Cafe Beignet vs. Cafe Du Monde: Who Has the Best Beignets in New Orleans?
If you’re searching for the best beignets in New Orleans, two iconic spots stand out: Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monde. New Orleans is known for many things, but one of the most popular is the beignets. And for good reason… New Orleans beignets are truly top tier. The beignets I’ve eaten during my trips to the Big Easy were undoubtedly delicious!
In this blog post, I’ll be focusing specifically on the original Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street and Cafe Beignet on Royal Street. While both cafes have multiple locations throughout the city, these are the most popular spots where the authentic beignet experience truly shines. I’ll dive into a side-by-side comparison of each, breaking down the pros and cons of Cafe Du Monde vs. Cafe Beignet to help you decide which offers the best New Orleans beignets.
While it may be an unpopular opinion, I believe the charm of visiting the original Cafe Du Monde and Cafe Beignet locations is worth the wait in line! Although there are other locations around the city that might be closer or more convenient, there’s something special about experiencing the places where the beignet hype all began.
To help you decide which cafe offers the best New Orleans beignets, I’ll be comparing them in five key categories:
- Restaurant Ambience
- Lines/Waiting Experience
- Pricing
- Beignet Quality
- Location
Finally, I’ll share my personal experience and declare a “winner” based on these criteria. Let’s dive in and see which cafe—Cafe Beignet or Cafe Du Monde—truly deserves the title of best beignets in New Orleans!
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Cafe Beignet vs. Cafe Du Monde
Restaurant Ambience: Which Spot Delivers the Best New Orleans Beignet Atmosphere?
The Ambience at Café Beignet
Café Beignet is small, but there is a decent amount of indoor and outdoor seating available for patrons. Decorated with chandeliers and other carousel-style lighting fixtures, Café Beignet feels warm and inviting. There is also a subtle charm inside the establishment that pays homage to the French influence seen throughout the French Quarter and beyond.
When you walk through the doors (likely after waiting outside in line for a while), you make your way to the counter to place your order. The staff were all very friendly during my recent visit. You order the beignets at the counter and get a number, after which you sit down and wait for a runner to bring you your fresh, warm beignets. I personally enjoyed this added bit of service–it made it feel a bit more like a cafe rather than a quick self-serve experience. Plus, this way the beignets come out fresh, right as they’re ready to eat! Cold, hardened beignets really just aren’t as good.
Café Beignet was also quite clean when I visited. I sat in the outdoor patio section and every table was free of messiness and waste, and the floor wasn’t sticky or covered in powdered sugar! It’s certainly very easy to make a mess while eating beignets, but Café Beignet does a great job of making sure the establishment is taken care of and presented nicely to patrons.
The outdoor patio at Cafe Beignet offers a relaxing, tropical atmosphere—an ideal setting to savor classic New Orleans beignets with a warm cafe au lait. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the true taste of New Orleans in a peaceful, scenic environment.
The Ambience at Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street stays true to its New Orleans roots with open-air seating under a tented canopy, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for enjoying some of the best beignets in New Orleans. Instead of indoor seating, Cafe Du Monde’s setup lets you take in the lively energy of the French Quarter as you sip your café au lait and indulge in powdered-sugar-coated treats. With views of Jackson Square and prime people-watching, this iconic setup offers the authentic New Orleans vibe that makes Cafe Du Monde a must-visit for any beignet lover.
The overall atmosphere was a bit more hectic compared to what I experienced at Café Beignet. Not to say that the atmosphere was bad or uncomfortable, but there was a lot of visual stimulation and noise from both inside and outside the cafe.
There were two separate lines to order: one for dine-in and one for take-out. The take-out line cut through the side of the cafe and people were practically standing on top of those trying to eat their beignets. I personally wasn’t a huge fan of feeling people hovering over me in line while eating my beignets, but I guess that’s part of the open-air dining experience!
The floor at Cafe Du Monde had a light dusting of powdered sugar and the occasional napkin here and there—adding a bit of character to the bustling atmosphere. While it was certainly messier than Cafe Beignet, the staff did a great job staying on top of it, regularly wiping down tables and sweeping to keep the space as tidy as possible in such a busy spot.
At Cafe Du Monde, you order at a counter regardless of whether you dine-in or take-out. In both instances, you get your beignets and coffee at the counter and then you either proceed to find a table or exit out the back. The beignets come in bags, and there is no paper basket. This likely contributes to the messy floor situation, but could certainly be mitigated if you create a napkin plate (see the photo for reference).
The atmosphere at Cafe Du Monde is upbeat and full of energy—it really captures the spirit of New Orleans. Between the aroma of fresh beignets, the lively chatter, and the buzz of the French Quarter right outside, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s perfect for first-time visitors! There’s definitely something special about this spot that feels truly connected to the city. If you’re looking to soak in the full New Orleans beignet experience, Cafe Du Monde is absolutely worth a visit.
How Long Are the Lines at Cafe Du Monde vs. Cafe Beignet?
Expect long lines at both Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monde, especially during peak hours. When I visited Cafe Du Monde on a Saturday around 8:30 am, the line had already started to build, and by 9:00 am, it stretched even further.
At Cafe Beignet on Sunday around 10:30 am, I experienced a similar wait time. If you’re planning to visit these popular New Orleans beignet spots, be prepared to stand in line for at least 10-30 minutes, depending on the time of day. My advice? Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bit of patience—it’s all part of the authentic experience of enjoying the best beignets in New Orleans!
Wait Times at Café Beignet
I was surprised that I waited longer for Café Beignet than I did for Cafe Du Monde. I didn’t time it to the minute but I believe I waited roughly 25 to 30 minutes in line before ordering at Café Beignet. It seemed like everyone and their mother was gathered in line to try a bite of the famous New Orleans beignets! I don’t blame them.
The line went down Royal street along the sidewalk. The walkway was pretty narrow and in some parts of the line passerbys had to step down into the street to get past the line. As you can imagine, this can be rather hectic and stressful–especially with cars, buggies, and scooters whizzing past in the street. I am sure that it’s not like this all the time, but I did notice it while I was there and figured it was worth mentioning. Luckily, the line is covered and shaded by trees. This is great considering that New Orleans can get quite sunny and hot in the summer months, even in the early morning.
Wait Times at Cafe Du Monde
Similar to Café Beignet, you will likely encounter a line to get into Cafe Du Monde. Depending on the time of day you arrive, the line might be down the block so come prepared for at least a 30 minute wait.
I waited roughly 15 minutes to order beignets from Cafe Du Monde. I showed up at 8:30am on a Saturday morning, and by 9am the line quadrupled and was down the block. If you can, show up early for this experience–especially if you are visiting on a weekend or during peak season (the prime time to visit New Orleans is February through May).
The wait at Cafe Du Monde was not horrible at all, and there was enough sidewalk space to share between those waiting in line and those passing by. There was also a band playing directly outside of the entrance to the cafe–the band was decent but, to be completely honest, their volume made it extremely difficult to hear the line attendant giving instructions. Overall, I wasn’t bothered by it but I could certainly see how it could be stressful for those hard of hearing.
Cafe Du Monde is situated just across the street from Jackson Square, and while in line you have great photo opportunities and views of New Orleans’ French Quarter! The line is mostly exposed to the elements, though, so wear proper clothing depending on the weather and temperatures.
Menu Pricing: Which Cafe Offers the Best Deal on Beignets?
Café Beignet Prices
As of November 2024, the price for 3 beignets at Cafe Beignet is $4.75. This indicates that Café Beignet’s beignets are approximately 23% more expensive than those at Café Du Monde.
While both establishments offer an authentic New Orleans beignet experience, budget-conscious visitors might prefer Café Du Monde for its more affordable pricing. However, factors such as ambiance, location, and personal preference also play significant roles in choosing between the two!
Cafe Du Monde Prices
As of November 2024, that price for 3 beignets at Cafe Du Monde is $3.85. Though the pricing may fluctuate, Cafe Du Monde still offers one of the most affordable beignet options in the French Quarter–especially compared to Cafe Beignet.
Both Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monde are reasonably priced for breakfast, making them accessible choices for anyone wanting an authentic New Orleans treat. Be sure to check online or at the cafe for current prices, as they may change over time!
Beignet Quality: Which Cafe Offers the Best Beignets in New Orleans?
Beignet Quality at Café Beignet
The beignets at Café Beignet were warm, fluffy, and thickly coated with powdered sugar. I could see the heat rising off of the beignets in the cold air (it was in the 40’s and 50’s during my trip in March!). They were presented in a paper, recyclable basket, which was a great way to mitigate the potential of powdered sugar falling from the beignet onto the floor.
I also ordered a cup of strawberries to place on top of my beignets, and the flavor was out of this world. Even on their own, the beignets tasted exactly as I had dreamed. Sweet, doughy, and simply perfect. They were everything I hoped for (and more) from a basket of New Orleans beignets.
Beignet Quality at Cafe Du Monde
While Cafe Du Monde is one of the most iconic spots for New Orleans beignets, my experience with the beignet quality sadly didn’t quite live up to the legend. I had always imagined Cafe Du Monde’s beignets to be warm, fluffy, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, but when I visited, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
When I ordered, the beignets were handed to me already bagged, rather than fresh from the fryer. They weren’t warm, and the powdered sugar had clumped at the bottom of the bag, barely sticking to the beignets themselves. I tried to sprinkle the sugar back on, but the texture didn’t allow for much coverage.
The beignets were also a bit hard and cold by the time I took my first bite, which was a letdown for such a renowned New Orleans staple. Although the flavor was still decent, the overall experience fell short of the warm, melt-in-your-mouth beignet experience that Cafe Du Monde is known for.
Restaurant Location Comparison
Café Beignet
Located on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter, Café Beignet offers one of the best spots to enjoy beignets in a slightly less touristy setting compared to Bourbon Street or Decatur Street. Royal Street’s charm shines through with its unique blend of art galleries, antique shops, and scenic street corners that create a classic New Orleans ambiance.
The Café Beignet on Royal Street is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm and sits conveniently behind popular landmarks like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, making it an ideal stop for a quiet breakfast or an afternoon treat. Although Café Beignet has multiple locations across New Orleans, the Royal Street cafe stands out for its atmosphere and central location. For more details on other Café Beignet locations and their hours, be sure to check their official website.
Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is located on Decatur Street though, just like Café Beignet, there are many locations around the city (including one at the MSY airport in case you’re craving those classic New Orleans beignets upon arrival or departure!). Decatur Street is, as mentioned above, a bit more touristy than Royal Street. If that’s what you’re into, you will find it here.
Cafe Du Monde on Decatur is literally steps away from the front of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, as well. The Decatur location is also pretty close to the Riverfront. If you’re getting beignets to-go from Cafe Du Monde, I suggest taking them over to the Riverfront Park and enjoying them on a bench overlooking the Mississippi River. It’s a pretty neat, iconic New Orleans experience if you’re visiting on a warm, sunny day.
Cafe Du Monde on Decatur is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The flexible hours of operation make it an awesome spot for an early morning breakfast run, or a late night snack after enjoying the bars and live music around the French Quarter.
The Cafe Du Monde location inside MSY airport is open daily from 4am to 6pm inside the terminal after going through security. Check out their official website for more information on other locations and operating hours.
Who does it better: Cafe Beignet vs. Cafe Du Monde?
Choosing between Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monde ultimately comes down to personal preference. After comparing both iconic spots, I found Café Beignet offered a more enjoyable experience overall, with its charming ambiance, slightly quieter location on Royal Street, and fresh, fluffy beignets served warm. On the other hand, Cafe Du Monde delivers that classic New Orleans energy with its open-air setup on Decatur Street, surrounded by the buzz of the French Quarter and views of Jackson Square.
If you’re visiting New Orleans, my advice is to try beignets from both Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monde to decide which one delivers the best beignets in New Orleans for you! Whether you prefer the more relaxed setting at Café Beignet or the lively, bustling vibe at Cafe Du Monde, experiencing these legendary cafes is a must for anyone wanting an authentic taste of New Orleans.
Have you tried beignets at both New Orleans cafes? Share your favorite in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip, check out my other New Orleans blog posts to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
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I totally agree with you that Café Beignet is better!
I’ve never once had the experience of ordering at the window and then sitting. I’ve been going to cafe du monde for over 30 years. You walk in and sit down and someone takes your order, unless you order to go. I’m sorry you went to the window to order and got a less than satisfactory experience instead of just sitting at a table like I’m sure most people around you did.
Interesting to hear about Café Beignet. I’ve only been to Cafe Du Monde (and absolutely loved it). New Orleans was one of my favourite trips, so thanks for bringing back fond memories.
This was not the experience I had at Café du Monde back in 2014 at all. I hope it was just bad timing and not how they’re being run now because we loved it when we visited.