I have been a big fan of the main Roux Dat in Capitola and have tried the stews there (Jambalaya and etouffee) many times. However, I saw some good reviews about the po'boy sandwiches so I decided to get some at the restaurant in Santa Cruz since it was closer. We decided to get a pulled pork po'boy with cajun fries and fried shrimp po'boy with a small portion of etouffee as a side (we want to get fried oyster or fried catfish, but it was not available). The fried shrimp was a bit salty in my opinion and the cajun fries were under seasoned, I decided to dip it in the etouffee stew for more taste. The pulled pork po'boy was decent since I like bbq sauce. Overall, my experience with Doux Rat in Capitola was better and I hope to go next time for the stew again.
Rick S.
You don't see many places that even serve Cajun/creole food, so I was excited to check this place out! I got the jambalaya with sausage, chicken, and shrimp and it was the perfect dinner for a chilly evening in Santa Cruz!! The stew was rich in flavor and had just enough of a kick to keep you coming for just another bite. Before I knew it my bowl was cleaned! I would definitely recommend giving this place a shot!
Jessamyn Ochoa
The food is delicious and the portions are pretty big. We tried the gumbo and jambalaya and they were both very delicious and served with the most amazing garlic bread. Their service was great with efficient and friendly staff.
Misha T.
Had a mix of jambalaya and the crawfish one (maque choux maybe?) and a side of hush puppies. It was all pretty solid though not extraordinary. I've always felt that these stews are kind of can't miss though some places can certainly be extraordinary. Roux Dat doesn't really hit any crazy highs but for the price/speed it's a good deal.
Christopher S.
The vegan jambalaya is hearty and delicious! I'm always looking for excellent soups this time of year, and this is a welcome downtown addition!
Sam L.
My friend and I went on a Saturday evening around 4:30 pm and there was little to no wait. The staff here were super patient and accommodating. I got a large Roux Dat Stew with half vegan jambalaya and half vegetarian black bean and corn maque choux. With the beach breeze, I felt the cajun seasonings were the perfect amount of spice kick to help complete the sunset beach vibes. I did feel that the beignets had too much powdered sugar and a bit tough to chew through - but they were free with a Yelp check in, so still super grateful.
Satya G.
I had the chicken nuggets with French fries. The chicken was moist and tender, and had the Cajun spice rub so it was delicious. The fries were also seasoned with the Cajun spices. The location was very vibrant. There is a food court in that building with multiple restaurants and bars so I liked the ambience too.
John And Jani Lockwood
Excellent cajun......the courtyard is a good ? atmosphere to sit down and dine.
John-paul L.
Great food! I went because my sister's name is Roux and I thought she would get a kick out of me going there. I had the fried chicken sandwich and the jambalaya. Both were excellent. It was a warm day so I thought jambalaya would be a bad idea but hell no, it was just what the doctor ordered.
Celine V.
I was in New Orleans for three years. They would punch me if they heard me say I like the gumbo and étouffée best here. I've been to the fanciest of places, as well as, the most authentic. But genuinely, I feel that if you were to blindfold taste test me... I would choose the cajun creole new orleanian food here. Their hush puppies with mustard is so freaking yummy I wanted 50 pounds of it. But of course, I live 8 hours away. The consistency was very perfectly thick and warm and crazy good for the soups. I was more than satisfied, I was really happy.
Visiting Santa Cruz and stopped by for a quick lunch, good portion and tasty. We parked at a public structure and walked to this little place next to the museum, there is some sitting area outside just perfect for people watching and some quick lunch.
Michael K
This is one of the restaurants that surrounds Abbott Square. Like other restaurants in the square, it is for take-out only and you pick your own table outside in the square to enjoy the meal. The service was good and so was the food. Of course being able to relax in the open air square is a bonus.
aaron l.
I had high hopes snd they fell flat. The service was really mediocre. Not friendly at all. Plus they just tossed the food up on the counter when it was ready. Calling out a name or sending a text would have been great. Shrimp po'boy with fries. The fries were really weak. Soggy but loaded with dried Cajun seasoning so they had a gritty but soggy texture. And with all the seasoning they lacked salt. The po'boy bun was pretty good. The shrimp were ok but lacked seasoning. The slaw was ok. I'd love it if they had a home made hot sauce vs packets of premade sauce.
Justin Tam
Cajun fries were bland.
Coastal C.
Get your DESSERT here! My rating is for their hot beignets and rum sauce. I came to Abbott Square with friends on a Friday night for the live music, drinks, and variety of eateries. I've been a fan of Roux Dat's Capitola location for years and looked forward to getting their delicious fresh hot beignets for dessert while I was enjoying the vibe at Abbott Square. The beignets never disappoint!
I have been a big fan of the main Roux Dat in Capitola and have tried the stews there (Jambalaya and etouffee) many times. However, I saw some good reviews about the po'boy sandwiches so I decided to get some at the restaurant in Santa Cruz since it was closer. We decided to get a pulled pork po'boy with cajun fries and fried shrimp po'boy with a small portion of etouffee as a side (we want to get fried oyster or fried catfish, but it was not available). The fried shrimp was a bit salty in my opinion and the cajun fries were under seasoned, I decided to dip it in the etouffee stew for more taste. The pulled pork po'boy was decent since I like bbq sauce. Overall, my experience with Doux Rat in Capitola was better and I hope to go next time for the stew again.
You don't see many places that even serve Cajun/creole food, so I was excited to check this place out! I got the jambalaya with sausage, chicken, and shrimp and it was the perfect dinner for a chilly evening in Santa Cruz!! The stew was rich in flavor and had just enough of a kick to keep you coming for just another bite. Before I knew it my bowl was cleaned! I would definitely recommend giving this place a shot!
The food is delicious and the portions are pretty big. We tried the gumbo and jambalaya and they were both very delicious and served with the most amazing garlic bread. Their service was great with efficient and friendly staff.
Had a mix of jambalaya and the crawfish one (maque choux maybe?) and a side of hush puppies. It was all pretty solid though not extraordinary. I've always felt that these stews are kind of can't miss though some places can certainly be extraordinary. Roux Dat doesn't really hit any crazy highs but for the price/speed it's a good deal.
The vegan jambalaya is hearty and delicious! I'm always looking for excellent soups this time of year, and this is a welcome downtown addition!
My friend and I went on a Saturday evening around 4:30 pm and there was little to no wait. The staff here were super patient and accommodating. I got a large Roux Dat Stew with half vegan jambalaya and half vegetarian black bean and corn maque choux. With the beach breeze, I felt the cajun seasonings were the perfect amount of spice kick to help complete the sunset beach vibes. I did feel that the beignets had too much powdered sugar and a bit tough to chew through - but they were free with a Yelp check in, so still super grateful.
I had the chicken nuggets with French fries. The chicken was moist and tender, and had the Cajun spice rub so it was delicious. The fries were also seasoned with the Cajun spices. The location was very vibrant. There is a food court in that building with multiple restaurants and bars so I liked the ambience too.
Excellent cajun......the courtyard is a good ? atmosphere to sit down and dine.
Great food! I went because my sister's name is Roux and I thought she would get a kick out of me going there. I had the fried chicken sandwich and the jambalaya. Both were excellent. It was a warm day so I thought jambalaya would be a bad idea but hell no, it was just what the doctor ordered.
I was in New Orleans for three years. They would punch me if they heard me say I like the gumbo and étouffée best here. I've been to the fanciest of places, as well as, the most authentic. But genuinely, I feel that if you were to blindfold taste test me... I would choose the cajun creole new orleanian food here. Their hush puppies with mustard is so freaking yummy I wanted 50 pounds of it. But of course, I live 8 hours away. The consistency was very perfectly thick and warm and crazy good for the soups. I was more than satisfied, I was really happy.
Restaurantji Recommends
Visiting Santa Cruz and stopped by for a quick lunch, good portion and tasty. We parked at a public structure and walked to this little place next to the museum, there is some sitting area outside just perfect for people watching and some quick lunch.
This is one of the restaurants that surrounds Abbott Square. Like other restaurants in the square, it is for take-out only and you pick your own table outside in the square to enjoy the meal. The service was good and so was the food. Of course being able to relax in the open air square is a bonus.
I had high hopes snd they fell flat. The service was really mediocre. Not friendly at all. Plus they just tossed the food up on the counter when it was ready. Calling out a name or sending a text would have been great. Shrimp po'boy with fries. The fries were really weak. Soggy but loaded with dried Cajun seasoning so they had a gritty but soggy texture. And with all the seasoning they lacked salt. The po'boy bun was pretty good. The shrimp were ok but lacked seasoning. The slaw was ok. I'd love it if they had a home made hot sauce vs packets of premade sauce.
Cajun fries were bland.
Get your DESSERT here! My rating is for their hot beignets and rum sauce. I came to Abbott Square with friends on a Friday night for the live music, drinks, and variety of eateries. I've been a fan of Roux Dat's Capitola location for years and looked forward to getting their delicious fresh hot beignets for dessert while I was enjoying the vibe at Abbott Square. The beignets never disappoint!