Olé Olé

The whole experience was sort of ruined by The Guacamole Incident, but let me set that aside for a moment. I came in on a Saturday evening, and while I was waiting for my dining pal, the bartender set me up with a couple of $ 5 mojitos. And let me tell you, these were damn good mojitos, not just for $ 5, but in general. They were also serving $ 4 glasses of sangria that night which we did not try.
So we got a lovely table by the open front windows (this was back when it was warm… remember those days?) and ordered the calamares a la plancha – delicious. My entrée was the chicken fajitas. Based on reviews, I expected a gigantic mound of awesomeness; what I got was a moderate serving of a-​okay fajitas. There was nothing wrong with them; they were just fajitas. There were a couple of unorthodox vegetables such as broccoli, but that was fine.
So what happened with the guacamole? Well, here is a succinct version. We order guacamole for an appetizer, and the waitress says, «We don’t have any guacamole tonight. They delivered a big case of unripe avocados yesterday.» Okay, major bummer. Based on other reviews, my friend and I had both been looking forward to it all day. Well, sometimes things happen, and I get over it.
When the fajitas come, there are little cups of sour cream, salsa, cheese, and… guacamole. Obviously we are both surprised. When the waitress comes to check up, I say, «So I guess they found a bag of avocados back there, huh?» «Oh…yeah, I guess so. Is it any good?» No apology, no explanation, no offer to get us the appetizer order that we had originally requested.
After she walks away, I start looking around the dining room and observe several tables with the larger-​sized portion of guacamole. I take a little walk to the men’s room and count four tables enjoying guacamole at that moment. That’s when I get really aggravated.
So at that point, I decided to bypass the waitress and speak directly to the manager (after our meal was done). I think that it may have been the owner. In any case, she made a few apologies, a few excuses, and ultimately took care of it by giving me a chit for a free guacamole and an empanada. The point that I made to her was that I wasn’t bothered so much by the lack of guacamole as by the indifferent service. Our waitress should have come out to our table as soon as she heard or saw that the kitchen was making guacamole, to ask if we wanted any at that point. And when we asked her about it, she was almost snide, let alone helpful or apologetic.
EPILOGUE:
So how were the guacamole and empanada?
Well, I never got to find out, because the restaurant closed before I could redeem them. I wanted to return anonymously, so I waited a while and carried that card around for months. I over-​thinked myself out of a free meal. And now you know… the rrrest of the story.

Olé Olé was a warm and cozy place to eat. I live in the neighborhood and when I wanted amazing Guac and chips I would head here. The fajita were pretty awesome, lobster egg rolls and goat cheese dip.
The staff were friendly and helpful, good portions, always taking things home.
Sadly they are no longer open. Not sure if they are remodeling or closed for good. My home is remodeling.

They are still closed, like the previous review by Don S. mentioned.
And we found this on the Edgewater Community Buzz:
«Four Olé Olé employees filed a federal lawsuit against their employer on Thursday, February 4^th, seeking back wages and proper compensation for time worked that would be considered overtime. Workers are owed over $ 100,000 in back pay as they were not being paid and working solely on tips according to Restaurant Opportunities Center.»
Read and see links at:

A resounding meh.
My friends and I walked into this place last Saturday after our original restaurant was closed for some reason. We found this place and figured we would give it a go, which is a real shame, since there are other places in the neighborhood that I would’ve liked to try.
Ordered the calimari appetizer, which was fine, it’s calimari, not a million ways to fuck it up. Tried to order the beef croquets, but they were out of them, so instead I got the tequilla pulled pork. Placed before me was a greasy pile of pork smothered in cheese (no cheese was mentioned on the menu, and even though this is a Mexican place, pointing that out might be helpful), with greasy and overly thick home made tortilla chips. My roommate and I shared the seafood paella. The flavor was ok, the rice was dry, and for $ 18 the portion was small. Our other friend tried a fish dish, i forget what it was exactly, it came with a mole sauce that was ok, the fish was pretty obviously from a farm, and again, majorly expensive, $ 18 also, for something that just wasn’t that good.
Then there was the service. OH BOY! My friend asked whether her dish came with rice or potatoes, a fairly basic question, and the waitress had to walk to the kitchen to get an answer! Nice girl I’m sure, bad waitress unfortunately. It took probably 20 – 30 minutes for our entrees to come out after we got our appetizer, and the place was empty. When a place is empty I guess I expect to be served quickly, but that wasn’t the case here, be prepared to wait.
This place is a boner. Much better restaurants in the immediate area that you should check out first. Olé Olé? No way Jose!

Can’t speak of their tapas but will speak of their brunch. They were half out of everything, and the pancakes were soggy. They had crab legs, but supposedly were out of claw crackers despite the fact that the only other party in the restaurant (who were friends of the waitstaff) all had them. Hmm, a restaurant serving crab legs with only 3 claw crackers in the kitchen… just wash one already, its your job.
Also, I had to reach behind the counter and cut my own roast beef because the chefs were inattentive. The, they charged my girlfriend for an extra coffee despite all this.
Lastly, the food was way too fatty and not that tasty.

$ 15 dollar brunch menu was the better deal to get than the other brunch places around. Plus we didn’t have to wait 20 minutes to get in.
You had breakfast, you had lunch, you even had dinner options. Add a cup of coffee or mimosa to your meal and you have just booked your next couple of hours at Olé Olé.
My only problem is that since the dining room was kind of empty, the food had to sit out a lot longer and thus was cold. But when the fresh stuff came out, I was happy again.

My review is on their Sunday Bruch… One world LOVE!
A great variety to choose from… topped with a glass of Mimosa’s… enough said… Try Olé Olé for Sunday Brunch located in Andersonville, you’re going to love it!

Brunchers, take note, I’ve got a deal for you!
$ 15 for a brunch buffet, which includes one coffee or mimosa. A buffet, you say? Yes, like you, I was skeptical, as buffets usually spell gastronomical trouble. This one steps away from what you might envision and brings to the table a touch of what Olé Olé can offer.
First, there’s a wide range of selections. I mean wide. That includes everything from your typical brunch fare, such as an omelette station, carving station, fresh fruit, and French toast, to chilaquiles and mac and cheese. Plus, there’s a meat fest of bacon and sausages. Almost everything I ate was delicious, especially if you measure it by the ridiculous quantity I consumed. I don’t go into a food coma over just anything!
Second, there’s the coffee… oh, the coffee. To quote my favorite Zen master, FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, it was «a damn fine cup of coffee». A word of warning: it comes with a price tag of $ 3, which seems a bit steep. Though, for something strong in the morning with refills, it may be just what you’re looking for.
Since this is a fairly new thing, it seems as though they’re still working out some of the kinks. We walked in just after the brunch time started and the fruits, and desserts were still covered in plastic. It wasn’t clear that brunch was on, until a server finally came over and gave us the green light. The plastic was never removed, so it was a little odd having to uncover things as you went through the line. Also, it wasn’t clearly spelled out what the drink deals are, if any. Again, you get one mimosa or coffee with the brunch. After that, the price tag becomes unknown. A few minor bumps in an otherwise lovely brunch!
For a small place that wasn’t very busy, the service was a little sparse, though not terrible. I get that I fill up my own plate. I can’t, however, fill up my own glass.
On a seating note, a plus is sitting near the front of the restaurant when it’s nice out and the windows are open. You have a great vantage point of busy Clark Street, as well as a few less steps to the buffet. The negative is sitting near the front of the restaurant, with a few less steps to the buffet. As soon as more brunch-​goers arrive, people will be crowding around behind you and filling their plates. Sit there if it doesn’t bother you.
When I’m at a loss for a brunch spot in my neighborhood, this will likely be my answer. Take a peek in if you walk by the window and see how my brunch baby is doing. If I don’t respond, the food coma has already set in.

I had been avoiding this place for over 2 years, because I had heard decidedly mixed and negative reviews, and with so many great spots to eat why would I risk it?
Things change and I am glad they do!
My buddy and I are walking down Clark debating Sunday brunch, Olé Olé was not even on the short list, we stop out front mid discussion and look in, and suddenly we start talking a little bit quieter, about how it is only $ 15 and how bad could this all you can eat Sunday brunch be, and we both wanted to eat like yesterday so the idea of a buffet was surprisingly on point…
We dove in!
The place is not crazy busy and I get the feeling if it was they would need to change the logistics of this buffet, but for the level of business we have experienced; it is just right! Since that first Sunday brunch I have been back with groups maybe 4 times… Every time was just as good as the last!
First you get a free mimosa or coffee with your buffet and all types of other free beverages to boot… It varies but I have seen carrot juice, cranberry, mango, even milk it is all quite satisfying…
Did not even try it the first time, regret it now, the Mac and cheese is the best I have ever eaten, best I have ever eaten!!!
The Ham is soo good! The omelets are made to order… The Beef selection is always good, and there are always wild cards like really good sweet and sour pork this last Sunday…
The fresh fruit is unparalleled, fresh figs, blue berries, raspberries, all on a buffet I know right? crazy?
The tiramisu is good enough to plate garnish and charge 8 dollars a slice, but there it sits in a big pan waiting for you!
The service is so great!
I love this place as long as it stays under-​crowded and top quality I will find it hard to go anywhere else on a Sunday for brunch… I have taken to scheduling Saturday Brunches just to introduce more Brunch variety in my life, because my Sunday will be Olé Olé until I see a change for the bad lets hope that never happens!
O O O O Olé Olé!

I hate to do this, but i’ve had a better lunch and expierence. I have a group of about 18 and they were not even prepared for us. The servers almost ignored us. The brunch price didn’t bother me at $ 15, i think the selection is was threw me off. Comes with a free mimosa OR a free cup of coffee. (i stress the or and i almost wonder how much a cup of coffee was) I’m not cheap! But i’m fare. I ordered a bloody mary and it was tasty, the bartender added jalepenos to it. BUT IT WAS $ 10, Not worth it. Wasn’t the prettiest bloody mary but it also wasn’t the tastiest. Dare i suggest absolut peppar. It is delicious.
I was just satisfied. I was quite mortified that i sent out invitations to friends and the restaurant had no idea what i was talking about when i arrived.
I had a better time the 1^st time i went for night life… I’d go back… just not soon.

Typically I’m not a fan of Spanish/​Mexican food (Nuevo Latino as they advertise it) but Olé Olé was great. Admittedly I was in great company that evening so that automatically makes things better, but the atmosphere definitely had a good affect. Red, red, and more red is the décor and I loved it. Very casual, comfortable, with a hint of trendy tossed in. The large open windows in the front are awesome and let the cool evening air come in and allow for excellent people watching. It wasn’t a packed house on a late Wednesday evening so I didn’t expect it to be loud and obnoxious but even if it were full I still think this would be a good spot for a date or to hang out with friends and catch up.
We sat right away and after a few minutes we had water, menus, and a drink order in. Our waiter seemed like a decent guy although he seemed a bit unsure how to handle a table of very chatty, interactive boys (ahem, *grunt* men). But he was patient while we decided and gave us a few good suggestions which we were not sorry we took.
We started with mojitos all around which were very minty yet refreshing. The Guacamole con Totopos were awesome! Seriously some of the best guac I’ve had in a very long time and they were not stingy with it at all. Easily the best part of the entire meal for me were the Empanadas. We had both the spinach and sirloin and both were good, but the sirloin was my preference and I could easily have made a meal of these. I wasn’t crazy about the sauces that came with but really you don’t even need them anyway.
This review is getting a tad long which I know is annoying so I’ll wrap it up with a few other things we had. There was a ceviche flight, fajitas, and the Pollo Relleno all of which were good. Absolutely no complaints. I should point out that the Pollo came with black beans on the side which my bf doesn’t care for but was hesitant to ask about a sub. The waiter noticed right away that he was hesitant about the beans and totally offered to sub any other side, no problem. Nice. At the end of the meal the owner came by our table and chatted with us for a bit. She introduced herself, shook our hands, got our names, asked about our food, the service, and mentioned their brunch and asked us to come by again. Great ending to a great meal.

Came here last night on Cinco De Mayo, the ½ price pitchers of margaritas and free chips & guac brought us in. I ordered the grilled squid appetizer and it was very good, the free chips & guac were excellent with a HUGE mound of guac and the margaritas were good. The service was lacking however. When we arrived, it wasn’t very busy and our server was pretty much all over the place, but our table. When I asked for the free guac, he said «OK, how would you like it?» But, I had to make sure it was free so I asked again, and he said «No.» Then I explained to him the only reason I asked was because it said so on the sign outside, so then he had to check with his manager about it, lucky for him, it was indeed free. After he dropped our food off he just disappeared and was gone again, until our pitcher was gone. All in all, good food, okay atmosphere and not great service.

Four of us sat at a private, up-​and-​away table in the back from 9:30 p.m. to after Midnight, having a few after dinner cocktails. We ordered no food. These were an old colleague of mine from our Pump Room days whose wife worked for Curtis Mayfield; we’ve watched each other raise our kids, so we reminisced about «the day» and traded kid stories and cell phone photos ad nauseum. We could have sat there twice as long as we did.
Our waiter never pressed us for a thing, and when we got up to leave, we realized as we came down the stairs that not only were we the last patrons in the house, the lingering help were sitting in the front of the restaurant waiting patiently — for us to go home.
Thank you, Olé Olé. Sorry we were too engrossed to notice that you all likely would have loved to leave a handful earlier had we not dished so long, oblivious.

The Saturday Buffet Brunch — — made me wanna do the Macarena!
Olé Olé, amo este lugar!
Mimosas, filet mignon, prime rib, fresh pastries, coffee, pasta, omelettes—
estoy caliente!

I’m in a critical mood tonight so reader beware…
I was wrong on the décor, it’s off the hook original
I was right about the Seafood Soup it was excellent
I was wrong on the Paella it was not good this evening.
Loved the Ham and Cheese Empanadas Loved the Steamed Clams. Service was excellent. Price is still to high.
I’ll be back!

Are you confused (like me) as to what exactly is Nuevo Latino Cuisine, other then being delicious!?! Well I asked around and pretty much got the same thing from everybody. Nuevo Latino Cuisine is contemporary Latin American and Latin fusion. It is unique interpretations based on classical recipes that go back centuries and covering «Pan Latin» (means everything Latin) regions, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, and Puerto Rico to name a few.
Olé Olé was a great introduction into this new world! First, they need more weekly business because on a Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7 we were the only couple in the entire place. Second, I can only say that others experiences may or may not be different during a full house. This review is based on the fact that we were spoiled by the staff and the chef.
When you walk in, the whole décor is very warm and inviting colors (dark reds, and rich browns). Seating by the front windows is nice (I’m guessing especially during the summer), some seating by the bar and then a set of stairs leading to a small second level full of booths and small tables. Just from walking by on the weekends this place gets packed. The service was outstanding but again we were by ourselves, any waiter that doesn’t laugh at a guy who’s face is full of guacamole is a very nice waiter.
As far as the food, if you like a plethora of textures, colors and flavors that are deep and rich, well then you’ll like Olé Olé! Each bite was like something new, I only wish we tried more. I think I’ve found my new favorite guacamole place (And yes I did end up with a lot of it all over my face!!), the perfect blend of spices, cilantro, and chunky avocados. The fajitas were not only top notch but enough to feed 3 people. I don’t know what kind of spice was on the chicken but it had a wonderful zing to it and the peppers were cooked perfectly.
The biggest shocker is that two people left with more then full bellies and leftovers for only $ 25.00, not bad at all. I’ll be coming back.

I can’t decide if I’m in ‘like’ or in ‘love’ with this place… I think I’m in like when I order the fajitas plate and the chicken is dry but the veggies are plump, fresh and juicy and the tortillas tast like they were homemade that day… then I think I’m in love when I taste the delicious empanadas and pan seared ahi tuna over brushetta…
Also, the service can be… weird…sometimes during off hours it seems like the bus boys become the servers? They don’t know much about the menu and can’t make drink.period. (e.g., «can I have vodka and soda with lime»…what I got was vodka, sprite and a ton of Rose’s Lime Juice).
All in all, some great items (the empanadas have always been tasty) but very inconsistent on all fronts.

Olé Olé is a hidden gem! It serves a «latin fusion» of sorts –taking the best of Mexican, Spanish and adding hints of other Latin American twists to the dishes. I am always very impressed when I eat there. My experiences there have always been very quiet –almost romantic. The mojitos are the most authentic I’ve tasted. The food is a little bit expensive compared to the «run of the mill» cheap price/​large portion model. However, what you get is unique and quality food and probably the size portion you *should* be eating. My recommendation is to order several entrees and share! I’ve brought friends and family to Olé Olé and everyone has always been very impressed!

I’d have to concur with many of the reviews of this restaurant. The menu is very extensive and they cover all the groups: seafood, beef, chicken, and vegan dishes as well as specials. Service is good, but the waiter added on an additional dish even when we told him not two… what makes this worse is that the place was not packed.
A pitcher of Margaritas is $ 42!!! A bit much for ANY part of town.
Windows in the front open to allow for a great breeze and people watching. The main dishes are good proportions, but not huge.
Conclusion: Is the food good… absolutely. Is the food worth the above average prices… no. This is not a cheap place to eat and for Andersonville that is not a positive.
I’m giving this 3 stars because the food is good, the service and pricing is not.

At night, this restaurant is called «Oleo,» because the final «l» and «e» are burned out. C’mon folks, get on the ball.
It’s much nicer inside. Though you better like red, ’cause there’s plenty of it! There’s seating on two levels. The ground floor is brighter and more open, with direct access to the bar. The second level is raised a few steps and is more intimate. When I was in, no one was seated on the upper level, since the restaurant wasn’t very busy. I imagine it can feel a bit like Siberia up there, but if you if you’re looking to sneak away with your significant other, this would be a good choice. Olé Olé is a nice date place in general: it’s a bit upscale, is beautifully decorated in rich colors with hanging lamps, and feels intimate.
The food is «Nuevo Latino,» which pretty much means a little bit from everywhere. Olé Olé says it serves «traditional» Nuevo Latino cuisine, which seems a contradiction in terms. No matter. The food is very good, if not astonishing. There’s a lot of seafood, some chicken and beef dishes, but not much in the vegetarian range. It’s easy to make a full dinner out of the appetizers and tapas (the difference? not so sure), with a salad for good measure. Last time I was there, I had the octopus appetizer, which seemed more like calamari, but was still good. The ceviche is excellent — very fresh. They also offer a ceviche flight, for those of you who don’t like to mix your seafood. The salads and entrees are all good sized portions, so you can save a few bucks by doing some splitting. The food is not very spicy, so if that’s what you expect, you may be disappointed.
Service is good, but a little slow. But the atmosphere is laid back, so have a mojito or a caipirinha and relax!