Lolo’s Surf Cantina in the Stanton Marriott on Ocean Drive is the newest spot to celebrate and enjoy the food of our Southern neighbors in Mexico…. before The Wall gets built.

Chef Richard Ampudia of Cafe Habana and La Esquina in New York has brought a piece of Baja California to Miami Beach’s SoFi neighborhood. With a clientele who’s sophisticated and a beach that's only steps away, SoFi felt like the ideal location for his newest outpost.

“I think Mexican Coastal food is a perfect fit for the city and its laid-back, healthy lifestyle,” Chef Ampudia said.

Lolo’s is everything SoFi’s been missing. A casual place you want to come back to over and over again because it’s welcoming and unpretentious. It’s the quintessential neighborhood spot. Whether you grabbed a seat at the bar, the comfy booths or took to go for a picnic on the beach, you’ll feel like you belong.

Before going into everything I ate, I have to say the Signature Cocteles almost knocked me offmy seat. The cocktail menu includes drinks made with mezcal or tequila. As a mezcal-loving girl, I was very happy to see the rare libation included in a variety of ways. Micheladas (think: beer bloody mary) make an appearance in four styles ranging from traditional to green or sweet.

But, to start, I ordered the Mamacita which includes Mezcal, Lime and Ginger Beer. It was delicious and offered an unexpected twist on the ever-popular Moscow Mule.

For my second round, I opted for a Green Michelada with Tecate, Celery, Aguachile, Clamato and Tortilla Salt Rim. It was incredibly refreshing and almost light despite the beer. It’s easy to tell that Miami’s weather inspired the drinks.

Now for the main attraction:

Food is what I came for and delicious food is what I got. The menu, which is split up into sections, has something for everyone. Chef Ampudia describes the Raw Bar and Small Bites menu as his idea of comfort food, and I couldn’t agree more.

I ordered the Shrimp Volcan which included two insanely good, open-faced “quesadillas” with Shrimp, Oaxacan Cheese and Chipotle. I’ve had to restrain myself from getting them delivered as a late night treat multiple times already.

The influence from others who have shared their secrets with Chef is a happy result, especially the Carnitas Tacos.  Pork Confit, Cilantro, Pickled Onions and Salsa Verde were nestled in blue corn tortillas and tasted like something your grandma would make on a Sunday afternoon. After all, Lolo’s was named after Chef Ampudia’s grandma, Abuelita Lolo.

To top off both my dinner and jean button, I had the Torta Ahogada which blew. my. mind. If you’re unfamiliar with what a Torta Ahogada, it’s a basically a Crispy Baguette sandwich with Black Beans Spread, Carnitas and Pickled Onions dunked (read: drenched) in a Chile de Arbol sauce that I would eat with a spoon. I loved it!

If you haven’t been to Lolo’s yet, I suggest you get there quickly. It’s only a matter of time before word spreads and this cozy neighborhood spot booms.

Lolo’s Surf Cantina

161 Ocean Dr,

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 735-6973