Lolita Opened Its Doors Over the Weekend

Spied by Portland Food Map, a quiet Facebook post (beginning with the line "Shhhh! Come on by.") was all the indication Lolita Vinoteca + Asador gave of its official opening yesterday—even the website still declared "Opening Soon." The restaurant, occupying the former Hilltop Cafe location at 90 Congress Street, is the spiritual successor to Guy and Stella Hernandez's Bar Lola, which closed in November last year. Along with business partner Neil Reiter, the Hernandezes will welcome dining guests in the more accessible 28-seat spot, including those looking for just a snack or a drink, which was difficult to find on the multi-course menu at Bar Lola.

Lolita will be open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for seekers of "American cuisine, guided by Mediterranean & old-world traditions" in a setting "reminiscent of an Old World bodega," according to the restaurant's Facebook page. See photos from last week's press preview or check out even more coverage in the archives. Portland's foodies cautiously await the inevitable comparisons between the roughly three pound, local porterhouse steak offered by Lolita and the two pound Certified Angus beef version from fellow newcomer Timber.
· "Lolita is Now Open" [PFM]
· "A Look Inside Lolita, Opening Next Week" [-EME-]
· All Lolita Coverage [-EME-]