cajun

Johnny’s Po-Boys

One Fine Roast Beef Po'Boy

Better late than never.

I’ve had this draft post since February 22, but a good po’boy is never old news.

Way back when I ran the Rock-n-Roll Mardi Gras race in New Orleans this po’boy was pictured on the list of what not to eat before a half marathon, not because it wasn’t a delicious sandwich, but rather it’s not ideal fuel for running 13.1 miles. Otherwise I recommend it for those looking for tasty, reasonably priced eats in the French Quarter.

Since we stayed near the quarter, we ate in the area and found our way to Johnny’s Po-Boys on a local friend’s suggestion. Tucked a couple blocks over from Jackson Square, Johnny’s sits on a side street off Decatur.

Upon entering, you place your order at the end of the deli case. You gotta wait for your food and get your own drinks. The dining space consists of a small front room or even tinier back room.

Yes, it feels like a place where people say gotta, whadda want and where yat. They have red checkered table clothes, disposable table service and 51 different po’boys. In addition to the plethora of sandwich choices they also feature cajun dishes, red beans and rice, gumbo and seafood.

We were hungry and excited, which means the two of us ordered enough food to feed the cast of Kate Plus 8. (I used to watch those adorable mixed Asian kids when the show was Jon & Kate Plus 8, sad.)

Between Ben and I, we shared demolished a roast beef po’boy, fried shrimp po’boy, french fries, a cup of gumbo and french bread.

The beef was savory and juicy, the shrimp were lightly breaded and plentiful, both sandwiches were fully dressed – the only way to eat a po’boy. The french fries were standard, crispy and salty. The only downfall was the watery gumbo which was left on the table. And like most serious Louisiana po’boy purveors, the french bread is given careful consideration and comes from a local baking company.

If you are looking for a place in the quarter to get fresh, local flavor, Johnny’s is most likely right around the corner. It’s the meal of champions.

Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 Saint Louis Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone 504-524-8129
www.johnnyspoboy.com