Oyster Po Boys

[TravelPath]

Where can this ex-NOLA boy find a good oyster Po Boy in SoCal? I have tried Uncle Darrow's and Gumbo Pot but was very disappointed with both...I am looking for good bread and perfectly fried oysters...and lettuce, tomato and mayo if you want it dressed...Seems simple enough! Does it exist here?

[gonavera]

Sad but true...you won't find a po'boy anywhere in LA that comes close. But I find the Creole Chef and the New Orleans Fish Market on Vernon do-able.

[Pigeage]

Have read all the replies so far and sadly I have to agree - there ain't no such animal as a good po boy (nor grinder or sub for this ex-Yankee) in SoCal - there are two insurmountable problems IMHO:

1) Pacific Oysters - which are smaller, are different species, and have a very different flavor when fried - I think frying really enhances their difference from Gulf Coast shellfish (I think they can taste more metallic, but before I get flamed please remember: this is only one person's opinion as to why a po boy doesn't work - I love Pacific oysters fried with ponzu or spicy mayo or in other presentations.)

2) The bread in L.A. (really, IMHO, west of the Rockies) just plain tastes different due to the many factors of humidity, natural spores in the air, etc. A great regional specialty sandwich starts with great local bread and no two ways about it. What would White House Subs in Atlantic City, NJ, be without their rolls (delivered up to 12 times a day by Formica's Bakery right across the street!)? Again please note - I am not finding fault with our local bakeries (I love tortas and these would be impossible to recreate "back east" without their distinctive, dry, crumbly rolls that are made in the Mexican style here in SoCal that just taste right!)

So I say abandon all hope and do what I do once a year or so as a treat - have a good friend Fedex you the bread of your dreams, grab the fillings you need (in my case Italian cold cuts - and in your case fresh gulf oysters!) and have a do-at-home sandwich party -you'll be so much happier, save gas, time, and gastronomic tears. OK - off to lunch!

[Pigeage]

Have read all the replies so far and sadly I have to agree - there ain't no such animal as a good po boy (nor grinder or sub for this ex-Yankee) in SoCal - there are two insurmountable problems IMHO:

1) Pacific Oysters - which are smaller, are different species, and have a very different flavor when fried - I think frying really enhances their difference from Gulf Coast shellfish (I think they can taste more metallic, but before I get flamed please remember: this is only one person's opinion as to why a po boy doesn't work - I love Pacific oysters fried with ponzu or spicy mayo or in other presentations.)

2) The bread in L.A. (really, IMHO, west of the Rockies) just plain tastes different due to the many factors of humidity, natural spores in the air, etc. A great regional specialty sandwich starts with great local bread and no two ways about it. What would White House Subs in Atlantic City, NJ, be without their rolls (delivered up to 12 times a day by Formica's Bakery right across the street!)? Again please note - I am not finding fault with our local bakeries (I love tortas and these would be impossible to recreate "back east" without their distinctive, dry, crumbly rolls that are made in the Mexican style here in SoCal that just taste right!)

So I say abandon all hope and do what I do once a year or so as a treat - have a good friend Fedex you the bread of your dreams (and in your case procure some fresh gulf oysters to go with it!) and have a do-at-home sandwich party!

[chiliranch]

Beechwood in Venice has a Shrimp & Crayfish Po Boy on the Bar Menu.

[Badgerchef]

The gumbo pot makes an odd and strange po boy. Take their seafood po boys...they put a thin strange slice of lemon on it. The bread is in no way right and the ones I have had (I never criticize a place until I have gone at least twice) have been leadened and overcooked.

I have had Harold and Belles, and they are quite tasty, but it aint Mother's...still this is Los Angeles, not New Orleans, and we takes what we takes.

Oh and if you are need a muffellata, stay away from the Gumbo Pot...had their muff and died a little inside.

[fetus124]

Hungry Cat had one as a special once when I went there. It was AMAZING!! I'd call them and see if they plan on doing it again. well worth it

[ktembrey]

there is a place near the Starbucks at Farmers Market.(forgot the name) but is it good for a local fix. The problem overall is that the shrimp/oysters have to come from the Gulf to be as good as NOLA cooking. Not sure where we get our seafood from but its no way as good as the gulf of Mexico. This is my favorite food of all time and most of the resturants here are not as generous with the servings as they are in New Orleans...
But try that place at Farmers Market

[PurpleTeeth]

i like them too but be sure to ask for extra oysters

[New Trial]

That would be "The Gumbo Pot," which the OP found to be disappointing.

[omakase]

If Stevie's Creole Cafe in Encino is still around, I'd try there. Never ordered their Po Boys, but they had them on the menu all day, not just for lunch. I always went for the Fried Chicken. If anyone has been there recently, please chime in.

STEVIE'S CREOLE CAFE
16911 Ventura Blvd. (North Side of Street near Balboa Blvd.)
Encino

[Robert Thornton]

Even though it's a chain, I like the oyster po boys at King's Fish House. I'm no po boy expert though.

[fishjunky]

I feel your pain, ever since I went on a business trip to Philly a few years back I have been craving a real cheese steak .I never had an authentic oyster po boy, but the ones at Le Sisters in Chatsworth taste good.

[ElsieDee]

Can't comment on the po'boy, but can on the cheese steak: have you tried Fredo's Phillys in Pasadena (on Lake Ave.)? I've never been to Philly, but the general consensus is that Fredo's is where it's at for cheese steaks out here.

[Bob Brooks]

I see it is a Thursday special at Luna Park but, based on the absolutely execrable tomato soup and grilled cheese combo I was recently served, I would not trust their sandwich making skills at all.

[broncosaurus]

Try La Louisanne on Overhill/Slauson or
New Orleans Fish Market on Vernon/Arlington

Or go to Albertsons, buy their french rolls, butter them up and make your own.

[vinosnob]

Sadly, you won't find anything in LA like you're used to in N'awlins...

[Normal Garciaparra]

Ummm, same goes for anyplace else outside of NOLA...

[Ciao Bob]

Where y'at Oyster Loaf?
NOTHING 'round here will stop the ache for Casamento's.
Harold and Belle's is the closest I have found (and I haven't had one in a while), but still, rather like comparing nicotine gum to a cigarette.

[uhockey]

The shrimp Po Boy and Hush Puppies at Gumbo Pot were good, but I found the Oyster version severely lacking as well. I just got myself a Bob's Dinosaur Donut to erase the bad memorie though, and all was better. :-)

[Bjartmarr]

I don't know what it's called, but be sure to skip the cajun place in the Farmer's Market on 3rd. Their oyster po-boy tastes like something you'd find in the refrigerated case at a 7-11. (Their RB&R are pretty good, though.)

[wutzizname]

That's the Gumbo Pot, mentioned in the original post.

[Jeryy]

You might want to call Bourbon St. Fish on Prairie Ave. in Inglewood opposite Hollywood Park. Never had their Po Boy, but everything else, especially the gumbo, was fresh and delicious.

[JeetJet]

This was discussed last year also. Dommy mentioned a place in the Baldwin Hills Mall ( Creole Chef ) which I have had on my "To Do" list but still have not done. Don't know if it is still there but...

From last year
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/404993

[wutzizname]

Can't vouch for quality as I haven't tried it myself, but I believe you'll find one at the Ragin Cajun in Hermosa Beach.

www.ragincajun.com

-----
Ragin Cajun Cafe
422 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

[TravelPath]

I have been here many, many times (it is close to work)...they do a mean gumbo...almost as good as mine...and some other good dishes, but I never knew they did a oyster Po Boy...and they do!!. I will try it tomorrow and report back

[mrhooks]

I've read mixed reviews of their gumbo. Personally, I think it's pretty good, without knowing what truly great gumbo tastes like. As for their oyster po boy, it might be a one-day-a-week lunch special. Regardless, I had it once, and I didn't like it. Then again, I don't know if it's because it was bad, or if I just don't like fried oysters, since it was my only experience with them. I do like their shrimp and sausage po-boys though.

[debra]

I was there a couple of weeks ago --please note that they only serve PoBoys at lunch. Settled for some decent catfish, but skip the hockey puck like hush puppies; and what's up with their potato salad? it was kind of whipped and texture free.

[TravelPath]

This kind of potato salad is common all over Louisiana,,,I have had a lot of it in my life...and I still don't like it...but it is authentic! The hush puppies can be good if they are fresh, but if they sit around...