Parkway Bakery & Tavern

My favorite po boy in New Orleans… by far. I typically order the shrimp po boy (unless they have oyster) while my wife goes for the roast beef. Never had a complaint. The alligator sausage po boy is also great.

Still my favorite po’boy shop, still eating the surf & turf. YD and I passed on gumbo this time and split an order of bread pudding which is delicious, moist and smooth without being mushy or runny, and topped with a (thankfully) modest amount of icing. Warning-​there are raisins, if you’re not into that.

This place was interesting. I was in town this weekend for a wedding, and the bride and groom decided to have us all meet us for lunch here.
I’m not sure I’ve ever had a po’boy before, and I don’t like seafood, so I ordered the roast beef po’boy, minus the mayo and lettuce. I think in retrospect I should have left the mayo on, because although it was tasty (and I don’t normally like roast beef), it tasted like it was lacking something.
I also ordered the fried pickles, which were DELICIOUS — a teeny bit spicy and very, very good, as well as plentiful; I was only able to eat about half of my order.
This place gets a star deducted because of the weird layout — there’s a huge line to order (granted, we went on a Saturday afternoon) and then to get to the restrooms, you have to cut the line and veer off to the right. They should maybe consider relocating those.
I’d come back here the next time I’m in town and maybe try a turkey or ham po’boy, too.

Probably one of the best all around ‘classic’ Po-​Boy shops in the city; they also serve a mean gumbo!
The bar area is fun to sit at and have a cold one or one of their awesome Bloody Marys while waiting for your po-​boy. Shrimp and roast beef are what they’re known for but honestly everyone on the menu is good.
Great spot to come to and only one block off of the Bayou.

I hunted these guys down on a couple ‘best of’ sites because I wanted my first shrimp PoBoy ever to be a pure expression of the local classic. It did not disappoint. You can dress your sandwich up left right and sideways and the whole menu looks delicious.
The shrimp was lightly fried… Golden crispy perfection, on equally impressive bread. Dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo I really think I hit the jackpot here. Not rushed, nice and cool, with options to eat inside at a table, at the bar, or on the patio, love the options.
Happy hour from 3 – 7 is Wild, and local Abita beers are $ 3, so I’m on cloud nine.
Located north of the touristy stuff it’s a pleasant reprieve from the smells and sounds of stumbly bumbly crowds on bourbon street — and easy enough to dive back in when you’re full and ready for round 2.

EXCELLENT POOR BOYS SANDWICHES. One of the things I crave the most when I think about N’awlins is a Fried Shrimp Poboy Sandwich. My friend brought us for lunch before the crowd. We were lucky to arrive shortly after 11am when the line was short. It grew quickly after we ordered. We ordered surf and turf dressed, fried shrimp dressed, sweet potato and regular fries.
The Shrimp Poboy was perfect. The bread is the key ingredient of any true poboy. That crusty french bread is a staple in New Orleans and made fresh that day for your sandwich. Made and perfected in this region. Most of those tasty poboy sandwiches in New Orleans are made with Leidenheimer’s bread. The bread has been made with the same recipe for over 100 years. The flour, water and technique makes a bread that cannot be matched anywhere else. That French Bread is what separates a true Poboy from the pretenders. I have had sandwiches in Los Angeles that use Leidenheimer’s bread but it is not the same after it is shipped. The bread is often toasted in an effort to crisp the crust. The shrimps were perfectly fried with cornmeal in the batter that gives the shrimp the proper texture and flavor. Not sure what size the shrimps but they were perfect. Just the right size to make a nice deep pile on the sandwich. Dressed as they should all be with the mayo, shredded lettuce and thin slice of tomato. I always add some ketchup and hot sauce to mine. It was very tasty.
The Surf and Turf was also excellent. It is a bit of a mess with the gravy but many think this is the best sandwich at Parkway. Think shrimp poboy. Take some shrimp out :(
Add roast beef and gravy. Very good but I prefer the crunch of all the shrimp.
The fries were a side note. Nothing special. I prefer mine more crisp. But this is not enough to change my rating.
Instead of the Surf and Turf, My friend ordered the shrimp poboy and added gravy. He really likes the gravy flavor but didn’t want the mess.
Parkway is a New Orleans classic. I will be back

One of the best restaurants that I’ve been to in New Orleans. Lots of options and options to mix-​n-​match. I had the shrimp poboy and will definitely order again.

Now this is a place that lives up to the Unilocal reviews and food shows. I believe I had seen this one of Man Finds Food. I’ve tried some other po boy places in New Orleans. Johnny’s Po Boys, Mothers and Parasol’s. Parasol’s being my previous favorite.
We walked into this place. Seemed a little busy, but we were able to find a seat right away at the bar. Got serviced right away. Ordered a cocktail and shrimp po boy. I was in heaven when eating this, no complaints here. Winner for best place to get a po boy in New Orleans in my book.

Came here at the recommendation of some locals dining next to us at another restaurant. SO TRUE! ask a local, they KNOW!
We got the roast beef w gravy & fried shrimp, neither disappointed! My husband liked the shrimp, i liked the roast beef. We ordered the full size of both, ate ½ there & the other ½ waiting for our flight back to Seattle.
This might sound gross to some, but The Roast beef was still Bomb-​cold n all! Yup, I’m not about to waste a perfectly delicious sandwich not knowing when I’ll have it again.
This is THE place for po boys!
*the picture posted for the roast beef doesn’t do it any justice

I’ve come here twice while visiting New Orleans and both times have been a highlight of my visit.
Excellent poboy (the fried shrimp were perfectly cooked and overflowing from the sandwich. No cheapskate’s here)
The service was excellent as well both times (I had the same bartender both visits, and she was great)
The potato salad was bomb too. Definitely a recommendation!

I was in town for a conference and was fortunate to have my cousin as a local host! I don’t think most visitors make it to great places like this! The shrimp po-​boy we split was amazing! A large is plenty for two people — there is probably about a pound of tender, perfectly cooked shrimp piled on fresh, delicious bread. The mayo and other toppings made the sandwich even better without overpowering the shrimp. The remoulade went very nicely with the runaway shrimp that overflowed the bread.
I loved the atmosphere here too; the old signs and ads were so much fun to look at!
If you have access to transportation… or even better… to a local… this is an excellent place for lunch. It is away from the nuttiness of the French Quarter too if you need a break…

Our go to place for our favorite shrimp poboy! Always just driving through and never seating for our big fam so gotta just go in and take it to go and munch in the car. So good! I will forever stick forever stick with the shrimp poboy. We had the alligator sausage and it was ok. The pot roast is good but so wet that you need a fork to eat and I perfer my bread crisp. So the surf part I perfer but don’t get me wrong, still purty good! But i need to go back when they have fried oyster poboy bc I know that’s gonna be heaven ;)
The area is kinda sketchy at night but park on the streets and walk in. We have tried to hit when its light out or once they open for lunch to beat the crowd and the light. The line moves fast so don’t be discouraged.
Go and visit now! Best shrimp poboy ever!

So many regrets! I would suggest getting the roast beef poboy. Mrs and I shared the shrimp one and it was good but the roast beef had so much flavor. It comes with gravy that soaks into the bread giving it a nice, soft feel. I was wishing I just got the roasts beef after trying our friends sandwich.
We also got the bread pudding with a rum sauce which almost melts in your mouth and some sweet potato fries to share. Can’t go wrong.

Every time I’m in NOLA, I find myself craving the simple yet magical creation that is the po’boy. So when I discovered Parkway on a list of top Zagat-​rated restaurants in the city, I knew I had to check it out. The Bakery and Tavern has been around in some capacity — though renovated I assume — since 1911. While it’s switched hands a couple times, the vintage yellow building is still family-​run and popular as ever. In fact, the line was literally out the door when we stopped by for lunch late one Saturday. Don’t be discouraged though: it moves quickly and you can use the time to decide which of their 25 options you want to order.
Like many old-​school culinary landmarks, Parkway has become self-​aware and capitalizes on its fame by hawking branded merchandise and campaigning heavily for votes in annual «Best Po’ Boy» contests. But thankfully, going «mainstream» hasn’t stopped the kitchen from churning out some damn good sandwiches. My girlfriend and I went with the tried-​and-​true shrimp and roast beef poor boys, respectively. The fresh-​baked bread was fantastic — crispy exterior with a soft, flaky inside. The gravy-​soaked roast beef was moist as can be. It wasn’t salty at all, but instead had kind of a sweet, earthy flavor to it. The golden-​fried shrimp were plump and there must have been two dozen of them, but they were a little bland. The moisture from the tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and mayo soaks into the bread… the last few bites are the best. For best results, enjoy the sandwich outdoors on their covered patio with a cold beer and good company!

I just love coming here when I visit New Orleans. The po-​boys are just delicious, the atmosphere just right, any time you stop in, it’s just a delight.
I had the oyster po-​boy and the oysters were huge! I ordered it dressed and it didn’t disappoint.
The wife ordered the fried catfish and that was also very good.
For a side I ordered the sweet potato fries that mixed well well with the meal altogether.
Yes there might be a line out the door, but the line moves quickly, it is worth the wait.
Lastly the people who work here are very friendly and know people from locals to visitors. They treat everyone here the same way which is always a bonus.
I have been here twice and I look forward tony next visit.

Oh man… the po’ boys! I checked that off my list with a trip here. They come in two sizes, either a regular or large. I decided on a regular GOLDEN FRIED SHRIMP. There was a generous amount of shrimp. Great breading. I probably would’ve had leftovers to finish up later if I’d gotten the larger size. Next time I think I’d get two regular po’ boys to try other fillings!
Parkway is a short walk from the Canal Line. There’s some indoor seating, but mostly it’s outdoors. The line is often long but moves fairly quickly or apparently there’s full table service in the tavern section?

I was in NOLA and was searching for an authentic Po’Boy. After much research I was guided to Parkway.
Man O Man was I glad i did my research. I could not have been happier with what i found. No frills restaurant that is there to do one thing and one thing only make a delicious sandwich for you!
We sat in the bar and were greeted by friendly staff. They were patient with us as tourist and were polite as we asked out questions. I went with the Shrimp Po’Boy and It was DELICIOUS!!!
If you are NOLA and looking for best experience I highly recommend coming here. there is plenty of parking but it fills up fast. I recommend getting there right when it opens to enhance your dinning experience.

Fantastic foray into NOLA history — coupled with an expansive Po’ Boy array.
Parkway is de rigueur on the Po’ Boy circuit in NOLA. You know it, and they know it. Keep in mind that Oysters are only available on Monday and Wednesdays (at time of this review).
Contrary to the rest of the universe, I favor the seafood options over the Roast Beef. Roast Beef Po’ Boy DOES take top billing at Parkway and I suspect they move a considerable amount of beef-​on-​hoof any given week.
This is an experience no franchising could successfully replicate.
Bar at the corner — vast eating-​emporium (folding chairs/​tables) fill the expansive covered courtyard surrounding the Ford Model-​T.
Pace yourself. No matter how hungry you think you are, the «large» roast beef isn’t sensible for single-​serving, human-​based considerations.
I sure do wish I could have ordered the Oysters last night — or perhaps even the shrimp…
Don’t get me wrong — Parkway is good! and I am giving this a positive four-​stars, see? It’s not like you’ll get a better Roast Beef po’ boy anywhere else…

Most convenient Po-​boy location from the proximity of my house, and how lucky for me because it’s the best! A true New Orleans staple. I would eat here everyday if I could

I recently visited NOLA and we woke up craving a Poor Boy. Our Über driver a local recommended that we go to Parkway. We were the 1^st to arrive at 10:45 am because they opened at 11:00. The line began to build and their doors opened.
We proceeded to the counter inside and when the cash register was cued we placed our order. I ordered the shrimp poor boy with fries. My sister ordered the surf and turf it had roast beef with shrimp and gravy on toasted French bread.
The bread was toasted and airy which we were told is what makes a poor boy. There was so much shrimp on the sandwich that it was spilling over into the plate. The shrimp was lightly battered and perfectly seasoned with Cajun spice. I ordered the 10 inch sandwich and almost finished the whole thing.
It was great venturing out and seeing a local neighborhood outside of the French Quarter to get a delicious poor boy.

This place was great. We’re a group of 8 poor college students here for spring break and loved the food. Cheap, filling, and yummy. Rum cake was delicious too. Recommend for those looking for cheap lunch with New Orleans flavors.

Great po-​boy at a very unique place. They line was long but it moved quickly. There is a good assortment of po-​boys to get, I got a shrimp po-​boy and french fries with cheese and roast beef debris and gravy. There was a funeral service going on there for a guinea pig, RIP Ralphie A. Mclvor. It is a really good po-​boy at a decent price and there is a bar there and lots of interesting things to look at on the wall.

There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said, but Parkway lives up to the hype. They really do have some of the best po-​boys in town.
I can only make a couple of (minor) complaints:
1) I always ask for extra pickles. They never add extra pickles.
2) The fried pickles aren’t that great. Too much breading, not enough pickle.
I love pickles.
But like I said, the po-​boys are awesome.

In fear of this place having a line much longer than it already does, I am reluctantly admitting that this place has the absolute best roast beef po-​boy.
A few years back, an artist now known for her controversial Formation video totally blew the cover off this largely word of mouth rockstar establishment when she ordered a ridiculous amount of sandwiches for her dancers and crew right before her Essence Fest performance.
The line moves quickly and yes, it is absolutely worth the wait. The outdoor covered seating out back is also a real treat on a sunny or warm day.
Parking is a nightmare but not as bad as finding a free parking spot in a major city. That said, it is in a neighborhood so it’s free. Just be sure not to block any driveways, because the folks have tow companies marked as favorites.
One of the best po-​boys you will have. Just try to keep the news to yourself. :)

They have a huge parking space which is a plus before the happy hour however that doesn’t help if the line for poor boy is 30 minutes long. To escape the line, the best option for us was to head straight to the bar and order extra to go.
We got the bloody mary since everyone ask for that. The flavor is there however not really the kick. Shrimp po boy is really good thou. The shrimp is super crispy as well as the flavor. Ordering a poor boy is so confusing, I just ask for everything. I will suggest you come 3 to 7 for their happy hour.

Awesome place to take friends for drinks or a quick bite to eat. I ate a roast beef poboy and it needed some salt.

Good Po’Boys, good Gumbo, good Sweet Potato Fries. It’s out of the way for a tourist, but if you have a car, it’s worth the trip.
It can be a bit confusing, because you walk into a bar and you don’t know where to go. Well, I’ll tell you: go all the way through to the back, which is actually in a 3 season room. That’s where you get in line to order. Line moves fast. Orders take about 10 – 15 min to complete.
Note: it’s near City Park, so you could do a tour of the sculpture garden and then stop here for lunch.

Rumored to be the best po’boy place in NOLA, we had to try this place out for ourselves. Upon entering the restaurant, we can immediately tell that there are more visitors than locals here. We ordered the shrimp po’boy and the surf and turf po’boy (roast beef and shrimp). The shrimp was delicious, the fried shrimp is the freshest and greatest I have ever had, sooo good. The surf and turf wasn’t as good because it was very sloppy, so the juices from the beef really degraded the crispiness of the shrimp. The bread was pretty average for sandwiches, I would have hoped for some butter on the buns.
We actually got 2 regular size sandwiches and had room for a 3^rd, but our waitress was nice enough to charge us for a large instead of two regulars since a regular is just a large cut in half. All in all a pretty solid sandwich (shrimp po’boy) at a pretty affordable price.

Not a long wait for food and it was delicious! The shrimp po boy and banana pudding were so tasty. Reasonable prices and a must when you’re in town visiting.

Listen, if you want to get a poboy in NOLA, you have to come to Parkway Tavern! Even before President Obama’s famous visit, this place has been a crowd favorite for a good reason. Sure, the price is a little steep for a regular half-​portion poboy ($ 8.95 for fried shrimp poboy), but not only is the regular order big enough for an average person, it may also be the best poboy you will ever had! For me, I knew I made the right decision the moment I unwrapped the sandwich and have the fried shrimps literally overflowing… In fact, I kinda hurt my jaw because the poboy was huge because it was so decked with everything! Aside from the delicious corn-​breaded shrimps, the bread definitely was the big factor why Parkway’s poboys are so good.
Lines may be long but it goes pretty quickly so don’t get deterred! This place got plenty of parking and seating, so come on and have a good time over a delicious NOLA-​style poboy!
—
tl;dr version:
1) Famous crowd-​favorite poboy joint
2) Somewhat expensive but overloaded delicious portion
3) Definitely pick up a poboy here when in NOLA!

People love Parkway. I think it’s ok.
I have been here a couple of times, the first time was with my family. Everyone in my family loved it. That time I had a Sweet potato po-​boy, my brother had a gator one and my parents shrimp and chicken. I remember thinking that it would be so awesome if they had a legit vegetarian options instead of just stuffing fries on a bread.
The second time I visited Parkway was with my husband. He was very indecisive between the catfish and the grilled cheese, he decided on the catfish because that is a NOLA favorite.
He immediately regretted his decision. He said there was too much mayo and it didn’t let you taste the catfish, so he removed part of the mayo and he said the catfish was «ok».
I do like the po-​boys, even if the ones I had are just a bread with fries. The owner is the bomb, he is super friendly and he is always smiling, unfortunately the rest of the staff is just indifferent at best.
I love that they have a large variety of po-​boys for meat eaters, I am keeping my fingers crossed for some variety for vegetarians as well.

Parkway is a must-​try for some authentic Nola po’boys. The buzz about this place is incredible — so many people suggested I go here, and after my trip, I’d have to say the same!
I recommend going to the park nearby first, and get your blood flowing before pigging out on one of these babies. The surf and turf (roast beef and fried shrimp) is the way to go. Pair that with some delicious potato salad and a root beer and you’re all set! If it’s nice out, sit on the patio out back!
This place truly seems like an institution, as well as a neighborhood highlight. Do yourself a favor and read up on their history while you wait in line! Inspirational.

Delicious although we ate it after getting to our hotel. IMO it’s best hot and fresh, the surf and turf is ery’thang!

I made my annual pilgrimage to the Parkway Bakery for the Thanksgiving Po-​Boy, and OMG to the tenth power! This culinary conglomeration is literally the traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixiins, served as a po-​boy sandwich. This time around, I was a lot more sensible and decided to split a whole sandwich with a friend, instead of gorging myself with the whole thing. This was by far one of my best decisions ever because the whole thing included white and dark turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing on Leidenheimer bread. It was sloppy, but it was warm and delicious.
The Thanksgiving Po-​Boy is available on every Wednesday during the months of November and December. I am going to be even better prepared on my next trip to get a Thanksgiving Po-​Boy, because i’m going to forego a meal or two.

The fried catfish is good. Shrimp po boy is delightful as well! I was expecting more spice. I think this would be rocking if I could possibly add spicy mayo!
The sweet potato fries a very lightly salted. I am not sure if yall ever had sweet potato fries tossed in cinnamon and brown sugar but it’s pretty legit if they would offer that!
Fries with cheese
–I was a little sad. My fries were stuck together if I hadn’t eaten them first. I thought it would be queso like but it’s really cheese that’s been melted via microwave or oven.
Parking is across the street or around. Free water! The restroom is by where you order. Always a long line so you know it’s tasty!

I finally had my first Po’ Boy sandwich and the best thing is, I had it here where it all began. Luckily I came early noon where the line was small and tables were available. For $ 20 I had a large golden shrimp Po’ boy with fries and a root beer.
The sandwich was incredible. The jumbo shrimps were coated lightly with bread crumbs and fried lightly. The bread was toasted lightly but still had it’s dough texture. They don’t skimp on the shrimp here; huge chunks fill the whole center. Light lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo hold he shrimp together inside. I love pouring Louisiana hot sauce all over the shrimp. It gives it a kick! The fries are golden and crisp and pair well with any of their sandwiches.
Overall my experience was a special one. My very first Po’ Boy in Parkway in New Orleans. Many can’t say that.

I have lived in NOLA now for 3.5 years now. I have visited prior to moving here many times. I never understood why the po-​boy was the favored sandwich here. I tried it many times, from different places, and just found it to be a dry sandwich on hard, dry bread. I thought a hoagie or sub sandwich were far better. Until Parkway. I have tried two sandwiches now, and visited twice now. Their po-​boy is worthy of 50billion11 stars. Oh my god. My burps are so tasty right now.
On Wednesdays in November, they serve a Thanksgiving po-​boy. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, heck they probably smear a little mashed potato on there as well. It was SO messy! A good dozen or so napkins. I had to eat it with a fork because it kept falling apart when I tried to pick it up. The bread was awesome! A friend convinced me to come with her this last Wednesday so we could split a large, and I do not regret this venture. The sweet potato fries we ordered were perfect. Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. We sat outside to eat, and there were so many flies that kept annoying us and trying to land on my food.
I went back today and got a surf and turf po-​boy. I brought it home to eat, as I had other things to tend to while eating. Real roast beef, roast beef gravy, and fried shrimp. The bread was good on this sandwich as well. The po-​boy was a lovely marriage of an unusual couple. It wasn’t as messy as the Thanksgiving po-​boy, but well worth the money.
Alas, because of reasons other than the food, I can not give five stars. The flies that were dive-​bombing us the other day when my friend and I were eating was unpleasant. My friend and I got there just a few minutes after opening, and the line was out the door already. I came before it opened today, and was still #8 in line. Yes, it does appear that you get served in the bar, but as my friend had her almost two year old son with us, we didn’t want to. And since I was getting my order to go today, I didn’t want to take up a table. You get in the line, there is only one register, which is why it takes so long to even place your order. The receipt if you are paying with a card has a spot for tips, which I find odd because there is no service. You give your name, and they will call you when your order is ready. The speaker system they use is either bad, or the employees just don’t speak clearly, as I couldn’t understand what name was being called out.
This would be a great restaurant, but I believe they just need to expand. Get a larger kitchen to fit more workers. I do love the vibe, and I do love the sandwich, but they really need to do something about the setup. Great food, poor concept. I will probably be back, dragging someone with me to entertain each other while we wait for the food.

I visit this place every time that I am in New Orleans and there is two reasons for that; 1. Their sandwiches are the bomb diggity and 2. Their bartenders are awesome!
We came in here after 3 nights of drinking so hard that we shouldn’t still be alive and the bartender just seemed to know. I ordered a bloody mary and it was delish but, I couldn’t even drink it because it wasn’t agreeing with me. My friends mentioned that I drink Champagne like it is my job and that we finished a few bottles the night before after drinking other things on top of that. As we were leaving he put a to go cup in front of me filled with Champagne and said this should help you out. Oh thank you bartender you are my hero because guess what it did and now not only are the sandwiches the bomb diggity but you are now too!
The sandwiches I will report are just and deliciously fab as they always are. This is a New Orleans staple that nobody can resist. If you can then you are just another tourist but, lucky for me I travel and eat like a local!

On y mange des Fried oyster po’boys. Et Obama aussi.