Café Du Monde: A New Orleans Landmark of Coffee and Beignets
Located in the heart of the French Quarter on Decatur Street, Café Du Monde (French for 'Café of the World' or 'the People's Café') is more than just a coffee shop; it is a quintessential New Orleans landmark. Famous for its open-air atmosphere and signature treats, it has become a primary destination for tourists and locals alike seeking a taste of Louisiana's rich culinary heritage.
The café is best known for its iconic pairing of café au lait (coffee with steamed milk) and beignets (deep-fried dough squares). This simple yet enduring menu reflects a history that spans over a century and a half, maintaining a commitment to traditional recipes that have remained largely unchanged since the business first opened.
Key Facts
- Established: 1862, making it the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans.
- Signature Menu: Coffee with chicory and powdered-sugar-covered beignets.
- Location: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day (as of 2026).
- Ownership: Owned by the Fernandez family.
- Capacity: Seating for 400 guests with a casual dress code.
The History of New Orleans Coffee and Beignets
The roots of Café Du Monde's menu stretch back to the early 1700s when French settlers brought coffee to the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River regions. During the American Civil War, a coffee shortage led New Orleans Creoles to develop a blend using chicory, a root that adds a distinct, chocolate-like flavor to the brew. This chicory-blended coffee remains a staple of the café today.
The beignet, a square piece of fried dough without a center hole, was introduced to Louisiana in the 18th century by Acadians (Cajuns) from Nova Scotia. While beignets can be served with various toppings like jam or syrup elsewhere, Café Du Monde serves them in orders of three, topped with a generous coating of powdered sugar.
From Coffee Stand to Institution
Café Du Monde began as a simple coffee stand in 1862 at the upriver end of the French Market. The original site, known as "The Butcher's Hall," was a Spanish-built structure from 1791 that was later replaced in 1813 following hurricane damage. For over a century, it competed with Morning Call (established 1870), which eventually moved to Metairie in 1974.
While the menu has seen minor additions like iced coffee and sodas, the core offerings—dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, hot chocolate, and fresh-squeezed orange juice—have stayed consistent for generations.
Resilience and Expansion
Recovery After Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina forced the shop to close on August 27, 2005. Despite suffering only minor damage, the café remained closed for nearly two months, during which time the owners refurbished the kitchens and eating areas. The reopening on October 19, 2005, was widely reported by over 100 media outlets, including Good Morning America, serving as a symbolic sign of the city's recovery.
Growth and Global Reach
Starting in the late 1980s, the brand expanded into shopping malls. There are currently nine locations in the New Orleans metropolitan area, including sites at the Louis Armstrong International Airport, City Park, and various malls such as Lakeside and Oakwood.
The brand also ventured internationally. In 1990, the Duskin Company opened the first Japanese franchise. At its peak, the franchise grew to 32 locations, mirroring the green and white aesthetic of the French Quarter. While the Japanese outlets introduced seasonal desserts and varied beignet toppings, they maintained the original chicory coffee recipe. However, the partnership ended on March 31, 2018, and all Japanese locations were closed.
Products and Cultural Impact
Beyond the café walls, Café Du Monde coffee is available in characteristic orange-yellow tins. Interestingly, these products became popular in independent East Asian grocery stores across the U.S. This was driven by Vietnamese refugees who, sharing a French colonial history, were accustomed to chicory coffee. Many Vietnamese residents in New Orleans worked at the café and sent the coffee to family members nationwide.
The café's fame has extended into popular culture, appearing in the Dave Robicheaux novels, the film Chef, the TV series Tremé, and even an episode of The Simpsons. It has also been featured in songs by Jimmy Buffett and Marcus King.
Summary of Café Du Monde
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1862 |
| Primary Products | Coffee with chicory, Beignets |
| Main Location | 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Global Presence | Formerly franchised in Japan (1990–2018) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a beignet and a doughnut?
Unlike most doughnuts, beignets are squared pieces of dough with no hole in the middle. At Café Du Monde, they are deep-fried and served with a thick coating of powdered sugar.
What is chicory coffee?
Chicory coffee is a blend of coffee and chicory root. This practice began in New Orleans during the American Civil War due to coffee shortages; the chicory adds a chocolate-like flavor to the drink.
Does Café Du Monde take reservations?
No, Café Du Monde does not accept reservations.
Can I buy Café Du Monde products outside of New Orleans?
Yes, the café sells a packaged beignet mix and coffee with chicory, which can be found in various markets and independent grocery stores across the United States.
Is the café open at night?
Yes, the Café Du Monde location is open 24 hours a day.