A proper po’boy counter does not need theatrics, it needs bread with backbone, hot shrimp, and a line that knows where it is going.
In Lafayette, this tiny institution has that rhythm down: students drifting in hungry, locals ordering with confidence, and sandwiches leaving the window fast enough to feel like a civic service.
The daily bread matters, because a po’boy lives or collapses by its crunch, chew, and ability to hold fried seafood without surrendering.
Fresh Langlinais bread, fast counter service, generous shrimp po’boys, and lived-in Lafayette, Louisiana energy make this local sandwich stop worth planning around. Come patient, but not passive.
Know your order, respect the rush, and let the simple setup do its work.
The best bite is not fancy, it is hot shrimp, sturdy bread, a little mess, and that happy silence when everyone stops talking because lunch has officially taken control, in the best possible way.
Order The Shrimp Po’boy
The shrimp po’boy is the single most ordered sandwich at Olde Tyme Grocery, and for good reason: it sells roughly 500 a day on busy stretches. The shrimp are breaded, fried to a crisp exterior and still plump inside, giving a contrast that makes each bite sing.
Bread from Langlinais Bakery keeps everything together without collapsing into mush.
Typical dressings are mayo, ketchup, lettuce and tomato, which might sound simple but balance the shrimp’s salt and crunch. Expect a substantial sandwich that often comes split into halves for sharing, and know that Fridays and Lent shift volumes even higher.
Tip: ask how they recommend dressing if you want to tweak sweetness or tang.
Let Saint Mary Boulevard Make The Decision
Olde Tyme Grocery, 218 W. Saint Mary Blvd, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, sits close enough to the University of Louisiana campus that the whole stop feels built for hungry detours.
Roll in from central Lafayette and keep the plan loose. This is not a place that needs a dramatic entrance, just a good appetite and a little patience.
Once you park, follow the crowd energy. The reward is simple: a classic Lafayette stop that feels like it belongs exactly where it is.
Save Room For A Hubig’s Hand Pie
Olde Tyme Grocery carries nostalgic treats like Hubig’s hand pies that pair perfectly after a heavy po’boy. Those small, flaky pies bring a sweet punctuation to the meal without overpowering the savory experience you just had at the counter.
They’re the sort of concession that nods to the shop’s grocery roots and gives a tangible link to regional snack history. People mention them often because the pies are rare enough to feel special when you find one.
Practical tip: grab one if you see them, because supply can disappear quickly on busy days. It’s a tiny, joyful finish that complements the big sandwich.
Visit During Lunch Hour With A Plan
Lunch hour at Olde Tyme Grocery is reliably busy because of its proximity to UL Lafayette and the sandwich shop’s local reputation. Expect a line and quick turnover; orders move efficiently but it helps to decide what you want before you reach the counter.
I find that choosing between half and full sizes ahead of time cuts indecision and speeds things up for everyone. The menu lists many classics like ham, turkey, roast beef, and the Olde Tyme Special so a plan prevents hanger-induced mistakes.
If you’re in a group, consider ordering a couple of halves to sample different flavors without carrying an overwhelming portion. It’s community-friendly and practical.
Know The Friday Catfish Ritual
Catfish is a Friday-only special at Olde Tyme Grocery and that scheduling affects both availability and atmosphere – Fridays are busier and feel a little festive. The catfish po’boy is a regional favorite for seafood lovers who prefer firmer white fish over shrimp’s pop.
When catfish is on the board, expect it to sell fast alongside the massive shrimp numbers, especially during Lent when demand spikes. The fillets are fried to a crisp exterior while remaining flaky inside, highlighted by the fresh bakery bread.
Plan to arrive earlier on Fridays if catfish is your mission; otherwise consider splitting a shrimp and catfish half to sample both textures and flavors.
Appreciate The Langlinais Bakery Connection
What makes Olde Tyme Grocery’s po’boys stand out is the daily delivery of Langlinais Bakery bread, a cornerstone of the sandwich’s success. The bread’s texture and structure keep fillings crisp and absorb sauces without sogginess, which matters more than you might expect.
The bakery relationship is practical and historic: fresh rolls arrive each morning so the counter can assemble dozens during peak windows. That consistency contributes to the shop’s reputation and explains why locals keep coming back.
If you’re particular about bread, this is the place to notice the difference. The roll elevates even the most straightforward ham or turkey po’boy into something memorable.
Split A Whole When You’re Very Hungry
Portions at Olde Tyme Grocery can be generous; a whole shrimp po’boy often feeds two if you add fries and a small side. That kind of shareable size reflects the shop’s old-school values and sense of abundance, making it ideal for communal meals or saving half for later.
Serving sizes pair well with the potato wedges that many customers order as a side and which are filling enough to split. The combination means you won’t leave hungry and you get to taste more of the menu when sharing.
I recommend splitting a whole on your first visit so you can sample another po’boy style without committing to too much single-sandwich heaviness.
Try The Olde Tyme Special For Variety
The Olde Tyme Special mixes ham, turkey, roast beef and Swiss cheese on fresh bread, an excellent choice if you want a bit of everything. This sandwich reads like a local classic that showcases deli meats rather than deep-fried seafood, offering contrast to the shrimp-dominated menu.
Its composition makes it a good test of bread quality and balance because the fillings are simpler and rely on freshness and proportion. People who favor a classic deli profile often pick this to compare against the fried options.
Order it dressed as usual or ask for slight modifications if you prefer less mayo or extra lettuce; it’s a versatile option for curious eaters sampling regional standards.
Notice The Family Ownership Story
Olde Tyme Grocery has been family-owned since Glenn Murphree bought the store in 1982 and the Murphree family remains involved today, with Ross Murphree as company president. That continuity shows in consistent recipes, community ties and a steady approach to growth that keeps the shop grounded.
Family ownership also informs the culture: employees often include UL Lafayette students and local hires who know the menu and move orders quickly. The connection to the university and community makes the shop feel like a neighborhood hub rather than a generic chain.
Understanding the people behind the counter deepens the meal; it’s comforting to eat somewhere with clear roots and a thoughtful approach to tradition.
Watch The Nightly Special Price Window
Olde Tyme Grocery runs nightly specials Monday through Thursday after 5 p.m. where full-size po’boys are offered at $7.00 tax included with a different ingredient spotlight each night, which is an excellent way to sample larger sandwiches without a big bill.
The special pricing explains the evening foot traffic and is a family-friendly deal for students and locals alike. If you arrive during that window you can try a full-size sandwich at notable value, just be prepared for a busier counter area than midday.
Plan your visit around the specials if budget-friendly portions matter to you, and ask the counter staff what that night’s featured sandwich will be to avoid surprises.
Expect Peak Volumes During Lent
Lent significantly increases traffic at Olde Tyme Grocery, especially on Fridays when seafood demand surges and the shop can serve up to 2000 sandwiches. They go through roughly 600 pounds of Gulf white shrimp on peak days, so expect longer lines and fast turnover as staff work to keep the flow steady.
This seasonal pressure is visible in the kitchen rhythm and the packed courtyard seating when the weather cooperates. It’s part of the parish rhythm and locals plan around it when possible, treating the shop like a regular stop for weekly fish traditions.
My advice is to arrive early on Lent Fridays or accept the bustle as part of the experience and enjoy the communal energy it brings.
Mind The Seating Layout And Parking
The shop offers indoor and outdoor seating including a covered courtyard that can get cozy with heaters during cooler weather, and the interior is a maze of rooms that opens into different eating areas. Seating is practical rather than polished, which suits the counter-serve vibe and helps move people through without fuss.
Parking is reasonable for a college-adjacent location, with street spots and spaces across the road though larger vehicles might need to get creative. The layout encourages quick meals rather than lingering, but it remains comfortable for groups who want to chat over fries.
When it’s busy, grab a table as soon as your order is ready and be prepared to carry your tray if necessary; staff are efficient but seating is first-come, first-served.