11 Louisiana Po’Boys That Could Double As Dinner And Breakfast
The sun sets over the bayou, casting long shadows, and your stomach rumbles. But what kind of rumble is it? Is it the “I need a light snack” rumble, or the “I’m ready to face the apocalypse with a full belly” rumble?
In Louisiana, the answer is often the latter, and the solution is invariably a po’boy. These aren’t delicate affairs; they’re hearty, generous, and loaded with ingredients that could easily power you through a sunrise fishing trip and a midnight jazz set.
Get ready, because we’re about to dive into a list of 11 po’boys so epic, they’re practically a two-meal-in-one deal.
1. Melba’s Old School Po’Boys
Craving a po’boy at 3 AM? Melba’s has your back. This New Orleans institution operates around the clock, serving up delicious sandwiches whenever hunger strikes.
The beauty of Melba’s lies in its unwavering commitment to feeding the city at all hours. Their crispy fried shrimp po’boy tastes just as good at sunrise as it does at sunset.
With multiple locations throughout the city, you’re never far from satisfaction. The bread remains perfectly crusty on the outside and soft inside whether you’re ending your night or starting your day.
2. Johnny’s Po’Boys
Tucked away in the French Quarter, Johnny’s Po’Boys opens its doors bright and early for hungry tourists and locals alike. The morning rush brings a mix of nightshift workers ending their day and early birds starting theirs.
Their enormous menu features classic breakfast items alongside their famous po’boys, creating the perfect opportunity for indecision. Want eggs and a catfish po’boy at 7 AM? Nobody will judge you here.
The no-frills atmosphere adds to the authentic experience. Cash only and worth every dollar, Johnny’s represents the true spirit of New Orleans dining.
3. Mother’s Restaurant
Mother’s Restaurant stands as a New Orleans landmark where the lines between breakfast and lunch disappeared decades ago. Their famous Ferdi Special – a po’boy loaded with baked ham, roast beef, debris, and gravy – works surprisingly well as a morning meal.
I still remember my first visit after a long night exploring Bourbon Street. The hearty sandwich soaked up the previous evening’s excesses better than any traditional breakfast ever could.
The restaurant’s worn interior tells stories of countless satisfied customers who discovered the same truth: a good po’boy knows no time constraints. Mother’s all-day breakfast policy only reinforces this beautiful culinary flexibility.
4. NOLA Poboys
NOLA Poboys in the French Quarter stretches the definition of appropriate meal times with their extended hours and extensive menu. The bright, casual atmosphere welcomes hungry visitors well into the evening hours.
Their seafood po’boys shine particularly bright, with golden-fried shrimp and oysters that maintain perfect crispness whether eaten at dinner or as an unconventional breakfast. The portions arrive generous enough to satisfy even the most substantial morning appetite.
Local tip: their catfish po’boy paired with a side of grits creates an unexpected but delightful breakfast combination that bridges traditional morning fare with classic Louisiana sandwich craftsmanship.
5. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been slinging exceptional po’boys since 1911, earning a reputation that brings locals and tourists alike to Mid-City. Their legendary roast beef po’boy drips with rich, dark gravy that somehow tastes even better before noon.
The historic building houses over a century of sandwich expertise. President Obama himself couldn’t resist their offerings during his visit to the city.
I once watched a group of night shift workers file in at opening time, ordering what would be their dinner while day-shift folks grabbed the same sandwiches for breakfast. The scene perfectly captured the universal appeal of these substantial creations that defy traditional meal categorization.
6. Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Hidden in a residential Uptown neighborhood, Domilise’s unassuming exterior conceals po’boy perfection that works morning or night. The tiny corner joint has remained relatively unchanged for decades, focusing entirely on sandwich excellence rather than frills.
Their fried shrimp po’boy comes dressed with a perfect balance of mayo, lettuce, pickles, and hot sauce. The bread achieves that magical textural contrast – shattering crust giving way to cloud-like interior.
Locals have been known to line up before opening, proving these sandwiches hold universal appeal regardless of the hour. The bar component means you can even get a cold drink with your breakfast po’boy – if that’s your preference.
7. Bear’s Restaurant
Bear’s Restaurant in Covington holds a stellar reputation for crafting Po’Boys that truly satisfy. Known for their hearty roast beef Po’Boy, the sandwich is drenched in a savory gravy that melts into the crusty French bread, creating a delightful mess worth the indulgence.
Every bite promises tender beef with just the right amount of seasoning. It’s the perfect companion for an evening meal or a comforting breakfast treat, showcasing Bear’s commitment to flavor and quality.
Fun fact: Located in an old gas station, Bear’s has been a local favorite for decades, drawing both locals and travelers seeking authentic Louisiana cuisine.
8. Acme Oyster House
Acme Oyster House serves up seafood po’boys that transcend typical mealtime restrictions. Their famous locations throughout New Orleans operate extended hours, making their creations accessible whether you’re finishing dinner or seeking a substantial morning meal.
The oyster po’boy arrives loaded with plump, cornmeal-crusted bivalves that maintain their crisp exterior and briny interior. A smear of remoulade sauce adds tangy complexity that wakes up taste buds at any hour.
The bustling atmosphere feels appropriate regardless of when you visit. Watching shuckers work their magic at the oyster bar while waiting for your sandwich adds to the experience that feels quintessentially New Orleans morning or night.
9. Liuzza’s By The Track
Positioned near the Fair Grounds Race Course, Liuzza’s By The Track has perfected the BBQ shrimp po’boy – a messy masterpiece that defies conventional breakfast norms. Unlike traditional barbecue, New Orleans BBQ shrimp swim in a buttery, peppery, Worcestershire-spiked sauce that demands multiple napkins.
The French bread serves as both vessel and sponge, soaking up the flavorful sauce while maintaining enough structural integrity to contain the plump shrimp. Regular customers know to request extra bread for sauce-mopping.
The neighborhood joint’s unpretentious setting creates a welcoming vibe whether you’re starting your day or ending it. Their hearty portions ensure satisfaction that lasts hours, bridging meal times with ease.
10. Olde Tyme Grocery
Venturing beyond New Orleans to Lafayette, Olde Tyme Grocery proves that exceptional po’boys exist throughout Louisiana. This unassuming market-turned-restaurant opens early and serves late, accommodating cravings regardless of the clock.
Seafood po’boys have achieved legendary status among locals and visitors alike. Golden-fried shrimp, oysters, and catfish arrive piled high on perfectly baked bread that balances chewiness with delicate crumb.
Back in college, my roommate and I would regularly grab these sandwiches after late study sessions, technically making them dinner, then save half for breakfast. The sandwiches held up remarkably well, proving their versatility across mealtimes and earning permanent spots in our student budget meal rotation.
11. Parasol’s
Parasol’s Bar in the Irish Channel neighborhood serves a roast beef po’boy that transcends ordinary sandwich status. The unassuming corner tavern produces beef so tender it barely requires chewing, swimming in a rich gravy that transforms French bread into something almost mystical.
The kitchen’s late hours cater to dinner crowds, while dedicated fans know these sandwiches work equally well as morning-after remedies. The hearty portion provides sustenance that lasts, making it ideal for either day’s beginning or end.
The neighborhood bar atmosphere feels welcoming regardless of when you visit. Locals claim the sandwich actually improves as a morning meal, with the flavors having time to meld overnight – though few sandwiches survive long enough for such experiments.