Bonjour!

You know, as your foodie guide, I feel it's my culinary calling to whisk you away on tasty adventures. So, buckle up because we're off to the French Quarter in lovely, lively New Orleans. Ah, can't you just taste the powdered sugar in the air already?

The French Quarter, known for its historic architecture, jazz clubs, and—dare I say—the naughtiest of nightlife, is a world unto itself. But let's focus on what we came here for: The beignets and coffee, as iconic to NOLA as Mardi Gras and crawfish boils.

These hot, pillowy pastries, glistening with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, paired with a robust cup of chicory coffee...Heaven? No, it's just the French Quarter, my darlings!

What’s a Beignet?

Ah, beignets! These delightful pastries are the stuff of dreams for any sugar enthusiast. Originating from France, beignets (pronounced ben-YAY) have become a significant part of New Orleans' culinary tradition, especially in the city's French Quarter.

A beignet is essentially a square piece of dough, fried until it's golden and puffy and then generously dusted with powdered sugar. The end result is a soft, pillow-like doughnut (without the hole) that's slightly crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and oh-so-sweet from the powdered sugar.

The classic New Orleans beignets are typically served in orders of three, hot, and accompanied by a cup of café au lait — coffee mixed with hot milk and often blended with chicory for a unique, slightly bitter flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the beignets.

In New Orleans and across Louisiana, beignets are so beloved that they were declared the official state doughnut in 1986. Whether it's for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, beignets are enjoyed at all times of the day.

Café Du Monde – Decatur Street

We can't begin our sugar-dusted journey anywhere other than Café Du Monde. If beignets are a religion in New Orleans, then this place is the grand cathedral. Serving fried-to-perfection beignets since 1862, it's a must-visit in the French Market.

Served in orders of three (although, let's be honest, you'll probably need more), these beignets are the gold (or, should I say, sugar) standard. And the café au lait? Let's just say it pairs with the beignets like Mardi Gras beads on Bourbon Street.

Morning Call Coffee Stand – City Park

Just outside the French Quarter, in the lush surrounds of City Park, you'll find Morning Call. A New Orleans institution since 1870, Morning Call was Café Du Monde's main competitor for many years.

It’s not in the original French Market anymore, but we still consider it an OG. Though they've moved around, their beignets have remained consistent: golden brown, fluffy, and piled high with powdered sugar.

Served 24/7, these beignets are the perfect early-morning indulgence, late-night snack, or anything in between. This New Orleans restaurant also features staples like gumbo, jambalaya, and muffulettas.

Café Beignet – Royal Street

Back in the French Quarter, you'll stumble upon Café Beignet. This place is like that eccentric aunt we all have — quirky, charming, and never skimps on the good stuff.

Café Beignet offers a range of New Orleans classics, but it's the beignets that steal the show. These delicious delights are slightly denser than their Du Monde counterparts, giving a satisfying chew. Pair them with a Café au lait, find a seat in their picturesque courtyard, and you're all set for a quintessential French Quarter morning.

Hold on to your berets, my foodie friends. We're only getting started. Prepare for your senses to be powdered in more ways than one as we continue our exploration of the French Quarter's beignet and coffee scene…

Loretta's Authentic Pralines – North Rampart Street

Loretta's Authentic Pralines is a bit of a rebel in the beignet scene. Theirs are filled with praline and fried till they're a crispy golden brown, and then — get this — they're dipped in praline. Make sure you get one of their coffees to balance the sweetness of the praline beignets. It's like a New Orleans confectionery dream come true.

Beyond the sugar, this spot also serves savory beignets (BBQ chicken, crab, burger) — now that’s what I call an appetizer. PS: Loretta’s is also famous for their king cakes, so don’t you dare leave without grabbing one!

The Vintage – Magazine Street

If you're seeking a hipper, modern take on the classic, mosey over to The Vintage. Known for their gourmet beignets and exquisite coffee, this place gives tradition a contemporary twist.

Ever tried a bacon and cheddar beignet? Or maybe one with s'mores filling? Here's your chance. And their coffee is just as inventive. I recommend the Chicory Chiller, a refreshing iced blend of chicory coffee, milk, and simple syrup that is, simply put, divine.

New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co. – St Charles Avenue

Just a streetcar ride away from the Quarter is the New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Company. They offer a twist on the traditional that will leave you craving more fried dough than you thought possible.

Have you ever tried a chocolate-filled beignet? Well, it's about time you did. While you're there, be sure to order their signature Frozen Au Lait, an icy, frothy take on the classic coffee that will cool you down in that hot NOLA weather.

Croissant D’Or Pâtisserie – Ursulines Avenue

This charming spot may be more well-known for its pastries, but don't be fooled—Croissant D’Or Patisserie serves up some mean beignets.

They're light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, their coffee is seriously good. Enjoy your treats in the quaint, peaceful courtyard and feel yourself transported to a Parisian café.

Café Fleur De Lis – Chartres Street

This spot serves up big, square beignets that are as fluffy as a Southern belle's petticoats.

They also have a delightful array of coffee options, including some spiked versions for those who like a little extra kick with their caffeine. Try the Bourbon Street Vanilla Coffee for a boozy spin on the classic.

The Station Coffee Shop & Bakery – Bienville Street

A stone's throw from the Quarter, in Mid-City, The Station Coffee Shop & Bakery is a haven for beignet and coffee enthusiasts.

This charming, repurposed gas station serves up mouthwatering beignets that are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Pair them with a cup of their artisan coffee, and you're ready to tackle the day, New Orleans style!

Coffee Science – South Broad Street

Not quite in the Quarter, but well worth the detour, Coffee Science is a coffee lover's dream come true.

The baristas here take their brews seriously, and the result is some of the best coffee in the city. The beignets served only on weekends are a delightful surprise — crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and generously dusted with powdered sugar.

Willa Jean – O'Keefe Avenue

Just a little hop away from the French Quarter, you'll find Willa Jean. This contemporary Southern bakery-meets-restaurant is the brainchild of award-winning chef Kelly Fields. Sure, you can have classic beignets — but why not try the cornbread ones?

These little bites of heaven will change your beignet worldview. And the coffee? Sourced from Chicago’s Intelligentsia Coffee, it's always rich and always satisfying.

Angelo Brocato – North Carrollton Avenue

Time to break the rules a little. Angelo Brocato, a long-established Italian ice cream parlor, doesn't serve your typical beignets.

Instead, they offer Italian doughnuts called "sfinci" — think beignet's Sicilian cousin. Light, airy, and dusted with powdered sugar, they're a tasty twist on the New Orleans staple. Accompany them with a cup of their strong, Italian-style coffee for a perfect sweet treat.

Gracious Bakery + Café – Saint Charles Avenue

Gracious Bakery + Café is a gem just outside the French Quarter. With their baked goods prepared from scratch daily, this bakery is a destination for true pastry enthusiasts.

Their beignets, available on weekends, are a must-try: crisp outside, fluffy inside, and just the right level of sweetness. Pair them with a cup of their locally-sourced coffee for a match made in NOLA heaven.

Blue Dot Donuts – Canal Boulevard

While not traditionally in the realm of beignets, Blue Dot Donuts serves up something that's just too scrumptious to pass by. Their donuts are the stuff of legend in New Orleans.

Soft, fluffy, and so sweet, they'll make your toothache with delight. Try their famous glazed donut paired with a hot chicory coffee. You won't regret this detour from the classic beignet path, trust me.

District Donuts Sliders Brew – Magazine Street

Located a little further from the French Quarter, District Donuts Sliders Brew is well worth the trip. This isn't your average doughnut shop. Here, the team conjures up wild and wonderful flavors every day. Although they serve donuts instead of traditional beignets, you won't be disappointed.

From matcha green tea to Vietnamese iced coffee donuts, the flavors are always inventive and downright delectable. And their coffee? Just as impressive. Their espresso drinks and cold brew are seriously good, making this the perfect end (or start) to your New Orleans beignet and coffee adventure.

Get That Caffeine and Sugar Fix in NOLA

And there you have it, my coffee-chasing, sugar-craving friends: Even more places to taste, sip, and savor in the endlessly flavorful city of New Orleans. Happy munching and sipping, and remember: Calories don't count when you're enjoying life in the Big Easy.

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