Old Arabi Food Store

The food here is amazing. The staff are friendly and very nice. They have good breakfast,and i love the porkchop sandwhich.

Great little local place to eat. Awesome food, great portions for the money. Highly recommend. Building is on the small size but lends to its charm. The Big Easy, in a small package.

The Old Arabi Food Store exudes a welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes visitors feel at home. As you step inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by a mix of locals and soldiers from nearby Jackson Barracks, all coming together in a shared love for good food and community. Despite the diverse crowd, there's a sense of camaraderie that permeates the air, making every patron feel like part of the family. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the people of Arabi leave a lasting impression, leaving you eager to return for another memorable experience soon. It's evident that attention to detail is paramount here, creating an atmosphere where patrons can truly unwind and enjoy the company of good folks while savoring delectable dishes. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary odyssey unlike any other with the Old Arabi Food Store’s Muffuletta. As you take your first bite, you're greeted with warmth from perfectly toasted bread embracing a melty symphony of cheeses and cold cuts. The careful balance of flavors is expertly achieved, with the heat enhancing the richness of the ingredients while a judicious amount of olive salad ensures the sandwich maintains its integrity without becoming overly oily. What truly elevates this Muffuletta to greatness is the presence of chewy mozzarella cheese, adding another layer of indulgence to an already exceptional creation. It's evident that every element has been meticulously crafted, resulting in a Muffuletta that transcends the ordinary and stands out as a true culinary masterpiece.

I never had a muffeltta til today and it was scrumptious. The olive salad in it will tickle your tastebuds without overwhelming them the bread fresh as it gets. The meat and cheese are nicely balanced. Having it baked gives it a nice mixture of melted cheese without the cold cut sandwich feeling that really brings it all together. The cafe is like a best kept secret, simple looking yet packed with eats and a very southerly new orleans hospitality. As soon as one patron left, the staff was swift about making the tables look good as new. The whole crew was warm and happy to have you there and did everything to help you forget about life and enjoy a fresh meal. Definitely would reccomend as a gotta stop in an try it for locals and friends alike.

Good Home Cooked Meal. This place is good... huge portions and good prices... their fried chicken is one of the best you can find and the pork chop was perfect... seafood gumbo was perfect and seafood mixed platter so so tasty... service was good... Max was helpful... everything was perfect...

Homey and delicious. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a po-boy once I arrived in New Orleans, and this one hit the spot. The staff was so welcoming and helpful. I can see why there were so many regulars here!

My one negative comment is that they give you dine-in meals in a Styrofoam to go box. Breakfast especially is really hard to eat that way.

Great community diner, great food, great prices and good people. Step back into time you will not be disappointed.

If you eat lunch at this gem and still leave hungry you are either a competitive eater, or a bear disguised as a human. The food is ways fantastic and the staff is always friendly.

Well the reviews lores me in but I won't go back. The food just wasn't up to my liking. Leaving the gun range I wanted a burger or a burger poboy and this place was close. Waiting time wasn't long and was really hungry so got a large. The service was great. The staff was friendly and the place was clean. The hamburger pony just wasn't tasty. I had my mind and mouth fixed on it and was sorely disappointed. It taste more like a soybean burger than beef. You live and you learn.

Pretty good PoBoy and great fries! Nice little local place, friendly, and down home cooking. Worth a try!

Arguably the best poboys in Nola. I enjoy the veal cutlet dressed... however each are good. Super busy for lunch time.

Great food and friendly people running this neighborhood restaurant. It reminds me of the television show Cheers, where everybody knows your name RB

Whenever you find yourself in "Da Parish", make sure you visit Arabi Food Store...Ask for Max and tell him David sent you. You will get the down home service that you can only find in the South!

Fabulous food! Gotta get there early as they fill up fast. The roast beef sandwich is to die for!

I stopped by one of the local spots and was not let down. This establishment is in the middle of a neighborhood a block or two off the main highway but on the corner so you can't miss it. Serves hot food plates as well. I know it says food store but it's definitely a restaurant as well. I had the hamburger poboy and it was cooked to perfection and very delicious.

I eat here a couple of times a week. They have traditional daily specials as well as a full poboy and plate lunch menu. They have some of the best roast red poboys in the area. Small and quaint but awesome food and service. The place is clean and and a local hotspot.

We went sometime in the afternoon a little after lunchtime and it was very busy. The staff was friendly and the food came out fairly quickly. However, the majority of staff and patrons were not wearing masks. The roast beef poboy was dry, and there was nothing remarkable about the shrimp poboy. The muffuletta was really good. I thought everything was a bit expensive, but there aren't a lot of choices in that area, so the price makes sense.

Breakfast sandwiches can't be beat and they have some of the greatest po-boys in the city. Service is top notch, everyone is friendly and there to help!

You gotta love this place. They have a great breakfast, lunch and dinner. All at reasonable prices. Parking is easy and indoor seating is available. The poor boys are the best around and the Philly Cheesesteak is delicious. The staff is helpful and courteous and friendly.

Arabi Food Store is reliably good. Their shrimp poboy is always delicious - a really great choice for lunch. Several of their daily specials are among my favorite choices. I especially love the chicken fried steak and lasagna entrees. Their cold beverage selection is huge. Seriously, if you can't find it in their coolers you don't really need to drink it. Seating options are plentiful. One thing to note: The seating options are at bar height, so it may be problematic for those with very small children or physical challenges to dine-in.

Leave downtown and check this place out. Talk about local only! I had the muffelata 1/2 order and it was massive. Highly recommend

Food was fresh and great. O ordered a shrimp poboy and my friend ordered a roast beef poboy. We stopped in for lunch and was greeted by the staff like old friends. We both ate until we were stuffed!

Our bicycle tour guide brought us here for lunch and we were so glad that he did. This place is a local institution and we would have never found it on our own. We felt very lucky to have been able to experience it. The whole experience was very authentic. We had our lunch among construction workers, elderly locals who seemed to meet there every day for lunch and local business people. We all had po' boys. Daughter and I both ordered the shrimp and the guide had the beef. The sandwiches are large. When we sat down the guide offered to share his beef half and half with my shrimp. I took him up on the offer and boy was I glad I did. He knew what he was doing! My shrimp was good (with some hot sauce sprinkled on) but his beef was really good!

Great food, friends, conversation and Roast Beef. They have daily lunch specials and breakfast. But for sure there star of the show is the roast beef. Get it on french bread or bun or open face. Whatever way you like it because it really doesn't matter, it's flavor is that good. Oh don't forget to wash it down with a Barq's Root beer in the old fashion glass bottle. Put the paper towels to good use and enjoy!

Great local landmark with huge chips and soda selection. True mom-and-pop shop that is bustling and full of Louisiana natives but friendly to others. The shrimp po'boy was tasty-- chewy bread, hot and fresh shrimp, crisp pickles. Fantastic establishment for a hearty lunch and a dip into the community here.

A solid mom and pop shop deep in Arabi serving up some great food. Their Po-Boys are huge so keep this in mind when you order. The roast beef and shrimp are delicious but my favorite is the Club Sandwich. Lots of turkey, ham and crispy bacon. On Fridays they have a great gumbo which I usually get during the few cold days we get in winter. So next time you're in Arabi stop in a have a seat you won't be disappointed.

I am a po-boy/muffuletta connoisseur (self appointed). I recently have been on a quest for the best po-boys and muffs in the city. This place is a hidden gem in Arabi. The muffuletta is one of the best in the city and well worth the drive. The shrimp was excellent and the breaded veal po-boy was one of the best I've ever had. Say hi to Max while you're here. He owns the place and is a great guy!

I have been to NO quite a few times, and this place was recommended for to me for lunch. It is one of the best sandwich places I've ever eaten at. Delicious.

Arabi Food Store: A community staple. This place has good home-cooked food, economical prices, and friendly service. It has been around since the 70's and continues to thrive.... so the must be doing something right. The menu consists of the basic New Orleans cuisine. Every kind of poboy you can imagine (deli meats, fried seafood, warm meats, etc.) They also have daily specials that come in hefty servings. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.... you can't go wrong.

Based on some online searching, I spent the morning exploring the historic area of Arabi. Then time for a lunchtime muffuletta! You order from the cashier, pay up and wait for your ticket number to be called. You can enjoy your drink while seated at a table, or a small counter. My half -size Italian was nicely warmed, and very, very good. I will be back!

We found this place by accident. The first day, we tried breakfast and since I haven't been in the south for quite some time, I HAD to have a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. It was to die for. Ryan had the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich (on poboy bread, with potatoes added onto it). Our meal cost us less than $12. Mind blowing flavor. Mind blowing price. We came back another day and the gentleman who greeted us at the register remembered us from our breakfast date, which was really nice. He actually greeted every single customer who walked through the door by name, which was impressive and highly commendable. This time, we had lunch. Ryan had never had a poboy before, so of course we had to order some. I had been craving a roast beef poboy for a solid two weeks, so that's what I had. It was messy and everything I've ever wanted. Ryan ordered the shrimp poboy and it was delicious; however, we both preferred their roast beef poboy. (We split the two and took our leftovers with us). My only regret is that I didn't have more opportunities to dine here.

Enjoyed the food and ambiance very very much. I am a Holy Cross man...so very nostalgic about this place. It was once a literal hole in a literal wall...nice casual seating. This place and the neighborhood are worth a drive if you are visiting NOLA. Probably 15 min drive from the FQ. The owner/cook is an attraction, but I believe he is married.

I found this little place about three years ago, now I come here anytime I'm in the area. Always good food and lively staff.

Nobody... not even the staff was wearing face masks in the restaurant. Very unwelcoming to walk into.

Always enjoy the oysters poboy every time I come, I'm from out of town but grew up in Arabi. I go every time I go down there.

Y'all it's so good for any and every meal. For breakfast get the Graffeo's Killer Omelets with hot sausage, ham, bacon, onions, bell peppers & cheddar cheese. This is my favorite omelette in the world. So good and so filling. For lunch, the shrimp poboy or the fish tacos. For dinner we get their daily specials. The pork chops taste like your mom made them if you mom was the best cook ever. The people are also the sweetest and are so friendly and always smiling. It's a great spot in a great neighborhood!

Came here for dinner while visiting family in the area. Great local business with friendly folks. Had delicious combo of fried shrimp & catfish. The servings are HUGE. It is a little pricey, but so worth it. It's always good to support local businesses.

Lived here over 10 years and I'm ate here for the first time a few months ago and my life was instantly made better. They have awesome poboys and you can't go wrong with any of the chicken dishes, wrapped and salads, and at a good price, quick service, friendly people. Hands down one of my top favs and a great go to lunch spot. They do close pretty early though so don't wait too late and let the hours slip by before you get around to getting food here, it's too disappointing when all you want is a chicken wrap and you ended up waiting to long and they've closed. ):

Stayed across the street from this place with 8 guys. We enjoyed what we got and we just about tried everthing. Everyone was happy with their choice. Mine was the Catfish pooh boy and it was hot, and simple with great bread and delicious catfish.

We rented a house just a couple of blocks down from this little gem. We stopped in for a late breakfast and were so happy with everything. Super friendly people and awesome food. We had 10 people and everyone was happy and full when we left.

Best shrimp poboy. Fresh bread, huge shrimp that were not overly fried, delicate sauce and overall wonderful.

We stopped in here for breakfast on our first day in the area, and made it our last stop before flying home. Breakfast was hearty and cheap! On the way out we ordered shrimp po boys, dressed, and they were fantastic. Lots of shrimp, fresh rolls and fantastic potato salad. Plus, everyone that we encountered here was friendly and welcoming (both staff and customers). Definitely worth your visit if you're in the area.

I hate that every time I'm down an hour be working sometimes is five days a week never had a bad meal and 10 years great food great place to go

Great food selection for breakfast, fast courteous service, enjoyed visiting with the locals. The fluffiest biscuits ever! Reasonable cost.

Every worker there is so nice. When I call in an order and leave the store, the guy behind the pay counter always says drive safe. I order 7" breakfast sandwiches from Arabi Food Store all the time. The bread is always fresh and the meat (bacon,ham) is always juicy. They ask if you want butter or mayo on the bread, but you don't need it because the sandwich is so fresh.

Hands down the best PoBoy ever every time I visit. The people are just awesomely nice and trust me, this is as good as it gets. No fancy, trendy, touristy looking dining here. It's pretty much a convenience store where you order your food at the register, and then you wait for it wrapped in paper and tape. The quality is out of this world and trust me, this is the real fucking dea/!

They have all these contests for who has best poboy in town. They overlook this place each year. When u walk in the room its filled with working class men eating. This is a good sign. This place is the bomb. Poboy bread is light and crunchy. Generous portions of meats n cheeses or shrimp.... whatever u get? Extremely generous. The onion rings to die for. Daily specials like red beans? A delight. The dressed or undressed picture is hilarious and the owner mingles with the clientele and supports the staff. Clean kitchen. Poker machines. Yes..... this is one of the parish best!

The Arabi food store (that's what we call it) has the best poboys in the world. Try the roast beef if you don't mind a little messy food. The shrimp is world class too, I haven't tried anything else but I hear great things about the entire menu. As it's in the lower 9th ward, it closes at 6( you don't want to go to the 9th at night anyway)

Awesome gumbo special! $6. The shrimp poboys looked really good as well. I will be back.

Best poboys in the city! My fave is the grilled, chopped ham and American cheese... be specific when ordering and double check; rare but they have been very accommodating if they have to redo an order.

This place came highly recommended and didn't disappoint. We stoped in for a quick lunch, shrimp Po' boys for my husband and son, breaded pork chop Po' boy for me, and a taco special for my Little Guy. Raves all around from my guys, and I absolutely loved everything about mine. Very Friendly staff, clean, good service and better than reasonable pricing.

I had high hopes for the food since the lady at the register was so sweet and friendly. But my omelette was salty and so much so I couldn't eat it. I'm a huge salt fan so when I think it's too salty it really is. This is definitely a local joint and maybe I just ordered the wrong thing - I am tempted to go back and try the Po-boys that are raved about. If I do I will update my review. For now, 3 stars for customer service alone.

Nice size omelet. But there were no flavor in it. And found a log strand of hair. Not sure if i should come back.

Have been enjoying Arabi for years. 1992-2005 would order for delivery at Mchoud Facility. Now I work at the Barracks and they are too close to bother going anywhere else. Can always count on a delicious salad, poboy or hot plate!

THE BEST poboys out there. Their potato poboys are always hot and have little bits of roast beef from the gravy. Never had better and the prices are much lower (with much more food) than anything you'll get in the city. Staff is friendly and service is very quick. Great for lunch.

Been eating at Arabi Food Store since 1984. The best Po-Boy in the world. Shrimp, oyster, or favorite roast beef. You won't find a sandwich in this country that is better.