Little Lola is growing up, and she’s taking over Phoenix. Entering her gangly tween years, we might be calling the next concept Lourdes (but let us hope never Lolita).
Small success after small success, Daniel Wayne, the former brains behind such beloved Midtown Phoenix institutions Lux Coffeebar, Lola Tapas, and LT’s accouterment Lola Roastery (as in coffee not chicken), has once again entered the local ring of food and drink.
After a proper renovation, Lola Coffee has set up shop in the center of one of Midtown’s hippest (and most eclectic) shopping plazas.
Located on the NWC of Central Ave and Highland, Lola bunks with several well-known Midtown friends who also reside in the small, but new-again strip center. Most notably, long time rental institution Movies On Central, upscale and fashionable Haus Modern Living home store, trendy pet boutique Oliver & Annie, and what has become Phoenix’s go-to gay trinket and bauble store Unique On Central.
Also coming late this summer, another highly anticipated restaurant will be opening in the same plaza, a branch of California’s popular kitschy, island-themed Hula’s Modern Tiki. We’re talking coolness overload.
And another parking nightmare.
Though primarily a java-driven establishment, Lola Coffee also serves its house-roasted blends with pastries and other sweet nothings, courtesy of Danielle Librera of Sweet Pea Bakery fame.
Much like Mister Wayne’s former coffee gold mine down the street (Lux, shhh), Lola’s atmosphere and aesthetics also effortlessly blend the overtly hip with straightforward comfort. Just to be safe however, if you happen to travel with any personal electronics that are not Apple-branded, Starbucks may still be a better option.
Some things always go without saying.
Website by Lola, coming soon? Open daily at 7am.
Lola Coffee | 4700 N. Central | Midtown Phoenix | 602-265-5652
justineats.com 
Sorry. They make decent food and coffee but I can’t support anything Mr. & Mrs. Wayne and own. I’ve seen them treat others with rudeness and disrespect. These people are worse than the Soup Nazi the way they look down on paying customers. I wish them luck but they won’t be getting my money or “word of mouth” support.
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I was actually craving a Lux iced-coffee today…nothing like it. Sigh.
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Downtown Phoenix resident from 2000 to 2008, and I have nothing but love for the Waynes. Not only did they accommodate my 12-person birthday soiree at Lola Tapas one year, their concepts are always aesthically engaging, palette-pleasing local havens…AND they’ve been doing their “thang” downtown long before Central Phoenix became cool. Kinda makes me still wish I lived in AZ. I’d love to check it out.
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Have been disappointed by Lola’s on several occasions. Inconsistent opening hours, inconstistent coffee quality, etc. Hopefully will improve. BTW, what’s the deal with the anti-LUX comments?
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