Where to find the best beignets in New Orleans

What is it: Café du Monde has been serving up the most iconic New Orleans beignets since 1862. Its green and white striped awning is a beacon in the French Quarter for tourists and locals alike. Your order arrives hot from the fryer, piled high with powdered sugar. 

Why we love it: Simplicity is key here. There are no major decisions, just an order of three and a beverage and you’re set for a sweet treat any time of day. Add a café au lait—strong chicory coffee with milk—and it becomes a ritual that connects you to generations of New Orleanians and visitors who have come here to watch the passing throngs on Decatur Street while digging in. For a more peaceful experience, visit the City Park location, shaded by majestic oak trees.

Time Out tip: Skip the line for table service and hit the takeout window to enjoy your order across the street in Jackson Square or along the Mississippi River. Take a peek around the side of the building to watch the beignet-makers in action.

Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Opening hours: 24/7

Expect to pay: $4.53 an order

What is it: Loretta’s was founded by the late Loretta Harrison, the first African-American woman to own a praline company in New Orleans. From Jazz Fest vendor to entrepreneur, Loretta made Loretta’s Pralines a beloved spot for sweets in the Marigny. Her sweet and savory beignets have earned a following as well, with her submission winning the top prize in the inaugural Beignet Fest in 2016. 

Why we love it: The variety of beignets here—especially the savory options—is a real treat. From the praline-stuffed beignet or a PB&J-stuffed version to savory beignets filled with crab, shrimp, burger or fried chicken, you’ll want to try them all. These unique, flavorful beignets have made Loretta’s famous all over again.

Time Out tip: Not every variety is available every day, but during special events and holidays, Loretta’s usually has all of them on the menu.

Address: 2101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Opening hours: Thu-Sat 9am-3pm

Expect to pay: $7-$15 depending on flavor

What is it: This stylish cafe on Magazine Street is an all-day destination for coffee, cocktails, bubbles and bites—both sweet and savory. Beignets get a playful twist here, and with so many options, you’ll want to keep coming back to try them all.

Why we love it: An order of classic beignets at The Vintage is a worthy option, but it’s the creative versions on the menu that make this spot stand out: chocolate-filled beignets, cinnamon-dusted mini beignet bites, even festive seasonal offerings like king cake, Easter bunny or shamrock beignets. Get an order of three traditional or, for those who can resist, just a single “simple” or “fancy” beignet. But you’ll want a flight of three fancy ones of course. Add a glass of bubbles and you’ve got a sweet celebration. On top of that, the chic environs make for a perfect hangout or date night.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the daily happy hour from 3-6pm with deals on drinks and snacks—including beignets.

Address: 3121 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 8am-9pm; Fri, Sat 8am-10pm

Expect to pay: $4.25 an order

What is it: This swanky restaurant in The Royal Sonesta features classic Creole fare in luxurious environs tucked away amidst the hubbub of Bourbon Street. With an indulgent menu featuring a dish called Death by Gumbo, you know their take on beignets is going to be one worth seeking out. 

Why we love it: Restaurant R’evolution’s blue crab beignets are a savory, upscale approach to the humble staple. Lush blue crab is folded into dough and lightly fried. It’s elegant but not over-the-top, and the crab shines through. The beignets are served with four different remoulades—be sure to try them all. R’evolution has an impressive wine selection, and these beignets are even better with the perfect pairing.

Time Out tip: Stop by the bar from 4-6 pm daily for a happy hour that includes beignets, served in a more laid-back setting.

Address: 777 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

Expect to pay: $20 an order

What is it: Morning Call got its start in the French Quarter not long after Café du Monde, and it remains that New Orleans icon’s biggest rival. Now located in Mid-City on Canal Boulevard, Morning Call is still bursting with eclectic, old-school charm and still draws legions of fans from across all generations. 

Why we love it: The airy space features pleasant, coffee shop vibes with plenty of seating at cafe tables or the central counter. Morning Call beignets are as classic as those at Café du Monde, but here the powdered sugar is DIY, so you can shake as little or as much as your sweet tooth desires. The local flare is matched by real New Orleans hospitality, making it worth the streetcar ride for an order of three. 

Time Out tip: The cafe has a small menu of breakfast fare and local favorites like red beans and gumbo, plus a selection of cocktails that make for a perfect late-night pairing.

Address: 5101 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 7am-midnight; Fri-Sat 7am-1am

Expect to pay: $3.50 an order

What is it: This French Quarter favorite has four locations—Canal, Bourbon, Decatur and Royal. Cafe Beignet’s Parisian vibes make for a chill alternative to the crowds at Café du Monde. Here you’ll find breakfast favorites, sandwiches, and classic New Orleans dishes like red beans and rice and crawfish étouffée alongside the sweet star of the show. 

Why we love it: The Royal Street location is the ideal setting for enjoying an order of three and a café au lait (hot or iced). The beignets here are light, slightly crisp on the outside and luxuriously fluffy. They’re so light, you might want to give in and order another round. The relaxed atmosphere and leafy courtyard at this location are an ideal setting to slow down and savor a leisurely snack while observing bustling Royal Street.

Time Out tip: The Royal Street location is also a great spot to catch some live street music out front.

Address: 334 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 7am-6pm; Fri, Sat 7am-8pm

Expect to pay: $4.75 an order

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What is it: The name says it all—this casual Gentilly spot makes beignets and burgers even better by, well, stuffing them with even more tasty stuff. Generous portions, bold flavors and unapologetic indulgence is how they roll. With outdoor seating and cocktails, it’s a lively spot for a creative burger or beignet.

Why we love it: Beignets are fried to order, with your choice of fillings. Savory options include the likes of crawfish, shrimp and crab, Philly cheesesteak or barbecue beef. Of course, you can go for a traditional beignet when it comes to dessert, but why not roll with the over-the-top theme and dig into an order of beignets stuffed with cheesecake, strawberries, peanut butter, or sweet potato?

Time Out tip: If you’re opting for a burger, go for the one stuffed with cheddar and bacon that’s topped off with crawfish sauce.

Address: 3325 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm

Expect to pay: $15-$20, depending on flavor

What is it: Refined but spirited, La Petite Grocery on buzzy Magazine Street is the place to go for a bit of edge alongside familiar classics. It’s where traditional French technique meets the best of Gulf Coast flavors, and Chef Justin Devillier’s signature blue crab beignets demonstrate this combo beautifully.

Why we love it: These tender beignets are filled with sweet Louisiana blue crab, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and paired with a malt vinegar aioli. Each bite delivers rich crab flavor balanced by light batter, creating an appetizer that’s elevated yet rooted in New Orleans tradition.

Time Out tip: Paired with a crisp white wine from the solid by‑the‑glass list, these beignets are the perfect start to a meal. 

Address: 4238 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-9pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Sun 10:30am-2:30pm, 5-9pm

Expect to pay: $21 for an order

What is it: This eclectic, laid-back cafe in the Carrollton neighborhood is known for locally-roasted coffee and creative pressed sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. From classics like apple and brie or a Cubano to more inventive options such as shrimp and grits (yes, a sandwich) or a caprese (yes, pressed), this menu can surprise and delight. But perhaps the most surprising, and delicious, item is the Oreo beignets.

Why we love it: These beignets take two beloved treats and combine them into one irresistible bite. Classic pillowy beignets are stuffed with crumbled Oreos that melt into the warm dough. A thick dusting of powdered sugar finishes the job, balancing sweet crunch with airy softness. It’s sweet, gooey and a whole lot of fun. Pair with a coffee or an iced latte and you’ve got yourself a dessert for the ages.

Time Out tip: If you can’t get enough, you can order a whole box full to share with friends.

Address: 7329 Cohn St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-2pm

Expect to pay: $7.50 an order

What is it: This family-run, old school Mid‑City favorite draws regulars for its friendly, local vibes and crowd-pleasing pizzas and pastas alongside Louisiana classics like andouille gumbo, shrimp po-boys, muffalettas and etouffee. It’s a neighborhood joint that feels like home, with creative offerings that make it stand out. The Cajun Cuban is a popular mashup, but their savory crawfish beignets are a must-try appetizer.

Why we love it: Katie’s fills their beignets with seasoned crawfish tails, herbs and cheese. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside. It nails New Orleans comfort food: rich, fried and stuffed with seafood.

Time Out tip: Pair it with an ice-cold local beer for a true taste of Louisiana.

Address: 3701 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-5pm

Expect to pay: $18 an order