“To be Southern is to be many things.” This understanding of the patchwork of Southern culture led to the naming of Mary Allison Wright and McLain Hedges’ newest restaurant, Rougarou. “Le Rougarou” refers to a shapeshifter found in Cajun folklore, historically used as both a cautionary tale and a source of mischief. But for Mary and McLain, co-creators of Yacht Club, it also represents the multitudes found with Southern culture and cuisine. From their hometown of Chattanooga, TN, to New Orleans, the team at Rougarou has woven something special together to represent the areas and dishes that have formed them.
Rougarou’s menus are welcoming, unexpected, and fun. Executive Chef JohnDavid Wright, also Mary’s brother, brings finesse to family dishes and classic southern meals. When asked how it felt to be bringing cuisine and recipes that raised them, Mary responded, “We are all experiencing this level of contentment we haven’t experienced before, it does not feel forced.” Dishes of note include Hot and Sour Catfish*, Blue Cheese Tart, Granddad’s Chicken, and Rice Pudding. Not be eaten alone, be sure to order a Sorghum Daiquiri*, Bananas Foster Julep, or Melon Sazerac.
Not only are Mary, McLain, and JohnDavid sharing their story with you, they are forever hospitable and ensuring you will be well fed late into the night. With the kitchen open till 1 AM, Denver finally has a spot to grab food and drink after a late work night or show with friends.
Rougarou will also continue to morph, with the opening of a bottle shop next door called Overpour, “a curated bottle shop mixed with a Cracker Barrel gift shop.” Opening around Thanksgiving 2025, Overpour is your one-stop spot to grab wine, cheese, and small gifts for your upcoming holiday party. It will also serve “The Backyard,” the final form of Rougarou, to open in the summer of 2026 for individuals to choose their own adventure, purchase a bottle of wine, and sit outside while enjoying live music.
Visit Rougarou on Welton Street in the Five Points neighborhood. Doors and kitchen open 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. every day but Wednesday. Reservations can be made at LeRougarou.com.
*$1 from every serving goes to Curtis Park Neighbors, to support efforts serving Rougarou’s neighbors.
“We are all experiencing this level of contentment we haven’t experienced before, it does not feel forced.”