Coffee has an interesting history in New Orleans. Since this
is a port city, New Orleans started getting shipments of green coffee beans
from South America and the Caribbean in the early 1800s. At one point, New
Orleans was the second largest importer of coffee in the nation. This tradition
is thriving today. There's a coffee shop or cafe in every part of town. The locals like to have their coffee with a little dash of chicory or a hot cafe au lait.
Though are locally-born chain coffee shops are wonderful,
the following cafes are more than just good coffee. Stop by for a
cup of joe and a croissant any day.
10 Cutest Cafes in New Orleans
1. The Vintage
3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008
thevintagenola.com
The Vintage takes pride in serving a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. While they're famous for their all-day offerings of beignets, pastries, and espresso, their culinary prowess extends far beyond these staples. Visitors can indulge in a variety of dishes there.
Offering more than just coffee, their menu features freshly baked pastries, hearty sandwiches, flavorful salads, and savory quiches. All dishes are crafted with locally sourced ingredients, providing a true taste of New Orleans cuisine.
2. Cafe Du Monde
Multiple Locations
shop.cafedumonde.com
Cafe Du Monde, a New Orleans institution since 1862, is renowned for its world-famous beignets and dark roasted Coffee and Chicory blend. Located in the historic French Market, as well as many other locations across Greater New Orleans, this iconic cafe serves its signature powdered sugar-covered beignets and cafe au lait to thousands of customers each year.
Fun Fact: The cafe's simple menu, featuring beignets, coffee, milk, and soft drinks, has remained largely unchanged for over 150 years.
3. Bearcat Cafe
Multiple Locations
bearcatcafe.com
Bearcat Cafe, located in the CDB and Uptown New Orleans, offers a unique dining experience, featuring their signature "Good Cat" and "Bad Cat" menus that cater to various dietary preferences. Be sure to arrive as early as possible, especially on the weekends, because the restaurant typically gets a lot of customers.
The cafes pride themselves on serving high-quality, fresh breakfast and lunch options, complemented by a curated selection of sustainable, micro-sourced coffees and a wide variety of loose-leaf teas. Whether you're in the mood for lighter fare or more indulgent dishes, Bearcat Cafe's two locations, as well as its bakery on Julia Street, has something delicious for everyone to enjoy in different parts of New Orleans.
4. Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe
1241 Decatur St., (504) 524-3689
cafeenvie.com
Looking for a spot in the heart of the French Quarter? Envie is a charming café perfect for coffee lovers and people watchers alike. Situated on a bustling corner of lower Decatur Street, you can grab you a perfect cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry, then settle in at one of the window seats or outdoor café tables. From there, you can soak in the lively atmosphere of the French Quarter while enjoying your treats.
If you're in the mood for a more substantial meal, Envie's menu won't disappoint Their signature Breakfast Burrito is a local favorite, stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh avocado, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and served with a side of zesty salsa. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try the Veggie Quiche—a flaky pastry crust filled with a savory mixture of seasonal vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and farm-fresh eggs, accompanied by a crisp mixed green salad.
5. Morning Call
5101 Canal St., (504) 459-2086
morningcallnola.com
Morning Call Coffee Stand, a beloved New Orleans tradition, offers a delightful culinary experience in the heart of City Park. Known for its crispy, powdered sugar-dusted beignets and rich, flavorful cafe au lait, Morning Call provides visitors with a taste of authentic New Orleans cuisine.
Its prime location within City Park allows patrons to enjoy their treats while surrounded by the park's natural beauty. From early morning to late night, Morning Call offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service, providing an authentic taste of New Orleans hospitality for any time of day.
6. Who Dat Coffee Cafe
2401 Burgundy St., (504) 872-0360
facebook.com/whodatcoffeecafe
Who Dat Coffee Cafe, a charming establishment in the Marigny neighborhood, offers a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that keeps patrons coming back throughout the day. Their diverse breakfast options include standout dishes like the "Not Yo Mama's Corn Cakes," featuring two grilled corn cakes smothered in a creamy egg sauce and generously topped with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
For those visiting later in the day, Who Dat Coffee Cafe boasts an impressive array of signature sandwiches that are sure to satisfy. A highlight is the Vieux Reuben, a mouthwatering combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty remoulade sauce, all served on toasted rye bread.
7. Rook Cafe
4516 Freret St., (504) 383 4506
rookcafe.square.site
The Rook Cafe is a popular establishment known for its unique coffee flavors and delicious meals. With a vast selection of high-quality coffee and tea options, including uniquely named blends like "Kuromi," "Boba Fett," "Rook," and "Millennium Falcon," the cafe caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
The Rook Cafe is also a hub for community engagement and entertainment. The cafe regularly hosts a variety of events including open mic nights for aspiring performers, Collage Clubs for creative enthusiasts, and Board Game Marathons for gaming aficionados.
8. Petit Clouet Café
3100 Royal St.
facebook.com/petiteclouet
Petit Clouet, a vibrant corner coffee shop on Royal Street in the Bywater, is a bustling hub for coffee enthusiasts and social butterflies alike. Its eye-catching bright yellow exterior draws in patrons seeking their morning caffeine fix or a cozy spot to catch up with friends.
At Petit Clouet, coffee aficionados can indulge in a variety of classic coffee shop offerings, from aromatic drip coffee to refreshing iced beverages and expertly crafted espresso drinks. For those seeking a unique experience, the cafe offers creative tea options like Smith's Exceptional Iced Chai. Adventure-seeking patrons can opt for the Special Iced Coffee du Jour, allowing the skilled baristas to surprise them with a daily specialty. Whatever your coffee or tea preference, complement your drink with one of the cafe's mouthwatering pastries.
9. The Orange Couch
2339 Royal St., (504) 267-7327
theorangecouchcoffee.com
Just down the street from Petit Clouet, you'll come across The Orange Couch. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., this inviting spot caters to both on-the-go customers and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere to unwind.
The Orange Couch is not your typical cafe. Alongside classic offerings like bagels, croissants, muffins, and scones, the café surprises patrons with its unique empanada selection. Featuring flavors such as buffalo wings, cheeseburger, and chickpea curry, these savory treats add an unexpected twist to the usual coffee shop fare. For those with a penchant for variety, the Handpie Turnovers offer changing flavors, encouraging regular visits to discover the day's special.
10. Backatown Coffee Parlour
301 Basin St., (504) 372-4442
backatownnola.com
Backatown Coffee Parlour, nestled on Basin Street, draws its name from the historical significance of its location, which was once considered the "back of the city." This charming establishment aims to foster a sense of community, inviting patrons to engage in friendly conversations with their neighbors while enjoying the melodious sounds of jazz floating through the coffee-scented air.
At Backatown, visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights alongside their steaming cup of coffee. For breakfast enthusiasts, the Salmon and Capers bagel offers a savory start to the day, while those with a sweet tooth might opt for the vegan Rose Pistachio Donut. As lunchtime approaches, patrons can savor the unique Raspberry Grilled Cheese, a delectable combination of provolone, cheddar, and pepperjack cheeses complemented by raspberry preserves, perfectly paired with a comforting bowl of Tomato Basil Soup.
Cafes With Lunch In New Orleans
For two hundred years, the port of New Orleans allowed the
coffee trade to thrive. It may seem like this city is all about the nightlife.
But with coffee this good and cafes so welcoming, you'll want to wake up extra
early to experience them. The city can look very beautiful in the morning
light.
What's your favorite café in all of New Orleans? Let us know
where we should get a cup of joe!
