Lola's Cafe Gourmet Take Out

I always make it a point to have lunch at this restaurant when I visit Poughkeepsie. I usually order the grilled cheese, and it’s simply divine! The atmosphere is casual and the place is always bustling. I visited on a Monday at 3 PM, and it was still about 70% full! However, I didn’t have to wait long for my food; it arrived hot and perfect, just like always. They use fresh ingredients in every dish, and I’ve never had a bad meal here. Plus, it's conveniently located next to the Walkway Over the Hudson. You can easily exit the café, turn left, and climb the stairs that lead directly to the entrance of the walkway. I recommend placing your order in advance if you plan to visit during peak hours. Alternatively, you can enjoy lunch by the Hudson River on Marist College’s campus, which is only a 5-minute drive away.

If there's one thing to take away from this review, it's that you absolutely must order the peanut noodles. Lola's has been a go-to spot for me for years, and the quality has never wavered. I adore the bruschetta panini, the black bean burger, and the Asian salad. Recently, I tried the Asian rice bowl with tofu and was pleasantly surprised by its fantastic flavor. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu; everything tastes incredibly fresh. However, I do wish they offered more vegetarian options, especially for the rotating specials! They also serve fresh desserts, though I have to admit I have to exercise some self-control there. A little tip for enjoying the lovely weather: grab your food to go, find a spot near the stairs, and enjoy the sunny outdoor tables along the way!

I used Lola's for catering my wedding and am so happy I did. From my initial inquiry to the follow up email, I was extremely impressed. Patty and Eddie were kind, flexible, and all around amazing. The staff was easy to work with and the food was incredible. Besides my wedding experience, I also had lunch at the Poughkeepsie cafe and that was fantastic as well. You are the best!

If you're thinking about using Lola's Catering for your event, don't hesitate—book them right away! We hired them for our wedding, which was postponed twice, and they were incredibly helpful, kind, and understanding throughout the whole process. Michaela is a true gem; she went above and beyond to ensure our day was perfect. She kept me calm all day and handled any weather and guest issues with grace. Eddie and his team of chefs are fantastic! The food was outstanding, and every single guest raved about it! I still smile whenever I think about our menu. They are simply the best!

Food was fantastic. I'm gluten-free and their bread was the best I've ever tasted. Service was excellent as well. The crowd was deserved as this place should be that popular!