Unearth The Voyage
California might be thousands of miles from Louisiana, but that hasn’t stopped the Golden State from mastering the magic of the Po’Boy. These family-run kitchens, seafood shacks, and Southern-inspired eateries channel true New Orleans flavor—crispy bread, seasoned fillings, and that unmistakable Bayou charm. Here are some California spots serving Po’Boys that would make Louisiana proud.
The Little Jewel of New Orleans – Los Angeles
Tucked inside L.A.’s Chinatown, The Little Jewel of New Orleans feels like a slice of the French Quarter. Run by the Villavaso family, natives of New Orleans, this market and deli serve Po’Boys piled high on Leidenheimer bread flown in straight from Louisiana.
The roast beef debris Po’Boy is legendary—juicy, messy, and dripping with flavor. The fried shrimp and oyster versions hit that perfect balance of crunch and spice.
Add a side of red beans and rice, grab a Barq’s root beer, and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to Bourbon Street. It’s the real deal—Southern hospitality meets L.A. heart.
Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen – Berkeley
Berkeley’s Angeline’s brings Louisiana soul to the Bay Area. Chef Brandon Dubea, a Louisiana native, crafts authentic Po’Boys that celebrate his Cajun roots. The bread is crisp on the outside and soft within—exactly how a Po’Boy should be.
The fried catfish version, dusted with Creole spices and topped with house-made remoulade, is a crowd favorite. There’s also a blackened shrimp Po’Boy that delivers a smoky, spicy kick with every bite.
Pair it with their hush puppies and a cold Abita beer, and you’ll understand why Angeline’s has been a Bay Area mainstay for nearly two decades.
Gulfstream – Newport Beach
At Gulfstream, seafood is the star—and their Po’Boy proves it. The kitchen, inspired by Gulf Coast traditions, serves a crisp, golden fried shrimp Po’Boy that tastes like summer in New Orleans.
The sandwich features plump shrimp fried to perfection, resting on freshly baked French bread with lettuce, tomato, and tangy house sauce. The owners spent time studying Southern seafood culture before bringing it west, and it shows in the precision and flavor.
Pair it with coleslaw and a cold drink while overlooking the coastal breeze—it’s as close to the Gulf as you’ll get in Orange County.
Poor House Bistro – San Jose
Poor House Bistro is housed in a restored 1920s home, and stepping inside feels like walking into a jazz joint in New Orleans. Owner Jay Meduri created this local favorite to honor his Louisiana roots, and it’s been feeding Bayou cravings ever since.
The shrimp and catfish Po’Boys come loaded with spice and crunch, and the roast beef option—smothered in rich gravy—is pure comfort. Jazz music, patio seating, and friendly service make this spot an instant mood-lifter.
It’s proof that Southern soul thrives even in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Roux Creole Cuisine – Sacramento
Roux brings authentic Cajun-Creole food to California’s capital, and their Po’Boys steal the show. The restaurant, run by the Dupree family from Baton Rouge, uses bread from New Orleans and Gulf-seasoned seafood.
Their oyster Po’Boy, lightly breaded and fried to perfection, bursts with flavor. The spicy remoulade sauce ties it all together, adding that essential Louisiana kick. The family’s passion for their heritage is clear—they treat every dish like a tribute to home.
With Zydeco tunes in the background and the scent of fried shrimp in the air, Roux delivers the real Bayou vibe.
The Front Porch – San Francisco
Known for its funky décor and Southern charm, The Front Porch in San Francisco’s Mission District is a gem for comfort food fans. Chef Matt Marcus brings New Orleans flair to every dish, especially the Po’Boys.
The fried chicken Po’Boy, topped with slaw and spicy mayo, has a devoted local following. The shrimp version, served on soft baguette bread with pickles and Creole aioli, balances crunch and tang beautifully.
Add their signature mac and cheese on the side, and it’s a feast that’ll make you forget you’re in California.
Harold & Belle’s – Los Angeles
Since 1969, Harold & Belle’s has been L.A.’s go-to for authentic Creole cooking. The Legaux family has carried the torch for three generations, keeping the flavors of Louisiana alive.
Their Po’Boys—especially the fried oyster and catfish—are perfectly seasoned and served on authentic French loaves. The restaurant’s atmosphere, with jazz music and Southern hospitality, feels like a neighborhood joint in New Orleans.
Each bite delivers crisp, seasoned seafood, creamy sauce, and that just-right crunch of the bread. A must-visit for anyone craving heritage cooking done right.
NOLA Po’Boy & Gumbo Kitchen – Long Beach
A hidden gem near the waterfront, NOLA Po’Boy & Gumbo Kitchen is run by a couple from Baton Rouge who missed the flavors of home. They decided to recreate them in California—and succeeded.
Their shrimp and crawfish Po’Boys taste like the French Quarter itself, bursting with spice and texture. Everything here is made from scratch: the bread, sauces, and seafood seasoning.
The gumbo and jambalaya are equally stellar, but the Po’Boys remain the heart of the menu. Every bite feels like a love letter to Louisiana.
The Shuck Shack – San Diego
San Diego’s coastal vibe meets Gulf Coast flavor at The Shuck Shack. This beachside spot, owned by the Johnson family from Lafayette, serves Po’Boys that are as hearty as they are flavorful.
The oyster Po’Boy is the standout—crispy oysters layered with lettuce, tomato, and spicy remoulade on crusty bread. Their Cajun fries and coleslaw make perfect sides.
What really sets this place apart is the freshness—the seafood is local, but the recipes are pure Louisiana. Sit outside with your Po’Boy and a cold beer for the full Bayou-meets-California experience.
Boathouse 41 – Ventura
Nestled by the harbor, Boathouse 41 is where locals go for Po’Boys done right. The chef, who spent years in New Orleans kitchens, brings that authenticity to every dish.
The fried catfish Po’Boy is a fan favorite—crispy, juicy, and perfectly dressed. The shrimp Po’Boy, topped with tangy slaw, rivals any you’d find in the French Quarter.
The seaside setting adds a California twist, but the seasoning and crunch are straight out of Louisiana. Boathouse 41 proves you don’t need to travel to the Bayou for an authentic bite.
The Bayou – Sacramento
The Bayou lives up to its name with vibrant Cajun energy and a menu full of Louisiana comfort food. The founders, both from New Orleans, brought their family recipes westward.
Their roast beef Po’Boy, dripping with gravy and flavor, is an instant favorite. The fried shrimp and catfish options showcase perfect seasoning and texture. The bread—light yet crisp—is shipped in from Louisiana weekly.
Combine that with friendly service and live music, and you’ve got an authentic Bayou experience right in Northern California.
Creole Joe’s – Burbank
A small, family-owned eatery tucked between studios and offices, Creole Joe’s brings serious Southern soul to Burbank. Joe, the founder, hails from New Orleans and makes everything from scratch—gumbo, etouffee, and, of course, Po’Boys.
His shrimp Po’Boy, loaded with crispy Gulf shrimp and tangy remoulade, is a local legend. The bread has that classic crunch, and the seasoning is spot-on.
It’s a down-home spot where the food speaks for itself—unpretentious, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
