Best Po’ Boy in New Orleans: Where to Go

For the best all-around po’ boy in New Orleans, start with Parkway Bakery & Tavern: its roast beef with gravy and fried seafood sandwiches capture the city’s generous, dressed-to-order style. A po’ boy is a Louisiana sandwich, usually served on crisp-crusted French bread with a choice of fillings; the right pick depends on whether you want roast beef, fried shrimp, oysters, or a classic neighborhood lunch.

What to Look For

Bread and build: A good po’ boy needs New Orleans-style French bread: a lightly crisp exterior, soft inside, and enough length to hold a substantial filling. “Dressed” usually means lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise, but confirm what a shop includes and ask for changes when needed.

Filling and texture: Roast beef should be tender and well-sauced; fried seafood should arrive crisp rather than soggy. Ask whether a seafood sandwich is made to order, especially during a busy lunch rush. Shrimp, oysters, catfish, and hot sausage are common choices, but menus vary.

Price, portions, and logistics: Prices and sizes change, and a large sandwich can be a full meal. Check the current menu before traveling, since hours, specials, and availability may shift. Also consider seating, lines, parking, and whether you want a quick counter-service stop or a sit-down meal.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern

Best overall: Parkway is a strong first choice for a traditional, substantial po’ boy, with a broad menu that typically includes roast beef, fried shrimp, oysters, and other fillings. The roast beef with gravy is a signature-style order; fried seafood is a better choice if you want crunch. Ask for it dressed if you want the standard lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise combination.

Trade-offs: Its popularity can mean a line, and the location in Mid-City may not be convenient if you are staying in the French Quarter. A saucy roast beef sandwich can also be messy, so take napkins and plan to eat at a table. Best for: First-time visitors who want a classic, wide-ranging menu and do not mind a potentially busy stop.

Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar

Best for a neighborhood institution: Domilise’s in Uptown is known for its old-school po’ boys and straightforward barroom setting. Fried shrimp and oyster sandwiches are natural picks if you want seafood, while its menu makes it easy to order a familiar classic without overthinking the options.

Trade-offs: It is away from the main downtown visitor area, so factor in travel time, and check current hours before making a special trip. The compact, no-frills atmosphere is part of the appeal but not the best fit for someone seeking a polished dining room. Best for: Diners who value a local-feeling stop and are willing to go Uptown.

Liuzza’s by the Track

Best for roast beef and a relaxed meal: Liuzza’s by the Track is a neighborhood restaurant near the Fair Grounds, with po’ boys alongside a broader menu. Its French fry po’ boy with roast beef gravy is an especially satisfying choice if you want the fries and gravy built right into the sandwich; check the current menu for availability.

Trade-offs: This is not the most convenient option for a quick French Quarter walk-in, and its broader restaurant menu means it feels less like a dedicated sandwich counter. Best for: People who want roast beef gravy, a sit-down neighborhood meal, or a stop that can please a group with different appetites.

Johnny’s Po-Boys

Best for a central, no-fuss option: Johnny’s is in the French Quarter, making it practical when you want a po’ boy without a cross-town trip. The menu offers several familiar fillings, including seafood and meat options, so it works well for a casual lunch during sightseeing.

Trade-offs: Its central location can make it busy, and convenience may matter more here than the quieter neighborhood atmosphere found at some other shops. Confirm current hours and menu details before you go. Best for: Visitors staying downtown who want an accessible, broad-menu sandwich stop.

Verti Marte

Best for late-night convenience: Verti Marte is a small French Quarter deli known for an extensive sandwich menu, including the “All That Jazz,” a loaded option with several meats, cheese, and sautéed vegetables. It is a useful alternative when you want something more elaborate than a simple shrimp or roast beef sandwich.

Trade-offs: The menu can be overwhelming, and the shop is more deli than destination dining room. Its hours and service setup may suit an off-hour meal, but check before you go rather than assuming availability. Best for: Adventurous eaters, late-hour cravings, and anyone who wants a heavily loaded sandwich in the Quarter.

How to Choose

Choose by filling first. For rich, savory comfort, order roast beef with gravy at Parkway or Liuzza’s. For a crisp seafood sandwich, look to Parkway or Domilise’s and ask for shrimp or oysters. If you are unsure, shrimp is a familiar starting point; oysters have a more pronounced flavor and may be seasonal or unavailable.

Match the stop to your plans. Staying in the French Quarter? Johnny’s or Verti Marte saves travel time. Willing to explore beyond downtown? Parkway, Domilise’s, and Liuzza’s offer distinct neighborhood settings. Check opening hours and current menus on the day, particularly for a planned trip or a specific seafood order.

Set a budget and appetite. Po’ boy prices vary by filling and size, with seafood and larger portions often costing more. Check current prices rather than relying on old listings. If the menu offers different lengths, a smaller sandwich may be enough alongside a side; a large, dressed roast beef sandwich can be filling on its own.

Decide how you want it dressed. “Dressed” commonly means lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise; it does not necessarily include every topping. Fried fillings are best eaten promptly, while gravy-based roast beef is naturally messier. If you are taking a sandwich to go, ask for sauces or gravy on the side when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best po’ boy in New Orleans?
Parkway Bakery & Tavern is the strongest all-around starting point for its classic range and well-known roast beef and seafood options. The best choice ultimately depends on your preferred filling and location.

What is a po’ boy traditionally made with?
It is a Louisiana sandwich on French bread, filled with options such as roast beef, fried seafood, or sausage. It is often ordered dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise, though customs and menus differ.

Where can I get a po’ boy in the French Quarter?
Johnny’s Po-Boys and Verti Marte are convenient Quarter choices. Check their current hours and menus before heading over.

Should I order roast beef or seafood?
Choose roast beef for a tender, gravy-rich sandwich; choose fried shrimp or oysters for a crispier bite. For seafood, eating soon after ordering helps preserve the coating’s texture.

Do I need to order a po’ boy dressed?
No. Ask for it dressed if you want the usual lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise, or specify which toppings you want. Shops may define the term slightly differently.

Bottom Line

Make Parkway Bakery & Tavern your first stop if you want one dependable recommendation for the best po’ boy in New Orleans, especially for roast beef with gravy or a classic fried seafood sandwich. Choose Domilise’s for a neighborhood-style seafood stop, Liuzza’s for roast beef and a sit-down meal, or Johnny’s and Verti Marte when staying in the French Quarter matters most. Confirm hours, prices, and menu availability before you go.

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