Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar Has Reopened

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar. / Photo by Melissa Ostrow provided

It’s time for a celebratory tequila shot: Lolita Cocina has made her triumphant return.

The subterranean, Back Bay bar has been closed since early December while the landlord dealt with “base-building structural issues.” Overall, the interior hasn’t changed much—it’s still a dark, dramatic lounge.

But Lolita has new tableside tequila service, with bartenders pouring shots from the bar’s extensive agave list right where you’re at. The team has also developed new, house-made agua frescas, which are non-alcoholic, but respond well to spiking. The flavors include grilled pineapple coconut (suggested add: rum), watermelon hibiscus (benefits from tequila), and Chica Morada, a riff on a Peruvian favorite and a subtle nod to managing partners Chris Jamison, Mark Malatesta and culinary director Tom Berry’s newest spot, Ruka, with an optional shot of Peruvian brandy, pisco.

Executive chef Nicholas Cox and Berry have a few new menu items to share, too. In addition to the revamped, shareable menu they introduced last summer, there are some new dishes, like smoked cheddar avocado fritters with Cholula remoulade and peanut salsa; a cast-iron flank steak served with grilled peppers and onions and tortillas; and a 10-piece Mexican fried chicken dinner with chipotle slaw, smoky cheddar biscuits, and poblano honey-butter.

Beyond Back Bay, Jamison, Malatesta, and Berry are also working on a second Lolita Cocina, slated to open sometime this year in Fort Point. The team is also behind Yvonne’s and the nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) hotspot Ruka in Downtown Crossing.

Lolita is open nightly at 5 p.m., with food served until 11 a.m. (later on weekends) and drinks until late.

271 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, Boston, 617-369-5609, lolitatequilabars.com.