Cafe Du Monde is world-famous for its Beignets and Chicory Coffee in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand has been a New Orleans tradition since 1862, when the original French Market Coffee Stand opened.
I honestly feel like a trip to New Orleans is not complete until we have Cafe Du Monde beignets at least once. When we were flying into the New Orleans airport and driving to Gulf Shores, Alabama, to look at houses, we would pick up fresh beignets for our drive.
Yes, you can get beignets at the NOLA Airport now! Just head to Concourse B and grab a bag or three! No judgment for picking up multiple bags!
If you have never had a beignet, I want to offer a few tips that make the experience even better.... Don't breathe in when biting into beignets unless you want to inhale a large amount of powdered sugar and start coughing (I learned this from experience).
My 2nd tip is to wear light-colored clothes! No matter how hard you try to contain the powdered sugar it ends up getting on your clothes. If you wear a dark-colored shirt plan to have powdered sugar smears and spots afterwards.
My 3rd tip is to order three beignets for yourself. I know it sounds nice to share, but trust me, after enjoying your 1st beignet, all thoughts of sharing are going to go out the door.
Beignets are square French-style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar.
The texture of beignets is light and fluffy. They are super easy to eat and trust me when I say 3 can disappear quickly.
The Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter is the original location in the historic French Market. It is located in close proximity to Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and other French Quarter attractions.
This historic French Market is America's oldest city market.
If you are looking to get an iconic photo of Cafe Du Monde without a ton of people in it we suggest arriving early in the morning or later in the evening.
This is one of the most iconic spots in New Orleans for locals and visitors to enjoy.
There may be a line, it may be crowded, but it is still worth it! The line will move quickly, the beignets will be served hot, and you will get to experience a New Orleans Bucket List destination!
Cafe Du Monde Menu
Menu Highlights - Beignets covered in Powdered Sugar served with 3 per order, Chicory coffee black or coffee au lait(Half hot milk).
They now have iced Cafe Au Lait and frozen Cafe Au Lait along with hot chocolate, coke, diet coke, sprite, orange juice, bottled spring water, and cold milk (white or chocolate).
Kids Menu - beignets, beignets, beignets
Gluten-Free - The beignets are not gluten-free
Vegan - The beignets contain milk.
Vegetarian - The beignets are vegetarian.
Nuts - There are no nuts in the beignets
Kosher - The Beignets and Café du Monde Beignet Mix are certified Kosher.
Indoor Dining
There is indoor seating with tables and comfortable chairs. This is a great place to relax and get out of the rain.
This area is table service so you will have a server who comes and takes your order.
Outdoor Dining
The patio dining is incredibly popular! It is also table service so you want to grab a seat and a server will come and take your order.
One thing to know is there is an entrance to the outdoor patio on either end of the building. Don't be surprised if you see a long line and then see someone just walk in from the other side of the restaurant.
Take Out Orders
If you are don't want to sit and have table service you can head to the take out order window.
Head to the far side of the cafe and you will see a sign that says Cafe Du Monde only Take-Out Orders.
There may be a line but it moves quickly. If you want to wander around Jackson Square and the French Quarter this is a great easy way to grab a hot beignet and coffee.
Why you will love Cafe Du Monde
- Must try New Orleans Experience
- Beignets are Louisiana's state donut
- Hot beignets are a great late-night snack or any time of the day snack
- Enjoy live music most days from local musicians performing on the sidewalk
- Almost as famous as Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- Popular New Orleans Landmark
Things to know when planning a visit to Cafe Du Monde
CASH ONLY! Make sure to tip your server.
Address - French Market Location - 800 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116
Located across the street from Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
There are a total of ten Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stands in the New Orleans Metropolitan area.
Phone - 504-587-0833
Hours - 7:15 AM-11 PM Sunday-Thursday
7:15 AM-12 AM Friday-Saturday
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed. Many sites and info still list Cafe du Monde as being open 24 hours a day. I asked when I was at the store and they said the hours have changed.
Cafe Du Monde does close on Christmas Day and if an occasional hurricane happens to pass to close to New Orleans.
Accessibility - The restaurant is located on one level. There is accessible parking directly across the street from the French Quarter location on Decatur St.
Plus Size Seating - The seats are pretty comfortable. There is space most days between tables unless a large group tries to crowd together.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual. We suggest NOT wearing a black shirt or dark shirt when enjoying beignets. You will end up with powdered sugar on you no matter how hard you try to eat them carefully.
Pets - We suggest ordering at the to-go window and then enjoying your beignets and coffee on one of the benches near the restaurant. This will give you and your pet space to breathe and not be in a crowd.
Parking - Parking can be interesting. There is street parking including accessible parking right on Decatur Street. A spot being open is going to depend on luck and more luck.
There are Premium Parking lots nearby including:
P407 Lot - 433 St. Peter Street - 109 feet away
P404 Lot - 400 St Peter St. - 784 feet walking distance
P249 Lot - 520 Chartres St - 934 Feet walking distance
P401 Lot - 500 Decatur St - 959 feet walking distance. This parking lot is pretty big and had space during our visit. It is next to the Jackson Brewery and Steamboat Natchez boarding area.
Cafe du Monde Beignet Mix and Coffee
If you want to share your experience at Cafe Du Monde with friends and family you can order beignet mix, coffee, or a gift box online and ship it home!
This is a great way to share a bit of NOLA with your favorite people.
Check out all of the great products online HERE.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Steamboat Natchez - Check out what it is like to cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. Boat tour photos and info.
Sazerac House - Learn more about the New Orleans Cocktail Culture with a free museum tour and tasting.
New Orleans Souvenirs - The very best gifts to bring home from your trip to the Big Easy. Including Cafe De Monde Chicory blend coffee and beignet mixes.
Palace Cafe New Orleans - Famous Canal Street restaurant with flaming bananas foster and great food.
The Carousel Bar - Iconic New Orleans Bar with a rotating carousel inside it. You can sit at the carousel and enjoy a drink while slowly spinning.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Gambino's Bakery - Check out this world-famous bakery in New Orleans.
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