Some of the best restaurants in New Orleans don’t need flashy ads or big promotions. They grow through word of mouth, loyal customers, and consistently great food. One perfect example of this is R&O’s, a local favourite that has been serving delicious meals for over four decades.
A Humble Beginning That Turned Into a Local Legend
R&O’s started in 1980 when Roland and Ora opened a small café inside a grocery store in Bucktown. What began as a simple neighbourhood spot quickly became popular. The crowd grew so fast that the restaurant had to move to bigger locations not once, but twice.
Today, it still remains packed most of the time, proving that good food always finds its audience.
Location and Atmosphere
The restaurant is located in Bucktown, just outside New Orleans in Metairie, close to the lake on Metairie Hammond Highway. The place has a very simple and local feel, with high ceilings, fish mounted on the walls, and families filling the tables.
People don’t come here for fancy interiors or luxury dining. They come for the food and the experience of a true neighbourhood eatery.
Famous Dishes That Keep People Coming Back
The biggest highlight at R&O’s is its famous roast beef po’boy. Many food lovers consider it one of the best in the New Orleans area.
The most popular version is the R&O Special. It includes slow-cooked roast beef in rich brown gravy, grilled ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all packed into a toasted sesame roll. The bread is slightly different from the traditional po’boy style, but it actually makes the sandwich even better. The gravy soaks into the bread, making every bite full of flavour.
Another must-try dish is the seafood gumbo. It is rich, well-balanced, and feels like it has been cooked slowly with care. It’s the kind of dish that gives a homemade taste.
For something lighter, the shrimp remoulade salad is a great option. It has a fresh and tangy flavour that balances out the heavier dishes on the menu.
More Than Just Sandwiches
R&O’s is not limited to just po’boys. The menu also includes Italian-style dishes like hand-tossed pizzas and muffulettas filled with a generous layer of olive salad.
What makes this place special is that almost everything on the menu is done well. There are very few restaurants where you can order anything without worrying about the taste, but R&O’s is one of them.
A Family-Run Restaurant with Strong Roots
One of the key reasons behind the restaurant’s success is that it has always been a family-run business. This reflects in the way the place is managed and how customers are treated.
There is a sense of warmth and familiarity that makes people feel comfortable and welcomed. Many customers have been visiting for years, even decades.
Tips Before You Visit
Because of its popularity, the restaurant can get quite busy. It is a good idea to arrive early, especially when it opens, to avoid long waiting times.
The restaurant is located at 216 Metairie Hammond Highway in Metairie and is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday. It’s always better to call ahead and confirm the timings before planning your visit.
