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Lala's Argentine Grill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Lala's Argentine Grill
8.3
LALA'S on Melrose is a neighborhood Argentine grill where skirt steak, chimichurri, and generous combo plates make it easy to share a bottle of Malbec and linger. It is casual enough for a midweek date but still feels special when the room fills with groups celebrating around platters of grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Entraña Skirt Steak, Lomito Steak Sandwich, Beef Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A long-running Argentine spot where big plates of grilled meats and friendly prices encourage sharing and lingering.
Who should go: Couples or small groups who want hearty portions and an easygoing room.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for celebratory energy or weeknights for a more relaxed date.
What to order: Entraña Skirt Steak, Beef Empanadas, Lomito Sandwich.
Insider tip: Share a mixed grill and a few sides instead of ordering separately; the portions are generous enough for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose can be tight during peak hours; meters are available on side streets, and nearby paid lots typically run $8–$12.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit the room, but couples often lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate; lively with groups but still workable for date-night conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of solid options like salads, provoleta, and veggie empanadas.
Vegan options: Limited; grilled vegetables and a few sides work, but mains are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Several menu items are naturally gluten-free (steaks, salads, sides), but cross-contact is possible—ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's relaxed, shareable, and intimate without being formal. The grill platters create an easy conversation flow and the room feels warm and inviting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes, especially on weeknights. Weekends may require a short wait, so arrive early or be flexible with indoor vs. patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families; the casual atmosphere, generous portions, and straightforward menu work well for kids. High chairs and space for strollers are available but weekends can be crowded.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for shareable Argentine plates, friendly service, and a date-night experience that’s hearty without feeling stuffy.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale fine dining, fully vegan menus, or a quiet room; the energy here leans lively and meat-forward.
Lala's Argentine Grill
8.3
LALA’S on Melrose is a long-running Argentine grill where skirt steak, chimichurri, and combo plates land on a covered patio that feels built for casual outdoor dinners. It’s less about flash than comfort: big portions, friendly prices, and a space that works equally well for families and low-key group celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt Steak (Entraña), Entrana al Ajo, Dulce de Leche Crepes
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A casual Argentine grill with a covered patio where chimichurri and grilled meats headline relaxed outdoor meals.
Who should go: Groups and families craving affordable grilled meats outside.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekends before the patio fills.
What to order: Skirt Steak with chimichurri, Entrana al Ajo, Dulce de Leche Crepes.
Insider tip: The patio is dog-friendly—great if you want to bring a pup to dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose and nearby residential streets; generally manageable but can tighten after 7pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and simple tops are perfectly fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively patio energy but still easy to hold conversations, even in small groups.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, provoleta, empanadas, sides, and several pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and salads can be modified, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many grilled meats are GF by default; ask for guidance on sauces and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a low-key, comfortable vibe where you can talk easily and eat well without formality. Not ideal if you want something upscale or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. For larger groups, call ahead to avoid patio waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Portions are shareable, service is patient, and the casual patio setup works well for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, approachable prices, and relaxed Argentine comfort food make it a stronger choice for casual group meals than trendier Melrose spots.
Skip if: You want fine dining, elevated cocktails, or a quieter atmosphere — this is more about comfort than spectacle.
Lala's Argentine Grill
8.1
Lala’s on Melrose is a long-running Argentine grill where entrana steaks, chimichurri, and big salads make for a more casual, affordable steak-centric date. The room leans lively and bright rather than hushed, so it’s ideal for couples who want shared platters of meat and Malbec without the white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Entraña skirt steak with chimichurri, Melrose salad, Provoleta and chorizo starter
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A busy Argentine grill where steak, salad, and sangria stay affordable.
Who should go: Couples or small groups craving relaxed, shareable steak platters.
When to visit: Early evening before peak crowds for smoother pacing.
What to order: Entraña steak, Melrose salad, provoleta with chorizo.
Insider tip: Split an entrana and a salad, then linger over Malbec on the patio if weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Melrose and neighboring residential blocks; can be tight after 7pm, so plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine, but many couples lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable, but the room’s energy builds during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during prime 7–9pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are common and seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — large salads, provoleta, grilled vegetables, and pasta-style sides offer solid options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and sides work, but most dishes are meat- or cheese-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many grilled proteins and salads are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a relaxed, energetic setting where sharing plates breaks the ice. It’s less ideal for a hushed or ultra-romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evenings or weekday dinners. On weekends, expect to wait unless you arrive right at opening or closer to late evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or teens; the lively room and approachable menu work well. Not ideal for toddlers due to the tighter dining room and peak-hour energy.
Best For
Better for: More affordable, shareable Argentine steak platters and a bright, social atmosphere compared to pricier, white-tablecloth steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic setting or a premium cut-driven, high-end steakhouse experience.
Lala's Argentine Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Lala’s Argentine Grill on Melrose is a high-volume neighborhood favorite for chimichurri-drizzled skirt steaks, generous parrilladas, and plenty of outdoor patio seating. Guests lean on it for approachable prices, big portions, and reliable grilled meats rather than white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Entraña al Ajo Skirt Steak, Beef Empanadas, Parrillada Mixta
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Casual Argentine steakhouse with a busy patio, big portions, and strong value.
Who should go: Groups and families craving grilled meats without fine-dining pricing.
When to visit: Evenings before peak rush to snag patio seating comfortably.
What to order: Entraña al ajo, beef empanadas, parrillada platter to share.
Insider tip: Sit on the covered patio for people-watching and bring friends—the portion sizes are built for sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose and side streets is the norm; it’s workable before 6pm but becomes competitive during peak dinner hours. No valet at this location.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Jeans, tees, and light layers are all common, especially on the patio.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio seating stays lively but still allows conversation; indoor tables can get louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes during peak windows, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Options include provoleta, salads, empanadas, and grilled vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited. A few salads and sides can be customized, but heavier mains skew meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes. Many grilled meats and salads are naturally gluten-free; communicate needs and the kitchen will guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed, low-pressure date. The patio has a friendly, lively vibe—better for casual chemistry-building than intimate romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, but expect longer weekend waits. Arrive slightly before peak dinner rush to secure patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The menu is approachable, portions are generous, and the patio has plenty of space for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Large-group meals, approachable pricing, and big-portion Argentine classics without the formality of higher-end steakhouses.
Skip if: You’re seeking a premium, quiet, special-occasion steakhouse experience or dry-aged cuts with luxury-level service.