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You Have To Try The Gravy-Soaked Fat Tuesday Ferdie At This Gatlinburg Gem

  • Attraction: New Orleans Sandwich Company
  • Location: 631 Parkway Ste A6, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Industry: Restaurant
  • Website: Yelp

After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their Louisiana home, one family turned tragedy into opportunity.

They packed up their treasured recipes and relocated to Gatlinburg, bringing authentic Cajun and Creole flavors to the Smoky Mountains. Today, New Orleans Sandwich Company serves up soul-warming dishes that transport you straight to the French Quarter—no plane ticket required.

You’ll find this gem tucked away in the back left corner of Baskins Square Mall, just off the main Parkway.

The unassuming storefront might be easy to miss, but once you step inside, you’re greeted by walls and ceilings completely papered with dollar bills—a quirky tradition that adds serious character to this cozy spot. With small booths and simple tables, the vibe is delightfully casual and unpretentious.

Po’Boys That Rival The Real Deal

The Shrimp Po’Boy: Golden-fried Gulf shrimp arrive perfectly crispy on the outside with tender, sweet meat inside.

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The bread deserves its own praise—somehow both impossibly soft inside and wonderfully crispy outside, creating the perfect vessel for those plump shrimp, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and creamy mayo.

Fat Tuesday Ferdie: This local favorite features juicy roast beef smothered in rich brown gravy, topped with melted Swiss cheese and your choice of ham or turkey. The gravy-soaked bread creates a messy, finger-licking experience that’s absolutely worth it.

Crab Cake Po’Boy: Loaded with chunks of sweet crab meat and fried to golden perfection, these crab cakes are generously portioned and bursting with flavor. You’ll taste the quality of the seafood in every bite.

The Muffuletta: This massive Italian-style sandwich comes stacked an inch thick with imported salami, savory ham, provolone, and Swiss cheese on round Sicilian bread. Even ordering a half will leave you satisfied—and possibly needing a to-go box.

Bourbon Street Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef gets drenched in that signature brown gravy for a simple but incredibly satisfying sandwich. Add Swiss cheese to take it to the next level.

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Classic Louisiana Dishes Done Right

The Gumbo: This isn’t just good gumbo—it’s potentially the best you’ll find outside Louisiana. Made with a dark roux, spicy andouille sausage, tender chicken, okra, and an abundance of fresh Gulf shrimp and crab, each spoonful delivers authentic Cajun comfort.

Served over fluffy white rice with traditional French bread on the side, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

Crawfish Étouffée: Rich, buttery, and beautifully spiced, this classic Creole dish showcases tender crawfish tails in a velvety sauce that’s neither too heavy nor too light. It’s comfort food that honors its Louisiana roots.

Jambalaya: This one-pot wonder brings together savory sausage, chicken, vegetables, rice, and Creole spices in perfect harmony. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Fried Okra: Crispy on the outside with a tender bite inside, the fried okra is seriously addictive. Lightly seasoned and fried to perfection, it makes an ideal side or snack.

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Onion Rings: Beer-battered and cooked until golden and crunchy, these onion rings might just be some of the best you’ll encounter. They’re thick-cut with a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with any sandwich.

The Hidden Gem Atmosphere

Dollar Bill Décor: Every inch of the walls and ceiling is covered with defaced dollar bills left by previous visitors—a quirky tradition that gives the place unique personality. It’s fun to scan the bills and read messages from people who’ve come through.

Cozy Fireplace: A big fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the small dining room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for enjoying your meal, especially during cooler mountain weather.

Casual Comfort: Everything is served on paper plates with plastic silverware, which some might see as basic but actually adds to the authentic, no-frills vibe. The focus here is squarely on the food, not fancy presentation.

Intimate Space: The restaurant is small with limited seating, so it can fill up quickly during peak times. Arriving early or during off-hours gives you the best chance of snagging a table without a wait.

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What You Need To Know

Value Pricing: You’ll find the prices refreshingly reasonable, especially compared to other Gatlinburg restaurants.

The portions are generous—often oversized—making the cost per meal feel downright cheap for what you’re getting. The quality of authentic Louisiana cooking at these prices is hard to beat.

Family-Owned Authenticity: The owners hail from Metairie, Louisiana, and their family recipes show in every dish. Some recipes remain proprietary secrets passed down through generations, adding to the authentic experience.

No Reservations: This is first-come, first-served dining, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during busy tourist seasons. The small space means waits are possible, but the food is worth it.

Location Tips: Finding the restaurant can be tricky—look for Baskins Square Mall on the Parkway (directly across from the Village Shops). Head to the left rear of the lower level, where you’ll spot a small sign above a wooden bench. Parking is available at Baskins Square.

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Beer & Wine: The restaurant offers a rotating selection of beer and wine. Call ahead to check current availability if you’re planning to enjoy a drink with your meal.

Hidden Menu Items: Not all ingredients are listed on the menu since some recipes are family secrets. Don’t hesitate to ask about preparations if you have specific dietary needs or preferences.


New Orleans Sandwich Company
📍 631 Parkway Ste A6, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Writer: June Holloway
Click to read bio

June Holloway is a lifelong Tennessean who grew up in the shadow of the Smokies and now writes from her home just outside of Gatlinburg. She has a deep love for winding mountain roads, American barbecue joints, and stories passed down on front porches.