By Derek Morris
While driving around in circles in the Drusilla area, hunger suddenly came over me. I kept driving, passing a few restaurants, none of which seemed to be calling out to me. Suddenly out of nowhere, there stood Rocco's New Orleans Style Poboy's seemingly begging me to stop by to get my munch on.

Rocco's is sort of a legend around the Baton Rouge area. The self-proclaimed "Poboy King of Baton Rouge" opened his first restaurant in 1997 at the North Gates of LSU and followed by his Drusilla location in the summer of 2000.

I walked in to find the place packed with a pretty long line, usually a good sign of good food. After a short wait, I asked the order-taker what she recommended. "The Roast Beef!" she exclaimed. I then followed with "Then that's what I'm having. Half Poboy. Provolone. Onion Strings. Credit."

After signing off approval for the credit card, I found a seat and prepared myself for the "Poboy King". Would I become his loyal minion or rival foe?

I got my order and immediately grabbed the poboy, which was a pretty descent size (around 7 inches) and dripping with gravy. The sandwich was all held together by melted provolone cheese and what I consider to be a "true" french bread.

The poboy was amazing! Although I'm not a huge fan of roast beef poboys, I can honestly say that this is the best roast beef poboy I have ever eaten. The finely chopped seasoned beef dipped in the gravy with the amazing french bread makes it a complete masterpiece.

On the side stood the Onion Strings. The Onion Strings were a little too greasy for me and tended to stick together. It was sometimes a little annoying, constantly stabbing an onion string with my fork and picking up a  massive group of onion strings too big to fit in my mouth. But in the end, the poboy definitely makes up for them, and fries are also on the menu.

Another thing to note is that Rocco's tends to be a little pricey for a poboy restaurant. Although the prices are not five star restaurant prices and the food is definitely worth the money, expect to spend between $10-$15 per meal.

However, if you're in the mood for an excellent poboy, come give Rocco's a try. The "Poboy King of Baton Rouge" definitely seems to know how to make a truly great poboy and I can't wait to come back to try something new.

Food Rating:

Service
The service was top notch. Although the restaurant was packed, the order-up line moved smoothly and my food came out in a very reasonable time. The restaurant manager works the floor and is very friendly while working to make sure everyone has everything they need for an enjoyable eating experience.

Service Rating:

Atmosphere
The place looks like any ordinary poboy shop, however there is one factor that makes this place kind of unique. Rocco's offers a nicely built and well stocked full size bar, making half the restaurant seemingly sectioned off as Rocco's bar. Here you can get your drink on while you eat or vice versa.

Atmosphere Rating:

Rocco's New Orleans Style Poboys
3358 Drusilla Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 248-1999
www.roccospoboys.com‎