The Cheeseburger Trail
In search of that most perfect of inventions, the cheeseburger.

What is it about a night of excess that makes one crave a cheeseburger? On a recent birthday bash in New Orleans, around midnight the thought spread through the group by telepathy. We must eat at Port of Call for lunch tomorrow!!!! It was decided, which in and of itself is no small feat. Getting a tipsy group of eight to agree on anything is amazing but we were actually making plans for the next day! This speaks to the power of The Port of Call.

We arrived promptly at 11am, hunger pangs gnawing at our stomachs. When you enter Port of Call, you are transported into a dark often smoky bar with a giant fishing net tacked to the ceiling, old nautical memorabilia adorns the walls and one can’t help but think of Pirates. Immediately adjacent and to the left of the entrance is a short stairway that leads you to a small dining area that runs the length of the bar. Beyond the bar and through a very narrow passageway (so common in the design of old French Quarter Restaurants) is the main dining area. Luckily we arrived just in time to beat the crowd and were seated shortly after we ordered a variety of rum drinks.

Port of Call was established in 1963 at the edge of the French Quarter and is a rite of passage for the locals. Most in our group have been enjoying them since we were in our teens, in other words for decades. The menu is simple; consisting of steaks, pizza, and burgers. We all ordered the giant cheeseburgers. The only variant was the birthday boy added mushrooms to his. The burger consists of a half a pound of freshly ground meat. The cheese is freshly shredded cheddar, piled high. I don’t know if it is how they grind them or the type of meat but it is the tenderest patty you will ever sink your teeth in. The tomatoes, lettuce, and toasted bun offer up more resistance than the meat.

The sides are even simpler; salad, bread, or giant baked potatoes. Missing from the menu are appetizers (believe me you won’t miss them) and French fries. Of course, the entire table ordered loaded baked potatoes. Cheddar cheese and sour cream are an extra charge but they certainly don’t skimp on portions. We could have split one serving of sour cream for the eight of us. I had to photograph quickly before the food was inhaled. A little hair of the dog, a giant cheeseburger, and a loaded baked potato was just what the doctor ordered. Or in this case, the pirate! We left feeling satisfied and so happy that we arrived early because now the line was out of the door. Oh well, I don’t feel sorry for the weary looking crowd, it will be worth their wait and there are plenty of rum drinks to help bide the time.

Port Of Call
838 Esplanade Ave
New Orleans, LA 70116