Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails

"The only Michelin Bib Gourmand taqueria in the area, Lola 55 stands out for its elevated street tacos. Currently overseen by chef Daniel Soto from the Michelin two-starred restaurant Pujol in Mexico City, the restaurant has another outpost in Carlsbad and a spinoff headed for Westfield UTC. Highlights include the achiote-rubbed pork belly with grilled pineapple, vegan shroom taco with beet soyrizo, and citrus-y cocktails. The beans and rice (abuela’s secret recipe) are musts as well." - Helen I. Hwang

"Frank Vizcarra and chef Drew Bent may have been surprised to win Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, but anyone who has eaten at Lola 55 was not. With concentrated obsession the kitchen chars cauliflower, plumps sweet golden raisins, and turns thin cuts of eggplant into “bacon” to build a taco experience not often gifted to vegetables. The Stuffed Squash Blossom, one of the restaurant’s most popular tacos, fills the delicate squash petals with almond cheese, sealed with a light batter and fry. The unassuming blossom is set with beet soyrizo, poblano salsa, and potato skin chicharron and arrives ready to bust diner’s expectation of vegan tacos." - Kelly Bone

"Lola55 in the East Village impresses with a combination of tasty tacos and cocktails served inside a stylish, urban dining space. The pork belly al pastor taco is a winner any day of the week, but don’t sleep on the Baja fish taco and the vegetarian-friendly squash blossom relleno taco. North County diners can also sample Lola55’s menu at its newer location in Carlsbad." - Mario A. Cortez, Candice Woo

"There may be plenty of taquerias around town, but this East Village gem is of a slightly different breed. The airy space, with its high ceilings, concrete floors and a full bar with lounge, reads über-cool. However, it’s more than just about good looks—their tacos are what draw the crowds. The variations on offer here lean more sophisticated with creative combinations such as baby carrot adobada and squash blossom relleno. Ribeye carne asada cooked to order on the mesquite wood-burning grill or achiote-rubbed pork belly with grilled pineapple are just some of the winners. Posole verde is comfort in a bowl, while fried masa disks are plain delectable. Remember to save room for the Mexican mole-chocolate ice cream and addictively crunchy churros." - Michelin Inspector

"Lola55 in the East Village impresses with a combination of tasty tacos and cocktails served inside a stylish, urban dining space. The pork belly al pastor taco is a winner any day of the week, but don’t sleep on the Baja fish taco and the vegetarian-friendly squash blossom relleno taco. Look out for an incoming location, slated to arrive at the Beacon in Carlsbad." - Mario A. Cortez, Candice Woo