The Original New Orleans Po-boy And Gumbo Shop

During my first visit, I ordered the Sample Platter, which included chicken and sausage gumbo, étouffée, and red beans, along with a foot-long French Dip (roast beef po' boy with gravy) and hush puppies. The French Dip, referred to as a “Roast Beef and Gravy on Bun,” was the standout item—savory meat adorned with flavorful gravy made it worthwhile, earning this review a two-star rating instead of one. However, I had requested it with only mayo and pickles but received it fully dressed, which was a bit of an oversight. Also, the roll used for the sandwich wasn’t traditional po' boy bread; it was a plain white roll that lacked character and flavor. The Sample Platter featured small servings of the gumbo, étouffée, and red beans. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to spoil a good dish with excessive filé (made from ground sassafras leaves). Of these three offerings, only the gumbo should include filé, yet all three dishes were overpowered by it. As someone experienced in making these dishes, I have a high standard, evaluating the roux, overall flavor, and consistency. The abundant use of filé made all three dishes nearly inedible. For those unfamiliar, filé is typically added at the end of cooking to enhance flavors, but too much creates a slippery texture that is quite unpleasant. I also ordered hush puppies, but they were missing from my order, which is perplexing given that I had just three items. It’s hard to fathom a mix-up like this, especially on a busy Saturday afternoon, but it certainly adds to the frustration. Regarding cost, I can attest to the effort that goes into making a perfect roux and cooking red beans to creamy perfection. For three items (before delivery fees), my bill exceeded $60, which feels steep for what amounted to a sandwich and a few small sides—especially when nearly everything was inedible apart from the sandwich. I encourage potential diners to consider other options in Austin. I wish I had checked the reviews beforehand to avoid this disappointment. I typically don’t enjoy writing negative reviews; my hope in sharing this is to urge the owners to address these issues and caution diners interested in authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. It's my hope that my feedback can motivate the owners to reevaluate their offerings and make necessary improvements. The experience was so far from satisfactory that it felt like the kitchen might have been left in chaos—let's hope they take this review and others to heart and make significant changes moving forward.

The driver had trouble following simple instructions and left the food unattended at the front desk without informing anyone. I tried to reach the driver multiple times through calls and text messages, but I didn't get any response. The food was delicious, though it was a bit expensive, which is to be expected in downtown Austin.

Their gumbo is a true showstopper—full of flavor and excitement! The taste is fantastic, and with wonderful friends by your side, I’d rate it a perfect 10/10. The hushpuppies are out of this world! On our first visit, they completely won us over. Head over there, indulge in a delicious meal, and savor your evening. The company is delightful, and the atmosphere is lovely. So don't wait—go check it out! No matter how you choose to get home, this is the best choice you can make.

Got the blackened fish taco. Good food, polite worker. It was a bit of a wait, though

The best Po boy I’ve had hands down. Better than what I had in New Orleans. Will definitely be coming back!