A Review of My First Visit to New Orleans Sandwich Company in Gatlinburg

Years have gone by without taking the chance at this Gatlinburg business. New Orleans Sandwich Company has always been one of those eateries we’ve said, “maybe next time.” We’ve walked to the back of the Baskins Square shops enough times to know they exist; we’ve even paused to scan the menu more than a few times since 2011. Each time, we denied ourselves the opportunity. Forgive us, but the more we visited, the harder it was for us to make room due to all the other stellar establishments in town. Will this be added to the list of the others? Read on to find out!

To preface this review, it was a solo visit. With my wife and son working, I decided to finally take the leap and be the guinea pig, reporting back to both of them whether it was worthy enough for them to appreciate. I didn’t expect anything more than a hole-in-the-wall eatery. And if you’re familiar with this description, you’ll know it is not meant as disrespectful in any way; in fact, this almost always seen as a compliment. And New Orleans Sandwich Company I believe correctly represents the good that goes with this.

This restaurant used to have a website, but I couldn’t find one. What I do know about the owners is that Hurricane Katrina tragically destroyed their home back in 2005, and they relocated here in Gatlinburg to start a business in this quaint space the following year. I don’t know about you, but that takes some courage to start a new venture in a place where you’re not sure is going to lead to success. Regardless of what anyone may think, 18 years something to be very proud of.

The decor reminds me of what a few larger businesses in Gatlinburg used to do: allow dollar bills to be posted on the walls. I love it in these small businesses, though; it gives the place the feeling of comfort, hospitality, and devoid of kitschiness. I didn’t confirm this by talking to my server, who definitely had a creole accent, but those dollars supposedly go back to their hometown—a grateful gesture. There were various other items on the walls inside, giving it a Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street vibe you won’t find in any typical East Tennessee restaurant or shop.

As for the food, I really shouldn’t have thought too long and hard about what I was going to order, but that wouldn’t be me anywhere else, either. My gut told me to get the Gumbo, which I only learned when ordering that it was a seafood gumbo, not one with Andouille sausage. The Po Boys were certainly tempting, but I wanted to dive in, trying gumbo for the first time, including shrimp and crab meat. I’ve had shrimp before, never really being a big fan of it—even at Cheasapeake’s, a place that flies it in fresh from the coast. Crab meat I’ve had just once before in the form of crab cakes at the same restaurant here in Gatlinburg. I liked them, but I think I’d prefer my crab meat without being tampered with.

Having my food served to me on a paper plate and bowl is indicative of the vibe of New Orleans Sandwich Company. I loved it! Some people may not, but what should it matter if the food is good. So, was it? Yes, it exceeded my expectations! The first few bites were a bit salty but once I stirred it, those Cajun flavors really balanced it out nicely. It was served very hot, but I was perfectly fine with it, beating the alternative; I can control the temperature. It was difficult at first, detecting those seasonings, but once I cooled it slightly with my breath, it was the perfect amount of Cajun kick. I’ve taken quite a liking to spicy food as an adult, even though my stomach would like to have more than a few words with me.

Since gumbo is a traditional Louisiana stew—the official cuisine of the state, no less—what came with it also fits the fare. Their Traditional French Bread blew my mind. Okay, so it’s bread, but it was buttered and practically melted in my mouth right after the crunch of the buttery crust. I alternated between dipping it into the gumbo and taking a bite to get the full flavor of it alone. If you’re wondering what I thought about the shrimp, wonder not. It was shrimp I could eat again in gumbo and not be disappointed. It was good, and that’s more than I can say about any other shrimp I’ve ever had. The crab meat I liked better, and it fooled me into thinking it was chicken at times, because I eat much more chicken in my daily life. Overall, it was delicious, and cost just $11.99. Trust me, it will satisfy you unless you have a large appetite.

I don’t like to delve too much into service unless it was bad. It certainly wasn’t. They took care of me, asking if I needed anything else during my meal (which I didn’t). They seem like good, down-to-earth people who take pride in the food they serve. The presentation certainly showed it, and the quality gave it away if there were any doubts to begin with.

There are many tourists who come here from Louisiana, and I’d like to think New Orleans Sandwich Company is a big reason why. I’m from Ohio, so this food might as well be from a totally different country (originally, yes). As a Midwesterner, I fully approve of this restaurant. I believe the authentic moniker given to it, and I will be back to try one of their Po Boys, maybe next time with my wife and son in tow. I’m giving it a solid 4.7 out of 5, but that could be raised on future visits. If you want some flavorful flair in Gatlinburg, you need to be here!

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