Poor House Bistro

Reviews

• Sean F.

  star star star star star_border 12 June 2026

  At the moment this is not a food review but after checking out the live music it's on my radar of places I need to stop by for food. At first glance you might think they got the name wrong. In my mind a bistro is french and therefore most likely fancy but then again this a poor house bistro.
  
  +1 for a great name
  
  It looks like a run down house that someone just decided to turn into a restaurant but that's what gives this place it's character. There is a good sized covered side patio where they have the stage setup as well as an outside bar. They had a live blues band, which seemed more like a jam session, but it was a cool vibe. I really like the character of the outdoor space. You might almost forget you're in California with the blues jamming in the background. At this point I would definitely come back and at least grab a drink but if I was hungry...
  
  You'll get the updated food review most promptly.

• Phillip R.

  star star star star star_border 3 June 2026

  This holiday made downtown more of a ghost town than it's normally lively self. We had to do a bit of digging before we found a spot to settle into.
  
  The last time we were here, it was packed. The music was jamming, the place was lively. This time around, it was more of a chill vibe prolly because of the holiday.
  
  We had the combo (red beans n rice, jambalaya n some cornbread) to go along with some blackened chicken and pasta and beignets. The combo was pretty good but didn't quite taste what I remember from NOLA. The pasta and the sauce hit spot on tho. The beignets were a nice way to end the meal. Crispy on the outside and drenched in powdered sugar.
  
  Definitely worth a visit during its livelier nights. Live music is always berter

• John C.

  star star star star star_border 24 May 2026

  Always a good spot to hit before a Sharks game and a solid spot for po'boys and creole cooking. The menu is pretty straight forward but not too limited and the food is tasty and comes in large portions. Considering how busy it can get the service is prompt. You order at the front counter (menus are next to it) and are given a buzzer to get your food at the pick up window when ready, don't expect a waiter/waitress.
  
  The catch with this place is that it can get very very busy and also there is live music almost everyday. So if you're looking for something intimate, quiet and not crowded....you'll be turned off by this. Really though, if you can find seating inside, the music level won't bother you....and the main attraction is the food anyway.

• Chefs Daughter D.

  star star star star star 18 May 2026

  Veggie and Classic muffuletta Sandwiches was simply dynamite. I've been searching for this NOLA inspired Italian Sandwich for a few months.
  
  Ordered the following to take home and enjoy:  
  1.  Classic consisted of Salami, ham, mortadella, provolone and olive salad mix. $12.95 (half) No sides.
  2.  vegetable consisted of Provolone cheese and olive salad (without cheese Vegan) $10.95 (half). No sides.
  
  By searching yelp on a Sunday, it lead me to this restaurant.  Looks like they have a parking lot, but it was chained up, that the car was parked on the street.
  
  Decided to order half veggie and half classic Sandwich. Mind you each round loaf is about 8,5" in diameter. Although it was not made in the traditional sense of pressing the entire sammie for a good long time, The Sammie's were both delicious, but bread was a little bit dry.
  
  Of course they have other Cajun/Creole dishes from stews to Sammie's. I'd go back if I were nearby. :)

• Erik J.

  star star star star star_border 17 May 2026

  Solid po'boys but had to wait around for someone to come to the cash register. Maybe I'm just too polite.