Chargrilled Oyster Po Boy?

Question

Heading down to NOLA again soon and one of my absolute favorite local dishes is charbroiled oysters. Anyway, it dawned on me that I have never seen them done on a po boy. I know it's not traditional to present them this way, but even for things like BBQ shrimp you can find a few spots that do a po boy version. For me, a chargrilled oyster po boy would be the ultimate! Anybody know of any spot in the city that has one?

Answer

Chargrilled oysters are a beloved dish in New Orleans, and while it's not the most traditional way to serve them, a chargrilled oyster po boy would definitely be a unique and delicious twist! Although it’s not a common find, there are a few places in the city where you might find something close to what you’re envisioning or where they may be willing to customize the dish for you. Here are some places to check out:

1. Acme Oyster House – While Acme is famous for its raw oysters, they also serve chargrilled oysters, which are incredibly popular. They don’t specifically have a chargrilled oyster po boy on the menu, but given their flexibility and the popularity of their grilled oysters, it might be worth asking if they would make one for you. They often serve oysters in various styles, and they may be open to customizing a po boy for you.

Pros: Great reputation for oysters, casual and iconic New Orleans atmosphere.
Cons: No official chargrilled oyster po boy on the menu, so it would be up to the chef’s discretion.

2. Drago’s Seafood – Known for their chargrilled oysters, Drago’s could be a fantastic place to try your chargrilled oyster po boy idea. They don’t currently serve them on a po boy, but their chargrilled oysters are a big part of their menu, and they might be willing to make a special request for you. Drago’s is a New Orleans classic, and their chargrilled oysters are widely considered some of the best in the city.

Pros: Famous for chargrilled oysters, spacious and comfortable setting, and a local favorite.
Cons: Similar to Acme, they don't serve it on a po boy traditionally, but they might consider making it for you.

3. The Joint – This local spot is known for its barbecue, but they are also known to be creative with their menu. While they don't serve a chargrilled oyster po boy specifically, they are known for offering variations on classic dishes, so it’s worth asking if they could whip up something like that for you.

Pros: Great place for BBQ and inventive twists on New Orleans classics.
Cons: No specific chargrilled oyster po boy on the menu.

4. Casamento’s Restaurant – Casamento's is an old-school New Orleans spot with a great reputation for its seafood, particularly oysters. While they don’t feature a chargrilled oyster po boy, they do serve up some of the best seafood in the city. It’s a place worth checking out for a more traditional New Orleans oyster experience, and again, it’s worth asking if they would make something unique for you.

Pros: Great seafood, classic New Orleans experience, and a long-time staple in the city.
Cons: No chargrilled oyster po boy on the menu, but they are known for their oysters.

5. Willie's Chicken Shack – While not the first place you might think of for chargrilled oysters, Willie’s is known for its fun, no-frills po boys. They serve all sorts of variations, and sometimes they’re willing to get creative. If you're in the mood for a classic po boy with a twist, it’s worth asking if they could make a chargrilled oyster version!

Pros: Casual and fun atmosphere, creative po boy options, and great for a quick, satisfying meal.
Cons: Not a place known for oysters specifically, but they may be willing to make a special request.

6. Custom Po Boy Request – Many po boy spots in New Orleans are open to custom orders, so don't be afraid to ask. Whether it’s at a small local shop or a more well-known po boy joint, if you find a place that serves chargrilled oysters (like the ones mentioned above), ask if they’ll put them on a po boy. You might be pleasantly surprised by how accommodating they are!

Pros: Customizing your po boy could lead to the exact combination you’re craving.
Cons: Not all places will agree to such custom orders, but it’s always worth asking.

Summary: While a chargrilled oyster po boy isn't commonly found on the menu in New Orleans, there are plenty of places that serve amazing chargrilled oysters, and it never hurts to ask if they would make a po boy version for you. Acme, Drago’s, and Casamento’s are a few places where you could request it, or even find inspiration for your own custom version. In the meantime, enjoy the delicious oysters that are so iconic to New Orleans!