Most visitors to Lafayette, Indiana are there in connection with some event going on at Purdue University. Whether there to visit their child in college or whether there for a college football game, visitors need to eat. I set out to find some of the most unique and best local places to eat while there and what I found was some real treasures.
My absolute favorite was Triple XXX ! This place is known for their root beer and the Duane Purvis All- American burger, with a hint of peanut butter. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Triple XXX was Indiana’s first drive-in restaurant so visitors are visiting a historical restaurant while enjoying a delicious meal. Although the business was founded in 1929, the current owners are as fond of the place as if they had built it. Greg Ehresman held his first job here and now he and his wife, Carrie, own it and consider it a labor of love, considering it a part of the family since they are the second generation of Ehresman’s to own it.
Due to the wonderful food that they serve, the historical value of the restaurant and the fact that they serve 100% sirloin that is ground in the kitchen this restaurant has been honored by many magazines for being some of the best burgers and all around good eating in the area. Visitors certainly agree and that is why some have been repeat customers even after their child is no longer at Purdue. The customer service here is one of a kind as well and that always has every one leaving with a smile on their face along with a full stomach!
Greg and Carrie would love for you all to stop by if you are in the area. They are located at 2 North Salisbury Street in Lafayette, but be prepared to wait in line if you are visiting on game day as they are favorites among the football and basketball fans!
Most anyone who has ever visited a college town knows to try to avoid the typical college pub, but with The Black Sparrow visitors will find a real treat. This pub style restaurant is located in downtown Lafayette and is home to many selections of beer, cocktails, and pub foods but doesn’t feature the same atmosphere as a college pub. They serve seasonal cocktails and offer a daily beer and shot menu along with some delicious pizza choices. For the more adventurous visitor, they also offer foods like a Thai pizza with coconut curry sauce and chopped peanuts or a BLT with fried egg sandwich.
This restaurant is owned by John Olakowski and was our favorite pub in the area. Do not be surprised to go here and find college students hanging out, but the atmosphere is so much better than a regular college bar in town. The dining room remains smoke free until 10 p.m. each evening and they offer live music every weekend. This restaurant opened in 2007 and has earned itself a place of honor in Lafayette. Located at 223 Main Street, The Black Sparrow is the place to visit if you are looking for a pub food or atmosphere.
If visitors are looking for a great coffee shop there are two in Lafayette that offer some of the best coffee and snacks that anyone will ever taste. Vienna Espresso Bar and Bakery and Greyhouse Coffee and Supply Co. are both real treats for the coffee drinker and both are owned by Purdue grads who know just what the city needs in a coffee shop. Both of these great coffee shops will great visitors with a wide variety of coffees, sandwiches, and desserts.
Vienna Espresso Bar and Bakery is located at 208 South Street and is owned by Purdue grad, Maisa Khazal. The chicken cashew curry is considered to be one of the best sandwiches in the place and coffee drinkers will certainly be awed by the Vanilla Chai that they offer. What makes this restaurant stand out, other than the food and coffee, is the artwork that is painted on the walls and the comfy atmosphere that is offered here. College students and visitors will find that this is a great place to sit and relax or curl up and spend some time hitting the books. This shop is open 24 hours a day to assist those visitors who need that cup of coffee to keep active, whatever time they need it.
At 100 Northwestern Ave., visitors will find a great cup of coffee with a mix of funky light fixtures and some antique decorations. Greyhouse Coffee and Supply Co. offers visitors an opportunity to take home loose leaf teas, almonds, coffee or honey along with enjoying a great meal while they are there. Owner and Purdue grad, Kevin Kerkhof, welcomes everyone who comes into town to stop by and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.
For a sweet treat, try some sangria flavored gelato or a muffin or cookie. For a meal, I suggest the chicken broccoli crepe, which I thought was the best that I had ever eaten. This is a real treat for visitors who are looking for a nice lunch and a delicious cup of java. If you are a Purdue alumni and looking for a nice place to share a good lunch and talk with a friend, I would highly recommend Greyhouse Coffee and Supply Co.
There are plenty of fast food chains and other style chain restaurants in the area, but if you are looking for the true tastes of Lafayette, Indiana be sure to visit one or more of these restaurants while you are in town to truly know what the best of Lafayette has to offer. Visitors to any of these eateries will not be disappointed!
Source: personal knowledge