Overview
The original Cafe Du Monde located in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana has been existing for as long as I can remember. It has always been considered the “in” place to go no matter your age or the time of day or night, for that matter. Cafe Du Monde is always open, 24/7 except for Christmas Day. Since the original restaurant was so successful, Cafe Du Monde, has now opened several other locations. You will find modern cafes in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans and on the West Bank. There is even a location in nearby Baton Rouge, LA at the Mall of Louisiana. However, the original cafe at 1039 Decatur Street is still my favorite!
The Cafe
If you are from out of town you will probably be shocked at the primitive style of Cafe Du Monde. But don’t let the looks scare you away, the beignets and the rich coffee more than make up for the facilities!
Cafe Du Monde has both an indoor and outdoor section. The indoor area is very simple and contains iron tables and chairs (with cushions for the most part). Ceiling fans hang from beamed ceilings and are always in motion in the humid city. Menus are not the typical kind passed out by a waitress, they are afixed to the napkin holders on each table. They don’t have to worry about losing menus this way!
The outdoor section is very pleasant and the one I would recommend on a cool day or evening. It is a great place to take in the sites along the Mississippi River and “people watch”. Since Cafe Du Monde is located just outside the French Quarter, it is an excellent place to just sit and relax!
The Menu
The menu at Cafe Du Monde is very simple and still follows the original menu from 1862. It consists of Beignets, Cafe Au Lait which is made with the famous Southern Louisiana Community Coffee With Chicory, fresh orange juice, milk in white or chocolate, soft drinks, bottle water, regular coffee, iced coffee and even an Iced Cafe Au Lait for those sizzling hot days that are frequent in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Beignets!
It’s hard to say if the Beignets or the Cafe Au Lait is the bigger draw to Cafe Du Monde but in any case, you must try both of these items or you will be sorry!
Beignets are a simple pastry that made their way into New Orleans with the Ursuline Nuns of France in the 1700’s. Beignets are hand rolled and then deep-fried. They are served piping hot with a ton of powdered sugar! Beignets are great for any time of the day as a snack and a great way to start your day with breakfast.
An order of beignets at Cafe Du Monde consists of 3 hearty size beignets. One order and a Cafe Au Lait or cup of coffee will more than likely fill you up! Prices are very reasonable and an order of beignets and coffee will only cost you about $3.00. This is way cheaper than Starbucks!
Service
I have always been met with the most courteous waitresses and waiters at Cafe Du Monde. They always have a smile on their face, very pleasant and very helpful. It’s obvious that they enjoy the setting and working at Cafe Du Monde!
Taste…Mmmmmm!
The beignets are great. Who can pass up a hot and sugary pastry? My husband still has to go sneak one every now and then even though he is diabetic. I feel guilty ordering these now when he’s with me. I know how much he misses them!
Cafe Au Lait is also good. It is a rich blend of dark coffee with chicory. It is mixed half and half with hot milk. Adding hot milk mellows out the richness of the chicory.
My suggestion is a cup of Cafe Au Lait and an order of beignets for each person in your party! Trust me you will want to eat all three and maybe more!
Final Thoughts And Recommendation
Like the title says, if you go to the French Quarter, your trip is not complete unless you stop in at Cafe Du Monde! It’s a great place to sit down for a short rest after walking through the French Quarter. It’s also a great place to just sit and relax! Oh and did I mention the coffee and beignets are out of this world? Don’t miss it!
