In the great debate about what kind of po-boy is the best,
shrimp often comes in first. The shrimp po-boy is beloved because the crispy fried
shrimp or juicy grilled shrimp can be locally sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, which
makes for one fresh, delicious po-boy. Bonus points if the shrimp po-boy comes on
Leidenheimer or Gendusa bread that just got delivered. Whether you get it
dressed or not, the shrimp po-boy is one of the most ordered po-boys in the city.
Though people have their favorite spot for getting a shrimp
po-boy, these are the top places that make their lists. Maybe you can get out of
your comfort zone and try a new place next time you go out for a shrimp po-boy.
10 Best Shrimp Po-boys In New Orleans
1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047
parkwaypoorboys.com
Parkway Bakery has been serving po-boys since 1929 to feed union members and conductors for free. However, these iconic sandwiches didn't become associated with the restaurant until Jay Nix purchased Parkway in 1995 and changed the slogan to "Parkway for Poor Boys."
Shrimp lovers will not be disappointed by the six po-boys they serve with shrimp. Traditional po-boy lovers can order their fried shrimp po-boy, their Parkway Surf & Turf, a half-shrimp half-catfish po-boy, or a half fried shrimp and half fried oyster on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For those who like to stray from tradition, Parkway has a fried Creole BBQ shrimp po-boy and the James Brown, made with fried shrimp, BBQ beef, and pepper jack cheese. Whatever you order, their shrimp is perfectly cooked and crisped in a way that will keep you coming back for more.
2. Short Stop Poboys
119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572
shortstoppoboysno.com
Short Stop Poboys serves over 30 different po-boys, each as delicious as the next. Their variety of bread and condiment choices allows patrons to customize the size and taste of their po-boy to their liking.
As for shrimp, Short Stop has all of the classics. The standard shrimp po-boy can be ordered as a small, regular, or large and can be made dressed or customized. Diners with a larger appetite can order one of their King Poboys, a 14-inch sandwich that can be made with half fried shrimp and half catfish, crawfish, or oysters. Traditional, fresh, and delicious are all words that come to mind at Short Stop Poboys.
3. Guy's Po-Boys
5259 Magazine St., (504) 891-5025
facebook.com/guyspoboysnola
Guy's Po-Boys is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday and is the perfect place for no-frills food and service. Their menu is made up of classic po-boy flavors and irresistible sides like gravy cheese fries.
The shrimp po-boy can be made with fried or grilled shrimp but is tasty either way. Order "The Bomb" made with grilled shrimp, catfish, melted Swiss, and cheddar cheese. Not in the mood for a po-boy but love their shrimp? Go on Friday for their daily special of fried shrimp and catfish with your choice of two sides.
4. Domilise's Po-Boys & Bar
5240 Annunciation St., (504) 899-9126
domilisespoboys.com
Domilise's may look like a humble, old-school eatery, but this joint stays very busy starting at 11 a.m. every day except Sundays. People will happily line up around the corner to order their favorite po-boy, even if they can't get a spot to eat it inside. There's a reason why this sandwich shop has drawn crowds since it opened in 1918; it's simply one of the best you can get.
Their menu is no-nonsense and sandwiches only. The Shrimp Po-boy is a classic, and the Half and Half Seafood can include shrimp, catfish, or oysters. The Surf & Turf has roast beef that is topped with shrimp. Your only other difficult decision is whether or not to get it dressed.
5. Acme Oyster House
Multiple Locations
acmeoyster.com
Acme Oyster House is typically known for its oysters but their other menu items should not be overlooked. This restaurant is great for groups who may disagree on food choices due to its larger menu.
Acme serves multiple shrimp po-boys, both fried and grilled. Their Fried Peace Maker Po-boy features fried shrimp and fried oysters with Tabasco-infused mayo. For fans of grilled shrimp, their Grilled Marinated Shrimp Po-boy is made with grilled mushrooms and onions for an amazing umami flavor.
6. Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Multiple Locations
felixs.com
Felix's has been serving Cajun and Creole food in New Orleans since the 1940s and continues to provide local flavors to all kinds of customers.
Their classically dressed po-boys come with many different fillings, most of which are very familiar to locals. For those who want something different than the standard dressing and fried shrimp, their BBQ Shrimp Po-boy is made with New Orleans-style barbequed shrimp in a peppery butter sauce.
7. Mother's
401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656
mothersrestaurant.net
It's pretty easy to spot Mother's when you're walking or driving down Poydras Street. There's usually a long line of people waiting to get in. Mother's immense popularity is certainly due to its down-home comfort food, as well as the fact that breakfast dishes are served all day, every day. In fact, Mother's is open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. just to serve all of those people who wait in line for them.
The Gulf Shrimp Po-boy can either have fried or grilled shrimp. If you get the Combo Shrimp & Oyster Po-boy, it will be fried only. If you want the flavor of the Shrimp Po-boy but you're watching your carb intake, the Gulf Shrimp Salad is an excellent choice, especially if you get the shrimp grilled.
8. Frankie & Johnny's
321 Arabella St., (504) 243-1234
Frankie & Johnny's is a local seafood bistro that believes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Unchanging and comforting Louisiana cuisine is served here all week so you never have to miss a day of Cajun and Creole dishes.
While they may not stray from the typical shrimp po-boy, this only adds to the quality of what they serve. Whether you order your shrimp grilled or fried, you'll taste experience in every bite. Along with po-boys, they also serve seafood platters with their fried shrimp.
9. Melba's
1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765
melbas.com
You can get a good meal at Melba's at any time of the day or night since it's open 24 hours for your convenience. While they serve traditional breakfast items, you can also order a breakfast po-boy like the Bacon & Egg Po-boy. When lunch or dinner rolls around, you'll want one of Melba's beloved po-boys.
Smoked sausage, hamburger, and, of course, are just some of the po-boy options offered at Melba's. Thanks to their popularity, Melba's has opened a second location at 3219 Tulane Ave. This new restaurant has an outdoor patio that is above street level and is also open 24 hours.
10. Killer Poboys
Multiple Locations
killerpoboys.com
Killer Poboys is serving a new generation of diners with their unique po-boy flavors. From culinary fusions like Thai BBQ Tofu to elevated spins on familiar favorites like Ham & Pimento Cheese, Killer Poboys will have something you've never thought to try before. While they have two locations, their location on Dauphine Street is more of a stand-alone restaurant than their location on Conti Street inside Erin Rose.
Their Seared Gulf Shrimp Poboy seemingly takes inspiration from the Vietnamese sandwich banh mi, with fillings like pickled carrots, radish, and cucumbers. Along with shrimp and pickled vegetables, this po-boy has siracha aoili and fresh herbs.
Where to Get Shrimp Po-boys in NOLA
Crispy shrimp fried to golden perfection, flavor-popping
grilled shrimp, or even barbecued, these shrimp p-boys are impossible to pass
up. If you're new to New Orleans, getting one (or more) of these iconic po-boys will
make you feel a little more like a local because you're biting into some New Orleans history. They like it dressed and with a
couple dashes of a locally-made hot sauce.
Did we miss the best traditional shrimp po-boy spot in town? Let us know
where you like to get yours!
