After doing some crack research, I have determined that even though Baton Rouge serves southern-style cuisine with distinct Louisiana �avours, the chain is actually Canadian, originating in Quebec before opening locations across the GTA. So go ahead and pronounce ‘Baton Rouge’ with a French-Canadian accent, or with a southern drawl and you will be neither right nor wrong. Glad we cleared that up…

Sure, the �rst Baton Rouge was located in Quebec, but the rustic-upscale restaurant chain with the infamous Baby Back Ribs has truly taken o� here in Toronto. Though the BBQ Ribs are undeniably the restaurant's most recognizable claim to fame, the entire menu is brimming with timeless dining classics prepared to perfection on your plate. It’s hard not to become a resto-rubber-necker as steaming dishes piled high go back and forth from chefs in white cooking in front of an open �ame grill.

The smoked hickory aroma from the kitchen makes the large square footage feel like a warm and intimate escape – a perfect �t for an after-work event, date night or après theatre dining.

The menu o�ers high quality choices, without being too cute with portion sizes. There are not a lot of places serving sides of skillet baked beans or piping hot cinnamon apples. Still want fries with that? Pair your ribs, steaks and burgers with a mound of crispy fries or a fully-loaded (meal-sized) baked potato.

Order an appetizer to share, like the Southern-Style Louisiana Spinach Dip or the Grilled Calamari with warm brown butter sauce. Relax and stay awhile in the cozy, stylish (but unpretentious) dining room or pull up a chair, and order an after-work drink at the extensive bar with your fellow corporate urbanites.

Baton Rouge can accommodate large groups, or dinner for two at one of 8 locations in Toronto and the GTA.

Baton Rouge 230 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill