Here’s What You’ll Be Eating at the 2023 Oak Street Po-Boy Fest

Walker’s BBQ cochon de lait po’ boy. | Walker’s

Escargot, Tunisian smoked tuna, and barbecue pork jowl are among the fantastical po’ boy fillings this year

This weekend is the 15th Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, a one-day event that attracts hoards of po’ boy lovers to eat and drink their way down a packed Carrollton neighborhood thoroughfare. It takes place Sunday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The festival returned in 2022 after two years off — first due to COVID, and then Hurricane Ida and its damage — drawing perhaps its biggest crowd yet. This year, more than 30 vendors are taking part, and it’s a bye week for the Saints, so expect major crowds and long lines of sandwich-seekers making their way down Oak from South Carrollton to Eagle Street. While festival admission is technically free; attendees must buy a $10 wristband to purchase food from vendors (a fast pass is available for $25).

Here are 17 picks for po’ boys you don’t want to miss this Sunday, from festival staples to this year’s novel creations.

Boucherie’s char sui boneless baby back rib po’ boy with pickles and miso aioli

Breads on Oak’s chargrilled oyster mushroom po’ boy

Brocato’s calamari parmesan po’ boy

Cochon King’s whole hog po’ boy with cilantro jalapeno slaw

D’best Crab Cakes’ petite crabcake po’ boy

Gonzo’s smoked beef belly burnt end po’ boy with sticky glaze, sweet peppers, and mint

Juan’s Flying Burrito’s machaca French dip po’ boy

La Milpa’s Salvadorian chicken po’ boy

Magasin’s Vietnamese grilled pork po’ boy with spicy carrots

Mister Mao’s Tunisian smoked tuna po’ boy with egg, potato, olivada, and harissa

Nola Boils’ escargot po’ boy with arugula and shaved parmesan cheese

Parkway’s deep-fried buffalo shrimp banh mi

Seafood Sally’s barbecue pork jowl po’ boy

Seither’s Voodoo fish and chips po’ boy with cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and tartar sauce

Southern’s Turf and Turf po’ boy with braised pork belly, smoked short rib, and onion rings

Voleo’s fried lobster po’ boy a spicy garlic butter sauce

Walker’s BBQ cochon de lait po’ boy