Lafonda is where Lafayette goes to eat, drink, and inevitably run into everyone they know. The margaritas are as strong as their reputation. Sure, some folks claim the place survives on nostalgia alone, but the food is better than the haters admit. It's Tex‑Mex with a Louisiana accent, and it works. The fried rabbit has returned after a long hiatus, the steaks are reliably good, the cheese enchiladas are my guilty pleasure, and the fried chicken is the not-so-secret off-menu star. I've never left hungry -- or without a little buzz. read more

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Filet mignon kabobs! Omg. So delicious. Perfectly cooked medium rare. Tender and juicy. Of course, queso and salsa and their bean dip are all perfect and gratis. Fried chicken always good but naughty! Love the frozen margaritas! read more

One of the most interesting restaurants in Lafayette. The decor is wild and it's dark. When you walk out you feel like you been in a cave for days. The food is okay. They do really good chicken wings and they did have a good rabbit, but the waiter said the farm they used got blown away by one of the hurricanes that came through. I usually get a chicken chimichanga it's huge and very filling, but this time I wasn't super hungry after the wings so I got an original 1957 fiesta, which was lighter and cheaper and still decent. What you really come here for is the margaritas. They will brighten your day. You can get what they call dots in them. Where they inject a little bit of frozen sangria in the carafe. That's the way to go, bump them up with about 3 of those and you'll have a good time. read more

Lafonda - Fiesta - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

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Lafonda is a Lafayette classic. I mistook it for a restaurant owned by Nola's famous personal injury attorney Juan Lafonta, Juan Lafonts, Juan Lafonta. However, it is not. It is spelled differently and has been around for a long time. What Lafonda is..... This place has a lot of history, super strong margaritas, and solid food. The ambiance is also great and I always enjoy historic places. Get the Carne Asada. While thin, this steak was excellent. I know many people poo-poo spots like this, but they miss the point. Even if the food was mid (it wasn't), the ambiance, staff, and history made it a place that is exactly the kind of spot I enjoy. What Lafonda is not...... Do not go there expecting fine dining or knock your socks off food. Pro tip: There are no reservations so walk in, give your name, and wait in the bar. Don't drink more than two margaritas or you will likely be too drunk to enjoy yourself. read more

Been a while since I've been to LaFonda's. Last visit was just not the usual superb experience. Rib-eye was ordinary. Enchiladas were dry. Margaritas were just not their usual sedative in a glass. Disappointing night. A few months later a friend wanted to go so we obliged. Went expecting to be disappointed again. But I was pleasantly surprised. My last visit must have been on an off night. Fried chicken was legendary. Ribeye was prime, perfectly cooked and delicious. Enchiladas were perfect. And those margaritas!!! So glad my favorite Mexican place is back! read more

Now I wouldn't go here for the food, but if you're going to have a good time and some good drinks it's the perfect place to go. We got the carafes of margarita mixed with sangria. Those went down easily and we got an order of wings for our starter. You don't think of ordering wings at a Mexican restaurant but they were really good. I got the Willie's special for my entree. The enchiladas were good but the steak that came with it was a little chewy. Our server seemed new so service was a little slow, but we weren't in a hurry. Definitely go for the margaritas! read more

Lafonda - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

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Tostitos chips & Picante sauce w/ bean dip came out in little silver dishes.... We split an order of nachos served on a small side salad plate for $23 with an up charge of $22 for fajita beef. The ambiance was really nice but the presentation of the food and lack of transparency was disappointing. read more

Lafonda - Picante, Bean Dip & Tostitos - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

The food here is terrible and over priced!! I ordered carne asada and got maybe 4 ounce of meat that definitely wasnt skirt steak and was gray for $30. My Girfriend ordered a chicken tostada that was 95% lettcue with barely any chicken. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because our waiter was really good. read more

It was Christmas Eve and they were open. Food, drinks and service was great. Only issue is when you walk in the door, it wasn't clear how to get on the wait list. Had to stop someone and ask....had to go around a corner to talk to the lady manning the "notification board". Will go back read more

Meh food, slow service. The menu is so basic and honestly not worth the money it costs to eat over there. Our wait time was long and our waiter was slow granted he was busy but idk mainly the quality of the food and the lack of diversity on the menu was disappointing to me. read more

. As I noticed very mixed reviews on various sites, let me offer a note in comment. I've been a patron here for over 40 years, intermittently. As one who has spent years living in places like Brownsville, Corpus Christi, & Austin; I first anticipated either real Mexican foods or "Tex-Mex"; this is neither. So, I was long a critic. Years into this, I got to know the Owner, LeeBob, and learned that he was a real aficionado of all things Mexican, had traveled extensively there, and was very very knowledgeable re both genres. As he explained, the Acadiana area diners are a very sophisticated bunch when it comes to both foods and travel. LeeBob told that he soon realized that he had to satisfy his customers, not stick to tradition, in order to prosper. So he developed a menu of what is a unique type of Cajun-Mexican "fusion" offerings, which, if viewed in proper context, are all very good-to-wonderful. Thus, one of his most popular offerings is fried domestic rabbit. Not something evoking either Mex/Tex-Mex nor Cajun; but excellent . So I say: do go to LaFonda, do "try" the items, but check your ethnic expectations at the door and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by what you find here. There are many solid reasons that this classic restaurant has prospered through booms, busts, and fads. This is in one of the most fickle foodie towns on the planet. Be warned that some of the bar drink specials are "fortified" and super strong, so take a taxi or Uber over & back. RELAX and ENJOY ! Rick . read more

Apparently this used to be an institution in Lafayette but let me assure you it is no longer. The interior is drab and very outdated. The service, seating time, and attitude was marginal at best. The food was lifeless, dull, and average at its best. Do yourself a favor and drive on past. read more

My favorite thing to order is the tuna steak. I order it rare and it is the best tuna steak I have ever had.

In town for an appointment and texted a buddy for lunch recommendations. He recommended we go here, especially for the margaritas, lol! We ended up having 3 a piece! I browsed the menu online to figure out what might appeal to us and some of the items intrigued me being predominantly a Mexican style cuisine. Anyways, I ended up ordering a ribeye steak on our fantastic server, Kareem's recommendation! I kept it authentic by adding a side order of churro beans, lol. The complementary chips and salsa were delicious with probably the best salsa ever with the spiciness I love. It also came with a refried bean dip as well, which I would've enjoyed more if it came out warmer. The fried potatoes that came along with the steak were the perfect accompaniment to a perfectly grilled ribeye! Oh by the way, please order the "Ronnie Margarita"! The drink is named after one of their long time employee who's been there since the 60's. The vibe of the restaurant's ambiance is old school steakhouse with a Tex/Mex style tiling in our dining area. A must do when you're in Lafayette. Almost forgot, it was packed at lunch on a Tuesday with a big crowd at the bar. read more

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Since 1957! Always doing it right!! Our waiter Ronnie has been here over 50 years! What a pleasure to have him take care of us!! Thank you!! read more

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Classic!! The food here is way cheaper than that new superior and taste way better! I love the Queso, it is just to die for! As well as the chicken tacos! read more

Still the best margaritas ever! Don't go for the food. It's mediocre. But watch out for those margaritas! read more

Lafonda - the front of a restaurant at night - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

We were looking for a little Mexican night and stopped in. The steak fajitas might've been the best flavor I have ever had. The rabbit appetizer was awesome and definitely don't leave their margaritas. read more

My favorite tex/mex restaurant with an unmatched history of seeing everyone its a who's who debut. Margaritas and frozen Sangria, fried rabbit appetizer then chicken salad stuffed avocado, sopaipillas for desert. read more

Margaritas! It's a bit sweet when the hostess knows your name We actually went amd ate dinner there amd doesn't have any margaritas! ‍ aka LENT - No Alcohol. The food was still great butt man we wanted those Ritas! read more

June and I have have been loyal patron's of LaFonda's for over 40 years. It is with a sadden heart that tonight (10/06/23), we experienced our final dinning at this (now) deplorable establishment. Service = F-, Food D-, atmosphere C+. The only commonality with the present LaFonda's and the one of it's famous past is the decor. Otherwise, the inherited ownership has destroyed every other vestige that made LaFonda's unique and desirable. Unfortunately, LaFonda's is not long for this world; with Chimes and soon Superior Grill as competitors, the "new" LaFonda's will at best be on Life Support. read more

First, this is the first review I have written on yelp. This restaurant deserves negative five stars. I have no idea how this place has been open since the 50s. La Fonda, a restaurant that is supposed to be Mexican, left me thoroughly disappointed and regretful. First my girlfriend and I sat at the bar, and drank the worst margarita we have ever had. It tasted like a bottle of hand sanitizer. Next, we were able to sit down after a long wait. I was looking forward to a good meal from a long standing Lafayette tradition. We ordered the queso, it was melted yellow Velveta cheese with rotel and Tostitos chips. The queso took over 20 minutes to arrive. Next, we ordered a steak fajita and a chicken quesadilla. We ended up getting a steak quesadilla and a chicken fajita (completely opposite of what we ordered). Not only was it wrong, it was completely terrible. I ate two bites and asked for the check. We were charged for the poor queso and wrong order. It was $60. Lastly, the waiter we had was awful. He had to have been on drugs. He had no idea what was going on. I would not recommend this restaurant to my worst enemy. I would pick Taco Bell over this awful establishment every single time. If I had the time, I would wait outside this restaurant and plead people to not go inside. Please do not go here. The only explanation for the people who wrote good reviews is that they have been paid by the restaurant. read more

My coworkers and I visited this restaurant as a business dinner for approx 23 associates. I didn't like How only one hostess was assigned to us and we had to keep asking for items such as utensils more drinks, and chips/salsa. I ordered a well done steak and it was medium. I didn't send it back because of fear of retaliation. The margaritas are okay just more potent but nothing to write home about. The fried rabbit was an unusual taste but great chicken flavor. Overall I probably won't visit this place again to be honest, nothing extraordinary. read more

Lafonda - Filet mignon, baked potato, and broccoli - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

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The old place is gone. Now just a regular Mexican combo plate and not a very good one.

This staple has been here for over 60 years! It's the place to come to for great Mexican food with an inviting ambience, especially on the weekends. read more

The worst service I've ever had! Went for a birthday party and wanted cheese cake but they wouldn't sing happy birthday unless we bought a 20$ cake ! 0-10 don't go here read more

The margaritas are strong and cheap, strong and cheap doesn't necessarily mean they are good. The food was mediocre at best and very over priced. For a legendary establishment since 1950's it was a disappointment. Not sure why people return. Lunch was $147+tip 5 adults and one child that did not even order anything. read more

Didn't not even get to sit down at a table. Got there when they first opened and get a ticket to sit. They did not inform us that our whole party had to be present when we told them the amount of people in are party. They only informed us after we waited for 30 mins. We settled out for 5 mins to call everyone in our party that we were taken off the list and had to wait an additional 2 hours. read more

Don't hate me but i eat in all types of establishments yearly and very interested in the Mexican food scene. This is mostly flavorless enchiladas, queso is nacho cheese,margs are avg at best. Prices are very high 18$ a plate (cheaper during happy hour) We were very excited but not impressed. read more

This food slaps. 2 1/2 stars??? Y'all sleep. Fried rabbit was crazy. Margs got me frigged.

First visit in 28 years. I now remember why i haven't been here all these years. The food is awful. Sorry. Our server was good. He tried hard, and did pretty well. Nice young man. The food resembles some Mexican dishes, but it's hard to recognize the food by flavor. Very poor understanding of the cuisine and the tastes. This is bland, fake Mexican food. Cheeses are off, seasoning is off, sauces are off. Guacamole was ok. But, grossly overpriced for the quality you get. Disappointed. Remember the old adage, never eat ethnic food where not a single member of that ethnic group is dining there. Won't be back. Not recommended. read more

Lafonda is THE place to be seen. It's Lafayette's social mecca for some reason. Here's what you should know prior to going here: It's pretentious as hell. You better look good (and damn good at that) walking in here. If not, prepare to get some dirty looks. The food sucks. No, really, it SUCKS. I'd eat anywhere else before I'd come if I were you. I think there is a McDonalds not too far up the street. The drinks are strong. Order a margarita and prepare to be shit hammered when you're done with it. Happy socializing! read more

Nice elegant atmosphere. Good for a date or family outing. I ordered the beef Enchiladas wish were delicious. The waiter was nice and friendly, and the restaurant was quiet not too noisy. I definitely recommend. read more

Lafonda - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

I get the low ratings on LaFondas, but let me tell you why you go here. You go to LaFondas for the DRINKS, for the atmosphere. Its a social spot to see and be seen. Old money, new money, cougars and socialites round up around the always packed bar. The margaritas are a big part of the buzz of Lafayette. You do not go to Lafondas for the food. Is it terrible? No. But its not great either. The wait staff is great but the food is slow, probably to get you so drunk you wont notice the mediocre food. If you're in Lafayette, you need to go to Lafondas to experience the buzz at least once. read more

Lafonda - Margs! - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

0 stars I spoke to a manager and was told they could accommodate a large party and they would seat us We showed up at the time they told us and then another manager said they would not seat us i called 2 weeks prior then 1 week prior and was told they would seat us HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!!!! read more

HOT waiters and they are professional, polite, and took very good card of us; Matt is awesome

The place to come when it's your mom's birthday and you want to have a good time and drink. The drinks are amazing, a liter of swirl is the one to get, half sangria half margarita. If you've got to eat something, skip the menu and order nachos waiter style and the fried chicken! The stuffed avocados are good too, only vegan option is stuffed with black bean salad, but it was delicious. read more

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Not sure why this place ever became such an institution. Truly, once upon a time we actually enjoyed it - 20 years ago! There are so many more choices now that we don't have settle for the only game in town, which at one time this was. The food was so bad tonight that we'll never order take out from them again. Their beef nachos was $11.95 and was literally 12 chips and a sprinkling of beef, with cheese that was put under a broiler and burnt around the edges. Could not believe they actually served this to someone! The 1/2 order shrimp quesadilla for $12.95 was mediocre at best and the chicken enchilada's tasteless in a clumpy, corn starchy kind of white cheese sauce - yikes! We were really hungry so we ate some of it, but what a complete waste of time and money. read more

Management addresses patrons in a condescending, disrespectful manner. Disappointed to not experience the southern hospitality we are accustomed to in this fine state. Will not return to this restaurant EVER read more

Lafonda - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

Tried to call and place an order togo and this lady answers the phone and off the back was terribly preoccupied. Only was trying to ask questions about the menu and she was like what? We are out of half liters, so I said okay what's the price and how many drinks can I get from a liter? She was snappy and then said she said she didn't have time for this and I said you know what don't worry about it. By far worst assistance ever. read more