When it comes to finding great barbecue in Lafayette, Blanchard’s BBQ is a local favorite that stands out from the crowd. Located at 2023 W. Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508, it’s one of the few spots in town that offers dine-in BBQ every day of the week—well, almost. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the rest of the week, it’s a place to satisfy your BBQ cravings.
As a frequent visitor, Blanchard’s has quickly become my go-to spot for delicious smoked meats, and I always find myself coming back for more. I arrived at Blanchard’s BBQ just as they opened at 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, eager to dive into some freshly smoked meats. At first, the place was quiet, with only one other customer. It didn’t stay that way for long.
Within about 30 minutes, the restaurant started to fill up, and by the time I finished my meal, every table was occupied. It’s clear that word has spread about the quality of the food here.
The menu at Blanchard’s BBQ is extensive, offering a wide variety of meats, sides and other specialty items. After scanning the options, I decided to go with the two-meat plate, which is one of their most popular choices.
For my meats, I selected brisket and ribs, two BBQ staples that never disappoint. What I love about the brisket is that you can choose from lean, fatty or mixed cuts. I opted for the mixed option, which gives you a perfect balance of both tenderness and flavor, with just the right amount of fat to enhance the taste.
For my sides, I chose smoked potato salad and mac and cheese—two comfort food classics that are essential to any BBQ meal. The prices were very reasonable for the portions, with my two-meat plate costing $21.50. The fountain drink was $3, which was a bit higher than I expected, but it came with a fun, Mardi Gras-style plastic cup, so it felt worth it. I went with a cherry coke, which paired nicely with the rich flavors of the BBQ.
The waitress taking our order was very friendly and gave us great recommendations when we asked about her favorites on the menu. Her hospitality added to the welcoming vibe of the restaurant, making the whole experience feel personal and special.
Blanchard’s also offers a self-serve condiment station near the fountain drink station, which is a nice touch. Here, you can grab pickles, pickled onions and fresh onions to complement your meal. The BBQ sauce options are also worth mentioning—there’s Ancho Espresso BBQ sauce, Root Beer BBQ sauce, Creole Mustard BBQ sauce and Chipotle Hot Sauce.
Each sauce has its own unique flavor profile, and I found myself particularly drawn to the Root Beer BBQ sauce, which had a sweet and tangy depth that worked beautifully with both the brisket and the ribs.
Now, let’s talk about the food. The brisket was exactly what I was hoping for—juicy, tender and perfectly cooked. The mix of lean and fatty cuts added a wonderful richness, and the smoky flavor was balanced without being overpowering. The ribs, too, were fantastic—fall-off-the-bone tender, with a prominent peppery seasoning that gave them a nice kick.
I dipped both the brisket and the ribs in the Root Beer BBQ sauce, and the combination was absolutely heavenly. The plate also came with two slices of Evangeline bread, which I used to make a BBQ sandwich. I piled the brisket, rib pieces, mac and cheese and pickled onions onto the bread, and every bite was pure joy. The bread held everything together perfectly and added a soft, doughy element that complemented the smoky meats and creamy mac and cheese.
If you’re a fan of BBQ sandwiches, I highly recommend trying this—it’s an amazing way to enjoy the meal. The mac and cheese was a bit different from the typical baked version I’m used to. It featured large noodles, and instead of being baked, it was topped with crunchy bits for added texture. It had a rich, cheesy flavor that paired wonderfully with the smoked meats.
While it wasn’t the typical baked mac and cheese I normally crave, it was still delicious and added a nice balance to the meal. The smoked potato salad was another unique offering. It was served cold, which threw me off a bit at first, as I had expected it to be warm due to the smoking process. The flavor was tangy and mustard-forward, with a smoky undertone that added a nice depth to the dish.
It wasn’t as creamy as some other potato salads I’ve had, but it was a great alternative and paired nicely with the rich BBQ flavors. I’ve been to Blanchard’s BBQ several times now, and I’ve tried a variety of items on the menu. In addition to the two-meat plate, I highly recommend trying the Poutine Dream and the nachos, both of which are fan favorites.
If you happen to visit on a Saturday, be sure to ask about the Dr. Pepper ribs, a special that’s occasionally offered and always worth trying. Blanchard’s BBQ is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., making it a great spot for those lunch cravings. However, don’t wait too long to stop by—they often sell out by closing time, so it’s best to get there early if you want to guarantee you get your favorite dish.
What makes Blanchard’s BBQ stand out is not just the quality of the food, but the overall experience. With a welcoming atmosphere, friendly service and an exceptional menu, it’s no wonder that my friends and I make this our regular spot for BBQ.
It’s conveniently located not far from campus, making it an easy and popular choice for students and locals alike. Whether you’re craving brisket, ribs or something a bit more adventurous, Blanchard’s BBQ offers a delicious and memorable dining experience that keeps me coming back for more.