From the Victorian architecture downtown to the student-friendly hangouts near Purdue, Lafayette is a great place to live and visit and – more importantly for your tastebuds, has a wide variety of great restaurants that fit all budgets and tastes!
The best restaurants in Lafayette, Indiana, range from finger-licking good barbecue to local cafes where you’ll instantly feel like family.
Stick to your family’s favorites at American style diners or get more adventurous and try new flavors at the Indian, Mexican, or Asian style restaurants in Lafayette that have made the list.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, check out my list of the best places to eat in Lafayette after extensive on-the-ground research (someone’s got to do it) and talking to locals to see where they like to treat themselves.
1. Fowler House Mansion
We absolutely LOVED The Fowler House Mansion. The ambience is amazing. You can walk around and tour the mansion. So cool! Our server, Mia, was fantastic!
💻: website | 📞: 765-400-2002 | 📌: 909 South St, Lafayette, IN 47901
When you’re ready for a meal to remember, Fowler House Mansion is it.
Not only do you get to enjoy incredible food, but the meal is an experience as you can explore the mansion before or after your meal.
Try the beef wellington bites as your appetizer or experience the perfect texture of the toasted raviolis, then move on to one of their amazing entrees like the fish and chips or pan-seared salmon.
The cheesecake is top notch, and the staff serving it to you are well-loved by past guests for being incredibly friendly and helpful.
There’s a wide variety of food on the menu, so if you have differing tastes in your party, this is a sure bet to make sure you all have a great time.
2. Krug Corner Pub
Stopped in for a bite and a brew. They have a great selection of beers and a decent menu. The Bavarian beer balls were awesome, and the boys loved the pretzel with cheese.
💻: website | 📞: 833-296-1918 | 📌: 900 Kossuth St, Lafayette, IN 47905
When you want somewhere to eat in Lafayette that’s going to feel cozy, welcoming, and a little bit different, I recommend Krug Corner Pub.
It’s a German themed pub that has a really interesting menu with everything from bratwurst puffs to hot pretzals.
You can relax with a stein of your favorite beer or try something new, and the entire place is a fantastic combination of authentic German combined with local sourcing and some Indiana charm.
3. Revolution Barbecue
Wonderful service along with great food for the price. We also got some yummy desserts to take home to try.
💻: website | 📞: 765-767-4227 | 📌: 721 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901
Want the best barbecue in Lafayette? Revolution Barbecue gives all of the other barbecue joints a real run for their money, as this gem has everything from pork belly to chicken wings to brisket that will make your mouth water.
The sauce options are unique, with the strawberry habanero sauce being a real winner (trust me, just try it), and the sides aren’t just “sides” that you forget about as soon as you leave. From the mac and cheese to the seasoned tots, they’re an important part of the main meal and the overall barbecue experience and you’ll love them just as much as the meats.
The menu does change to stay fresh and the overall service is fun and friendly, making this one of our top picks for places to eat in Lafayette.
4. DT Kirby’s
It’s a great place for bar food! I go there regularly and I’ve been very pleased with every visit. Friendly and casual atmosphere.
💻: website | 📞: 765-429-6666 | 📌: 644 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901
DT Kirby’s really embraces the fun of a college town experience and their food is a must-try for anyone who is looking for that classic Americana menu.
Try the pulled pork sliders or go for the hamburger if you want to keep it really classic. The hot dogs are fantastic and the fried mushrooms – I still think about them.
The sports bar atmosphere lets you have fun as you support the local teams and means that you don’t need to worry about dressing up or getting fancy – just come as yourself and enjoy some drinks and bar grub and visit with friends and family.
5. East End Grill
Many healthy and creative menu selections. Moroccan Cauliflower was perfectly seasoned. Enjoyed the Caramelized Acorn Squash Salad as well. So many menu choices have great appeal to me
💻: website | 📞: 765-607-4600 | 📌: 1016 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901
Whether you want the perfect date night or just a chic atmosphere to meet up with some friends, East End Grill has you covered.
I love this Lafayette restaurant when I want something a bit different. From the Moroccan cauliflower to the acorn squash salad, you can always find something that you’ve never tried before – along with some classics like burgers and truffle fries and shrimp and grits.
The cocktails are out-of-this world good, and if the weather’s nice there’s also outdoor seating so you’ve got options on what kind of atmosphere you’d prefer.
Seriously, add this one to the top of your Lafayette restaurants list.
6. The Pickle
Always great service, FOOD and atmosphere. Either to go or eat in is always a awesome experience! These guys know what there doing this is a must if your visiting Lafayette!
💻: website | 📞: 765-423-9999 | 📌: 914 Union St, Lafayette, IN 47904
Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, wraps, or snack foods like mozzarella sticks, the Pickle will make sure that you’re fed and happy about your meal choices.
The prices are excellent, too – this is a huge hit with the Purdue crowd and the service is super friendly and welcoming.
Try the build-your-own calzone if you’re looking to customize, or go for one of their pizzas – it’s a hidden gem of some of the best pizza in Lafayette.
You can get take-out, too, if you don’t want to eat there, so make sure to check out the menu the next time you’re in the area to support this local business.
7. Riehle’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill
Great neighbor Pub . The owners and the staff are outstanding. Prices are very reasonable and affordable.
💻: website | 📞: 765-742-6300 | 📌: 1301 Union St, Lafayette, IN 47904
When you’re looking for some relaxed fun, a game of darts, and friendly locals, Riehle’s is the place for you.
The bar food is consistently good, with loaded nachos being one of my favorite options on their menu (but the onion rings and Cuban sandwich are also worth mentioning).
It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like family after a few drinks and a bite to eat and can soon call this your local hangout.
8. 6th Street Dive
Great little place with homemade chips and salsa. Wings were great and the service was amazing. Carly was a great bartender.
💻: website | 📞: 765-771-7105 | 📌: 827 N 6th St, Lafayette, IN 47904
This bar has some of the best food in Lafayette, ranging from tamales to fried pickles to chips and salsa to grilled chicken sandwiches.
If the weather is good, the garage doors will be up so you can soak in the sunshine, but no matter what’s happening outside, the service and atmosphere inside is always friendly and chill.
Of course, being a bar, you’ve got a large selection of drinks and cocktails to choose from and they’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re happy with what you’ve ordered (ask for suggestions if you’re willing to be adventurous and try something new!).
With unique bar food and a hidden gem of a reputation, this is a must-try place to eat in Lafayette, IN.
9. Nine Irish Brothers
Beer was cold and delicious. The Reuben sandwich used the best corned beef. The fish and chips never disappoints.
💻: website
This traditional Irish pub offers up a fun atmosphere in Lafayette, along with some live music and friendly service.
But let’s talk about what you’re really here for – the food.
From fish and chips to the Reuben sandwich, this place never disappoints me when it comes to my meal and that’s something worth celebrating. The corned beef and cabbage is a real winner, but there are also so many other options as it has a huge menu that you can really find something no matter what kind of food you enjoy.
Try the Irish nachos or chicken goujons to start, then try the Mollie Malloy (a turkey sandwich I dream of) or the shepherds pie.
The Irish cream cheesecake is one of the best desserts in Lafayette, and that’s no exaggeration.
10. Taste of India
If you are looking for authentic Indian food, don’t sleep on this restaurant. Food was absolutely delicious. Priced just right!
💻: website | 📞: 765-250-5600 | 📌: 111 S River Rd unit b, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Near the Purdue campus, Taste of India offers a nice setting to have Indian cuisine with your family and friends.
If you’re new to Indian food, the friendly staff will help walk you through the menu and make some choices, or you can delight in your favorite dishes like curry chicken, special naan and the veg biryani.
There are plenty of vegetarian options, as well, making this a great restaurant for vegetarians in Lafayette.
11. Triple XXX
Great food, the best root beer! I first had a triple xxx root beer about 5 years ago. It’s definitely one of my favorites!
💻: website | 📞: 765-743-5373 | 📌: 2 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN 47906
This family restaurant is famous in Lafayette for a reason – it’s awesome.
The wrap around style seating makes it super family-friendly, and you’re right in the heart of Purdue country for game day.
Try the patty melt, the chili, or the hotdog and fries if you want something filling, or go for some frosty root beers and milkshakes if you want to cool down after a game.
There’s plenty of parking around, though it does get very crowded so prepare to settle in a little bit – it’s worth the wait.
12. Fiesta Mexican Grill
What an amazing find in West Lafayette. Fresh, fast, tasty food served by kind people at an honest price. We just had Chipotle for lunch and this is soooo much better!
💻: website | 📞: 765-838-0987 | 📌: 102 N Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906
This counter service Tex Mex option in Lafayette is great when you want some homeamde tortillas and quick tacos on the go.
It’s much better than Chipotle (and cheaper!) and the enchilada burrito is a fun addition to normal Tex Mex menus.
Plus, there are plenty of veggie options so everyone in your group should find something to eat.
I’ve never gone wrong here with my order, and there are so many options that it’s a great place to eat on the Purdue campus.
13. AJ’s
Food is always tasty and fresh. Service has always been friendly as well! One of those places we try to take all our out-of-town friends to.
💻: website | 📞: 765-743-1940 | 📌: 302 Vine St Suite 150, West Lafayette, IN 47906
One of the reviews of AJ’s sums it up perfectly: “everyone loves AJs.”
It’s impossible not to, with some of the best burgers in the area and loaded fries that will make you question whether you ever need to eat anywhere else.
The burgers can also be made veggie, so everyone can find something on this menu.
They’re all about the local community and freshly cooked, quality food and that’s exactly what they deliver.
14. The Guac Box
My son and I each had the loaded nachos from the Guac Box truck!! Some of the best nachos I have ever had! Loaded out with toppings!
💻: website | 📞: 765-421-3230 | 📌: 308 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Right next to the Brother’s Bar, the Guac Box offers some of the best Tex Mex food in the Lafayette area, and they’ve even expanded to include a food truck so it’s possible to see them out and about in the local area too.
The tacos are the stand-outs, with everything from the shrimp taco to the diablo taco with ghost pepper sauce (be brave and try it!)
And of course you’ve got quesadillas galore, as well as nachos, burritos, and side salsas, guacs (of course) and queso to have with your chips or pour over your main meal.
They’re fun, they’re fast, and the food is great so add this to your top restaurants in Lafayette list and you’ll be more than happy.
15. The Tick Tock Tavern
Superb service and unbelievable tasty unique burgers!!!!
💻: website | 📞: 765-742-9425 | 📌: 1816 N 9th St Rd, Lafayette, IN 47904
From breakfast until dinner, the Tick Tock Tavern serves up American favorites with their friendly flair and quality ingredients, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for some comfort food.
The breakfast options are always perfectly cooked with your eggs however you like, and the lunch and dinner options range from Catfish to chicken fingers to burgers and tenderloin so you can come back again and again and keep trying different things.
The service is fast, which is what you want when you’re hungry, and I highly recommend this place to anyone traveling through the area or who lives locally and hasn’t discovered this gem.
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