Start the Day Right: 4 Great Breakfast Places in Lafayette

Lafayette boasts some great diners and cafes that cook up breakfast for locals and visitors every morning. When you want to fill up on some great Southern hospitality and comfort food, we recommend the following eateries.

The French Press

A wonderful French Quarter-style restaurant in the heart of Cajun country, The French Press is a local favorite that never disappoints. Situated on Vermilion Street, The French Press offers a casual dining experience that happens to be one of SAVEUR Magazine’s Top 100 Inspiring Places and Things to Eat. Enjoy brunch during the day and fine dining at night. Either way, you’ll savor innovative takes on traditional American and Cajun cuisine using only the freshest ingredients.

Since breakfast is what you’re looking for, you’ll be happy to know that The French Press offers a variety of items. Choose from homemade granola, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, chicken fried steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, and chicken and waffles. We recommend the eatery’s signature breakfast dish: Sweet Baby Breesus, which is three buttermilk biscuit sliders with bacon, cane syrup, and fried boudin balls.

T-Coon’s

When David Billeaud opened the first T-Coon’s restaurant in 1993, he had no restaurant experience, but you wouldn’t know it from his amazing success. T-Coon’s serves up a delicious mix of Creole and Cajun influences that are inherent to this part of Southern Louisiana. The façade on Pinhook Road may look like a hole in the wall, but inside you’ll find a popular eatery that’s a favorite among the locals.

Some of the more outstanding breakfast items at T-Coon’s include sweet potato pancakes with pecans, turkey breast omelet, crawfish omelet, and authentic beignets. The homemade biscuits are also great, especially with a generous side of gravy.

Edie’s Express

When you’re in a hurry and on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong with breakfast at Edie’s. Edie’s Express is a small dive with an unassuming exterior, but it offers a lot of value for your dollar. Locals tend to frequent this joint more than visitors, which is a surefire way of knowing that it’s a good choice.

Regulars have declared Edie’s to have the best chicken fried steak, the best biscuits, the best seasoned potatoes . . . well, you get the idea. While you can’t go wrong with any menu item, we highly recommend the strawberry kolaches.

MaMa Shan’s

A family-style diner serving breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. daily, MaMa Shan’s prides itself on offering “authentic Cajun cooking like ya grandma used to make.” Coffee is served fresh and piping hot right at the counter, and there’s always a nice selection of homemade cookies, banana nut bread, and mini pecan pies pre-wrapped and ready to take home. Breakfast consists of typical Cajun eats, including a delicious boudin you won’t forget.

Start the day off right during your stay in Lafayette, even if you’re in a hurry. Head to one of these local restaurants or cafes for some hot coffee, plentiful portions, and a generous helping of warm, Southern hospitality.

Image “Cajun Country Breakfast” by Tom Head used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

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