Po’Boys in the Pacific Northwest? Yes – Find Them at Beau Legs

Po’Boys in the Pacific Northwest? Yes – Find Them at Beau Legs

Po’Boys in the Pacific Northwest in 100 Words

When you think of po’boys, your mind probably goes straight to New Orleans, Mardi Gras parades, and the bustling French Quarter. But did you know you can find authentic, mouthwatering po’boys right here in the Pacific Northwest? At Beau Legs Fish & Chips in Lacey, WA, this iconic Southern sandwich has made its way from Louisiana to Thurston County, offering locals and visitors a taste of the South without leaving Washington. Crispy fried seafood, soft French bread, and all the classic fixings come together to create a po’boy that’s as satisfying in Lacey as it is in New Orleans.

The Origins of the Po’Boy

The po’boy sandwich has deep roots in New Orleans, dating back to the 1929 streetcar strike. Two brothers, Bennie and Clovis Martin, who had once worked as streetcar conductors, opened a sandwich shop and offered free sandwiches to the striking workers. They affectionately referred to the men as “poor boys,” and soon the name stuck to the hearty, affordable sandwiches they served.

Traditionally, a po’boy is made with French bread — light, airy inside with a crisp crust — piled high with fried seafood or roast beef, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise or remoulade sauce. Today, the po’boy is a New Orleans staple and one of the South’s most beloved sandwiches.

How Po’Boys Found Their Way to the Pacific Northwest

While po’boys are synonymous with Louisiana, the dish has traveled far beyond its birthplace. Thanks to migration, culinary curiosity, and the popularity of Southern comfort food, po’boys can now be found in cities across the U.S.

In the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its fresh seafood, the po’boy found a natural home. What better way to showcase local fish, shrimp, and oysters than by serving them fried to perfection inside a sandwich? At Beau Legs, the tradition continues, with authentic Southern-style po’boys made fresh for Washington diners.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Po’Boy

What makes a po’boy so irresistible? It comes down to a few key elements:

• The Bread: French bread that’s crusty on the outside and soft inside.
  
  
• The Filling: Fried seafood like shrimp, catfish, or oysters — or sometimes roast beef.
  
  
• The Fixings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo or tangy remoulade.
  
  
• The Flavor: A balance of crunch, creaminess, freshness, and spice in every bite.
  
  

At Beau Legs, every element is prepared with care. The seafood is seasoned and fried Southern-style, the bread is always fresh, and the toppings deliver the classic New Orleans balance of flavor.

Po’Boys at Beau Legs: Southern Tradition Meets Northwest Flavor

What makes Beau Legs’ po’boys stand out in Lacey is the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity with a local twist.

• Shrimp Po’Boy: Juicy shrimp fried golden brown, tucked into French bread with classic toppings.
  
  
• Catfish Po’Boy: A Southern favorite that has become a hit in the Northwest.
  
  
• Oyster Po’Boy: Briny oysters fried to perfection, offering a taste of the Gulf Coast in Lacey.
  
  
• Signature Seasoning: Cajun spices in the batter elevate the flavor and give every bite a little Southern kick.
  
  

For diners in Olympia and Lacey, these sandwiches bring a true taste of Louisiana without hopping on a plane.

Why Po’Boys Belong in the Pacific Northwest

Some people might wonder how a Louisiana sandwich fits into the Pacific Northwest food scene. The answer is simple: seafood culture unites them.

• Shared Love of Seafood: Both regions celebrate fish, shrimp, and oysters as culinary staples.
  
  
• Comfort Food Tradition: Washington residents, like Southerners, appreciate hearty, filling meals that bring people together.
  
  
• Culinary Diversity: The Pacific Northwest embraces international and regional cuisines, making po’boys a welcome addition.
  
  

At Beau Legs, po’boys don’t feel out of place — they feel like a natural extension of the Northwest’s love for bold, flavorful seafood dishes.

How to Enjoy Po’Boys at Beau Legs

There’s no wrong way to eat a po’boy, but here are a few tips to get the most out of your meal:

• Go Classic: Order a shrimp po’boy with fries for the authentic Louisiana experience.
  
  
• Try Catfish: If you’ve never had catfish, the po’boy is the perfect introduction.
  
  
• Pair with Gumbo: Add a side of Beau Legs’ gumbo for a Southern-inspired feast.
  
  
• Share with Friends: Po’boys are hearty — consider splitting one alongside a seafood platter.
  
  

The Po’Boy vs. Other Seafood Sandwiches

What sets po’boys apart from other seafood sandwiches? It’s all in the bread and the preparation. While a fish sandwich might use a standard bun and tartar sauce, po’boys demand airy French bread and Cajun-style seafood. The toppings are fresh, the portions are generous, and the flavors are bold.

This is why po’boys have become legendary — and why Beau Legs’ version has earned such a strong reputation in Lacey.

FAQs About Po’Boys in the Pacific Northwest

Q: What types of po’boys are served at Beau Legs?
Shrimp, catfish, and oyster po’boys are customer favorites, each fried Southern-style.

Q: Are po’boys only made with seafood?
Traditionally, roast beef is also popular in New Orleans, but Beau Legs focuses on seafood po’boys to highlight the region’s fresh catches.

Q: Do Beau Legs’ po’boys taste authentic?
Yes — the bread, fillings, and seasonings mirror New Orleans traditions, with a Southern flair that makes them stand out in the Northwest.

Q: Are po’boys large enough to share?
Absolutely. These sandwiches are hearty and satisfying, making them great for splitting or pairing with sides.

Q: What makes Beau Legs’ po’boys unique compared to other seafood sandwiches?
The combination of Cajun-seasoned seafood, fresh bread, and classic toppings delivers a true po’boy experience.

Why Locals Love Beau Legs’ Po’Boys

Beau Legs isn’t just a seafood restaurant — it’s a place where Southern tradition meets Pacific Northwest hospitality. For locals in Lacey and Olympia, the po’boy has become a favorite menu item because it offers something both authentic and different.

• Flavorful: Every bite is packed with Cajun seasoning and fresh seafood.
  
  
• Unique: Few places in the Northwest serve po’boys with this level of authenticity.
  
  
• Comforting: A hearty sandwich that satisfies any appetite.
  
  
• Memorable: For newcomers, it’s often love at first bite.
  
  

Why You Should Try a Po’Boy at Beau Legs

Po’boys may have been born in Louisiana, but they’ve found a home in Lacey, WA thanks to Beau Legs Fish & Chips. Whether you’re a seafood lover seeking something new or a Southerner missing the flavors of home, Beau Legs’ po’boys deliver the crunch, flavor, and comfort that make this sandwich legendary.

The next time you’re in Lacey or Olympia and craving a meal that’s both hearty and flavorful, stop by Beau Legs. Order a po’boy, pair it with hushpuppies or gumbo, and enjoy a Southern classic in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.