Located about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis, Lafayette is a charming Indiana city brimming with adventures. Lafayette is also home to an exciting dining scene so we’ve put together a list to help you choose where to eat when you’re in town.
Akropolis
Restaurant, Greek, Mediterranean, Vegetarian
If you have a hankering for some Greek and other Mediterranean delights, then you must add Akropolis to your dining list for Lafayette. Run by a family who pours their heart and soul into every dish, this restaurant offers many tantalizing choices. The egg lemon rice soup, also known as avgolemono, is a huge fan favorite. Other high-quality Greek delicacies you’ll find on the menu include the pastitsio, a Greek-style lasagne; the papoutsaka, or zucchini stuffed with meat sauce, covered with béchamel sauce and served with rice, green beans, and pita; and the gyros dinner, with thinly sliced beef and lamb atop onions, rice pilaf and gyros sauce. Be sure to leave room for some baklava – you’ll be happy you did. Visit Akropolis for lunch or dinner Monday to Saturday.
Bar, Bistro, Patisserie, Restaurant, American, French, Vegan, Vegetarian, $$$
Located downtown in the historic Lahr building, Bistro 501 is a lovely bistro that exudes charm. The interior is just lovely with plenty of light and decorated in sunny yellow and country blue. It’s a great spot to sample delicious fare with a French flair. Focusing on seasonal ingredients, the culinary crew whips up tantalizing options. Pommes frites served with garlic aioli are perfect as a starter. The vegetable Napoleon with eggplant, spinach, artichokes, olives, herbed cheese, asparagus, tomato-caper salsa and balsamic vinegar reduction is a veggie lover’s delight. The pepper-crusted New York strip steak with pommes frites and brandy-shallot sauce is delectable. Bistro 501 also serves house-made desserts and features a full bar. You can visit for lunch weekdays and dinner nightly except for Tuesday.
Open seven days a week, The Black Sparrow is a laid-back pub located in the heart of downtown, nestled inside an historic building. An eclectic, stylish space greets guests looking for a guaranteed fun night out with their friends, complete with great drinks and tasty eats. The menu has a combination of mainstay items plus specials, with something to suit a variety of tastes. Delicious plates you might find on the menu include the short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes and herb gremolata; the pizza topped with figs, caramelized onions, blue cheese and mozzarella; and fish and chips. They also have a rotating selection of wines and beer.
Chef-owned and -operated, La Scala is a family affair with Chef Francisco Serrano, his wife Kirsten, and daughter Lillian all part of the friendly Italian restaurant. Founded in 2000, when the husband-and-wife team sold everything that they could in order to buy a struggling little place, La Scala has became a true favorite that specializes in farm-to-fork cuisine. Procuring seasonal ingredients from local purveyors, the chef and his team create options like the artichoke stuffed with goat’s cheese, the baked ravioli bolognese, the gnocchi del mare with shrimp and crab all in a creamy parmesan sauce and the vegetable risotto. La Scala serves lunch weekdays and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Bar, Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian, $$$
Mountain Jack’s Steakhouse has been a Lafayette favorite for more than 30 years, welcoming visitors time and time again. A warm, inviting ambience – complete with three fireplaces – combined with the outstanding service provide a restaurant that is perfect for a casual night out with friends and family, or for a special celebration. The menu features a variety of hand-cut steaks, along with pork, lamb, chicken, seafood and fish for those wanting something besides beef. If you choose a steak, complement the flavor with a special topping (for an extra charge) like the whiskey peppercorn sauce and two sides of your choosing, such as garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans. Open every day, Mountain Jack’s also features a full bar.
For a good time at an award-winning Irish pub, then O’Bryan’s Nine Irish Brothers should be on your list of places to visit in Lafayette. Winning awards like the 2016 Best Irish Pub within the state by Yelp and Buzzfeed, you know this family-owned operation is a great choice for a fun night out. Within a vibrant atmosphere, complete with traditional Irish pub decor, you can sample an array of authentic Irish pub grub, Guinness (of course) and listen to the lively tunes of live musicians. The menu features favorites such as corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and the Guinness stew, to name but a few. Nine Irish Brothers is open daily for lunch and dinner.
South Street Smokehouse is a rustic joint serving up mouthwatering BBQ that people constantly rave about. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, this BBQ joint serves an array of melt-in-your-mouth meaty goodness, such as the Carolina brisket sandwich, rib tips, pulled pork sandwich, and ribs, of course. The side dishes available are equally impressive with options such as mac and n cheese, onion rings, fried pickles, coleslaw and potato salad, to name a few. Be sure to bring your ravenous appetite, as the portions are generous.
