Lola's Lounge

2424 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95818, United States
+1 916-389-0429
$$$ Restaurant
(181 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Lola’s Lounge offers a cozy dive into Puerto Rican and broader Caribbean flavors right in Sacramento’s Midtown. Situated on 16th Street, it brings an uncommon regional cuisine to a city where Caribbean spots are scarce, which makes it stand out for anyone craving something a bit different from the usual California fare.

The atmosphere balances casual indoor and outdoor seating, with the outside feeling like a small garden retreat—especially inviting on sunny days or warm evenings. Inside, the lighting can feel quite dim, lending a more intimate or laid-back vibe, though some might find it a little on the dark side early in the evening. Expect a lively but manageable buzz during busy times, with music and the clatter of conversation creating a genuinely convivial environment.

For food lovers who appreciate authentic Caribbean comfort food, Lola’s menu hits well beyond the standard with dishes like mofongo and arroz con pollo alongside creative options like coquito cheesecake and Spanish mussels. Portions are generous enough that you’ll likely leave with a full plate and a satisfied appetite, making it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions like birthdays.

Drinks—particularly their sangria—serve as an excellent starter or companion to meals, which is helpful since the kitchen pace can sometimes be a bit slow. The service generally aims to be attentive and accommodating, enhancing the overall relaxed feel without being pushy or rushed.

This spot is best for those who enjoy exploring Caribbean cuisine in a setting that’s more about authentic food and community vibe than polished fine dining. Plantain lovers, in particular, find plenty to appreciate here. It fits well into Sacramento’s diverse dining landscape, especially for locals looking to expand their palate on a casual night out or a laid-back social gathering under the open sky.

  • Best for: Fans of Puerto Rican and Caribbean dishes, plantain enthusiasts, casual group dinners
  • Atmosphere: Intimate indoors with a garden-like outdoor patio, moderately lively and friendly
  • When to visit: Sunny afternoons or mild evenings for outdoor seating; weeknights offer happy hour deals
  • Expect: Fresh, hearty plates with homey flavors, solid drink options, and friendly but unhurried service
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

181 Reviews
Nikki 333

01 Dec 2025

Food was really good , I had Mofongo, I definitely would come back again and the portions were good.

Jose Castro

23 Nov 2025

Came here for my birthday. The food was good and definitely had an authentic Caribbean prep to it and as authentic as you will find in Sacramento. I’ve looked. The service was good - nothing standout. The place had an indoor and outdoor seating to it. The inside was very dark but maybe they were still opening up. We sat outdoors since it was a nice day. It was like sitting in a garden, which it is, and it was nice. Def worth checking out!

Walter Ford

22 Nov 2025

We have been to Lola's twice now and it is a great experience. It is Puerto Rican which is a bit different. Staff is great and the food delicious and plentiful. It does tend to get loud but it is tolerable. Food service is a bit slow but the drinks are great and make a good placeholder. I have to say it is a plantain lovers dream!!

Vanessa A

03 Nov 2025

Very pleased with my experience at Lola’s! They were very accommodating and wanted to make sure myself and friends were taken care of. The food was very fresh and delicious! I ordered the Bistec that came with white rice and beans and plantain. So yummy I definitely finished every drop from my plate! I love that it’s a farm to fork restaurant and adding culture to Sacramento. I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu.

Pamela Anne Lee

04 Oct 2025

Folks we’re back @ Lola’s Lounge on a Wednesday evening with great food, nice happy hour deals and once again great service. Lola is camera shy so I am respecting her boundaries and not posting her photo. But here are some other photos to whet your appetite! This place is one of our recent discoveries and we are impressed. There are few Caribbean options here in flat, land-locked Sacramento CA. So we’re grateful to have Lola’s Lounge which we enjoy so much before heading to Tower Theatre nearby to catch a flick. We love the artsy/earthy digs and decor! Great mid-week date night! Thanks to host/tender Lola and her Mom, and Chef Janey and Maia! <3

M Benavides

02 Oct 2025

Always excited to come back to Lola’s. The vibes are immaculate, their food is comforting , and their hospitality is unmatched. I have been here multiple times and will continue to show up to their events and bring my friends and family. Hasta la próxima

Gerardo “Jerry” Mendez

18 Sep 2025

I had never tried Puerto Rican food before until finding this incredible gem. I had driven past this unassuming place plenty of times until I decided to look up what it was. First things first, I have got to say the food is *across the board* absolutely delicious! It feels like it's been made with love and intent, like homemade Latin meals usually feel. There is so much flavor, so much "sazón" I feel like Anton Ego from Ratatouille, when he takes that first bite - takes me back to food that warms the heart and is good for the soul! I am Peruvian and our food is gastronomically recognized as some of the highest tier on an international level, so I have high standards for other Latin food (a little biased, and a lot of pride in my heritage). However, Lola's does not fail to impress me EVERY. TIME. With meat so tender - anything here with shredded beef is a must-try! The owner and manager Lola recognizes me by now as Ive been coming in on a weekly basis. She always says a heartfelt hello and engages in welcome small-talk. The bar tenders and staff are no exception. The food portions are just right and come out timely. Their weekday happy hour menu is available the entire time they are open Tuesday thru Thursday. I recommend the Loaded Tostones, which I get nearly every single time, and can be shared as an appetizer. I also love their happy hour sangria ($6!). As for their regular menu, there are some great options, many of which are gluten-free - I recommend the Ropa Vieja, Pollo Guisado, or Puerto Rican Special Oh! And the atmosphere just contributes to the experience in a such a genuine way. Lights are not blaring, but dimmed just barely to help give that "lounge" feel. Ample seating options with tables, and booths for larger parties. And if you're lucky enough to experience it, they have a beautiful outdoor patio with an intertwined "succulent garden" where you get to eat alongside beautiful greenery that is family-grown, a tribute to Lola's grandmother. As I sit at the bar and see patrons walk in, after they eat, I see them walk out with smiles on their faces. BELIEVE THE REVIEWS and ratings you see for this place. There is a reason for that. 10/10. Try it once and I promise you will find yourself coming back for more!

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