The Hoboken Girl Team 
Following the closure of the Wicked Wolf, the restaurant group behind the former Hoboken bar has new plans for its other establishment in town. ECS Hospitality group tells The Hoboken Girl exclusively that The LOLA, located at 102 Sinatra Drive, is taking a new direction, shifting gears towards a cocktail lounge with former Butcher’s Block Chef Brandon (Bud) Carter, who recently opened Olea in Spring Lake. The new space will open on February 6th, 2026. The team is also eyeing the former House of Que space, hinting at a bar and restaurant concept going in the space. Read on for more about what’s to come for The LOLA.
About The Lola
Located just steps away from Pier A at 102 Sinatra Drive, The Lola is a popular Hoboken hangout for brunch with the girls, date night dinners, or a late-night cocktail scene. LOLA stands for “Living Out Life’s Adventures,” according to the team. Since it opened in Fall 2022, it’s become a destination for a night out and a bottomless brunch.
The Lola is owned by Hoboken resident Sean Sullivan, who also owns the recently closed Wicked Wolf, also on Sinatra Drive. Sean tells HG that the team is working on something new for the House of Que space, which will also be a new bar/restaurant concept.
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As for the Lola, the new year begins with a new vibe for the space and the menu. The new iteration will be a more relaxed, lounge-y vibe, designed for guests to stay awhile. The team says that this shift is based on Hoboken’s shifting demographics and is designed to reflect more about what patrons want. “Guests want more than a night out; they are looking for experiences rooted in atmosphere, quality, and connection,” the team says.
The new dining room and bar space at The Lola. Image courtesy of ECS Hospitality.
An interior refresh of the space has created a sophisticated, deliberate use of the space that will make for a great backdrop to the revamped menu (more on that below). The main dining room appears to have been updated into a cozy space with soft candlelight, booths, and brick accent walls. The Lounge is a private corner of the restaurant, offering a more intimate setting ideal for date nights or late-night bites. It is also a private party room for large groups, celebrations, and events.
Of course, the bar is the star of the show, designed in simple but classic marble to be the backdrop for whatever kind of night the mood calls for. The team has announced a soft opening for Friday, February 6th, 2026.
About Chef Carter
Chef Brandon (Bud) Carter, Executive Chef and Owner of Olea Restaurant & Lounge in Spring Lake, and former Executive Chef at The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch, has now joined The Lola team. Chef Carter is a New Jersey native known for his creative menus featuring seasonal items.
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Chef Carter said via a statement: “The LOLA is about bringing people together in a way that feels natural, welcoming, and exciting. 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. 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.”
The bar at the newly revamped Lola in Hoboken. Image courtesy of ECS Hospitality Group.
Diners can expect weekly specials featuring the season’s best, handmade pasta, steaks, seafood, and more. The new menu at the Lola will debut on Friday, February 6th.
The Lola is open from 4PM to 2AM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; Saturdays 10AM to 2AM; and Sundays 10AM to 12AM.
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