As I’ve mentioned before I really love New Orleans! The sights, sounds, smells (yes, all the smells), just the overall vibe of the place makes me insanely happy. I’m not sure its even possible to put into words just exactly what makes me love NOLA so much, but having just come back from our yearly visit I thought I’d give it a try. Because each and every trip to NOLA starts at one of my favorite places, Cafe Du Monde, I’m giving it it’s very own post!
In my everyday life I don’t often indulge in pastries, donuts or other baked goods, so it’s a bit funny that the first place I head upon arriving into town is a place famous for fried dough smothered in powdered sugar! Irresistible!
Why Cafe Du Monde? Don’t Other Places Have Beignets?
Conveniently, Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours a day 364 days a year, with the exception of Christmas and when the occasional hurricane passes by, so no matter what time I arrive its open! Not only that, but they’ve been in the business of making beignets for over 150 years, which pretty much guarantees they know what they’re doing! In my opinion there’s no substitute! Believe me I’ve sampled a few in my attempt to find out…
Located just across the street from Jackson Square Park on Decatur you can’t miss the Cafe’s green and white awnings and twinkling white lights, but if you have any doubt about whether you’re headed in the right direction just follow the trail of powdered sugar on the sidewalks…
Table Service or Take Out?
There aren’t many options as you can see from the photo of the menu above. Beignets, drinks and souvenirs are all they offer, so your only real decision is whether you want to dine in or take out. Because the quality and consistency of Cafe Du Monde is widely known expect long lines. I’ve seen them as long as three blocks, really, but don’t be discouraged, they move fast and you have two options. If you’re under a time constraint then the take out window is your best bet. Either way, don’t get into line without cash!
Option 1: The Take Out Window
- Be prepared. Get cash BEFORE you get to the take out window! THEY ONLY TAKE CASH.
- Once you get your order(s) shake the bag to ensure complete coverage.
- Roll up your sleeves, hopefully you aren’t wearing black, before reaching in and carefully pulling your beignet out of it’s bed of fluffy white sugar.
- Lean forward and preferably away from the wind that will automatically arise the moment you attempt to eat a beignet from Cafe du Monde! Try not to inhale…
- Enjoy!
- Repeat daily!
Option 2: Table Service
If you have more time consider table service!
- Be prepared! Get cash BEFORE you get to the table! THEY ONLY TAKE CASH.
- The server will come to your table and your beignets will arrive a short while later.
- Lean forward over the table while eating them.
- Enjoy!
- Repeat daily!
Cafe Du Monde is a true New Orleans institution! After 150 + years of business it could use a little polish, but I’m not complaining, the beignets are divine the service is fine and that’s more than good enough for me!
On a side note: Last year, after multiple visits, I finally decided to take the time to write a review of Cafe Du Monde on Trip Advisor. I even included a photo! Ha Ha… about a week later I received an email from Trip Advisor saying my review wasn’t real and they wouldn’t publish it. I guess my love for this place was just unbelievable!
mrskfit
Love NOLA! and beignets 😉
petiteloulou25
I love beignets! Wonderfully evocative post. I must try the coffee and pastries from Cafe du Monde now. You’ve inspired me. 🙂
danniijane
Oh wow this place looks great. I really want sugary doughnuts now x
Bert Secreti
And let me point out, that not all Cafe Du Mondes are the same. Go to the location on Decatur. We drove across Lake Pontchartrain for fun and stopped at the Cafe Du Monde in Mandeville. The beignets weren’t as fresh. Plus the atmosphere can’t compare.
Hilary
Good to know! I’ve never tried any other location.
baublesandknots
I am so hungry. Those look delectable.
sfarnoult
Reblogged this on Bella Musings.