There’s something about the lure of a speakeasy I can’t resist. The hidden entries, the pseudo-clandestine vibe and the if-you-know-you-know feeling of being in on something secret and special.
And two weeks ago, I stumbled upon one in my own backyard: Lola’s speakeasy beer garden in downtown Carlsbad.
Lola’s was no secret to me. The history of Lola’s 7Up Market & Deli, now in its 73rd year, is well documented, and locals know it’s the place to go for an authentic meal. I’ve been enjoying Lola’s burritos for decades. But somehow, in my rush in and out, I never peeked around the back. Until now.
I glanced through the open gate behind the market. And there it was!
Imagine a cross between a speakeasy, a Mexican cantina and a backyard garden, and you’ll get the picture — sorta. Add a stage and curious decor that ranges from odd to nostalgic to iconic, and you’ll be closer. Might just have to pop in for a pint to really understand.
I sat down in the beer garden with Dee Dee Trejo and Sacorro Jauregui to hear more about how it came about and the beers they are serving.
ILB: OK, when did this happen, and how have I missed it?
Trejo: The idea really started during COVID. We always had this extra space but weren’t really using it. During COVID, some local bands needed a place to rehearse. So we let them practice back here. And people started showing up to listen.
ILB: We were all pretty desperate for something to do and somewhere to go back then.
Trejo: Yes. When Bill Walton’s Electric Waste Band was here, we had 300 fans, and locals showed up. We knew that the space could be something special.
ILB: Have I missed out on it for that long?
Trejo: No. It’s been open almost two years. And we don’t advertise it. We have live music on Saturdays and Monday night football gatherings, but we don’t promote anything in advance.
ILB: So, “if you know, you know.”
Trejo: Yes, and the people in our neighborhood know. Lola’s has always been for our locals first. Of course, anyone is welcome to join us.
ILB: I recognize a few of these items. The mirror with the caricatures behind the stage — where have I seen it before?
Trejo: That’s from the Golden Tee. The red booth in the front is from Captain Keno’s. Our bar and taps came from Pollo’s Maria. Iconic local places that are no longer with us, but they live on here.
ILB: It’s time to talk about the beer, specifically this one just handed to me.
Jauregui: That’s the St. Michael’s Jazz Fest IPA brewed by Pizza Port. Father Doran is a big part of this area, and he brews a beer for the St. Michael’s Jazz Festival every year. We are lucky enough to have a keg of it on tap. Careful, it’s a sneaky 6.8% ABV. We also have beers from Karl Strauss, Koa Kai, Ketch and Planview Lager. So lots of local beers on tap. And more in cans and bottles in the market.
ILB: I also saw you have a collaboration beer with Pizza Port.
Jauregui: Lola Says Hola Mexican Lager. We love Nacho, the head brewer at Carlsbad Pizza Port around the corner. It only made sense to have him brew a beer for us. Local artist Sean Dominguez designed the logo.
I contacted Pizza Port owner Gina Marsaglia and Sean “Domo” Dominguez about this collaboration between local icons.
Marsaglia: Lola Says Hola has a special place in our heart for being neighbors for so long and finally getting to pair up to make a beer. We also made the California Burrito Pizza, topped with Lola’s famous carne asada and green salsa.
Dominguez: Lola’s is for locals; it always has been. The artwork [Lola’s famous skater carrying off a keg of beer] is actually a revised version of the logo I created for them years ago. I had to make the skater a little older, of course, since he’s carrying a keg.
Marsaglia: Domo is so passionate about art it makes every label a masterpiece!
It all comes together perfectly — the venue, the beer, the local collaboration and the history. Come by for a burrito, a pint and some live music.
Lola’s 7Up Market & Deli is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, with live music from noon to 3 p.m. During the NFL season, the beer garden is also open for Monday Night Football.
Cheers!
Jeff Spanier is the co-host of I Like Beer the Podcast. Follow Spanier’s adventures on Instagram @ilikebeerthepodcast and on YouTube @ilikebeerthepodcast2757.
