Every city has their own take on sandwiches, but in New Orleans, the po-boy is in a food category of its own.
Po-boys have an interesting history in the city because they cost for one today — it could range from $8 to $16 depending on where you go — is so different from it’s name.
What Is The Origin Of The Po-Boy?
Po-boys trace their beginnings to the Great Depression, when in 1929 a local restaurant fed laborers who couldn’t afford much. Bennie and Clovis Martin’s eatery called the sandwiches “poor boys,” because the unionized railroad workers who couldn’t afford much, is who they give them to for free.
Back then the poor boy sandwiches consisted of left-over shreds of roast beef, but mostly potatoes between two slices of bread.
The po-boy began to catch on with the local populace as restaurants and kitchens started to experiment with different meats and other ingredients.
Where Can I Buy Po-Boys In New Orleans?
If you’re visiting the city or just passing through, you may be looking for a poboy along the way. Let’s go over some of the best po-boys in New Orleans.
Parkway Bakery
538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-3047
Here is what one customer says about Parkway Bakery, which is the home of the po-boy: “My first trip to New Orleans and my first stop to eat was Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Fried Shrimp Poor Boy Dressed. This and a Sweet Tea hit the spot. Great place to eat and a must if you are wanting a Poor Boy. I’ve been other places to get a Po Boy, but nothing like getting one in New Orleans. I highly recommend making a trip to Parkway and get your Poor Boy fix. Just need one in North Alabama. This was my first time dining here.”
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-9126
Here’s what one reviewer says about Domilie’s: “Great little place. Classic NOLA po-boys. Quick service. Was not dine in when we were there, but it was 70 degrees outside with clear blue skies and our crew got a variety of sandwiches: shrimp, roast beef, ham/cheese – they were all good. Great fries – very substantial.”
Guy’s Po-Boys
5259 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-5025
Here’s what one custome says about Guy’s Po-Boys: “Amazing! Loved our shrimp po boy! Cheese fries were nothing to write home about. Staff was super friendly and we loved this quaint spot!”
Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-8129
Here’s what one customer says about Johnny’s Po-Boys: “Best Po-boy I’ve ever had in my life. Gotta get the surf and turf.”
Killer PoBoys
219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 462-2731
Mahony’s Po-boys & Seafood
3454 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-3374
Here’s what one customer says about Mahony’s: “Such a cute little historic house in the Garden district turned into a restaurant with great food, amazing drinks and a laid back atmosphere that just makes you feel good being there. It got a little busy so our drinks were empty quite a few times and we probably would have drank a lot more otherwise, but, not that big of a deal, we were happy overall. Would definitely go back.”
Melba’s Poboys
1525 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 267-7765
Here’s what one customer says about Melba’s Poboys: “Where the locals eat with good prices. Extensive menu. Open 24 hours per day. Safe neighborhood. Ample parking available. One bread pudding could feed a family of four.”
Verti Marte
1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 525-4767
Here’s what one customer says about Verti Marte: “If you don’t know, now you know…Find it go straight to the back, menu is taped on the display case. You won’t go wrong with whatever you choose.”
Final Word
If you know anything about New Orleans, you know that delicious po-boys are part and parcel one of the hallmarks of the city’s cuisine.
You may be wondering if po-boys are Cajun or Creole? They are actually a little bit of both. Because the sandwich is a traditional dish in Louisiana, it has benefitted from all the cultures of the state.
That means the Spanish, African, French and Cajun influences have all played a part in makign the po-boy what it is today.
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