09/13/2025
We recently had the opportunity to check out Lola’s Cocina in Jones Valley. It’s a new fast casual Mexican restaurant that’s part of the Phil Sandoval family of Mexican restaurants. Located near Target and Hobby Lobby, so convenient if you’re shopping there. Madison has one on Moon Shot Drive (love that name). The first things I noticed as we pulled in were the drive-thru, the patio with outdoor seating and a sign proclaiming BREAKFAST. Upon entering, you order at a counter and your food is then brought to your table. For lunch, which is when I was there, they offer tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and enchiladas. They also have Mexican pizza, hotdogs, bowls and margaritas. Additionally, you can have birria ramen, fideo loco (noodle soup), and avocado fries. And they have coleslaw. I’m always happy to see that. You choose from a list of regular and premium proteins. The regular ones are shredded chicken, ground beef, veggies, white fish, al pastor and chorizo. Premiums include grilled chicken, barbacoa, steak, carne guisida, and birria & consommé. Desserts are Nutella nachos or tres leches. I had a beef burrito and my friend, Kathy had some sort of quesadilla (I didn’t pay attention to what protein she got—My friends should not comment here). The staff was very accommodating when I asked for rice to be left out of my burrito. They asked if I wanted to get something else instead and when I mentioned the coleslaw, they let me taste a little bit first. It was good, so I got that on the side. The queso at Lola’s is yellow. I’m a big fan of white queso, yellow not so much, but my burrito was topped with the yellow queso and, while I will never like it as much as the white, it was fine. Lola’s makes all their tortillas in house, which we like to see, and the chips are thin, which I also love. The guac was good, but I wish I had gotten one of the spicier salsas. The mild Tampico salsa might be perfect for sissies like Scott Reynolds or .cisco1, but I need a little more flavor. If you are familiar with and like Phil Sandoval’s, I predict you will like this more casual option.
