and salsa while we waited for our food. The guac was very delicious. Bae was hungry hungry so he ordered fish tacos and steak chicken and shrimp fajitas I had the shrimp chimmichunga. The fish tacos were great but had beets in them not really a fan Soo that be my only complaint but all in all the food was pretty good. We got our bill and was floored. $165 for everything. While the food and drinks were good I def don't think they were $165 good! Happy hour there was a joke. I guess the guy realized because he brought over shots of tequila before we left. But all in all I guess I'd recommend trying them I probably won't be back though.
Always our favorite place to go. We are regulars here! Hopefully, that should tell you a lot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Quesadilla, Fajitas, Rice Refried Beans, Rice and Beans, Taco Salad, Rice & Beans
I just loved everything about this restaurant I will
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good Mexican food. The attentive and pleasant service. The place was entertained by a friendly and talented mariachi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
El Encanto de Lola will hold you down. I was a little hesitant to come here because of some of the reviews citing the food wasn't really flavorful and initially thought this would only be a spot for cocktails but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, their cocktails are great. And the shot they gave you when you have concluded your meal? Chef's kiss! The chips and guacamole were fresh as were the other meals we ordered. Their dishes are also large and probably good to share as well. I could barely finish my enchiladas, and if I wasn't going to a show after, I would've taken them with me. The green sauce wasn't overly spicy and the tortilla was so fresh. The steak tacos and rice and beans were also flavorful. I don't know if people are used to mass produced Mexican food but the dishes I've tried here weren't dry or lacking in flavor at all. The staff were also efficient. I know I'm already thinking about what I'll order when I go back...
Restaurantji Recommends
The funder. Godislove
Price is right but you don't always get what you expect. This is a cool spot to stop in for reliably flavorful rice and beans. Unfortunately in my experience chicken meals are dry and lack flavor. I had fajitas1
Enormous amount of food. I had enough for the next day. I had turkey bacon, home fries, and pan cakes. I highly recommend this eatey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cochinita Pibil and the Aguachile were incredible. Beautiful outdoor and indoor space. Delicious margaritas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a great time seated in their outdoor space with the kids. The coconut margarita was a bit strong, the chicken fajitas were great, guacamole was yummy, the singer came outside and serenaded us a bit, the wait staff were attentive and not overbearing, overall a very pleasant experience.Kid-friendliness: They have high chairs for the littles but I didn't use one as my kids are 3 and 5. They did allow me to keep my sleeping 5 year old in a stroller outside until she woke up and tore up a plate of fries. They brought out cups with lids for their water without me asking. Little things like this show me that they take care of the children as patrons as much as the paying adult.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fajitas, Guacamole