Wednesday, October 14, 2020

How Did the Po Boy Sandwich Get Its Name?

You'll find many classic Cajun dishes on the menu at Shorty Pants Lounge & Marina in Osage Beach. Among these is a wonderful selection of Po Boy sandwiches. 

Some may think that seems like an odd name to give a sandwich, which made us curious about how it earned that title in the first place. After reading today's blog, you'll know all the details when you join us at our Lake of the Ozarks waterfront restaurant & bar to enjoy a hearty Po Boy. 

What Exactly is a Po Boy?

For those of you that may be unfamiliar with what a Po Boy sandwich is, here is the basic explanation. This delicacy is a traditional sandwich from Louisiana that normally consists of meat, often fried seafood. It is served on French bread and is usually garnished with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. 

The non-seafood versions may be served with Creole mustard in place of the mayo. At Shorty Pants, the homemade condiments we use include a savory Cajun mayo and a hearty remoulade sauce. 

Why the Name?

Apparently, the official origin of the name "Po Boy" is unknown, but there is a popular local theory. In 1929, during a four-month-long strike against a streetcar company, men on the picket line were given free sandwiches from a local New Orleans restaurant.

The restaurant owners, Benny and Clovis Martin, were former conductors for the streetcar company and wanted to support their former colleagues. Workers at the restaurant jokingly referred to the strikers as "poor boys" and after a while, everyone began referring to the sandwiches themselves by that name. Of course, with a Louisiana accent, the word "poor" came out as "po."

Historians find that theory suspicious. First of all, the story didn't come out until 40 years after the fact, plus prior to 1969, the Martin brothers had told people they created the po-boy for farmers, dock workers, and other "poor boys" who often ate at their original location near the French Market. Whether or not the local theory is true, it is a good story.

Po Boys at Shorty Pants

We've got a wonderful variety Po Boy sandwiches to enjoy at our Lake of the Ozarks Cajun restaurant. Each one also comes with your choice of one of our incredible side dishes. 

Oyster Po Boy
Big Gulf oysters deep-fried golden brown on French bread with lettuce, tomato, and Cajun mayo. 

Shrimp Po Boy
Hand-breaded Gulf shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and our house-made Cajun mayo. 

Andouille Sausage Po Boy
Smoked Cajun sausage and our homemade remoulade sauce served with shredded lettuce and tomato. 

Catfish Po Boy
Southern-fried catfish with our homemade Cajun mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Available blackened instead. 


This classic Cajun delicacy is just one of the many you'll find on the menu at our lakeside restaurant & bar at the Lake of the Ozarks. We use fresh ingredients and trusted recipes plus rubs and spices direct from Louisiana to give our dishes an authentic Creole flavor. Come on by Shorty Pants Lounge & Marina soon for a bite and taste the deliciousness for yourself! 


The Lake's #1 Creole Cuisine Restaurant, where you can expect a luxury, laid-back experience at Lake of the Ozarks!






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