For two decades, Lola’s Cafe has been a go-to for Hudson Valley food lovers, serving up fresh, inventive fare with a casual-yet-refined touch. Now, as the beloved eatery marks its 20th anniversary, owner and chef Ed Kowalski is taking a bold step forward with Lola’s third—and largest—location, set to open in 2026 at Eastdale Village, Poughkeepsie’s growing live-work-play hub.
Since opening the original Lola’s in 2005 near Vassar College, Kowalski has built a reputation for his creative approach to familiar flavors. His second location, which debuted in New Paltz in 2017, expanded the brand’s reach, bringing Lola’s flavors to another college town. But the upcoming Eastdale outpost signals something bigger: a new era for Lola’s and a deepening investment in the Hudson Valley dining scene.
“Expanding to a third location is an incredible milestone for us, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome this new, larger space to the community,” Kowalski says. “We had been searching for the perfect property for years, knowing that this time, we wanted to own the real estate. When the opportunity at Eastdale came up, it just felt right— it’s the perfect space to bring our vision to life.”
That vision includes a 6,000-square-foot restaurant, designed by Wappingers Falls-based firm FW Interiors, that will introduce new menu offerings while preserving the best-loved staples from the original locations. Signature sandwiches, salads, and wraps will still anchor the lineup, but the Eastdale location will also feature a selection of shareable plates and an expanded Sunday brunch menu. A full bar, stocked with local craft beers, regional wines, and inventive cocktails, will be a focal point of the new space. Meanwhile, a private dining room will offer an intimate setting for wedding tastings, celebratory dinners, and small private events.
One of the most exciting additions? A seasonal open-air dining experience. Thanks to garage-style doors that can roll up in warmer months, the space will seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor seating, inviting guests to enjoy their meals with a breeze.
A Growing Dining Hub
For Eastdale Village, Lola’s arrival marks another milestone in its transformation into a vibrant, self-contained community. “Eastdale Village’s offerings have continued to evolve over the last several years, and the addition of Lola’s Cafe—an established favorite in our community—feels like the perfect fit,” says Joseph Kirchhoff, partner and founder of Kirchhoff, the real estate firm behind Eastdale. “Its strong reputation and foothold here in the Hudson Valley make it a natural complement to the experience we’re creating at Eastdale, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to our neighborhood for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”
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Poughkeepsie Development Eastdale Village Offers Varied Dining Scene
Eastdale Village has been making waves as Poughkeepsie’s first fully integrated live-work-play destination. Spanning 35 acres, the development blends over 120,000 square feet of commercial space—including over a dozen restaurants plus medical offices and retail storefronts—with 400 luxury apartments, creating a walkable community where locals can eat, shop, work, and live in one place. With Lola’s Cafe joining its culinary roster, Eastdale is further cementing its status as a must-visit Hudson Valley destination.
