Where to Eat, Drink, and Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler in Lafayette
Whether you’re here for a weekend of boudin and live music or in town for work and want to eat like a local, this guide has you covered.

Welcome to Lafayette — a city where your taste buds will dance just as much as your feet. From spicy Cajun staples to swanky lounges, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots to eat, sip, and soak in true Acadiana flavor while you’re staying with Frontline Companies.
Cajun Must-Tries
These iconic spots deliver the flavor Lafayette is famous for:
- Prejean’s (Carencro) – Legendary gumbo, seafood, and live music. If you want the “this is why people love Cajun food” moment, start here.
- Don’s Seafood – Fried seafood platters, chargrilled oysters, and Lafayette heritage all in one place.
- Riverside Inn (Broussard) – A local favorite for generations. Classy, cozy, and oh-so-Cajun.
- Fezzo’s (Scott, Broussard, Crowley) – Family-friendly, always flavorful, and great for seafood platters and boiled crawfish in season.
- Deano’s Pizza – Cajun-style pies that pack a punch. Try the Cajun Executioner if you dare.
Upscale Dining
Celebrating something special or just want to dress up and enjoy a great meal? These spots are perfect for a refined night out:
- Vestal – High-end wood-fired cuisine and craft cocktails in the heart of downtown Lafayette.
- Kasai – Sleek and modern, with top-tier sushi and yakitori grilled to perfection.
- Ruffino’s on the River – Upscale Italian-Creole fusion with views, vino, and all the date-night vibes; located in River Ranch.
Brunch & Coffee Shops
Because nothing says “vacation” like a late-morning biscuit and coffee:
- The French Press – Famous for their sweet/savory combos like the Cajun Benedict and the Breesus Boudin Biscuits.
- Ruby Slipper Café – Mimosa flights, pancakes, and pure brunch joy.
- T-Coon’s – Cajun breakfast favorites like boudin and biscuits with gravy.
- Hub City Diner – Retro flair with family-friendly service.
- Mel’s Diner – The 24/7 staple — comfort food, day or night.
Lunch Favorites & Day Drinking
Looking for something casual, crave-worthy, and easy between adventures? Come as you are and eat like a local:
- Old Tyme Grocery – The shrimp po’boy is a tradition for many who travel through Lafayette, and is considered a must-try food when in the area.
- Judice Inn – Iconic burgers with no fries, no ketchup, and no frills. This restaurant is considered a beloved local ladkmark with a long history.
- Central Pizza & Bar – Unique, brick-oven pizza in downtown Lafayette, with favorite pies like the Voodoo Chili, Pauli, and Smore.
- Spoonbill – Gulf Coast meets street food, served under breezy umbrellas, also in Downtown Lafayette.
- Dwyer’s Café – Classic downtown diner full of local charm and authentic Cajun plate lunches that’ll remind you of mawmaw’s kitchen.
- Agave Cantina or La Carreta – Tex-Mex with bold flavors and even bolder margaritas.
- The Yard Goat – German-style, pet-friendly beer garden and kitchen with outdoor activities and plenty of TVs for all your college football needs.
Local Breweries
Acadiana knows how to brew. These spots bring the hops and the hospitality:
- Parish Brewing Co. (Broussard) – Home of the famous Ghost in the Machine. Laid-back taproom, big flavor.
- Bayou Teche Brewing (Arnaudville) – Cajun French beer labels, pizza, arcades, and live music outdoors. Family- and dog-friendly.
- Adopted Dog Brewing (Lafayette) – The only brewery in Lafayette city limits brewing in-house. Family- and dog-friendly, with a spacious patio, live music several nights a week, and sports always on.
Live Music & Nightlife
Whether you’re in the mood for two-steppin’ or swanky sips, Lafayette’s got you covered:
- Hideaway on Lee – Funky, eclectic, and full of local flavor (and food trucks).
- The Palmyre – Elegant lounge with an ever-rotating lineup of live musicians.
- Whiskey & Vine – Classy lounge meets lively jazz club, serving cocktails with a Southern twist.
- Blue Moon Saloon – Live Cajun and Zydeco on a rustic back-porch stage.
Boudin & Cracklin: The True Acadiana Experience
Whether you're new to boudin or know your way around a casing, these stops are worth the drive (and the grease stains):
- The Best Stop Supermarket (Scott, Broussard & Carencro) – The gold standard. Their boudin balls are crispy perfection, and their smoked boudin is legendary.
- Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins (Scott & Carencro) – Famous for over-the-top stuffed boudin balls (think pepper jack, jalapeño, and even crawfish) and spicy boudin.
- NuNu’s Fresh Market (Scott, Youngsville, Milton & Maurice) – Known for gourmet-style boudin and specialty meats. Don’t leave without a bag of chicken cracklin.
- Don’s Specialty Meats (Scott & Carencro) – “Home of the Boudin & Cracklin.” A local favorite with a large selection of specialty meats.
Pro tip: Most locals hit more than one of these in a single trip. It’s called research.
Staff Picks from the Frontline Team
- “A steak and raw oysters from Vestal, Old Tyme’s shrimp po’boy, and a Canebreak from Parish — that’s my holy trinity.” – Phil
- “French Press for brunch; start with The Saint Mimosa and end with The Cajun Benedict! And I never tire of these Prejean’s menu items: Smoked Old Fashioned, Gator Bites, Shrimp Flatbread, Ahi Tuna, and Cajun Fried Rice.” – Maria
- “Boiled crawfish and crabcakes from Fezzo’s are always a winner.” – Amanda
- “Shrimp and grits from Don’s!” – Anna
- “NuNu’s crawfish boudin is a must-try!” – Sherry




