Located on Kaliste Saloom Rd. in Lafayette, Pizza Village stands out as a beloved local restaurant that captures the essence of comfort food with a unique twist. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and generous portions, this pizzeria has become a go-to spot for families, college students, and anyone craving a good meal.
Since its establishment in 1971, Pizza Village has been driven by the vision of its founders, James “Buddy” Tarpley and his partner, Glenn Landry. They worked tirelessly to create a distinctive pizza experience that prioritizes top-notch quality and exceptional customer service. They are known for specializing in cracker pizza crust and homemade tomato sauce.
This location has gained significant popularity since its opening in 2012. Building on the success of the original restaurant in northern Lafayette, it has become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike. The newer location retains the beloved features of the original while offering an expanded space for dining.
Pizza Village has a menu with something for everyone, making it a great place for families and friends to enjoy a meal together. The main attraction is their pizza, featuring a unique cracker crust that’s thin and crispy. You can find classic options like cheese and pepperoni, as well as specialty pizzas with fun toppings. Some popular picks include “The Meat Eater,” stacked with different kinds of meat, and “The Garden,” loaded with vegetables.
They also offer other meals such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, salads and sandwiches.
My colleague and I had the pleasure of visiting this pizza restaurant on Thursday, Nov. 2. As we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess and seated at our table. Looking around, I noticed the inviting atmosphere filled with rustic decor and local artwork. Our waitress soon arrived and we ordered something to drink and a cheesy garlic bread as an appetizer.
Our drinks and appetizer arrived, and we were ready to place our entrée orders. I chose the “Homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce,” eager to try this classic dish, while my colleague opted for “The Garden” pizza in a small size.
Our food arrived in just 15 minutes, and we were excited to start eating. The spaghetti looked great, with the meat sauce on top smelling delicious. My colleague’s small “Garden” pizza was also tempting, topped with colorful fresh veggies and melted cheese.
As we finished our meals, I decided to interview one of the employees, Joy Martin. “I’ve been here five years… I’m a server and training to be a bartender, and it is very laid back here. I mean it is a pizza place, so it kind of fits the vibe…we’re like a family here.”
“I do recommend this place for work as a college student. Most of us are in college or at least were at some point. So yeah, they definitely work with your schedule.”
We also had the pleasure of speaking with our waitress, Stephanie Fetsch. I asked her about the history of this place. “Back in 2012, this location was opened by Buddy’s oldest son Jamie Tarpley…and when Buddy passed away, he inherited the other location…he just opened another location in Breaux Bridge.”
I have to say that visiting this restaurant on Halloween night was a great idea. All of the employees were dressed up in fun costumes for the holiday, adding to the festive atmosphere. It made the experience feel even more special and brought a sense of excitement to the evening.
After finishing our meals, we decided to order a dessert to wrap up the evening. We chose the strawberry cheesecake, and it arrived looking absolutely delightful. The creamy texture and the fresh strawberry topping promised a sweet ending to our meal. We were eager to dig in and savor every bite, knowing it would be the perfect treat to round off our visit.
The prices of everything were quite reasonable. Appetizers and entrées were all priced affordably, and the pizzas came in different price ranges to fit any budget. Even the desserts were a nice treat that didn’t cost too much. With the total being $42.30, it was a great value for the quality and amount of food we got.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Pizza Village. If you would like to visit this restaurant, they are open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
