Whoo-eee: Try a rich po'boy

The catfish po'boy at Fat Tuesday. (Credit: Eric Rowley/Metromix)

In Louisiana, po'boy sandwiches aren't just a meal, they're a way of life. Rumored to have gotten their name and start after being served to striking streetcar workers, the baguette-style French bread sandwiches have become nearly as synonymous with New Orleans as Mardi Gras and jazz. These delicious sandwiches have since made their way up the Mississippi, and are available at many restaurants around Des Moines. Here are five fun takes you can find locally.

The Sandberg
Find it: Mullet's, 1300 S.E. First St.

Mullet's offers what is likely the most extensive po'boy menu in town. The one that stands out most is The Sandberg, named for the Chicago Cubs great and Iowa Cubs manager across the river. The toppings defy all po'boy tradition: A Polish sausage stuffed with Swiss cheese, wrapped in bacon, fried and topped with grilled onions, peppers, barbecue sauce, cheddar jack and cream cheese. Served with a side of massive heart attack waiting to happen. $8.95.

Italian Cruz Po'Boy
Find it: Jason's Deli, 3910 University Ave., West Des Moines

Jason's mixes traditional deli fare with New Orleans style. This includes ham and hard salami, Asiago, stone-ground mustard, Italian dressing, sliced Italian peppers, roma tomatoes and shredded lettuce. Jason's other options include po'boys with hot roast beef, meatballs and pastrami. $6.29.

Catfish Po'Boy
Find it: Fat Tuesday, 6112 S.W. Ninth St.

Probably the most authentic restaurant serving po'boys, with a focus on Cajun and Louisianan food. You can get options like catfish, shrimp oysters, pork or chicken, covered with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and the special Fat Tuesday sauce. For a bit more ($9.95) you can substitute alligator or two meats. $7.95 at lunch, $9.95 (with side) at dinner.

Rock Shrimp Po'Boy
Find it: Waterfront Seafood Market, 2900 University Ave., West Des Moines

Waterfront has a bit of everything, so of course it offers po'boys. The rock shrimp used in this po'boy have a sweeter flavor, similar to lobster. It comes topped with lettuce, tomato, tartar and cocktail sauces. Oyster and bay scallop po'boys are also available. $9.25.

Andouille Po'Boy
Find it: Hessen Haus, 101 Fourth St.

Crescent City food in a German restaurant might seem a bit weird, but when Buzzard Billy's closed due to 2008 flooding, some of its more popular food items moved to Hessen Haus. That includes a variety of po'boys, like the andouille po'boy using seasoned pork sausage topped with Swiss cheese and served with a side of creole honey mustard. $6.99.