Located at 1312 Verot School Rd., Mercy Kitchen is a Lafayette restaurant specializing in modern American cuisine. Its menu features handcrafted cocktails, shareable appetizers, gourmet sandwiches and dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Lafayette natives Stuart and Colleen Ottinger opened Mercy Kitchen in 2021 to bring the dining experiences they enjoyed while traveling back home. Located in the former Bon Temps Grill space, the restaurant combines creative food and drinks with a welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant’s atmosphere was especially memorable because of its Halloween decorations. Upon entering, customers are greeted by themed decor featuring “The Addams Family,” “Wednesday,” “Gremlins,” “Chucky” and other classic horror movie characters. String lights, neon signs, skeletons, cobwebs and creepy crawlies completed the spooky setup.
My colleague and I had the pleasure of visiting Mercy Kitchen on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Since this was my first time hearing about the restaurant, I was unsure what to order. After taking a few minutes to admire the decorations and look over the menu, we decided on our meals.
We began with the Hallelujah Bread, one of the restaurant’s signature appetizers. I also ordered the crispy chicken sandwich with frites, while my colleague chose the Pink Pony Club sandwich.
The Hallelujah Bread had a rich, cheesy flavor with hints of herbs and truffle oil, making it a savory start to our meal. My crispy chicken sandwich had a crunchy exterior and tender chicken, with sweet honey mustard slaw balancing the tangy pickles and spicy aioli. My colleague’s Pink Pony Club offered smoky, savory flavors from the bacon and prosciutto, while the honey-truffle dijonnaise added sweetness. The Gouda macaroni and cheese provided a creamy, cheesy side.
Beyond our selections, Mercy Kitchen offers other distinctive dishes, including Crab Rangoon Dip, Truffle Fries, Gouda Mac Attack with braised short ribs and the Mercy Burger.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Mercy Kitchen. Its creative menu and elaborate Halloween decorations made the visit memorable, offering a dining experience that stands out from the ordinary.
If you would like to visit Mercy Kitchen, they are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.