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LALA'S Argentine Grill Downtown Los AngelesBWorth Trying

Name: LALA'S Argentine Grill Downtown Los Angeles
Address: 105 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, Los Angeles, United States
Rating: 4.4

105 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 · Argentinian restaurant, Chicken restaurant, Italian restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (614 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Crowd-pleasing Argentinian grill with generous portions, standout chimichurri, and mixed service consistency; good value if you order smart, but temper expectations on steak doneness and attentiveness.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

LALA'S Argentine Grill delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by signature chimichurri and generous portions, but inconsistent execution—particularly steak doneness and occasional bland seasoning—prevents higher-grade reliability. Service splits between attentive and rushed, and the tight, simple setting lacks destination appeal. A pragmatic pre-show or DTLA stop with reliable pastas and chicken, though steak orders carry execution risk.

Restaurant Summary

On 9th Street in DTLA, LALA'S runs on laid-back grill-house energy: warm bread and chimichurri arrive fast, servers hustle, and pre-show crowds slide in before the Orpheum. One diner summed it up: "Steak hit the spot, and that green sauce made everything sing." The room is simple and a bit tight, but the vibe leans casual and welcoming when service is on its game. The cooking skews classic Argentinian comfort over flash: grilled meats with bright chimichurri, salmon with Dijon, and saucy pastas that please more than they provoke. Order smart—pastas, chicken, and salmon deliver steady value; steak platters can wow when temps are right but draw complaints when the grill misses. Portions are generous, desserts like flan satisfy, and the house wine and sangria keep it easy. For families, this is a pragmatic pick. Kids tend to like cheese ravioli and mashed potatoes, grilled chicken is straightforward, and fries or rice help. There is limited vegan coverage at this DTLA location, but several vegetarian salads and pastas exist. Expect mid-range pricing for a full meal; book earlier if heading to a show.

At a Glance

Signature chimichurri elevates grilled items
Generous portions with solid value on pastas and chicken
Inconsistent steak doneness and occasional bland seasoning
Service can feel rushed or curt during peaks
Limited vegan availability at DTLA; menu notes exclusions

What Sets It Apart

house_chimichurri_to_go
broad_menu_for_mixed_groups
pre_show_convenience_near_theaters

What People Love

That bright, herby chimichurri
Portions that feel generous
Salmon and ravioli as safe wins
Friendly check-ins when managers are present
A go-to neighborhood spot feel

Points of Concern

Steak temps vary; ask clearly and check promptly
Reports of curt or inattentive service during busy times
Menu availability confusion (cocktails at other locations, Beyond Burger not at DTLA)
Pricing can feel high on steak platters vs. pastas/chicken
Review patterns show signs of polarization (service praise vs. rudeness reports) which may not reflect every visit

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$38-$58 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose mid-priced mains (chicken $18.95-$28.95, pastas $17.95-$24.95) for best value
Confirm DTLA availability for any items noted as location-specific
Pair Provoleta with bread and chimichurri to start

Perfect For

Pre-show dinner near the Orpheum
Casual date night with shared meats
Group meal where portion size matters
Business lunch with reliable staples

Location Insights

Area: Downtown LA mixed-use zone with theaters and nightlife; draws office workers, residents, and pre-show diners.

Safety: Generally busy with variable street conditions; well-trafficked but some guests note discomfort typical of DTLA.

Nearby: Near Orpheum Theatre and South Park apartments; pay lots and street parking nearby; walkable to venues.

South ParkSouth Park is a dynamic neighborhood characterized by high-rise residential buildings, office towers, and entertainment complexes like the Staples Center and LA Live. The dining scene here is diverse, catering to a mix of casual and upscale tastes, with many restaurants serving sports fans, business crowds, and residents.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–22:00 Tuesday11:00–22:00 Wednesday11:00–22:00 Thursday11:00–22:00 Friday11:00–22:00 Saturday11:00–22:00 Sunday11:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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