Roux

Roux is a family-owned French bistro and craft cocktail bar at 688 Park Avenue in Rochester, NY. Opened in early 2015 in the space formerly occupied by Cafe Cibon, the restaurant is run by the Banister-Swan family — mother Robin Banister and daughters Ashley and Paulina Swan. It is part of the Swan Family of Restaurants, a hospitality group that operates eight locations across the Rochester area, including Swan Dive and Vern's. Chef Ashley Swan, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, leads the kitchen with a focus on both classic and nouveau French cooking.

Roux serves seasonal French cuisine built around locally sourced ingredients and regional producers. The menu changes with the seasons, and the kitchen also runs nightly specials alongside the regular dinner and brunch offerings. Beyond the food, the restaurant maintains an expansive wine list featuring French and natural wines, a craft cocktail program, and an absinthe bar — a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other dining options on Park Avenue. The restaurant accommodates group reservations of up to 16 and offers outdoor seating during the summer months. Vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options are available.

• Seasonal French dinner menu with nightly specials
• Weekend brunch service
• Craft cocktails and curated wine list
• Absinthe bar

Roux is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10:30 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

Roux is known for its Parisian-inspired atmosphere and hyper-seasonal approach to French bistro cooking. Chef Ashley Swan's training at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan shapes a menu that prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients presented in the tradition of French home-style and bistro fare. The absinthe bar, complete with a traditional absinthe fountain, gives the restaurant a distinctive identity within Rochester's dining scene. The Swan family's roughly three decades in Rochester hospitality — beginning with Robin Banister's espresso bar at Monroe Community College — lend the operation deep local roots.

Roux sits along the Park Avenue corridor in Rochester's cultural district, a walkable stretch lined with independent shops, cafes, and galleries. The neighborhood hosts the annual Park Avenue Summer Art Festival and draws a mix of residents and visitors year-round. The restaurant offers free off-street parking and provides sidewalk seating in warmer months, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the area on foot or by car.