Here's Where to Find the Best Po' Boys in New Orleans

Whether we're talking about muffulettas as thick as a bodybuilder's torso, oyster loaves as briny as the ocean itself, or just some of the best banh mis you can find, New Orleans is a sandwich-lovers paradise just waiting to be plundered. And of course, chief among those sandwiches is the glistening jewel in Nola's doughy sandwich crown: the Po' Boy.

But just where are the uninitiated to turn when an endless sea of po' boys beckons? After all, there's no point in visiting the Big Easy only to eat an inferior sandwich, whether your choice is a sloppy roast beef or fried seafood, hot or regular.

Thankfully, we here at MUNCHIES have sifted through the good, the bad, and the ugly and are pleased to deliver unto you a comprehensive list of the finest po' boys New Orleans has to offer.

Dig in and laissez les bon temps roulez.

Parasol's: Parasol's is the kind of place where you'll drink a beer while a chain-smoking 70-year-old lady explains to you why she beat up her roommate with a pool cue. But on top of its atmosphere of intrigue and fear, it also serves some badass po' boys. Roast beef is a great place to start, though firecracker shrimp isn't bad either. They'll make your stomach smile, and they've been doing it since 1952. Be sure to sit at the bar and strike up a conversation with a local.

Guy's Po-Boys: Guys isn't screwing around—not that it isn't friendly. Just bring cash and be ready to order a tasty po' boy that pisses in the eyes of God. I'm talking about Guy's "the Bomb." It's a sandwich with shrimp, catfish, and melted cheese. You're not going to be happy about it an hour after you eat it, but stay in the zone. Everyone warned you New Orleans was going to be an adventure.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern: Another institution, Parkway has stuck around since 1911 and is foundational to po' boy culture. It's a good place to have a drink and eat a sandwich, and is worth the cab ride. Most people will tell you to get the roast beef, but they'd be wrong. Get the surf and turf po' boy—it's actually the best of both worlds with roast beef and fried oysters. You'll thank us for this.

Domilise's Po Boys: This place has been no-nonsense since it opened in 1924. Tucked away amongst a street of mostly homes in Uptown New Orleans, Domilise's has some of the messiest po' boys you can find anywhere (that's a good thing). Roast beef is the standby here, but maybe try and surprise yourself. The catfish is worth a try.

Gene's Po-Boys: The best part of Gene's is that you can pick up a styrofoam cup filled with sugary booze and a massive po' boy any time of day since they're open 24 hours a day. You'll notice it for it's bright pink exterior. Considered the mecca of daiquiris, Gene's can make a recommendations but will also mix and match flavors on your behalf.

Killer PoBoys: Once situated in the backroom of a French Quarter bar, Killer PoBoys now has its own space on Dauphine Street, and it's more than a worthwhile stop. They have the favorites and standby po' boys, but they'll also toss chorizo-focused sandwiches you; ones with sweet potato, pecan butter, and jelly; as well as creations with pork belly and more. Is it blasphemy? Nah—just really good sandwiches.

Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery: An annoying drive? Maybe. But this is a worthwhile trip because you'll be headed for the heart of New Orleans' major Vietnamese neighborhoods. This place has been around for 30 years so they have their banh mi technique down to a science, along with a to-go counter space just for sandwiches. Pro-tip: If you're there during Mardi Gras season, pick up one of their King Cakes. It might be one of the best in the whole city.

Hong Kong Food Market: The name isn't lying: This is a supermarket. It's in the West Bank, so you'll have to make a drive, but it's worth it. The banh mi are dirt cheap and delicious. Plus, this affords you an opportunity to explore a giant Asian supermarket. You're going to find more shit that you're going to want to buy other than the sandwich.