Bears is considered by many to be the home of the roast beef po-boy; but the hot sausage, made with Patton’s, is just as notable. Try some crispy, hand-battered onion rings or roast beef debris and gravy fries on the side — you can do it.

The self-proclaimed best po-boy shop in the city of New Orleans on Magazine Street has been open 42 years and still going strong. In addition to hot sausage, it offers one of the widest variety of po-boy fillings, including shrimp, catfish, blackened fish, roast beef, chicken Italian sausage, alligator sausage, and cold cuts. 

The beloved Parkway in Bayou St. John is a neighborhood landmark known for its overstuffed po-boys. Hot sausage is one of the best, but if you’re looking for something lighter, it’s one of few spots that offers grilled versions of most fillings as well as vegetarian sandwiches. Go with the latter and you might have room for its famous ice cream sandwich po-boy.

Head down Elysian Fields from where Gene’s once sat into Gentilly to hit Zimmer’s on St. Anthony Avenue and you won’t be disappointed. Another crawfish destination, the hot sausage patties here are also great, and the sides can’t be beat.

The Orange Store is also known as Rampart Street store; the hidden gem in the Marigny hidden is housed in a muted orange building, and anyone in the know knows about its yaka mein and other specialties. It’s are also known for excellent hot sausage po-boys, wings, fried rice, combo platters, and daily specials.

Pra_lees is a cozy restaurant tucked away on Frenchmen Street; perfect for a quick bite of comfort food in a jazzy atmosphere. Known for wings, stir fry plates, wraps, and even tacos, its hot sausage is also one of he best, served on po-boy bread or bun.

Sammy’s is one of the best-known destinations for the delicacy, and with good reason. It was actually the supplier of the slim patty sausage used at Gene’s, and has its own excellent version. Made with Leidenheimer bread instead of Gendusa’s, Sammy’s version is sure to fix your hankering for the hot sausage-sized hole left in your heart post-Gene’s.

Not far from Gene’s is the brightly-adorned Melba’s, another 24-hour spot to satisfy a late-night craving (or help with a day-after hangover). The hot sausage po-boy is made with half pound Pattons patties, and comes in a 6 inch, 10 inch, or bun version.

Read Seafood is probably best known for its crawfish during season (and its turkey necks, and its yaka mein), but its also one of a few spots you can order a 36 inch po-boy, and the stuffings seem endless. This hot sausage sandwich is especially spicy and peppery, the bread toasty, and the mayo heavy.

This drive-thru restaurant on Read Boulevard was built after Hurricane Katrina, and quickly became known for its wings, hamburgers, and top-notch hot sausage.