Lala’s

Soups adorbs! (That means super adorable.) I went on a Sunday night so it was über chill. It’s a dive bar to begin with so I wasn’t expecting much.
Service was great and friendly. The decorations were nostalgic and lovely and I was happy to learn that the place had been there since 1973. It’s honestly such a great idea, Christmas year round? Who doesn’t love that?!
I could tell we were probably the only non regulars that night but it didn’t bother us one bit. Over all it just felt a little bit like home during the holidays and I believe that’s what they were going for. I know this bar has gone through different owners and I was told that one of them was just in there that day. I think that it’s cool that this little gem has been past from owner to owner and that the over all concept stays the same and that they still stay connected.
Lala’s is definitely one of those Austin places you’ve gotta go to just to say you’ve been. Ya know?

At Lala’s, where it’s Christmas year-​round, during a visit Anthony Bourdain stated «I’m kind of surprised I’m not more traumatized by the lights actually, considering I hate Santa» as he drank his Bloody Mary. Oh Tony, only your type of cynicism can never sound insulting.
Other than the obvious fact that the inside of Lala’s looks like a holiday crime scene that Mr. Claus threw up all over — tiny lights everywhere, dangling elves above the bar, adorned trees, and so on… — there’s something to be said about a place that’s been around for so long… about 45 years!
I had heard that Lala’s was taken over by new owners approximately 8 months before my most recent visit. I wasn’t sure what to expect. The charm is still evident, the novelty has not worn, it is still more than a dive… it’s an experience… albeit just a little «cleaner» one. Long gone are the days of stains about and the smell of old cigarette smoke. It’s just gotten a light dusting, a little de-​cluttering, and newly creative drink menu (=bit more $). Other than that, just simple good folks looking to have a simply good time. And, I must add the new owners are part of that group.
The husband and I didn’t realize that we were seated at two barstools with one of the new owners directly to each side of us. We thought they were simply others patrons and made small talk. When one found out it was our first visit after the takeover, he offered to buy us each a drink and I (of course) gratefully accepted. Both guys were super laid back, nice, and it doesn’t appear they have any intention of ruining the good thing Lala’s has going for it. Hey, don’t fix it if it ain’t broke, right?
Tip: Be on the lookout for the supposed cheap ass Mr. Tarantino as he has been known to visit Lala’s when in Austin — and he apparently does not leave gratuity. Boo!

Fun little local neighborhood spot with a Christmas theme year round. Most of the staff is great, but I strongly advise you to stay away on Tuesdays and any other night when Matt is tending bar there. Although the bar has a jukebox, Matt turns the jukebox volume off and insists on blasting the absolute worst 80s music selections from the behind the bar (that he clearly is the only person enjoying – it’s horrible). We outright refuse to go there when he is working.
The last time I was there, a patron put money in the jukebox, but Matt refused to turn off his music or turn on the jukebox volume. I think I speak for every customer in the place at that time when I say that we would’ve rather heard nails on a chalk board than any more obscure Toto songs. When the patron understandably got peeved that he had just wasted his money in the jukebox, Matt told the patron that he would barred if he ever did it again. He was not kidding and it was out of line. The guy is a straight up jerk.

Very easy breezy attitude there. Great bartenders and cool atmosphere. Recommended this place love the Christmas all year around

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. A Bar that is Christmas 365 is a dream come true. If you enjoy Christmas this is the place to order a drink and reflect on Christmas past. It’s nice to know a place like this exist in a horrible world we can live in. This place takes away the pain.

Adorable and divey! The décor and chilled atmosphere make this a great spot to stop for a drink. The drinks were pretty weak for the price though.

This place is like Christmas threw up all over it inside and not in a bad way. It’s one of the cutest (is this a word) dive bars out here and has some great drinks to try out as well! These Hot Toddy drinks in the winter are just what one needs in this extremely weird weathered state, overall I’m in love and happy that it didn’t get closed down but just had some renovations done! I will be back with the girls sometime soon when we can make time for one another in our busy lives!

Place is so much fun! From the super sweet doorman to the bar staff so nice!
I just wish they had more then one bathroom.
I love how it’s non-​smoking!!!

I rang in the 2016 New Year at Lalas and had one of the best nights of my life! I enjoyed Lala’s new drink menu and the décor seemed spruced up a bit. The fact that I had a little extra $$ in my wallet to buy the new drinks made it all the better! LOL!
The past couple years have not been the easiest for me. I’ve experienced the breakup of yet another relationship, job instability, depression, a bad reaction to paxil, a DUI arrest followed by a suspended drivers license, chronic online dating, unsafe casual sex with a few STD scares, a totaled car, IRS problems, and the list goes on and on. LOL!
But finally I feel like I’m back on track. The same way Lala’s has sort of cleaned up it’s act with a new drink menu, more beer choices, and new décor-I’ve also cleaned up my act. I got a new car (a 2014 Nissan Altima sedan), a new place, and a new healthy relationship.
I moved in with my partner/​soulmate just 2 weeks after meeting one another. I’d been renting a room in South Austin from a nanny and masseuse. Sure I had my own bathroom but it didn’t feel like MY place. Then I met someone who not only laughed at my jokes and sang karaōke with me but also had a part time job, living room & bedroom furniture and a DYSON vacuum cleaner. I never thought I’d meet someone with so much going for them that would also be interested in signing a lease with me. LOL!
As luck would have it, we found a place not far from Lala’s. I am happy to be able to call Lala’s my neighborhood bar. I don’t get to go as often as I’d like as I am working hard further my new blossoming career but any downtime I can manage, LaLa’s is where I like to spend it. LOL!
You see in 2015 I lost a job but I finally found my CAREER. It’s been 20 years in the making but I am proud to say I now work full time as a driver for Über/​Lyft. Honestly, last summer it was touch and go if they would hire me due to my DUI background. Fortunately, my license got reinstated and my hire date was before all this hubbub began about heightened background checks. LOL!
By chance, Travis County has my last name spelled wrong so as far as my employers know my driving record is clean. My hope is I’m grandfathered in if they do end up initiating the fingerprint background checks. It feels good so late in life to finally have a career. Something I know I’m good at.
Rideshare is my calling. I’ve been driving cars for almost 30 years now. I love to take care of people and you can be certain when you ride with me I make sure you are taken care of! I provide funny jokes, bottled water and good tunes. My rating for both LYFT and UBER has never gone below 4.8. It’d be a shame if a couple DUI’s took that away from me. LOL.
New Years 2015 if someone had told me that New Years 2016 I’d be at LaLas with a new career, a newish car, and a new soulmate dancing to the the best jukebox in town, I wouldn’t have believed it. My life is definitely on the up and up. I’m thinking about getting my Improv gang back together. Rest assured if I do LaLa’s will be our post performance bar!

Christmas all year round! Nuff said. Chill, dive bar with tinsel charm, friendly staff and a juke box with only oldies (lots of Christmas oldies too!). Bit overpriced for what it is but a great place to duck in during the holiday season or to escape the heat & feel that Christmas spirit all year round.

I had an Old Fashioned and a Golden Sleigh; In the Old Fashioned they use George Dickel’s which kinda detracted from it, but from what I remember they used Bulleit in the Golden Sleigh, which made for a strong and potent cocktail. AFAIR, it was $ 8.50 (tax included), so figure it was around $ 7.85’ish before tax. I’d like to get the G.S. again, but not sure about the O.F. The staff was cool and the Christmas atmosphere was good to be around, especially during this time of year. Overall I think it’s a cool place.

What is this glorious place with Christmas lights and decorations in place all year round? I’m so happy my friend suggested you, Lala’s! I haven’t been this impressed with a dive bar in a very long time.
So apparently it’s been open since the 1970’s but there has recently been new ownership. I can’t speak to the previous era of Lala’s but I’m loving this new era. It’s smoke free with a well stocked bar, awesome staff, and dancing elves at the bar. What more could you want?
I also need to take a moment to praise the woman who created Mr. Lahey’s Nog. I consider myself an egg nog snob and this one was made with rum, brandy, bourbon, and BLUE BELL ice cream! Perfection. Also, my friend had never had Blue Bell before (She’s from the North. Sadly, she didn’t know any better.) and one of the bartenders gave her a sample in a cup! Now that’s hospitality, y’all!
Oh Lala’s, I apologize for not having heard of you before. I will be back incessantly.
It’s currently open Tuesday through Saturday. Check it out!

This place went down hill like a roller coaster after the manager Bill left!!!
I came in a couple times after he left and it didn’t feel right; came in for the first time in 4 months…
Will NEVER be back except to show friends I took here before; how far it’s fallen.
Hey at least I won’t be paying more for beer at Lala’s than I would at the Driskill hotel on 6^th!!!
Francis «Lala»… You might be laughing all the way to the bank, but I hope you sold it out right — because this place is filled with no drinking dead beats!
If you love wealthy yuppies and hipster douche bags… This is your bar!!!
Sincerely,
Davin

Love this bar. Good drinks, cheery atmosphere, foosball and pool, and a jukebox. Amusing bar with an interesting crowd and very chill vibe. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a dive bar, but definitely a place I would recommend everyone visit just for the experience of the year long Christmas décor and dancing elves.

Happy 43 Birthday today to Lala’s little nugget! Nothing wrong with a Santa Claus attitude 356 days a year.

Cool dive with a Christmasy vibe, but you’ll get what you pay for. $ 14 got us two kinda crappy drinks and a beer from their vastly improved beer selection. They now serve Austin Beerworks.
Speaking of improvements, they’ve redecorated inside, including knocking down a wall or two — it’s nice, airier, with a pool table still, Fußball, TV in the corner behind the bar and plenty of places and find anonymity. Thankfully they kept that incredible jukebox.

It’s the sweetest softest Christmasy cute dive you ever met, but you’ll get what you pay for. $ 14 got us two kinda crappy drinks and a beer from their vastly improved beer selection. They now serve Austin Beerworks.
Speaking of improvements, they’ve redecorated inside, including knocking down a wall or two — it’s nice, airier, with a pool table still, Fußball, TV in the corner behind the bar and plenty of places and find anonymity. And thankfully they kept the Christmas motif and that incredible jukebox.

Lala’s IS under new management. However, the central theme is keeping it the way Lala designed it with subtle improvements. My wife has been coming here for 10 years and Christmas still reigns with better BETTER drink selections. Can’t hate that. In a bar.

I used to LOVE Lala’s, but they are under new management and the drinks are EXPENSIVE now. My husband ordered 2 beers. They were served in what I believe were 7 ounce cups and they were $ 5 each! WHAT THE HECK?!! Also, there isn’t much seating anymore and the bar area is devoid of Christmas décor. NO SIR!

If Christmas embodies childhood joy, Lala’s preserved it in a room & let dust gather. Prior to recent changes, Lala’s held beautiful, disturbing meaning in the beloved decay of a celebration with the gathering of locals, an acrid scent, and a dim saloon style experience with the best jukebox in town. The new owners have dusted away the contentment of a despondent, simple beer, and now charge double for a beer in a plastic cup instead of glass with bright lights overhead. Change is inevitable, but the preservation of a space is not the preservation of the heart & soul within. I’ll take my business elsewhere.

I like everything about this year-​round, Christmas, dive bar. It’s dark, there’s a jukebox, and the main lighting is colored, holiday string lights. We went on a Thursday evening and there were MAYBE 5 people total in the entire place. I just love it! Cozy and relaxed. No frills, but just perfect.

As you walk into Lala’s, there is a certain energy that hits you in the face. It is that of just total relaxation and fun. Everyone in that bar is late 20’s-god knows how old and everyone is just having a good time.
The bartender, who I presume to be the owner, made me the best whiskey sour I had in Austin and the prices were reasonable and a bit cheaper than most bars! The Christmas décor is really just the icing on the cool cake. The trees, elves, and even stuffed puppies that lay around the bar remind me of drinking in someone’s den with your best friends. I honestly would recommend for anyone looking to have some fun in North Austin and not break the bank!

Everything about Lala’s is interesting. Interesting characters. Interesting, kitschy décor. Close to home makes it a great spot to grab a drink and see what kind of random people you end up talking to. I love the dancing elves.

This is the closest thing Austin has to my New Orleans Snake and Jake’s. It is sort of a dive bar but its really way too nice to be an actual dive. They do have lots of Christmas decorations and a good jukebox selection. Since Austin bars have to close you can’t really have a 4am to dawn weird time like you can at Snake and Jake’s so instead you can have a passably unusual time and get kicked out when they close relatively early. Decent place for Austin as far as joints like these go in the area. Go and get your BAD SANTA on and watch out for the nasty hipsters as they seem to be infesting everything these days. Hipsters get coal and switches in their stockings because its more ironic that way and helps them with their angst.

It’s always Christmas at Lalas! Yes, this hidden upper-​Austin, neighborhood, dive-​bar has a Christmas tree up at all times!
# 1 Bloody Mary in Austin. Sheila is my favorite cocktail waitress!

If you love good dive bars that you go to to chill out in with no expectations, then Lala’s is it.
It has the feel of your uncle or grandfather’s basement… it even has the smell… and the Christmas decorations that never come down.
The servers and bartenders here are always nice and cool. The vibe is chill, probably because it’s an older, non-​pretentious crowd (aka people who go here know what to expect). The drinks are always what you would expect from a good dive bar… not necessarily consistent, but always good.
You just can’t go wrong here… seriously.

Sometimes I can’t even go to Lala’s because I know I will have way too much fun. Great juke box! Fantastic staff! The story of Lala’s is the best part though. It’s always Christmas for a reason, peeps, and I’m not going to pretend I am the expert on the history enough to relay what I’ve heard in a Unilocal review! Go there and learn for yourself! Also go to have a fantastic evening with friends, fun and music. Some things never change and this place is one if them. Thank GOD!

Christmas. Dive Bar. Cheap Drinks. What could go wrong?
Abso-​freaking-​lutely Nothing!
«Look at that Santa.
Look at those Christmas trees.
Look at that hipster over there, man
He’s down on his knees
Look at these women
There ain’t nothin’ like ‘em nowhere» (seriously)
Justin Lane (We love it)
Bill the owner (We love it)
Allandale (We love it)
50’s themed jukebox (We love it, we love it)
I loooove LaLa’s
I loooove LaLa’s
(We love it, We love it, We love it!)
props to Randy Newman for the lyrical helpout!