Hugo’s Oyster bar

Location: Roswell, Georgia

Ok, so let me begin by saying, This restaurant will surprise you!” We chose this, simply, because we were returning from Atlanta, and it was rated #7 on TripAdvisor. The restaurant we wanted (that’s higher on the list) had a 45 minute wait at lunchtime, and we didn’t want to travel to downtown, where several of the other restaurants listed #1-6 on TripAdvisor are located. So, we chose Hugo’s.

Upon arrival, we pull into a corner, city lot, drive completely around the building, as the parking is a bit limited, and park on the far side of the building. Now, this gives us a chance to see all the “ugly” of the backside of the building, and to be honest, it is quite ugly. The building is painted white, which would be fine if it didn’t need some pressure washing. There was a camp chair just sitting on one side. The back of the building really needs an enclosure for all the stuff that’s back there, and the side where we entered was just, in general, in a bit of dishevelment. I don’t mean to be nit picky here; I’m only trying to set the stage for you, because as we entered, my husband and I were very hesitant, and had it not been noon, we might have just left. His last words before we walked in the door were, “Well, this is one of those times, we’re just going to have to trust TripAdvisor.”

TripAdvisor did not fail us!! Let me tell you…

Everything was absolutely phenomenal!! We ordered fried green tomatoes, as an appetizer, blackened red fish with creamed corn and fried okra, blackened grouper with Mac and cheese truffle and red beans and rice, and a filet with fries. The filet just melted in your mouth! Both fish were cooked to perfection, and the sides were incredible! Note, the creamed corn is prepared more of a southwestern style; so, it’s a little different if you’re expecting a southern style, but it was still quite tasty. The okra seemed to be hand-breaded in house, and it has just the right amount of salt and pepper: delicious! The Mac and cheese was homemade and amazing, and the fries were your traditional steakhouse fries. Yum!

Yet, these delectable dishes were almost completely outshined by what came next… DESSERT! OH. MY. WORD. Let me share for just a moment…

My husband ordered the key lime pie, and even though I didn’t share the pic, because it really didn’t have a great eye appeal, it tasted just like one of our favorite key lime pies from The Keys. The chocolate cake our son ordered was wonderful. It looked very small on the plate, but it was so rich, it packed a mighty punch! However, the most amazing dessert was the praline beignets. HOLY. MOLY!! WOW!! The little doughnuts alone would have been incredible, but that praline syrup with which they’re served… Can I just drink it?? 😂 I’m going to definitely be craving these again! Wow!

A couple of disclaimers so you know ahead of time… when they bring you the check, be prepared to get your feelings hurt. It’ll be a big one. 😉 Yet, this kind of food is definitely worth it! … if you go for lunch, and the the server doesn’t give you a dinner menu, you might want one. That’s what has the appetizers and market fish list. … if you don’t like oysters, as I do not, don’t be turned off by the limited lunch menu. Those po’boys liked amazing as they were being served to other tables, and you can order a half with soup and salad, which we may just go back and try sometime…if I can get past the amazing grouper!

This place just goes to prove, you can’t always judge a book by its cover. Had we not been in the circumstances of lunch hour in Roswell, because of the look of the backside of the building, and because we’re not huge oyster fans, we may not have stayed to enjoy such an amazing meal! We will definitely be back!!

Website for location and menu options.