First time visitor to Lafayette

[Cajun90]

Maybe a point to be made. When people visit Lafayette they expect all the food to be "Cajun". In reality the food offerings are extremely varied. People in this area know good food no matter the culinary region it originates from and you won't last long serving bad food.

CajunAmos has a good list noted above. I will add that the FrenchPress mentioned by many is a restaurant that was nominated for a James Beard award last year.

[cajundiehard]

Ruffino's is located in River Ranch and there is also a new (very good) Agave Mexican just across Kaliste Saloom from River Ranch...

[DoubleDawg]

Some of your fans are frankly unbearable and acting very arrogant (which apparently can get people banned for saying that). ...
Like I said, I've been disappointed with some of the MSU fans because of the fact I myself have an Grandfather, Aunt, Uncle, and 3 cousins who are State alum, and the way some have portrayed themselves online is vastly different than the State fans I know in person and it's incredibly disheartening.

I agree with all this. Honestly, the frequenters of the two main "free" boards, Sixpackspeak and EliteDawgs, are basically daily competitions to see who can be the biggest a-hole. I guess that's how you get your point across and become "six pack cool."

[TravlnCajun]

Olde Tyme's poboys virtues have been covered by several, but one thing that may not have been mentioned is its proximty to the academic campus, only one block away.

[Guidry3]

All these places and no one has even touched on the best places for plate lunches! Geez I love Lafayette!

But seriously, IF y'all make it to Sunday, depending on game-time, go get a BBQ plate lunch from Dwight's. Just make sure you call in or be there at 11 to stand in line.

[Bandwagon King]

I can't believe nobody mentioned Shuck's in Abbeville. How are the crawfish @ dwyer's how big & the price right now? Obviously, you can see the need to get a Po Boy from Olde Tyme Grocery. They are everything the board says. Only go if you are hungry.

[Guidry3]

I can't believe nobody mentioned Shuck's in Abbeville. How are the crawfish @ dwyer's how big & the price right now? Obviously, you can see the need to get a Po Boy from Olde Tyme Grocery. They are everything the board says. Only go if you are hungry.

Shuck's actually crossed my mind while I was typing. I just didn't want to send someone on an adventure and they end up in Intracoastal City!

Also - Crawfish Tyme on Verot has some of the best crawfish as well.

[Bandwagon King]

Did anybody mention Mel's diner for all night starvation?

[Bandwagon King]

Shuck's actually crossed my mind while I was typing. I just didn't want to send someone on an adventure and they end up in Intracoastal City!

With all the maroon they'd fit right in. They'd probably make them honorary Boudreauxs or Doucets.

[AstroCajun]

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.

Everyone in this thread has been spot on.

I just wanted to comment separately that the meatloaf sandwich at the French Press is nothing short of life affirming.