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Mel's Diner

3.5 (102 reviews)
Open • Open 24 hours

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MEL'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Loud
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Mel's Diner

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Shrimp Po-boy With Lays Potato chips
Evelyn L.

Great and respectful Staff! Awesome and clean seating booths and tables that were clean. Food was very fresh and amazing to every bite. Definitely have to come back and visit.

Vanilla malt
Renee B.

We love Mel's. It's a great traditional dinner open 24/7, so it's a great option for breakfast, lunch or a late night stop. I haven't had anything there that I didn't like. Malts, pancakes, club sandwiches, onion rings and some of the best chicken strips around. When all else fails, Mel's is always a great option, no matter the time of day.

Srambled eggs, beef, grits
Julia V.

Delicious food, excellent and quick service in an old school diner that has stood the test of time! We recently dined at Mel's for breakfast and our favorite noms were the house potatoes, liver and onions, and the hot fluffy biscuits. The thick gravy poured on the liver made me do a happy dance and the biscuits were large and extra hot. My fiancé ordered the beef scramble and while not particularly flavorful, it was extra meaty and piping hot. The pancakes on the other hand, were a dime-a-dozen and suspiciously reminiscent of the hot cakes my grandparents used to order from McDonald's. All things considered, this diner had such a cool atmosphere as the walls were donned in neon colors, quirky sayings and 1900s memorabilia. [I especially loved the yearbook pictures featured in the bathrooms.] If you're in Lafayette, I recommend giving Mel's a try. It's a great place to eat delicious and reasonably priced food at anytime of the day^^

#22 Two X-tra Large Eggs 3 Strips of limp bacon Hash brown  $9.75 + tax
Tremaine R.

I had the #22, which featured two extra-large eggs, three strips of bacon, and hash browns, all for $9.75 plus tax. It was a great choice for a post-night-out meal with friends. The food hit the spot, and the ambience was just right for a relaxed hangout. While the server was decent, the overall experience was enjoyable. Not pictures: sweet tea & buttered toast.

Dining room
Adele C.

Mel's offers, fresh, tasty food in a cozy diner setting. The service is helpful and friendly. It's been around forever for a reason!

the menu for mel's
Ambe C.

Mel's is my favorite place to visit for breakfast when in Lafayette so, it only made since for me to bring first time visitors to Lafayette. My group of 4 were greeted and immediately seated when we arrived. Nicole was our server and she delivered good service overall. I just wished she would have dropped by the table to check in us after we received our food. However, based on the overall service and food, I still rate my visit five dtarsy

French Toast
Andrea R.

Food has only gotten better in recent years! I'm UL alum so I've been coming here for years for the low low prices but now the food has improved? Also super clean especially compared to Waffle House with 10/10 attentive and friendly service. Maybe under new management or something but loving it

Mandisa N.

Cute diner and decent breakfast food. I think the prices are fairly reasonable. Although the place was busy, we were seated right away. Good service. The only complaint would be the gravy paired with the biscuits. It just tasted really bad, but other than that, good dining experience and if you're looking for a nice breakfast/brunch, this would be a suitable contender.

Ham and Cheese Omelette, hash browns and bacon

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Reviews are mixed. People highlight the fresh, flavorful food, classic diner ambiance, and friendly service.

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9 years ago

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16 years ago

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12 years ago

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16 years ago

Great Home style food. Food is served hot and very quick. Great daily specials......

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

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9 years ago

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15 years ago

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14 years ago

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10 years ago

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10 years ago

I would recommend the blue plate special any day of the week. They fill up quick around lunch so be patient

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12 years ago

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8 years ago

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10 years ago

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The French Press - The Beignets * soooo flaky! Delicious!

The French Press

4.3(31 reviews)
2.8 mi

I stopped by The French Press for brunch during a recent visit to Lafayette. I had previously been…read moreto their downtown location, which I believe has since closed, so this visit was to the location off Ambassador Caffery. The interior of this location was very nice and welcoming. There was a good mix of seating options that seemed accommodating for both larger groups and smaller parties. The music selection was also enjoyable and added positively to the overall atmosphere. I ordered the shrimp and andouille omelette. I will say the presentation was very stark and uninteresting. Just based on how it looked, I would not have expected much from the dish. While I cannot quite pinpoint how it could be improved visually, it simply came across as boring on the plate. That said, the omelette itself was better than expected once I started eating. The bites that included both shrimp and andouille sausage were the strongest and most flavorful parts of the dish. Overall, if I were judging strictly on appearance, my expectations would have been low. Taste wise, I would give the meal about a 6 out of 10. I did notice several other dishes coming out to nearby tables that looked more appealing, so while this order did not fully impress me, I would not rule out returning. Next time, I would likely try something different from the menu.

First of all when you're called French Press you've got to show up for the French press coffee…read more These guys nailed it. It was strong, it was delicious, and it was plenty of coffee, enough to pour the rest to go. They've also got the sugar cane syrup you'd hope for in this area, and it was delicious with the blueberry pancakes. Would def eat here again

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The French Press
The French Press
The French Press

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Five Mile Eatery - Seedy Toast

Five Mile Eatery

4.6(49 reviews)
1.7 mi
•$$

As someone who recently relocated from California, one of the biggest challenges has been finding…read morevegan options in Lafayette. Then I discovered Five Mile Eatery, and it has quickly become one of my favorite places in town. I am absolutely addicted to their vegan Caesar salad. It's fresh, flavorful, satisfying, and proof that vegan food can be anything but boring. The menu is thoughtfully crafted with organic, seasonal ingredients, and it's refreshing to find a place that truly caters to plant-based eaters. I know some people comment on the prices, but organic, high-quality ingredients cost more, and that's something many people don't realize. Personally, I don't mind paying a little extra for healthy choices and food made with quality ingredients. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is welcoming, the desserts are excellent, and the staff always make me feel at home. If you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthier meal option, Five Mile Eatery is a gem. Lafayette is lucky to have it!

The food was okay, but it wasn't anything that would make me rush back. My coworker recommended…read morethis place to me. I ordered the Co-op Burger, which came on a house-made sweet potato bun that was actually really good. The Angus beef patty was cooked well done, just how I like it. It also came with lettuce, mustard, house ketchup, and basil mayo. Personally, I could've done without the house ketchup and would've preferred regular ketchup. The basil mayo was not a good match, I think regular mayo would have complemented the burger much better. I also asked to leave off the pickles and red onion. I added an over-hard egg, which was cooked perfectly. On the side, I ordered the yogurt, but unfortunately, I couldn't eat it. It tasted like spoiled sour cream, so that was definitely a disappointment. The atmosphere was nice and welcoming, although the seating area felt a little too cramped. It was lunchtime, so I understand that it was busy. One thing I didn't like was the lack of any signs directing customers with call-in or online orders. It wasn't clear where those orders should be picked up. I ended up standing by the cooler, which put me in the walkway of food being delivered and the cooler for beverages. I was also concerned about the food handling. The employee bringing out food and drinks kept playing with her hair because it was constantly falling in her face, then continued handling customers' orders. The person making the coffee also had her hair down. In my opinion, anyone preparing or serving food should have their hair secured and wear gloves when appropriate. Parking was probably the biggest inconvenience. Nearly every surrounding business has signs stating "Parking for customers only," which makes finding a place to park difficult.

Photos
Five Mile Eatery - Interior seating area

Interior seating area

Five Mile Eatery - A table full of delicious food!

A table full of delicious food!

Five Mile Eatery - Tinned Fish Plate & Burger Salad

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Tinned Fish Plate & Burger Salad

Parish Biscuit - Pancakes Tray (comes with 2: we had already served the other toddler)

Parish Biscuit

4.4(129 reviews)
1.5 mi
•$$

We were looking for a brunch spot and stopped here. Found the last two chairs at the bar and thank…read moregoodness. The place filled up quickly. When you walk in you get in line to order except they won't take your order until there's a table. At the bar you can sit and order. I had the shrimp and grits with a side of bacon and a side of sausage gravy. The food was absolutely phenomenal. My only complaint was a little too much paprika. I had a large OJ mimosa and it didn't disappoint. They use Tropicana OJ and they fill it up with bubbly. I also had a nice cup of Community coffee. My partner in crime had the crab cake Benedict and potatoes. She said it was all good except the salad, it was mediocre. I tasted the crab cake and vouch that it was damn good. She had a white cranberry mimosa and was pleased. I don't remember the bartender's name but she was awesome. She was very lively and talkative and didn't mind cracking a joke or a wise crack. We're headed back to Laffy in two weeks and plan on coming back. I plan on doing the biscuit and gravy plate. I will say look for a seat at the bar if you're there because the place will pack up quickly. The place was nice and open and trendy.

OMG! Amazing food! We sat at the bar to order. We both ordered the crawfish omelette, no cheese,…read moreegg whites and we shared a biscuit. My husband had a Bloody Mary. The omelettes were just plain delicious. Every adjective adjacent to delicious, add here! Service at the bar was efficient and friendly, the meals arrived quickly and the server was attentive. The building seems new, is clean and has two bathrooms for women!! Only thing that I'd change-get a cappuccino machine and offer authentic coffee drinks. Tip-everything is drowning in cheese. The food is so delicious, don't cover it up by getting all of that cheese on the eggs and other dishes. It just becomes gross, really. The restaurant is pretty quiet, except for the man at the bar having a loud conversation for a while. Not necessary and rude. Food 5 stars, but leave off the cheese. Plenty of parking is available. Can't wait to return when I'm in the area.

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Parish Biscuit
Parish Biscuit - Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles

Parish Biscuit - Crawfish Cornbread

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Crawfish Cornbread

Dwyer's Cafe - Crab cake Benedict on Biscuit

Dwyer's Cafe

3.9(110 reviews)
2.1 mi
•$

If I lived in Lafayette this is where you'd find me most mornings for breakfast, we absolutely…read moreloved everything about this place starting with it's beautiful location, the welcoming staff and definitely the food. This cafe is simple but sooooo nostalgic, from the years of untouched decor to the down home vibes, this what Louisiana culture is all about, I love that there are so many folks that frequent this cafe that still speak the cajun french I grew up with and the food is off the chart and there's no doubt the kitchen loves dishing out traditional cajun cuisine, after all these years this place still has the magic. As soon as our server sat the bowl of grits on the table I knew we were in for something special, there's an art to preparing and serving them that so many places just can replicate - the omelette was amazing I was so torn on what to order because I wanted some of everything. Our server Laice was amazing although this was the first time we met she treated us like neighbors now that's definitely Louisiana hospitality. You'd be hard pressed to beat the atmosphere, the food or the exceptional customer service it just goes to show there still some authenticity if you know where to go - this will definitely be my go to breakfast place when in the area...

Very friendly service at Dwyers Cafe, local home cooking, and ideal for breakfast with pet…read morefriendly dining on Rue Garfield and Jefferson. They even treated our doggo to water and bacon. Charming ambiance and street side feel, great for the morning after or a fresh start to your day.

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Dwyer's Cafe
Dwyer's Cafe - Breakfast #3

Breakfast #3

Dwyer's Cafe

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Social Southern Table & Bar - Masala Frites

Social Southern Table & Bar

4.4(377 reviews)
0.9 mi
•$$

Our server, Kate, was outstanding. She was friendly, attentive, and gave us excellent…read morerecommendations. She suggested the pork chop, and it ended up being the star of the meal. The pork chop was cooked perfectly. It was juicy, incredibly tender, and honestly tender enough to cut with a fork. It had a great char from the grill that added so much flavor, and the pickled peppers on top cut through the richness of the pork perfectly. The dirty rice underneath reminded me of my mom's rice dressing and soaked up all the juices from the chop. It was one of the best pork chop dishes I've had. My wife ordered the smoke fried chicken, and it was also excellent. The crust was crispy while the chicken stayed juicy and flavorful. The sweet potato biscuits were light and delicious, and the pepper honey tied everything together nicely. For my taste, it leaned just a little on the sweet side, but it was still a very enjoyable dish. My daughter ordered the Social Cheeseburger with just meat and cheese. She loved it, and I was impressed too. Even with such a simple order, the burger was juicy, well seasoned, and served on a fantastic bun. She and my wife both could not stop talking about the hand cut fries. They were crispy, perfectly seasoned, and some of the best fries we've had in a while. From the food to the service, everything exceeded our expectations. We left very impressed and will definitely make a point to stop here whenever we are in the Lafayette area.

This is one of my Wife and I's top 5 favorite places in Louisiana…read more Their menu as far as apps and main dishes go can fluctuate. More specifically their flatbreads and loaded fries, which I do not currently see on their website. Most of the time they have loaded fries which in the past have consisted of gravies and sauces. One preparation we ordered came with pickled okra. The fried green tomatoes are also very good, especially to start with or share. As far as main dishes go we have tried the following: All Hail Caesar (Flatbread) Spicy Chicken Sandwich Smoke Fried Chicken-N-Biscuits Social Cheeseburger The Mac n Cheese is a must get as a side in my opinion. One of the first times we visited they had carrot cake as a dessert, we still talk about that carrot cake today. If you are a sweet tea lover this place has a twist which I love. Their sweet contains brown sugar and mint, get it, try it, it's delicious.

Photos
Social Southern Table & Bar - Bar view

Bar view

Social Southern Table & Bar - Crab Nachos

Crab Nachos

Social Southern Table & Bar - Jefferson's Wheated

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Jefferson's Wheated

Mel's Diner - waffles - Updated October 2026

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