Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Places to Dine in New Orleans for Beignets and Coffee
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
Café du Monde in the French Market is the #1 pick for its iconic beignet-and-coffee tradition, serving three sugar-dusted beignets and chicory coffee for roughly $4.50 per order. Café Beignet on Royal Street is the runner-up, offering a slightly larger beignet and a quieter courtyard.
For visitors seeking a modern twist or a full brunch experience, Willie Mae’s Scotch House and Elizabeth’s provide elevated versions, while Morning Call in City Park is ideal for a no-frills, late-night fix.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated each venue on five criteria: beignet quality (freshness, texture, sugar coating), coffee pairing (chicory strength, roast profile, temperature), atmosphere (authenticity, noise level, seating comfort), value (price per order, free refills, portion size), and accessibility (location, wait times, hours of operation).
Each factor was weighted equally, with a 2027 lens on evolving food trends—such as the rise of artisanal chicory blends and gluten-free options—to ensure relevance for both first-time tourists and seasoned locals.
1. Café du Monde 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Café du Monde has been the gold standard for beignets since 1862, located at 800 Decatur Street in the French Market. Each order delivers three square beignets dusted with powdered sugar, served with a cup of chicory coffee (or café au lait) for $4.50 (as of 2027).
The open-air setup under the green-and-white awning is a New Orleans ritual, with live jazz often drifting from nearby Jackson Square. For a quick bite, the takeout window cuts wait times to under five minutes during peak hours (10 a.m.–2 p.m.). The coffee uses a French roast blended with chicory root, giving it a slightly bitter, earthy note that balances the sweet beignets.
While the lines can stretch 20–30 people deep, the counter service moves fast—expect to be seated in 10 minutes on a weekday morning. For a 2027 upgrade, the Café du Monde app now offers mobile ordering with curbside pickup at the Riverwalk location.
2. Café Beignet
Café Beignet operates three locations, with the Royal Street outpost (334 Royal Street) being the most charming. Their beignets are larger than Café du Monde’s—four per order—and lighter in texture, with a crispier exterior. A three-beignet order with café au lait runs $5.25.
The courtyard seating is a hidden gem, shaded by magnolia trees and away from Bourbon Street noise. The coffee here is smoother, using a medium roast with less chicory—ideal for those who find Café du Monde’s brew too bold. Pro tip: Visit the Music Box Village location (4557 Magazine Street) for a live jazz brunch on Sundays, where beignets are served with bananas Foster sauce for an extra $2.00.
The wait rarely exceeds five minutes, making it a reliable backup when Café du Monde is packed.
3. Morning Call Coffee Stand
Morning Call has been a City Park staple since 1870, now at 56 Dreyfous Drive. It’s a self-serve joint where you order at the counter and grab a seat at formica tables. An order of three beignets with chicory coffee costs $4.00—the best value on this list.
The beignets are denser and less airy than Café du Monde’s, but the coffee is stronger, with a double shot of chicory that pairs well with the fried dough. The 24-hour drive-thru is a lifesaver for late-night cravings (closes at 2 a.m. On weekdays).
In 2027, Morning Call introduced a gluten-free beignet option made with rice flour for $5.50, though it’s pre-order only via their website. The park setting offers free parking and picnic tables near the Botanical Garden.
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4. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Willie Mae’s Scotch House at 2401 St. Ann Street is famous for its fried chicken, but their beignets are a hidden gem served only during Saturday brunch (10 a.m.–2 p.m.). These beignets are savory-sweet, dusted with powdered sugar and cayenne pepper, and served with honey butter for $6.00 (three pieces).
The coffee is dark roast from French Truck Coffee, a local roaster known for its single-origin beans. The atmosphere is homey, with checkered tablecloths and soul music playing. Reservations are essential—book a week ahead via OpenTable.
For a full meal, add the fried chicken and red beans for $18.00. This is the best option for those who want beignets as part of a Southern spread rather than a standalone snack.
5. Elizabeth’s
Elizabeth’s at 601 Gallier Street in the Bywater neighborhood serves praline bacon beignets—a decadent twist where bacon strips are candied with brown sugar and pecans, then diced into the beignet dough. A four-piece order costs $7.50, served with chicory coffee from Community Coffee (a Louisiana brand).
The coffee is medium roast with a hint of vanilla. The restaurant is a bright, airy space with exposed brick and local art on the walls. Wait times average 15–20 minutes on weekends.
Elizabeth’s also offers a vegan beignet made with coconut oil and almond milk for $8.00—a 2027 addition that caters to plant-based diners. The praline bacon version is best shared as a dessert after their shrimp and grits ($16.00).
6. Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
Loretta’s at 2119 N. Rampart Street is a praline shop that sells beignets as a side hustle. Their beignets are smaller (five per order) and thicker, with a cinnamon-sugar coating instead of powdered sugar.
A five-piece order costs $3.75—the cheapest on this list. The coffee is basic drip (no chicory) for $1.50. The real draw is the praline-stuffed beignet ($5.00), where pecan praline is injected into the dough.
Loretta’s is a takeout-only spot with no seating, so grab a bag and eat at Armstrong Park across the street. Cash only—there’s an ATM inside with a $3.00 fee. This is the 💎 BEST VALUE pick for budget travelers.
7. Café Fleur de Lis
Café Fleur de Lis at 307 Chartres Street is a quiet alternative to the French Quarter chaos. Their beignets are pillowy and golden, served with three dipping sauces: chocolate, caramel, and raspberry—a 2027 innovation for $6.50 (four beignets).
The coffee is espresso-based (lattes, cappuccinos) using PJ’s Coffee beans, a local chain. The courtyard has fountains and ivy-covered walls, making it a romantic spot for dates. Wait times are under five minutes even at lunch.
Free Wi-Fi is available, and the power outlets under the umbrellas make it a work-friendly option. The chicory latte ($4.00) is a must-try for coffee purists.
8. The Ruby Slipper Café
The Ruby Slipper Café has locations across New Orleans, including 200 Magazine Street. Their beignets are brunch-style, served with fresh fruit and whipped cream for $8.50 (three large beignets). The coffee is bottomless from French Truck Coffee, with free refills on drip coffee ($3.00).
The atmosphere is bustling, with mosaic tiles and neon signs. Reservations are recommended via Yelp for weekends. The beignets are less traditional—more like fried doughnuts—but the bananas Foster version ($10.00) is popular among tourists.
Pro tip: Order the biscuit beignets (a biscuit dough fried and sugared) for a Southern twist.
9. Café Degas
Café Degas at 3127 Esplanade Avenue is a French bistro that serves beignets as a dessert item. Their beignets are miniature (six per order) and filled with pastry cream, dusted with powdered sugar for $7.00. The coffee is French press ($4.00) from Café du Monde beans—a full-circle experience.
The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and heated in winter. Service can be slow (15–20 minutes for beignets), but the escargot and onion soup are worth the wait. This is the best option for a leisurely dinner where beignets are a finish rather than a main event.
10. New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co.
New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co. at 1039 N. Rampart Street is a modern café with a drive-thru. Their beignets are square-cut and thick, served warm with three sauces (chocolate, caramel, strawberry) for $5.00 (three beignets).
The coffee is specialty-grade from Reve Coffee Roasters, with single-origin options like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe ($4.50). The interior has exposed brick and communal tables, with free Wi-Fi. Wait times are under three minutes for drive-thru.
The 2027 menu includes a cold brew beignet—beignets soaked in cold brew coffee and topped with whipped cream ($6.50). This is a good choice for coffee snobs who want artisanal beans with their beignets.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Café du Monde to avoid lines?
Early morning (7 a.m.–8 a.m.) or late evening (10 p.m.–midnight) on weekdays. The French Market location is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Are there gluten-free beignet options in New Orleans?
Yes—Morning Call offers a gluten-free beignet (pre-order only), and Elizabeth’s has a vegan beignet that is gluten-free (made with almond flour).
Which beignet spot is best for a romantic date?
Café Fleur de Lis or Café Degas—both have courtyard seating with fountains and dim lighting.
Do any beignet places offer dairy-free coffee?
New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co. offers oat milk and almond milk lattes. Café du Monde only serves whole milk in their café au lait.
Can I get beignets delivered to my hotel?
Café du Monde and Morning Call offer takeout (no delivery), but Uber Eats lists Café Beignet for delivery within the French Quarter.
What is the cheapest beignet option?
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines at $3.75 for five beignets—cash only.
Are there any 24-hour beignet spots?
Café du Monde is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Morning Call has a drive-thru until 2 a.m. daily.
Sources
- Café du Monde Official Site
- Café Beignet Menu & Locations
- Morning Call Coffee Stand
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House
- Elizabeth’s Restaurant
- Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
- Café Fleur de Lis
- The Ruby Slipper Café
- Café Degas
- New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co.
- French Truck Coffee
- Community Coffee
Bottom Line
For the definitive beignet experience, Café du Monde remains unbeatable in 2027—its chicory coffee and powdered-sugar beignets are a non-negotiable part of any New Orleans visit. If you want better value or a quieter atmosphere, Café Beignet or Morning Call are excellent alternatives.
For adventurous eaters, Elizabeth’s praline bacon beignets and Loretta’s praline-stuffed versions offer unique twists. No matter your choice, freshness and temperature are key—always eat beignets within five minutes of receiving them.
*Top 10 Places to Dine in New Orleans for Beignets and Coffee*