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This is a must-stop in New Orleans. We first experienced this historic site in 1973, when we passed through New Orleans on an epic trip to Colorado. Every time we return to New Orleans, we stop here and reminisce with their famous coffee and beignets.

Some History of this Famous Site

Café du Monde was first established during the Civil War, in 1862. Its Cajun derived beignets, a French-style doughnut without a hole, are served with a copious amount of powdered sugar sprinkled on the minimum order, a 3-beignet serving. The coffee is a favorite of the people of the New Orleans region – chicory coffee. During the Civil War, the Union army blockaded the port of New Orleans. In order to stretch the supply of coffee, chicory, an endive root, was added to the mix. And soon became a favorite. I for one am a fan.

Café du Monde is famous, not only for its coffee and beignets – it is available to the night crowds and the early risers – because it never closes. Open 24/7, and most of the time it is crowded with students, tourists, professionals taking a break, and locals.

We were able to get a table under the tent and within minutes, one of the servers was taking our order.

I ordered the smallest serving of beignets, 3, and a café au lait. The server, in his traditional paper hat, which were handed out to curious customers who promptly put them on, took our order and soon returned with our aprés lunch desert. We paid in cash. No credit cards accepted here, so bring cash if you want to be served. To say the beignets were sprinkled with powdered sugar would be an understatement. We had to shake most of it off before eating it.

The beignets did not disappoint. They were delicious. Just a little too much to eat after a big meal.

More History of Café du Monde

For those who enjoy the history of an establishment, here’s some more info. The restaurant is family owned, even after all these years. It was purchased by the Fernandez family in 1942 from Fred Koeniger. The Fernandez family owned a wine cellar on the other side of the street. They kept the wine cellar open till 1972 when they decided to concentrate solely on Café du Monde.

If you are ever in New Orleans, I hope you’ll visit this place. The limited menu is wonderful and very consistent. And people-watching rivals the food. You’ll see every type of person and nationality imaginable.

This original site is located at 800 Decatur Street, across the street from Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral, both in the French Quarter. On the other side of the restaurant is the Mississippi River and the Moon Walk, a wide promenade that leads to the Riverwalk Outlets.

We walked back to the hotel on the promenade, entering the Riverfront Outlets, and exiting at the other end of this linear “mall” onto Julia Street.

Have you joined the crowd of happy people at Café du Monde? Leave a comment if you have. Or a recipe if you make your own beignets.