"Brennan’s is a Creole classic, and so is its gumbo du jour. With a deep, mahogany-colored roux, a seafood broth base, and a sprinkling of filé herbs like soup perfume, the details of this gumbo are all dialed in, probably because Brennan’s has been making it for years. And even though the toppings like andouille sausage, shrimp, and crawfish rotate seasonally, the base stays consistently excellent, balancing richness with smoke, seafood, and a nutty roux. For a seasoned gumbo—both spice and skill-wise—go to Brennan’s. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi