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LALA'S Argentine Grill Downtown Los Angeles
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.
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.
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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