I've reviewed this place before and What can I say that hasn't been said by all these other 5 star reviews? Everything about this place is just cool and fun. The food is hands down delicious. People are friendly. My favorite is the grilled seafood chef salad. Big enough to split but even though I swear I can't eat it all I do every time. You can bring your own beverages of choice. This has become our go to place to take out of town company. They love the trees and the 120 year old house I usually take a tablecloth, silverware as I really don't like plastic , and wine. Makes it a little more special. The trick is figuring out when they are open. Weather and other factors apply. Always best to call first and go early fir best selection. Now with the pandemic and people preferring to eat outdoors this place deterred a 6th Star!! read more

Nicest Chef and all his people that take your orders along with wonderful choices, we love Shade Tree and you will , too !!Seafood gumbo, Soft shells when in season with jumbo crabmeat ! Wonderful ‼ read more

the food is very good. the people there are very nice, i recommend shade tree cafe.. loni, the chef is very nice. sandy read more

Only seating is outside under the shade trees........not good if you have on dress shirts.....some birds can't hold their business while they are looking for scrapes on the ground......just so you know.....you walk up to the Front door that has a whole cut in it, and a window installed......and that is as far as you go to get inside..not for me....don't care how good the food is....... read more

Just fabulous. Food was great and the ambiance, my God. Perfect. It's my first time here today and I am sold. It's a Tuesday and I ordered the roast chicken with green beans and Mac & cheese and let me tell you, it's hard to beat! It was a simple meal on the specials board, and I have no regrets. My lunch came with a brownie for dessert, actually two brownies that are moist and on point. So many menu options, so I can't wait to come back over and over and try everything! Can't wait to bring my whole family here. read more

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This place is perfect. First of all it passed the trifecta (ambience, service and food) with flying colors. We are so excited to have found this place and it's with full confidence that I'm saying we will be regulars. I had built this place up quite a bit. First, I'd heard the food and the owner/chef was exceptional. Then I looked at the photos of the outdoor dining area. Yeah, ummm...sold. So we arrive a little before opening time (10am) and wait in the parking lot like all normal people do when they are excited, right? Or is that just me? Whatever, don't judge. We walk in and start exploring the area. It's just so charming. Huge oak trees, bird baths, and even a koi pond. Bamboo lined the fence and you feel like you're in your friends back yard. That feeling doesn't go away once you're greeted by the sweet waitress who gives us the deets on when and where to place our orders, delighted us by feeding the koi and pointed us in the direction of the restrooms. Nor did it stop while ordering. We were able to chat with Chef Lonnie who described a little of his passion and talked with us about local cuisine. Everyone here was so nice! I went with the Delcambre BLT which was grilled shrimp, sautéed onions, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, tabasco mayo and creole mustard on a croissant. Can I just say that #1 YOU HAD ME A TABASCO MAYO (seriously-tabasco mayo is the greatest thing ever invented and now you're adding creole mustard to it?? Uh, want to get married?) And #2 this sandwich was the bee's knees. It was perfectly executed...from the perfectly grilled onions to the jumbo (and butterflied...hello!) shrimp. I simply loved it. It came with hand cut fries that were very good but the sandwich stole the show. We also received a free dessert since it was our first visit (and they loved us:) and it was bread pudding and a damn good bread pudding it was. We will be back and you should go too! In fact, what are you doing tonight? read more

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Great little place with a great menu. Plenty of outdoor seating under the trees. Definitely recommend. The Ribeye wrap was amazing.

What a place! It's a super safe bet! All the menu is amazing! Service could be faster but I believe the secret is to pre order

Everything about this place is delicious. The staff is super friendly. Can't go wrong.

The food is always fresh and delicious. The chicken breast and pasta is awesome. It's best to call in your order but on a nice day it's peaceful to sit under the trees and enjoy your meal. They have really good food give it a try. The pan fried chicken with bow tie pasta with a Tasso and corn cream sauce is delicious. Crispy chicken breast and perfect pasta what else can you ask for. O yes you can ask for an amazing stuffed hamburger steak with grilled onions and mashed potatoes equally as delicious. They also have the best wedge salad I've ever had with the best blue cheese dressing. The food of the menu is cooked to order only the plate lunches are cooked in big batches. And the fried eggplant appetizer is great best I've ever had. read more

This is a spectacular place with kind and respectful owners. They have ample outdoor seating and is a treasure for fair weather dining. The food is scrumptious and they have a selection to suit any palate. read more

This is one of the BEST restaurants in the area. I've had many items on the menu and I have always enjoyed them. The chefs gumbo is the best anywhere!! If you haven't been you're missing out!! read more

Hidden gem, was referred to by one of my friends and they did not disappoint, the day I went the plate lunch came with brownies. For the price and the flavor of the food you can't beat it! Everything was seasoned perfectly, not overly salty and not too spicy. I will definitely be back to try more of their plate lunches! read more

Ridiculously good and they let your bring your own wine! The ambiance at night is wonderful. Highly recommended!

You know the difference between being satisfied with your meal and being like "Holy crap, this is the best meal I've had in a LONG time!" Well, Shade Tree is like the latter and will make you want to dial your momma to tell her how good the food is. I had the catfish bites and a cup of corn and crab bisque. The catfish bites were fried to perfection with a homemade batter. It came with some tartar that Im pretty sure was homemade as well, because, I kid you not, even the tartar was the best I have ever had. The corn and crab bisque was out of this world, and sadly, the human language doesn't have adequate words to describe the incredible flavor. Creamy, seasoned, an equal ratio of corn to crab, and truly succulent. Chef Lonnie made a point to chat with us while we ordered and made us feel right at home. Nothing beats feeling welcome and appreciated. If you're lucky enough to visit a beautiful day like we did, you'll appreciate the beautiful outdoor seating even more. But trust me, people come here every day, even in the pouring rain! read more

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Everything is always prepared fresh. Tried everything on the menu and have to say it's all f'n good. Call your order in advance or there will be a line. Either way it's worth the wait. read more

One of the best kept secrets in Broussard. Small little shack with some outdoor seating, great for when the weather is cooler. But the reason people go is the food. One of my favorites is the delcambe BLT. Any blackboard special or weekly special is usually good to try as well. The service is also great highly recommend. read more

So the food is great. Every meal I've gotten there has been really good. It s overpriced though for certain. $20 for a salad is crazy. $15 for a burger is crazy. Even as good as it is. Also they aren't open a lot. read more

Fantastic food! Thanks Chef Lonnie! There are daily specials, and weekly specials for dining at night. The portions are more than favorable. I've had the pan fried chicken, a hamburger steak lunch, and a hamburger from there. This guy knows how to throw down on some grub! read more

What a lovely find in a most unusual place. Set between a simple neighborhood of small homes and a few single story industrial buildings, The Shade Tree defies explanation. We missed it as we drove by, as the iconic shade tree sign sits low behind a fence at the corner. The gravel parking lot was the giveaway. Walking into what seems to be someone's backyard, you'll find tables widely spaced beneath the first of two magnificent 200+ year old trees. We found a couple seated there who pointed out that we needed to make our way to the front of the smaller of two buildings to order food. A fine regular menu coupled with a board of daily specials proved challenging, but the Poboy soft shell crab was an ready choice. As we sat at a table under the other massive tree (ask about Hurricane Rita!), Chef Lonnie brought my crab out for confirmation that it was indeed alive and fresh. And what a fine meal it was! The service is simple (paper cups and plates) but the wait staff and the chef were wonderfully attentive and charming. I look forward to future trips to Broussard so I can eat here again and again. read more

One of the best!! Great food, environment, and people make this eatery 5 star! Chef Lonnie prepares fine dining and southern comfort food while providing great conversation! read more

Staying in town for work and found this place, the food has been consistently awesome with no complaints. I'm going to be bummed when I'm done working in the area, can't find food in Colorado like this. Thanks for all the great meals. read more

A must have experience. Great po boys. It's BYOB so bring your own or go across the street to the blue shack and grab some beer. Ask the owner/chef about the place being haunted!! read more

By far the best restaurant in Lafayette/Broussard. Everything is made fresh and from scratch. It is best to call ur order in advance because like i said everything is made from scratch. But hands down the best restaurant in the area. Everything on the menu is fabulous. And the desserts are fabulous as well!!!! read more

Seriously, you have to come here! Everything is wonderful - the food, the atmosphere, and the owners are all amazing! I will be coming back every time I'm in town! Absolutely perfect for a date night. read more

Shade Tree Cafe - I've officially fallen in love with this place.. - Diners Near Me - Broussard, Louisiana

Super cute and nice place. The burger was cooked to perfection and the pretzel bites with beer cheese was phenomenal!

This place is fantastic and sure to please. I've been hearing about how good the food was at this restaurant and finally I visited yesterday for lunch with two of my girlfriends and we really enjoyed the food. Two of us had the crab cake sandwiches and fries which were awesome and my other friend had the barnyard sandwich and she was killing herself trying to finish the sandwich gracefully (which didn't happen) but she definitely enjoyed it. I cant wait to go back! read more

My new favorite spot to eat. Great atmosphere at night! The food is second to none and the people are wonderful too! Can't give high enough praise. read more

Outstanding food and very friendly service. Eating under the huge shade tree takes you back to a simpler time. Great experience! read more

This is, without hyperbole, maybe the best eating experience I've ever had. Lonnie is an amazing her and prepared some amazing food. I had the soup and soft shell crab poboy. Recommend both. The ambiance is incredible. Lonnie ended the meal by coming out at the end and talking with us for 20 minutes, and even kept our beers in his fridge over the course of the dinner. For those of you skeptical about what you're looking at, the Shade Tree Cafe is simply an outdoor space behind the chef's house that's he's converted into a restaurant. He cooks in a kitchen-esque building next door and brings it your food. Not traditional but highly recommended. I'd go back every time I'm in Lafayette. read more

I went to wedding that was catered by this restaurant and it was amazing!!! From the appetizers to the entrees ... absolutely amazing!!

Awesome little secret!! We had the Club and Delcambre BLT. Enjoyed every moment from the time we opened it out. The bread pudding was delish!! I almost wish I would have ate it first because I was too full to finish read more

Shade Tree Cafe - Diners Near Me - Broussard, Louisiana

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This is my new favorite outdoor, date night restaurant. The staff and owner were absolutely fantastic. Great place to kick back and relax under a huge oak tree. Ps, the food is to die for. read more

I have been wanting to try this place for a few years. Why......WHY did I wait so long!!! The food is to dye for!!! I'm not a foodie but this is some of the best food I've ever had!!!!! I had the Shrimp and Taso bow tie pasta. It will blow your socks off. The atmosphere was quaint, clean and just down different. Under two beautiful oak trees......seating is all outside. You will not be disappointed!!!!! Can't wait to go back at night. read more

A beautiful little known spot. Nice for having a plate lunch in a beautiful location. Would make for a great romantic dining spot if opened at night. read more

Maybe the most unique dining experience you can have. Dine under a huge oak with shade and pond. The hamburger steak smothered in gravy with homemade mash and green beans were delicious. Serve was fast and friendly. Chef Lonnie was very enthusiastic and friendly. read more

Shade Tree Cafe - A must destination for lunch. Large shade tree dining in back under a humongous oak. - Diners Near Me - Broussard, Louisiana

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First the setting may throw you off a little, but don't let that fool you. The food, the service, and the atmosphere are amazing. Even when it is 90+ degrees out the shade always has a comfortable breeze and wonderful aroma. Weather plate lunch or menu, it us cooked to order, hot and spot on. And save room for dessert, it is always worth it. If it is your first visit let um know, dessert is on the house. read more

Great place. Home cooked food. Only has outside seating. That's the only down side. To me it's not a big down side however if it's cold/windy/rainy order your food ahead and take it to go. I had the gumbo. It was a little plain and the roux was too light for my liking. But their eggplant fries are really good. It's a little pricey but you can tell the food is made fresh so it's kinda worth it. read more

Can't go wrong with the crab burger. Really tasty, heavy on the lump crab meat, good bun, very tasty and not too heavy roumeladeish dressing. It read more

Such a great Louisiana kept secret! This place is something special and Chef Lonnie will take good care of you! I got the Crab burger special and the only regret I have is that I didnt get another one! Every bite was a piece of heaven and the seating area is beautiful! read more