Tucked into a quiet Uptown neighborhood, Domilise’s Po‑Boys & Bar is the kind of New Orleans institution you don’t just visit—you plan a pilgrimage. Since 1924, this counter-serve gem has turned simple ingredients into legendary po’ boys that inspire fierce loyalty. With crunchy Leidenheimer bread, overstuffed fillings, and ice-cold beer, one bite becomes a memory. Ready to chase the perfect sandwich? Start here.
A Neighborhood Legend Since 1924
Walk through the door at 5240 Annunciation Street and history greets you first. Domilise’s Po‑Boys & Bar has been serving New Orleans since 1924, a beloved neighborhood staple where the menu reads simple and the flavors speak volumes. The no‑nonsense counter, walls adorned with memorabilia, and locals nursing cold beers create instant familiarity. This is where presidents, artists, and everyday regulars meet over po’ boys piled high. The bread crackles, the roast beef drips, and the seafood sings. It’s the enduring soul of Uptown, captured between two pieces of New Orleans French bread.
Why The Bread Matters
The secret weapon at Domilise’s is unmistakable: shatter‑crisp French bread that yields with a satisfying crackle. It’s the canvas that holds gravy-soaked roast beef or a cascade of just‑fried seafood without collapsing. Each bite balances crunch and tenderness, letting fillings shine instead of turning soggy. Dressed with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, the build feels timeless—never fussy. That bread’s structure supports the generous portions Domilise’s is known for. It turns a great sandwich into a transportive one, and it’s why locals swear no other po’ boy quite compares.
The Roast Beef: Drippy, Savory, Iconic
Ask regulars their favorite and you’ll hear the same grin‑tinged answer: roast beef, dressed. Domilise’s piles tender, gravy‑kissed beef into a loaf that barely contains it, the bread catching every luscious drip. The flavors are deep and nostalgic, like Sunday supper turned portable. Add pickles for snap, tomatoes for brightness, and lettuce for cool crunch, and every bite lands balanced. It’s messy—in the right way. Grab extra napkins, lean forward, and let the gravy run. This is the po’ boy many say sets the city’s standard for comfort and craveability.
Seafood Glory: Shrimp, Oysters, and Surf & Turf
Seafood po’ boys here are a masterclass in fry craft. Shrimp arrive plump and crunchy, oysters juicy with a delicate snap, all fried to order and piled with joyful excess. The famed Surf & Turf marries roast beef’s richness with shrimp’s briny bite—decadent and balanced. Order half and half for shrimp and oysters, each side its own celebration. Add fries—crisp outside, fluffy within—and an ice‑cold beer for the perfect Uptown lunch. Whether you choose classic shrimp, briny oysters, or that indulgent combo, the seafood at Domilise’s tastes like New Orleans on a loaf.
What To Know Before You Go
Domilise’s keeps old‑school hours, so plan strategically. They’re typically open 11 AM with closing times varying by day; Sundays closed. Lines are common at lunch, seating is limited, and patience pays off—locals know the drill. Prices hover around $10–20, cash and cards accepted, and portions are generous even for a “small.” Check the posted hours and arrive early to beat the rush. If a wait forms, embrace it—your reward is a fresh, made‑to‑order po’ boy that justifies the buzz. One bite, and you’ll understand why the line keeps returning.
How To Order Like A Local
Step to the counter with confidence. Choose your filling—roast beef, shrimp, oysters, catfish, or the beloved Surf & Turf—then decide on size. Say “dressed” for mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or customize to taste. Grab a cold beer, settle into a table if you snag one, or hold your ticket and wait for your name. Keep it simple: great bread, fresh fry, classic toppings. If you’re unsure, ask the staff—they’ll steer you right with a smile. When your order’s up, unwrap carefully; that first hot, crunchy bite is the moment you came for.
Practical Details: Getting There & Contact
Find Domilise’s Po‑Boys & Bar at 5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115, tucked in a residential pocket near the river. It’s a short drive from St. Charles Avenue; street parking is neighborhood‑style, so be courteous. Call +1 504‑899‑9126 for updates, or check domilisespoboys.com for hours and menu notes. The Google rating sits around 4.6 stars from thousands of reviews—proof of enduring love. It’s counter‑service, laid‑back, and deliciously unfussy. Bring an appetite, a little patience, and a plan to come back.
Make It A Destination Meal
Some meals become itineraries, and Domilise’s is that kind of stop. Build your day around an early lunch, beat the line, and savor every crunchy, juicy bite. Pair with a streetcar ride, a stroll through Uptown, or a lazy loop by the river. If you’re a sandwich pilgrim, compare roast beef to seafood, then crown your personal champion. Don’t skip fries or a beer—the experience is greater than the sum. By the time you crumple the wrapper, you’ll already be planning the next visit.