Parkway Bakery and Tavern - New Orleans (Midtown)

Parkway Bakery and Tavern
538 Hagan Avenue
New Orleans (Midtown)
Restaurant: open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tavern: open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and beyond
Closed Tuesdays
504-482-3047

www.parkwaybakeryandtavernnola.com

By Jane Feehan

Where do New Orleanians go for po-boys? Parkway Bakery and Tavern. It’s located in a historic section of the city that got walloped by the flooding after Hurricane Katrina. An artist's interpretation of the way the large, rambling eatery looked before, during and after the storm hangs in the dining area. And, yes, the po-boys are great.

Many visit here to dine on their award-winning roast beef sandwiches but there’s also a fan club for catfish, alligator or corned beef varieties. My choice was a regular shrimp po-boy for $7.50. Overflowing in golden fried shrimp, this po-boy stole my appetite for their popular sweet potato fries. I opted to bring home a half-pound brownie baked on the premises; rich in chocolate, it was large enough for two. Parkway also serves that New Orleans favorite: bread pudding.

Be prepared to stand in line during busy hours to order at the counter. It moves fast but just slow enough to make new friends among fellow diners. If a line turns you off, order ahead and pick up at the bar. Lot and street parking available. Located about three miles from the French Quarter, Parkway is a unique experience. ©2010 Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Tags: New Orleans restaurants, New Orleans restaurant reviews

Johnny's Po-Boy Restaurant - New Orleans French Quarter

Johnny’s Po-Boy Restaurant
511 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, LA
504-524-8129
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

www.johnnyspoboy.com

By Jane Feehan

I’ve driven or walked by this casual eatery many times and didn’t stop in. I should have – before yesterday when the French Quarter and Johnny’s were jammed with Saints fans and pre-Mardi Gras revelers.

No matter, we found a small place at a counter attached to the wall to squeeze into and enjoyed some good food. The shrimp po-boys were huge and tasty. I’ll experiment with something else next time – and there will be a next time. Gumbo, not as thick as is often served, was loaded with shrimp, decked out with a crab claw and nicely spiced.

There’s so much to choose from on their po-boy menu: alligator, BBQ beef, oyster, surf and turf (hot roast beef and fried shrimp), salami, chicken salad … and on and on. Salads and daily specials such as Creole red beans and rice, pork chop plate, crab cakes, meatballs with spaghetti are also a big draw.

For the night owls (surely not for early risers in this part of town), breakfast features omelets, hot cakes, biscuits – the works.

Order-at-the-counter and pick up … no table service. Johnny’s is at the epicenter of French Quarter fun. © 2010 All rights reserved.