Best Beignets in New Orleans
Cafe Beignet on Royal Street in the French Quarter
When you visit the Crescent City, it is almost mandatory that you try a beignet (pronounced ben-yay). They are simple, tasty, and decadent. You will simultaneously wonder what all the fuss is about and also how something so basic is so amazing. But where can a traveler find the best beignets in New Orleans?
Cafe Beignet
Cafe Beignet‘s main location on Royal Street is relatively small with maybe ten tables inside and a dozen on their outdoor side patio. Their menu is more extensive than other beignet shops, serving all sorts of hot breakfast options, breakfast cocktails, and coffee. But do they serve the best beignets in New Orleans?
The beignets here are very respectable. At first glance they look just like everywhere else in town, yet they tend to be a little more flat than others. The airy fluffy texture doesn’t pop quite as much as competitors.
Morning Call
Morning Call – French Quarter
Originally established in 1870, today’s Morning Call is an easy streetcar ride to Canal Street and City Park Avenue. Morning Call’s atmosphere has always been iconic, with their subway style arched lightways and oversized windows. Cafe Beignet even mimicked the look a bit with their interiors. Their beignets are definitely the most unique. First, the beignets are typically cooked a little longer, making for a large, bulbous rectangle, unlike the flatter ones seen elsewhere. Second, and most important, Morning Call doesn’t put powdered sugar on top. Instead, they leave cans of sugar sitting on each table for you to shake and regulate yourself. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that they do maintain a tradition of French drip coffee that pairs amazingly with the standard order of 3 beignets!
Cafe Du Monde
Cafe du Monde French Quarter Location
Welcome to the Grandfather of Them All! Founded in 1862 during the Civil War, the original location has never changed from the heart of the French Quarter. Cafe du Monde is situated along the Mississippi River levee across from Jackson Square. With an open air seating area, there is almost always live music piping nearby. Cafe du Monde’s menu is relatively limited. Beignets are the only food option, with a handful of beverages available.
Cafe du Monde famously hasn’t changed their recipes or presentation in over 150 years. But sometimes the old way is the best way. Golden brown rectangles of fried dough. Deep fried until perfectly crispy outside and fluffy inside. Drenched in powdered sugar until diabetes becomes a concern. You really cannot beat it. These always have been and always will be the best beignets in New Orleans.
Bonus Pro Tip: If the lines and craziness in the French Quarter are overwhelming, catch the Canal Street streetcar to City Park. The location in the old Casino building is perfectly situated next to the Sculpture Garden. For kids, the Children’s Museum and Storyland are next door as well. Enjoy!
