Lola Bistro

Always the best brunch in the 'burgh.

A nice little restaurant tucked into an unobtrusive corner of the North Side. This place features a constantly changing menu of internationally inspired dishes with seasonal ingredients. For instance, i had a house made stuffed pasta from the Abruzzi region where the dough had ramps in it, since they are available now. Others in our party had leg of lamb, or Moroccan Cioppino, or a chicken pot pie. So, while the menu is short, it is quite varied.

If you have a party of four or more, make reservations as the place is small. It can hold maybe twenty people. They make everything themselves so things may take a little more time.

There is no liquor license. It's BYOB. A $5 corkage fee per bottle for wine is very reasonable.

Fantastic spread of global tastes in a small setting. Great prices for the authentic quality. BYOB to boot. Will recommend for casual and intimate dinners alike.

Ethnic. Northern and eastern European. Good food! BYOB. Would come here again. The Cesar salad was great. Yummy cheese plate. The Scandinavian chicken pot pie was interesting. Pear cake for dessert. Would recommend my colleagues to try this friendly neighborhood restaurant.

This is one of the best restaurant experiences in the city, and is mostly off the radar. Stop at El Refucilo on Western Ave. for a flight tasting, and then buy a couple of bottles to take on a 2 minute walk to Lola's for delicious, inspired food in an intimate atmosphere.