Best Roast Beef Po-Boy in New Orleans
By Daniel Chick
There are very few things in this world that make me as happy as a New Orleans Roast Beef Po’boy. I recall the first one I ever had was at a gas station called Danny and Clyde’s. My name is also Danny so a very young version of myself must have felt a spiritual connection. The Roast Beef Po’boy is considered to be a staple of New Orleans blue collar cuisine. Traditionally, they are reasonably priced, overstuffed, hot, and prepared quickly. There are many different styles across the city. Some prefer the debris style which is gravy with bits of roast beef (tastes great on french fries btw) and some prefer cold cut roast beef doused in Gravy and warmed. Some of the best and most famous are made of Roast Beef cooked in its own juices till it’s falling apart and then liberally lathered onto New Orleans French Bread.
French Bread is arguably the most important part. New Orleans French bread is baked with the brackish water of Southeast Louisiana and baked near, or in some cases, below sea level in bakeries that date back close to 100 years. A good New Orleans French Bread should have a crispy crust but airy and light on the inside so it can handle the heap of Roast beef it will have to carry for its short life. The question I get most often on tours is how is it different from a sub or a hoagie? The bread composition sets it apart. After Hurricane Katrina the Leidenheimer Baking Company, one of New Orleans famous French bread bakers, had to lather wet bread all over the walls of their new bakery so the bread would have just the right baking environment. Desperate times call for desperate measures and nothing is more desperate than a hungry New Orleanian who must have a Roast Beef Po’boy.
I grew up on the New Orleans Westbank, a suburb just across the Mississippi river. I consider the Westbank to not be uniquely New Orleans like the French Quarter or the Garden District but it did have Mardi Gras parades and some of the best traditional New Orleans food. In that way it sets itself apart from the other suburbs of the United States. The local Subway chain on Terry Parkway even served its Roast Beef subs with brown gravy. It was in the same warmer where they kept the meatballs and gravy just next to it. I distinctly remember the lady who ran the franchise saying “In New Orleans no one eats cold roast beef.” To this day I’m not sure if the corporation ever found out about that. I walked in one day in the early 2000’s and they stopped using the gravy and I felt disappointed. Not because Subway made a great Roast Beef and Gravy mind you but because it just felt unique. Like it was our little secret.
The Roast Beef Po’Boy to me is one of the definitive comfort foods of New Orleans. It’s the one I most often and proudly like to share with visitors. If you decide to take a tour with NOLA Tour Guy here is a guide to some of the best Roast Beef Po’Boys in New Orleans.
Best Roast Beef po-boys in the French Quarter
After finishing up learning about the history, architecture, and culture of our oldest neighborhood on a French Quarter Walking Tour, head over to Killer Po’boys at 811 Conti. It’s nestled inside of a bar called Erin Rose that has great drink specials. Killer offers a debris style Roast Beef Po’boy topped with pickled green beans, banana peppers, and a tangy homemade horseradish sauce. Traditionally New Orleans po’boys are dressed which includes mayo, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Killer Po’boys turns that tradition on its head and offers something wholly unique. I highly recommend it and be sure to have a drink.
If you are in the Lower Quarter near Congo Square, let’s say on a Voodoo Tour check out Quarter Grocery at 840 Burgundy St. It’s mainly a grocery store that sells staple items for the people of the French Quarter while also offering Po’Boys and hot plates. This is a locals favorite. Theirs is the cold cuts style then doused in gravy and served on fresh french bread. It comes out fast and is only around $10-$12 for a 12 inch sandwich. I would couple this one with a side of red beans and rice with a cold glass bottle of Barq’s Root Beer.
Let’s say your out late in the Quarter on a Ghost Tour. Once you have had your fill of the darker side of our history head over to NOLA Po’boys at 908 Bourbon St. they stay open extra late and serve a good Roast Beef Po’boy that is overstuffed and could be easily shared by 2 people. The place is comfortable and the walls are covered in Mardi Gras throws like beads, stuffed animals, and trinkets. Being on Bourbon St this is definitely one of the highest priced of my recommendations. Bourbon Street rent prices are outrageous. Late night options can also sometimes be scarce and I think this is one of the best options.
Another option to consider is Napoleon House. Featured on our Cocktail tours is the Napoleon House at 500 Chartres St. This one is mostly known for its interesting history, a great Pimm’s Cup, and a top destination for the Muffuletta Sandwich. They also have a good Roast Beef Po’Boy served in a classic French Quarter environment complete with a courtyard. After you enjoy your Roast Beef, raise your drink to Napoleon (maybe not the Pimm’s Cup though as it is English and he may not like that).
Best Roast Beef po-boys in the Garden District
After seeing the beautiful homes of the Garden District I recommend walking towards Magazine St and heading over to Parasol’s at 2533 Constance St. It’s also a bar and offers a traditional Roast Beef Po’Boy experience in a laid back and neighborhood atmosphere. I may also be biased about this one because it was my dad’s favorite in the city. I prefer to get mine dressed with no tomatoes but he preferred his with gravy only and then doused in so much Tabasco sauce the gravy would turn red. I hope at some point over the years he tipped extra for using up all their Tabasco.
Best Roast Beef po-boys in the Marginy
If your planning to go out to see music on the world famous Frenchmen Street I suggest heading to the Marigny Brasserie at 640 Frenchmen St. Their debris style Roast Beef Po’boy is sure to please in a comfortable and modern atmosphere. They also sometimes have a band playing there in the early evening making it a delight to eat there. With most po’boy shops being bars and quick stops it’s a welcome diversion and a great way to start your evening on Frenchmen St. Learn all about this world famous street on from Sal on his Jazz Tour of Frenchmen St. You can check out more places to eat on Frenchmen Street here.
Best Roast Beef po-boys in Bayou St John
Bayou St. John neighborhood is one of our favorite neighborhoods in the city of New Orleans. Find out more in a guide to Bayou St. John here but long story short it has some of the best restaurants, bars and historic homes in the whole city in addition to St Louis Cemetery #3, one best best cemeteries to visit without a tour guide.
One could make a strong case that this will be your best Roast Beef destination. Walking distance from the cemetery is Liuzza’s By the Track at 1518 North Lopez St. Their Roast Beef Po’boy is easily one of my favorites in the city, It’s also best combined with an order of their fresh made French Fries. Everything here tastes homemade and the service is quick and friendly. If you don’t mind walking a little further in the opposite direction you can head over to Parkway Bakery at 538 Hagan Ave. This might be the busiest Po’Boy shop in the city. Their Roast Beef is great but they also offer the Streetcar Po’boy which is Fries covered in Roast Beef Debris served dressed on French Bread. This is also one that can be shared and is a great value if you wanna do some walking you will have plenty of carbs to burn off.
Enjoy and remember to ask for extra napkins 🙂
