Lala's South Pole

I was surprised to see this Lala’s location was in a strip center, because that meant it had to be small inside. And it is. This will be a fun place in the off-holiday season when it’s not packed, but for now it’s filled to the brim with dozens of people dressed in their Christmas best. The staff is fully capable of handling the rush. I was very impressed with their attentiveness and efficiency. The music is so loud inside that my friends and I were yelling to hear each other, and I left with a dry, scratchy throat. And the pizza from Brooklyn Pie Co. wasn’t great.

Lala’s South Pole is so cute and the ultimate holiday experience all year round. Especially fun for your friends bday who was born on Xmas eve.

Went last night with my family celebrating two birthdays. The bartender last night did not seem happy and was rude. She took chairs away and was being really passive aggressive. Glasses were being slammed and she didn’t have a welcoming attitude. I understand we’re a large group and may be loud here and there, but her service and actions were not okay.

I just want to share something here. The professionalism shown by the staff at Lala’s is impeccable. Amazing job to the staff for dealing with an entitled Karen bringing her pet aka “service dog” into an establishment that does not allow it. Outstanding job on saying Thank You and turning the other cheek to a guy that threaten the staff and reacted poorly. Ownership and management you have a great staff and cudos to you for the training and development of your staff!!! I sincerely mean it and you will forever have my business neighbors!!!!

Oh Lala’s, you are such a special place. When I moved to south Austin many years ago we parted ways, but lo and behold the South Pole brings you back into my life! Christmas every day cannot be explained other than by a tasty beverage, a shot of rumpl minz and the dancing of little elves as you exit the bathrooms. Do yourself a favor and check this amazing spot out!

I really hate to be a curmudgeon, I love to leave praise for folks and hate to be a critic. But I have to say, this evening my wife, son (7mos old) and I were excited to go to the new Lala’s location for a little Tuesday evening get together with our friends. At the door when we arrived just before 6pm, we were greeted and told that because we had our baby with us, we wouldn’t be able to sit inside. We figured no hard feelings, that’s fair! We then proceeded to have a great, peaceful evening meal enjoying the front patio which we were relegated to, having some awesome pizza and drinks, only to be later approached at 7pm (roughly an hour later after showing up) to be told that we needed to leave because kids weren’t permitted after 7pm. Now I totally understand that kids can risk being a bit of an ambiance killer, and it must be incredibly difficult for restaurants to find the balance of being welcoming to their patrons while protecting the atmosphere for their guests. But it rubbed me the wrong way that my family, along with our friends, were asked to leave even when our son wasn’t making a peep throughout the entirety of our time there. Not to mention the fact that it was 7pm on a Tuesday with a half-packed crowd at this Lala’s location. There was really no necessity to remove us from the patio. I was a bit abrasive and combative toward the staff (and for that I apologize), but my 1-star review is being left with some conviction because I felt that their policy for removing us from their restaurant because of our baby was embarrassingly tone deaf and pretty absurd. We thought it was an awesome spot, and we were all very excited to visit their new location which was so close to where we lived. But the way we were treated despite our patronage left me feeling let down and disappointed.

Great place, but the prices do not reflect a neighborhood bar. Original Lalas is cheaper for sure. Stop with these “fancy” cocktails. This place is supposed to be Lala’s. Make it a Lala’s. Cut the prices down. We appreciate your business being in our neighborhood, respect us with these prices.

I didn't think they could top the original, but they did. The staff was attentive and funny. I love the added pizza window that's much better than the trucks up north. The patio is spread out so you don't smell all the cigarette smoke. I have only praise and gratitude for this south location. I hated going all the way up north for a Lala's cocktail.

Best Espresso Martini in South Austin! Lala's may be known for its year-round Christmas vibes, but their espresso martini is the real gift! Perfectly balanced--smooth, rich, and just the right kick of espresso and sweetness. It's easily one of the best I've had. The bartenders are fantastic, super friendly, and know how to make a great drink. Whether you're here for the festive atmosphere or just a killer cocktail, Lala's never disappoints. Can't wait to come back!

Lala's South Pole was great, especially right before Christmas! It did get pretty packed on a Friday night, so glad we got there relatively early. Parking is in a big lot shared by a shopping center so we were able to get a spot. Once we got in, we waited for a table and finally caught one that someone was leaving. After a couple hours there were so many people that we would have never found a table inside. Got drinks and pizza. Pizza was absolutely huge and melty, drinks were a bit pricy but we really enjoyed the tequila holiday one. Ambiance is WHY YOU GO - loved the decor and the pictures on the walls and the Christmas countdown clock and even the bathroom was in theme. Thank you Lala's for being the most festive bar around!

My friends and I came here for some holiday fun. I can't believe I've missed this bar and have driven by so many times and never saw it. It's in a small strip of businesses and an awesome neighborhood bar. I'll be back even after the holidays. The drinks were a bit pricy but good. The presentation of the espresso martini was spot on. I switched to regular vodka soda after this because of the caffeine and it was less. So maybe the specialty cocktails are more than a basic one. Anyway it was a great bar and right on Davis Lane. Come check it out.

As always, a fun Christmas wonderland to visit year-round, but this time down South! Happy to have come across this newer location when yelping the original up North. Great decor, and a good amount of seatings. Cocktail choices are rather simple, such as the South Pole Sour being exactly that...a Whiskey (Bourbon) Sour. Pro Tip: Head over to this location for pizza, while enjoying a holiday feel.

South side Austin has a reason to celebrate all things winter and Christmas any time it wants to now with the arrival of the cutest and grandest Lala's South Pole! I am super excited to have the nostalgic bar super close to me and my home. Just as the original spot off of Justin Lane this spot has all the coolest and best 1980's Christmas decor here from ceiling to floor. Check out all of the neon signs behind the bar as there are references to some awesome Christmas movies. Also - there is a leg lamp too in the corner of the seating area near the (maybe it's fake?) fireplace. My favorite piece of decor are the postcards and pictures on the bar top and tables. Definitely reminds me of my grandparents and makes me miss them so much. Patio vibes outside are fun too especially now that the weather has cooled down. Plenty of picnic tables to takeover with your friends and hang. With Brooklyn's Pizza next door there is really no excuse to not come here to eat and drink with your friends. There is an ordering window inside to the right of the bar where you can grab a menu and place your order. I recommend the pizza rolls and some garlic knots if you want to keep it light and/or sharable with others. Pricing for cocktails vary especially if you want the themed offerings they have here which come in super cute glassware like Santa heads and Reindeer themed glasses. Check out their local offerings of their draft beer too! They have plenty of variety of beers for anyone who wants an IPA to pilsner or Lonestar. Parking is easy peasy here as they have their own lot and plenty of parking spots.

SANTA BABY! Lala's South Pole, a year round Christmas bar located in South Austin, from what I've managed to gather, there is an original location which is Lala's North Pole in North Austin. Love how they took the Christmas theme and fully committed and ran with it. Though what would make it just a tad better is if they played Christmas music/movies all year too. This spot is super charming and takes lots of inspiration from classic holiday films. There are tons of options to choose from their daily special cocktails, to canned beers. You will surely find something to enjoy. Before you enter the bar they do check everyone's ID so make sure you have your ID with you before arriving here. The first drink I ordered was Santa's Little Helper which was a peppermint espresso martini. It was delightful. The flavor of peppermint was very prominent. It was the perfect flavor profile between sweet and bitter. I loved this spot and was so happy that we came here for after dinner drinks. I'd definitely return here!

We stopped at Lala's South Pole randomly on a Sunday and had a blast. Didn't stay long but we were able to get two seats at the bar. They're selling Brooklyn Pie pizza here which is cool, and they have cute merch. Excited to come back with friends! Bartenders were friendly, too.

The atmosphere is fantastic and the drinks were great. But the service was terrible. They checked our IDs at the door and that guy was nice. But after we sat down no one helped us. Finally my partner was able to get up to the bar after some seats cleared but it still took a while to get their attention. Of someone came to ask if we needed anything once he left for the bar. When he went to order drinks again they just ignored him so we left. They have so many tables but no way to actually order drinks or get anyone's attention. Maybe it will be better next time.

Lala's south Pole is a very cute bar that's new to south Austin; they have a north Austin location (Lala's little nugget) as well. I really enjoyed my visit -- solid 4.5 stars! Like other reviewers mentioned, it's a very welcome addition to the area since there really aren't a lot of other bars in South Austin in general, and certainly not in the immediate area where it is now located (nor any other Christmas themed ones!). The first thing I noted on arriving was how attentive the staff are - there were multiple servers and bartenders who came by our table and asked if we needed anything with a smile, and a readiness to answer questions. They were very quick with getting the drinks prepared as well, and bringing the bill when we were ready. The menu itself isn't very long, there were only six drinks, but the staff did tell us that they function as a full bar and can make pretty much any of the classic drinks that you might want. I think it would be great if they had an explicit menu with some of these options listed as well to give folks an idea of what they can order, or maybe a list of other drinks that might be up-and-coming~? But that's a very small critique. The other thing I did note is that while the decor inside is very cute and festive, it does seem to be a little bit lighter than what the other location up north has (Lala's little nugget). I also recall the North location had a pool table and maybe foosball? - I think adding some little things like that would really make this place a TOTAL knockout! That said, the interior is very inviting and warm. I went on a Tuesday night at the end of August, and noticed that there was almost no seating available inside because it was so busy! I think that's great, and testament to the fact that a lot of people living in the area are very open to spaces like this, and I think if they could add more seating inside, that would be ideal! They do have some seating outside as well, though which I thought was cute; over the coming months as it starts getting cooler, that's gonna be a great area to hang out with a drink. And something else I think that's really great, is that they serve food here as well. I didn't try any, but I saw that there was a counter available for ordering, and I saw pizza boxes. I'm sure they have at least that kind of food. And on a separate note, The bathrooms are very clean!! My and my friends really enjoyed our visit here. We will definitely be back periodically, especially as it gets cooler since it's such a convenient little area to hang out. And Something I also asked about while there was about a happy hour; the waitress said that they are working on that and probably going to roll one out soon. I would absolutely recommend this bar to anyone, it's super cute!

We were so excited to check out the new Lalas South. It's got a porch area and plenty of indoor and bar seating. The Christmas decor is cute but I could use even more! Seems like there should be a tree. We got a slice of pizza and some fried pickles both were delicious and service is fast. There were plenty of bartenders so drink service was very good. Everyone was very friendly. This is such a great addition to south Austin. I definitely recommend!

Small little bar with great food! Girls night was a bit more fun at this festive dive bar. Specialty drinks were good. You order food through a window inside the bar & everything we tried was outstanding! The bartender even went out of his way to play photographer for our mini photo shoot. Parking is ample as most businesses in the strip mall aren't open past 5. Can't wait to go back for more fun!

Save yourself the time and money and check out one of the other local south Austin bars!!!!! Or if you're in the mood for a holiday theme, check one of the other amazing Christmas themed bars around Austin right now!! As a small business owner, there is nothing I hate more than writing a negative review, but the experience I had at LaLa's South Pole warrants it. Not only was the manager incredibly disrespectful but also highly discriminatory and condescending to a patron who had a disability. It is truly a shame and sad to see. As a local, I had hoped when I heard a bar was moving into this location, that we would have a great local bar with wonderful staff and solid drinks, but LaLa's is just a basic, knock off bar from the original up north, with overpriced drinks that are mediocre at best. And while I would not rank LaLa's South Pole even in the top 5 of bars with holiday themes in Austin this month, that alone alone wouldn't warrant a 1 star review. But couple that with the ignorance, and disrespect from the staff, I couldn't just let it slide.

It's a knock off from the OG place up north Austin but it's ok. Ok being the best part. Decorations not that great. Wall paper the only cool thing about the bathrooms and the staff are mediocre at best when they are actually happy and didn't hate their lives. Pizza was ok but I only got the pepperoni. Drinks were ok. A little overpriced but what isn't in Austin. Overall we had an ok time. Christmas spirit could have been way better like the other Lala's.

Appreciate Cameron and Maddie for everything. This bar has a lot of potential. Once the holidays hit I'm sure it'll be poppin' even more here! Not as bad as everyone else makes it out to be.

Lala's South Pole is a cute place and has a good use of outdoor space, but there's a missed opportunity for an actual Christmas tree set-up. Appreciated the leg lamp and other holiday decor though. Really enjoyed the full kitchen option that Brooklyn Pie provides vs a food truck. Their pizza is delicious. The drinks were tasty but when I asked to order a regular espresso martini instead of their specialty peppermint version, they told me they didn't have the ingredients to make that. Hmmm...The waiters also came by to ask if we needed any drinks when our drinks were still full, which is better than being ignored, but also almost felt like they were rushing us to finish our drinks. Very cute spot though and will come again.

Do you know who drinks milk/cream? Santa Clause. Santa F.N. Clause. Do you know what you won't be drinking at Lala's? A White Russian. That old Miser Scrooge in the back or the bartender has decided milk products are a " pain in the ass " because they "go bad." So, Hey, Careful man. You're going to have to order some cloying Mariah Carey level made up synthetic xmas martini if you want to get jolly. Bob Cratchit has a better chance of getting another coal for his fire than you have of getting a White Russian. Otherwise the place and bar staff were nice, with good food available from Brooklyn Pie. Those 3 stars are rounded up from 2.5.

Fun place to grab a drink in an area that was previously lacking anything similar. The Christmas-themed / ski chalet decor instantly transports you to another world when you step through the door. They even have a big Christmas countdown clock behind the bar. Bartenders are friendly and service is quick. Will definitely be back again!

$15 drinks is obscene in a neighborhood bar in south Austin. That's what they cost at speakeasies downtown. They're going to price out the neighborhood after all the one time visitor instagram crowd dries up. Staff is real nice and the bar is a simple strip center bar. Hopefully they recognize they're not even close to the correct pricing for the area. All my friends and neighbors were so pumped to have the new spot but everyone said after $100 visit that it's back to the manchaca bars for reasonable prices. No need to give them a bad star count, just notifying folks of the price points to expect.

Cool atmosphere, the bartenders were very friendly. I love the original location but it was a far drive from south Austin, it's rad they have this location down south. Also grabbed some wings from the attached Brooklyn Pie, very tasty. Will for sure be coming here again!

The service was great and the ambiance fun (though not as over the top as I had hoped. We had some calzones which were good and my friend recommended the chicken tenders. Go try it for yourself!

Great Place and beautiful decor, but who is the best is our main man Jamie. We had some expectations but f$&@, this guy exceeded every single experience/expectation we've had. Booze is booze but experiences last for a life time, I will forever be HIS customer!!!... Keep it up!