Comments on PHX Rail Food: Lola Coffee (Downtown Location)

I love the downtown location. Although I'm am...

2010-02-04T01:04:59.102-07:00

I love the downtown location. Although I'm am 'uptown boy' and have been to the uptown location dozens of times, I never felt at home—the baristas haven't bothered to learn my name or order, and something with the vibe isn't right for me...

Almost immediately upon entering downtown's location I felt at ease. The staff went out of the way to ask my name and the decor resonated with me better.

While Lux (uptown) and Royal) downtown remain my favs, Lola downtown is a nice alternative. Hopefully it will give Fair Trade the push it needs to step up it's game.

I like the new Lola: thought the old door turned o...

2010-02-02T13:27:38.835-07:00

I like the new Lola: thought the old door turned on its side and used for the menu was a cool idea, and it is always my preference to visit a coffee shop with in-house roasting (the new Lola houses the coffee roaster).
I worry a bit about its location. "Fair Trade Cafe" is very close. If it was my bet, I'd say any market share snatching will go to the new Lola, but if the community supports the both, that'd be great!

Their cupcakes are about as good as they get! The ...

2010-02-02T12:47:44.968-07:00

Their cupcakes are about as good as they get! The frosting is the most enjoyable, with fresh sugar or espresso beans sprinkled on top. I have had the traditional cupcake, the cappucino one and the root beer one - all absolutely delicious. My friend is a regular fan of the strawberry tart that is regularly featured.

I also find a distinction between the chairs at the two locations. Which seems like an odd thing to have issues with - but when I go to a coffee house I generally want to stay awhile and be able to study. I am a lot more comfortable at the Uptown location, but that doesn't stop me from going to Downtown.

I love the table that greets you when you enter the front door of the Gold Spot Lola and the newspaper(s) that scatter it. The red espresso machine accents the cafe as does roasting machine beyond the window in the back.

I am just hoping that my regular presence at Lola Downtown will one day entitle me to a first name greeting as it does at the Uptown location.

However I look at it, I'm a fan. Though it is a coffee house, I think everyone should try their orange juice - I don't know where they get it but if I knew, I'd be on my way to get it in bulk.