Roux in Hyde Park is possibly one of the best brunch restaurants I've experienced in a long time. The flavors of everything I ate seemed to pop in my mouth! A few months back, I stopped in for some beignets and a cinnamon roll to take home, but eating the food at the restaurant gave me more appreciation for this little brunch spot in Hyde Park. There's parking in front of the restaurant, but across the way, there's street parking in the residential area too. When entering, you must place and pay for your order before being seated. Fresh juice is available, and central table has carryout baskets, water, utensils, etc. The husband and I had the three egg omelet with bacon, mushroom, and cheddar cheese with a side of breakfast potatoes, shrimp and grits, thick cut bacon, and beignets. Everything was delicious. Update: after going back again, I learned that you can place an online order and pick up your bag on the left side of the counter. read more

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Came here for brunch and I had such an amazing time. It's counter service, but they seat you and bring out your food to your table. I got the chicken and waffles and my partner got the breakfast platter. We got the biscuit, cheesy grits, cinnamon buns and beignets to split. The breakfast platter was good, but I wasn't a huge fan of the toast it came with. The chicken was delicious, but the waffle was a little underwhelming. The cheesy grits and the cinnamon bun were the highlight of the visit. We had plenty of leftovers, but we'll absolutely be back. read more

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Roux is a cute southern diner in Hyde Park, not even a 10 minute walk from UChicago's campus. They have a ton of indoor and outdoor (shaded) seating, and you order food at the counter (so no reservation required). It's a good spot for big groups! There is a lot of meat on the menu, and not a lot of vegetarian or vegan options. However, it was easy to ask for dishes without meat or with the bacon on the side. I tried the fried green tomato terrine (without the bacon) and it was great. I loved the fluffy brioche toast. I also tried the cold fried chicken salad (I picked around the chicken) and it was a surprisingly solid salad. The beignets are a must of course because who doesn't love fried dough. They have lots of other pastries, too! read more

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Nice place, pleasant atmosphere. The food was mostly good! The catfish was fried nicely and the grits were good. The deviled eggs were really salty. The wait was quite long. And for that reason, I will not return. There was one cashier to take all of the orders while also making drinks. Seems like another cashier or two are in order. At least an additional person to make drinks.... read more

We waited in line in the cold, but it was worth it. Stand in line, order at the counter, be seated and dig in. Food came out quickly and was very very tasty. Self serve water and condiments and to go boxes actually made it very easy to eat quickly and make room for others. We really loved our brunch and will be back! read more

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Went to Roux while in spring break and we loved it! The food was fantastic and the space was great! Wonderful service and very friendly people. It was a perfect location for touring the college campus and neighborhood after read more

Roux Diner - Best Beignets ever had - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mannn...what can I say about this place. It's a neighborhood gem. Our family usually goes here 1-2x a month and really loves it. There is ALWAYS a line...so just prepare yourself for it. However, once you get seated, your food will come out fast and hot!! There are no reservations, you order at the counter and a nice gentleman (I need to get his name!) will seat your party. When it's nice outside, there's a patio that you can sit out on. Otherwise, the dining room is large and filled with natural light. Good for 1 - groups of 6 or so. My favorites on the menu are the biscuits and gravy add an egg. I'm a Southern girl and this feels like home every time I eat it. The chicken fried steak....didn't I say I am a Southern girl?!?! And the husband likes the short rib hash. Get the beignets...they are to die for. It's a little pricey compared to what you might get in the neighborhood, but for good service and food, I gladly lay down my card every time. Go and enjoy!! I'll see you there. read more

This place exceeded my expectations. I got the loaded grits and the shrimp n grits. It was very delicious and so worth the price. You order and pay first, then sit down and the food comes to you. The coffee was alright but worth the $5 price. Also a very nice place to eat with friends and family, so I will be coming here again read more

Roux Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing! Cafe was perfect, biscuits to die for and a comfy space to work! Internet was perfect. Only bad thing was parking! Great customer service. read more

We had an awesome brunch! The place has a great vibe--bright, friendly, and busy in a good way. Everything we ordered was spot on: the chicken and waffle, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and beignets were all amazing. Cinnamon roll was the best. Service was fast and super friendly too. Definitely one of the best brunch spots we've hit in Chicago. read more

OMG!!!! the best shrimp and grits ever will definitely have them again I'm telling all of my coworkers and friends!

Roux is a bit pricey for its cafe environment, but what does it say that I keep going back to try different things? I love the light and airy vibe and general layout of this spot, and the fact that you just order at the counter first then find a seat. The catfish plate was delicious and big with three large fillets that tasted quite fresh, a good coleslaw, and a ton of fries. I would've actually liked a regular tartar sauce instead of the Old Bay-flavored remoulade but it was still good. Grits were a bit plain even with the cheese--I'm sure it'd be even more flavorful with more add-ons. The cinnamon roll is expensive at $7 but it's huge and warm and comes with an overflowing cascade of melty cream cheese frosting--definitely a dessert for sharing! Salted chocolate chip cookie ($3) is the crispy type with a generous scattering of flaky salt on top. I liked it but I think it could've used a bit more chocolate. I also recently tried the blueberry scone ($4) because it's huge and looks so tempting and chock-full of blueberries. It too is solid--I loved the sugar on top and it's soft and not too dense, but probably not worth going out of the way for (still good if you're craving a scone, though!). I like that there's a station where you can get some water and also to-go containers if you need them. Lines can get a bit long on the weekend but it moves fairly quickly. I think this is a solid spot! read more

TLDR: 5/5 - Truly saved the best for last. From the food to the service everything was fantastic. Roux Diner knows how to elevate the breakfast diner vibe to a whole new level. Ordered - The Classic: (toast, bacon, over easy eggs) 5/5 It was just delicious. The potatoes were phenomenal the, toast was carefully buttered I can't even describe it to you. I also had someone's grits which is an option if you get the classic and oh my god I had a ratatouille moment because it tasted like my mothers grits. And my mother was right there! Service: 5/5 They had our food ready so quick! They didn't clear our table well into after we were done which was odd but I noticed they don't clear the table until you're done. Ambiance: 5/5 The aesthetics were everything here. It's open and modern yet quaint. So many seating options. So much light! Really loved this place a lot. Notes: - Parking isn't too bad here! - Prices were great for the portions! Would love to come back read more

Roux Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great restaurant I have been several times food is fresh , pastries are delicious, coffee is hot , nice atmosphere

Fantastic spot for brunch in the heart of Hyde Park! The shrimp and grits were amazing. read more

Roux Diner - Shrimp and grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place in Hyde Park. The food is so good. They serve breakfast all day. Yum yum yummy!!! The ambiance is cool and laid back. To start, you order and then are seated. Surprisingly your food comes out quick, even with a busy house. Food was fresh and hot. On this occasion I really wanted the fish. I already had my eyes set on the cinnamon roll so felt right in my soul. My meal was filling. The fish was flavourful and seasoned just right. Also was able to try the beinets were delightful, better than Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans. The cinnamon roll was so tender and the cream cheese was creamy and just the right level of sweetness. Will be back to this spot for sure. read more

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First stop @dhpchicago was @rouxdiner This place is cute and really is a dinner/cafeteria. You order at the counter and by the time you sit down your food is hitting the table. We had the pimento cheese with fried saltines. The cheese is amazing and I want it on everything. It is spicy and balanced of cheese to cream. The saltines have sugar and chili powder on them. Took me a second, but they are addictive with cheese. Then we built our own grits with cheese, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Each topping was great and on top of creamy grits yes please. They have a ton of seating inside and out. Also the woman at the next table got the biscuit and she raves about it every bite she took! read more

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Nice ambience, clean environment and the shrimp and grits is delicious. Excellent portion sizes. Grab some beignets too, you won't regret it. Parking sucks, but of course. Hoping they open a 2nd location that more accessible. read more

Food? 9/10 Service? 10/10 Ambience? 10/10. My cousin & I went for brunch, it was a wait to get in but definitely worth it. Spent about 25 mins in line. I will be goin again. Everything I had was excellent. Nothing needed to be added or removed. read more

Roux Diner - Loaded grits, beignets & breakfast potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food was goood. Service was as good as you make it. Ambiance better than most. I will return read more

100% cosigning the other review about the cookies. There are not to be missed and are alone worth the trip to this fine establishment. But they are just one piece of the awesome. The vibe is good, the service is friendly, and the biscuit with the hot honey and just the right amount of salt to enhance its buttery goodness was delightful. And the fried green tomato tartine is a dish I will be thinking about for a looooonnnngggg time and wishing we lived nearby so I could eat it all the time. It was an amazing blend of crunch and softness and flavor - innovative and perfectly executed! This was a GREAT spot to grab a bite! read more

I had the shrimps and grits., and it was smacking. Super jumbo shrimp and the grits were to die for. Highly recommended.

Roux is a staple of the Hyde Park/UChicago area. Their beignets are amazing and are more cakey than fluffy but super soft and fresh. I recommend the Patty Melt or Shrimp and Grits. The hot chicken and waffles are overly spicy so it takes away from the flavor and the waffles are a cornbread texture. They're a small local business and the prices are pretty high for the food, but you have to go at least once and it helps to support small businesses. Their interior is clean and they have an outdoor eating space when it's nice outside. The staff is very friendly. *safe for nut allergies if you ask* read more

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Working nearby at University of Chicago really works up an appetite, and when I was looking for a new place to try in Hyde Park, I was intrigued by Roux. It definitely surpassed my expectations. I got the biscuits and gravy with a cappuccino and both were filled with incredible flavor and care. The cashier was incredibly kind and polite, and overall very clean restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere. I'll be back sooner rather than later. read more

Delicious and generous, good service and decor is lovely. Biscuits and strawberry jam were the best I have had in years.

Loved everything about Roux from start to finish. Parking was easy and it was accessible from the street. We went for a later lunch and it while it was still a little busy, food came out quickly and there was space to sit. I personally love the order at the counter and sit down with your number concept. As a former Carolinian, I love the southern vibe/decor of this place! There were so many tasty pastries on display and the menu had many yummy dishes to choose from. After much debate, I ordered the cold fried chicken salad and my husband ordered the shrimp and grits, both DELICIOUS. The portions were big but we ate it all no problem. There were so many other things I wanted to try, like the pimento cheese app, but next time we are in the area I will definitely make a point to come back. Don't miss this gem if you're looking for an amazing brunch spot! read more

Roux Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Next level diner! The variety of ways in which they prepare the grits is eclectic--exceptionally creative. The crème de la crème is fittingly the shrimp and grits. Honestly, other than the not so traditional "Traditional Patty Melt" I tried once and LOVED, I order a version of the grits--usually the shrimp & grits--every time I eat here. Grits are the order of the day here in my humble opinion. The "Stone Ground Heirloom Grits" cleverly come served in multiple ways: 1) "Covered" (cheese); 2) "Chunked" (smothered with THICK cut bacon--ridiculously good); 3) "Country" (sausage gravy--rich and succulent); 4) "Cracked" (with eggs--get it "CRACKED" as in a cracked egg and you pick the egg preparation, but I suggest over easy because the creamy consistency with the grits is a match made in heaven--trust me); 5) "Capped" (mushrooms); and, 6) "Smothered" (caramelized onions). All are $10 or less and OUTSTANDING! But the coup de grâce is the "Fully Loaded" compromised of all six of the above ingredients - an abundance of decadent food. ($18 is reasonable for this dish). Then my favorite classic shrimp $ grits. There are many delicious offerings on the menu but for me this is my go to spot for grits. If I lived in Hyde Park I'd eat here weekly! read more

We stopped at Roux around 2:30 on a Saturday. It was busy, but we only had to wait in line a few minutes. I had the fried green tomato tartine. It was very good. The pimento cheese made it a bit spicy (I'm a midwesterner, so my spicy may not be yours) but it was still very enjoyable. I just wish I would've ordered a drink besides a hot latte - spicy and hot latte were not a good combo for me, but that's personal preference. We had the pimento cheese with fried saltines for an appetizer. Fabulous, unless you dislike old bay then you won't enjoy the cracker seasoning. There were some bold flavors in that small dish. My husband had the chicken fried steak and said it was well seasoned and he enjoyed it. He also had a biscuit. Wow! The biscuit was perfect. Fluffy, seasoned, not dry, just really well done. I also had a chocolate chip cookie. No nuts, with flaky sea salt on top - just right! It was busy, so it was a bit noisy for my taste, it cut down on our conversation. But the food was worth it. read more

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Such good food! The beignets and the fried green tomato tartine are must trys! The biscuits and gravy was also good.

Came here for breakfast on a quiet Sunday morning. I was honestly surprised this place wasn't packed. There was a short line, but plenty of tables open. The line is to place your order and then they bring the food to you once you're food is ready. Napkins, utensils and water are all at a counter where you can help yourself. Very casual. We started off with an order of their beignets. My wife ordered their Hot Chicken & Waffles and I ordered their Shrimp & Grits. You get three beignets with 1 order. They come hot and covered in powdered sugar. They were good, but I wouldn't really call them beignets. They tasted more like a regular donut to. A true beignet would be more fluffy and airy. These were really dense. Would I still order them again? Probably. My wife's Hot chicken & waffles were so damn delicious. I'm a sucker for hot chicken and, this entree packed some heat. It was served on a waffle and sweet syrup to complement the heat. The chicken itself was very tender and juicy. It would order this again in a heartbeat. I've always wanted to try shrimp & grits, but unfortunately have never been able to until this visit. This dish was also just as delicious as the chicken & waffles. The grits were amazing and came with a chile Worcestershire butter. The hot chicken was too spicy for my wife so we unfortunately had to trade dishes. I honestly didn't mind. They were both so damn good. I will definitely be back. read more

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Good food, long wait annoying line and no directions to avoid being stuck in a doorway or entrance foyer and outside the place. I'd give it another star if they could get their logistics down. read more

Roux Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Decided to stop in here today for brunch. Upon arriving, noticed the line was kind of long but it ended up moving fairly quickly. Once you get inside you have to scan the QR code to get the menu. You place your order and pay at the host stand. It's pretty much self service and you are given a number to place at your table. If you order coffee there is a shared space where you can get creme and sugar as well as other condiments. You have to get water yourself as well. You can select where you would like to sit and the restaurant is a decent size. I had the brisket hash and some beignets. Really wanted a cinnamon roll but they were out. I have heard they are amazing so will have to come back and try it. Looking forward to visiting again soon! read more

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Cashier 10/10 customer service Food 4/10 (overall rating) Shrimp and grits 7.5/10 (it was ok) a pinch of extra seasoning might help Devil eggs 1/10 (too salty) & you only get 3 for $7 ‍ Atmosphere location 10/10 beautiful and clean Catfish 6/10 (didn't taste fresh) something was most definitely off about the fish i couldn't finish it. The sauce that came with it was not it at all. I didn't like it one bit. I had high hopes for this place but some improvements on food need to be made. I spent $68 and didn't feel as if it was worth that much. Everybody taste buds are different though so check them out if you're interested. I'm not sure if I'll be returning tho. read more

Roux Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

OMG Roux Diner is a true find in Hyde Park. The ambiance is so calm and relaxing with lots of light and a variety of seating from bar to tables. It's fast casual, order and pay in advance at the counter and find a table that suits your needs. Your order will be delivered to your table shortly after you sit down. The food is truly amazing! From stellar baked goods to perfect brisket hash with roasted baby potatoes with an egg on top as you like it. The scramble was perfectly cooked and light as a cloud. Loved their quiche as well. Make sure to get the beignets, cinnamon rolls and morning buns. The coffee is so good too!!! I went to Roux Diner for breakfast two days in a row and it will be my go to breakfast joint every time I visit Chicago! read more

Really cool fast casual southern style diner right in Hyde Park. I appreciated the entire setup and vibe of the place. You order, get a number, seat yourself, then someone brings over your food. It's all really easy with no fuss involved. The food itself was really tasty too. The beignets were on point, it tasted like carnival fried though. The brisket has was also tasty, generous portion of brisket with super crispy potatoes topped off with eggs. I'm only knocking a star down for the fried catfish (not picture). Nothing bad about it but just unremarkable. read more

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I really wanted to be enthusiastic about this place, but the best I can say is that it's OK. The diner itself is really nice - it's lively, bright, and open seating upon ordering, and they bring your meal out to you. (For days where the weather is cooperating, there is outdoor seating.) The service is pretty quick, so don't feel discouraged if there's a line out the door. I ordered the chicken fried steak, and I ultimately feel like that was a mistake. The only good thing about the entree is that the steak's breading was light and flavored well - otherwise, the steak itself was very tough, and the mashed potatoes were almost too mashed for my liking (they almost had the consistency of the gravy). My chai latte's flavor was diluted with the oat milk that I opted to get as my milk choice, so beware. My table also ordered begniets, and they tasted more like a cake donut. Someone at my table ordered the avocado toast, which if I do visit again, I would order because just from what I tasted, that was very good. read more

Roux Diner - Chicken Fried Steak. The steak's breading is good, but the steak itself was pretty tough. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Used to really enjoy this place until I had a few bad meals, one leading to food poisoning. This place really fell off starting in the fall 2025. Disappointing bc there's few brunch spots in hyde park. read more

Roux is set up differently, but I like it. We met friends here for brunch on a Sunday ... PRIME time. So even though we had to wait in line, we were fine. First off, you can park for free around here. That's amazing! Second, you'll know immediately upon arrival if it's going to be a quick seating or if you'll need to wait awhile. No reservations. No waitlist. Just wait your turn in line, place your order, and pay at the counter. By the time you reach the counter, one of the staff members most likely already asked you how many were in your group. For us, they found a table that was accommodating for a stroller and a high chair for a tiny diner. That was an unexpected, but very much appreciated move. No rushing to save a table. No worrying that we won't have anywhere to go. They had it handled! I read that the sausage biscuit was the way to go and that is 100% correct. It's a flaky biscuit with housemade sausage, aioli, egg, etc. - just order one! We also tried the potatoes which were great and a side of bacon (solid, but normal). Our friends got a seasonal scone - rosemary, nutmeg, and cranberry I think - among other things. VERY good. Overall, a great halfway point to meet our pals. I'd probably aim to come at a different time if possible to shorten the wait, but it really wasn't too bad. Service and food were both really good! read more

Roux Diner - Sausage biscuit, potatoes, bacon, and a latte. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I ordered the shrimp and grits and added mushrooms to my grits. The BEST shrimp and grits I've had. And the coffee was good too. I'll definitely be back when I'm back in Chicago . read more

Roux Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here for a breakfast date! It's a cute breakfast spot in Hyde Park. You walk in and order at the counter and chose your own seat. The food was good, as well as the service. I got the avocado toast which was tasty and filling. read more

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