Scratch Farm Kitchen — Restaurant in Lafayette

Despite years of living here, I’ve never heard of Scratch Farm Kitchen before, but I am so glad I found out about this place!

The outside is pretty unassuming, as it’s located in a shopping center (probably why I’ve overlooked it in the past), but the inside is so colorful and inviting. There are so many little trinkets that remind you of home (coffee mugs that look like they were taken from your parents’ cabinet, plants), but there are also quirky decorations that liven the place up (stringed lights, funny signs). I was pretty much squealing with excitement as I entered this place and felt a lot of childlike wonder because there was so much to look at. However, there was also a rawness to Scratch Farm Kitchen that made it personal as well. For example, they had their prepped ingredients, sauces, etc., for sale at the very front of the store, and they also had an open kitchen. The menu was also handwritten on a giant piece of paper that was playful. However, my only complaint is that the menu was a little confusing to read, as there were things crossed off and entrees were not fully explained. This leads me to the service.

The service at the beginning was not the greatest. I can only assume that it was the owner I was speaking to because they did not seem concerned about how their service might impact their job standing. They were not very friendly and seemed to get annoyed at questions about the menu my friend and I had, including recommendations, pricing, and ingredients in each dish (again, the menu was not well labeled). They even made my friend and me feel kind of dumb for asking questions. However, because I’m pretty sure this was the owner, I’m not going to rate the service overall based on this one interaction, as this did not reflect on the actual servers. Our server was super sweet and helpful and was happy to hold a conversation with my friend and me about the history of the restaurant. She alone made it a four-star experience as far as service goes (versus the two stars I would have given). However, I simply can’t rule out the possibility that the first person we spoke to was not the owner, so I can’t give the full five stars. Another note about the service was that our food came out super quickly, which is always a plus.

Lastly, I need to talk about the food. Holy schmoly. Their signature burger (with strawberry barbecue, duck egg, etc.) was unlike any burger I’ve ever had. It was expensive, but it was enormous. I could only finish half of it, so I feel like most people could share it with another person. As for flavor, it had just the right amount of greasy goodness, as well as fresh and lively flavors, if that makes sense. While it had the same base flavors you expect from a burger, such as a delicious, juicy patty, soft bun, and bold cheese, the strawberry barbecue, duck egg, and spinach made it fun and didn't give you that heavy feeling you normally get after eating a burger. Each ingredient contributed to a flavor that was overall sunny, warm, distinct, and - last but not least - delicious - while also getting its own time to shine. It also felt uniquely Southern, which a lot of restaurants down here surprisingly fail at achieving in their dishes. Maybe it was the subtle hint of strawberries or the fact they used Popeye's spinach, but it would pair well with a summer evening, cold beer, and loud cicadas. On a much smaller note, my side was the potatoes with cheese. They were delicious, as the cheese they used was tangy and complemented the softer flavor and texture of the potatoes. I'm tempted to give the food four stars, as my side was not too memorable, but I'm sure they had other, more unique sides that I did not select. For this, it's only fair I give Scratch Farm Kitchen five stars in this area and overall.

If you're in the Lafayette area, I highly recommend this little restaurant. If not for anything else, do it for that burger alone. You'll be giving your taste buds...

Atmosphere enhanced by the colorful and copious artwork; but food was heavy on indeterminate spicing and not showcasing the freshness that goes along with farm- to- table; otherwise good menu choices with vegan and vegetarian options. That said- asking to have a meat protein on a different plate from the vegetarian dish was too big of an ask- Waffle House does a better job. Grits were runny and not worth the effort to spoon them...nice micro greens but the amount was actually micro! the worst thing about this eatery was service. They do not accept reservations but have no reservation about making you vacate a table for someone calling from across town, arriving a half hour after you, when you’d have been done eating your mostly vegetarian meal. Which mostly wasn’t eaten because : When asked to replace an egg that had been snuggling the meat protein , eggs left and came back on a separate plate. Same eggs. Cold eggs. When asked to replace them , eggs left the building and were not replaced. Server says sign states no dishes replaced. It was eggs we wanted replaced not dishes, and anyway, said sign was not in sight anywhere. No manager, no chef, no one comes to check if they can make it right. Do not tip when paying before you get your meal. Waste of hard -earned money. By the way we had to vacate a table to get a table the same size but right next to the line to order and we’re it not for a kind soul offering to move, we’d have had to go outside. As it was we ended up pushing two tables together, and there was an empty one by them. Enough for the party coming later. What an...

I’ve visited this place a few times and I had pleasant experiences. The lady who takes the orders is rude. You ask her a simple question and she points to the menu. Every time I enter she is rude, doesn’t answer your questions, and act like you know about their food. I also noticed she interacts differently with people of color. Recently I visited this location and ordered a vegan burger. I only ask her if they use different vegetables because last time the only vegetable in the burger was potato and a few beans. That’s all I said to her. So I visited a week ago ordered the same. I got home the whole burger was black and smelled burned. I took it back and she was offended that I brought it back. Keep in mind I called the same day to communicate it was burned. So she takes my burned burger to the back. A guy comes to the counter to assist me. I tell him about the burned burger. He said yeah they have been burning buns a lot. After almost 10 minutes she comes to the front with a nasty attitude and says you have been complaining. She hadn’t apologized for the burned burger, offered me anything, or for the extended wait. Keep in mind I have never ever complained. I only ask if they can add different vegetables. She gave me another burger but had me pay for the beans. I was like wow! Offered me nothing extra. This establishment is horrible, overpriced, and discriminates against people of color. If you pay 14.00 for a burger I expect it to not be burned and to include multiple vegetables instead of potatoes and beans only. I’m done...