Unearth The Voyage
New Orleans is famous for many things, but nothing quite captures the spirit of the city like a perfectly dressed po’boy. These towering sandwiches, piled high with fried seafood, roast beef, or creative fillings, are more than just lunch.
They’re a tradition, a conversation starter, and a reason to explore neighborhoods you might otherwise miss. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for your next favorite spot, these 15 places serve up po’boys so delicious, you’ll forget about everything else on your to-do list.
1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern (Mid-City)
Walking into Parkway feels like stepping into a family reunion where everyone’s invited. The picnic tables out back fill up fast, especially on weekends, and the energy is loud, friendly, and unmistakably New Orleans.
This isn’t a place where you dress up or whisper. It’s where you grab a beer, order at the counter, and settle in for one of the best po’boys you’ll ever eat.
The menu is massive, but the fried shrimp and roast beef po’boys are what keep people coming back year after year. The shrimp are golden and crispy, the beef is tender and drowning in gravy, and the bread is exactly what it should be: soft inside, with just enough crunch on the outside.
Everything tastes fresh, generous, and made with care.
Parkway has been around since 1911, and it shows. The walls are covered in photos, awards, and local memorabilia.
It’s the kind of spot where tourists and locals sit side by side, and nobody minds the wait. If you’re only going to one po’boy spot in Mid-City, make it this one.
You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
2. Domilise’s Po-Boys & Bar (Uptown)
If there’s a line snaking out the door of a tiny Uptown shotgun building, you’ve found Domilise’s. This place has been serving po’boys since 1918, and it hasn’t changed much since then.
The dining room is small, the décor is vintage, and the vibe is pure neighborhood charm. Don’t let the wait intimidate you.
Once you taste the food, you’ll understand why people are so patient.
Domilise’s is famous for its fried seafood po’boys, especially the shrimp and oyster varieties. The seafood is always fresh, the breading is perfectly seasoned, and the sandwiches are stuffed so full you’ll need both hands to hold them.
The hot sausage po’boy is another standout, with a spicy kick that balances beautifully with the soft French bread.
What makes Domilise’s special isn’t just the food. It’s the feeling that you’ve discovered something authentic, something that hasn’t been polished for Instagram or changed to please tourists.
The staff is friendly, the prices are fair, and the quality is consistently excellent. If you’re exploring Uptown, carve out time for this gem.
You won’t regret it, and you’ll probably tell everyone you know about it afterward.
3. Verti Marte (French Quarter)
Most people walk right past Verti Marte without a second glance. It looks like a regular corner store, complete with snacks, drinks, and a deli counter in the back.
But locals know better. This unassuming spot serves some of the most creative and delicious po’boys in the entire French Quarter, and it’s open 24 hours, which makes it a lifesaver after a late night out.
The star of the menu is the All That Jazz po’boy, a loaded masterpiece that combines grilled shrimp, mushrooms, ham, and cheese in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. It’s rich, savory, and completely addictive.
The menu also features other inventive options, from fried green tomatoes to catfish, all made fresh to order. Everything is customizable, so you can build your perfect sandwich.
Verti Marte doesn’t have seating, so plan to take your po’boy to go. Grab a spot on a nearby stoop or head back to your hotel.
The casual setup is part of the charm. This is food made with passion, not pretense, and it shows in every bite.
If you want a po’boy experience that feels like a well-kept secret, this is it.
4. Parasol’s Bar and Restaurant (Irish Channel)
Parasol’s is a neighborhood bar first and a restaurant second, but don’t let that fool you. The roast beef po’boy here is legendary, and it’s the reason people pack this place during lunch and on St. Patrick’s Day.
The atmosphere is loud, friendly, and unpretentious. You order at the bar, grab a drink, and wait for your number to be called.
It’s casual, efficient, and exactly what a good po’boy spot should be.
The roast beef is slow-cooked until it falls apart, then piled high on fresh French bread and smothered in rich, savory gravy. The ratio of meat to bread is perfect, and every bite is juicy and satisfying.
Some people add extra gravy on the side just to make sure they don’t miss a drop. It’s messy, hearty, and worth every napkin you’ll go through.
Parasol’s has been a fixture in the Irish Channel since 1952, and the locals treat it like a second home. The walls are covered in memorabilia, and the jukebox is always playing.
It’s the kind of place where strangers strike up conversations and everyone leaves smiling. If you’re looking for an authentic neighborhood experience with a side of outstanding food, Parasol’s delivers every time.
5. Liuzza’s by the Track (Fairgrounds area)
Located near the Fair Grounds Race Course, Liuzza’s by the Track is a neighborhood institution with a menu that goes way beyond standard po’boy fare. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with checkered tablecloths, friendly servers, and a crowd that’s equal parts locals and in-the-know visitors.
The vibe is relaxed, the service is warm, and the food is consistently fantastic.
The BBQ Shrimp Po’boy is what puts Liuzza’s on the map. Unlike traditional fried seafood po’boys, this one features plump shrimp swimming in a buttery, garlicky, peppery sauce that soaks into the bread in the best way possible.
It’s rich, messy, and incredibly flavorful. You’ll want extra napkins and maybe a bib, but you won’t care once you take that first bite.
The sauce alone is worth the trip.
Liuzza’s also offers other classics like fried catfish, oyster, and roast beef po’boys, all made with the same attention to quality. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the atmosphere feels like eating at a friend’s house.
If you’re near the Fairgrounds and craving something uniquely New Orleans, this is the place. It’s a local favorite for a reason, and once you try it, you’ll be a fan too.
6. Killer PoBoys (French Quarter)
Killer PoBoys takes the traditional New Orleans sandwich and gives it a global twist. The menu features internationally inspired fillings like slow-roasted pork belly, seared Gulf fish, and even vegan options, all served on traditional French bread.
It’s creative without being gimmicky, and every sandwich feels thoughtfully crafted. The original location is inside Erin Rose, a cozy bar in the French Quarter, which adds to the charm.
One of the most popular orders is the Seared Gulf Shrimp po’boy, which comes with spicy remoulade and crispy slaw. The flavors are bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
Another standout is the Roast Beef Debris, which takes the classic and elevates it with rich gravy and tangy pickles. Even the vegetarian options, like the Sweet Potato with Black-Eyed Pea Relish, are packed with flavor and satisfying enough to convert meat lovers.
The setup is casual. You order at the bar, grab a drink, and enjoy your sandwich in a laid-back, friendly environment.
Killer PoBoys has expanded to other locations, but the original Erin Rose spot still has that authentic, hole-in-the-wall magic. If you want to try something different while still honoring the po’boy tradition, this is your spot.
The creativity is real, and so is the flavor.
7. Guy’s Po-Boys (Uptown / Magazine St)
Guy’s Po-Boys is a no-frills, cash-only spot on Magazine Street that’s been feeding Uptown locals for decades. The interior is simple, the menu is straightforward, and the focus is entirely on the food.
There’s no fancy décor or trendy branding here, just consistently good po’boys made the old-fashioned way. If you’re already exploring Magazine Street, this is an easy and delicious stop.
The fried shrimp po’boy is a crowd favorite, with perfectly seasoned shrimp that stay crispy even after being dressed. The hot sausage po’boy is another standout, offering a spicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the quality never wavers. It’s the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s a good thing.
Guy’s doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a reliable neighborhood spot with great food and friendly service. The staff is efficient, the turnaround is quick, and the locals clearly trust it.
If you’re looking for a solid, unpretentious po’boy experience without the hype or the wait, Guy’s delivers. Bring cash, come hungry, and enjoy a sandwich that tastes like it was made by someone who really cares about getting it right.
8. Bevi Seafood Co. (Mid-City)
Bevi Seafood Co. started as a seafood market, and that heritage shows in every dish. The seafood is fresh, the portions are huge, and the atmosphere has that casual, come-as-you-are energy that makes you feel instantly comfortable.
The restaurant side is bright and modern, with an open kitchen where you can watch your po’boy being assembled. It’s a great spot for lunch, especially if you’re craving something fried and delicious.
The fried shrimp and oyster po’boys are the stars here, and for good reason. The seafood is sourced locally, breaded lightly, and fried to golden perfection.
The oysters are plump and juicy, the shrimp are sweet and tender, and the bread is always fresh. You can also order a half-and-half if you can’t decide between the two.
Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Bevi also offers seafood plates, salads, and daily specials, so there’s something for everyone. The service is friendly and fast, and the prices are fair for the quality you’re getting.
If you’re in Mid-City and want a po’boy that tastes like it came straight from the Gulf, this is the place. It’s a newer spot compared to some of the old-school joints, but it’s already earned a loyal following.
One visit and you’ll see why.
9. Mahony’s Po-Boys (Magazine St)
Mahony’s takes a fresh, slightly upscale approach to the classic po’boy without losing the soul of the sandwich. The space is clean and modern, with a full bar that serves craft cocktails and local beers.
It’s the kind of place where you can bring a date or meet friends for a casual lunch. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is attentive, and the food is consistently excellent.
The menu features both traditional and creative po’boys, from fried catfish and roast beef to peacemaker (a combo of fried shrimp and oysters). The Debris Po’boy is a standout, with tender roast beef, rich gravy, and just the right amount of seasoning.
The Cochon de Lait po’boy, featuring slow-roasted pork with crackling skin, is another favorite. Everything is made to order, and the ingredients taste fresh and high-quality.
What sets Mahony’s apart is the attention to detail. The bread is sourced from a local bakery, the seafood is Gulf-fresh, and the sauces are made in-house.
The bar program is solid, too, with options that pair perfectly with your sandwich. If you’re on Magazine Street and want a po’boy experience that feels a bit more polished but still authentic, Mahony’s is the answer.
It’s a great balance of tradition and innovation, and it works beautifully.
10. Johnny’s Po-Boys (French Quarter)
Johnny’s has been a French Quarter fixture since 1950, and it’s exactly what you picture when you think of a classic New Orleans po’boy shop. The space is small, the décor is retro, and the menu is straightforward.
You order at the counter, take a seat at one of the booths or tables, and wait for your sandwich to arrive. It’s fast, affordable, and reliably good.
The fried shrimp, oyster, and roast beef po’boys are the most popular choices, and they’re all done well. The seafood is fresh, the breading is light and crispy, and the portions are generous.
The roast beef is tender and flavorful, with just enough gravy to keep things interesting. If you’re not sure what to order, the staff is happy to make recommendations.
They’ve been doing this a long time, and they know what works.
Johnny’s isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a solid, dependable spot that delivers exactly what it promises: a classic New Orleans po’boy at a fair price.
The location is convenient if you’re already exploring the French Quarter, and the turnaround is quick enough that you can grab lunch and keep moving. If you want a taste of old-school New Orleans without the fuss, Johnny’s is a safe and satisfying bet.
11. Crabby Jack’s (Jefferson Hwy area)
Crabby Jack’s comes from the same creative mind behind Jacques-Imo’s, and it brings that same bold, no-apologies approach to Cajun comfort food. The focus here is lunch, and the menu is packed with po’boys, seafood platters, and daily specials that change based on what’s fresh.
The atmosphere is casual and fun, with colorful décor and a staff that’s friendly and efficient.
The fried seafood po’boys are the main attraction, and they don’t disappoint. The shrimp and oyster varieties are both excellent, with perfectly seasoned breading and fresh Gulf seafood.
The catfish po’boy is another standout, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the soft shell crab po’boy when it’s in season.
It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth it.
Crabby Jack’s also offers a solid selection of sides, from red beans and rice to coleslaw, so you can round out your meal. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the prices are reasonable.
If you’re near the Jefferson Highway area and want a po’boy that’s packed with personality and flavor, this is the place. It’s a lunch spot that takes its food seriously without taking itself too seriously, and that’s a winning combination.
12. Frady’s One Stop Food Store (Bywater)
Frady’s looks like a typical neighborhood corner store, and in many ways, it is. But step up to the counter and order a po’boy, and you’ll quickly realize this place is something special.
The sandwiches are made fresh to order, the ingredients are high-quality, and the prices are shockingly reasonable. It’s a local favorite in the Bywater, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
The fried shrimp po’boy is a standout, with plump shrimp that are perfectly seasoned and fried until golden. The roast beef is tender and flavorful, and the hot sausage packs a spicy punch.
Frady’s also offers plate lunches, so you can get your po’boy with a side of red beans, mac and cheese, or whatever the daily special happens to be. Everything is homestyle, hearty, and delicious.
The setup is simple: you order at the counter, grab a drink from the cooler, and either take your food to go or enjoy it at one of the small tables inside. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the whole experience feels refreshingly unpretentious.
If you’re exploring the Bywater and want a po’boy that feels like a neighborhood secret, Frady’s is the spot. It’s authentic, affordable, and absolutely worth the stop.
13. Sammy’s Food Service & Deli (Gentilly)
Sammy’s is a Gentilly institution, and the line out the door during lunch is proof of its reputation. This is a no-nonsense deli that specializes in po’boys, plate lunches, and daily specials that keep locals coming back day after day.
The atmosphere is casual and efficient, with a focus on getting good food out fast. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth the wait.
The po’boy menu is extensive, with options ranging from fried seafood to hot sausage to turkey and cheese. The fried shrimp and catfish po’boys are particularly popular, with crispy breading and generous portions.
The roast beef is slow-cooked and smothered in gravy, just the way it should be. You can also customize your sandwich with different dressings and toppings, so you can make it exactly how you like it.
Sammy’s also offers a rotating selection of plate lunches, from smothered chicken to red beans and rice, so there’s always something new to try. The portions are large, the prices are fair, and the quality is consistent.
It’s the kind of place where the staff knows the regulars by name, and everyone feels welcome. If you’re looking for a true neighborhood lunch spot with outstanding po’boys, Sammy’s delivers every single time.
14. Adams Street Grocery & Deli (Uptown)
Adams Street Grocery is one of those hidden gems that only the locals seem to know about. It’s a small neighborhood grocery with a deli counter in the back, and the po’boys are made fresh every day.
The atmosphere is low-key and unpretentious, with a focus on quality ingredients and friendly service. If you’re in Uptown and want a po’boy that feels like a well-kept secret, this is it.
The menu is simple but effective, with classic options like fried shrimp, oyster, roast beef, and hot sausage. The shrimp are always fresh and perfectly fried, the roast beef is tender and flavorful, and the bread is soft and fresh.
The portions are generous, and the prices are more than fair. You can also grab a cold drink from the cooler and enjoy your sandwich at one of the small tables inside or take it to go.
What makes Adams Street special is the care that goes into every sandwich. The staff takes the time to get it right, and it shows in the final product.
It’s not flashy, and it’s not trying to be. It’s just a solid, reliable spot that makes great po’boys and treats its customers well.
If you’re looking for an authentic neighborhood experience without the crowds or the hype, Adams Street is worth the detour. You’ll leave full, happy, and probably planning your next visit.
15. Mother’s Restaurant (CBD)
Mother’s has been a Central Business District landmark since 1938, and it’s the kind of place that feels like a rite of passage for anyone visiting New Orleans. The line can be long, especially during peak hours, but the system moves quickly, and the payoff is worth it.
The atmosphere is bustling and energetic, with a mix of tourists, locals, and business people all grabbing a bite.
The most famous sandwich here is the Ferdi, a massive creation that combines baked ham, roast beef debris, and all the fixings. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.
The debris-style po’boys, made with slow-cooked roast beef and rich gravy, are another must-try. The bread soaks up the gravy perfectly, and every bite is packed with flavor.
Mother’s also offers breakfast, so you can get your po’boy fix any time of day.
The service is cafeteria-style: you order at the counter, grab your drinks and sides, and find a seat in the dining room. The space is large and can get crowded, but that’s part of the experience.
Mother’s isn’t trying to be trendy or modern. It’s a classic New Orleans institution that’s been doing the same thing for decades, and it’s still going strong.
If you’re in the CBD and want a po’boy with history and flavor, Mother’s is the place to go.
