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Parkway Bakery and Tavern
A Mid-City po'boy shop and bar open since 1911, known for fried Gulf shrimp and roast beef po'boys served at casual indoor and outdoor tables.
At a glance
- Type
- Po'boy shop
- Area
- Mid-City, New Orleans, United States
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- parkwaypoorboys.com
Good to know
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Bar
- Online ordering
- Parking lot pick-up
Why we recommend it
Parkway Bakery and Tavern has been part of Mid-City life since 1911, when a German baker, Charles Goering Sr, opened it on the corner of Hagan Avenue and Toulouse Street. In 1922 it passed to Henry Timothy Sr, whose family became known for its bread, doughnuts and Seven Sisters sweet rolls, and in 1995 Jay Nix bought it from the original family. Today it is one of the city's best-known places for po'boys, the classic New Orleans sandwich.
The two po'boys most people order are the fried Gulf shrimp and the roast beef, which the menu calls the Sloppy Roast Beef Poorboy, a fittingly messy sandwich soaked in gravy. Catfish is another favourite. A cold drink from the large bar suits the food well. The bar also mixes craft cocktails.
There is indoor seating, a covered area under an overhang and outdoor tables, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. The website lists opening hours of 10am to 6pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; check before visiting early in the week. It can be busy at lunchtime, so arriving early is sensible. If you prefer, you can order ahead online and collect from a booth in the car park.
Parkway suits families, budget travellers and anyone wanting a classic, inexpensive New Orleans lunch. The casual setting means there is no need to dress up. Bring sunscreen if you plan to eat outside on a hot day.
Because the menu is short and the food arrives quickly, Parkway works well as a stop between sights rather than a long meal. Groups can split a couple of different po'boys to compare the shrimp and roast beef, and the bar means it also works for a relaxed afternoon drink. Driving is straightforward, and those using the online ordering service collect their food from the booth in the car park rather than queuing inside.
The shop is in Mid-City, a residential area away from the French Quarter. It is a reasonable stop on the way to or from City Park and the art museum. A taxi or ride-share from the French Quarter or the Central Business District is quick, and the shop has its own car park for those driving.
Parkway Bakery and Tavern FAQs
What should I order at Parkway?
The fried Gulf shrimp po'boy and the Sloppy Roast Beef Poorboy are the best known. Catfish is another favourite.
When is Parkway open?
The website lists 10am to 6pm on Wednesday to Sunday. Check before visiting on Monday or Tuesday.
How old is Parkway?
It opened in 1911 as a bakery founded by Charles Goering Sr.
Can I order ahead?
Yes. Online ordering is available, with pick-up from a booth in the car park.
Is there a bar?
Yes. There is a large bar serving drinks and craft cocktails.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes. There are indoor tables, a covered overhang and outdoor seating.
Where is it?
At 538 Hagan Avenue, on the corner of Toulouse Street in Mid-City.