Lolita BYOB

 Award-winning Lolita Restaurant in Philadelphia is a delight of the senses. This BYOB (BYO-T[equila]?) establishment is an obvious favorite among locals, but visitors come back for more as well. Playful decor in a grown-up atmosphere is the name of Lolita's game, complete with authentic Mexican musical accompaniment. The perfect place for a dinner date or business meeting, Lolita is as close as you can get to perfect.

Lolita's cuisine is exotically-inspired Mexican-- traditional flavors with unexpected twists. To start off your Lolita experience, try the tequila-lime smoked salmon tostaditas with roasted jalapeno cream, pickled papaya, avocado and orange-jicama slaw; or the fundido con queso y chorizo-- melted oaxaca and chihuaua cheeses, roasted poblano peppers, Mexican oregano and homemade corn tortillas. 

Entree items include favorites like grilled mahi-mahi with brandy-cumin chorizo, roasted hominy, caramelize leeks, and shaved apple salad; Puerco Puerco-- a grilled, spiced pork chop, smoked bacon potatoes, rajas, sauteed spinach and guajillo salsa; carne asada with morita-cumin beef tenderloin, smoky plantain cream, fried yucca and pobalno rajas; and pechuga de pato, a hazelnut-crusted duck breast with sweet plantains, sour cherry salsa and jicama-orange slaw. 

Don't leave Lolita without having tried one of their famous desserts. A pumpkin creme brulee with clove and pumpkin seed brittle, or bittersweet chocolate-pecan bread pudding with coconut, cinnamon and warm caramel both make excellent choices. 

Reservations are not required, but are helpful. Bring cash, because Lolita does not accept credit cards or checks. A minimum food order of $18/person is required. 

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.