Olde Tyme Grocery and Lafayette’s Po’ Boy Culture: A Food Lover’s Guide

Lafayette’s food culture reflects the traditions and flavors that make Acadiana a distinctive culinary destination. Among its local favorites, po’ boys have earned a lasting place on restaurant menus and in the region’s food scene. For visitors exploring Acadiana po’ boys in Lafayette, LA, Olde Tyme Grocery is a name worth knowing.

Whether you are planning a food-focused visit or simply curious about Louisiana po’ boys in Lafayette, understanding the local traditions behind these sandwiches adds another dimension to the experience. This guide explores Olde Tyme Grocery’s reputation, the po’ boys it offers, and how Lafayette’s sandwich culture compares with New Orleans.

What Is a Po’ Boy?

A po’ boy is a Louisiana sandwich with deep roots in the state’s food culture. Popular in both New Orleans and Acadiana, it has become a local favorite for its generous fillings and variety of flavors. You will find po’ boys served at neighborhood grocery stores, casual restaurants, and longtime family-run eateries across South Louisiana.

What Is a Po’ Boy Made Of?

The bread and filling define the sandwich, but the combinations vary widely. Meat-based po’ boys may feature roast beef, turkey, ham, or sausage, while seafood versions often include shrimp or oysters. Some restaurants offer specialty combinations, giving diners a chance to try different flavors in one sandwich.

Across Lafayette, po’ boys reflect the region’s love of hearty, satisfying food. To see how this Louisiana staple has earned its local following, Olde Tyme Grocery is a natural place to explore next.

What Is Olde Tyme Grocery in Lafayette Known For?

Olde Tyme Grocery is a longtime Lafayette establishment recognized for its po’ boys and enduring place in the city’s food scene. Glenn Murphree purchased the grocery store in 1982. Having grown up in New Orleans, he brought his familiarity with the city’s po’ boy traditions to Lafayette, building the business around his goal of making great sandwiches.

Over the years, Olde Tyme Grocery has earned a loyal following among residents, university students, alumni, and visitors exploring Acadiana. Its location at 218 West Saint Mary Boulevard, near the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, also makes it a convenient stop for those visiting the campus area.

Today, the shop remains a familiar name for anyone looking to experience Lafayette’s po’ boy culture, combining a longstanding history with the appeal of a classic Louisiana sandwich shop.

What Po’ Boys Can You Get at Olde Tyme Grocery?

Olde Tyme Grocery offers a range of po’ boys, from traditional deli-meat sandwiches to seafood favorites and specialty combinations. Its menu gives diners several options, whether they prefer familiar sandwich fillings or want to try a Louisiana seafood po’ boy. The shop also offers half and whole sizes, depending on the sandwich.

• Meat-Based Po’ Boys: The menu includes ham, turkey, roast beef, meatball, sausage, barbecue ham or beef, and pastrami po’ boys. These options appeal to diners who prefer classic deli meats or hearty hot fillings.
• Seafood Po’ Boys: Shrimp and oyster po’ boys are among the main seafood choices. The shrimp version features Gulf shrimp, while the oyster option offers a different seafood flavor. The menu also lists a half-shrimp, half-oyster combination for those who want to try both. Catfish po’ boys are listed as a Friday-only option, whereas crawfish po’boys are listed as Lent Friday option.
• Specialty Po’ Boys: The Olde Tyme Special combines ham, turkey, roast beef, and Swiss cheese. Diners can also choose a two-meat combination or a hamburger po’ boy, adding variety beyond the standard meat and seafood selections.

With choices across these categories, Olde Tyme Grocery offers a useful introduction to the range of po’ boys in Lafayette, LA. If you have a particular sandwich in mind, check the official menu before visiting, as specials and availability may change.

Why Are Po’ Boys Popular in Lafayette, Louisiana?

Po’ boys fit naturally into Lafayette’s food culture because they offer a satisfying, casual meal rooted in South Louisiana’s culinary traditions. They are a familiar choice at lunch counters, seafood restaurants, and neighborhood sandwich shops, where menus range from classic roast beef and fried shrimp to local variations with distinctive fillings.

• A Hearty Option for Everyday Meals: One reason po’ boys remains popular is their versatility. Diners can choose meat, seafood, or a combination of fillings, making the sandwich suitable for different tastes and appetites. Their generous portions also make them a practical choice for lunch or a relaxed meal without the formality of a full-service dining experience.
• A Familiar Sandwich With Regional Character: Lafayette’s po’ boy culture shares roots with New Orleans, but restaurants across Acadiana have developed their own approaches to the sandwich. Alongside traditional shrimp, oyster, and roast beef options, some menus feature ingredients and flavor combinations associated with southwest Louisiana. This variety reflects the region’s broader food culture, where established traditions leave room for individual restaurants to add their own touch.
• Part of Exploring Acadiana Through Food: For visitors, trying a po’ boy offers a straightforward way to experience one part of the region’s culinary identity. It also fits into a wider food scene known for dishes such as gumbo, boudin, crawfish, and daily plate lunches. Exploring locally owned eateries, whether independently or through Cajun Food Tours, can help visitors discover how these different foods contribute to Acadiana’s dining traditions.

Acadiana Po’ Boys vs. New Orleans Po’ Boys

Po’ boys are a Louisiana sandwich tradition, not a dish exclusive to Cajun cuisine. Their strong association with New Orleans reflects the sandwich’s history, while their popularity in Acadiana places them within the region’s broader dining culture.

• New Orleans Po’ Boys: New Orleans is closely associated with classic po’ boys filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef and gravy. Seafood versions often feature a crisp coating, while roast beef po’ boys are known for their rich gravy.
• Acadiana Po’ Boys: In Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana region, po’ boys share many of these same fillings. The regional distinction comes more from the influence of Cajun cooking, which may appear in the seasonings, sauces, or specialty fillings offered by individual restaurants.

Neither region has one standard recipe. Some Lafayette shops focus on traditional deli meats and seafood, while others offer locally inspired combinations. New Orleans restaurants also vary their fillings and seasonings, so the differences depend on the establishment as much as its location.

Tips for Trying Po’ Boys in Lafayette

If you are planning to try po’ boys in Lafayette, a little preparation can help you choose a sandwich and make the most of your visit.

• Check the Menu Before You Go: Review the restaurant’s current menu to compare meat, seafood, and specialty options. Some items may be available only on certain days, so check for any menu restrictions before visiting.
• Choose a Filling That Suits Your Taste: First-time visitors might prefer a classic roast beef or fried shrimp po’ boy. If you enjoy exploring local flavors, look for house specialties or ask staff about popular choices.
• Consider the Portion Size: Check whether the restaurant offers half and whole sandwiches. If you want to sample other local dishes during your visit, a smaller portion may leave room for another meal or a shared side.
• Check Current Opening Hours: Restaurant schedules can vary by day, holiday, or season. Confirm the latest hours before setting out, especially if you are visiting a popular spot such as Olde Tyme Grocery.
• Plan for Busy Periods: Popular sandwich shops can draw crowds during lunch hours. If your schedule is flexible, consider visiting outside the busiest lunch period and allow extra time to order and enjoy your meal.

Explore Acadiana’s Food Scene with Cajun Food Tours

A po’ boy is just one way to experience the food culture of Lafayette and Acadiana. With Cajun Food Tours, you can visit locally owned eateries, sample regional specialties, and learn about the culinary traditions behind the dishes that define the area. Join a guided food tour to discover more of Acadiana’s flavors, local food stories, and dining favorites. Explore Cajun Food Tours and find a tour that suits your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Olde Tyme Grocery located in Lafayette?

Olde Tyme Grocery is located at 218 W. Saint Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, Louisiana.

2. Does Olde Tyme Grocery offer seafood po’ boys?

Yes, its menu includes shrimp and oyster po’ boys.

3. What should I order if I want to try more than one filling?

The Olde Tyme Special features a two-meat combination, making it an option for trying different fillings.

4. Are po’ boys usually served hot or cold?

It depends on the filling and preparation, as some po’ boys feature hot cooked meats or seafood while others use cold deli meats.

5. Should I check Olde Tyme Grocery’s hours before visiting?

Yes, check its official website before your visit, as opening hours may change.

6. Can I try po’ boys as part of a Lafayette food tour?

Cajun Food Tours visits locally owned eateries, but stops and tastings vary by day and season, so confirm the itinerary before booking.