I was searching for interesting restaurants I haven't been to yet and stumbled across the reviews for what sounds like the most interesting restaurant in town. The more reviews I read, the more I fell in love with Lola, the owner, and I haven't even been there yet. I immediately thought of DU so I want to share some of the reviews for anyone in Austin who might be interested:
The owner and chef Lola, a New Orleans native, cooks up the absolute best and most authentic cajun food you'll find within 100 miles of Austin, and nobody freakin' knows about it. There's a large menu listing all the staples - gumbo, jambalaya, red beans n' rice, blackened catfish, po'boys, etc - but don't count on ordering from it. When you walk in the door, a little bell rings and Lola comes out of the kitchen and says "Today we got jambalaya, fried catfish, and cornbread or yams for a side." At Lola's, you get whatever Lola felt like cooking that day, but whatever it is, it's sure to be fantastic. The sweet tea's about as authentic as it gets. The prices are rock-bottom cheap and the portions are ample, and Lola remembers your name.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so Lola can feed the homeless in the backyard.
I can't recommend this place highly enough. Get off the drag, get outta South Congress and head over to East Austin and experience what is undoubtedly one of the finest restaurants in the area.
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You know, I guess there's a reason they call it "soul food." Not only were Lola's creations a flavor explosion that resulted in an unexpected cascade of brain chemicals that left me with big warm fuzzies, but the atmosphere Lola created - with the help of a few great yelpers - was, much like the food, "off the chain."
I came for the food, but left with an experience. Lola's kitchen is another reminder that there is something right with the world, if you care enough to look for it. And that is food for the soul.
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While we were dining as gospel music played, several people came in and out for take out. She fed one homeless person and a woman in an SUV brought in bags of day old baked goods for Sunday when Lola feeds the homeless. And this is why she deserves 4 stars. Since we were the only people there at the end of our meal, we stayed and talked to Lola. One word: inspirational. We were moved and left a large "tip" and drove home feeling full, not only in our stomachs but in our hearts.
I highly recommend Lola's for the food, the gumbo, the music, the decor and most importantly for the experience of Lola herself. Amazing.You can read more reviews here:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nubian-queen-lolas-cajun-soul-food-restaurant-austin:)