This is a guest post by Morgan Large, a graduate student at the University of Arkansas.
Nestled among the French culture and craziness that New Orleans is known for is a little gem called Mother’s Restaurant.
Located on Poydras Street since 1938, Mother’s Restaurant has been making some of the best, if not the best, po’boys and Cajun food in town.
The original owners of the restaurant were Simon and Mary (Mother) Landry, but in 1986 Jerry and John Amato bought the restaurant from the Landry’s sons. With the changing of hands, the menu doubled offering the jambalaya and other menu items that Mother’s boasts today.
One step into Mother’s Restaurant and you feel like you have walked into another era. A true step back in time to what once was New Orleans many years ago. The building has not seemed to change much since the 1938 opening. The smells and the atmosphere draw you in. The quality and love of Mother’s food can often be gauged on how long the line down Poydras Street is getting. If you make this stop, you better get there early.
The menu goes on from po’boys to gumbo, but what must you choose?
Mother’s Restaurant is known as the place for the World’s Best Baked Ham
Trying it is a must. Watch this video for a glimpse.
Walking out of Mother’s without trying one of their po’boys would be a sin.
Seafood, baked ham, catfish, turkey and debris po’boys are some of the delicious samplings on the menu. The debris po’boy got its name when a customer asked for some of the bits of roast beef that had fallen into the gravy to be put on his sandwich. Simon Landry called the droppings the debris and the name has stuck since.
Next time you are in town, be sure to put Mother’s Restaurant on the to do list. Between the atmosphere, food, flavor, and people, you will not be disappointed.
Mother’s Restaurant is a true New Orleans gem.
Have you ever been to Mother’s Restaurant? What other restaurants do you like in New Orleans? Let us know by posting in comments below.
Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.
Originally from Ohio, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.
A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications. Her blog, RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.
Learn more about New Orleans food in these books…..
New Orleans: A Food Biography
Food Lovers’ Guide to New Orleans: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings
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- World Class Food at Borkonyha Wine Kitchen in Budapest, Hungary
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- Another good reason to visit New Orleans: The New Orleans School of Cooking