Roux: The Best Brunch in Chicago

Yep, you read the title right - the best brunch in Chicago. As you may know - or can gather from my blog - I eat a lot. Particularly in Chicago. So naming Roux the best brunch in the land is a pretty big deal. And I stand behind it! Let me tell you why.

First, the food is absolutely delicious. That’s probably an obvious reason why Roux is amazing, but it doesn’t make it less true. All of the food is Louisiana/French inspired - so think New Orleans. My personal favorite from the menu is the fried green tomato tartine. I have never had fried green tomatoes apart from this restaurant, but I'm so glad I ventured out and tried it. It is hard for me to order anything else because it is that good. Flavor permeates every. single. bite. Which is part of why the food is so amazing.

The other reason why the food is the best is because it comes out hot. We have all been to a restaurant where the food is tasty but lukewarm. This is not that place. And there’s a reason behind that. When Roux first opened, they had the intention of having a wait staff, but unfortunately couldn’t find enough people to hire. So, they decided to do more of a cafe style where you order at the counter and take a number. My theory is that the food is so hot because they only have so many orders at one time, instead of multiple orders at once. But who knows! Either way it’s smoking hot.

Aside from the food, the atmosphere is casual and inviting. It gives “French countryside,” which I really like, especially because it’s not overwhelming.

Another reason why I love Roux is the location. Hyde Park is so beautiful, and we always walk down to the University of Chicago after our meal. It’s a great way to get moving after eating, and the walk is gorgeous.

Roux is our go-to spot for brunch, and also where we take our out of town guests. HOT TIP: go before 10am. A long line will form - like out the door long. Even so, the wait is usually no more than 20 minutes, and most definitely worth it!

If this post hasn’t convinced you that Roux is the best Chicago brunch spot, then you will just have to go there yourself!

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