Johnny’s Po-Boys: No Failures Here

The sandwich is a staple around the world. Each culture has its own variation of the sandwich. Across America there are vastly different takes on the sandwich — the hoagie, the grinder, the cheesesteak, the sub, and various melts just to name a few.

In New Orleans, it’s got to be a muffaletta or a po-boy. Johnny’s Po-Boys does both, and does them well. Of course they don’t really have to, as founder and namesake Johnny De Grusha said, “Even my failures are edible!”

Johnny’s has been a French Quarter fixture since the 1950′s, initially slinging po-boys to the workers from the Jax Brewery. Although Jax Brewery no longer brews beer, there is no doubt many of the workers from its various retail shops head over for a bite during lunch or stop in for breakfast before starting their shift.

Johnny’s lunch menu sports the typical po-boys, from the french fry to the fried shrimp, and the standard muffaletta, as well as special versions of both. Among the special sandwiches, you’ll find a seafood muffaletta (catfish, shrimp and oysters on a 10″ bun), the surf and turf po-boy (hot roast beef topped with fried shrimp) and the Johnny’s special (hot roast beef, grilled ham, swiss and american cheese). If you get overwhelmed by the number of po-boys to choose from, there are always some daily specials or seafood plates available.

While sides like french fries and potato salad are there, I feel you haven’t really had a po-boy unless you’ve cracked a bag of Zapp’s to go along with it. Of course you’d have to wash it down with a nice cold Dixie or Abita beer or the ever refreshing Barq’s root beer (in a bottle).

Conveniently located on St. Louis Street, just steps from the river and Jackson Square, Johnny’s is perfect for picnics. Grab your po-boy to go and settle in Woldenberg Park to watch the world go by or seek some shade in the shadow of the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.

Want to take advantage of some a/c or hide from some rainy weather? Johnny’s has you covered. With seating areas in the front and rear of the restaurant, there is typically ample room. Had a little too much fun on Bourbon street the night before? They’ll deliver salvation right to you, within a limited area.

So grab your cash (no cards or checks accepted) and head down to Johnny’s for a true taste of New Orleans’ take on the sandwich. Oh, and don’t forget the Zapp’s and the Barq’s.

Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, LA
504.524.8129
Monday-Thursday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Friday-Sunday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Tagged as: Abita, Barq's, Dixie, Jackson Square, Jax Brewery, Johnny's Po-Boys, muffaletta, po-boys, St. Louis Cathedral, Woldenberg Park, Zapp's