If you live in the South Jersey area and appreciate a perfectly crafted latte, matcha, or a refreshing mocktail bévraj, make your way to Lola’s Cafe & Kitchen in Absecon, NJ.
Tucked right next to the sleek and modern White Horse Wine & Spirits, this café brings French bistro charm, laid-back vibes, and indulgent beignets (more about them later) to 08201.
Lola’s isn’t just a place to grab a drink. It’s a space to gather, hang out, enjoy an excellent specialty latte and something tasty to eat. It’s the perfect spot for catching up with friends, especially if you’re a mom juggling little ones. They’ve truly thought of everything: outside on the patio, you’ll find a kid-friendly “funtivity” corner complete with a play kitchen and a sandpit, so the kiddos stay happily entertained while you sip, snack, and socialize (all while keeping an eye on them for a safe and fun time for everyone, of course).
The baristas at Lola’s bring the whole place to life with their effortlessly cool style. Think retro tees and perfectly faded denim. Their laid-back looks and easy energy add to the café’s charm, creating an ambiance that feels both curated and totally relaxed. It’s the kind of place where the vibe is as good as the coffee.
Of course, no cool crew is complete without its mascot, and Lola, the family dog turned café legend, more than fits the bill. If you ever scrolled through their Instagram (which, by the way, is an aesthetic dream), you may have caught a glimpse of her living her best life. For over a decade, she’s been the mood manager, and chief tail-wagger, and a source of joy for anyone who meets her.
Now, let’s talk about the food… We sipped on a pistachio iced matcha latte (we’ve been deep in our matcha era lately) and a dreamy honey lavender latte that felt like a warm hug in a cup. As always, we had to order the beignets: pillowy, golden, and served with a side of dulce de leche for dipping. It’s the kind of treat that’s become my non-negotiable every time I visit.
We also tried the breakfast tostadas, and they did not disappoint: a crispy tortilla layered with creamy black beans, sunny-side-up eggs, avocado, crumbled feta, pickled red onions, and a scoop of homemade salsa. A little crunch, a little runny yolk, and a whole lot of flavor.
And then came the French toast kebabs. What a treat! Cubed-up pieces of perfectly toasted French toast, each bite with a golden crust and flavorful center, skewered with fresh strawberries and melon, served with real maple syrup. It was fun, shareable, and totally satisfying, the kind of dish you secretly want to keep all to yourself.
Lola’s isn’t just serving up great coffee and tasty food, they’re building a community. Keep an eye on their Instagram to stay in the loop about their wildly creative events and pop-ups. Like Night Bites: an evening of regional wines and curated pairings, to themed happenings like the Country Hoedown (coming back this fall!) with line dancing by the Rowdy Cowboys, every gathering is a vibe. Or Yoga on the Patio, paired with nourishing bites like vegan banana bread and crisp summer salads. And of course they have something for the little ones, like Lola’s Kids Café Bubble Party – a hit with families and toddlers alike.
Open Wednesday through Sunday | 8am–3pm
Visit their website: www.lolascafenj.com
Follow them on Instagram: @lolascafenj
