Former Head Chef Of The Butcher's Block Opens New Hoboken Waterfront Lounge

HOBOKEN, NJ — The former head chef at The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch will open a new restaurant in Hoboken: Brandon "Bud" Carter and partners will open The Lola waterfront restaurant and lounge, located at 102 Sinatra Drive (the former House of Que space, now closed).

Carter was one of the original founders of The Butcher's Block, which rose in the past few years to become one of the most outstanding restaurants on the Jersey Shore. Carter is also the owner and executive chef of Olea restaurant/lounge in Spring Lake.

He's now expanding north: The Lola opens Feb. 6 and starts taking reservations Wednesday, Jan. 21: https://www.thelolahoboken.com...

“The LOLA is about bringing people together in a way that feels natural, welcoming and exciting," said Carter. "From the food to the space, everything was designed for connection — gathering around the table, sharing plates, raising a glass and letting the night unfold."

"Lola" stands for Living Out Life’s Adventures. Expect soft candlelight, cozy booths and brick accent walls in their dining room, a more intimate setting in their waterfront lounge (perfect for date nights, and Valentine's Day is right around the corner) and a lively bar. They also have a party room for corporate events and larger celebrations. Their cocktail menu features creative twists on classic cocktails, with martinis at its core.

Carter is executive chef, and his menu will be made up of steak, seafood and hand-crafted pastas, with weekly rotating specials and a curated wine list.

Carter is opening Lola Hoboken in partnership with ECS Hospitality Group.

"Partnering with ECS Hospitality to bring this vision to Hoboken felt like the right next step, and LOLA truly represents a new chapter rooted in craftsmanship, bold flavor and genuine hospitality," he said.

"As Hoboken continues to evolve, so does the way its residents gather and dine," said ECS Hospitality. "The city’s social and dining culture is maturing alongside its community — shifting away from high-energy bar scenes and toward experiences rooted in atmosphere, quality and connection ... LOLA Hoboken answers that shift. Designed as a sophisticated waterfront destination, LOLA blends a warm, stylish lounge setting with a dynamic food and beverage program — creating a space where guests come together for elevated dinners, linger over cocktails and enjoy an effortless social energy."

Follow them on social for exclusive updates, opening announcements and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram - @lolahoboken Facebook - Lola Hoboken TikTok - @thelolahoboken