Rachael's Cafe

I don't even know where to start--this place is absolutely phenomenal. We arrived around 11 a.m., and by 11:15 a.m., all the tables were taken, both indoors and outdoors.They offer daily specials for $12 a plate. My father ordered the steak and sausage with rice and gravy and lima beans. I went with the chicken fried steak, which came with two sides. I chose the mashed potatoes and seafood jambalaya.For starters, I had the Rachel Signature gumbo, a blend of shrimp, crab, crawfish, and sausage. It was hands down the best gumbo I've ever tasted. They should seriously consider entering the New Iberia Gumbo Cookoff when the time comes. My mom had the beef and vegetable soup, which was good, but I'd recommend exploring some of the other standout options on the menu instead.At checkout, I noticed they had a freezer stocked with items to take home. I picked up a quart of the crab and corn bisque, the Rachel Signature gumbo, a crawfish pie, and a crawfish-stuffed catfish. All of that totaled $54, and it was well worth it.This isn't just a charming mom-and-pop restaurant--it's a true gem for Louisiana soul food.

Awesome seafood gumbo! We stopped in on a Thursday afternoon and even though it is super hot outside, I had to order a cup of seafood gumbo now I'm a gumbo snob who doesn't like okra. I wasn't that hungry so I only wanted a cup of. They brought a huge cup! It was dark and full of shrimp with some lumps of crab. Very good! I also ordered the crab cake appetizer. Big portion but a little too much bread in them so why I didn't give 5 stars. Hubby got the catfish and it was excellent.

I just got a quick to-go order of fried oysters and seafood gumbo. The oysters were just perfect. Best fried oysters I've had in 20 years. I miss Louisiana food, that's for sure. The gumbo was a touch more watery than I'd prefer but had plenty of flavor. Service was excellent, even though they could barely hear me order over the phone and couldn't hear my name. I wish I'd had more time in Lafayette to explore the menu. Definitely go here for your Cajun fix!

Great food, nice people. Cozy. Food was hot and fresh, place was fairly crowded but the servers made us feel like we were the only people in the place. Will go again and again

Awesome food ... feel good food ... best gumbo and the shrimp stew is amazing simple put u have to try it

Food is good and staff is friendly. I will add picture next time I go. Ambiance could be better....We sat outside so we were literally in the parking lot.

Girls having dinner. Gumbo very good. Crab cakes great. Crabmeat augratin a little watery but great flavor. Staff was outstanding. I will return

Do me on yelp and saw they had really good reviews and served a mean chicken fried steak. I told my server I really wanted chicken friend chicken. Without hesitation he told me they could make it. It did not disappoint- only I ate it all so fast and did not get a picture to post. Trust I will be back when in Lafayette. Friendly service, great food.

LOVE their "Fit" meals - sweet potatoes & grilled chicken is soooo good. Staff is friendly and their service is great, even when it gets super busy. Usually a bustling place, but for a good reason!!

The food was amazing! The seafood gumbo tasted like an old maw maw made it! And the crab plate/platter was outrageously good. The staff was wonderful, too. Jaycee (JC?) was our server and she was super friendly and really anticipated our needs. It was a fantastic experience. I will come back here every time I come home to visit.