In Louisiana, brunch is more than a meal, it’s an event. Local or traveler, it doesn’t matter, menus packed with options like crab cake benedict, cheesy grits, and crawfish enchiladas await you, along with unique mimosas and other “hair of the dog” cocktails. Whether you’re looking for bottomless mimosas or local Cajun delicacies, here are the best places to get a mouth-watering brunch in Lafayette, LA.
The French Press
The mouth-watering dishes at The French Press are the best around when it comes to Sunday Brunch. Everything you taste at this incredible restaurant will have you begging for more, from the Cajun Eggs Benedict to the Acadian Breakfast Sandwich, to the Sweet Baby Breesus – a delectable buttermilk biscuit with bacon, cane syrup, and fried boudin balls. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch, add an order of truffle fries and one of nearly a dozen types of mimosas. While The French Press is worth every penny, expect to shell out at least $30 per person to fully experience this Cajun culinary paradise in the city.
Rusted Rooster
For delectable dishes made from cage-free eggs and other quality ingredients, the Rusted Rooster is where it’s at. Breakfast fare like Grit Julien, with grilled turkey and melty cheddar, and classic Cock-a-Doodle-Two are served side-by-side with breakfast sandwiches like Early Bird Gets the Croissant and Hella Nutella (banana and Nutella toast). No meal at the Rusted Rooster is complete without Bootsie’s incredible made-in-house biscuits. Ask for one stuffed with this eatery’s award-winning fried chicken for a true cajun breakfast experience. The reviews on this local joint land in it in the #1 spot on Yelp!
Mel’s Diner
Mel’s Diner is a sweet little husband and wife-owned joint with a fun 50’s feel and rock n’ roll tunes on the PA. They’ve got two locations: one in Lafayette (operated by Mel and Jack) and a second in Broussard, which is operated by their daughter and her husband. One thing’s for sure, it’s definitely the brunch with the best value in the Lafayette area, at around $8 a plate. While you won’t find anything too fancy or highfalutin here, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your meal. Mel’s has all the great breakfast staples like omelets, waffles, pancakes, scrambles, and more. Plus, enjoy Cajun favorites like red beans, rice, and crawfish fettuccine, as well as plain American favorites like open-faced sandwiches and epic chocolate shakes.
Prejean’s
This restaurant holds the record for most medals earned by any Southern culinary team, and for good reason. Prejean’s is a landmark in Lafayette and has served NATO diplomats, noted artists, politicians, and military colonials. Upon entering the restaurant, patrons notice Big Al, the 14-foot alligator that used to live in Louisiana’s Grand Chenier swamp. You’ll also have the chance to hear some traditional Cajun music from some of Lafayette’s best local artists. And the food? How about a Cajun Sunrise, Breaux Bridge Benedict, or Zydeco Steak and Eggs? Or for lunch, the Crispy Oyster Salad or Prejean’s Po-Boys are both excellent choices. Two varieties of bread pudding, sweet potato pecan pie, and a host of other desserts are the perfect finish to an already-filling meal. Prejean’s is a bit pricier than other restaurants on this list, but it’s definitely a delectable place to splurge!
Artmosphere Bistro
For a Cajun brunch with a bit of a modern, fusion flare, check out Artmosphere in downtown Lafayette. A common venue for Grammy award-winning and local artists alike, Artmosphere is a little bit of everything all wrapped into one with a bar, bistro, and art gallery. Local culture oozes from the place and the Bottomless Mimosas are on pour every Sunday. Customers can gaze upon local artwork and listen to local bands indoors in the cozy space or out on their large, tree-shaded patio while enjoying dishes like Sonny Sliders and Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Pizza, and french toast. And for dessert? A slice of bread pudding of course! Brunch is only $15.99 and includes one entrée.
T-Coons
If you’re looking for a filling brunch experience, T-Coons is the place to be. Owner David Billeaud calls his cuisine “zydeco cooking” because it combines Cajun and Creole traditions. Fabulous menu items like strong chicory coffee, beignets, and giant omelets will get patrons started for breakfast, but choosing between the giant biscuit or cornbread is enough to stump even the most enthusiastic foodies. Lunch staples like gumbo, jambalaya, and potato salad complete the brunch experience. Plate sizes are huge and each one is a bargain. Plus, for those who fancy themselves cooks and want the flavors of zydeco at home, Mr. Billeaud will sell you his zydeco seasoning, cryptically named The Stuff, which is delicious on just about anything.
Blue Dog Cafe
If you want to do more than just have a taste of Cajun culture, come get social and tap your toes to the sounds of zydeco, swamp pop, Creole, and Cajun music at Blue Dog Café. Even your eyeballs will be pleased by the buffet of paintings by Louisiana artists, like the blue dog pieces by George Rodrigue that give this eatery its name. The buffet on Sundays includes breakfast items with a Cajun twist, like crab cakes benedict, cheese grits, and pork grillades, and fresh Belgian waffles. Plus, you can enjoy fabulous Southern lunch fares like fried catfish with crawfish étouffée, Louisiana Purchase Chicken with Pasta, and Dirty Dog Rice Dressing. And the best part? The $23 price tag includes free bottomless mimosas. This spot is rated the #1 dining spot for brunch in Lafayette on Tripadvisor. After a meal at Blue Dog Café, Sunday brunch won’t ever be the same!
