By james art 
(The Rougaroux/Facebook)
The Iron City’s diverse culinary scene enjoys a nice dose of spice with the Cajun-inspired flavors of The Rougaroux Restaurant in downtown Birmingham. Opened in 2017, the original Forest Park location 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 looks like you’re looking at a house that someone might live in.
The classic pink building itself, which previously hosted the Pink House Cafe, was built sometime in the late 19th century. Inside, you’ll find the most New Orleans-appropriate decorations you can think of, with pink, yellow, and green lights strung above the outdoor seating area, Saints propaganda, jam band paraphernalia, you name it. im featuring classic New Orleans dishes; homemade boudin, gumbo, po’ boys and tons of other stuff.
After a trip to New Orleans, I was absolutely certain that 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 bambo almost every time we went out to eat in the French Quarter.
(The Rougaroux/Facebook)
It was almost baffling to me how The Rougaroux’s gumbo was just as good – it was as if I had never left New Orleans. A good, traditional wake was another thing I had my eye on on my first visit, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Their boudin was as good as I’ve ever had, but their authentic po-boy sandwiches are often declared the stars of the show.
The Rougaroux have expanded and opened a location at the old Sneaky Pete’s location in Mountain Brook Village. The logo is a simple blue sign similar to what an old school restaurant would use. This classic blue Rougaroux sign, strikingly similar to the one in front of the Forest Park location, sits atop the Mountain Brook location.
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 skillfully and tastefully reproduces one of the most important American ways of eating. For a “fleur-de-lycious” experience that will transport you directly to Bourbon Street, The Rougaroux is the place for you.