Lafonda, Lafayette

Lafonda is a Lafayette Institution. I was going there with my mother as a child. I continue to go there whenever I'm back home. You call your friends and head to LaFonda. It is a place where you always run into someone you know. It reminds me of a neighborhood joint with flair. Although you do want to dress some. When you arrive you look for a place to wait while you wait for your table. There is a lively bar with bartender's I've know since high school, a back area with tall tables and the lobby with benches. There is always a good vibe and a crowd at LaFonda. It's part of the experience. They are known for their Everclear Margarita's. I have lived from the East to the West Coast and these are the only margarita's I can drink. No heartburn and they go down real easy. Frozen no salt is my preference! You give your name to Lee Bob, the owner, he hands you a drink card, you hand it to the bartender, place your order and then you wait. The wait time is my favorite part. You socialize, while drinking margarita's. Heck - go ahead and order a liter! They go down smooth. Socializing becomes more lively when you partake! My friends and I have been known to pass up our seating number because we are having to much fun at the predinner social hour! Anyway - When your number rings on the call board you take your place at a white linen covered table. You are promptly approached by one of their wonderful waiters. Some have been there for over 30 years. The entire staff is great. Always smiling, even with the crazy social aspect of this place. People yelling hello, telling jokes, getting up to visit other tables is a normal setting. My grandparents go on Tuesday nights and arrive around 6:00. They leave before the crowd comes in. Regardless how crowded it gets though, you always feel comfortable. The menu has everything from Fried Rabbit, TexMex to some of the best steak you will ever eat. Here's my menu: After eating a couple of servings of their complimentary beans, salsa and chips with friends I order the Beef Nachos with Jalapenos to start. Always fresh and great. Simple - no piled high commercial stuff. Then I order the Carne Asada. It is different than the Carne Asada of Mexico or the West Coast but it is darn good regardless. It comes with a Cheese Enchilada smothered in cheese and beef sauce served with fresh guacamole. Then the entree comes with thin slices of tender marinated beef smothered with grilled and marinated onions, peppers, green chili's and a side of the most wonderful roasted potatoes you will ever have. Be sure and squeeze the lemon all over your plate. Normally I don't have dessert but when I do I always order the Flan. My mother loves their Fried Chicken and like me, orders her dish every time. Go --- be merry,enjoy life with a margarita and don't forget to bring you friends! That's the LaFonda spirit! To me anyway! My home away from home. Honestly, if LaFonda would ever close, I wouldn't feel the same about Lafayette. It is such a part of my memories and experiences on all levels. I love you La Fonda!!

Great Margaritas. They are fantastic. Good way to start off the night.

Food and service was always excellent!

The food, service and atmosphere is one of the best anywhere!