Café
Café du Monde
The original French Market coffee stand, serving beignets under powdered sugar and chicory coffee since 1862, open from early morning until late.
Café Beignet on Royal Street
The original Café Beignet, opened on Royal Street in 1990, serving beignets cooked to order with café au lait in the heart of the French Quarter.
At a glance
- Type
- Beignet café
- Area
- French Quarter, New Orleans, United States
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- cafebeignet.com
Good to know
- Beignets cooked to order
- Café au lait
- Several French Quarter branches
Why we recommend it
Café Beignet was founded in 1990 at 334 Royal Street by a small group of friends who wanted to combine New Orleans traditions with those of the French café. The Royal Street café is still the original, and the business has since opened several other branches in and around the French Quarter, on Canal Street, Decatur Street and Bourbon Street and in the Sheraton on Canal Street. For many visitors it is the main alternative to Café du Monde when they want beignets.
The beignets come in orders of three, cooked to order and served hot under a heavy layer of powdered sugar, with a crisp outside and a soft centre. Café au lait is the natural drink to go with them, and the menu also includes other café food, listed on the website. Like any beignet stop, expect a light dusting of sugar on your clothes.
The Royal Street café opens at 7am every day and closes at 6pm from Sunday to Thursday and at 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Hours differ between branches, so check the location you plan to visit on the website. The Bourbon Street branch at 311 Bourbon Street has live jazz every day from 10am until closing and stays open later in the evening, which suits anyone wanting music with their coffee. The Canal Street branch offers online ordering for takeaway.
Café Beignet on Royal Street suits couples, families and solo travellers who want a quick, inexpensive breakfast or afternoon snack between sights. It is an easy stop during a morning walk through the French Quarter. At busy times you may need to wait for a table, but the menu is short.
Because the business has several branches, you are rarely far from one in the French Quarter, but the Royal Street café is the original and a good choice for a sit-down breakfast. Early morning, soon after the 7am opening, is usually the easiest time to find a table.
The café is within walking distance of most French Quarter hotels. Combine a visit with The Historic New Orleans Collection, further down Royal Street, or with Brennan's for a later meal on the same street. If you want to compare beignets, try both Café Beignet and Café du Monde during your stay and decide for yourself which you prefer.
Café Beignet on Royal Street FAQs
When is Café Beignet on Royal Street open?
Daily from 7am, closing at 6pm from Sunday to Thursday and at 8pm on Friday and Saturday.
When did Café Beignet open?
In 1990, at 334 Royal Street.
How are the beignets served?
In orders of three, cooked to order and topped with powdered sugar.
Are there other branches?
Yes. There are branches on Canal Street, Decatur Street and Bourbon Street, and in the Sheraton on Canal Street.
Is there live music?
The Bourbon Street branch has live jazz daily from 10am until closing.
Can I order takeaway?
Online ordering for takeaway is available at the Canal Street branch.
What should I drink with beignets?
Café au lait is the classic pairing.