Coming to visit Lafayette - restaurant suggestions? (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: casinos, live)

[zerosoma]

My wife and I are from Iowa. Last year I took a month's vacation down south to get away from the nasty winter weather. Right before Corona hit, I was down spending time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and right before I hit that I went to Lafayette for two days. I'm going to bring her with this time.

Being cajun country, I'm curious what you all think are the best local spots for food, and any recommendations on specific dishes. We really like seafood - we get none of that besides frozen up north, and we also love cajun food, burgers, and occasionally pizza. I just want thick, melt in your mouth, good southern food.

We will be there for 5 days.

Also a bonus question : any other activities to do in Lafayette besides eat and eat? Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with that, but we probably should find some other stuff to do too! Thanks!

[cj0065]

Welcome back to Lafayette! For breakfast I recommend The Coffee Depot and The French Press. For great plate lunches with good southern cooking I recommend Laura’s 2, Veronicas, Dwyer’s Cafe or Dwights. I’m sure there are plenty of other places to try like Fat Pats which has great burgers and wings and Chris’ Poboys(They supposedly have great Gumbo but I have not tried it yet lol)

Not sure of all the things to do with Covid and all but Girard Park is nice for a walk around the duck pond and relaxing. Painting with a Twist is a cool activity if you have time to do it. There are Cajun swamp tours but idk if they are doing those since Covid. Acadian Village is a nice historic place. It’s a small city so not too much to do. However, New Orleans is only a couple hours away for a nice day trip for more food and fun. Casinos in Lake Charles, Opelousas, Baton Rouge, New Orleans if you’re into that. Baton Rouge is only 45 min to an hour away. There is a bigger mall and they also have a Top Golf. There is probably more to do in Lafayette but I can’t think of it at the moment.

Hope you have a nice trip.

[sluggermatt15]

Originally Posted by cj0065

Welcome back to Lafayette! For breakfast I recommend The Coffee Depot and The French Press. For great plate lunches with good southern cooking I recommend Laura’s 2, Veronicas, Dwyer’s Cafe or Dwights. I’m sure there are plenty of other places to try like Fat Pats which has great burgers and wings and Chris’ Poboys(They supposedly have great Gumbo but I have not tried it yet lol)

Not sure of all the things to do with Covid and all but Girard Park is nice for a walk around the duck pond and relaxing. Painting with a Twist is a cool activity if you have time to do it. There are Cajun swamp tours but idk if they are doing those since Covid. Acadian Village is a nice historic place. It’s a small city so not too much to do. However, New Orleans is only a couple hours away for a nice day trip for more food and fun. Casinos in Lake Charles, Opelousas, Baton Rouge, New Orleans if you’re into that. Baton Rouge is only 45 min to an hour away. There is a bigger mall and they also have a Top Golf. There is probably more to do in Lafayette but I can’t think of it at the moment.

Hope you have a nice trip.

I lived in Louisiana for 5.5 years, and would visit Lafayette from time-to-time. I agree with all of this. Great suggestions.

There are also some museums in town if you're interested. I think they have a science museum. Vermillionville is also fun if you're into Cajun history.

[AguaDulce]

Originally Posted by zerosoma

My wife and I are from Iowa. Last year I took a month's vacation down south to get away from the nasty winter weather. Right before Corona hit, I was down spending time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and right before I hit that I went to Lafayette for two days. I'm going to bring her with this time.

Being cajun country, I'm curious what you all think are the best local spots for food, and any recommendations on specific dishes. We really like seafood - we get none of that besides frozen up north, and we also love cajun food, burgers, and occasionally pizza. I just want thick, melt in your mouth, good southern food.

We will be there for 5 days.

Also a bonus question : any other activities to do in Lafayette besides eat and eat? Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with that, but we probably should find some other stuff to do too! Thanks!

You took a month's vacation without your wife? Interesting.

1) For plate lunches, I like Gary's "Where Hunger Comes to Die!" (104 Lamar in Lafayette)
2) Go to Fred's Lounge in Mamou on Saturday morning (live music and dancing)
3) Go to Buck & Johnny's in Breaux Bridge on Sunday morning (live music and dancing)