Café du Monde: A New Orleans Icon

Café du Monde is the world’s most famous coffee shop and a New Orleans institution. Located at the end of the French Market and the corner of Jackson Square in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Café du Monde has been serving crispy beignets and creamy cafés au lait since 1862.

The Lowdown on the Menu

Café du Monde has long been a must-visit for anyone traveling to New Orleans; however, is it truly worth the hype? In short, yes. The menu at this iconic eatery has remained relatively unchanged since the days of the Civil War. Offerings include coffee, beignets, hot chocolate, milk, fresh-squeezed orange juice, as well as more recent additions like iced coffee and sodas. In a fast-paced modern world where choices abound, the simple menu makes it easy to enjoy the essence of New Orleans, providing a calm vibe in contrast to daily stresses back home.

Signature Coffee Offerings

The drink to order is, of course, the café au lait, which combines hot coffee with warm milk (though café noir — black coffee — is also available). The coffee here features chicory (endive root), a local tradition that began during the Civil War when coffee was scarce. Chicory offers a more bitter taste than coffee but is less acidic. The roast is rich and dark without the heavy acidity commonly found in a standard French Roast. Interestingly, it has lower caffeine levels than a traditional cup of coffee, so ordering two can help boost your energy levels effectively.

Must-Try Beignets

The beignets are undeniably the main attraction. Crispy on the outside, pillowy-soft on the inside, and generously topped with powdered sugar, they represent the epitome of fried dough indulgence. They are served in an order of three, hot from the fryer, allowing the powdered sugar to melt into the sheen of oil on their surface. It’s best to eat them as soon as they reach your table — the combination of hot, melty goodness and the crunch of the exterior creates an exceptional textural experience. It’s entirely possible to enjoy three all by yourself, and frankly, why not?

Overall Experience

The consistent quality of the coffee and beignets has remained strong for generations, and the picturesque view of Jackson Square from the tables is an added bonus. However, it’s important to note that Café du Monde can get quite crowded, especially during breakfast hours. The powdered sugar tends to create a sticky mess on the floors, chairs, and tables. Additionally, the bathrooms often leave much to be desired, and the service can be somewhat brusque. Nevertheless, none of these issues are enough to deter visitors, especially first-timers to this beloved café. Therefore, it remains firmly on the must-visit list when exploring the vibrant city of New Orleans.