Where do you feel like going tonight? How about for lunch? Crowd-sourced recommendations for Lafayette/West Lafayette
Welcome to the between-holiday haze ahead of New Year’s Day. It’s been a long time since we tried one of these threads, but around here, there’s been some thought that we need to check out some restaurants we haven’t been to lately – or ever. So, it’s recommendation time.
Today’s prompt: What Greater Lafayette restaurant was your go-to in 2022? Or where did you have the best meal/best experience in the past year? What did you have? And why would you recommend it?
As always, be cool to each other when responding. And thanks for reading and supporting the Based in Lafayette reporting project. If you’re new around here and thinking about subscribing, here’s a way to jump aboard.
My tastes range from International to simple Midwest cuisine depending on my mood. The common thread is that they all serve comfort food in a warm atmosphere. I go where the food is great, access is easy (walking and/or driving), you frequently see the owners and they remember your name.
Our expanded selection of bakeries in the last decade has been very welcome - Sweet Revolution, Smittybread, Scones and Doilies, all so good. And local stalwart Great Harvest continues to be as good as ever.
Some solid recommendations here. One I haven’t seen mentioned yet is 8Eleven which serves consistently good food, has a great atmosphere and a diverse and delectable cocktail list. It ranks right up there as one of the nicest/best restaurants in town IMO.
I also want to give some love to La Scala. Not only do Paco and Kirsten put out amazing food, they also are stalwart supporters of the community.
Bistro 501 is a blast. I love to sit at the bar and dine—what a fun atmosphere. They have friendly bartenders and the food is most excellent. A+ atmosphere, service, and food & drink!
I'm supposed to be off email, but I had to pull up a changed password link and now I'm sucked in! I wish you'd asked for non-chain suggestions, so I'll just cross my fingers. Teays River Brewing and Public House is our every Saturday go-to. The staff treats us like family. Then, probably East End Grill or 501 Bistro. Sharma's Kitchen for biryani. Dave, I'd like to see you start an argument over "best pizza" in Greater Lafayette.
I would be interested in the pizza debate. I have yet to try Snugg’s but feel there is a big gap in pizza options in town. I was a fan of Prof Joes, but that obviously is no longer an option.
I do follow them on Instagram and it always looks good, but don’t they keep really irregular hours/days?
What is sad is that I just went to Noble Romans because it is one of the better options. While it is actually pretty good all things considered, this saddens me in a town this size.
The Spot serves Snuggs pizza Wed-Sat 5 or 6-9 pm right now. It’s grandma slices on focaccia bread. Delicious but the real star is the wood fired pizza they serve in the warm months.
Years ago, best pizza was Bell's (?) on 9th street and Union--take out only. Although the Flying Tomato Brothers (?) on campus was good also too much water under the bridge, but there was a sister restaurant in Champaign-Urbana called something like Flying Tomato Brothers. For our growing family, it was Noble Roman's on the levee, where the kids could watch the dough flying up in the air. For me, after the kids had gone to college, it was Professor Joe's on Main and then Bruno's until the plague hit. My youngest son swears by Arni's and every time he comes back to Indiana, we make a ceremonial pilgrimage to Arni's, although his parents NEVER took him there. High school memories are important. So, off we go to Arni's!!!
We are regulars at Town and Gown in WL. Consistent and eatable. For something different, East End Grill (somewhat noisy) and Bistro 501 are great for a special occasion. The Bryant is also growing on us.
I love Escape Velocity. Their curried chickpea sandwich (or lettuce wrap) is delicious, their artichoke dip is vegan and YUM, and their beers are great too. I second votes for Maru, and my other favorite restaurant is Thai Essence. I appreciate Bistro 501 expanding their vegetarian and vegan options (though the vegan risotto is way salty), and it's the nicest place, imo, for a fancier evening out. Dakshin is great for takeout Indian food.
Take the drive to Eddie Joe's Icehouse in West Point. Excellent brisket and pulled pork every day they are open. On Friday night they serve smoked ribs, recommend you make a reservation for that. Food is good and service is excellent
Tacos and a beer at Sixth Street Dive, or Fiesta if we want carryout Mexican for the family. East End for one-on-one dessert with my 12-year-old - flourless chocolate cake, bourbon for me and Shirley Temple for him. Love the jackfruit torta at Escape Velocity Brewing. Blackened Chicken Pita at People's Brewing Company. And between Maru, Heisei and Katana I feel spoiled for choice in Japanese.
*For Mexican style for, Nom Nom offers original flavor bites different from all the rest this type of food. Second would be the Food Shack in Lafayette Square.
*For Asian I enjoy Peppercorns on the levy. Again, this is more authentic than the standardized Americanized Asian food.
*For pizza, Brunos, though detroit style from Jets is really good and even a Little Caesar deep dish is an economical good pizza.
*For fine dining, we appreciate Bistro 501.
*For breaded tenderloin the are several including Tic Toc, Digby's, and Walts Pub.
*For a good steak dinner, since McGraws is reshaping itself, no local restaurants stand out. So I must sat the Beef House along I-74.
*Bakery...Smitty Bread for pastries and Breads, though Sweet Revolution is extremely, extremely good.
I be proud to take out of town guests to any of the above businesses.
Black Sparrow is my favorite. If you can do there once-a-month Sunday Brunch you have to do it. EleventhHouse is a decent brunch/breakfast with fantastic coffee. Fiesta in WL is great if you want a nice big burrito (get enchilada style). The Bryant has a great atmosphere and solid food.
Teays River -- great food and also a great supporter of community activities.
For stick-to-your-ribs-on-cold-winter-days fare I think it's hard to beat the Shepherds Pie or Guinness Stew topped off with Jerry's-I-Don't-Like-Coffee-Irish-"Coffee" with Irish whiskey and heavy cream.
Me too! We were really happy with our order from Pizza Uncommon, and the staff was amazing. They also do gf pizza (I have 2 kids with Celiac, so this is nice for our family!).
The re-opened and re-imagined Sidewalk Cafe in Stockwell holds some promise for the coming year. It’s now a carry-out concept with some seating if you wish to dine in. Everything is home made and made to order. Daily dinner specials are limited and often sell out quickly. Breakfast and lunch items are also offered. Over the holidays, you could special order family size entrees and pies. Charcuterie boards are available and they are currently offering boards for NY Eve parties. Ice cream and lattes are also on the menu. Check the Facebook page for hours and menu of the day.
Best meal and experience go to Snuggs Pizza at the Spot. Nothing beats a sunny patio with a fresh pie from the wood fired oven and a tart, bubbly wine to pair with it. Fav pizza: the Chorn with local sweet corn and chorizo. Go-to spot is Fiesta in WL because we work from home and it’s solid and nearby. Runner ups would be Maru, Kimchi, El Chicano, Taco Rico, 6th Street Dive, Black Sparrow and Yatagarasu.
For the marg and chips and salsa and hot goss category I’m creating: Pepe’s on a Tuesday and Lindo Mexico.
Is it a reflection of who subscribes (or more accurately, who doesn't subscribe) to this fine news junket that the amazing noodle house, Yatagarasu (at 6th & Main), hasn't gotten a lift here? Their broths are amazing, anchoring some incredible noodle bowls. And if you haven't had the Enoki mushrooms on the grill, I'd recommend those as a brilliant side.
Meanwhile, +1s for Black Sparrow and Thai Essence.
Tick Tock for any meal, Downtowner for breakfast, Magoos for pizza/salad/sandwiches, and Riehles for any meal (Riehles and Magoos are smoking but Magoos set to go non smoking in the future)
My favorite is Town and Gown. My favorites are anything I have enjoyed there. The corned beef is roasted in house and is always juicy and flavorful. It is served in various recipes from breakfast to dinner. The staff if helpful and so friendly. In warm weather the patio gardens are beautiful. A must try.
Love Sixth Street Dive, Thai Essence, Cafe Literato, Sharma’s Kitchen, Black Sparrow, Las Brazas Taqueria, & En Lai Teal Road. Carry out only for the last two.
Teay’s River. Everything is good but especially the Jambalaya. And they offer an 8 oz beer when another pint would be more than I need- or for the person who just wants a little.
Um. They moved a few years ago from their location on upper main (now home to Cellar Wine Bistro) to Columbia between Second and Third Streets (once home to Bea One). But Merlin's last day of business was July 31, 2022. Closed permanently. John is still trying to sell his shake machine.
Walt's Other Pub on South 9th in Lafayette. Food is consistently good, bar tenders are friendly and efficient, wait staff attentive. The bar tenders remember what you drink and they remember your name. To the extent, that when you deviate from the usual, they get thrown off their game. Owner Ben and his partner (I think his name is Matt but I'm not positive because he's usually back of the house) are friendly and the whole place is well managed. Best of all, if you're flying solo, Walt's Other Pub, is one of the ONLY restaurants in town where you can get a decent spontaneous conversation at the bar. Not every time of course, but often enough to make me feel like I'm back home in McAllister, Montana at the McAllister Bar and Grill where folks still talk to each other instead of playing with their silly ego tablets, aka phones, and the pub is the center of the community. For a small town rural Montana girl, that matters. A lot. Walt's Other Pub is my go to place for eats in this area.
We tried Scott Street Pub a couple months ago and liked it so much we have returned twice. Always love East End, Black Sparrow, Brick & Mortar, and mainstay Mexican restaurants: Lindo Mexico, El Rodeo, and others!
Just discovered Chipolti recently,and now I stop by about once a week. It's fun to put together my own fixins. Sometimes I eat it there with a book, but usually get to go and microwave it at home
For lunch, if I go out, I usually try to go to Fiesta for a burrito. It’s better then the chains, and typically less expensive. Plus enchilada style!
However, if I need to go out for lunch on the cheap, Little Ceasers has a great lunch special for $6, deep dish pizza and a 20oz. It’s honestly one of the best deals around.
I dunno if the WL LC has that now that they reopened. But bang for your Buck, it’s number 1.
My tastes range from International to simple Midwest cuisine depending on my mood. The common thread is that they all serve comfort food in a warm atmosphere. I go where the food is great, access is easy (walking and/or driving), you frequently see the owners and they remember your name.
Banh Mi
Dakshin
Eleventh House (breakfast/lunch)
East End
Ripple
People’s Brewery
DT Kirby’s
Star City (breakfast/lunch)
Black Sparrow
Bistro Deli
Sweet Revolution (breakfast/lunch)
Our expanded selection of bakeries in the last decade has been very welcome - Sweet Revolution, Smittybread, Scones and Doilies, all so good. And local stalwart Great Harvest continues to be as good as ever.
Some solid recommendations here. One I haven’t seen mentioned yet is 8Eleven which serves consistently good food, has a great atmosphere and a diverse and delectable cocktail list. It ranks right up there as one of the nicest/best restaurants in town IMO.
I also want to give some love to La Scala. Not only do Paco and Kirsten put out amazing food, they also are stalwart supporters of the community.
Bistro 501 is a blast. I love to sit at the bar and dine—what a fun atmosphere. They have friendly bartenders and the food is most excellent. A+ atmosphere, service, and food & drink!
I'm supposed to be off email, but I had to pull up a changed password link and now I'm sucked in! I wish you'd asked for non-chain suggestions, so I'll just cross my fingers. Teays River Brewing and Public House is our every Saturday go-to. The staff treats us like family. Then, probably East End Grill or 501 Bistro. Sharma's Kitchen for biryani. Dave, I'd like to see you start an argument over "best pizza" in Greater Lafayette.
Best Pizza might need to be the next one up.
I would have to give Fox's Pizza Den a vote...
Homer
Pizza Uncommon in WL has EXCELLENT gluten free pizza.
I would be interested in the pizza debate. I have yet to try Snugg’s but feel there is a big gap in pizza options in town. I was a fan of Prof Joes, but that obviously is no longer an option.
Snuggs is amazing in a town full of mediocre choices. Although I’m still a mark for Bruno’s.
I do follow them on Instagram and it always looks good, but don’t they keep really irregular hours/days?
What is sad is that I just went to Noble Romans because it is one of the better options. While it is actually pretty good all things considered, this saddens me in a town this size.
The Spot serves Snuggs pizza Wed-Sat 5 or 6-9 pm right now. It’s grandma slices on focaccia bread. Delicious but the real star is the wood fired pizza they serve in the warm months.
Gotta try Snuggs—so so so good!
I miss prof joes as well. That was my fav
There's a fun "real Chicago pizza" debate going on at NextDoor right now. I've gotten some good leads there on pizza places to try
https://nextdoor.com/p/Bt6-yHdxjjrp?view=detail
Years ago, best pizza was Bell's (?) on 9th street and Union--take out only. Although the Flying Tomato Brothers (?) on campus was good also too much water under the bridge, but there was a sister restaurant in Champaign-Urbana called something like Flying Tomato Brothers. For our growing family, it was Noble Roman's on the levee, where the kids could watch the dough flying up in the air. For me, after the kids had gone to college, it was Professor Joe's on Main and then Bruno's until the plague hit. My youngest son swears by Arni's and every time he comes back to Indiana, we make a ceremonial pilgrimage to Arni's, although his parents NEVER took him there. High school memories are important. So, off we go to Arni's!!!
Fitz’s Pizzeria on 9th&Union?
Bistro 501 followed closely by East End Grill
El Chapparitos in WLAF! Hands down the best Barbacoa Tacos around. Staff is friendly. Really good food!
Maru in WL has excellent sushi! The service is great too!
We are regulars at Town and Gown in WL. Consistent and eatable. For something different, East End Grill (somewhat noisy) and Bistro 501 are great for a special occasion. The Bryant is also growing on us.
Really like T&G also, great breakfast!
I love Escape Velocity. Their curried chickpea sandwich (or lettuce wrap) is delicious, their artichoke dip is vegan and YUM, and their beers are great too. I second votes for Maru, and my other favorite restaurant is Thai Essence. I appreciate Bistro 501 expanding their vegetarian and vegan options (though the vegan risotto is way salty), and it's the nicest place, imo, for a fancier evening out. Dakshin is great for takeout Indian food.
Take the drive to Eddie Joe's Icehouse in West Point. Excellent brisket and pulled pork every day they are open. On Friday night they serve smoked ribs, recommend you make a reservation for that. Food is good and service is excellent
I miss living in West Point - and that is on the list of reasons why.
Tacos and a beer at Sixth Street Dive, or Fiesta if we want carryout Mexican for the family. East End for one-on-one dessert with my 12-year-old - flourless chocolate cake, bourbon for me and Shirley Temple for him. Love the jackfruit torta at Escape Velocity Brewing. Blackened Chicken Pita at People's Brewing Company. And between Maru, Heisei and Katana I feel spoiled for choice in Japanese.
Breakfast at The Downtowner. Hands down, the best.
*For Mexican style for, Nom Nom offers original flavor bites different from all the rest this type of food. Second would be the Food Shack in Lafayette Square.
*For Asian I enjoy Peppercorns on the levy. Again, this is more authentic than the standardized Americanized Asian food.
*For pizza, Brunos, though detroit style from Jets is really good and even a Little Caesar deep dish is an economical good pizza.
*For fine dining, we appreciate Bistro 501.
*For breaded tenderloin the are several including Tic Toc, Digby's, and Walts Pub.
*For a good steak dinner, since McGraws is reshaping itself, no local restaurants stand out. So I must sat the Beef House along I-74.
*Bakery...Smitty Bread for pastries and Breads, though Sweet Revolution is extremely, extremely good.
I be proud to take out of town guests to any of the above businesses.
Black Sparrow is my favorite. If you can do there once-a-month Sunday Brunch you have to do it. EleventhHouse is a decent brunch/breakfast with fantastic coffee. Fiesta in WL is great if you want a nice big burrito (get enchilada style). The Bryant has a great atmosphere and solid food.
Taco Rico for Mexican
Pizza Uncommon for Pizza
Denju for Japanese (not sushi)
Peppercorn for Chinese
Teays River -- great food and also a great supporter of community activities.
For stick-to-your-ribs-on-cold-winter-days fare I think it's hard to beat the Shepherds Pie or Guinness Stew topped off with Jerry's-I-Don't-Like-Coffee-Irish-"Coffee" with Irish whiskey and heavy cream.
.... the second recommendation for Irish Shepherds Pie, Irish Guinness Stew, and Irish Coffee being the Nine Irish Brothers pub in WL or Lafayette
Oh, man.
Dashkin Indian for takeout
People's Brew and Brokerage Brew for beer & grub
East End Grill and The Bryant
Maru Sushi & SushiDon
Pizza Uncommon and Snuggs Pizza
Greyhouse Coffee and Copper Moon Cafe
I'll second the Pizza Uncommon, Molly!
Me too! We were really happy with our order from Pizza Uncommon, and the staff was amazing. They also do gf pizza (I have 2 kids with Celiac, so this is nice for our family!).
Thanks for this - need gf myself and good pizza hard to come by
Their GF pizza is the best I’ve ever had.
The re-opened and re-imagined Sidewalk Cafe in Stockwell holds some promise for the coming year. It’s now a carry-out concept with some seating if you wish to dine in. Everything is home made and made to order. Daily dinner specials are limited and often sell out quickly. Breakfast and lunch items are also offered. Over the holidays, you could special order family size entrees and pies. Charcuterie boards are available and they are currently offering boards for NY Eve parties. Ice cream and lattes are also on the menu. Check the Facebook page for hours and menu of the day.
I would also be interested in the pizza debate!!
My wife and I really like FUEL Lafayette 5 points Alabama across from bar barry locally sourced fresh food great coffee and tea a nice interior.
The best pizza in the mid west is Bruno's pizza at least once a month it keeps getting better each time we eat there.
We also like East End grill in downtown Lafayette, IN.
We have yet to try the bistro and the Japanese restaurant Kitami Yakiniku & Sushi and the Yatagarasu 531 Main St. Lafayette near LBC.
We also love Peoples Brewing the chef has amazing food Jess and Chris's beer is fresh and local.
Finally LBC great beer and great food rotating menus about every 3 months.
So many other places we want to visit.
Triple X in W Lafayette a standby for breakfast and lunch hamburgers freshly ground beef.
D R BBQ Creasy Lane across from Chick filet as well as Harold's Chicken on South st. west of Steak and Shake.
Jeff
Best meal and experience go to Snuggs Pizza at the Spot. Nothing beats a sunny patio with a fresh pie from the wood fired oven and a tart, bubbly wine to pair with it. Fav pizza: the Chorn with local sweet corn and chorizo. Go-to spot is Fiesta in WL because we work from home and it’s solid and nearby. Runner ups would be Maru, Kimchi, El Chicano, Taco Rico, 6th Street Dive, Black Sparrow and Yatagarasu.
For the marg and chips and salsa and hot goss category I’m creating: Pepe’s on a Tuesday and Lindo Mexico.
Lin's Wok, best egg rolls and wonton soup, plus all the rest.
Scott Street Pub. They smoke their own meats. The pastrami and ham is outstanding (and I have had pastrami in NYC). Great neighborhood bar.
9IB - the car bomb sauce! Bistro 501 - and it might seem strange, but I adore their fancy burger!
La Scala - everything!
Thai Essence!
Teays!
Christo’s breakfast is great (usually enjoy Shellie’s, but last time there wasn’t so good).
Black Sparrow (esp when the students aren’t in town)
Sweet Revolution!
Bahn Mi!
Fuel - coffee & bfast!
And El Chicano for Mexican food!
Kitami, Taste of India and senior taco!
Along with the old standards of Sharma’s Kitchen, South Street Smokehouse (on rare occasion it’s actually open) and Fiesta Burrito!
Ack, how could I forget Sharma's for Indian!
Whatever is independently owned.
Is it a reflection of who subscribes (or more accurately, who doesn't subscribe) to this fine news junket that the amazing noodle house, Yatagarasu (at 6th & Main), hasn't gotten a lift here? Their broths are amazing, anchoring some incredible noodle bowls. And if you haven't had the Enoki mushrooms on the grill, I'd recommend those as a brilliant side.
Meanwhile, +1s for Black Sparrow and Thai Essence.
So many good places, including Yatagarasu. Yours is the third mention of that spot. Never enough, for sure.
Love the romantic atmosphere at the Wine Bar on Main Street. Great small plates too!
Indian - Sharma's;
Italian - Olive Garden;
Breakfast - Triple XXX;
Mexican - Senor Taco;
Pizza - Sitdown - AzzipPizza
Pizza - Delivery - Bruno's (Apple Butter)
Country Dining- Cracker Barrell
Burgers or Chili - Wendy's
General Favorite - Chedder's
For vegetarian/vegan options specifically, Sharma's, Basil Thai and Thai Essence, Escape Velocity, and Town & Gown.
9 Irish Brothers is a frequent, along with The Bryant, Red Seven, The Spot and Town and Gown.
No place like Bruno's! Best pizza in town; great atmosphere; wonderful owner; and friendly wait staff.
Tick Tock for any meal, Downtowner for breakfast, Magoos for pizza/salad/sandwiches, and Riehles for any meal (Riehles and Magoos are smoking but Magoos set to go non smoking in the future)
My favorite is Town and Gown. My favorites are anything I have enjoyed there. The corned beef is roasted in house and is always juicy and flavorful. It is served in various recipes from breakfast to dinner. The staff if helpful and so friendly. In warm weather the patio gardens are beautiful. A must try.
I don't believe anyone has mentioned Taste yet, a terrific Chinese restaurant on the Levee.
Lots of great recommendations and some new to me places!
Does anyone have an outstanding recommendation for tamales? Preferably vegetarian, but I would entertain some that aren't meat-heavy.
Mama Inez has very good tamales! Not sure if they have vegetarian, though.
Thanks, I'll check it out!
Strings in WL for outstanding ramen.
Love Sixth Street Dive, Thai Essence, Cafe Literato, Sharma’s Kitchen, Black Sparrow, Las Brazas Taqueria, & En Lai Teal Road. Carry out only for the last two.
Taste Chinese Restaurant on the Levee is my new favorite. Fantastic food!
Ban Mi, top of the hill on 4th St. Great sandwiches, and Pho (aka soup).
El Chicano, great tacos, whole fish, good eats always.
Teay’s River. Everything is good but especially the Jambalaya. And they offer an 8 oz beer when another pint would be more than I need- or for the person who just wants a little.
Merlin's Beard on Columbia Street.
The food is good, but its the atmosphere and crowd I come back for. The Staff are awesome and its a nice place to hangout and play boardgames!
Sadly, Merlin’s closed last year.
They moved!
Um. They moved a few years ago from their location on upper main (now home to Cellar Wine Bistro) to Columbia between Second and Third Streets (once home to Bea One). But Merlin's last day of business was July 31, 2022. Closed permanently. John is still trying to sell his shake machine.
Kimichi, Taco Rico, Sharma’s Kitchen, Revolution BBQ, The Bryant, Pizza Uncommon, McGraw’s, LBC. Really, really miss Bea One and Maize.
What I would give for another meal at Maize!
I forgot Thai Essence. Good food, and the owners seem to be good to their staff
Walt's Other Pub on South 9th in Lafayette. Food is consistently good, bar tenders are friendly and efficient, wait staff attentive. The bar tenders remember what you drink and they remember your name. To the extent, that when you deviate from the usual, they get thrown off their game. Owner Ben and his partner (I think his name is Matt but I'm not positive because he's usually back of the house) are friendly and the whole place is well managed. Best of all, if you're flying solo, Walt's Other Pub, is one of the ONLY restaurants in town where you can get a decent spontaneous conversation at the bar. Not every time of course, but often enough to make me feel like I'm back home in McAllister, Montana at the McAllister Bar and Grill where folks still talk to each other instead of playing with their silly ego tablets, aka phones, and the pub is the center of the community. For a small town rural Montana girl, that matters. A lot. Walt's Other Pub is my go to place for eats in this area.
We tried Scott Street Pub a couple months ago and liked it so much we have returned twice. Always love East End, Black Sparrow, Brick & Mortar, and mainstay Mexican restaurants: Lindo Mexico, El Rodeo, and others!
Just discovered Chipolti recently,and now I stop by about once a week. It's fun to put together my own fixins. Sometimes I eat it there with a book, but usually get to go and microwave it at home
Teays River or town and gown.
For lunch, if I go out, I usually try to go to Fiesta for a burrito. It’s better then the chains, and typically less expensive. Plus enchilada style!
However, if I need to go out for lunch on the cheap, Little Ceasers has a great lunch special for $6, deep dish pizza and a 20oz. It’s honestly one of the best deals around.
I dunno if the WL LC has that now that they reopened. But bang for your Buck, it’s number 1.
Kimchi in WL is delicious, we also like Las Chaparitos, Las Brazas, and East End for a nice dinner!