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The best beignets in New Orleans can be found at a few locations throughout the city. Whether you go to the iconic Cafe du Monde or a more contemporary location such as Cafe Beignet, you are sure to fall in love with the sugary treats.
Whenever I mention a trip to New Orleans is on the horizon, one of the comments I always get is, “Eat a beignet for me!” (trust me, I ate enough for BOTH of us…). Beignets — airy, sweet, fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar — have come to be synonymous with the southern city, and for good reason! Beignets (ben-yays) are absolute breakfast perfection and I would eat them every day if I could.
But in a city so well-known for its sugary confections, where can the best beignets in New Orleans be found? You have two great options in the French Quarter, and I recommend trying BOTH of them. I love doughnuts, okay? They’re cheap, easy to eat on the go, and make the perfect breakfast or midnight snack.
Cafe du Monde
The most famous place to get the best beignets in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde, is located at the southeast corner of Jackson Square. This is the original location which first opened up in 1826! If it’s been here that long, you know it’s gotta be good!
The menu is simple: Beignets (an order of 3), cafe au lait, and hot chocolate. An order of beignets costs just $3, making it a very affordable breakfast stop.
Cafe du Monde is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So when you finish up on Bourbon Street and find yourself craving a sweet treat before bed, an order of beignets is sure to hit the spot!
Grab a table if you want to eat there. If it’s messy, a server will quickly clean it up for you. If you prefer to take your treats to go, hop in line. Don’t fret about the long line – due to the simplicity of the menu, it goes VERY quickly.
Cafe du Monde is CASH ONLY so be sure to come prepared! Oh, and don’t wear black…
Cafe du Monde
800 Decatur Street
French Quarter
Open 24 hours | Closed at 6pm December 24, reopening 9am December 26
Cafe Beignet
Once you’ve been to Cafe du Monde and know what all the fuss is about, head to Cafe Beignet. I spent the past weekend in New Orleans for my birthday and this is where we went. It’s cuter, classier, and much more quaint. Housed in a charming French Quarter style building on Royal Street, Cafe Beignet was much more my speed. They have a few other locations, including a convenient spot on Canal Street, but the original Royal Street location is the cutest.
It was also preferred by my husband, who for some insane reason doesn’t love beignets. But shhhh, you will. In addition to their plate of beignets, (an order of three, just like at Cafe du Monde) they also offer a full menu – breakfast plates, omelettes, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a huge glass case of the most delicious looking pastries!
They offer a few (tiny) tables inside, but also have a lovely courtyard with plenty of outdoor tables. Arrive before 10am (the earlier, the better though) to shorten your wait time. We got there around 9:15 and waited in line for about 15 minutes. At that point the line was just to the entrance. When we left around 10, however, the line was beginning to wrap around the block!
Cafe Beignet
334 Royal Street
French Quarter
Open 7am to 10pm daily
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Wow, havent had beignet in my life. is it like a doughnut?
Hi Velysia! A donut is definitely the best comparison, although it’s still quite different. It’s fried dough doused in powdered sugar, and the most amazing treat!
I came back from New Orleans yesterday 30/06/19 we tried out both Cafe du mont and Cafe beignet and I have to say that apart from the nice surroundings and the menu selection cafe beignet also had the edge on the beignets as well. Whilst both make good beignets, cafe beignets were slightly crispier so got my vote. This said they are both worth a visit. The French Market is only about five hundred yards from cafe du monte and it’s well worth a visit.
Hi Maggie! I think I preferred Cafe Beignet as well! It was cuter, cleaner, and so much more calm than Cafe du Monde. I’m dying to go back to New Orleans for a third visit soon!