Rachael's Cafe, nestled in Lafayette, LA, is a hidden gem that embodies the essence of Cajun culinary culture. Diners rave about its inviting atmosphere, where comfort food reigns supreme alongside healthier options. As E S notes, dishes like the Red Snapper and Grouper offer robust flavors, especially when paired with sautéed mushrooms and onions. The sides, particularly the Oven Roasted Beets and Coconut Sweet Potatoes, are equally delightful. Family-owned and operated, Rachael's Cafe prides itself on delivering genuine, well-seasoned dishes that contrast sharply with chain restaurant offerings. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Barilleaux affirms this sentiment, emphasizing their friendly service and vibrant, home-cooked meals. Patrons have lauded the Crab Patty Burger and the indulgent Crabmeat Au Gratin as highlights, creating a perfect balance of flavor and portion size. While some diners, like Carissa T, note slower service, the ease of the cafe's comfortable setting makes the wait worthwhile. For gumbo lovers, Andrew Casares found Rachael's rendition to rival even the best offerings from Houston. If you're seeking a local dining experience that celebrates Cajun flavors with heartwarming hospitality, Rachael's Cafe is a must-visit.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great dessert
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Rachael's Cafe
E S
May 26,2025
Rachael's feels like more of an accurate representation of Cajun food and culture than Prejean's, but I never hear anyone talking about it. It has that down home, comfort food feel to it, but you can get a pretty healthy meal there, too, so just know that both sides of the spectrum can enjoy themselves at Rachael's Cafe. On the healthier/"Fit" side of their menu: their Red Snapper, Tilapia, & Grouper entrees are a good size. Adding the optional sauteed mushrooms & onions ups the taste even more. The Oven Roasted Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Coconut Sweet Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potato, Okra, Asparagus & Cauliflower "Rice" are all good side dishes. Considering the portion size, as well as the quality of the oil used to prepare my food, I'm satisfied with their menu prices. On the more indulgent side of their menu: the Crabmeat Au Gratin and the Fried Chicken are lovely. I also think that the size of their Crab Patty Burger is perfect and left me happily full. I adore this little hole in the wall & hope they continue thriving for years to come.
gwendolyn “Gwen” barilleaux
May 24,2025
Great home cooking! Friendly and fast service for lunch or dinner. Everything is good! Good price, clean and seasoned. Not bland or chain restaurant. Family owned and staffed. Will not disappoint. Treat yourself to something this small quaint cafe has to offer.
Tamica T
May 12,2025
Such a big variety of food,very well seasoned and cooked.
Carissa Bethea
Apr 21,2025
A little slow but the place is comfortable and the food was worth it. Staff is friendly and kept up with drinks, they work as a great team. I recommend the pork chops and my husband loved the gumbo.
Andrew Casares
Apr 17,2025
Very good must try , I’m a gumbo lover and this place is soo delicious for gumbo and the etouffee is great as well I had to take some to go , I’m from Houston Texas and I can’t find anything this good
C Robinson
Mar 27,2025
The food here was great. I went with the crab dinner to do a sampling of their entrees. The meal included a cup of seafood gumbo, which was awesome. I really enjoyed everything that came with the meal. It is a lot of food. The next time I visit I think I'll go with just the stuffed bell pepper. It was my favorite.
Wanda Blasingame
Mar 22,2025
First time visiting Rachael's Cafe, great atmosphere, friendly waitress, awesome homemade food, lots of food for your money. I had the stuff shrimp with fried okra and the best seafood jambalaya!! Definitely will be returning!! and oh it's not a long wait for your food. Me and my husband both left full and we had a "to go box" for later. You want be disappointed!
Ashley Landry
Mar 13,2025
I just have to say if you haven't tried this place you should deff try it. I don't know who cooked this but it’s probably the best hamburger steak I've had. Seasoned and cooked to perfection. The gumbo was top tier. Environment is laid back and definitely a family setting. Our waitress was very sweet and even gave us suggestions. We will deff be back! Thank you for a great experience.
Reviews For Rachael's Cafe