Today is Fat Tuesday and here at Unbreaded, the only thing that means to us is Louisiana-style sandwiches. According to our crack research team, the “Po’ Boy” originated in a New Orleans restaurant, frequented by street car conductors. During a strike with the street car company, the restaurant’s purveyors jokingly referred to the conductors as “poor boys” which in a Louisiana drawl, translated to “po’ boy”. 

No matter what the filling, whether it be fried shrimp, crawfish, or oysters, there is no question that the finest po’ boys in the world come out of Louisiana. Still, we think there is a particular take on the sandwich here in Philadelphia that competes with the best. Grace Tavern which is owned by the same people behind Monk’s, Nodding Head and Fergie’s Pub, continues the trend with delicious food and a great beer selection. Their Oyster Po’ Boy stays true to tradition, served on a French baguette from LeBus that is spread with garlic butter, topped with chopped lettuce and remoulade. The perfectly breaded oysters have a light, crispy outside and are cooked exactly right, not too tough or tender. I highly suggest substituting the frites for the optional side of blackened green beans tossed in Cajun seasoning and served with Bourbon mayo.

So tonight, before you start drinking until you can’t see straight, enjoy the savory side of Mardi Gras with an oyster po’ boy at Grace.

Get your sandwich on:

Grace Tavern
2229 Grays Ferry Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19146 (Google Map)