Lolo’s Bar & Grill Fuses fresh cuisine with an island flare

By Kelsey Smith

New to Holland in May, Lolo’s Bar & Grill shares a slice of paradise on the water.

“Our goal is, and I know we’ve reached it, is to bring the islands to Holland,” said Tina LaFave, general manager. “If people can’t take a vacation to the islands, we’re going to bring it to them. We’re going to do the best we can with it, so people can relax and let go on everything else.”

Located along Lake Macatawa, the outdoor-only restaurant boasts sparkling waterfront views and a menu laced with fresh ingredients, flavor-packed tacos, sandwiches and cocktails.

“I would call it (menu) kind of Caribbean and Latin,” said Brad Kelley, chef at Lolo’s. “You can’t get tacos like this anywhere — they’re very fresh. Everything is made in-house.”

Lolo’s offers a variety of tacos, including one made with smoked brisket, creamy salsa verde, black beans, caramelized onions, guacamole and queso fresco.

“The tacos are a big hit,” LaFave said. “You can mix and match, and you can add a platter with rice and beans. People like to create their own.”

Aside from tacos, Lolo’s also is known for its cocktails, slushies and punch bowls.

“All of the juice we use is fresh,” LaFave said. “If you’re getting a screwdriver, it’s made with freshly squeezed orange juice.”

The Brooke Shields punch bowl is a big favorite. The drink serves two to three people, and is made of Bacardi Silver, Bacardi 151, orgeat syrup, blue curaçao, pineapple and simple syrup.

On Saturdays and Sundays, Lolo’s hosts live music from 4 to 8 p.m. and dueling pianos play on the last Sunday of every month.

Lolo’s can seat 100 guests, and is seasonal, with the goal of being open from May to September, and possibly October if the weather allows for it, LaFave said.

“It gives that vibe of happy,” she said. “It’s great, you’re sitting outside, you’re having a drink and a taco, there’s music in the background. It just gives a very chill atmosphere. You get to be yourself here.”

Lolo’s Bar & Grill
1862 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland
616-786-2210
lolosbarandgrill.com