ROUX

Was a good place - it is now closed so don't waste your time... Pros: CLOSED Cons: CLOSED more

I love your restaurant, I own a restaurant in downtown Portland and when I go out to eat your restaurant is one that always comes to mind. Good food, service and a unique dinning room. Keep it up!! more

This is one of my Portland favorites. The food is excellent and the drinks are great too. The service has always been exceptional as well. If you're willing to spend a little bit more than the average on dinner, then this place will not disappoint. Pros: Great savory Creole inspired food Cons: A little out of the way more

Great food! Makes me miss the big easy! Gravy is to die for and seafood is cooked as expected!!! Great design and space is comfortable. Just wish they were open more hours of the day! Pros: Great food and great space Cons: Not open for BK and lunch in winter more

I use citysearch all the time and honestly I'm suprised this place had such high marks. The food was absolutely HORRIBLE! I ordered beef ribs and received a plate full of fat. I managed to find three bites of meat that had only a little fat on it before I gave up. The potatoes that were served were like three stripped tater tots. Tater tots would of tasted better also. My wife had crab risotto which tasted like uncle ben's with a crab claw thrown in. It had no flavor and was very bland. This was the worst place we have ate using citysearch. The service was the only bright spot . The seating is horrible. This place is way to overpriced for what there serving. Where is chef ramsey when you need him. Upscale French-Creole cuisine my a. This s is bad. Will never go back and won't recommend. Take a trip down the hill to Gotham Tavern and save yourself some coin. Pros: none Cons: read above more

I too used the coupon on Forkfly. It was buy 1 get 1 free from the happy hour menu. The happy hour menu was awesome. I ordered the burger and it was more than I could even eat, very tasty! I ordered a warm drink (can?t remember the name) and it was perfect! I hadn?t ever been in that part of Portland, I?ve definitely been missing out. I?m always complaining about the bright lighting at places and the lighting here was perfect, dim with candles. Nice music. Since the happy hour menu was so impressive, I?ll be sure to be back to try the actual dinner menu. Maybe I?ll get lucky and they?ll change up their coupon to include entrees :) more

I just got Forkfly yesterday for my iPhone that gives users coupons for restaurants in Portland. It also gave me great directions when I was trying to find Roux! Anyway, I was in that neighborhood visiting a friend and Roux came up first on Forkfly along with a serious discount (I think I get how it works now). We went in and had a great meal. We just did happy hour, but it was really impressive in a time when most restaurants seem to be skimping. The atmosphere at Roux is wonderful. Dim candle light, and charming music. Our server was very pleasant and patient. Our drinks were perfection also! If you're ever out on Killingsworth it's a must visit. We will most definitely be back! Pros: Great atmosphere, nice staff, reasonably priced Cons: Parking on Killingsworth was a bit tough in rush hour. more

I generally come in by myself and always sit at the bar, so I don't usually have to wait to be seated. It doesn't matter who the bartender is, they are always friendly and attentive. I love that every drink on their menu is like going on vacation -- and always perfectly mixed. I'm really happy about their new "happy hour" menu having more options. I also wanted to mention that my husband and I were stuck at home with the kids on New Year's Eve and called them and even though they were totally slammed for the night, they agree to do a to go order for us. That really made our night! more

Roux was a disappointment from the moment we stepped in the door. My girlfriend and I made reservations, yet ended up waiting behind others who did not have a reservation. When they did seat us, we were given the absolute worst seats in the house (we were wedged in the middle of three large parties who were shouting and yelling into their cell phones). It took ONE HOUR to get our food once we ordered! An hour to wait for an avocado dish and salmon is absolutely unacceptable. Once we finally got the food, it was nothing special at all. The fish was undercooked, and the accompanying rice and pepper sauce were devoid of any flavor or kick. I didn't try my girlfriends avocado dish, but she commented that it was bland and nothing special. At the end of the evening our server apologized for the long wait and offered us a free dessert which was the only pleasant part of the evening. We were both looking forward to going to Roux, but by the end of the evening we couldn't wait to get out of there. They mention 'attentive service' as being one of their concerns on their website, but in my experience it was the polar opposite! I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone! Pros: free dessert (after waiting an hour for entrees) Cons: everything else more

This was my first time eating at the Roux restraurant and what a wonderful time. I have not eaten such fabulous food in many many years. Everything was just exceptional. I had the New York Steak for the main course that was cooked to perfection. The Crawfish pie is definitely something that will have one returning. The Waiter was one of the "Best" I have seen in a restaurant. The service was definitely a 5 star as well as the entire meal. The one thing I was totally impressed with was the fact ALL the ingredients they prepare their food with are "real". No artificial JUNK!! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable "Cajun Experience." Pros: BEST CAJUN FOOD IN TOWN more

This was my first time at Roux. It was absolutely amazing! The waiter was very helpful with making menu choices. Recommended a cocktail and told me that if I didn't like it, he would get me something else. He was very professional, but very real, not stuffy or fake. Everything that we ate was great! starting with the Crawfish pie. I had the crab stuffed trout and my mother had the steak which was prepared to perfection. The sides of collard greens and potatoes were just melt in your mouth. We ended it with the bittersweet chocolate pie. We went because of a gift certificate and we were both so grateful to have had the dining experience at Roux. Highly, highly recommend it. Please don't listen to the negative responses from the people who clearly just need a reality check of what matters in life all the way around. Please go and support this great business. It really shows that the owner has the same philosophy as Mr. Farrell, another Portland restaurant owner, who says, "give them the pickle!" make reservations so that you can have that certain table that you want. Pros: food, atmosphere, staff,cocktails Cons: couldn't find any more

I'm not usually inclined to write reviews, but I felt the one titled "Mess" on Roux was unfair, and then I read how the author has reviewed previous restaurants, and it made more sense-- they clearly aren't happy eating out. I have even reviewed Roux before, but I thought since I've just eaten there again, it couldn't hurt and this is why. I have been trying to find places that remind me of my favorites back home-- and I'm always skeptical of trying Creole, Cajun, or "New Orleans" fare outside of Louisiana. But now having tried most of the places here in town (Acadia, Screen Door, Bernie's, Delta and Roux), I have to say this place is my favorite. One of the things that I think folks do too much is the "in your face" spice-- when not all Creole food is spicy. Seasoned, and seasoned well, yes. But fire-- not so much (of course there is time for that too). Creole foods are about flavor and great, fresh ingredients. At Roux, everything just always seems right-- spice and seasoning, homemade ingredients (they make all there own sausages, and the andouille is some of the best), a nod to both classic dishes (I had the Chicken Clemenceau on my last visit that was as good as the version at Arnaud's) and interesting renditions that are both NW and New Orleans inspired (and if you've been to August, Palace, NOLA you know this is what they are now doing). The red beans during the last visit tasted as if they were right from K-Paul's. At some of the places above (and I won't be too specific, you should try for yourself), I've had gumbo that was separated, blackening seasoning that could burn the roof of your mouth, overly salted and greasy foods, bland grits (now how hard is that), rubbery shrimp and more-- framed with indifferent service. I've just always enjoyed the food and drinks at Roux, the staff is always lovely, the space is charming, and in addition to all the food talk above-- the brunch is one of the best deals in town. It makes me feel like I'm home! Pros: The real deal! Cons: Not closer to downtown. more

Greeted at the door by a hostess who clearly did not want to be bothered with customers (maybe she was having a bad nite?). The place was empty and where does she choose to seat my party of 2? Next to a party of 12. C'mon, there was a room full of tables to place 2 people that clearly wanted to have conversation over dinner. Our combo watier/bartender/busboy was not much better. I've been to NoLa many times and the menu resembled New Orleans fare, but Portlandized. Not bad, not good. But 'OK' food does not trump nasty service. And the bad oyster that had me in the bathroom for the next day didn't help either. Skip it - go to New Orleans. Pros: n/a Cons: horrid mean people more

Went to Roux on my bday in May 2008 and the food was incredible. Thinking about the place days afterwards..I went back in June and wow was I dissappointed. The menu had changed alot of the "Roux Specialities" that I tried where no longer available, and not for the better. It was just average fare with a few cajun ideas thrown in. Liked blackened - i was very dissappointed and mentioned it to the wait staff, they said that was the summer menu and would most likely stay that way.. Sad..sad..I love cajun food and thought I found my place; here in this great city. Hopefully they will return to the cajun theme for cooking. As it stands it like eating at an overpriced Olive Garden. With the its current menu with a handful of "cajun" specialities . You will not find an Acadian like myself darkening their door again. more

I was born in New Orleans and have grown up with parents who cook incredibly well and exceptional cajun food. I went here with my parents and was pleasantly surprised by the flavors and quality of the food. With Portlanders definite quality food fixation this place hits the mark by incorporating fresh northwest ingredients and tradiitional spicy and rich cajun flavors. Great fried oysters! However, the promotion for outstanding beignets didn't hold up (we actually thought that they weren't very good at all). For dessert I would recommend whatever type of fresh sorbet is offered (the dessert chef is known for her sorbet creations with fresh fruit) we had pear and it was the best sorbet I have ever had! I also want to point out that we had great service! Pros: Delicious flavors and well prepared food, the BEST sorbet!!! Cons: skip the beignets more

I've eaten at ROUX a couple times, but not since last Summer. I'm on their email list and they were promoting a new Summer Burger, and being that I LOVE GOOD BURGERS, I went with a buddy last night to try it. I absolutely could not believe how delicious it was! Ground sirloin with tons of garlic, white cheddar and bacon, and to top it off, a perfect slice of fried green tomato! The bun was just the right texture, and the bartender told me it was a rosemary roll from Grand Central. She, by the way, was also amazing and made our experience lots of fun. I think she said she was the bar manager. Cute blond woman. I love the burgers at Slow Bar, Castagna, Driftwood Lounge and 23 Hoyt-- (okay, I get around) but this is at the top of them all. The downside-- it's only available through the Summer (or I was told until local green tomatoes aren't around) on the main menu. The upside, it is $7.00 with greens and fries on the Happy Hour Menu, versus the $12 you pay during dinner. If you are half the burger fan that I am, I recommend you give it a try next time you get the "urge." Pros: Great Service, Delicious Burger & Drinks Cons: Local Green Tomatoes Can't Be Grown Year Round! more

I'm writing a review because I saw many negative reviews with regard to the service and wanted to share my positive dining experience. We had a party of 10 about a month ago for 6pm on a Friday. We were seated immediately, drinks orders were taken and arrived as each group in our party arrived. The service was prompt and pleasant. There were no glitches in service throughout the evening. Our waiter was pleasant and attentive. Our party ordered a variety of dishes and the opinions ranged from good to excellent (most being on the excellent end of the range). The dishes were creative, unique and well done. I'm planning to eat at Roux again tonight. more

This restaurant is truly one of the best. It really gives a great vibe of Louisiana. Everything we had was delicious, and unique. The ambience was very nice and romantic, and the service was great. Pros: Excellent food, ambience, and service Cons: None more

Spent the weekend visiting from Seattle. Took husband here for his birthday. He had the pork tenderloin on a bed of gritcakes with goat cheese and I had the smoked lamb chops on mashed potatoes. We had gumbo for a starter and also ordered a side of red beans and rice. He loved his entree and the gritcakes were especially tasty. The smoky taste of the lamb was terrific but my dish was not hot enough, and especially with mashed potatoes being cold it was a big turn-off for me. The red beans and rice was nothing like what they serve up in New Orleans with the sausage and all - the beans were harder and the dish less soup-like, and they put shredded chicken or something in there. It was on the salty side without a lot of flavor. The gumbo I thought was pretty solid, however. Also, the waitress failed to tell us the starter specials of the day. I didn't even know that they had specials until halfway through our meal I heard her telling the table next to us about them. All in all, ok but next time we come back to Portland we'll try another restaurant. At least they had Abita there on draft. more

I was delighted to find Roux on Citysearch and have been there three times. Food is fabulous. Atmosphere is awesome.Some of the service could be better. The first time I went, with a reservation, I asked for a booth and was flatly told "no". The last time I went, we made a reservation and again asked for a booth. The hostess told us "you are lucky to get a table at all" because they were busy. Then, my mate was having a cigarette fit and asked the bartender if they had any behing the bar. She could have just said no or asked one of the staff, but instead looked at him with scorn for smoking and was rude. Fortunately, the waiter found him one so we didn't have to leave before dessert. My opinion is, if you are going to a service oriented business for a service, if you can't have what you want, they could change their script so it doesn't sound so unaccomodating and that they are actually happy to have your business. The food was great that night, but my guests will never go back because of the hostess that told them we were lucky to be seated after making a reservation hours in advance. I'll go back, but not on a busy night as it's clear they are stressed out by a full house. Word of caution: If you want a booth, you need to specifically request one or you will never get one. They won't even let you wait for one. Pros: Food, Ambiance Cons: Parking, service more