What locals are saying
LoLA is a well-loved Park Circle neighborhood staple that grew from a food truck (started 2010) into a brick-and-mortar, still cooking much of its food from an on-site truck. Locals and regulars consistently praise the gumbo, crawfish, étouffée, and po'boys as genuinely authentic Louisiana-meets-Lowcountry food, and the family-run, casual atmosphere earns repeat visits. The main friction points are weekend wait times and occasional service inconsistencies, including at least one incident of guests being cut off abruptly.
On socials
TikTok creators and food bloggers consistently call out the duck fries and shrimp-and-crawfish po'boy as the must-orders — one creator flatly declares 'Lola in SC has THE BEST FRIES I've ever had' while another dubs the Big Easy po'boy 'a seafood delight that's not to be missed.' The vibe description is nearly unanimous: 'New Orleans kick in Charleston,' chill underground energy, pet-friendly patio, and 'jumpin' cocktails. Gumbo Yaya and crawfish étouffée over grits draw repeat visitors; one food blogger says she was 'hooked' after swapping rice for grits. The lone dissent — oysters drawing a flat reaction in one mixed-review TikTok — is the exception in an otherwise enthusiastic feed.
Who it’s for & what you get
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Kids menu
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Good for groups
- Kid-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restroom
- Free parking
Frequently asked
Is LoLA one of the best restaurants in Charleston?
LoLA is ranked #80 restaurant in Charleston by community votes.
What is LoLA best known for?
Cajun- & Creole-style seafood doled out in hip digs with garage door windows, a full bar & patio.
Who should go to LoLA?
LoLA works well for both locals and visitors looking for a quality restaurant in Charleston.
Where is LoLA located?
LoLA is located at 4830 O'Hear Ave, North Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar restaurants in Charleston
The Harlow
Neighborhood coffee shop and gathering spot on James Island's Harbor View Road, with live music and a dog-friendly patio.
The Mason Jar By Fatboys
Unpretentious eatery serving up familiar Southern fare such as fried chicken, seafood & BBQ.
Wando River Grill
Waterfront bar-and-grill on the Wando River serving fried seafood and cold beer with a dock and occasional live music.
The Kingstide
Waterfront restaurant with terraces offering seafood specialties amid stylish surroundings.
Nearby in North Charleston
Commonhouse Aleworks
Dog-friendly brewery and taproom off O'Hear Avenue in North Charleston, pouring house beers in an industrial space.
Pinky & Clyde's Arcade Bar
Retro arcade bar on Montague Ave with free-to-play machines, cold beer, and enough neon to keep North Charleston weird.
Clipper Craft Park Circle
Neighborhood barbershop on East Montague serving Park Circle with clean cuts and a 4.9-star reputation built on repeat locals.
Park Pizza Co
Classic pizza, subs & salads get a modern twist at this simple spot focused on takeout & delivery.
Simply Stefanee
Wedding planning and coordination studio on East Montague Avenue, run by a single named operator with a five-star local following.
Park Circle Nail Spa
Wheelchair-accessible nail salon anchoring the East Montague strip in North Charleston's Park Circle neighborhood.
