First time visitor to Lafayette
Hey guys,
Looking forward to visiting your fair city this weekend. Hoping I can find some tickets but looking to have a good time regardless.
First off, I want to apologize for some of my Bulldog peers on the whole ticket thing, some of them have really been ____s about it. I think it just took us aback as the places we've traveled in the past have generally had plenty of bleacher or standing room tickets.
Looking for some advice. What are the "can't miss" restaurants, bars, etc? We'll probably look for some place to hang out and watch the ULL-JSU game after our game Friday. Maybe have a couple of drinks. Other than that, just looking for the best food and to experience Lafayette.
Is there a particular neighborhood with decent hotels and things in walking distance? Or am I better off just planning to drive everywhere?
Speaking of driving, how is the parking situation on campus. Is it mostly free, pass-only, or pay-when-you-park? I've seen a lot of people mention tailgating, can you give me the scoop on that? Is there one common tailgating area or is it mostly spread out?
You guys seem like a hospitable bunch and I know your town has a lot to offer. Looking forward to coming down and watching some good baseball.
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
Welcome in advance to Cajun country. Let me help you out here...
HEY GUYS, THIS IS A FOOD THREAD
RaginPagin loves food threads
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Restaurants:
Olde Tyme Grocery (Poboys) right near campus
Deano's (Pizza) right near the baseball field
Zea (Tai ribs and corn grits, also their fried red beans and rice is stupid good) close to baseball field, near Corner Bar
Blue Dog Cafe (anything)
Bars:
Corner Bar (not far from the baseball field)
Tap Room (large selection of beer on tap, including local brews)
Many bars and restaurants downtown, Legends, Marley's, City Bar (nightlife)
Not a lot of hotels walking distance unfortunately but parking isn't too difficult most places. You'll be driving around mostly but not very far distances. The downtown area or River Ranch has some areas where you can park and walk around.
Athletic campus parking situation isn't bad. Athletic facilities are off separate from the Academic campus. Parking is free and people will most likely be tailgating anywhere as close to the baseball stadium as they can get.
I'll add more as I think about it. Good luck you should enjoy your time here, only issue will be the weather!
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
If you want good food and a place to watch the Cajuns Baseball game while drinking 2 for 1 draft beer....go to "Fat Pat's"...I can recommend the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger or the Three Little Pigs Sandwich
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
Lafayette also loves them some breakfast places... you should have Saturday and Sunday morning to try one of the following: T-Coons, The French Press, Another Broken Egg, Blue Dog Cafe Brunch, Edie's Biscuits
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
There's only like 300 restaurants & 150 bars on this town. Be ready to drive because the city is spread out. There are plenty of hotels. The best places are right off I-10. The parking is the best of any college venue you'll ever see. Although the fans here are so spoiled if they have to walk more than 50' they threaten to get legal council. Just kidding guys. But the parking is easy. And most importantly, when you come be prepared to go home defeated. Because this team is good. they're not Sunbelt good they're the best in college baseball good. And don't look for them to have a letdown this weekend, because it ain't gonna happen. Just giving you fair warning to send to your brethren. SEC or no SEC, you come over here you're leaving disappointed. Have a good weekend.
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
For seafood (Crawfish) - Dons downtown for Crawfish Bisque never disappoints. (Hurry crawfish season is almost over)
For a somewhat eclectic menu go to the French Press across the street from Dons downtown.
For sushi Tsunami downtown
For Mexican - LaPaqua on Johnston or Aztecas on Ambassador Caffery (Avoid LaFondas no matter what anybody says)
For Italian - I Monelli or Alesi's both on Johston street.
For smoked meats Johnstons Boucaniere (you will not be disappointed) If you really want to get down with cajun go to Poches north of Breaux Bridge.
For a somewhat more elegant setting Cafe Vermilionville on Pinhook or Jollies also on Pinhook.
For Tapas - Pamplona Tapas on Jefferson.
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
Food thread....here we geaux.
You will have plenty of options. This may sound crazy and I mention it because others will cover the basic "Cajun" fare but will probably leave this one off the list. If you want incredible Sushi visit Tsunami's downtown. My wife doesn't like sushi and loves going here.
For Pizza try Deano's not far from the park. Named one of the top five pizza restaurants in the U.S. Legends bar next door is a small hangout for UL fans and probably a good spot to catch the JSU vs. UL game. You could also go to WalkOn's which was voted one of the top five sports bars in the U.S. but is probably a fifteen minute drive from the stadium.
Upscale....Ruffino's on the River.
Tailgating will be in the parking lot adjacent to the ball park. There is a fair at the Cajundome which will take up some parking on the far side of the football stadium but should not interfere with baseball. Parking is free for baseball but not for the fair. So if they try to charge you then you know you are at the wrong entrance. Enter the athletic facility off Bertrand drive and you should be good.
Only one hotel that is really within walking distance so you will need to plan on driving.
Re: First time visitor to Lafayette
I heard there's nothing to do in Lafayette.
So good luck.
