I can’t believe I missed this painting of the original location on Lake Street by campus (LSU) on my first couple of trips to the Rocco’s on Drusilla. This is the original store located underneath the Chimes Street Washateria around twenty five years ago. After digging into the bbq beef poboy, I had a lot of confidence in the philly style and the roast beef and gravy and neither disappointed. I got the roast beef with gravy, swiss and raw onions. Magnificent. The philly came with provolone and grilled peppers and onions. The onion strings were good and crisp and fresh, and it’s always nice to be able to get a bottle of Barq’s with your meal. Still got a ways to go before I travel the whole Rocco’s menu, but I’m game. Looking to try the ham and cheese next I think.
Originally published in April 2019. We’ve lost this fine restaurant to the pandemic.
I’ve been dragging my feet on this one because the tacos are the bomb, but I hadn’t tried the brunch yet until this past weekend. Had some friends in town who also hadn’t tried the brunch so it worked out, even though we got there right in the middle of rush and had to stand around for an hour before we were seated. Worked out though–we had plenty of catching up to do, but that is the only downside to Rum House–it can be very crowded sometimes. Also, depending on where you are coming from, happy hour can be hard to get to because of Perkins Road traffic and you fight for parking since Olive or Twist shares the same parking lots. Worth it though. Great atmosphere. The whole place turns open air when the weather is nice. One of the nicer and funkier patios in BR. And exotic tacos filled with curried lamb, duck cracklings, fried oysters, blackened mahi–I’m sure you’re getting the picture (pictures).
The brunch buffet is in a room of its own off the patio and is extensive. The main strength is the number of condiments to dress your own breakfast nachos or add to the breakfast tacos, or dress out your buttermilk biscuits or blueberry pancakes. There’s a variety of scrambled egg dishes and breakfast meats and of course, fruit and yogurt.
Rum House is definitely worth any traffic or parking hassles you encounter, and worth the wait if it’s busy. Set aside some time, some island time, especially at brunch because once you’re there, you won’t be in a hurry to leave.
