Unearth The Voyage
In Louisiana, the Po’Boy isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a way of life. From roadside shacks and corner bars to family-run delis, these humble spots are where real flavor and local pride come together. Each one offers a slice of Louisiana’s heart, where crispy French bread meets perfectly seasoned fillings and friendly conversation. Here are 15 Po’Boy shops across the Bayou State that locals quietly love—and you’ll never forget.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern – New Orleans
Hidden in Mid-City since 1911, Parkway Bakery & Tavern is where locals and presidents alike come for a true New Orleans Po’Boy. Their roast beef version, soaked in gravy until it drips down your arm, is legendary. The shrimp Po’Boy, stuffed with golden, crispy Gulf shrimp, is equally iconic.
Despite the fame, Parkway still feels local—friendly faces behind the counter, cold beer, and neighborhood chatter filling the air. On any given afternoon, you’ll find regulars laughing on the patio, proof that some traditions never fade. This spot captures everything that makes Louisiana food culture so special.
Domilise’s Po-Boys & Bar – New Orleans
Tucked away on Annunciation Street, Domilise’s is as old-school as it gets. Open since 1918, this family-run shop still serves Po’Boys the same way they did generations ago.
The shrimp Po’Boy, fried to perfection and served on Leidenheimer bread, has its own cult following. Locals know to grab a Barq’s root beer, find a stool, and enjoy the friendly chaos behind the counter. There’s no fancy décor—just history, heart, and a sandwich made with love.
For New Orleanians, Domilise’s isn’t a restaurant; it’s a memory. Every bite takes you back to simpler times when quality mattered more than trends.
R&O’s Restaurant – Metairie
A local gem just outside New Orleans, R&O’s blends Italian and Creole flavors with Louisiana soul. The family-run spot has been feeding the community since the 1980s, and their Po’Boys are nothing short of legendary.
The roast beef and shrimp combo—known as surf and turf—is messy, delicious, and pure comfort. Locals appreciate the no-nonsense attitude and reasonable prices. It’s where Little League teams celebrate wins, families gather after church, and everyone leaves satisfied.
From the red-checkered tablecloths to the warm greetings, R&O’s reminds you why Louisiana food is all about bringing people together over incredible flavors.
Bear’s Po’Boys at Gennaro’s – Covington
Bear’s Po’Boys is a Northshore favorite that feels like a well-kept secret. The building is unassuming, but the aroma of fried shrimp and slow-cooked beef draws people in from miles away.
The signature roast beef Po’Boy is drenched in rich gravy and loaded onto crusty French bread. Add a side of onion rings, and you’re set. Locals love the casual, welcoming atmosphere—it’s a no-frills joint that focuses on what matters most: flavor and family tradition.
Whether you’re stopping by after work or bringing the kids for dinner, Bear’s delivers consistency and warmth every single time you visit.
Johnny’s Po-Boys – French Quarter, New Orleans
Johnny’s has been serving hungry locals and tourists since 1950, but longtime New Orleanians know it’s still one of the city’s truest sandwich shops. The menu is huge, the portions are generous, and the service is fast-paced but friendly.
The shrimp and catfish Po’Boys are classics, but don’t skip the hot sausage or roast beef. The family who runs it treats everyone like kin, and the vibe inside—chaotic, cheerful, and full of laughter—captures the soul of the Crescent City.
Even with tourists passing through, Johnny’s maintains its authentic charm, proving that real quality never goes out of style in New Orleans.
Olde Tyme Grocery – Lafayette
In the heart of Cajun country, Olde Tyme Grocery has been Lafayette’s go-to Po’Boy spot for over 40 years. Owner Glenn Murphree transformed a former grocery store into a neighborhood institution.
The fried shrimp Po’Boy is crispy, light, and seasoned just right. On Fridays, the line stretches out the door, but locals don’t mind—it’s part of the ritual. Affordable, generous, and made with love, Olde Tyme is the definition of comfort food done right.
Regulars joke that you haven’t truly experienced Lafayette until you’ve stood in that Friday line, clutching your ticket and dreaming about the sandwich ahead.
Short Stop Poboys – Metairie
Short Stop is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it places that locals swear by. Open since 1966, it’s family-owned and beloved for its consistency and charm.
The roast beef Po’Boy, soaked in homemade gravy, is their calling card, but the hot ham and cheese has its own fan club. Prices are fair, the portions are massive, and the service is quick but personal.
Locals love that nothing’s changed much here—because it doesn’t need to. When something works this well, there’s no reason to mess with perfection. Short Stop proves that sometimes the best spots are the ones that stay true to their roots.
Po-Boy Express – Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge, Po-Boy Express lives up to its name—fast, friendly, and full of flavor. This family-run spot focuses on doing the classics perfectly.
Their shrimp Po’Boy, seasoned with a secret Cajun blend, is a local favorite, while the catfish version offers that Southern crunch you crave. Regulars stop by for lunch, grab a sweet tea, and relax under the covered patio.
It’s not flashy, but that’s the beauty of it—it’s a neighborhood staple built on good food and good people. College students, families, and business folks all agree: Po-Boy Express hits the spot every time without fail.
Crabby Jack’s – New Orleans
From the team behind Jacques-Imo’s Café, Crabby Jack’s is the Uptown spot where locals go for big flavor without the fuss. Chef Jack Leonardi serves up massive Po’Boys filled with everything from duck to shrimp to catfish.
The fried oyster Po’Boy is a standout—lightly battered, crisp, and perfectly seasoned. The casual vibe, chalkboard menu, and friendly banter make it feel more like a community hangout than a restaurant.
It’s authentic, messy, and absolutely worth the trip. First-timers are often shocked by the generous portions, but regulars know to come hungry and leave happy with leftovers in hand.
Chris’ Po-Boys – Lafayette
A Lafayette mainstay since 1981, Chris’ Po-Boys keeps things simple and soulful. The shrimp and catfish Po’Boys are always fresh and perfectly seasoned, served on fluffy French bread that soaks up every bit of sauce.
Locals stop by for quick lunches and family dinners alike, drawn by the friendly faces and consistent quality. It’s the kind of place that never needs advertising—word of mouth keeps the line out the door.
Parents bring their kids here, just like their parents brought them years ago. Chris’ represents everything good about Louisiana’s food culture: tradition, hospitality, and flavors that make you feel right at home.
Come Back Inn – Metairie
The Come Back Inn has been a local hangout for decades, known for cold beer, warm service, and phenomenal Po’Boys. Their roast beef version is pure Louisiana comfort—tender meat, thick gravy, and perfectly toasted bread.
It’s messy, filling, and exactly what you want on a lazy afternoon. The bar atmosphere gives it a neighborhood charm, where everyone knows everyone, and first-timers are treated like old friends.
You might come for the sandwich, but you’ll stay for the stories and laughter echoing through the room. Come Back Inn earns its name—once you visit, you can’t help but return again and again.
Adam’s Catfish House – Belle Chasse
Adam’s Catfish House is tucked along Highway 23, serving up fried catfish Po’Boys that draw folks from across Plaquemines Parish. The fish is light, flaky, and seasoned with a touch of Cajun spice.
Everything’s made fresh to order, and the hush puppies are worth a side order. It’s a family-run spot where the décor is simple, but the hospitality is genuine.
For many locals, Adam’s is less of a restaurant and more of a weekend tradition. Fishermen stop by after a long day on the water, families gather for Friday night dinners, and everyone leaves talking about the next visit.
Mother’s Restaurant – New Orleans
Mother’s is an institution in downtown New Orleans, known for its debris Po’Boy—roast beef bits soaked in rich gravy and piled high on Leidenheimer bread. Since 1938, this family-owned restaurant has been feeding everyone from dock workers to celebrities.
Despite its fame, it’s still a locals’ go-to for no-frills comfort food. The line might be long, but the reward is pure New Orleans flavor, steeped in history and love.
Generations of families have shared meals here, creating memories over sandwiches that taste like home. Mother’s stands as proof that authenticity and tradition will always draw a crowd in Louisiana.
The Magic Grill – Monroe
In northern Louisiana, The Magic Grill has been flipping Po’Boys for more than half a century. Their signature famous burger Po’Boy is a local legend—two juicy patties dressed just like a traditional sandwich, served on soft French bread.
It’s comfort food that feels both familiar and fresh. The restaurant’s nostalgic décor and down-home hospitality make it a place where families gather and stories are shared.
The Magic Grill proves that great Po’Boys exist far beyond New Orleans. Locals treasure this spot for keeping traditions alive while serving up flavors that never disappoint, meal after delicious meal.
Guillory’s Deli & Tamales – Lake Charles
Guillory’s might be known for its tamales, but locals know their Po’Boys are equally fantastic. The family behind this Lake Charles favorite brings a Cajun twist to everything they make.
The shrimp and sausage Po’Boy is a standout, bursting with smoky flavor and spice. It’s served on soft bread, with just enough crunch to hold it all together. Guillory’s is cozy, affordable, and full of Southern charm—a fitting finale to Louisiana’s lineup of Po’Boy treasures.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong regular, Guillory’s reminds you why Louisiana food culture is truly something special worth celebrating every single day.
