Miami's food scene moves fast, but few things have shifted as quickly as the hype surrounding Lala's Burgers and Fries. If you spent any time in Kendall or the Bird Road Arts District over the last couple of years, you likely saw the lines. People don't usually stand in the Florida humidity for a basic cheeseburger. But this isn't exactly a basic cheeseburger.
Honestly, it's kinda rare to see a pop-up transition into a permanent 70-seat restaurant without losing its soul. It started as a "if you know, you know" Tuesday event at Apocalypse BBQ. Then it moved into a blue shipping container at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. Now, it’s a full-blown brick-and-mortar spot at 13750 SW 88th St. in Kendall.
You’ve probably seen the photos. The edges of the meat are lacy and charred, the cheese is practically fused to the patty, and the buns look like they’ve been toasted in a lake of butter. It’s a specific vibe.
The Apocalypse BBQ Connection
Basically, you can't talk about Lala's Burgers and Fries without talking about its parentage. Jeff and Laura “Lala” Budnechky—the duo behind the award-winning Apocalypse BBQ—are the ones pulling the strings here.
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The name "Lala" isn't some corporate invention; it’s Laura’s nickname.
When they first started flipping these at Apocalypse, it was a weekly experiment. It went viral almost instantly. Miami has plenty of smash burgers, but these felt different because they brought that "low and slow" barbecue attention to detail to a fast-casual format. Even the chocolate chip cookie on the menu is the same legendary one from the BBQ spot. If you've had it, you know it’s basically a meal on its own.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
For a long time, the menu was tiny. Just three burgers, fries, and a cookie. That’s it. Now that they’ve moved into the old Fujiya Japanese Restaurant space, things have expanded slightly, but they haven’t gone overboard.
- The Lala: This is the flagship. You get a five-ounce patty, American cheese, grilled onions, house pickles, and their signature Lala sauce. It’s the "benchmark" burger.
- The Bacon: This one is heavier. It uses bacon jam, a "pickled medley," onion tanglers, and something they call "sizzle sauce."
- The Jefe Smash: A local favorite featuring American cheese, grilled onions, and a specific "Jefe Sauce."
The fries are double-fried. That’s why they actually stay crunchy even after they’ve been sitting in a takeout bag for ten minutes. Most places skip that second fry because it takes more time and oil. Lala’s doesn’t.
They also recently brought back the smashburgers in full force as of mid-January 2026. There was a brief period where they experimented with a thicker griddled patty, but the people wanted the smash. The people won.
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Not Just Beef Anymore
The Kendall location added a few things that weren’t in the shipping container. You can now get chicken sandwiches and all-beef hot dogs served on house-made buns. They also added onion rings, though some early critics (looking at you, Burger Beast) noted they weren't hand-battered in-house at the start. It’ll be interesting to see if they tweak that recipe as they settle into the new kitchen.
The Vibe and the "Vinyl" Factor
The new spot isn't just a place to eat and leave. It’s got 70 seats and a full-service dining format, which is a big jump from ordering at a window in a brewery backyard.
They’re leaning hard into the "neighborhood hangout" thing. There are board games and a vinyl listening section, which is a direct nod to the atmosphere at Apocalypse BBQ. It feels like a place where you could actually hang out for an hour without the staff hovering over you to flip the table.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume that because it’s "viral," it’s all style and no substance. Or they think it’s just another chain in the making.
Right now, it’s still very much a local, family-run operation. The Budnechkys are actually Kendall locals. They recently announced they’re expecting their first child, so the "Day One Hospitality" group is growing in more ways than one.
One thing to keep in mind: it's still first-come, first-served. Don't expect to make a reservation on a Friday night and walk right in. It gets loud. It gets crowded. But that’s sort of the point.
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Planning Your Visit
If you’re heading to the Kendall location, here’s the reality of the situation:
- Parking: It’s in a shopping center, so there’s a lot, but it can get tight during peak dinner hours.
- Timing: They’re closed on Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, they close at 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, they stay open until 11:00 PM for the late-night crowd.
- Dietary Stuff: Honestly, if you’re a vegan, this isn’t the spot. They don’t really do meat-free alternatives here. It’s a temple to beef and tallow.
To get the most out of it, try the Sweet & Spicy Smash if it's on the special board. It uses pepper jack cheese and banana peppers, which provides a nice break from the standard American cheese flavor profile. And definitely get a side of the Lala sauce for the fries.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check their Instagram (@lalasbrgrs) before you head out to see if there are any limited-run specials. If it's your first time, stick to "The Lala" to understand the baseline flavor. Also, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before you’re actually starving, as the first-come, first-served seating usually involves a short wait during the dinner rush.