The best po’boys in New Orleans

What is it: A beloved neighborhood dive, Domilise’s is the favorite of generations of New Orleanians.

Why we love it: Step back in time and grab a seat at a formica table to enjoy a good dose of history and camaraderie alongside your po’boy. And the po’boys are well worth any wait. The classics are the way to go, whether fried oyster, fried shrimp or juicy roast beef with debris. Do like the locals: pair it with an icy cold Barq’s or domestic beer.

Time Out tip: Be prepared for a wait at lunchtime on most days and opt for your po’boy to-go if seating is tight.

Address: 5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am-3pm; Thurs 11am-5pm; Fri-Sat 11am-7pm 

What is it: Tucked away in a neighborhood near Tulane University, this humble and unassuming corner store serves a solid selection of po’boys at very reasonable prices.

Why we love it: Whether you opt for fried shrimp, fried fish, roast beef with gravy or a crunchy fried chicken po’boy, you won’t be disappointed. Even better, the sandwiches come on Dong Phuong bread. Adams Street Grocery is takeout only, so grab a po’boy and whatever other groceries you need and you’re all set to go.

Time Out tip: During Carnival season, Adams Street Grocery is a satellite spot for snagging a coveted Dong Phuong king cake.

Address: 1309 Adams St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-4:30pm; Sat 11am-3:30pm

What is it: Find excellent po’boys at this laid-back neighborhood joint in Mid-City.

Why we love it: Given its location next to the Fairgrounds race track, Liuzza’s is often regarded as Jazz Fest central, but it’s a worthy destination any time of year for icy cold schooners of beer and hearty plates of traditional New Orleans fare. In addition to the classics, Liuzza’s by the Track is known for its barbecue shrimp po’boy. This is New Orleans-style barbecue—doused in Worcestershire sauce and butter. Another flavorful fave is the fried oyster po’boy with garlic butter. If you’re still hungry, try one of the best bowls of gumbo to be found anywhere in the city.

Time Out tip: After filling up on a po’boy, walk it off with a stroll down stunning Esplanade Avenue.

Address: 1518 N Lopez St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm

What is it: The oldest bar in Metairie is home to top-notch po’boys.

Why we love it: Bear’s is tucked away inside Gennaro’s, so you can grab a cold one along with a roast beef po’boy that’s among the best versions in the city. The beef is slow-cooked in-house and served on Leidenheimer bread. The Ferdie tops roast beef with grilled ham and swiss cheese. Fried seafood and several sausage options are just as good, especially with a side of homemade onion rings.

Time Out tip: The roast beef gravy makes for a messy po’boy, but if you can’t get enough of it, they’ll be happy to bring you more on the side.

Address: 3206 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70001

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8:30pm; Sun 11am-3pm

What is it: This homey, family-run Metairie institution has been in business since 1975.

Why we love it: Order at the deli counter, then grab a seat and prepare to feast. Radosta’s is known for its flavorful, house-made Italian sausage po’boys, but you can’t go wrong with any of the other po’boys on the menu: there’s fried shrimp, catfish, french fry, eggplant parm and even a pork loin po’boy.

Time Out tip: If you’re stopping by on a Monday, don’t miss Radosta’s red beans and rice with house-made hot or smoked sausage.

Address: 249 Aris Ave, Metairie, LA 70005

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm; Fri-Sat 11am-8pm

What is it: This diminutive barbecue joint in New Orleans East serves a Jazz Fest favorite year-round.

Why we love it: While Walker’s is focused more on barbecue rather than po’boys, it’s the creator of the famed Cochon de Lait po’boy, stuffed with slow-cooked pork and topped with a sweet and spicy mustard slaw. Get there early as they sell out fast. The barbecue offerings—as well as the smoked chicken salad—are worthy in their own right. Grab an outdoor table at the adjacent Castnet Seafood and dig in.

Time Out tip: If you need a seafood platter or po’boy with your cochon de lait, Castnet is the place for the perfect surf ‘n turf pairing.

Address: 10828 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 10:30am-2pm (or until sold out)

What is it: Johnny’s has been a favorite lunchtime spot for CBD workers and Quarter rats since 1950.

Why we love it: This po’boy place is no tourist trap. Johnny’s serves up well-made po’boys, covering the classics and more. The massive menu features dozens of po’boys, from fried shrimp and oyster to more robust choices like alligator sausage, surf ‘n turf, soft shell crab and country fried steak. It’s divey and friendly, a great spot for a quick lunch.

Time Out tip: Be prepared—Johnny’s is cash only, but there’s an ATM on site.

Address: 511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Thurs-Sun 8am-3:30pm 

What is it: This 24-hour corner store and deli is the best spot for late-night (and early morning) eats in the Quarter.

Why we love it: The po’boys are hefty and flavorful, perfect for satisfying hunger after a night out. But you don’t need to be winding down after hours of drinking—these po’boys are delicious any time. The hot sausage po’boy is a favorite, as is the roast beef made with a secret sauce. Then there’s the All That Jazz, a stunner stuffed with grilled turkey, ham, American and Swiss cheeses, fried shrimp and sautéed mushrooms.

Time Out tip: There's no seating, but plenty of patrons set up shop on the sidewalk to chow down while the goods are hot.

Address: 1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Opening hours: 24/7

What is it: Gentilly’s favorite po’boy spot is a modest lunch counter focusing on quality meats.

Why we love it: Sammy’s is owned by a former butcher, and the deli supplied the esteemed sausage patty used in Gene’s hot sausage po’boy before that iconic spot closed in 2019. Thus, the supremely spicy and satisfying hot sausage po’boy at Sammy’s is the one to get. Otherwise, go for the Ray Ray, a fried chicken po’boy topped with grilled ham and melted Swiss cheese.

Time Out tip: Sammy’s is always packed with regulars, so be prepared to wait. But a little time in line will give you a chance to decide which of the tantalizing sides to order with your po’boy.

Address: 3000 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30am-5pm; Fri 10:30am-7pm; Sat 10:30am-4pm

What is it: Not far from Lake Pontchartrain, this family-run institution claims pizza as its forte, but locals know that the po’boys are just as high on the list.

Why we love it: R & O’s is a casual spot with plenty of seating, and there’s a roll of paper towels on every table, so you know it will be good. The best po’boy here is the roast beef, stewed and topped with debris. R & O’s does seafood well, too, so try the soft-shell crab when available. Po’boys here are served on a less common sesame seed-studded po’boy loaf, adding a bit of heft to each bite.

Time Out tip: You know you want the gravy fries—hot, crispy fries topped with debris from the famous roast beef.

Address: 216 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005

Opening hours: Various hours, check website