We had heard LaFonda was great margaritas and decided to try. Was very disappointed. The margaritas was tasty in small juice glass the foood was not. We ate two bites paid 40 dollars and left hungry .tamale tasted spoiled.enchillas were made with artificial cheese.onlt thing we ate was one crispy taco which was soft on bottom and fell apart. This was the worst experience we have ever had. Would have complained but no manager no receptionist.waiter skapped bill down said sign leave on table and walked away. I cannot recommend on food or service. read more

Food was absolutely terrible. There was no seasoning on any of the food and when we sent something back, they made us pay for the al carte dishes that came with the meal automatically. It should not claim to be a mexican restaurant when the only similarity is the fact they serve mexican food. Nothing they serve tastes the way it should. The queso tastes like velveeta, the chips like tostitos, the black beans like the canned ones you get from the store and so on. Very disappointed and will never be returning again. read more

y'all. taco bell makes this trash heap look like week old waffle house. I got the soft tacos and I wasn't sure if I bit into a wet diaper. the redeeming quality of this place was decent margarita. it was tasty. do not go here for the food. read more

If I could give it no stars I would! This place was beyond horrible. The food was outright disgusting! Having recently moved to Lafayette I am more and more disappointed each time I dine out. This will be the last time. Worst of all the place is for some reason a social scene. It was packed on the Friday night we went. Why??? I guess the locals like to hold on to old traditions even if that means sacrificing quality and substance. The food was absolutely disgusting. I knew it as soon as the out of the can salsa was brought out. The enchiladas were drowned in a italian:Cajun meat sauce which was way too salty. I had a bite and was sick to my stomach. My husband had the Cuban style steak which was so dry and tasted like cardboard. I'm getting sick just thinking about it. This place gives a bad name to Mexican food. They should either strip the tables and make it an outright club. But the food is still too crappy to be served as bar food. Sorry my stomach is making noises - i have to Go! why am I not surprised that I got sick from eating there. What a disgrace. read more

Quite possibly the worst food on the planet and I'm beyond confused why the margaritas as so popular. I will say that it is a very fun place to sit and get absolutely hammered on sub-par margaritas and once you are drunk you can stomach the "attempt" at mexican food. Finish off the night with a Polar Bear (frozen ice cream and kahlua milkshake). Long story long...this place has survived forever and been successful because it's a fun place to get loud and drunk and you get so drunk you forget the food tastes terrible. read more

I was informed by my in-laws that Lafonda's is a tried & true Lafayette institution. They've been regulars for decades...my wife's grandparents each have their portrait muraled on one of the walls so that should say something. It also goes to show how tradition and habit can blind you to mediocrity. And the adjective mediocre is being generous...this place is awful. First, the service was horrible. Our waiter, Austin, did not seem to be able to complete the basics of being a server. He didn't bring us menus until we asked for them (after he asked if we wanted any appetizers...?). We all requested waters in addition to other drinks - he brought one water, then 2 more about halfway through the meal (there were 4 of us). He screwed up one of the orders. It was not busy, by the way. Second, the food took FOREVER to come out. Everyone ordered the lunch special with enchiladas. If you've never cooked enchiladas or seen how a Mexican restaurant actually makes enchiladas...they take less than 2 minutes. Tortilla...add stuff...wrap...plate w/ cheese...throw under broiler for 45 seconds...serve. Not hard. It took at least 30 minutes to get our enchilada plates. Like I said, it was not busy at all. Third, the food is AWFUL. I'm not a snob and I've eaten some crappy food with a smile on my face but I had to send back my pork enchiladas. I took a bite of one and it was fine, switched to the other and it tasted...odd. I took another bite and confirmed it indeed tasted like acrid dirt before I got fed up (already pissed from Austin, the time factor and the cost (see below)) and pushed it away. It literally left a horrible taste in my mouth which took several swigs of water to clear. Fourth, it is overpriced. Way overpriced. The enchiladas with meat were $10.50...for 2 measly, small enchiladas, some crappy rice and some refried beans. They must net about $9.80 on each enchilada plate. I cannot understand why people continue to go here when all the reviews say "don't eat the food". (I read the Yelp reviews too late). Stay away, and if you're a socialite, go find a real bar. read more

I've lived in Lafayette for most of my adult life. The appeal of La Fonda's must be something you have to have grown up with to enjoy. It was probably considered good Mexican food back when it was the only Mexican in town, but now there are so many better options that La Fonda's doesn't even make my family's short list. I think the food is terrible; my friends argue with me that their fried chicken is fantastic. Which tells you: if the best item on the menu is NOT Mexican food, how "good" is it? read more

While this might not be the best Mexican food around, nothing beats the atmosphere of fun at Lafonda's! It has long been a tradition for celebrations and get-togethers in my own family, as it's been for many in Lafayette. Don't expect to sit and have a quick meal--Lafonda's is often packed full with a wait for a table, but relax and have a drink (or two) from the bar! If you have the time for a leisurely night out and are up for a loud and raucous experience, this is a great place. read more

Lafonda - Half and half with a peppermint stick - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

I had a medical emergency at the bar. The bartender and manager handled it with ease! The bartender made sure I had cold towels, sugary drinks and was OK the entire time. The manager made sure no one came in to "gawk" at the situation and they gave me plenty of time to gather myself. The bartender packed up all of our food and helped us gather everything so we could make a smooth exit. Thank you soooo much! We will be back! read more

Lafonda's has THE best frozen margarita ever. You can order a single, double, or order a pitcher which is a litre carafe. Also, the red frozen drink machine is frozen sangria, not strawberry daiquiris. I was a bit surprised with this one. The only thing about this restaurant that is on-par with the margarita's. For some reason beautiful women flock to this place to celebrate their other hot friend's birthday's. There will be atleast one birthday group dining along with you every friday or saturday night. The ground beef crunchy tacos are my personal favorite. Nothing crazy, good shells, beef is fine and a good amount of cheese. The rabbit queso was recommended to me from a local friend and it wasn't very good. It tasted like old chicken nuggets and queso dip. It was expensive for chicken nuggets (~$14 as an appetizer). Best bet: Sitting at the bar drinking too many margarita's. read more

It boggles my mind to see the low ratings on this hallowed establishment, but to me LaFonda will always have five stars. It has been our family's first choice to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.. and there is no other place that has the magical ambiance this restaurant offers - or the tradition. If you don't like LaFonda, then you are doing it wrong. read more

Lafonda - Home is where the heart is~ - Nightlife Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

It's a Lafayette tradition. Do yourself a favor and order the fried chicken and a half and half. Fried chicken - special off menu item Half&Half - frozen sangria and margarita swirled read more

Tried to order a filet to go and an order of cheese nachos at 9:04 and was told that the grill closes at 9:00 yet at least 4 other tables around us continued to get food at their tables to include steaks and nachos. BAD BUSINESS!! Go to Ruth Chris, they never disappoint!! Lafonda's customer service needs HELP!! I wish I had the option of "0"stars but you have to give 1 star sadly!! read more

I've been a few times, and never really "got" it... The margaritas are alright, I think Coyote Blues is better. The bar tends to get the 50+ crowd version of the Tsunami bar 30+ crowd. The food isn't that impressive. The stuffed avocados are pretty good... The fact that the margaritas are made with Everclear would definitely make sense. Overall, I'd say go once, but it's definitely not my favorite. read more

My wife just called to see about ordering 15 pounds of fajitas in advance for a house party we are having. The 'gentleman' on the phone said; 'I'm not really looking to sell you fajitas, we don't normally do that. You can break it down on your own', 'It's easier to cook it on your own', 'I mean, steak is not hard to cook, I mean is it boys'. I've lived in Lafayette 5 years, have gone to this restaurant several dozen times and would bring friends there when they would visit since it is at the end of my street. How terrible is that for customer service? Done. read more

Lafonda is a Lafayette institution and continues to deliver a fun atmosphere where family and friends can gather. The salsa/hot sauce is addicting along with their creamy margaritas. read more

Have not been since before the COVID-19 outbreak. The food, servers, ambiance were just great. I had Loco Pollo Chicken. Couldn't have asked for better. read more

The secret to the margaritas is that they have Everclear in them. They're actually quite delicious and the recipe is definitely their own, but make no mistake about it- they have Everclear in them and more than one ritzy little Lafayette River Rancher soccer mom has fallen unconscious and been carried out by the staff. The food is pretty good. The salsa's all right. But as the review below mentioned, it's a popular place because you can get loud and rowdy. Also, like The Blue Dog, people respect it because it's been around for so long, so it has an air of appeal for the locals. read more

Was in Lafayette to crash an Independent Insuance Agents crawfish boil,got there early and decided to drop in on some lawyer buddies of mine. As I walked to their office I saw their staff heading out the door and they told me head to Lafonda cause the boys are taking us there for a late lunch to celebrate Secretary's Day. So, being footloose and fancy free I figured why not!! After fighting through that lovely Lafayette traffic I arrived at this locale...looked nice from the outside and the inside has dimly lit intimate feel to it...I'm thinking cool when I step in... Our waiter was quick with the service and a quip...so that was top notch!!! The appetizers were GREAT, especially their fried rabbit bites...however the entree was underwhelming, I ordered a taco platter and the corn tortillas were cold and chewy as opposed to warm and tender...really don't recall much about the main portion of the meal that's how underwhelming it was... But if you want a little atmosphere, some good appetizer selections and stiff drinks give this place a shot when in Lafayette... read more

Had lunch on Sat. 8/16, arriving right after opening time of 11 am. Seated promptly and drink orders taken and filled quickly. Waiter (Chris) brought chips (yum), salsa & bean dip (yum), then took our orders. I have had the Chicken Enchiladas Monterrey many times before and always ask for the jalepenos to be omitted from the plate. Not only did Chris assure me that there would be no jalepenos, but when grilled about "anything else on the plate," he insisted that it was ONLY 3 enchiladas with sauce. Food came reasonably fast, considering there were only 4 populated tables in the main dining room. But, much to my chagrin, there was a large pile of lettuce, upon which sat dollops of guacamole and sour cream. I shrugged it off and focused on moving things aside to consume the enchiladas. Others in my party of 3 were splitting a large quesadilla and asked Chris for an extra plate to accommodate the share. After Chris passed our table several times to serve an adjacent table, he finally came back to ask how everything was. I reminded him of our conversation minutes before about what I could expect on my plate, and his response was that "he had never seen anything on the plates except enchiladas before!," passing the blame to the kitchen. I seriously doubt that Saturday was the first time they ever garnished the plate with lettuce, etc., but that was his story. There was no serious apology, nor acceptance of blame on himself... like HE'S the one who carried the plate from the kitchen to my table and certainly could have done something before dropping it off to me - like replating! We also took the opportunity to remind him of the (now not needed) extra plate. He left the table and brought back the (still not needed) plate! I thought about taking these issues up with management, but, due to our timeline of a departing flight, I let it go... until now!! Get your act together, La Fonda. Generally, food and drinks are very good, but if your service doesn't keep up, you'll lose whatever following that has kept you in business for 57 years! read more

Great atmosphere, service and drinks, but the food is lacking. 3 stars for the food, I expect more for the price. read more

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

We chose to celebrate our sons high school graduation dinner at Lafondas, here in Lafayette, LA. It was an extremely busy night in Lafayette mainly because so many different schools were also graduating as well as The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. We had the BEST service EVER!!!! I have been a waitresses in the past in stressful situations but at Lafondas each waiter or waitress made you feel like you were the only table they had. They did a tremendous job making you feel like you were their top priority and a VIP. The food was unbelievable it was some of the best food I have ever had. Everything from fried rabbit as our appitizers to each main course. Just simply because of the amazing service and food we had at Lafondas it made what was already such a special night even better!!! I highly recommend you go to Lafondas for an exceptional meal and if you are looking for a special place to celebrate Lafondas is the place!!! I believe that our servers name was Josh and he deserves major props!!!! Thank you Lafondas for making our sons graduation even better than we could have ever imagined read more

Lafonda is a great place with excellent service. But it's not a Cinco de Mayo kind of place. It opened a long time ago ('50s or '60s) and hasn't changed much. The menu, manners, and dress have only drifted slightly since then. (Tip: don't go dressed less than business casual.) If you're new to town or from out of town, your expectations are going to be out of sync. If you want to visit a great place that's as crowded and popular as it was 50 years ago, then you're in the right frame of mind. My favorite menu items: the "Nighthawk" or beef enchiladas. read more

Truly do not understand the poor star rating. Was just there Tuesday night and the food, service, and value was never better.

Love Lafonda!!! Always Has a Great Atmosphere! Great Food, Drinks, and Service! Wonderful place for Birthday Celebrations!

Top notch service but EXTREMELY loud and crowded. Granted, we went after the Mardi Gras parade ended, and this is supposed to be the hot spot for the Krewe, but I've been told it's like this a lot. The nachos were ultra cheesy and I ordered a steak covered in cheese and sauteed onions. The steak is off the menu and called The Brent or something. Not sure, but it was good. read more

We were told 30 minutes than 30 minutes later 10 more minutes. Than 10 minutes later a different hostess said ah it might be a little wait we're having a turn now. So I turned and paid my tab and remembered why I don't go to LaFonda's on Saturday night. Time to go eat elsewhere. read more

I was beyond disappointed with my food. The margarita tasted like medicine and the shrimp tacos came with salad shrimp. I was there with coworkers who ranted about the place- both divas who wouldn't be caught alive in a place like Aztecas or Coyote blues. It was my first and Last visit... Overrated doesn't even begin to explain this place. read more

so.... some guy that has no life cant stand my previous review of this place. my opinion still stands. this place is hot garbage. you know garbage but its hot so it stinks even worse. kinda like when your friend fots with the heater on. the food is HORRIBLE. the over hyped margaritas tasted like pure everclear and lime juice. it must be a "I grew up in Lafayette" kind of place. I even ate with someone who had been working there for a few years got everything they recommended it didnt help. dont remember what I got but it came with a bean burrito thing on the side tasted like beans out of can. My girlfriend got the fried rabbit that suppose to be ALL THE F'IN RAGE. it came to the table cold and with velvetta dipping sauce. avoid at all cost is that good enough jesse W, dont bother me anymore by the way I would like to thank the Miller's for taking me out to this restraunt. Even though the food wasnt that great I was with great company having a good time. I do have to say the atmosphere is great and everyone at the restaurant was having a good ole loud ass time read more

First and last time yesterday. I should have checked these reviews before going! Its obviously not just me. The food is bad. The "restaurant" has got to be a front for something else going on in the back. Maybe a money laundering scheme. Because its definitely not about the food. read more

This restaurant is the epitome of pretentious. It is definitely a see and be seen establishment. Their margarita's are basically tequila with a splash of margarita mix. The food is even worse. Their food is comparable to Taco Bell. The waiters are on top of their games though. most of the waiters have been there since the beginning of time. The only redeeming quality about this place was Mr. Harry. But he is gone from us now. R.I.P. Mr. Harry. read more

Only two stars for Lafonda? Seriously? C'mon man! Great margs, lively and fun atmosphere, and the food is just fine. I really enjoy the beef enchiladas. Best tex-mex food ever? Maybe not, but it's definitely better than how it appears with a 2.5 star avg review...puh-lease! I've been here for a celebration or two (or 100) and have always had a good time! It's not your quick in and out kind of place, you may have to hang out and drink a marg while you wait for your table (aww poor you!). This place is a Lafayette classic! read more

Saltiest chips I've ever had. Couldn't even tell you if the queso was good or not cause the chips were not edible. Ate a ground beef taco that was good. My side of Mexican rice was the worst thing I've ever eaten. "Famous" margaritas were okay. Won't be back. read more

I have a different point of view than most reviewers. I am one of those that have celebrated my birthday, my friends birthday etc year after year and before starting a family it was a regular hang out spot and if you are from Lafayette you know that you don't go to lafondas for the food although the carde asada is my favorite and the rabbit has rave reviews you go hear to drink margaritas and mingle with new and old friends. If you are looking for 5 star Mexican this is not it but if you are looking for a local place where generations have stories to tell about is the place. read more

If you want microwaved shitty Tex Mex with burnt cheese eat here. I can't believe this place is so popular, our waiter left a tray of dirty dishes next to me in the aisle for 15 minutes until I moved it myself. He forgot to give us menus for 30 minutes and didn't give us water, I had to ask someone else to get it. The food is awful, Panchos is like Ruth's Chris compared to this place. Unacceptable- the absolute worst service I have ever experienced in my life. Will not ever recommend it. The margaritas will get you pretty drunk, I guess that is to cover up the nasty taste of the food. read more

The most overrated restaurant in Lafayette. The only reason to go is for margaritas but if that's what you're after I'd recommend legends. The food is awful read more

I only spent time in the very cramped small area known as the bar. Barely enough room for standing or maneuvering around. I don't understand the previous reviews considering this as "the place to be see." You're lucky if the people that came with you are able to see you. read more

Very mediocre food. We were seated pretty quickly on a Friday night however, service wasn't the best.

Great place to spend the evening. Great drinks, large selection of tequila. Loud dining room, busy come early. Try the corn bread and chili. Best fried chicken salad, and fried chicken. Beef and cheese enchiladas! read more

I ate here a few months ago, and was very surprised at good it was. Chicken enchiladas, burritos, chips, beans rice, salsa, tortillas were all pretty good. I've noticed that most of the bad reviews for La Fonda were written 3-5 years ago. It is apparent that the food has improved in the last year or two. It is also apparent that Yelp doe not factor in the age of reviews to calculate an overall score for a restaurant so the bad reviews from five years ago appear to have equal weight with the current reviews. This should not be. Reviews from 4-6 years ago should be reduced in weight, or eliminated from the score of a restaurant altogether. I would eat here again. read more