5 Places Serving the Best Po’ Boys in Nashville

Nashville might be famous for hot chicken and honky-tonks, but there’s a delicious secret hiding in plain sight: incredible po’ boys that could make New Orleans jealous.

These stuffed-to-the-brim sandwiches bring authentic Louisiana flavor straight to Music City, loaded with crispy seafood, tangy sauces, and that perfect French bread crunch. Whether you’re craving shrimp, oysters, or something totally unique, these local spots are serving up the real deal that’ll transport your taste buds down to the bayou.

1. The Gumbo Bros

The Gumbo Bros doesn’t just make po’ boys—they craft edible love letters to the Gulf Coast, stuffed with plump shrimp or briny oysters that taste like they just came off the boat. Every bite delivers that perfect contrast: crispy golden exterior giving way to tender, juicy seafood inside.

What really sets this place apart is their commitment to doing things the old-school way. The French bread arrives fresh daily, getting that ideal texture that’s crusty outside but pillowy soft inside. Their remoulade sauce has just the right kick, and the lettuce stays crisp even when everything else gets delightfully messy.

First-timers often struggle choosing between shrimp and oyster, but regulars will tell you there’s no wrong answer here. Both versions capture that authentic New Orleans spirit that makes po’ boys so addictive and beloved across the South.

2. Voodoo Gumbo

Magic happens when Cajun meets Creole at this neighborhood gem that’s earned serious street cred among Nashville foodies. Voodoo Gumbo consistently racks up five-star reviews from diners who’ve actually eaten in the French Quarter, and they’re not shy about saying these po’ boys hold their own against Big Easy legends. That’s high praise, but one taste proves it’s totally deserved.

The secret lies in their attention to detail and respect for tradition. Each po’ boy gets built with care, from the perfectly fried seafood to the fresh vegetables and house-made sauces. The bread stays true to Louisiana standards—light and airy inside with a satisfying crunch that doesn’t shred the roof of your mouth.

Beyond just po’ boys, the menu showcases the full spectrum of Cajun and Creole cooking. But even with jambalaya and étouffée competing for attention, those crispy sandwiches remain the star attraction.

3. Spicy Boy’s

East Nashville’s laid-back food scene found its po’ boy champion when Spicy Boy’s opened its doors with a mission: bring honest New Orleans flavors to the neighborhood. This casual spot doesn’t bother with fancy decor or pretentious plating—just straightforward, delicious sandwiches that hit all the right notes. The shrimp po’ boys steal the show, loaded with Gulf-style fried shrimp that’s seasoned just right.

Classic French bread forms the foundation here, sourced specifically to match what you’d find on Magazine Street or in the Garden District. It’s the kind of bread that can handle serious stuffing without falling apart mid-bite, yet stays light enough that you won’t feel weighed down afterward. The crispy coating on their seafood achieves that golden-brown perfection that makes every crunch satisfying.

What makes Spicy Boy’s special is how it captures that authentic NOLA sandwich shop vibe without trying too hard. The menu stays focused rather than overwhelming, letting them perfect each offering instead of spreading themselves thin. Prices remain reasonable, making it an easy choice for regular visits when the craving strikes.

4. Rae’s Sandwich Shoppe

Rae’s Sandwich Shoppe understands that sometimes the best way to honor a classic is to play with it a little, adding unexpected twists that make familiar flavors feel exciting again. Their specialty po’ boys have developed a loyal following among Nashville locals who appreciate innovation done right.

The foundation remains solid—proper bread, quality ingredients, and cooking techniques that would make Louisiana grandmothers nod in approval. But then Rae’s adds their own signature touches, whether it’s unique sauce combinations, creative protein choices, or unexpected toppings that somehow just work.

Traditional po’ boy purists don’t need to worry, though. The menu includes straightforward versions for those who want their sandwich exactly like they remember from trips down South. Both approaches get equal attention and care, showing that Rae’s isn’t trying to replace tradition—they’re expanding the possibilities.

5. Street Brothers Seafood

When your name includes “seafood,” you’d better deliver the goods, and Street Brothers absolutely does. This spot brings Gulf Coast seafood expertise straight to Nashville, treating every po’ boy like the seafood showcase it deserves to be.

Street Brothers knows that great po’ boys start with great seafood, so they source carefully and prepare everything with attention to detail. The frying technique achieves that ideal balance where the coating stays crispy and flavorful while the seafood inside remains tender and juicy.

The menu offers variety beyond just shrimp and oysters, giving adventurous eaters chances to try different seafood in po’ boy form. Each version gets the same careful treatment, from bread selection to sauce pairing to final assembly.