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The Po'Boy Shop & Basement BarBWorth Trying

Name: The Po'Boy Shop & Basement Bar
Address: 1369 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, Decatur, United States
Rating: 4.6

1369 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033 · Cajun restaurant, Bar, Bar & grill · 4.6/5 Google (2080 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively New Orleans-style spot for standout po’ boys, crispy flat fries, and late-night basement bar vibes; service can be patchy and noise high, but regulars love the flavors.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

The Po'Boy Shop delivers excellent po' boy execution and authentic New Orleans character that resonates with a loyal neighborhood crowd, but inconsistent quality on delivery and late-night service and uneven service attention during peak basement hours prevent a higher grade. The basement bar atmosphere and strong breakfast additions add appeal, making it a solid neighborhood destination for casual Cajun dining rather than a premier regional standout.

Restaurant Summary

Upstairs feels like a tidy counter-service shop, but the action is downstairs in the basement bar where pool tables, darts, and TVs fuel a lively scene. Service warmth shows when it clicks, with one regular saying, "staff made us feel like locals," but it can be slow to flag down during peak hours. Expect a New Orleans vibe and a neighborhood crowd that stays late. The kitchen steers classic Cajun-Creole rather than experimental, with po’ boys as the headliners and that crispy flat fry side people rave about. Shrimp, debris, and blackened grouper lead the praise, while bread pudding wins near-universal love. A few diners note variable gumbo seasoning or lukewarm delivery fries, but most agree the sandwiches deliver comforting authenticity over fancy flourishes. Families fare well thanks to familiar options like tenders, burgers, po’ boys, and fries. There is a vegetarian mushroom po’ boy, but gluten-free or dairy-free paths are limited. Noise downstairs can run high; if visiting with kids, consider the upstairs counter area or earlier hours for a calmer meal.

At a Glance

Well-executed po’ boys with authentic New Orleans-style bread
Fun basement bar with pool, darts, and many TVs
Daily breakfast menu draws strong praise (beignets, breakfast bowls)
Service can be slow or disorganized during busy basement hours
Delivery and late-night quality inconsistencies (soggy fries, light portions)

What Sets It Apart

hidden_basement_bar
true_NOLA_style_bread
late_kitchen_hours
daily_breakfast

What People Love

Crispy flat fries that stay crunchy
Rich debris and shrimp po’ boys
Bread pudding that feels like a must-order
Neighborhood bar energy with late hours

Points of Concern

Service attentiveness varies; expect to flag servers during peak times
Some portion-size and temperature inconsistencies, especially late or via delivery
Noise and music volume can be high in the basement bar
Review patterns show isolated sanitation complaints contrasted by many normal visits

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleHybrid Average Cost$24-38 per person ReservationsNot required

Perfect For

Game-day hangs with a sandwich and beer
Casual group nights with pool and darts
A quick lunch po’ boy fix
Early breakfast with beignets and coffee

Location Insights

Area: Busy mixed-commercial corridor near Emory/CDC; casual, student and neighborhood traffic with late-night energy.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked strip center; occasional late-night rowdiness reported in bar context.

Nearby: Strip-center setting with ample free parking, TVs for sports, basement bar with games; convenient to Decatur and nearby campuses.

Downtown DecaturDowntown Decatur offers a lively dining and social environment with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The area is known for its friendly, neighborhood feel and attracts diners looking for casual yet quality Southern-inspired food and craft beverages. It is pedestrian-friendly and often hosts community events, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–02:00 Tuesday11:00–02:00 Wednesday11:00–02:00 Thursday11:00–02:00 Friday11:00–02:00 Saturday11:00–02:00 Sunday11:00–02:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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