Bar: Lala’s Little Nugget
Location: 2207 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Score: 9.7/10
Let me just start by saying Merry Christmas. By this time you have opened all your presents and you are watching football and scrolling on your phone. I thought I’d give the people a Christmas special, but I knew it had to be a bar worthy of representing Christmas. When I visited Lala’s in November of this year, I knew this bar could handle the big stage, prime time, the show. Lala’s is a year-round Christmas bar that has been open in Austin since 1972, with over 50 years of rich history, Lala’s is a staple for all people visiting the city.
What if I told you the jolliest place in the world was next to a laundry mat in Austin, TX? Lala’s should be the standard when it comes to Christmas-themed bars. Let’s discuss Christmas-themed bars. I do not have a problem with bars dressing up themselves for the holiday season, in fact I love it. What I do have an issue with is pop-up bars that have become a thing in the last few years. Some shitty bar, with some shitty decorations, and overpriced cocktails just so your girlfriend can take a few photos as you drop $18 on a green cocktail. Yeah, nothing screams Christmas like a cheesy Christmas drink menu from a pop-up bar that refuses to take cash (this is my nightmare).
The good thing is, that Lala’s is Christmas to their core. They put all other Christmas bars to shame and all the shitty pop-ups. Right when you get to Lala’s you see they are serious about the theme. They have Santa and reindeer on top of their brick building. The outside of the bar is very welcoming. The décor inside Lala’s is truly a sight. With a pool table, jukebox, and red and green everywhere, Lala’s is awesome. The ceilings at Lala’s are red white and green like most of the bar and lights are lining every wall. The bar features Santa frequently and they have the best chairs possible at the bar. Large red chairs with backings. Comfort to the max. The bar top itself was very unique. They had Christmas signage underneath the bar itself. Whether it was a clear coat or a piece of glass covering this signage, it was well executed and a special detail. Also at the bar, you can find a countdown clock for Christmas. As you know by now, they take Christmas very seriously.
If you also would like to have a drink outside, Lala’s has a nice little patio in front of the establishment. With more red and white chairs, they carry the Christmas outside the bar. Finally, this would not be a true review if I did not mention the bathroom. Yeah, this typically isn’t the most sought-after topic, but I have to mention it. The walls had a vivid red checkered print and the brightest red toilet I’d ever seen. Committing to the craft is important and Lala’s did this tremendously well.
The best way for me to describe how memorable this bar was is it is the type of bar you want to buy a shirt from, to have that memory. I tried to get a shirt but unfortunately, they were out of my size. I guess I will just have to make a trip back to see if they have my size back in stock.
I hope by now you are convinced to visit this bar if you go to Austin, you will not regret it.
From WeRateBars, have a Merry Christmas.
Décor: Christmas overload in the best way.
Service: Great service, great attitudes in this Christmas bar.
Atmosphere: I went right when they opened, and it was packed. I would imagine this is a big tourist destination and local destination.
Price: Very respectful prices.
Cleanliness: Santa keeps this bar clean.
Bonus Points: No bonus points are awarded.