Where to Eat in Lafayette: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 15, 2018 Vergie Nakamoto

Lafayette is part college town, part natural landscape and part lively urban center. Across the Wabash River in West Lafayette, Purdue University draws a diverse young student population to the city. A walking tour of downtown Lafayette reveals a historic core of Victorian architecture, unique shops and public art. Nature abounds in the city and area parks, including Columbian Park, the Celery Bog wetlands, the Jerry E. Clegg Botanical Garden along Wildcat Creek and Wolf Park in Battle Ground.
Things to do in Lafayette

1. Nine Irish Brothers

119 Howard Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906-6327 Parking Available, Television, Full Bar, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 7 - SGD 25 +1 765-746-4782
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 363 reviews

Nine Irish Brothers

Nine Irish Brothers is an award-winning traditional Irish pub--recently named the Best Irish Pub in the State of Indiana by Yelp and Buzzfeed--with two convenient locations in Greater Lafayette, Indiana, and a third location in the heart of Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis. Our family-owned-and-operated restaurant serves premium Irish food and spirits and has a full bar and menu, with items ranging from salads to steak to Irish favorites such as Guinness Stew, Shepherd's Pie, and Fish & Chips. Well-behaved patrons of all ages are welcome from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless circumstances prohibit minors (e.g. large, rowdy bands). Nine Irish Brothers is proud to be smoke-free. We also feature live Irish entertainment on most weekend nights. We take reservations for parties of six or more people.

Reviewed By 1anon - Lima, Peru

Surprisingly nice and civilized university town bar. Broken up into a series of smaller spaces which keeps noise down. Great wings and potato cups. Excellent service

2. East End Grill

1016 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901-1541 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 765-607-4600
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

East End Grill

Reviewed By Michelle P - Central City, Kentucky

Awesome menu! The charcuterie plate was absolutely amazing, excellent selection. My husband had the shrimp and grits and they were the best we have ever had...super creamy and rich! Friendly staff and they take reservations online which is very convenient. Highly recommend!

3. Triple XXX Family Restaurant

2 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN 47906-3027 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available American, Diner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 765-743-5373
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 476 reviews

Triple XXX Family Restaurant

The 1st Drive-In in Indiana! Serving delicious burgers & the best root beer! Breakfast all-day! Featured on The Food Network "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives!"

Reviewed By JohnnyDolce - Columbus, Ohio

We researched where to stop between Columbus Oh and Chicago. Had never been to West Lafayette before. What a find! Really like this place. Good food in a little Midwestern college town. I would highly recommend it. Good burgers and save room for dessert. Really liked the vibe here. College kids and locals

4. Nine Irish Brothers

3520 State Road 38 E, Lafayette, IN 47905-5121 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Television, Full Bar, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 7 - SGD 25 +1 765-447-0999
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 240 reviews

Nine Irish Brothers

Nine Irish Brothers is an award-winning traditional Irish pub--recently named the Best Irish Pub in the State of Indiana by Yelp and Buzzfeed--with two convenient locations in Greater Lafayette, Indiana, and a third location in the heart of Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis. Our family-owned-and-operated restaurant serves premium Irish food and spirits and has a full bar and menu, with items ranging from salads to steak to Irish favorites such as Guinness Stew, Shepherd's Pie, and Fish & Chips. Well-behaved patrons of all ages are welcome from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless circumstances prohibit minors (e.g. large, rowdy bands). Nine Irish Brothers is proud to be smoke-free. We also feature live Irish entertainment on most weekend nights. We take reservations for parties of six or more people.

Reviewed By Dustin A - Lafayette, Indiana

The food is delicious portions a big (you can get a lot of thing in half portions). I love the Shepard’s Pie. The fish and chips are great too. We have had several different appetizers and they’ve all been good. Staff was friendly as service...MoreThank you, Dustin! Shepherd's Pie is my personal favorite, too--nothing better on a cold day (unless it's Shepherd's Pie AND and Irish Coffee!). Thank you for your review, and most of all, for your patronage--we appreciate it! Slainte!

5. Mountain Jack's

4211 South St, Lafayette, IN 47905-4816 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +1 765-448-1521
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 491 reviews

Mountain Jack's

Reviewed By DerrickP266 - Chicago, Illinois

I was able to dine at this establishment and it was great experience. The server was extremely personable and efficient. The food was superb. I ordered the Ribeye with Caesar salad, onion straws and rice pilaf. It was delicious. The ambiance was immaculate. I will certainly be back again!!

6. Maru Sushi

111 N Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906-3003 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Delivery Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 765-743-2646
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Maru Sushi

Reviewed By jmgdl - Mexico

The Maru Sushi, if you like Japanese cuisine is a must. Every tie you go to a sushi place and it is full with Japanese owners you know you have come to the right place. Spicy Tuna, The Special Sushi Maru with their spicy hot sauce, I was really surprise to see the quality of the fresh products and their attention to detail. GOOD PLACE in West Lafayette my lunch place every time I visit. I will be there.

7. South Street Smoke House

3305 South St, Ste 6, Lafayette, IN 47904-3164 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Barbecue Lunch, Dinner +1 765-446-0559
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 253 reviews

South Street Smoke House

Reviewed By Hershel B

I love good BBQ and this is some of the best that I have eaten anywhere in the US. The Brisket would make any Texan happy. Great baked beans and fries also.
I really do not think that a Vegan or Vegetarian would be comfortable here. This is all about meat !

8. Arni's

2323 Wallace Ave, Lafayette, IN 47904-3148 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 765-447-9436
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Arni's

Reviewed By ELResort

Arni's is largely known for pizza and salads, although they have lots of sandwiches as well. I'm not crazy about the pizza because it is super-thin (I'm a thick crust, Chicago pizza lover) and the cheese is quite greasy. However, the salads are great, hearty, and varied. A "junior" salad is big enough for most people. There are a couple of soups offered each day. They are uniformly very good. The potato pancakes are wonderful.
The service at Arni's is always efficient and friendly. I've never had bad service. Similarly, I rarely have a long wait for my meal. I typically eat in the "loading zone" section, but there is also a fun toy room as well. The third room is ordinary, but the food is identical in each room.
Overall, I certainly recommend Arni's. The food and ice are consistently good.

9. Bruno's

212 Brown St, West Lafayette, IN 47906-3210 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 20 +1 765-743-1668
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Bruno's

Reviewed By Levannah - Hendersonville, North Carolina

Decades later, Bruno's pizza is just about the best anywhere. It is still so good and hasn't changed. This is New York-style pizza with the best crust, tomato sauce and toppings. Bruno's has moved across the levee and has expanded. The restaurant houses an enormous collection of Purdue sports memorabilia. For those who grew up eating at Bruno's, there is an Old Swiss room housing the furniture from the former restaurant. Service is excellent. Our four large pizzas were prepared and delivered quickly. You can still walk up to the restaurant and watch them tossing up pizza dough. If you love good pizza, don't miss a stop here. Highly recommended!

10. Bistro 501

501 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901-1446 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards French, American, International, Fusion, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks SGD 16 - SGD 43 +1 765-423-4501
Excellent
64%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Bistro 501

Bistro 501 is the premier dining experience in downtown Lafayette. From foodie to formal, we have a beautifully crafted menu and expertly curated cocktails and wine. Our menu features a range of dishes from more adventurous escargot and roasted marrow bones to the classic filet, fresh seafood and roasted chicken. Lunch is a must try with a full selection of handcrafted sandwiches, salads and entrées. Check our social media for nightly and weekly features, see you soon!

Reviewed By Karen G

Spent time with family in this area recently and visited Bistro 501 for several meals. Each one was outstanding, both in presentation and preparation. The menu is interesting and innovative, and the servers were wonderfully attentive, both in the dining room and in the lounge....MoreWe are honored to be a part of your Familys' Lafayette experience. Thank you for the wonderful comments and we look forward to seeing you again as well! Theresa Buckley

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