Po’boys and New Orleans have a long history together. New Orleans’ most popular sandwich has several competing origin stories, but the most widely accepted story is that it was invented in the 1920s by Clovis and Benjamin Martin, two brothers who opened a restaurant on St. Claude Avenue. When the streetcar workers went on strike in 1929, the brothers created an inexpensive sandwich to feed the unemployed workers, or poor boys. Over time, the sandwich took on the name “po’boy” and it’s been a culinary cornerstone of New Orleans cuisine ever since.
When you’re in the mood for a po’boy, be sure to check out some of these amazing restaurants that are doing it better than most.
- Avery’s on Tulane
Whitney R./Foursquare
Avery’s on Tulane/Facebook For a unique spin on a traditional New Orleans dish, head over to Avery’s on Tulane. Their buffalo shrimp has a tangy kick that will make your taste buds explode, and their hot sausage po’boy is the stuff that dreams are made of. 2510 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
- Domilise’s Po’Boys
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar/Facebook
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar/Facebook Tucked away in an unassuming corner building in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Domilise’s just reached its 100th year of serving tasty po’boys and ice cold beer. For a roast beef po’boy, no one does it better. Just be sure to grab a stack of napkins. 5240 Annunciation St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70115.
- Liuzza’s by the Track
Liuzza’s by the Track/Facebook
Liuzza’s by the Track/Facebook Have some napkins ready, because the BBQ shrimp po’boy at Liuzza’s is positively intoxicating. Piled high with their famous BBQ shrimp and stuffed in a hollowed out baguette, you can’t go wrong with this signature po’boy. 1518 N. Lopez St., New Orleans, LA 70119.
- Mother’s
Mother’s/Facebook
Mother’s/Facebook Mother’s may not be known as a po’boy joint, but they have a few po’boys on their menu that are worthy of your time. The Ferdi isn’t your typical po’boy, but it will blow your taste buds away. This Mother’s signature po’boy features roast beef, ham, and cabbage with both Creole and yellow mustards served on classic French bread. 401 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
- Parasol’s Bar & Restaurant
Melissa F./Foursquare
Jimmy C./Foursquare Parasol’s opened their doors in 1952 and they’ve been a favorite for locals ever since. Their most popular po’boys are the firecracker shrimp and the roast beef, so get one of each to try them both! 2533 Constance St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
- Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Parkway Bakery & Tavern/Facebook
Parkway Bakery & Tavern/Facebook This neighborhood haunt has been serving mouthwateringly good po’boys since 1911, and it’s worth your while to pop in and enjoy one. There’s usually a line during peak hours, but your patience will be rewarded, we promise. 538 Hagan Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
- Tracey’s
Oisin L./Foursquare
Cctoad/Trip Advisor Casual and comfortable is the name of the game at this popular Irish Channel neighborhood eatery. Their roast beef po’boy is 10/10 napkins kind of good, and you’ll fall in love after the first bite. 2604 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
We know this list could go on forever. Where’s your favorite po’boy joint in New Orleans? Shout it out in the comments below!
Whitney R./Foursquare
Avery’s on Tulane/Facebook
For a unique spin on a traditional New Orleans dish, head over to Avery’s on Tulane. Their buffalo shrimp has a tangy kick that will make your taste buds explode, and their hot sausage po’boy is the stuff that dreams are made of. 2510 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar/Facebook
Tucked away in an unassuming corner building in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Domilise’s just reached its 100th year of serving tasty po’boys and ice cold beer. For a roast beef po’boy, no one does it better. Just be sure to grab a stack of napkins. 5240 Annunciation St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70115.
Liuzza’s by the Track/Facebook
Have some napkins ready, because the BBQ shrimp po’boy at Liuzza’s is positively intoxicating. Piled high with their famous BBQ shrimp and stuffed in a hollowed out baguette, you can’t go wrong with this signature po’boy. 1518 N. Lopez St., New Orleans, LA 70119.
Mother’s/Facebook
Mother’s may not be known as a po’boy joint, but they have a few po’boys on their menu that are worthy of your time. The Ferdi isn’t your typical po’boy, but it will blow your taste buds away. This Mother’s signature po’boy features roast beef, ham, and cabbage with both Creole and yellow mustards served on classic French bread. 401 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
Melissa F./Foursquare
Jimmy C./Foursquare
Parasol’s opened their doors in 1952 and they’ve been a favorite for locals ever since. Their most popular po’boys are the firecracker shrimp and the roast beef, so get one of each to try them both! 2533 Constance St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern/Facebook
This neighborhood haunt has been serving mouthwateringly good po’boys since 1911, and it’s worth your while to pop in and enjoy one. There’s usually a line during peak hours, but your patience will be rewarded, we promise. 538 Hagan Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
Oisin L./Foursquare
Cctoad/Trip Advisor
Casual and comfortable is the name of the game at this popular Irish Channel neighborhood eatery. Their roast beef po’boy is 10/10 napkins kind of good, and you’ll fall in love after the first bite. 2604 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
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