Café du Monde
New Orleans' legendary 24/7 cafe, famous for its powdered sugar-dusted beignets and rich chicory coffee since 1862.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh beignets
Café du Monde
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh beignets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Orleans' legendary 24/7 cafe, famous for its powdered sugar-dusted beignets and rich chicory coffee since 1862.
"The beignets were warm, fresh, and covered in powdered sugar. Absolutely delicious!"
🎯 Use the 'To-Go' Window
Skip the main line by heading to the back 'to-go' window for faster service .
💰 Bring Cash!
Many visitors report it's cash only, so be prepared to pay with cash .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beignets & Café au Lait
French Quarter Location
Warm, pillowy fried dough generously dusted with powdered sugar, paired with rich chicory coffee.
Jackson Square Ambiance
French Quarter Location
Enjoy your beignets with the sounds of street musicians and the vibrant energy of the French Quarter.
City Park Serenity
City Park Location
A more relaxed experience with beignets amidst the beautiful, sprawling greenery of City Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Cash is King (Mostly)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the 'To-Go' Window
Skip the main line by heading to the back 'to-go' window for faster service.+1
💰 Bring Cash!
Many visitors report it's cash only, so be prepared to pay with cash.
☕ Vietnamese Coffee Hack
Try making Vietnamese iced coffee at home using their chicory coffee mix.+1
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll likely be doing a lot of walking in the French Quarter!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the 'To-Go' Window
Skip the main line by heading to the back 'to-go' window for faster service.+1
💰 Bring Cash!
Many visitors report it's cash only, so be prepared to pay with cash.
☕ Vietnamese Coffee Hack
Try making Vietnamese iced coffee at home using their chicory coffee mix.+1
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll likely be doing a lot of walking in the French Quarter!
🍰 Don't Fear the Mess
Beignets are meant to be messy! Embrace the powdered sugar explosion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
A New Orleans institution, É Café du Monde is celebrated for its iconic beignets and chicory coffee, offering a quintessential taste of the city. While many praise the delicious treats and vibrant atmosphere, some visitors find the experience to be a 'tourist trap' with long waits and inconsistent quality.
"I visited Café du Monde at 8 a.m. and was lucky to find a free table right away. The place was already packed with people, and music was playing outside, creating a truly special atmosphere. The coffee was excellent, and of course, the beignets were absolutely delicious — warm, fresh, and covered in powdered sugar. The menu is small, but that’s part of the charm — simple, focused, and unique. Everything feels authentic and full of local spirit. I really enjoyed my experience and would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting New Orleans."
Volodymyr Balashov
"This is a tourist trap. The coffee is not very good and the beignets are okay but the price is out of the range of the quality. The service is impersonal and has a certain mass factory feel to it: sit down, eat, get out!
I enjoyed listening to the street musicians outside the joint. They were the real attraction. The cash-laundering feel to the place fits so much of the lore about New Orleans. I could have done without that. Would I go back? No. But it's done."
Dr. Marco Navarro-Genie
"I brought my bestie to NOLA for the first time for the food. We went to the French Quarter location our first night in town. The line was crazy long. The staff were unorganized. The beignets were overcooked; I feel like the quality is so bad now because the staff can’t keep up with the demand. But since I’ve been in years past and loved the beignets, I decided to take her to the location outside of the art museum. The line was long but moved with ease. The staff were a well-oiled machine. The beignets were light, airy, fresh, & cooked to perfection. So yummy! And the ambience is so nice. We sat in the park outside of the restaurant and watched/listened to a local musician play his saxophone in beautiful weather. Highly recommend"
Missy Greco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most famous É Café du Monde is located at 800 Decatur St in the French Quarter, easily accessible by foot if you're staying nearby. If coming from further afield, streetcars are a scenic option, or ride-sharing services can drop you close by. There's also a location in City Park.
Parking in the French Quarter can be challenging and expensive. There are several parking garages within walking distance of the Decatur Street location, such as the French Market Garage. Consider using ride-sharing or public transport to avoid parking woes.
The original French Quarter location offers the iconic bustling atmosphere and street performers.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in New Orleans and can drop you off near both the French Quarter and City Park locations.
Absolutely! The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) streetcars, particularly the French Quarter line, stop very close to the Decatur Street location. It's a classic NOLA way to travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter É Café du Monde. It's a walk-in establishment, though you may encounter lines for seating, especially at the French Quarter location.
The French Quarter location is famously open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for one day a year on Christmas. The City Park location has more standard operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit É Café du Monde. You only pay for what you order.
Wait times can vary significantly. During peak hours and weekends, expect lines of 30 minutes to over an hour at the French Quarter location. Early mornings or late nights are your best bet for shorter waits.
No, É Café du Monde does not take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served.
🎫 ☕ Coffee & Beignets
The undisputed stars are the beignets, a square piece of fried dough generously covered in powdered sugar, and the É café au lait, a strong coffee mixed with hot milk.
É Café du Monde is famous for its É café au lait, which is a blend of coffee and chicory, mixed with hot milk. They also offer iced versions.
Reviews are mixed, but many find them delicious: warm, fresh, and perfectly powdered. Some feel the quality has declined due to high demand, leading to overcooked beignets.
Yes, you can purchase É Café du Monde beignet mix at the shop, online, or in some grocery stores, allowing you to recreate the experience at home.
Chicory is a plant root that is roasted and ground, often used as a coffee substitute or additive. It imparts a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the beignets.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Capture the iconic powdered sugar dusting on the beignets, the bustling atmosphere, and the street performers outside. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting.
The French Quarter location is lively, often noisy, with street musicians providing a soundtrack. The City Park location offers a more tranquil, park-like setting.
Some visitors consider it a tourist trap due to long lines and perceived high prices for the quality. However, many find the experience, the beignets, and the atmosphere to be quintessential New Orleans.
Seating is typically at small, marble-topped tables. You might share a table with others during busy periods. Outdoor seating is available at both locations.
Restrooms are available, but they can be a point of contention. Some reviews mention cleanliness issues or long waits for the facilities.
🍽️ 💰 Food & Dining
The menu is intentionally simple, focusing on beignets and various coffee drinks. They also offer soft drinks, milk, and hot chocolate.
A serving of three beignets typically costs around $3-$4, but prices can vary slightly. While some find it pricey for what it is, others deem it worth the experience.
Many people enjoy making the beignets at home with the mix. It's a popular souvenir for those who want to relive the taste of New Orleans.
For the best experience with fewer crowds and potentially better quality beignets, aim for early mornings or late evenings. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Yes, you can get beignets to go, and using the 'to-go' window at the back is often recommended to avoid the main seating line.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The French Quarter location offers more excitement with street performers, but can be overwhelming with very young children due to crowds and noise. Bringing extra wipes is highly recommended!💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Influencers
Don't forget to capture the iconic É café au lait with its distinctive mug.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Beignet Experience
some reviews suggest that the sheer volume of customers can sometimes lead to beignets being overcooked or not as fresh as they once were. The key is often timing your visit to catch them at their best.For those who can't get enough, É Café du Monde also sells a beignet mix, allowing you to recreate this New Orleans staple at home. This mix has become a popular souvenir for visitors wanting to bring a taste of the city back with them.
The Legendary Café au Lait
This classic pairing is a sensory experience. The warmth of the coffee, the sweetness of the beignets, and the vibrant New Orleans atmosphere create a memorable moment. Some travelers even experiment with using the É Café du Monde coffee mix to create their own Vietnamese iced coffee at home, showcasing the versatility and popularity of their coffee blend.
Navigating the Locations: French Quarter vs. City Park
However, this prime location also means it's the busiest, with notoriously long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.For a potentially more relaxed outing, the City Park location offers a different vibe. Nestled within the expansive City Park, this spot provides a serene setting amidst beautiful greenery.
While it still serves the beloved beignets and coffee, the atmosphere is generally calmer, making it a great choice for families or those seeking a less crowded experience. Some travelers even prefer this location for its ambiance and potentially more organized service.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit