New Orleans is a food city at its core, and thankfully the best stuff is often the cheapest. Po'boys were invented as cheap sandwiches for workers, and the tradition of affordable, incredible food continues today.
Po'boys
The iconic NOLA sandwich: French bread, overstuffed with fried seafood, roast beef, or whatever you want.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Many say the best po'boys in New Orleans. The roast beef is incredible.
Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar
Neighborhood joint since 1918. The shrimp po'boy is perfect.
Killer Poboys
Creative takes on the classic. The glazed pork belly is famous.
Verti Marte
24-hour deli with the legendary "All That Jazz" po'boy. Perfect late night.
Creole & Cajun Classics
Coop's Place
Dive bar with excellent Cajun food. The rabbit and sausage jambalaya is famous.
Mother's Restaurant
Cafeteria-style Creole. Ferdi Special po'boy, red beans and rice, jambalaya.
Liuzza's by the Track
Neighborhood bar with amazing gumbo and BBQ shrimp po'boy.
Willie Mae's Scotch House
Legendary fried chicken. James Beard Award winner. Worth every penny.
NOLA Essentials
Café Du Monde
Beignets and chicory coffee since 1862. Tourist trap? Yes. Still essential? Also yes.
Morning Call
The locals' alternative to Café Du Monde. Same beignets, fewer crowds.
Central Grocery
Home of the muffuletta. Split one—they're massive.
Johnny's Po-Boys
Solid, affordable po'boys in the Quarter. Good tourist-friendly option.
New Orleans Budget Eating Tips
- Bourbon Street: Mostly overpriced. Walk a block or two away.
- Mid-City & Uptown: Better prices than the Quarter
- Lunch specials: Many restaurants have cheaper lunch menus
- Happy hours: NOLA loves cheap drinks and appetizers
- Food trucks: Great cheap options around the city
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