The Rougaroux is cheffed by Ryan Champion, an alumnus of the storied Commander’s Palace in Nola. Commander’s Palace was a springboard for many well-known chefs, Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme most famously. I would argue that putting in at least some time at Commander’s Palace is a rite of passage for Creole/Cajun chefs. Champion also did a stretch at Bottega, which doesn’t hurt.
The Rougaroux is the best Creole/Cajun joint in Birmingham
Without hesitation, they are the best in Birmingham. I’d argue that the Rougaroux would rate highly in New Orleans as well.
The Rougaroux is a food and drink amusement park spiraling around and down into the roots of an old Forest Park house. It’s as if this old house were left empty for a decade and then occupied by pirates. The pirates built a series of makeshift forts onto and around the wilting structure. Once the pirates abandoned the house it became haunted. And then someone turned it into a restaurant leaving the drooping house, the forts, and the ghosts exactly as they were.
It’s chaotic and charming.
I like to sit at the bar, but there are only five seats at the bar. Be early or be patient. The bar is at one end of a small inside dining room with a handful of tables. The floors slope slightly and nothing seems to be quite square. It’s a feature, not a defect.
There is no table service. Orders are taken at the end of the bar and there is usually a line. There is ample outdoor seating, much of it covered.
A Simple + Creative Menu
Fried Gulf shrimp are a simple luxury. I prefer my shrimp po’boy undressed, with a slice of lemon to squeeze over, and a few dashes of Crystal hot sauce. The Rougaroux pulls it off when there’s nothing to hide behind. The shrimp are fresh and perfectly fried. And of course it’s served on Leidenheimer bread. I pair mine with a cup of gumbo and a Montucky Cold Snack beer.
Another standout is the roast beef debris po’boy, which is as good as I’ve had anywhere. My original trip to the Rougaroux started when I asked a few friends if anyone knew of a legit debris po’boy in the Ham. It is legit. The BBQ shrimp po’boy is very good as are the red beans & rice.
While they’re very good at the simplistic and traditional dishes, they also push the envelope in interesting ways. Be sure to check the daily specials.
They recently ran a special Poor Man’s Lobster Roll, which is poached monkfish salad in a split-top bun with fresh herbs. They ran a bahn mi sandwich with house made head cheese. The run a different burger special every day. I haven’t made it to the burger yet, but I have a friend who absolutely raves.
Don’t sleep on this spot.