Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Lafayette

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Lafayette? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Charley G's Seafood Grill

5.0

5 (1216)

$30 and under

American

Lafayette

About the restaurant

Charley G's is a Lafayette favorite known for grilling aged beef & fresh Louisiana seafood over southern hardwoods. The food at Charley G's is driven by Southern inspiration and the menu changes seasonally with local seafood & produce. The casual yet upscale atmosphere has a bar area with live piano music 7 days a week. Charley G's also offers a wide assortment of specialty liquors, liqueurs & wines. Once a month Charley G's hosts a wine dinner that features wines from various regions and uniquely paired cuisine.

Top review

Rich

Dined on Oct 3, 2024

My wife and I celebrated our 14th anniversary at Charlie G’s. It could not have been better. Ambience was perfect. Food and service were tremendous. We will be back soon.

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5.0

5 (833)

$30 and under

Steak

Breaux Bridge

About the restaurant

Cafe Sydnie Mae is your destination for great food, drinks and entertainment with LIVE. local music. Follow us on Facebook for events as well as food and drink specials. Cafe Sydnie Mae, proudly supporting our beautiful community in the heart of Acadiana. Just a few minutes from Interstate 10!

Top review

Jefferyvip

Dined 3 days ago

I can't imagine how chicken could be any more moist and flavorful and tuna more perfectly cooked/prepared. Wonderful date night that was made better by Hayleigh at the bar.

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4.8

4.8 (221)

$30 and under

Cajun

Lafayette

About the restaurant

Prejean's Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Conveniently located on I49 North, just 2 miles north of I-10 in Lafayette, LA awaits Big Al, our 14-foot stuffed gator to welcome you to our warm, friendly, and casual atmosphere. Mouth watering Char-Grilled Oysters served up with a bowl of one of our Signature Gumbos or maybe a perfectly cooked juicy Steak are just some of our menu offerings that are sure to delight.

After 40 years of ownership under the Guilbeau Family, Prejean’s started a new chapter in November 2020! New owners Tim Metcalf, Greg Metcalf, & Ken Boudreaux bring a combined 75+ years of restaurant experience & a new attitude to the iconic Prejean’s Restaurant.

Our Mission is simple …
Buy the best food we can & cook it as Cajuns do.
Simply Cajun!

Top review

Eve

Dined on Aug 14, 2024

It was a very enjoyable moment, both for the music, the service and the food. A must do!

Ruffino’s on the River

4.8

4.8 (1934)

$31 to $50

Steak

Lafayette

About the restaurant

Ruffino's on the River is a -Steak-Seafood-Italian restaurant and an experience in Food and Atmosphere like no others. Located in Lafayette, La. From the time you walk in and see the wood burning stove aflame, to the beautiful smiles on every Ruffino's team member's faces, you will have goose bumps on the back of your neck for the dining journey that awaits you. The scenes of the gorgeous Vermilion River where our outdoor patio looks over is breath taking. From our wonderful signature Crabmeat Cheesecake appetizer to our mind blowing Cedar Plank baked Redfish or our mouth watering Prime cut Steaks, the menu is diversive for everyone. The relaxed but swinging music along with perfect lighting and energy make this this ultimate restaurant in Louisiana. I where Louisiana Comes to Celebrate!

Top review

DETRA

Dined 1 day ago

Went on a mother daughter date, it was our first time there and it was a very nice experience. We usually try new places and this was one of our favorites. Everything from the food to the service was great. It’s expensive but worth it. Very Demure!

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Social Southern Table and Bar

4.8

4.8 (825)

$30 and under

Southern

Lafayette

About the restaurant

Be real. Eat good. It is all about being true to who you are: sharing with friends and family and enjoying each other's company over a good meal. The ingredients are always fresh and that is the cornerstone of our farm-to-table approach. It's talking about dinner when you're having lunch. Have you got some positive energy to share? Or maybe your grandmother's recipe for cobbler?
Leave here and create some more good in your world. We're all a part of it.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Southern hospitality at its finest! This was one of the loveliest dining experiences I’ve ever had. Such a welcomed experience!

Vestal Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (683)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lafayette

About the restaurant

Vestal, a live fire restaurant concept in the heart of downtown Lafayette. We provide a dining experience with a focus in providing excellent customer service, while creating a welcoming upbeat environment for people to gather and enjoy thoughtful, delicious food and beverage. At Vestal, we honor both tradition and innovation. We believe that food taste better when sourced from local vendors and artisans, is prepared by hand in house, and cooked over hot hard wood coals. We better serve our community by sourcing responsibly and implementing sustainable practices. Our bar program is built around flavor with little regard paid to name and branding of the spirit used. Please visit our website at www.vestalrestaurant.com for more details and to further explore our offerings and policies.

Top review

Daniel

Dined 4 days ago

By far the best quality food and service in Lafayette.

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4.8

4.8 (220)

$30 and under

American

Lafayette

About the restaurant

Park Bistro is in the Saint Streets area of Lafayette Louisiana and was founded by Chef Peter Cooke. Coming from New York City, Peter is excited to bring his elevated cuisine to the area. Park Bistro has indoor, outdoor and bar seating with a full beer, wine and cocktail program for you and your friends to enjoy.

Top review

Leah

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

Our first time there, but definitely not the last. We got the risotto balls to start and they were absolute perfection. The entrees were creative and tasty and our server and everyone who waited on us were super nice and helpful. Great date night spot

Poor Boy's Riverside Inn

4.5

4.5 (315)

$30 and under

Cajun

Broussard

About the restaurant

Starting with a snowball stand in 1932 until today, Richard & Lori Hurst are carrying on the family tradition. From St. John Street to on the River, to nestled in the woods, now with two full service restaurants, Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn’s and Little River Inn’s seafood and steaks have remained consistently delicious for over 80 years. Richard and Lori and their loyal staff hope you taste not only delicious Cajun food, but the pride that goes into every dish! The oldest restaurant in Acadiana with a great wine and dessert selection, kid friendly and great atmosphere with a third generation husband and wife team ready to serve and where you'll always find the locals.

Top review

Stevenvip

Dined on Oct 4, 2024

Lump crab meat as always outstanding. This is a staple of Lafayette.

Superior Grill - Lafayette

4.3

4.3 (12)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Lafayette

About the restaurant

We have the finest Mexican food around; sizzling fajitas, mouth-watering enchiladas, cheesy nachos and of course our famous margaritas. We have the best Happy Hour everyday.

Top review

Mark

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Great food and wonderful service. What a blessing to have Superior in Lafayette

Midcity Restaurant + Bar

4.3

4.3 (17)

$30 and under

American

Lafayette

About the restaurant

We are 75+ year old home converted to an elevated restaurant + bar featuring smoked meats, steaks, seafood, killer salads, and a variety of sides. Our food is paired with a robust specialty cocktail menu, twelve craft beers on tap, 30+ whiskeys, and a full wine list.

Our bar & lounge area is very unique, while seating in what used to be the living room is quaint. Our deck behind the house under the oak trees & string lights is comfortable and our new gazebo outfitted with lounging furniture and a fire place is cozy.

We are proudly locally owned and have a great staff culture - we'd love for you to dine with us!

[We always leave tables available for walk-ins, so please call or just come in if reservations are shown as full.]

Top review

Alexis

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

I’ve had a long day as a mom who works full time and has chauffeured kids to and from after work, when my real job begins. We had dinner as a family on the patio. The new menu is amazing. My kids loved the kids menu and I was able to have a proper adult drink (old fashion) while enjoying exquisitely prepared food I would not have the time or skill to make at home. So it’s a win win. Wonderful ambience and all of the little touches do not go unnoticed. The food is amazing and the drinks are on point. The breeze was cool and they even have a magical way of warding off all mosquitoes. It was great!! I appreciate the experience and the comfort of the food!!

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