80Smash
Score
Score
Smash Score✓ Certified Smash
West Kendall's viral smashburger operation turned permanent, from the family behind Apocalypse BBQ. Infatuation-reviewed within two months of opening, with 4.5-star crowd scores to match.
Photography courtesy of Lala's Burgers & Fries / Yelp.
Lala's Burgers & Fries grew out of Apocalypse BBQ, the backyard-to-restaurant operation founded by Jeff and Laura 'Lala' Budnechky in Kendall. What began as a Tuesday-only pop-up became a viral smash burger sensation with lines stretching out the door, eventually finding a daily home at Lincoln's Beard Brewing in South Miami. In December 2025, Lala's opened its first dedicated brick-and-mortar location at 13750 SW 88th St, bringing the cult following a permanent 70-seat home in West Kendall. The Infatuation reviewed it within two months of opening - a rare honor for any South Miami-Dade restaurant.
Lala's signature is its dual-option approach: every burger is offered smashed or thick, so even die-hard smash skeptics leave satisfied. The Lala - American cheese, grilled onions, slightly sweet house pickles, and the tangy Lala sauce on a fresh-baked bun - is the item that built the reputation. The smashed versions achieve enough girth to stay juicy while still developing the caramelized crust fans come for. All buns are proofed and baked in-house daily. The Bacon adds house-made bacon jam, pickled medley, and onion tanglers for a bolder build.
Lala's opened its permanent West Kendall restaurant in December 2025 after operating as a pop-up. The score reflects strong early editorial and crowd signals, with a smaller source base than Miami's longer-running smashburger spots.
The only toppings are pickles, onions, and cheese which, if done right, is really all it takes to make a great burger. It's the best burger and it's just as good if you order it smashed or thick.
Lala's pulls off a tough task in these divisive burger times by appealing to smashburger lovers and haters alike, with every burger on the menu offering the choice between smashed or thick patties. Even the smashed ones still have just enough girth to remain juicy.
Bigger, crispier, and delicious.
Super cute space, nice vibe, great customer service and delicious smash burgers.
Mouthwatering smash burgers - classic single-stack boasting a perfectly seasoned patty and an irresistible tangy red sauce.
Smash burgers were incredibly flavorful and the portions were much bigger than expected.
Complaints about customer service, parking issues, overpriced extras like extra patties, and inconsistent quality in terms of buns and patty cooking.