Although my family is from Louisiana, I was an adult the first time I visited the state. I have lots of memories from my trip, but what I remember most about my excursion to New Orleans was the food. I ate everything from crawfish at a hole in the wall to a five-course meal at one of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants.
I was literally in the airport headed back to Indy when I realized I hadn’t had a famous “po boy” sandwich. I found an eatery in the airport that I had seen around town and realized that if a local restaurant is lucky enough to have a space in an airport, they must be good at what they do. I recall ordering a shrimp po boy and it was delicious.
Unfortunately I have not had a chance to go back to New Orleans, but now I can get a po boy right here in town any time I want at B’s Po Boy. Located in the Fountain Square district, B’s Po Boy (1261 S. Shelby St.) certainly does the Southern-style sub justice.
I walked into the eatery and discovered that not only was the restaurant remodeled, but was a good mix of contemporary and nostalgia. Amidst the clean walls, hung photos of New Orleans and Louisiana. There are also a few photos of voodoo dolls, which are part of the restaurant’s branding.
But don’t let the witchcraft scare you. There are plenty of food choices to make you forget about your qualms against voodoo.
I headed to the counter to order. I had my heart set on getting another shrimp po boy but decided to take a real look at what B’s Po Boy had to offer.
The Barbecue Pulled Pork sandwich sounded great and so did the Creole Chicken Salad. The server informed me that the special of the day was blackened catfish. I decided to go with that.
To complete my “New Orleans in Indy” experience, I added to my order a side of chicken/sausage gumbo and beignets (pronounced ben-yays) with chocolate sauce for dessert.
The quality of the catfish was unreal and it was seasoned perfectly. Not too spicy and not too salty. My sandwich was even served on authentic po boy sandwich bread. The chicken gumbo was spicy but the kick didn’t overpower the individual ingredients. The beignets (fritters) were not like New Orleans’ famous Café Du Monde, but came in at a close second. I washed it all down with a red cream soda.
I loved the restaurant and most importantly, I loved the food at B’s Po Boy. I will definitely be back. I think next time I visit B’s Po Boy, I’m going to try the fried oyster po boy with red beans and rice as my side and raspberry sauce with my beignets.
Depending on what you order, your meal can be pricey. A half of sandwich is $6 and a full is $9. Side items are a la carte and range from $2 to $10. Their salads are $7 and $9.50 and the beignets are $3.50. Fountain drinks range from $1.50 to $2. Wine and beer is also served at B’s Po Boy. I spent about $20 for half of a sandwich, chicken/sausage gumbo, dessert and soda.
Even if you choose not to, or can’t afford the entire experience, at least try a po boy. I really wanted some chicken gumbo ($3.50 for a side portion), but their sides, like Creole slaw, are pretty cheap.
Whether you dine in or carry out, B’s Po Boy is a local eatery that should be on your “places to go in Indy” list. It could be a voodoo doll curse, but I’m almost positive you’ll come back–just for the delicious po boy sandwiches.
