Bâton Rouge Dollard-des-Ormeaux: Legendary Ribs & Hearty Comfort Food

A romantic and slightly rebellious dinner filled with smoky ribs, Santa Fe chicken and pure comfort.

This weekend, I decided it was time to swap the usual takeout routine for a proper sit-down dinner at the Bâton Rouge Dollard-des-Ormeaux Grillhouse & Bar location. There is something special about real plates, clinking cutlery, and the low buzz of a busy dining room that makes the meal feel like an occasion. Saturdays at this popular rib and steakhouse are almost impossible to book, so I quickly shifted gears and made a reservation for Sunday instead. It looked quiet online, almost too quiet, and I should have known better.

As soon as we pulled up, I realized Bâton Rouge was anything but quiet. The parking lot was packed, the front entrance was buzzing, and cars were lined up looking for somewhere to park. We circled the building a few times with zero luck. Then I spotted a tempting spot across the street in the pharmacy parking lot, complete with bold towing warnings. Sometimes a man has to take risks for great BBQ ribs. I parked, we crossed busy St. Jean Boulevard, yes, we jaywalked, and my daughter would have absolutely disapproved. My wife was fully convinced we would come back to a space and a long walk home in the cold.

The moment we stepped inside, all doubt disappeared. The warm aroma of grilled meat, smoky barbecue sauce, sizzling butter, and toasted spices filled the air. The restaurant was a full house. An older gentleman was placing a takeout order at the counter, a scene that felt wonderfully old school. After a short wait, we were shown to our table and finally had a chance to relax. Our waiter arrived with menus and utensils, and we slipped into our familiar routine of friendly teasing, where I happily played the role of the punchline if it brought a smile to my wife’s face.

Bâton Rouge has built its reputation on its legendary BBQ pork back ribs, and for good reason. These slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs have been a signature for over 30 years and remain one of the best orders on the menu. Their rich, smoky, slightly sweet sauce is instantly recognizable. The restaurant is also known for its impressive steak selection, including filet mignon, New York striploin, rib steak, and classic prime rib, all cooked to perfection and served with hearty sides like garlic mashed potatoes or a fully loaded baked potato. It is a dream spot for steak lovers looking for bold, dependable flavor.

Ribs have an intriguing history that turned simple, overlooked cuts into a BBQ favorite. Once considered less desirable, industrial meatpacking made ribs widely available and transformed them into a beloved staple of barbecue cuisine. Today, the four main types, Baby Back, Spare, St. Louis-Style, and Country-Style, each offer their own distinct flavor and texture. Ribs have even left a mark on history. While modern BBQ ribs are relatively recent, evidence shows that ancient peoples, possibly even at sites like Stonehenge, practiced barbecue-style roasting, proving that the love of perfectly cooked, flavorful meat spans centuries.

Normally, we would start with an appetizer like the Crispy Brussels Sprouts drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey, topped with maple candied pecans, and finished with a sesame and tahini vinaigrette, or the creamy Spinach Dip loaded with spinach, artichoke hearts, and melted cheese served with warm tortilla chips. The menu also shines when it comes to seafood, with dishes like grilled black tiger shrimp, buttery lobster tails, golden crab cakes, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and tender black cod gnocchi. Add to that perfectly grilled chicken dishes, crispy chicken tenders, juicy Canadian beef burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and tender prime rib sandwiches, and you have options for just about every craving. This time, though, I skipped all of that because I had one clear goal in mind.

I ordered a full rack of Bâton Rouge’s famous ribs, paired with a generous portion of crispy golden fries and a heaping scoop of creamy, tangy coleslaw. I usually opt for baked beans, but the fries were calling my name. My wife stayed loyal to her longtime favorite, the Santa Fe Chicken, a beautifully grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed red peppers and zucchini, crumbled goat cheese, and that signature jardinière sauce, served alongside a fragrant wild rice pilaf that never disappoints.

The food arrived faster than expected, still steaming and looking incredible. My wife glanced nervously out the window, half-joking about whether our car was still there. I chose to ignore that thought and focus on what was in front of me. The first bite of ribs was pure satisfaction. Tender, juicy, smoky, and slightly sweet, the meat slid cleanly off the bone. It was the kind of comforting, flavour-packed meal that reminds you exactly why Bâton Rouge has remained a favorite for rib lovers for decades.

My wife savored every bite of her Santa Fe Chicken, just as she does every visit. It is her go-to dish for a reason. Over the years, I have tried several of Bâton Rouge’s burgers as well, and they have always delivered. Consistency is not easy in the restaurant world, yet this place continues to get it right every time.

Although our regular waiter was not there, he had mentioned plans to retire on our last visit, our new waiter more than rose to the occasion. He was witty, attentive, and genuinely fun to interact with. He kept our drinks topped up, matched our energy, and made the experience even more enjoyable. A generous tip was more than deserved.

When we finally stepped back outside, we crossed the street with a mix of hope and nerves. To our absolute relief, the car was still sitting exactly where I had left it. No tow truck, no ticket, just a clean, lucky escape. The perfect ending to a delicious, slightly rebellious, and thoroughly satisfying dinner date.

If you are craving fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfectly grilled steaks, rich comfort sides, and a lively atmosphere that always delivers, Bâton Rouge continues to prove why it remains a trusted favorite for hearty, unforgettable meals. The restaurant is located at 3839 Boul. Saint-Jean in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, and their full menu is available to explore online before your next visit.