(16 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
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Bistro 501 is a wonderful addition to the great dining in the downtown Lafayette area. From the provincial decor and extensive wine list to the fabulous French cuisine and decadent desserts, this is definitely a place you’ll want to take a date. Located on the southeast corner of the Courthouse Square, Bistro 501 is walking distance from both of the major downtown Lafayette-West Lafayette hotels, and the parking garage. Some street parking is available, and it’s walkable from Wabash Landing via the pedestrian bridge.
Address: 501 Main Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47901 (map)
Phone: 765-423-4501
Expect to Spend: $$$$
Reservations: Recommended on Friday and Saturday nights
Phone: 765-423-4501
Expect to Spend: $$$$
Reservations: Recommended on Friday and Saturday nights
On 08.09.07 John said:
On Tuesday night, we tried the Bistro 501 for dinner. I have dined with them for lunch several times, but this was our first time for dinner. We were very surprised to find two of the best filet mignons in town! On a strong recommendation from two other guests, I tried the chilled Hungarian cherry soup and it was great. Paul, the server was very good too and Granny can make a dessert for me anytime!! Her apricot raspberry cobbler was fantastic. I also included a scoop of their homemade ice cream. We will go back more in the future. It’s good to know that we can still find a very good steak, great service, and a made-to-order dessert right here in Lafayette, IN all at a reasonable price…I will admit that their menu is smaller than some, but we much prefer quality over quantity (e.g. some local restaurants try to offer 200 choices, but only have a few really good items). Trust me on this one, since we eat out every night and have tried every restaurant in town…
On 08.10.07 Bill said:
We visited on a Tuesday evening, made reservations for our “anniversary date.” We were pleasantly surprised with everything!
I had pecan crusted fish, my wife had the smaller filet mignon…….both were awesome!
Appetizer (we split one), entres and desserts for each; all perfect. Our server was great, helpful, good timing, very professional.
We were also surprised at how little we paid for such a delightful experience in an intimate environment.
I’ve let all my friends know!
On 08.15.07 Brian said:
In anticipation of our anniversary, my wife I did our best to seek out the best restaurant that Lafayette has to offer. We were told that the most romantic setting could be found at Bistro 501, but I had read a few disparaging remarks and decided we would go elsewhere.
Upon discovering that our intended destination, Kokoro, (a downtown Japanese restaurant) was closed, we opted for the restaurant across the street, which happened to be Bistro 501.
Service was impeccable, despite the fact that it was a busy Saturday night. Our server, Kate, was absolutely lovely. And the filets that we both enjoyed were perfectly executed.
Kudos to Bistro 501(!!!), and thank you for helping us celebrate our anniversary.
On 09.22.07 Meg Baker said:
This was a wonderful experience. Good service, perfect wine and cheese board, nice specials, and great creme brulee.
On 11.06.07 WL Foodie said:
First off, I’ll state that I’m not a well-respected Chef from Chicago or anywhere for that matter. Nor do I have training at the culinary institute of america. I’m a foodie who likes food! I used to say that Maize was the best, overall top end restaurant in Greater Lafayette. I would now have to shift that to Bistro 501. Recently I revisited this place and ordered the duck breasts. They were phenomenal! Two good sized breasts with two veggie sides (a sweet potato mix and asparagus) and a cup of soup. The portions were great and I definitely didn’t feel hungry after I finsihed. I was still dreaming of that duck for many days after. Dan was working the bar and provided great service while still making drinks for all the other patrons.
As for lunch, I love the roasted chicken. In fact, if they don’t have it I’ll leave. There are other good options, but the chicken is tasty and filling.
Does Bistro make its menu choices for chefs? No, it makes them for you and I, regular folks who like good food. You have to evaluate the food for what it is, not what it should be. If you don’t like it, fine. Just don’t review based on what it should have been, just what it was.
On 11.15.07 Tim said:
We had reservations for seven and we were approached for orders about 8. The salad came before our drinks. (after sitting for another hour). Our waiter Bryan, knew it was our daughter’s 21st birthday yet we were ignored throughout the whole evening. Dinner took about two hours to get to our table. My wife had to be restrained from speaking to the manager as did I. I have never paid such a large sum for food and not tipped for service. It was not busy- there were only four of us, it was a 21st birthday, and it was the worst dinner we have ever had as a family outing. No manager apologized, the waiter did not explain any problem, it was a disaster!!
On 12.02.07 Dave said:
Service was a litte sub par. It took about 15 minutes to get our drinks and the food didn’t live up to the hype. On the plus side, my wife and I ordered desert which we rarely do and it was great.
On 12.12.07 billieb said:
We had a family outing tonight and the food was AGAIN, outstanding. I had the Chicken Fromage and it was tender and had a subtle sauce with tender asparagus. Others had filet with various sauces and they were well pleased. Also had the cheese board and the presentation was delightful and the contents were a perfect blend. Dessert was the Sticky Toffee–heavenly with the warm sauce!! Keep up with the fresh ingredients and simple menu and it will continue to be an outstanding place for diners in Lafayette, Indiana.
On 03.29.08 Rachel said:
Best restaurant in Lafayette, hands down. The atmosphere, service and food is all great. I love the martinis and the intimate atmosphere most of all.
On 04.30.08 David said:
My wife and I have frequented Bistro 501 for years. It is our favorite restaurant….anywhere. The wait staff is professional, competent, helpful, and very friendly. The food is always outstanding. Excellent wine list with many good choices available by the glass. The restaurant has a terrific ambiance. Known for their martinis. You will love the place!
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