Lafayette Named Top 10 U.S. City for Outdoor Dining

(KMDL-FM) - Eventually, it will get nice enough outside in South Louisiana to enjoy some outdoor patio-type dining.

We do mean eventually -- maybe by December.

Now, there are a ton of great restaurants in our neck of the woods. Many eateries in Acadiana offer outdoor dining.

As alluded to above, the opportunity to enjoy this type of dining is somewhat limited in Louisiana. But when the weather is right, it sure is nice to dine outside.

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Survey About Best Patio Dining in the U.S.

Advance Funds Network, a business financing company, carried out a new survey where they polled 3,007 foodies to uncover the best neighborhoods across the country for outdoor dining.

"The campaign spotlighted the top areas where patios, rooftops, and sidewalk seating aren't just an option – they’re a lifestyle," Advance Funds Network said in a news release.

READ MORE - Acadiana Business Update: New Jewelry Store, Two Closures

Food lovers balanced by age, gender, and geographic region were a part of making up this survey. Participants were asked to share their favorite outdoor dining spots across America.

The full rankings have been revealed, and notably, Downtown Lafayette checked in at #6. Yes, as in the sixth-best across the entire United States!

Why Lafayette Stands Out for Outdoor Dining

Here is what they had to say about the Hub City's outdoor dining hotspot:

Lafayette brings its own flavor — spicy, soulful, and full of warmth. The downtown district has come alive with patios and parklets, many set against the beat of zydeco drifting from open doors. Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant, set in a vintage Conoco station, offers a lively patio where locals gather over bold bites, cocktails, and Southern hospitality. It’s festive, friendly, and full of personality — much like the city itself.

If you've dined outdoors at places like Spoonbill in the fall or spring, you would agree that Downtown Lafayette gives off great vibes.

Full Top 10 Outdoor Dining Cities

Here is the full Top 10 list, according to the survey:

1. Santa Fe Plaza - Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. Downtown Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara, California
3. Savannah Historic District - Savannah, Georgia
4. Park Slope - Brooklyn, New York
5. 12 South - Nashville, Tennessee
6. Downtown Lafayette - Lafayette, Louisiana
7. Waikiki - Honolulu, Hawaii
8. North Beach - San Francisco, California
9. French Quarter - New Orleans, Louisiana
10. The Pearl - San Antonio, Texas

As you can see in the above list, the French Quarter in New Orleans also made the Top 10.

Another Louisiana City Made the Cut

One other Louisiana town made the top 150 neighborhoods for outdoor dining, and that's Natchitoches. Specifically, its downtown was highlighted for the picturesque waterfront setting of the restaurants along the river.

Explore the Full Survey Results

To view the "Top 150 Neighborhoods in the U.S. for Outdoor Dining," click here.