You came for po boys, but let me hook you with a detour worth bookmarking. Polar Bear in Merrill, OR is a small town hamburger stand where crisp fries, thick patties, and milkshakes steal the show. The line can test patience, yet the payoff tastes like nostalgia by the cup and basket. Think roadside charm, fair prices, and the kind of shakes you brag about later.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern- New Orleans, Louisiana
Before diving into Parkway, picture pulling up to Polar Bear and smelling that classic burger sear. The fries taste local and the shakes hit that creamy, old school note that makes a wait feel okay. Prices are fair, and service swings from quick to slow, but you leave satisfied.
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Craving Parkway levels of bread crunch and gravy depth, you still respect a spot where a mushroom Swiss burger with bacon delivers. Grab a large fry if you like plenty of salt and snap. Sit outside if the sun is kind, since shade can be scarce.
Guy’s Po-Boy Shoestrings- New Orleans, Louisiana
At Guy’s you chase crisp shoestrings, and at Polar Bear you chase that local potato fry bite. Some days they need more salt, but a large order satisfies the crunch craving. Pair it with a burger stacked high with fresh toppings and a cold shake.
Service vibes vary, yet friendly moments shine through. The drive through can leapfrog the window, so plan your approach. If you are road tripping, Merrill’s main street adds a stroll that makes the pause feel like part of the meal.
Middendorf’s Restaurant (po’ boy & seafood counter)- Manchac, Louisiana
Middendorf’s is all about thin fried catfish and breezy docks, while Polar Bear serves landlocked comfort that still scratches the fried craving. The corn dogs and hot dogs add state fair nostalgia. When the grill is on point, the burger tastes like weekend victory.
On busy days, the wait can stretch and orders might tangle. Stick with simple combos and double check your ticket. Finish with a shake that leans thick and frosty, the kind that turns a bench into the best seat in town.
Acme Oyster House- New Orleans, Louisiana
Acme chases briny snap and French bread crackle, while Polar Bear leans into grill smoke and sweet shakes. The burger patties are thick and juicy, with toppings that stay fresh and crunchy. When fries are done right, they taste like local potatoes pulled from nearby fields.
Expect a mix of glowing regulars and travelers passing through. Lines move slower than you want, but small town charm softens the edges. Grab a shake for the road and pretend you are strolling the Quarter, only with mountains on the horizon.
Johnny’s Po-Boy- New Orleans, Louisiana
Johnny’s piles it high, and Polar Bear stacks flavor in simpler layers. A mushroom Swiss with bacon brings savory depth, and the shake handles dessert without a second stop. Fries run small in portion unless you order the large, so plan accordingly.
Service can be hit or miss, but kindness shows up often. Outdoor seating begs for an awning on hot days, yet the breeze sometimes saves the moment. You came hungry, you leave with a small town story and a sweet tooth cured.
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar- New Orleans, Louisiana
Think of Domilise’s gravy soaking a loaf while you sip a thick shake at Polar Bear. The patties here are big and flavorful, and the shakes come in tons of flavors that make choosing a challenge. Order at the window, then let the small town rhythm slow you down.
Delays happen, and sometimes orders get fumbled, but when it hits, it really hits. The fries, when salted right, sing with the burger’s char. Bring patience and an appetite, and you will likely walk away planning your next stop.
Killer Poboys- New Orleans, Louisiana
Killer Poboys riffs with bold sauces, and Polar Bear answers with a saucy burger that sometimes goes heavy on BBQ. Ask for a light hand if you like balance. The shakes are the move when the grill is hopping and you want something cool to sip.
Wait times vary, so settle in and watch the main street flow by. Staff can be friendly and prices feel fair for the portions. When everything aligns, the classic diner flavor brings you back fast.
Liuzza’s by the Track- New Orleans, Louisiana
Liuzza’s serves po boys built for messy joy, and Polar Bear brings that same spirit with burgers and hand cut vibes. The patty is thick, toppings fresh, and the bun holds together like a champ. Fries taste better with extra salt and a large size for sharing.
Expect a casual crowd, road trippers, and locals grabbing shakes for the drive. Mistakes happen on hectic nights, so check your bag before you leave. When the order is right, you are in comfort food territory worth repeating.
Casamento’s Restaurant- New Orleans, Louisiana
Casamento’s builds crunch with oyster loaves, while Polar Bear builds nostalgia with burgers and shakes. The grill flavor stands out, seasoned like an old diner should be. Ice cream and milkshakes are generous, thick enough to count as a meal finisher.
Service can lag, and mixups happen, so patience pays off. Order simple if the line is long, then grab a sunny spot and people watch. When the fries arrive hot, everything else fades into the background.
Willie’s Chicken Shack- Gretna, Louisiana
Willie’s fries hard and fast, and Polar Bear goes steady with burgers, dogs, and corn dogs. When the fries are crisp and salted, they pair beautifully with a thick patty. Milkshakes come in many flavors, so rotate through chocolate, strawberry, and something playful.
Expect fair prices and a family crowd, especially on weekends. If you find the window busy, consider the drive thru but watch for leapfrogging. Check your order, then dig in before the fries cool down.
Louisiana Poboys – Johnston – Lafayette, LA
Johnston’s po boys celebrate bread integrity, and Polar Bear celebrates grill marks and creamy shakes. The burger brings thick, juicy flavor, and the fries have that local potato character people notice. When salted right, they balance the shake’s sweetness perfectly.
Busy hours can mean a long wait and the occasional mixup, so keep expectations flexible. Staff are often kind, and the small town setting adds charm to the pause. Leave with a full belly and a plan to return on your next road trip.
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