Café du Monde – Where Beignets and Atmosphere Collide
New Orleans, the Crescent City, is a place of enchantment, rich history, and a vibrant culture that captivates the soul. One cannot truly experience the essence of this city without indulging in its culinary delights. Among the many iconic establishments that define the gastronomic landscape of NOLA, Café du Monde stands out as a timeless gem, offering a unique blend of atmosphere, history, and the irresistible allure of beignets.
Ambience - Throwback to a simplier time: Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Café du Monde has become synonymous with the lively spirit of New Orleans. The cafe's proximity to Jackson Square infuses it with an energy that is as palpable as the steam rising from the coffee cups. Katrina and I found ourselves immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of street performers, local artists, and the general ebb and flow of life in the Big Easy. While there was a considerable line, it moved fairly quickly and in about 15 minutes we were seated and ready to roll.
As we sipped our café au lait and savored the sugary aroma of beignets, the sounds of jazz and blues from nearby buskers serenaded us. Even though the entire space was covered in a faint amount of stickiness, somehow, it didnt feel that gross…it was somewhat a feature vs. a bug. Plus, you cant fault the place given the amount of powdered sugar they used. The lively ambiance, coupled with the historic backdrop of Jackson Square, created a sensory symphony that will forever be etched in our memories. 9.5/10
Coffee - Unique, but not what we came for: Coffee is not the star of the show at Cafe Du Monde, however, there is a unique charm to the chicory blend they use in the South. For the uninitiated the use of chicory in coffee in New Orleans has a historical origin that dates back to the Civil War era. During this time, there were coffee shortages, and as a result, people in New Orleans began to mix chicory with their coffee as a way to extend the supply. Chicory is the root of the endive plant, and its roasted and ground form is often used as a coffee additive or substitute.
Chicory has a unique flavor profile with slightly bitter and woody notes, and when added to coffee, it imparts a robust and full-bodied character to the brew. Over the years, this practice of blending coffee with chicory became a cultural tradition in New Orleans, creating a distinctive coffee flavor that is now closely associated with the city. While there are some who swear by it, I personally wasnt a huge fan. Not that it was bad, but it clearly wasnt a “fine” cup of Joe. Katrina opted for water. 6/10
Latte Art: Well..this ones easy. 0 points.
Cup Choices - Again Quite Simple: One Choice, Styrofoam. At least its branded. 2/5
Accoutrements…The Sweet Temptation of Beignets: Now, let's talk about the stars of the show – the legendary beignets. These pillowy squares of fried dough, generously dusted with powdered sugar, are a quintessential part of the Café du Monde experience. As we bit into these fluffy delights, a cloud of sweetness enveloped our senses, leaving us in a state of bliss.
The beignets at Café du Monde are a testament to tradition, a recipe perfected over decades. The simplicity of their ingredients – flour, water, and a touch of magic – transforms into a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Each bite is a celebration of the city's French influence, its Creole heritage, and the resilience of the people who call New Orleans home. While I am going to take some heat on this one from deviating from our typical scoring criteria, I will, for occasion of excellence allow a joint to forego our “savory & sweet”, variety, and vegan friendly requirement because for real the beignets are perfection. It literally came back the next day. 10/10
Eco-Friendly - Being a budget friendly joint in the South, enviromentalism doesnt seem to be high on the menu. That said, the place still does what it can, utilizing dishware and paper bags where they can. Styrofoam may work against them but the compact area and volume of folks they are serving per square foot somewhat make up for this. 3/5
Value - Cheapest Tourist Trap I Can Recall: Value at Cafe Du Monde was surprise for that of an acclaimed “tourist trap”. Despite being a focal point of NOLA, the owners of Cafe Du Monde clearly want to keep this cultural gem accessable to all - Coffee and Beignets for 5.50? Its no Dunkins but its amazing for the masterpiece it is. +3 points
Conclusion: Café du Monde is more than a coffee shop; it is a living testament to the soul of New Orleans. The combination of its historic setting, the lively ambiance around Jackson Square, and the irresistible allure of beignets creates an experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a trip to NOLA is incomplete without savoring the flavors and soaking in the atmosphere at Café du Monde – a place where time seems to stand still, and the spirit of the city comes alive with every bite. While its not the highest score we have ever given, its worth a stop to soak in the history and of course - crush some beignets. Total Score 33.5/50