The Top Beignets in New Orleans

The TOP Beignets in New Orleans

Aside from its popular celebrations, blues music, and voodoo influence, one of the things New Orleans is most famous for is its unique cuisine! We had a blast eating our way through the city, and we discovered a particular liking for their beignets found at many cafes and restaurants.

For those of you who don’t know what that is, a beignet (pronounced ben-yah) is a deep fried delicious dough square, that is coated with powdered sugar and served hot. If you come to the Big Easy without trying one of these French doughnuts, then you’re doing something wrong! It is a NOLA delicacy and a must try if you are visiting this electric city. In this post, we have listed the top beignet spots that the city has to offer to help you narrow down your many options.

Café du Monde

Possibly the most popular destinations for a NOLA beignet is Café du Monde, and you will learn that pretty quickly once you arrive as it is always bustling with people. Established in 1862, this is the original French Market coffee stand, so make sure you order a coffee & chicory cup to dip your beignet in.

• Multiple locations with one right off of Jackson Square (this is where we went).
• Expect crowds at this famous location, especially if you go there later in the day.
• Open 24 hours, seven days a week, this is the perfect place for that late night bite.
• Inside and outside seating available.
• Takeout offered if you’re on a time crunch, or grab a box of Beignet mix for $4.99 to make at home. You can fry up about 3 dozens.
• Enjoy street entertainment as you wait for your food.
• CASH ONLY: 3 beignets for $2.73, one of the cheaper options.

Cafe Beignet

This is definitely one of our favorites, partly because of their melt-in-your-mouth beignets, but also because this adorable cafe has an open atmosphere with big windows! Stand in line and put in your order at the cash register. You’ll receive a number, pick a seat, and they will bring out the delicious meal.

• Located alongside Jackson Square, off of Royal Street. There is also one located on Bourbon Street, inside Musical Legends Park (this location has an outdoor patio and live music starting at 8am).
• Good sized beignets; one of the bigger ones you will find.
• Bar inside, so enjoy a Bloody Mary or Frozen Cafe Au Lait.
• Full brunch and lunch menu available as well.
• Cash or Card: 3 beignets for $3.99.

The Vintage

You don’t have to stay in the French Quarters for 5-star beignets. Wander out to the Garden District to get away from the bustling city. Take a break from your strolls of the beautiful streets and mansions, and check out this old timey cafe.

• Coffee shop and bar established in 1933.
• Weekday happy hour from 3-6pm with $5 wine and tap beer.
• Off of Magazine Street in the Garden District, with lots of shops on the same strip.
• Old school vintage vibe with dim lighting and unique fixtures.
• Serves up different flavors of beignets, as well as mini sized ones. Pair it with a flight of wine for a fun afternoon.
• Cash or Card: $3 beignets for $3.25.

Mother’s Nature Cupboard

The French market also offers tasty beignets if you are looking for a quick bite while you’re bargaining at the flea market. Our favorite is “Mother’s Nature Cupboard” because of the unique flavor and crispy outside.

• Offer apple beignets with a nice cinnamon touch. No plain beignets available.
• Freshly made to order so prepare for them to be hot!
• Located in the French Market on the northeast side of the French Quarters.
• Market vibes with a laid back atmosphere.
• If you’re looking for an “experience,” this place has no extra frills to it.
• Cash or Card ($10 minimum): 4 mini apple beignets for $5.

Other notable locations:
Morning Call: 24/7 cash only coffee shop located in gorgeous City Park (recently lost a bid to renew its lease, temporarily closed).

Coquette: trendy “farm-to-table” bistro in Garden District serves up savory beignets.

French Market Cafe: kill some time at the MSY airport near gate B9. Grab 3 for $3.49 or 3 stuffed for $4.49. Eat there as you’ll get powdered sugar everywhere.

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