Best cafés in New Orleans

107 people recommend, 38 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA, r/NOLA

Many people recommend Cafe du Monde for its beignets and coffee, across its outlets. The location shown is the City Park location, which many visitors name, and some like the shade of the old oaks there; one says the beignets taste better and the wait is shorter than at the French Quarter ones. Some say Loretta's makes the better beignet but credit Cafe du Monde for its atmosphere. Some find the beignets dense, chewy or disappointing, and one finds the French Quarter branch touristy and rushed. One suggests going late at night when there is rarely a line, and one says the City Park outlet has little to eat beyond sugary items.

City Park

43 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most commenters recommend Morning Call, and many praise the beignets. Several say it beats Cafe du Monde's. The location shown is the Canal Boulevard branch by the cemeteries, which several name; the old City Park outlet is not the one shown. One finds the beignets flavorless but likes the generous powdered sugar, one calls the coffee poor though the beignets acceptable, and one dismisses it as no better and thinks the praise is a trend.

Canal Boulevard

35 people recommend, 20 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/AskNOLA

Opinions are split on Cafe Beignet, a beignet cafe with several outlets; the location shown is the Royal Street shop, which a few name; other outlets are on Bourbon and Canal. Several say its beignets beat or match Cafe du Monde's, and a couple recommend the crawfish dishes. Several others find the beignets too doughy, and some find them bland or disappointing. One notes it is a few minutes from the other cafe and has no line.

Royal

33 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most people recommend Cherry Coffee Roasters, and many name it among the city's top local roasters. Many praise the coffee, and one calls its espresso excellent. Some commenters say it draws laptop workers and can fill up; one notes a range of seating. One finds the house drip blend not to their taste, one found a visit mediocre, and one won't go back after an unpleasant visit.

Laurel

31 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/AskNOLA, r/NewOrleans

Many people recommend Coffee Science, which has more than one location. The location shown is the South Broad shop, which a few commenters name, and one mentions a newer Bienville shop with outdoor seating. A few praise the espresso and several single out its beans, and a couple call it the city's best coffee or their top pick. One describes a big back patio. On the downside, a couple find the music loud, some warn there is no wifi, and one felt lukewarm after trying it.

30 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most people recommend Hey! Cafe, and many praise its coffee, with one calling it the best coffee spot in town. The location shown is the Lafitte Greenway shop; one commenter also mentions a newer Derbigny location. Several point to its beans for home brewing, and one calls a large bag the best local value they have found. Two warn about the drinks: one says the espresso often tastes burnt and another called a cappuccino the worst they have had. Two say the quality is inconsistent.

Greenway

28 people recommend, 2 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many commenters recommend Mojo Coffee House, which has several outlets; Freret, Magazine Street and the Tchoupitoulas roaster are all named, and the location shown is Freret. Many praise its coffee and beans, and one calls it their best all-around pick for taste, value and consistency. Several say it works for sitting and working at its outlets, while some find it too busy or office-like at times. One ranks it below Mammoth for coffee.

Freret

23 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most commenters recommend The Station in Mid-City, and several say the coffee is good or excellent. Several praise the outdoor area, which one says is mostly for reading and chatting while laptop users stay inside, and another suggests arriving early for a seat outside. One notes it is always crowded.

Bienville

20 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many people recommend Mammoth Coffee, mostly for its coffee and whole beans, and a few call the coffee excellent, top or terrific. A couple of commenters subscribe to its beans and praise the subscription. One had a poor cortado, possibly a one-off, though otherwise found the coffee fine, and one says the shop looks plain.

20 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA, r/NOLA

Congregation Coffee is widely recommended, and a couple of commenters call it a favorite while one names it an easy pick. Several point to the Algiers Point shop, with one noting you can reach it by ferry or bridge, and a couple call it reasonably priced. One says it roasts its own beans and pulls strong shots, and one mentions the shop's resident cat.

Algiers Point

19 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many people recommend The Vintage on Magazine Street, and many praise its beignets, with one calling them their favorite. One recommends the savory beignet eggs Benedict. Several say it works for reading or working over a coffee. Less keen are one who found the beignets their least favorite of those tried, one who finds the coffee unremarkable and one who advises against taking visitors there.

17 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many commenters recommend Applied Arts and several rate its coffee highly, with several calling it a favorite or a top local pick. A couple say the shop roasts its own beans nearby, and a couple praise the toasts, with one also liking the pastries and the building. One praises the strong drip.

Bywater

16 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most commenters recommend Z'otz, and several go there to study, read or work for hours. Several praise the vibe, with one describing it as cozy and quiet and another as a weird place with an awesome vibe, and two say it makes concentrating easy. Some note that it stays open late, closing around 11pm. One finds it sometimes dingy, and one liked the vibe but not the drinks.

Oak

16 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many commenters recommend Pond Coffee, and several say they love it or count it among their favorites. One calls its cappuccino the best in town and another found the espresso a highlight. One says buying a bag of beans comes with a complimentary espresso, and one says it is pricier than another shop they use. One notes there is no surcharge for oat milk.

Marigny

15 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most people recommend Rue de la Course, which has several shops; the location shown is the corner shop at Oak and Carrollton, set in a former bank building, which most who name one mean. Many say it works for studying or working, and several say it is quiet. A couple praise its spacious layout, and one notes its balcony. One says it is quiet only on weekdays, with weekends full and loud.

Oak Carrollton

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most people who weigh in recommend The Bean Gallery in Mid-City, and many name it as a pick. Some name it as a study spot and some say it stays open late, with one noting you can sit without buying anything. Some praise the food, with sandwiches and a pastry case mentioned, and one finds the chai very good. Several find it crowded or noisy, and one says it is not worth a special trip.

Mid City

13 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans

Many commenters name Baldwin & Co., a coffee shop and bookstore, among their picks, and one says it makes some of the top craft coffee in town. Another notes it uses French Truck beans and has good drink variety. A few mention outdoor seating, with one sitting out to read on work breaks, and one suggests it as an additional study spot. One visitor liked the space and books but was disappointed by the coffee and lack of dairy, and one finds it pricier than they would like with oat milk as the default.

Elysian Fields

13 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans

Many commenters recommend HI Volt Coffee as a local pick. A couple praise its muffins and other baked goods, one strongly praises the chimi wrap, and one says it makes a very good espresso. One praises its selection, and one names it a good option in the Lower Garden District.

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/NewOrleans

Most people recommend Trumpet and Drum on Magazine Street. Several say it works for getting work done, with one praising a back room, though several find it crowded. One picks it for drip and pour-over coffee, one thinks it makes better drinks than a nearby shop, and one calls it solid with good pastries, seasonal drinks and regular events. One names its mushroom pastry as their top pastry.

Magazine

12 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many commenters recommend Rook Cafe in Freret. Several say it works for studying or working, with one saying it is usually quiet with several rooms. One says it stays open later in the evening than most coffee shops, and one mentions board games and open mic nights. A couple like the vibe but find the drinks middling.

Freret

12 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Most people recommend Cafe Envie, and at the French Quarter location a couple of people enjoy the people-watching, while some note that it serves alcohol or stays open into the evening. One calls it a traditional cafe rather than a bookish hangout without couches, and one praises its blueberry muffin. A couple find it busy or crowded, and one says the coffee is terrible.

French Quarter

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA, r/NOLA

Most people recommend Flora's, a gallery and coffee shop on Royal Street, and a few describe its atmosphere as funky, homey or very relaxed. One says the soft serve is good, one points to it as open until midnight, and one notes it hosts crafting nights. One finds the coffee unremarkable though the food decent, one says prices run lower than other local coffee shops, and one questions whether it deserves recommending.

Franklin

10 people recommendvia r/AskNOLA, r/NewOrleans

Many commenters recommend this coffee shop on Gravier Street, and some say they have enjoyed it recently. One finds the espresso solid and the drip coffee good, one praises its coffee, courtyard and baked goods, and another notes it serves Hey's coffee.

7 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans

Many commenters recommend Old Road Coffee, and several name it as a place they enjoy or a favorite. One likes its outdoor seating and calm residential setting.

7 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

Many people recommend Petite Rouge Cafe, and two say it is relaxed, and two say it is good for getting work done, with one saying loud phone calls are discouraged.

Calhoun

7 people recommendvia r/AskNOLA, r/NewOrleans

Commenters recommend Spitfire, and several name it among their picks. One names it the top coffee choice, one calls it a hidden gem, and one is simply enthusiastic.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/NewOrleans

Many commenters recommend Undergrowth on Magazine Street. A couple mention its outdoor area or courtyard, with one saying it is usually quiet, and one calls its dirty chai top-notch. One praises its house-made nut and coconut milks, and one liked the space and its events but found the coffee disappointing.

6 people recommendvia r/AskNOLA, r/NewOrleans

People recommend The Orange Couch, a coffee shop on Royal Street in the Marigny. One loves its Vietnamese ice coffee, one finds the coffee pretty good, one calls it a nice little spot, and one lists it as a favorite place to work. It is also named as a Bywater spot to try.

Marigny

5 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA

People recommend Lowpoint, with several naming it as their pick or giving it a shout-out. One calls it great, praises its sandwiches and says it is off the tourist path. One rates the coffee very highly but finds the atmosphere of the new location disappointing.

5 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans

Five commenters recommend Junk Drawer: one says it has plenty of seating room and a few inexpensive menu items, one calls it great, and others name it as a pick; one agrees with the suggestion.