LALA's to bring private karaoke experience to Downtown St. Pete

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Karaoke night will soon be every night at LALA St. Pete, a new restaurant, bar, and karaoke box opening at 2324 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg.

The 4,500 square foot concept will feature two floors of restaurant space with an indoor capacity of 175 seats. There will also be seven private karaoke rooms, a rooftop bar, and courtyard space which will be shared with the neighboring Grand Central Brewhouse.

Karaoke rooms, or karaoke boxes, got their start in Japan in the 1980’s. Instead of singing in a public space, such as a crowded bar, friends convene in private rooms to belt out their favorite hits. Private karaoke rooms are still most popular in Asian countries, but have recently started to gain momentum in Canada, Europe and the United States.

“At the end of 2019, while in Paris, I discovered that karaoke bars were booming all over Europe,” says Owner Lucas Herraiz. “I came back to St. Pete with the desire to create a new unique restaurant concept featuring private karaoke rooms.”

Lucas Herraiz, owner of LALA St Pete, coming soon to 2324 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District

Each karaoke room at LALA’s will showcase a different theme but the details of each theme are being kept a secret – for now. The karaoke rooms will vary in size and can be rented for parties and events. But don’t worry if you forget to make a reservation, LALA’s will also accept walk-ins too.

The karaoke rooms will use proprietary karaoke machines which are designed to accommodate singers of all skill levels – they’ll even allow you to sing with or without a vocal background track.

While you sing your heart out, you may need a cold beverage, and there will be plenty to choose from. LALA’s plans on having a full menu of craft cocktails as well as Grand Central Brewhouse’s beer on tap and a large selection of wine.

Herraiz is French-born and LALA’s food menu will reflect that. Herraiz describes the inspiration behind the food at LALA’s as American with French influences. In addition to offering “high-end pub food,” the menu will also offer gourmet burgers, wings, and specialty pizza, as well as French-inspired dishes like beef bourguignon, creamy moules-frites (mussels and fries), and local catch snapper with beurre blanc.

Herraiz came to St. Pete three years ago and has always dreamed about owning his own restaurants. While he already owns Tikanis, an Italian restaurant at 9385 Bay Pines Boulevard, LALA’s will allow him to expand his offerings. Some of LALA’s menu items will be imported from Tikanis, but will be changed up to accommodate the vibe of Central Avenue.

Pricing for appetizers at LALA’s will begin at $10 while entrees and other items will start at $15 and rise to over $20. The restaurant is expected to open in September once construction on their building is completed.

To stay up to date with LALA St. Pete, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website.