Louisiana Po-Boy sandwich history and regional favorites

The Louisiana Po-Boy remains an iconic staple of American cuisine, featuring various fillings such as seafood, pork, and beef. The sandwich carries a historical connection to New Orleans, where it reportedly originated during a labor dispute involving transit workers. A local restaurateur offered free meals to striking workers, leading patrons to refer to them as ‘poor boys,’ which eventually gave the sandwich its name.

While once associated with lower-income workers, modern Po-Boys typically cost around $15 for a full size. Notable regional destinations for the sandwich include Olde Tyme Grocery in Lafayette, Darrell's in Lake Charles, Parkway Po-Boy in New Orleans, and several establishments in Shreveport such as Crawdaddy's Kitchen, Herby-K's, and Marilynn's Place.