Johnny's Po-Boys

Forearm-licking good!

Food

Service

Atmosphere

In a city known for it's excellent cuisine, world-famous chefs and outlandish cafe's, I had imagined it would be difficult for a restaurant to keep its head above water in such a big pond. 

That being said...on my first trip to New Orleans over a decade ago, I found one that did. I made a hungover, mid-afternoon pit stop into an unknown, side street, po-boy shop. It was small, it was crowded, it was hot, it was loud. It was perfect. The menu was slightly intimidating. Not because of it's size, but because everything on it sounded amazing and, in my groggy haze, made for an incredibly difficult decision. 
I went with the simple roast beef po-boy. I say "simple," but let me make myself clear, this wasn't some wanna-be, New Orleans style, poser sandwich that you'd find in any random sub counter around the country. This thing made you work. The toasted bread had become the perfect texture after soaking up most of the juices from the meat. What it didn't soak up, it dripped down the back of my forearm and onto my jeans.

No worries. Just a way to savor the flavor for later.

I have never forgotten my first Johnny's experience. And because of that, it has become an annual tradition.  I have since graduated from the roast beef to the fried shrimp po-boy, but I can assure you, there is something for everyone at Johnny's.

It is located in the French Quarter, somewhat off the beaten path, so be sure to map it out before you go.