Please help me find the best Po'Boy and Gumbo

Question

Hey everyone,

Im hoping to get some help with some food spots. I did my research and even looked through this forum but there is too much.

Where is the best spot for Po'Boys?

What I found was VertI Marte was good for their special, Parkway was goof for their Roast beef, Felix's was good for their shrimp, and Domilise and Guy's were also good options,

Are these solid options? What spots would be a must?

Where is the best spot for Gumbo?

I found Dooky Chase, Gabrielle, Felix, Lil'Dizzy, and Liuzza's to be one of the best options.

Are these solid options? What spots would be a must?

Answer

New Orleans is famous for its Po'Boys and Gumbo, and your list already includes some of the city’s iconic spots. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help prioritize your must-visit restaurants and understand what each is known for.

Po'Boys: These sandwiches are a staple in New Orleans, and each spot often has its specialty, so your choices are solid:

Verti Marte: Known for their special Po’Boy, usually featuring a mix of deli meats, shrimp, and hot sauce. A casual, iconic spot for a quick and flavorful sandwich.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern: Famous for roast beef Po’Boys, with options like debris (juicy shredded roast beef with gravy) or fried shrimp. Longtime local favorite with classic French bread.
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Renowned for fried seafood Po’Boys, especially shrimp and oyster. Located near the French Quarter and very popular with tourists.
Domilise’s: Family-run institution in Uptown, famous for shrimp and oyster Po’Boys. Expect a no-frills, authentic experience.
Guy’s Po-Boys: A newer but highly recommended spot for classic fried seafood Po’Boys, very flavorful and fresh.

Other notable mentions for Po’Boys include Johnny’s Po-Boys and Casamento’s for oysters, which are also highly praised by locals.

Gumbo: Gumbo can vary greatly by style (seafood, chicken & sausage, or Creole), and the following are top spots:

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: Historic Creole institution, famous for gumbo with bold, well-seasoned flavors. A must-visit for its history and authenticity.
Gabrielle: Offers classic Creole gumbo with seafood or chicken and sausage. Known for generous portions and rich flavor.
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: In addition to Po’Boys, their gumbo is highly regarded, especially the seafood version.
Lil’ Dizzy’s Café: Known for hearty, spicy gumbo with chicken and sausage, reflecting classic New Orleans Creole cooking.
Liuzza’s by the Track: Famous for chicken and sausage gumbo, served with rice, and a favorite among locals for its consistency and flavor.

Tips for maximizing your experience:

Plan your Po’Boy stops around lunch—they are best fresh and often sell out quickly.
Gumbo is often lunch or dinner fare; some restaurants are cash-only or close early, so check hours ahead of time.
Try one fried seafood Po’Boy and one roast beef Po’Boy to get a sense of the range of flavors.
For gumbo, sample both seafood and chicken & sausage styles if possible, as each has distinct flavors.

In summary, your list is very solid. Parkway, Domilise, and Felix’s are must-visits for Po’Boys depending on your preferred filling. For gumbo, Dooky Chase, Lil’ Dizzy’s, and Liuzza’s are excellent choices to experience authentic, flavorful Creole cooking. Balancing historic establishments with casual favorites will give you a true taste of New Orleans cuisine.

Please help me find the best Po'Boy and Gumbo

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