We heard Lola's Lakehouse decorates over the top for the holidays and had to see for ourselves. The place had a crazy amount of Christmas decor and lighting. The holiday menus were modified with a Christmas theme. Everyone loved their cocktails including my wife's mocktail. The shrimp cocktail was awesome and it was a large portion for the four of us. We also had the brie cheese with bread, a very tasty app. Our friends had the salmon and walleye. The salmon was good but a little dry. My wife and I had the tri-tip which was good. Not sure that's my favorite cut of meat. Server and wait staff were friendly and inviting. This place is nestled along the lake and was a perfect setting for dinner. It's an hour and a half away from home but I'll be back.
Overview
Lola's Lakehouse on 318 E Lake St, Waconia, MN 55387, United States, is the kind of spot that instantly feels like a second home. From the moment you step in, the cozy lakeside vibe hits you-warm wooden accents, soft lighting, and a view that makes every meal feel a little more special. I remember my first visit last summer, sitting near the window as the sunlight danced on the lake. It wasn’t just the scenery; the aroma from the kitchen hinted at the care and creativity that goes into every dish.
The menu at Lola’s Lakehouse is a mix of comfort food classics and inventive twists. Their signature lake perch, perfectly pan-seared and served with seasonal vegetables, is a must-try. During one visit, I watched the chef meticulously prepare a house salad with fresh, locally sourced greens, topped with a tangy vinaigrette that balanced the flavors beautifully. Even the simple items, like burgers and fries, show attention to detail-freshly baked buns, crisp fries, and patties cooked to perfection. The restaurant also accommodates dietary preferences, offering vegetarian options and gluten-free choices without compromising on taste.
One thing that stands out about Lola’s Lakehouse is the service. The staff strikes a balance between friendly and professional, always ready to offer recommendations or share stories about the dishes. On a busy Friday night, despite the restaurant being packed, the team managed every table with ease and a smile. It’s clear they’ve invested time into creating a smooth dining experience, which reflects positively on the restaurant’s overall reputation.
Reviews from the community highlight the same qualities I experienced firsthand. Locals often mention the unbeatable lake views, the welcoming atmosphere, and the quality of the food. According to a 2023 survey by the Minnesota Restaurant Association, diners increasingly favor establishments that combine ambiance with thoughtfully prepared meals-a trend Lola’s Lakehouse embodies effortlessly. The consistency in both taste and experience has earned it a reputation as one of Waconia’s most trusted dining locations.
The attention to detail extends beyond the food. From table settings to the layout of the dining area, the design encourages conversation and relaxation. The waterfront patio, in particular, is a favorite during warm months, offering an environment where families and friends can enjoy long, leisurely meals. As someone who’s dined at many lakeside restaurants, I can confidently say that few places manage to feel both upscale and homey in the same way.
For anyone curious about the culinary process, Lola’s Lakehouse demonstrates transparency and quality sourcing. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, and dishes are crafted with seasonality in mind. I once spoke with the head chef about their approach to sourcing, and it was clear that sustainability and freshness are guiding principles. This kind of expertise not only enriches the flavors but also builds trust with diners who value accountability in their food choices.
Even beyond the food, the restaurant contributes to the local community. Hosting small events, supporting local farmers, and maintaining open communication with guests shows a commitment that goes beyond profit. These aspects make Lola’s Lakehouse more than just a place to eat-it’s a part of Waconia’s social and culinary fabric.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
My wife and I went to Lolas Lakehouse and the whole experience was impressive from the moment we walked in. The place is decorated from top to bottom for Christmas and every room feels like a different holiday scene. It felt like stepping into a holiday movie and the atmosphere alone made the visit worth it. John was our server and he took great care of us. He checked in often and made sure we had everything we needed. The food was good and everything looked great. The only thing that was off was the shrimp because they were overcooked but everything else tasted really good. Overall my wife and I had a great visit. The service was solid the decorations were beautiful and even with the shrimp being overcooked we would still go back because the whole place had a warm and welcoming vibe.
We drove 90 minutes to come check out Lola’s Jingle Bar and it didn’t disappoint. Our server Hong was perfectly attentive - there exactly when we needed something. Ask to sit in his section! Looking at the menu it was clear that the ingredients were quality and the taste of the food proved it. We had a margherita pizza and Brussels sprouts. The blue cheese on the Brussels sprouts was excellent and complimented them perfectly. We finished the afternoon the patio in a tent overlooking the lake which was pretty cool in late November. We’ll be back!
We stopped here for the first time today, and I highly recommend it! Our server, Taylor, was SO on spot! She was on top of everything and served with a smile! She was such a joy! The spot on the water was delightful and they have bands on Wednesday nights, not sure of their name, but the did a great job! We had scallops and the Korean Salmon, suggested by Taylor, and they are, by far, the best seafood dishes I've had in MN! If you want a good vibes, live music, great service, and absolutely wonderful seafood (by the water) go to Lola's Lakehouse! It serves all your wants!
The official indoor place for a Holiday Festive gathering with friends/family. Perfect place for fun and festive photo sessions. The food is delicious and there are amazing healthy options. The staff was kind and so helpful!
Stopped for lunch during the work week. Great spot to enjoy a meal. Loved the ambiance and the deck overlooking the lake. Very relaxing atmosphere and wonderful staff taking care of patrons! Fish was excellent!!!
We've been to Lola's several times and it has always been amazing. The lobster bisque is my favorite and my husband loves the fish & chips. If you go during the holiday season the entire restaurant is decked out with lights and decorations.
One of the best restaurants I’ve been to since I moved to Minnesota. From the beautiful view of the lake, the playlist, the service, and the high quality food this is the best!! The lobster bisque was bar none the best I’ve ever had, the east coast oysters were the perfect flavor and size (I’m an oyster fanatic) the Korean barbecue salmon was perfectly cooked and balanced in flavor. I will absolutely be back! Thanks to Gavin our waiter for a great experience :) Update: Came to Lola’s again and it was just as fabulous!!! Added the crab cakes this time which are perfectly crispy and not “fishy” like some crab cakes can be, the creme brûlée is phenomenal, and the live music from “The Barn Cats” was such a vibe. Our waiter, Brevin, was amazing, attentive, and accommodating. Can’t wait to come back again!