The Iron City’s versatile food scene enjoys a nice bit of spicing up with the Cajun-inspired flavors of The Rougaroux restaurant in downtown Birmingham. Opened in 2017, the original location in Forest Park has become one of the city’s most iconic Cajun restaurants. When you first see the restaurant itself, you might find yourself a bit confused—it appears as if you’re looking at a house someone might live in.
The classic pink building itself, which previously hosted the Pink House Cafe, was built sometime in the late 19th century. On the inside, you’ll find the most New Orleans-appropriate decorations you can think of with pink, yellow, and green lights hung above the outdoor seating area, Saints propaganda, jam band paraphernalia, you name it. Their menu includes classic New Orleans fare; house-made boudin, gumbo, po-boys, and a plethora of other items.
Hot off the trails of a trip to New Orleans, I was absolutely sure that the New Orleans food was the best in the country and that I wouldn’t find anything close to it anywhere else. I believe I sat down and ordered gumbo nearly every single time we went out to eat in the French Quarter.
It was almost confusing to me how The Rougaroux’s gumbo was just as good—it was like I’d never left New Orleans at all. A good, traditional boudin was another thing I had my eye on upon my first visit, and I was certainly not disappointed. Their boudin was as good as I’d ever had it anywhere, but their authentic po-boy sandwiches are often heralded as the true stars of the show.
Excitingly, The Rougaroux has expanded and opened a location at the old Sneaky Pete’s location in Mountain Brook Village. The location’s logo is a simple blue sign, similar to what an old-school restaurant would have had to use. This classic blue sign, strikingly similar to the one that is on the front of the Forest Park location, now sits atop the beloved Mountain Brook restaurant.
The Rougaroux does authentic Cajun food right, and if you’re a fan of Cajun food and good vibes, be sure to give it a try. The restaurant cleverly and tastefully replicates one of the most important American foodways. For a “fleur-de-lycious” experience that will transport you directly to Bourbon Street, The Rougaroux is the place for you.
This story originally appeared on Soulgrown.
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