Domilise's Po-Boys and Bar

Domilise's Po-Boys and Bar at 5240 Annunciation Street in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a corner po'boy shop that has been in operation since 1918 and has been handed down within the Domilise family. It is one of the most loved neighborhood sandwich counters in the city and a reference point for what a po'boy should taste like. The sandwiches are made to order on soft, crusty New Orleans French bread, dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise unless ordered otherwise. The fried shrimp po'boy is the signature, with crisp, juicy Gulf shrimp, and the fried oyster, hot sausage, roast beef with gravy and fried catfish versions are also popular. Roast beef is served drenched in gravy and is notoriously messy. A beer is the traditional pairing, and the small bar serves local brands. The building itself is a modest, weathered corner house in a residential block, with a short counter, a few tables and a back room, and the atmosphere is unpretentious and gruff in the best way, with framed photos and memorabilia on the walls. It has the feel of a local hangout, and the pace is unhurried, so lines build and orders can take a while at lunch. There is no dress code and no reservations. Service is counter style, and visitors should be prepared to wait and to bring cash, though payment options should be confirmed before going. The shop typically opens Monday through Saturday for lunch and early evening, and hours can vary, so checking before traveling is wise, especially because the location is a ride from the French Quarter. Expect to spend about US$12-20 per person. A visit is easily paired with a walk through the Uptown and Audubon Park areas or a streetcar ride along St. Charles Avenue. Regulars treat the shop as a community fixture, and visitors are expected to be patient, friendly and ready to order quickly once they reach the counter.