“Best sandwich on the Gulf Coast,” they called it. Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar stands here. It is an uptown New Orleans institution. Generations have savored po-boys within these walls. Politicians make sure to stop here on Election Day. Football families grew up eating Domilise’s. Celebrities wait in line to taste the delicious food. They hang their photos on the wall. Everyone is family at Domilise’s.
Let’s dive into the history of this iconic place. Domilise’s was founded around 1918. Peter and Sophie Domilise started it as a neighborhood bar. A few years later, Sophie began cooking plate lunches. She served longshoremen and river front workers. After World War II, Peter passed the business to his son, Sam and his wife, Dorothy “Miss Dot” Domilise. When Sam died in 1981, Miss Dot took over. She lived and worked here for over 70 years.
The small yellow house exudes charm. A hand-painted sign proudly reads “Domilise’s Po-Boys and Bar”. The scent of fried shrimp and oysters wafts through the air. It lures hungry customers from blocks away. Inside Domilise’s, photos of famous visitors line the walls. Memorabilia fills every nook and cranny. A bar stands ready to serve. Six tables offer a place to sit and savor your meal.
Miss Dot loved her customers. She considered them family. Birthdays, weddings, and graduations were all celebrated here. Even after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Domilise’s reopened. The city knew that New Orleans was back when Domilise’s returned.
In 1985, Patti “NuNu” Domilise started working here. She took over management. Her sons, Josh and Zack, joined her. Today, Domilise’s is run by the third and fourth generations of the Domilise family.
The menu remains unchanged. The recipes are the same. The people behind the counter haven’t changed much either. Ray has been the bartender for over 45 years. Gayle has made sandwiches for nearly 35 years. Miss Dot always said the customer comes first. This mantra still lives on. That’s why Domilise’s is the standard for po-boys in New Orleans.
Domilise’s offers legendary po-boys and cold beer. The no-frills vibe screams New Orleans. The fried shrimp and roast beef debris are customer favorites. A large shrimp po-boy might seem pricey. It is worth every penny. It comes fully dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.
So, grab a po-boy. Find a spot at the bar. Soak in the atmosphere. Experience a true New Orleans tradition at Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar.