Way down yonder on the South Side of Columbus you’ll find some of the best New Orleans cooking in the city: Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant. In July 2023 I got to interview owner and chef Yonder Gordon for Ohio Magazine (you can read the feature here!), and I wanted to share some of our own photos!
Way Down Yonder can be found along South High Street in front of the Great Southern Shopping Center, in line with a row of fast food chains. The building was a former Long John Silver’s, given a colorful makeover to stand out from the street.
The interior is no less colorful. It’s Mardi Gras all year round at Way Down Yonder. Tables are draped in green, purple, and yellow clothes; beads hang from the ceiling; table signs feature the names of New Orleans landmarks.
Chef Yonder will tell you that everything’s good on her menu, and there’s no arguing with her.
Her first recommendation was the seafood gumbo.
It’s loaded with flavor, packed with chicken, sausage, shrimp, crab. It’s a must-order.
We also loved the Louisiana crawfish etouffee. A generous scoop of rice sits atop a rich and tomato-y etouffee with crawfish tails.
Perhaps my favorite bite, which is saying something considering all the goodness at our table, was the hot honey shrimp po’ boy. It’s overloaded with perfectly fried shrimp, plus lettuce, onion, tomatoes, pickle, and bell peppers. I can’t claim to be an expert in po’ boys, but I’d count this amongst one of the best I’ve had.
Don’t miss out on their collection of sides, too! Chef Yonder suggested the jambalaya with big chunks of sausage.
We feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of what Way Down Yonder offers: there are more po’ boys, wings, red beans and rice, loads of fried fish.
For a further taste of New Orleans, check out Chef Yonder’s daughter’s venture downtown: Way Down Yonder Beignets & Coffee!
And check out my feature on Way Down Yonder for Ohio Magazine.
Way Down Yonder is open Thursday-Saturday, noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant
3847 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 662-8623
Web: waydwnyonder.com
FB: Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant
IG: @waydownyonder
