Ultimate Guide to the RiverShack Gretna Menu Featuring Po-Boys and Riverside Classics

RiverShack Gretna, located at 714 1st Street, is more than just a local eatery; it is a cornerstone of Westbank comfort dining. Nestled right against the levee with a balcony that offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, this spot has earned a reputation for serving some of the most authentic Louisiana pub-style fare in the Greater New Orleans area. Whether you are looking for the crunch of a perfectly fried shrimp po-boy, the savory depth of slow-cooked roast beef debris, or a massive smash burger that requires two hands and several napkins, the RiverShack menu delivers.

For those planning a visit, the experience is defined by a casual, "come as you are" atmosphere combined with a kitchen that takes its regional flavors seriously. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the RiverShack Gretna menu, pricing, and the specific dishes that have made this location a favorite for both locals and travelers.

The Starters: A Masterclass in Louisiana Comfort Food

The appetizer section at RiverShack Gretna is designed for sharing, though some dishes are so addictive that you might want them all to yourself. These starters set the tone for the meal, blending traditional bar food with Creole and Cajun influences.

What are the Famous Garbage Fries?

If there is one dish that defines the RiverShack experience, it is the Garbage Fries. Priced at $14.99 for a standard order (with larger portions available for delivery), these are not your average cheese fries. The kitchen starts with a mountain of crispy golden fries and tops them with "roast beef debris." In New Orleans culinary terms, "debris" refers to the bits of beef that fall off the roast during a long, slow cooking process, soaking up all the rich, savory au jus.

The fries are then smothered in melted cheese, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a generous helping of jalapeños for a spicy kick. The result is a messy, indulgent plate where every bite offers a different texture—from the crunch of the potato to the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the beef. It is a savory bomb that pairs perfectly with a cold local craft beer.

Best Bank Queso and Local Ingredients

Another standout is the Best Bank Queso ($11.99). The name refers to the "Westbank" of New Orleans, where Gretna is situated. This isn't a standard Tex-Mex dip; it is elevated by the addition of crumbled Patton’s hot sausage. Patton’s is a legendary local brand known for its spicy, seasoned beef patties. By incorporating this into a creamy cheese dip, RiverShack creates a flavor profile that is distinctly "New Orleans." Served with warm, salted tortilla chips, it offers a smoky, spicy depth that sets it apart from any other queso in the city.

Other notable starters include:

• Firecracker Shrimp ($12.99): Fried shrimp tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles, offering a sharp, tangy contrast.
• Southwest Egg Rolls ($10.99): A fusion twist served with a signature house-made spicy ranch.
• Fried Pickles and Mushrooms ($8.99 each): Hand-battered and fried to order, served with ranch. The batter is light and seasoned, ensuring the vegetables inside remain juicy.

The Po-Boy Selection: The Heart of the River Road

You cannot have a true Gretna menu without a dedicated Po-boy section. RiverShack honors this New Orleans tradition by using high-quality French bread that is crusty on the outside and airy on the inside. All 10-inch po-boys are served with a side of fries.

The River Road Roast Beef Po-Boy

Priced at $15.99, the River Road Roast Beef is the gold standard of the sandwich menu. Unlike some places that use sliced deli meat, RiverShack utilizes the debris-style roast beef mentioned earlier. The meat is slow-roasted until it shreds naturally, swimming in a rich, dark gravy known as au jus. When ordered "dressed"—with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles—the vegetables provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the hot, gravy-soaked beef. For those feeling particularly hungry, you can make it a "Surf n' Turf" by adding fried shrimp for an additional $7.99, creating a decadent mountain of protein.

Classic Seafood Po-Boys

The seafood po-boys at RiverShack showcase the bounty of the Gulf.

• Shrimp Po-Boy ($15.99): Features small-to-medium Gulf shrimp that are lightly battered and fried until golden. The key here is the seasoning in the flour, which carries a hint of cayenne and black pepper.
• Catfish Po-Boy ($15.99): Utilizes fresh catfish fillets, known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor. The cornmeal-based crust provides a satisfying crunch that holds up against the moisture of the "dressed" toppings.

The Patton’s Hot Sausage Po-Boy

For those who want a true local experience, the Hot Sausage Po-Boy ($14.99) is a must. It features three Patton’s hot sausage patties. The spice level is noticeable but not overwhelming, offering a savory heat that lingers. It is a favorite among locals who grew up on the "hot sausage" flavor profile unique to the New Orleans area.

Smash Burgers: The "Shack" Style

The burger program at RiverShack Gretna focuses on the "smash" technique. By pressing the beef patties onto a hot griddle, the chefs create a Maillard reaction—a caramelized, crispy crust on the meat while keeping the interior juicy.

The Shank You Burger

The most iconic burger on the menu is arguably the Shank You Burger ($16.69). This is a hybrid creation featuring a beef patty topped with a Patton’s hot sausage patty and American cheese. It combines the classic burger flavor with the spicy, seasoned kick of the hot sausage. Dressed with the standard lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions on a toasted brioche bun, it is a formidable sandwich that represents the fusion of American and Creole tastes.

The Hangover Burger

For $16.99, the Hangover Burger is designed as the ultimate "recovery" meal. It features two beef patties, applewood smoked bacon, and pepper jack cheese. The crowning glory is a sunny-side-up egg. When you bite into it, the yolk breaks, creating a rich sauce that coats the bacon and beef. It is served with fries and is a staple of the Saturday afternoon crowd.

Smoke House and Shack Burgers

• Smoke House Burger ($16.99): A BBQ lover's dream, featuring two patties, cheddar cheese, bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and a massive crispy onion ring inside the bun.
• Shack Burger ($15.99): A more refined option with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, and the mysterious "Shack Sauce"—a creamy, savory condiment that ties the earthy mushrooms and sweet onions together.

Weekend Brunch: Saturday and Sunday Specials

Between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekends, RiverShack Gretna transforms into a brunch destination. While the full menu is usually available, the brunch specials are the real draw, often accompanied by $9.99 mimosa or poinsettia carafes.

The Mutha Clucka

This dish ($14.99) is RiverShack’s take on chicken and waffles. It features a perfectly fried chicken breast served over a Belgian waffle, all drizzled with a unique hot honey butter. The contrast between the spicy honey, the salty chicken, and the sweet, fluffy waffle is a highlight of the weekend menu.

Rusty’s Benny

A creative spin on Eggs Benedict ($14.99), this dish replaces the traditional English muffin with a split biscuit. It features over-easy eggs, bacon bits, and the signature "Rusty’s Chicken" (a seasoned, breaded chicken breast), all smothered in a creole cream sauce. The creole cream sauce is a standout—velvety and rich with just enough spice to remind you you’re in Louisiana.

Traditional Breakfast Options

• Rise n' Shine ($12.99): Two eggs your way with a choice of bacon, ham, or sausage, served with grits or potatoes and a biscuit or toast. It is a reliable, hearty start to the day.
• French n' Toasty ($13.99): Brioche bread soaked in an amaretto-infused batter, giving the French toast a subtle almond sweetness that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.

Main Entrees and Seafood Platters

For those who want a full plate rather than a sandwich, RiverShack offers several "Platters" and "Entrees" that are substantial enough for dinner.

The All-In Seafood Platter

Priced at $24.99, this is the ultimate choice for seafood enthusiasts. It includes a generous portion of fried shrimp, fried catfish, a house-made crab cake, and a side of thick-cut onion rings. All platters are served with fries. The crab cake is particularly noteworthy, as it is "all meat, no filler," finished with a tangy remoulade sauce that highlights the sweetness of the crab.

Rusty’s Chicken Pasta

At $17.99, this is a comforting, filling dish. Penne pasta is tossed in a creole cream sauce and topped with breaded "Rusty’s Chicken," bacon bits, and a blend of cheddar and jack cheeses. It is a heavy, satisfying meal that exemplifies the "Louisiana comfort food" philosophy.

Blackened Salmon and Surf n’ Turf

• Blackened Salmon ($20.99): For those seeking a slightly lighter (but still flavorful) option, the salmon is coated in a dark, spicy herb rub and seared. It is served with black beans, rice, and fresh vegetables.
• Surf n’ Turf ($25.99): A classic ribeye steak topped with blackened shrimp, served with loaded mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Wraps, Salads, and Flatbreads

Not every meal at RiverShack needs to be a deep-fried extravaganza. The menu offers several wraps and salads that provide a fresher alternative while still packing plenty of flavor.

Seafood Club Wrap

For $16.99, the Seafood Club Wrap is a unique offering that combines a crab cake and fried shrimp with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce, all tucked into a flour tortilla. It provides all the flavors of a seafood platter in a more portable and manageable format.

Mediterranean Shrimp Wrap

The Mediterranean Shrimp Wrap ($15.99) takes a different route, featuring grilled shrimp, baby greens, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese with a balsamic dressing in a sun-dried tomato tortilla. It is bright, acidic, and a great choice for a warm afternoon on the balcony.

Salad Highlights

• Fried Green Tomato Salad ($14.99): A Southern staple. Flash-fried green tomatoes are served on a bed of iceberg lettuce, topped with blackened shrimp and drizzled with remoulade.
• Shack Salad ($13.99): A sophisticated mix of baby greens, tomatoes, bacon, craisins, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles with a balsamic vinaigrette.

For the Kiddos and the Sweet Shack

RiverShack Gretna is family-friendly, offering a "For the Kiddos" menu for those 12 and under. Each kid's meal is $8.99 and includes fries with a choice of chicken tenders, a wimpy burger, fried catfish, or fried shrimp.

Beignet Fries: The Perfect Finish

To cap off the meal, many diners opt for the Beignet Fries ($9.99). These are strips of dough fried until puffy and golden, then buried under a mountain of powdered sugar. They are easier to share than traditional square beignets and provide that essential New Orleans sweet fix.

Other desserts include:

• Cookie Skillet a la Mode ($8.99): A warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie served in a mini skillet with vanilla ice cream.
• Double Fudge Cake ($8.99): A rich, dense chocolate experience.

Atmosphere and Special Events

Dining at RiverShack Gretna is as much about the environment as the food. The building itself has a rustic, "shack" feel, with walls adorned with local memorabilia. The balcony is the prime spot, especially during sunset when the light reflects off the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline begins to glow in the distance.

The restaurant also hosts recurring events:

• Trivia Night: Every Tuesday, locals gather for a competitive and fun trivia session.
• Live Music: Frequently featured on weekends, providing a lively backdrop to the brunch or dinner service.
• Happy Hour: Weekdays often feature specials on domestic beers, house wines, and "well" shots, making it a popular after-work destination for Gretna residents.

Summary Table of Signature Menu Items

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does RiverShack Gretna offer delivery?

Yes, RiverShack Gretna is available for delivery through major platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, and Toast Tab. Please note that delivery prices are typically higher than dine-in prices to account for platform fees and packaging.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, the restaurant features a balcony overlooking the Mississippi River. This is one of the most popular seating areas, offering views of the river traffic and the levee.

What is "Roast Beef Debris"?

Debris is a New Orleans term for the bits of meat that fall off the roast beef as it slow-cooks in its own juices and gravy. It is much more flavorful and tender than standard sliced roast beef and is a staple of their famous Garbage Fries and Roast Beef Po-boy.

When is brunch served?

Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The brunch menu includes specialty items like chicken and waffles and breakfast-themed cocktails.

Is the restaurant kid-friendly?

Absolutely. There is a dedicated kids' menu for children 12 and under, and the casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for families.

Conclusion

RiverShack Gretna offers a quintessential Westbank dining experience. By focusing on bold Louisiana flavors—like the spicy Patton’s hot sausage and the rich roast beef debris—the menu provides a level of authenticity that resonates with locals. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch combo during the week, a lively Trivia Tuesday, or a leisurely Sunday brunch by the river, you are guaranteed a meal that is both hearty and flavorful. From the "Garbage Fries" to the "Mutha Clucka," every dish tells a story of New Orleans culinary tradition served with a side of river views.