Lola Bar Restaurant

What is Lola Bar Restaurant? Perched along the bohemian bustle of 40 Kensington Avenue, Lola Bar Restaurant is a quarter-century fixture of Kensington Market's countercultural scene. Originally established by sisters Gwen and Hong Bang and later passed on within the neighbourhood family to Corina Death, this lived-in dive bar is a beloved, unpretentious sanctuary for artists, regulars, and touring musicians. Inside, low-lit charm and well-worn furniture give way to an intimate back room stage, while the gated front yard patio offers some of the best people-watching real estate in the market.

Lola Bar Restaurant Menu & What to Order Lola keeps things refreshingly simple and budget-friendly, focusing on thirst-quenching pours rather than complicated culinary programs. Cold domestic tallboys and rotating Ontario craft draft beer flow freely, complemented by classic bar pours, cider, and the house favourite tart Cranberry Margarita. While light bar snacks and chips are on hand to tide you over, the primary draw here is pairing a cheap drink with an impromptu indie set, open mic night, or weekend afternoon patio acoustic performance.

Know Before You Go Lola operates strictly on a walk-in policy, with a relaxed daytime crowd that ramps up considerably on weekend evenings and during pay-what-you-can live gigs. Kensington Avenue is pedestrian-dense and street parking is practically nonexistent, so arrive via the 510 Spadina streetcar or 505 Dundas route. Lola is closed Mondays, opening from the early afternoon through late evening Tuesday through Sunday.