Unearth The Voyage
New Orleans is famous for its amazing food, and nothing says NOLA quite like a po’boy sandwich. These overstuffed French bread sandwiches filled with fried seafood, roast beef, or creative ingredients have been feeding hungry locals and visitors for nearly a century. Whether you crave crispy shrimp, tender roast beef with gravy, or something totally unique, the city has a po’boy spot for every taste and every hour of the day.
1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Located in a charming Mid-City neighborhood, Parkway has earned its reputation as one of the best po’boy destinations in the entire city. The roast beef po’boy drips with rich gravy that soaks into the perfectly crispy French bread, creating a messy but unforgettable experience.
Their fried shrimp version features plump Gulf shrimp with a golden crust that stays crunchy bite after bite. The casual tavern atmosphere makes you feel like a local even on your first visit.
Expect lines during peak hours, but the wait is always worth it. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your sandwich at one of the picnic tables outside for the full Parkway experience.
2. Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Since the 1920s, this family-run treasure has been serving some of the most beloved po’boys in New Orleans. Generations of the same family have perfected recipes that keep people coming back decade after decade.
The fried shrimp po’boy here sets the standard that others try to match, with perfectly seasoned shrimp that crunch with every bite. Oyster lovers swear by the fresh Gulf oysters, fried to golden perfection and piled high on fresh bread.
The small, cozy space fills up quickly with a mix of neighborhood regulars and tourists who have heard the legends. Cash only, so come prepared to enjoy a true slice of New Orleans history.
3. Johnny’s Po-Boys
With over 40 different varieties on the menu, Johnny’s takes po’boy creativity to another level right in the heart of the French Quarter. Adventurous eaters can try alligator sausage or soft-shell crab, while traditionalists stick with classic fried seafood or roast beef.
Breakfast po’boys are a specialty here, stuffed with eggs, bacon, and all the morning fixings you could want. The convenient location and daily hours make it perfect for tourists exploring the Quarter who need a satisfying lunch.
Prices remain reasonable despite the prime location, and the portions are generous enough to fuel hours of sightseeing around the historic neighborhood.
4. Parasol’s
This beloved Bywater neighborhood bar becomes especially famous during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but locals know the roast beef po’boys deserve attention year-round. The sandwiches arrive loaded with tender beef and swimming in savory gravy that requires plenty of napkins.
The friendly, convivial atmosphere makes Parasol’s feel like your neighborhood hangout even if you live across the country. Cold beers and strong drinks complement the hearty sandwiches perfectly.
During parade season, expect massive crowds and festive energy that captures the true spirit of New Orleans. Any time of year, the generous portions and reasonable prices keep people coming back for more.
5. Guy’s Po-Boys
Small in size but huge in flavor, Guy’s has built a loyal following with expertly prepared classics and creative combinations. The fried shrimp and catfish po’boys showcase perfectly seasoned seafood with a light, crispy coating that never gets soggy.
Their signature creation, known as The Bomb, lives up to its name with a combination of ingredients that explodes with flavor. The no-frills shop focuses on what matters most: quality ingredients and skilled preparation.
Service is quick and friendly, making Guy’s a great choice when you want an authentic po’boy without the tourist crowds. The time-trusted recipes prove that sometimes the simplest approach creates the best results.
6. Killer Poboys
Breaking away from tradition while respecting the classics, Killer Poboys brings modern innovation to this beloved New Orleans staple. Glazed pork belly with pickled vegetables offers flavors you would never find at old-school spots, yet somehow feels perfectly right on French bread.
Seared Gulf shrimp gets creative treatment with unexpected sauces and toppings that elevate familiar ingredients. Even vegans can enjoy the po’boy experience here, with plant-based options that prove innovation works for everyone.
The hip atmosphere attracts a younger crowd looking for something different, but food lovers of all ages appreciate the bold flavors. This spot proves po’boys can evolve while staying true to their New Orleans roots.
7. Verti Marte
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Verti Marte has saved countless late-night revelers from hunger after a long night in the French Quarter. The legendary All That Jazz po’boy packs so many ingredients onto one sandwich that it barely fits in your hands.
Locals know this unassuming deli serves some of the most satisfying sandwiches in the city at any hour. The massive portions and creative combinations make every visit an adventure in flavor.
Whether you stop by at noon or 3 AM, you will find the same quality and generous servings. The fluorescent-lit deli might not look fancy, but the food speaks for itself with every delicious bite.
8. Mahony’s Po-boy Shop
Mahony’s balances creative menu items with traditional favorites, offering something for adventurous eaters and purists alike. The fried chicken liver po’boy might sound unusual, but one bite converts skeptics into believers with its rich, savory flavor.
Debris gravy, made from the flavorful bits left after roasting meat, adds incredible depth to several sandwich options. Fresh Gulf seafood shines in classic preparations that highlight quality ingredients over gimmicks.
The rotating menu means you might discover something new on each visit, keeping regulars excited to return. Friendly staff help navigate the options and make recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring everyone finds their perfect sandwich.
9. Liuzza’s by the Track
Near the fairgrounds, Liuzza’s has achieved legendary status thanks to their BBQ shrimp po’boy that has won local and national recognition. Unlike traditional BBQ, New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp swims in a buttery, peppery sauce that soaks into the bread magnificently.
The casual neighborhood restaurant atmosphere makes you feel welcome whether you are a regular or first-time visitor. Racing season brings extra energy when fairgrounds crowds pack the place, but the food stays consistently excellent.
National food writers and local critics agree this po’boy deserves all the accolades it receives. The combination of perfectly cooked shrimp and that incredible sauce creates a messy, unforgettable eating experience worth every napkin.
10. Red Fish Grill
Red Fish Grill puts a spicy twist on the classic oyster po’boy with their flash-fried BBQ oyster version tossed in tangy Crystal hot sauce. This signature sandwich has won top honors at the annual Po-Boy Festival, proving its popularity with locals and visitors alike.
The upscale casual atmosphere offers more comfort than typical po’boy joints while maintaining authentic New Orleans flavors. Fresh Gulf oysters get perfectly fried with a light, crispy coating that lets the oyster flavor shine through.
The addition of BBQ sauce and hot sauce creates layers of flavor that keep your taste buds engaged from first bite to last. Festival awards do not lie when it comes to this outstanding sandwich.
11. Frankie & Johnny’s
This old-school Uptown restaurant has been serving hearty New Orleans fare with genuine hospitality for decades. Alligator sausage offers adventurous eaters a taste of Louisiana wildlife prepared with expert seasoning and perfect cooking.
The meatball marinara po’boy brings Italian-American comfort food to the French bread format, creating a satisfying fusion. Fried eggplant provides a delicious vegetarian option that never feels like an afterthought.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service make every guest feel like family from the moment they walk through the door. Generous portions and reasonable prices keep neighborhood locals coming back week after week for their po’boy fix.
12. Melba’s Old School Po-boys
Another 24-hour hero for hungry New Orleanians, Melba’s combines classic po’boy excellence with an impressive selection of frozen daiquiris in every color imaginable. The Voodoo Philly takes the Philadelphia cheesesteak concept and gives it a spicy New Orleans makeover.
Hot sausage po’boys deliver serious heat for those who like their sandwiches with a kick. The round-the-clock hours mean you never have to go hungry, no matter when the craving strikes.
The daiquiri bar adds an extra element of fun, letting you pair your sandwich with a frozen adult beverage in flavors from traditional to wild. Old school meets new school in the best possible way at this local favorite.
13. Zimmer’s Seafood
When freshness matters most, Zimmer’s delivers with Gulf seafood caught locally and prepared simply to let natural flavors shine. The shrimp po’boy features plump, sweet shrimp that taste like they just came off the boat because they practically did.
Oyster lovers appreciate the care taken in selecting and preparing these delicate shellfish. The casual market atmosphere reminds you that great po’boys do not require fancy settings or high prices.
Supporting local fishermen and serving the freshest possible seafood makes every sandwich here taste like the Gulf Coast itself. Simple preparations and quality ingredients create po’boys that let the seafood be the star of the show without unnecessary distractions.
14. Adams Street Grocery & Deli
Neighborhood spots like Adams Street Grocery prove that the best po’boys often come from the most unassuming places. Locals fill this laid-back deli at lunch, creating a genuine community atmosphere that tourists rarely find.
The fried seafood po’boys showcase perfectly seasoned and fried shrimp or catfish with traditional toppings. Roast beef comes loaded with gravy and all the fixings that make this classic sandwich so beloved.
The corner store setting might not impress at first glance, but one bite of their sandwiches explains why neighbors keep coming back. Reasonable prices and generous portions make Adams Street a smart choice for anyone seeking authentic New Orleans flavors without the tourist markup.
15. Frady’s One Stop Food Store
This Bywater gem operates on cash only, keeping things simple and authentic in an increasingly digital world. The fried shrimp po’boy has earned a devoted following among those who know where to find the real deal.
Liver cheese po’boy might sound strange to outsiders, but this regional specialty showcases the unique flavors that make New Orleans food culture so special. Daily plate lunch specials offer even more variety beyond the excellent sandwiches.
The no-frills approach means all the focus goes into the food rather than fancy decorations or modern payment systems. Bring cash, bring an appetite, and prepare to understand why locals guard this spot like a precious secret.
16. NOLA Poboys
Right on Bourbon Street, NOLA Poboys offers an extensive menu that ranges from traditional fried seafood to creative fillings you would not expect. The prime location makes it convenient for tourists exploring the French Quarter who want an authentic po’boy experience.
Traditional options satisfy purists who want classic preparations done right. Creative combinations appeal to adventurous eaters looking to try something beyond the usual suspects.
Despite the touristy location, the quality remains solid and the portions generous enough to fuel more sightseeing. The variety means groups with different tastes can all find something they will love, making decisions easier when everyone is hungry.
17. Olde Nola Cookery
Among the many Bourbon Street restaurants, Olde Nola Cookery stands out with top ratings for their classic approach to fried seafood po’boys. The pork chop po’boy offers something different, featuring a thick, juicy chop that brings Southern comfort food to French bread.
High ratings from customers and critics confirm that this spot delivers quality despite being in the tourist-heavy French Quarter. Classic preparations let the ingredients speak for themselves without unnecessary complications.
The restaurant atmosphere provides more comfort than quick-service po’boy shops while maintaining reasonable prices. Whether you choose seafood or pork, you will taste the care that goes into every sandwich they serve to hungry visitors and locals alike.
18. Oceana Grill
Oceana Grill brings robust Cajun flavors to their generous po’boy offerings in the heart of the French Quarter. The casual eatery atmosphere welcomes hungry tourists and locals looking for satisfying portions and bold seasonings.
Cajun spices add extra kick to classic po’boy fillings, creating flavor profiles that wake up your taste buds. Generous portions mean you definitely get your money’s worth with every sandwich.
The French Quarter location makes it easy to grab a filling meal between exploring historic sites and soaking up the unique atmosphere. Bold flavors and hearty servings ensure you will not leave hungry, giving you energy to continue your New Orleans adventures throughout the rest of the day.
19. Napoleon House
Steeped in history and Old World charm, Napoleon House serves po’boys alongside their famous muffulettas in one of the most atmospheric settings in New Orleans. The historic bar and cafe dates back generations, with walls that have witnessed countless stories.
While muffulettas get most of the attention here, the po’boy selection deserves recognition for quality and traditional preparation. The unique ambiance makes eating here feel like stepping back in time to old New Orleans.
Classical music plays softly while you enjoy your sandwich in rooms filled with antiques and faded elegance. The experience goes beyond just the food, offering a glimpse into the romantic past of this legendary city.
