NEW ORLEANS - The Po-Boy is a traditional New Orleans sandwich first created during the Great Depression by streetcar conductors. The streetcar conductors often had no meal, but that did not stop them from preparing and serving a simple, filling sandwich. The Martin brothers saw that streetcar conductors went hungry during strikes, and they decided to make a way to feed the striking men and women. They created the classic Po-Boy sandwich with a long loaf and beef cooked slowly in gravy.
Who Makes the Best Po-Boys in New Orleans?
Po-Boys are New Orleans' state sandwich. Served with beef or seafood, these sandwiches are huge and filling. Whether you want a chicken po-boy, beef po-boy, or a shrimp po-boy, you'll find them at Parran's Po-Boys Uptown. Below are some of our favorite spots to grab a Po'Boy in The Big Easy ''NOLA."
1. Killer PoBoys
If you're a sandwich lover, you'll want to try Killer PoBoys. This sandwich shop serves up gourmet po' boys on Vietnamese baguettes. It also has an award-winning cocktail list. For more information, check out their website. Po'boys are a New Orleans staple, based on a long, thin-crust bread. The chefs at Killer PoBoys embrace this tradition while adding inventive fillings. You'll be able to enjoy a Killer Poboy in one of their two locations in the French Quarter: one is inside the Erin Rose bar, and the other is right next door.
2. Johnny's Po-Boys
Johnny's Po-Boys is a popular counter-serve po' boy joint, opened in 1950. It's known for serving a variety of Creole dishes in addition to the traditional po'boy. Customers rave about the freshness and taste of the meat. The oldest family-owned po-boy shop in New Orleans. The store grew from its humble beginnings as customers were encouraged to put their money in the cash register. Soon, the restaurant was serving the French Quarter crowd. In addition to its traditional fried-po-boys, Johnny's offered Muffaletta sandwiches filled with ham, salami, mozzarella, and olive mix.
3. Guy's Po-Boys
You can get some of the best Po' Boys in the Big Easy at Guy's Po-Boys, a cash-only sandwich shop specializing in delicious sandwiches. The menu includes chicken and pork po' boys, fried shrimp, and more. The sandwich shop is located in a tiny counter-serve space. Guests can find a variety of Po-Boys at Guy's, including fried shrimp po-boys and fried catfish. They will also find delicious root beer and tea to quench their thirst, and the prices are very reasonable. There's also a cute interior that adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
4. Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar
If you're looking for a good po'boy, you've come to the right place. This local institution has been serving up massive po'boys and beer since 1924. You can't go wrong with a po'boy with a huge portion of potato chips and a pitcher of cold beer. Its history and current menu make it a must-visit for any New Orleans foodie. Initially, the Pete Domilise Po-Boy & Bar was a stand-up bar with no seating. It served po-boys and plate lunches. The building still maintains the original layout.
5. Mahony's Po-boys & Seafood
Mahony's Po-Boies & Seafood is a New Orleans landmark that pays homage to the classic neighborhood po-boy shops of the past. It combines fresh ingredients from local farms and fishermen with family recipes to create classic and modern versions of New Orleans' favorite sandwich. The menu features 22 different kinds of po'boys. You can order them plain or stuffed with a variety of toppings. The regular po-boy comes with Zapp's chips and a fountain drink. The menu also includes fried chicken livers, gulf shrimp, and oysters. Fried onion rings are also part of the regular menu. Fried catfish is another popular item. Served with French fries and gravy, this New Orleans staple is sure to satisfy your craving for fresh seafood.
6. Parran's Po-Boys Uptown
If you're visiting New Orleans and looking for a great lunch spot, Parran's Po-Boy has opened on Prytania Street in Uptown. This counter-service po-boy shop, which was first opened in Metairie, has been around for 40 years. The Uptown location will feature the same menu as other locations. You'll find classic po-boys here, muffulettas, and other creole favorites. Fried and crusty chicken are just a few other specialties at Parran's.
7. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
The classic po-boy is a New Orleans staple, and this neighborhood favorite offers an excellent patio for eating. The patio serves classic po-boys as well as other Louisiana dishes. This cozy spot has a history that spans decades and is famous for its po-boys. Parkway's po-boy is one of the best in the city. Served on Leidenheimer French bread, the po-boy is overstuffed with wild-caught Gulf shrimp. The nine-napkin roast beef sandwich is another favorite of regulars. Parkway Bakery & Tavern is a New Orleans institution. This neighborhood pub serves up po-boys, other Louisiana specialties, and a variety of adult beverages. The bar has an expansive toppings menu. You can choose from roast beef, gator sausage, or shrimp to top your po-boy.
About The Po-Boy
Whether you're in the mood for a classic New Orleans po-boy or a global fusion, the city's trendy po-boy shops offer a wide variety of options. The Contemporary Po-Boy Shop, for instance, offers global flavors with gourmet touches.
The po'boys are served with all the fixings, including lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. If you're looking for a quick bite, try the pork belly po'boy. The sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, and the scrumptious flavors will leave you drooling.
You can opt for a vegan po-boy with no fries for a healthier option. Another great option is Johnny's Cafe on St. Louis Street, near Decatur Street. The cafe has a balcony, which is perfect for dining outside. This location is also near the end of the French Quarter Tour. The menu also includes southern-style hot plates.
