St. Petersburg’s vibrant Grand Central District has a hot new spot that’s already turning heads. If you’ve been anywhere near Central Avenue recently, you couldn’t have missed the impressive two-story building that has sprung up across from Grand Central Brewhouse. After two years in the making, including a year of significant renovations, LALA St. Pete, a unique karaoke bar and restaurant, has officially opened its doors at 2324 Central Ave.
LALA St. Pete isn’t just another karaoke bar; it’s an entertainment destination. Owner Lucas Herraiz, originally from Paris and a St. Pete resident for seven years, envisioned a venue that offers a comprehensive experience. LALA St. Pete boasts a full-service restaurant, multiple uniquely themed private karaoke rooms, an inviting outdoor patio, and a stunning rooftop bar with views overlooking the bustling Central Avenue. Herraiz hopes this location will be the blueprint for similar exciting venues across the Tampa Bay area, with Tampa and Sarasota already in his sights for future expansions.
Here’s everything you need to know about St. Pete’s newest entertainment hub, LALA St. Pete.
Immerse Yourself in Themed Karaoke Rooms
Step into a world of themed fun with LALA St. Pete’s seven private karaoke rooms. Spread across two floors (three downstairs and four upstairs), each room offers a distinct atmosphere, décor, and capacity. Whether you’re looking for a cozy space for a date night or a large room for a group celebration, LALA St. Pete has you covered.
Choose the Speakeasy for a taste of the roaring ‘20s and Prohibition era, or step into Studio LALA, channeling the ‘70s disco vibe with vintage Studio 54 photos and a dazzling disco ball. For rock enthusiasts, the Rock & Red room immerses you in rock and roll history with concert posters of legends like David Bowie, U2, and Prince.
Room capacities are strictly adhered to for safety, ranging from intimate spaces for five people – perfect for dates – to larger rooms accommodating up to 16 guests, ideal for corporate events or birthday extravaganzas. Booking is easy via the bar’s website for two-hour slots. Pricing varies depending on the room size, day of the week, and time, with options to suit different budgets. During peak hours, expect to pay around $10 per person per hour. These rooms are already in high demand, with over 100 bookings secured within the first week of reservations opening.
A Karaoke Playlist That Hits All the Right Notes
Forget limited, generic song selections. LALA St. Pete boasts an impressive karaoke library of 46,000 songs. Owner Herraiz collaborated with a French karaoke app designer to create a custom iPad-based system. Guests can easily navigate through curated playlists, browse by genre or category (think bachelorette anthems or Mother’s Day classics), or directly search for their favorite tunes.
Multiple microphones are available in each room, and a user-friendly control panel lets you adjust sound levels to your preference. For those who are a bit shy about singing solo, a unique feature allows you to increase the volume of the original vocalist, turning your karaoke session into a duet experience.
Dining and Drinks: A Culinary Complement to Karaoke
LALA St. Pete is more than just karaoke; it’s a dining destination in its own right. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner daily, promising a delicious culinary experience to accompany the entertainment. Chef Kait Smith, bringing experience from Tampa’s C-House, Bern’s, and Elevage, is crafting a menu described as “upscale American and French Mediterranean” cuisine in partnership with Herraiz.
Guests can choose to dine in the main dining area, offering seating for 32 plus 14 bar seats, or enjoy the outdoor patio that connects to the Grand Central Brewhouse beer garden. A collaborative agreement allows brewery patrons to even order food directly from LALA St. Pete. Karaoke room guests can also have the full menu delivered directly to their private rooms.
The opening menu focuses on shareable, snack-friendly finger foods perfect for karaoke sessions. Options include cheese and charcuterie boards, watermelon and feta skewers, lobster avocado toast, and bruschetta crostinis. Heartier appetites can be satisfied with a selection of baguette sandwiches like the Parisian, Italian, and Caprese. Salads and desserts like salty caramel cheesecake and key lime pie round out the menu.
While the full hot food menu is temporarily delayed due to permitting, the “cold” food menu is available now. Once fully operational, expect a wider array of entrees with French influences like steak frites, coq au vin, moules frites, and boeuf bourguignon. The drink menu features a range of classic and signature cocktails, along with wines and beers, including rotating selections from Grand Central Brewhouse. Signature cocktails include the Empress Elderflower Collins and the Floridian, ensuring there’s a perfect drink to complement your meal and karaoke performance.
Rooftop Bar: Sip and Savor the City Views
Elevate your experience at LALA St. Pete’s rooftop bar. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and a refreshing breeze while taking in panoramic views of Central Avenue and the Grand Central District. It’s the perfect spot to start your evening, unwind after a karaoke session, or simply enjoy the St. Pete nightlife.
LALA St. Pete is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., offering a full day of entertainment and dining options.
Visit LALA St. Pete at: 2324 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. For reservations and more information, call 727-329-9455 or visit lalastpete.com.
