Unearth The Voyage
Craving a crusty loaf stuffed with golden fried shrimp or slow cooked roast beef dripping with gravy You are in the right place. Texas puts its own swagger on the classic New Orleans po boy, and the results are downright irresistible.
From Houston institutions to coastal counters in Galveston and laid back spots in Austin, these sandwiches deliver serious flavor. Get hungry, then plan a delicious road trip you will brag about later.
1. 1929 Po-Boy Kitchen – Houston
You can taste history in every bite at 1929 Po-Boy Kitchen, where the New Orleans spirit meets Houston’s energy. The bread has that perfect crackle, cradling shrimp fried just right or tender roast beef dripping with gravy.
Dress it with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a kiss of mayo for balance.
If you like heat, ask for extra hot sauce and watch everything sing. The menu leans classic but never feels stuck.
Portions satisfy without knocking you out, making it perfect for lunch or a pre game snack.
2. Abe’s Cajun Market – Houston
Abe’s Cajun Market doubles as a deli and grocery, which means flavor everywhere you look. Grab a shrimp or crawfish po boy and add a side of boudin for the full Cajun experience.
The bread is sturdy, the fry is light, and every bite tastes like a quick trip to Lafayette.
You can stock up on sausages, spices, and pralines after lunch. Friendly counter folks help steer you toward favorites.
It is an easy stop for takeout that still feels like a home cooked treat.
3. Zydeco Louisiana Diner – Houston
Zydeco Louisiana Diner brings that cafeteria line charm with big flavors to match. You move the tray along, point at your po boy of choice, and brace for happiness.
Fried oysters stay briny and crisp, and the roast beef soaks the bread in savory gravy without turning soggy.
Grab extra napkins, because you will need them. Sides like jambalaya and red beans round out the plate.
It is the kind of place where lunch turns into storytelling and plans for a return visit.
4. Bourbon Street Po-Boyz – Missouri City
At Bourbon Street Po-Boyz, the bread to filling ratio hits that sweet spot you chase. Shrimp curl perfectly inside, catfish flakes, and the lettuce tomato crunch keeps things lively.
Ask for extra remoulade if you like tang and a little kick.
The space feels friendly, with staff who remember regulars and first timers alike. Portions are hearty without getting unwieldy.
Great for quick weeknight dinners when you want New Orleans flavors without the drive.
5. Turf N’ Surf Po Boy – Austin
Austin’s Turf N’ Surf Po Boy pulls Tex flair into the classic sandwich. Expect blackened shrimp, fried fish, and spicy sauces that play beautifully with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato.
The bread holds up even when the fillings get saucy, which means no soggy sadness.
You can add avocado or jalapenos for extra richness and heat. Street food vibes keep things casual and fast.
It is a reliable stop before a show or after a downtown wander.
6. Sleepy’s Po-Boys – Houston
Sleepy’s is that neighborhood spot where the bread crunch echoes and the fillings spill out with every bite. Order shrimp, catfish, or oyster, and you will get crisp edges, juicy centers, and a drizzle of creamy sauce.
The roast beef version is messy in the best way possible.
You can keep it classic dressed or pile on jalapenos for a Tex twist. Service is quick, prices are friendly, and the vibe is easy.
Perfect for a weekday lunch or a weekend craving fix.
7. Bayou Cat – Arlington
Bayou Cat keeps it simple and delicious, focusing on seafood done right. Shrimp and oysters hit the fryer hot, then land inside a crusty loaf with cool fixings.
A squeeze of lemon wakes everything up, and a side of hushpuppies turns lunch into a feast.
It is family friendly, budget friendly, and consistently satisfying. Sauces lean zesty rather than heavy.
You will leave full and already plotting the next visit, maybe with friends in tow.
8. Boondocks – Brady
Boondocks brings a small town heart to big, satisfying sandwiches. You might find a chicken fried steak po boy alongside classic seafood, which feels perfectly Texan.
The bread stays sturdy, the fillings generous, and the sauces balanced so every bite pops.
Expect neighborly service and portions that make sharing smart. It is road trip fuel when you are crossing the Hill Country.
Pull in hungry, leave happy, and keep this one on your map.
9. Sam’s Southern Eatery – Brownwood
Sam’s Southern Eatery serves generous po boys that do not skimp on shrimp. The loaves arrive packed and sauced, yet somehow the crunch hangs on.
Grab fries or coleslaw and settle in for a no fuss, crave crushing meal.
Service is quick and cheerful, perfect for lunch breaks or family dinners. You can keep the spice mild or ask for some heat.
Either way, you will get value and flavor in every bite.
10. Bubba Ts’ Kitchen – Conroe
Bubba Ts’ Kitchen delivers that satisfying crunch you chase in a great po boy. Shrimp, fish, or even gator sometimes makes an appearance, all fried light and seasoned well.
The rolls are sturdy and warm, perfect for grabbing on the go.
Ask for extra sauce if you like creamy heat. The mood is relaxed, prices fair, and portions generous.
It is exactly the kind of neighborhood place you recommend to friends without hesitation.
11. Boo Ray’s of New Orleans – Fort Worth
Boo Ray’s nails that New Orleans comfort with Texas spirit. The oyster po boy comes piled high, briny and crisp, while roast beef runs rich and savory.
Bread holds it together, catching drips and keeping bites balanced.
Pair your sandwich with gumbo or boudin balls for extra joy. Service is upbeat, and the room hums with chatter.
It is a solid choice for date night, game day, or any time the craving hits.
12. Shell Shack – Dallas
Shell Shack leans into seafood party energy and sneaks in a strong po boy game. Fried shrimp and catfish come hot and crunchy, then get tucked into crusty loaves with cool dressing.
The sauces are bold, perfect if you love garlic butter and spice.
Grab napkins and embrace the mess. It is casual fun with friends, especially before a game.
You will leave licking fingers and planning round two soon.
13. Uptown Sports Club – Austin
Uptown Sports Club brings polished vibes to a very craveable po boy lineup. Shrimp arrives snappy and well seasoned, while the roast beef leans juicy and rich.
The bread has that essential crackly crust, making every bite pop.
Pair with fries or a cold beer and power through the day. Service is smooth and the music sets a laid back groove.
It is a go to downtown stop when you want a treat.
14. Fisherman’s Wharf – Galveston
Fisherman’s Wharf makes the most of Gulf freshness and views that steal the show. Shrimp and oysters feel like they jumped straight from the water to the fryer, then into a crusty loaf.
Dressed simply, the sandwich lets the seafood shine.
Sit outside if the breeze is kind, and add a cup of chowder. Service moves at an easy coastal pace.
It is a seaside ritual you will want to repeat.
15. The Fish Spot – Texas City
The Fish Spot knows how to fry seafood golden without losing moisture. Their fish and shrimp po boys arrive steaming, with crisp edges meeting soft bread.
Add tartar or hot sauce and you are set for a satisfying lunch.
It is no frills in the best way possible, focused on freshness over flash. Service is friendly, and turnaround is quick.
A perfect grab and go option before hitting the road.
16. Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys – Houston
Antone’s is Houston history between bread, and The Original is proof. It is not fried seafood but it delivers big nostalgia with ham, salami, provolone, and that tangy chow chow.
Every bite balances creamy mayo with pickle snap and soft loaf.
You can branch into hot options or keep it classic. The counter moves fast, and the prices still feel fair.
When you crave old school flavor, this is the move.
