The bar at La Fonda in Lafayette is known for being the place to be in the hours following the end of any given work day. Their margaritas are quite tasty and potent enough to make the preceding hours seem as if they went by a little smoother than they probably had.
However, I’d like to spotlight what I believe to be one of the best appetizers in South Louisiana: fried rabbit with queso. The dish is comprised of a pile of tender marinated rabbit, deboned and fried up chicken tender style and served alongside a bowl of the restaurant’s excellent queso dip.
Original…creative… deep fried, what else do you need?
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#1 by JB on June 10th, 2009
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I agree, an excellent app. Its too bad that the rabbit is the only thing on the food menu that is really good. But that is why the margaritas are so powerful.
#2 by John on June 11th, 2009
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I beg to differ….La Fonda’s fried rabbit is not the only thing that is edible. Simply stated, La Fonda is the type of place where you absolutely need a La Fonda veteran to order for you. Fried Rabbit, quesadillas, nachos, Don Briggs special (not on the menu — steak covered in nacho cheese, broiled chicken, fried chicken, and enchiladas are ALL quality choices.
Contrary to what someone said on urban spoon, the salsa does not taste like brake fluid…it’s very hot. If you’re looking for Tostito’s salsa (crap), you’ll be greatly disappointed. The salsa is served with AWESOME bean dip. In my opinion, salsa, bean dip, and fried rabbit make the perfect appetizer. The enchiladas are also to die for.
#3 by Kevin on June 15th, 2009
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Ahhh, the old Fried Rabbit at La Fonda. Brings back great memories of my days in Lafayette. Actually bringing my wife to Lafayette for the first time in August and you can bet we’re going to La Fonda. Probably on Friday. For lunch. A couple of margaritas and it won’t matter what the food tastes like!
-Kevin
#4 by Watch Me Eat on July 17th, 2009
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People keep on telling me that I should try some rabbit and how good it is. Only problem, I can’t find any place that sells it where I live.
#5 by Gino on July 17th, 2009
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Yeah, that seems to be a common problem. I really wish more restaurants would incorporate this wonderful item onto their menus. It really is one of the finer meats to be had. Whether you smother it, saute it, fry it, or my favorite is in a sauce piquante, you can’t go wrong. You should try to see if you can purchase some from a grocer and then cook it yourself. If you go this route, let us know and we can share some good recipes. Also, I have a friend living in Orlando who I will get in touch with and see if he is aware of any place serving rabbit.
#6 by LouieG on June 28th, 2010
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Their margaritas are awesome! The best anywhere. The food is excellent as well. Try mixing the bean dip with the salsa–now that is truly an outstanding dip. Be careful of drinking margaritas then ordering tuna as an entree…they don’t mix. Or was it just that I had too many margaritas prior to the meal.
)) And to end the night off, a Brandy Ice is so soothing and enjoyable. Lafonda’s is our favorite place to go when there is something special to celebrate.
#7 by Mariana on April 16th, 2011
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I’m moving to Lafayette next month and I was “perusing” the net trying to know a little better the city where I will be living for the next 4 years (due to a job contract).
I found your blog and I was wondering if you know if the La Fonda bar is still there and serving that “sound-delicious-fried -rabbit-with-queso” ?
Regards,
Mariana Teagan
Miami – FL
#8 by Jason on July 16th, 2011
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“The dish is comprised of a pile of tender marinated rabbit, deboned and fried up chicken tender style and served alongside a bowl of the restaurant’s excellent queso dip. ”
This sounds absolutely amazing. Does anyone have an idea of how to put this together in terms of a recipe? I have been experimenting with some different Rabbit dishes but nothing as exciting as this.. If I lived there I would be there every night…
#9 by El Barnstein on August 6th, 2011
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The fried rabbit is delicious and the margaritas have ruined more marriages and gotten more ugly people laid than money. With that being said, the rest of the menu is damn near inedible. I had a chicken enchilada for lunch the other day and I almost spit out the first bite. There are a hundred other Mexican joints in Lafayette that are better than this crap hole. The obsession with La Fonda’s is directly related to the fact that Lafayette’s old money used to hang out there.
Do yourself a favor, go to Coyote Blues.
#10 by Leigh on August 30th, 2011
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Fried rabbit, now that is something I have to try. I’m all for trying new food but I don’t know if I could do it as they are so cute and fluffy when alive. But I guess so are a lot of animals that we eat.
#11 by Ted on October 4th, 2011
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Never had fried rabbit but I’ll have to try it since you make it sound so appetizing.