- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Score Board
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- SEC Score Board
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Looking for Good Food AND Atmosphere in Lafayette
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:39 pm
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:39 pm
We're getting a group of friends together for a Saturday night this month (about 3-4 couples, 6-8 people) for a good meal and drinks.
I know a place like Riverside Inn is good, but the atmosphere...well...there is none. LaFonda's is great atmosphere and drinks, but the food...not there.
Where's the best place to try and get the best of both worlds for a small group?
Thanks in advance.
I know a place like Riverside Inn is good, but the atmosphere...well...there is none. LaFonda's is great atmosphere and drinks, but the food...not there.
Where's the best place to try and get the best of both worlds for a small group?
Thanks in advance.
11
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:43 pm to ragincajun03
Ruffino's on the River?
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:45 pm to tracytiger
That's actually where we've initially planned. Reading Urban Spoon, though, I'm seeing about half the reviews give positive impressions of the atmosphere and service, but state the food ain't quite up to par with the hype/price. So I guess I'm 2nd guessing, but maybe it's still the best for the combination we're looking for?
This post was edited on 8/7/13 at 8:46 pm
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:46 pm to ragincajun03
Ruffinos or Social.
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:47 pm to ragincajun03
Is there ever a place that gets perfect reviews all the time. Forget that and go.
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:48 pm to ragincajun03
I know LaFonda's food has been debated on here before. I grew up eating there so, I like it. Great choices like fried rabbit. Years ago, their filet mignon was excellent. Just a plus they have good margaritas.
What about Cafe Vermillionville or Blue Dog?
What about Cafe Vermillionville or Blue Dog?
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:51 pm to TigerHam85
Ruffinos is nice, food getting there but LOUD LOUD LOUD.
I would suggest Charlie G's or Café Vermillion or Bella Figura if they have re-opened on Heyman Blvd
I would suggest Charlie G's or Café Vermillion or Bella Figura if they have re-opened on Heyman Blvd
Posted on 8/7/13 at 8:53 pm to TigerHam85
quote:
Ruffinos or Social
I haven't been to Social yet, but was looking at their website earlier. Pretty decent prices on that beer selection, especially the higher ABV ones.
I didn't see any food menu, so I'm assuming not a dinner place. Definitely an option for after-drinks, though.
Do they serve dinner and just don't have the menu online, or I missed it having the intellect of a ranter?
Posted on 8/7/13 at 9:09 pm to ragincajun03
Ruffino's or Social are my picks as well. Love both
Social Menu
ETA: EVERYTHING I've had at Social has been great. And I've eaten almost everything on that menu. Drinks are probably best in the city
Social Menu
ETA: EVERYTHING I've had at Social has been great. And I've eaten almost everything on that menu. Drinks are probably best in the city
This post was edited on 8/7/13 at 9:11 pm
Posted on 8/7/13 at 9:43 pm to bbrou33
Went to Social couple of weeks ago for drinks only. Place was crowded at the bar only because many tables were reserved. Had the tables not been reserved, all would have been seated. Ordered a Newcastle, which they didn't have. Ordered a Budweiser, which the bartender replied, if you can order it at a gas station, we don't have it. Ah, I see..wife orders Michelob Ultra which they DO have..go figure. Was hoping for Guiness Black label which they didn't have. Ended up with a Blue Moon. Put them to the real test..ordered Knob Creek Old Fashion. Did a good job on it. Girl sitting in front of us ordered fried chicken. Out comes 1/2 chicken in a large bowl...haven't eaten there yet, but wont wait for a table.
Posted on 8/7/13 at 9:52 pm to joeleblanc
quote:
joeleblanc
You must not research places before going...
Only large tables to the right are reserved. You must have a party of either 8 or 10 or more to have a reservation.
The bar area is ALWAYS packed unless you go between 5 and 6 pm.
Did you not look at the menu before going? This isn't your typical place. They put a ton of work into their cocktails, most are great. And their beer menu is diverse on purpose. You could have asked for a menu also which has every beer they have available (best selection in Lafayette btw)
Finally, every single entree is large. The place is called Social for a reason. Everything about it is meant to be a social environment. Including eating. The fried chicken is actually, IMO, by far the best thing on the menu. I suggest you go and try it. And you'll be happy. Then even happier when you realize you have enough for lunch or dinner the next day.
I'd wait for a table...
Posted on 8/7/13 at 10:08 pm to bbrou33
quote:
Ruffino's or Social are my picks as well. Love both
This would be my pick as well. Can second the menu options at Social.
Posted on 8/8/13 at 6:40 am to bbrou33
I've had largely the opposite experience at Social than you have. Drinks are great and I like their beer selection. You are correct in that it's the best selection in Lafayette by far.
Food has been largely underwhelming to me. I went last night (Girlfriend loves Social) and got the fried chicken and biscuits. Very good dish. All three sandwich dishes (burger, reuben and pulled pork) were terrible when I got them. I'm shooting 1/5 so far.
I would say if you are adverse to noise during a meal I would not go to Social. It's one of the loudest places I have eaten at. When I went last night, there was a huge group of kids (baseball team) eating in the area to the right of the bar. They were extremely loud especially when they sang Happy Birthday to one kid. Then, after cake, they started running through the restaurant. It was so odd that the staff let them do that.
To the OP, I'd go with Pamplona on this one. I think Pamplona has the best bartenders in Lafayette and a Tapas style meal seems to work really well when you have a bunch of couples.
Food has been largely underwhelming to me. I went last night (Girlfriend loves Social) and got the fried chicken and biscuits. Very good dish. All three sandwich dishes (burger, reuben and pulled pork) were terrible when I got them. I'm shooting 1/5 so far.
I would say if you are adverse to noise during a meal I would not go to Social. It's one of the loudest places I have eaten at. When I went last night, there was a huge group of kids (baseball team) eating in the area to the right of the bar. They were extremely loud especially when they sang Happy Birthday to one kid. Then, after cake, they started running through the restaurant. It was so odd that the staff let them do that.
To the OP, I'd go with Pamplona on this one. I think Pamplona has the best bartenders in Lafayette and a Tapas style meal seems to work really well when you have a bunch of couples.
This post was edited on 8/8/13 at 6:43 am
Posted on 8/8/13 at 7:01 am to polizei11
Never had the sandwiches so maybe that's why we see the food differently.
The baseball team being there is odd. I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone under 18 there. Much less an entire baseball team. That would ruin any experience. But it being a noisy place is right. It's just something I don't mind.
And I always forget about Pamplona! I'll add the to my list of options. Drinks and bartenders are good there and the menu is great for a group of people.
The baseball team being there is odd. I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone under 18 there. Much less an entire baseball team. That would ruin any experience. But it being a noisy place is right. It's just something I don't mind.
And I always forget about Pamplona! I'll add the to my list of options. Drinks and bartenders are good there and the menu is great for a group of people.
Posted on 8/8/13 at 7:19 am to ragincajun03
Mazen
Posted on 8/8/13 at 7:35 am to ragincajun03
I like Jolie's Bistro, as well. I might be in the minority.
Posted on 8/8/13 at 8:07 am to Darla Hood
Been to Ruffino's twice. Don't get the love this place gets. Social is fine....feels like it's trying too hard to be trendy though, with mixed results.
I'd personally go with Pamplona.
I'd personally go with Pamplona.
Posted on 8/8/13 at 8:12 am to Pork Que
quote:
feels like it's trying too hard to be trendy though
its targeting 25-35 year old people who enjoy a nice atmosphere with quality food and drinks that have the disposable income.
there's no other place like it in lafayette (and maybe BR), so i wouldn't call it trendy, i'd call it a great business plan.
Posted on 8/8/13 at 8:19 am to Pork Que
quote:What'd you order?
Been to Ruffino's twice. Don't get the love this place gets
Page 1 of 3
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News