Lafayette is a foodie town, dishing out authentic cuisine with plenty of flavor and without pretension. Cajun cuisine was created by French Acadian immigrants in the 1700s who relied on shrimp, crawfish, sausage, rice and a “holy trinity” of green bell pepper, onion and celery. Today locals honor this tradition with a gusto, and everyone is invited to the table. Restaurants offer kid-friendly experiences and menus that go beyond chicken nuggets and fries, ensuring everyone gets a real taste of Lafayette culture and cuisine.

Buck & Johnny's

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Buck & Johnny's Zydeco Breakfast

While late-night bars are typically known for hosting live music and dancing, in Lafayette you’ll find lively entertainment both night and day to keep bed times in check. Kick off a Saturday morning at Buck and Johnny’s in Breaux Bridge, where the dance floor is happenin’ by 8 a.m. Enjoy traditional breakfast favorites as well as signature dishes like the boudin-stuffed omelet. Buck and Johnny’s will provide the family with a fun introduction to Zydeco music, with friendly folks on the dance floor ready to give a lesson

Prejean's

Prejean’s in Lafayette hosts live music every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dig into crawfish enchiladas and duck gumbo while toe tapping to the music. If that’s not enough to keep the kids entertained, Big Al the 14-foot gator certainly is!

Olde Tyme Grocery

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Murph's Olde Tyme Snowball

Want to know where the locals go? At Olde Tyme Grocery near the University of Louisiana, you can hang out at the picnic tables outside and devour roast beef and fried oyster poor boys. For dessert, order from Murph’s Olde Tyme Snowball Stand for an ice-cold treat.

CENTRAL Pizza & Bar

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Central Pizza & Bar

Downtown near the Children’s Museum of Acadiana and the Lafayette Science Museum, CENTRAL Pizza & Bar offers dozens of pizza options as well as some delicious starters and salads.

Sunday's Soda Fountain

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Sunday's

There's even Sunday's Soda Fountain next door for ice cream or inventive shakes. As a plus for the parents, they make a great cocktail as well as having a great local beer selection, too.

Pete's

Further down Johnston Street, Pete’s bills itself as a family sports bar. You’ll find Ragin’ Cajun Wings, Debris Fries and a Zydeco Shrimp Wrap as well as blackened red fish and hearty burgers. Kids will love the arcade games and the All-Star Shakes—and Pete’s even serves boozy shakes for the grown-ups.

Antoni's Italian Cafe

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Antoni's Italian Cafe

For a fine-dining experience for dinner, take the family to casual comfortable Antoni's Italian Cafe in the historic Oil Center District. With indoor and outdoor seating in a tucked away corner this longstanding cafe offers elevated rustic Italian. The kids will love the pizza and classic spaghetti and meatballs while parents sip on a delicious selection of wine or crafted cocktails while choosing between the iconic menu items or off menu rotating specials.

Afterward, let the kids burn off their energy at the nearby Girard Park with multiple playgrounds and walking paths.

No matter if you're craving Cajun, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, BBQ and everything in between you can be sure there's something for everyone's taste buds in Lafayette, LA. Bon appetit!