This Iconic Louisiana Eatery Is Home To The State’s Best Shrimp Po’boy
When you’re craving authentic Louisiana flavor, there’s one place that stands above the rest: Parkway Bakery & Tavern in New Orleans.
This legendary spot has been serving up mouthwatering po’boys since 1911, and their shrimp po’boy has earned a reputation as one of the very best in the entire state.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, biting into one of their crispy, perfectly dressed sandwiches is an unforgettable experience that captures the true spirit of Louisiana cooking.
A Century Of Sandwich Tradition In Mid-City
Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been slinging sandwiches since 1911, back when Taft was president and the term “poor boy” hadn’t even been coined yet, it would emerge in 1929 during a New Orleans streetcar strike. Originally a small neighborhood bakery, it transformed through the decades into one of New Orleans’ most treasured institutions.
Surviving floods that would’ve sunk lesser establishments, economic roller coasters, and ownership changes that could’ve altered its soul, Parkway kept its authentic character intact. Generations of families have made pilgrimages here, creating memories over messy, delicious sandwiches.
Today, it stands as proof that great food and stubborn determination can outlast just about anything Louisiana throws your way.
The Shrimp Po’boy That Defines Louisiana Flavor
Picture this: plump Gulf shrimp, battered and fried to golden perfection, piled high on fresh Leidenheimer French bread baked right here in New Orleans. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender, juicy shrimp that tastes like the Gulf itself decided to throw a party in your mouth.
Dressed with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, tangy pickles, and creamy mayo, every ingredient plays its part without stealing the spotlight. Locals will fight you (politely, because Southern manners) if you claim anyone else makes it better.
There’s a reason food critics and regular folks alike crown this sandwich Louisiana royalty, it simply nails everything a po’boy should be.
The Secret Weapon
You can’t build a legendary sandwich without legendary bread, and Parkway knows this truth deep in its bones. Leidenheimer Baking Company, founded in the late 19th century (around 1896), isn’t just any ordinary bakery, it’s a Louisiana icon.
That signature light crunch on the outside gives way to a pillowy soft center that soaks up just enough dressing without turning soggy. Many po’boy joints have tried using different bread, and many have learned the hard way that shortcuts don’t cut it.
Leidenheimer is the foundation that transforms good sandwiches into unforgettable ones.
A Beloved Gathering Spot For Locals And Legends
From presidents to plumbers, everyone ends up at Parkway eventually. President Barack Obama famously visited in 2010 during a trip to New Orleans, joining the ranks of countless locals who’ve made this their regular lunch spot for decades.
What makes it special isn’t just the famous faces, it’s the electrician sitting next to the tourist, both equally messy and equally happy. Parkway doesn’t put on airs or pretend to be fancy.
It’s a genuine neighborhood hangout that happens to serve world-class food, where everyone from celebrities to construction workers gets the same warm welcome and spectacular sandwich.
Community Spirit And Post-Katrina Resilience
Hurricane Katrina tried to write Parkway’s final chapter in 2005, flooding the beloved eatery and devastating the surrounding Mid-City neighborhood. But owners Jay Nix and his family refused to let disaster have the last word.
They rolled up their sleeves, rebuilt from the ground up, and reopened to lines stretching around the block. For storm-weary New Orleanians, Parkway’s comeback represented something bigger than sandwiches—it symbolized hope, normalcy, and the city’s unbreakable spirit.
Their determination helped spark revival throughout the neighborhood, proving that sometimes the best revenge against disaster is simply making great food and welcoming people home.
More Than Po’boys
While the shrimp po’boy steals headlines, Parkway’s menu runs deeper than one superstar sandwich. Their roast beef po’boy, swimming in rich gravy, has its own devoted following who’d argue it deserves equal billing.
Bowls of hearty gumbo and ice-cold sweet tea round out the experience, giving you a full taste of Louisiana’s comfort food repertoire. But honestly, the food is only half the story here.
The laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff who remember regulars’ orders, and picnic tables where strangers become friends, that’s the New Orleans hospitality everyone talks about but Parkway actually delivers every single day.
A Must-Visit Stop On Every Foodie’s Louisiana Journey
Every “Best Po’boys in Louisiana” list regularly features Parkway near the top, and travel guides practically command visitors to make the pilgrimage. Food Network, Travel Channel, and countless bloggers have sung its praises, yet somehow it never feels overly touristy, remaining true to its neighborhood roots.
Whether you’re a serious foodie checking items off your bucket list or just someone who appreciates a damn good sandwich, Parkway delivers an experience that sticks with you. Years later, you’ll remember that first bite, the crunch, the flavor, the satisfaction.
It’s timeless Louisiana comfort food at its absolute finest, served with zero pretension and maximum soul.