Grabbing a table at Cafe du Monde for an order of these fluffy, square doughnuts piled high with powdered sugar is a must for any visitor. (Locals are fans, too.) It’s easy to fit into any schedule as the flagship French Quarter location stays open 24/7 (the City Park location is another pleasant spot to enjoy, surrounded by beautiful oak trees). Don’t forget to try a cafe au lait, and remember to peek into the back kitchen window to see where the magic happens.
If you’re strolling along the top of Decatur Street in the French Quarter, don’t be surprised if you see traces of sugar dusting the sidewalk—some of the best beignets in New Orleans are just a few steps away, and they tend to leave a mark. The beignet, a puffy and square doughnut that’s deep-fried and piled high with powdered sugar, is a beloved New Orleans treat. Locals are loyal to their favorite spots (of which there are plenty), but the best beignets in New Orleans all offer the same thing: hot, chewy, sugary bites perfectly paired with a cafe au lait.
Of course, the green and white awning of Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is often a stop on every visitor's list, and certainly one of New Orlean’s most famous restaurants. And while most travelers make a beeline here (it’s open 24 hours!), there are plenty of other notable beignets around the city. Most serve up the treat in its standard form, while some offer variations of both the sweet and savory variety—blue crab beignets, anyone?
A beignet can be the perfect finish to a fabulous meal at a top New Orleans restaurant, a surprisingly good cocktail pairing at a bar, or a hearty dish that offers sustenance to fuel a day tackling all of the amazing things to do in The Big Easy. Here’s where to find the best beignets in New Orleans—we won't hold it against you if you manage to get out there and try them all.
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