10/29/09

Have a coffee and beignet but please don't wait in line

by PDXGIRL

Stop here and yes have a coffee and beignet b/c of the tradition. Do not go on Sunday morning! You will wait in line and be disappointed, not worth the wait but worth going there when a table is readily available to sit down and experience history, Kind of. Such an important part of New Orleans history; although it feels like China Town since all the servers were Chinese, kind of took away from the experience.. If you expect to feel like you are sitting in a Cafe in Paris, or even old New Orleans, don't go.

• Pros: fast service
• Cons: atmosphere is not what I expected

05/18/09

It was like midtown Shanghai

by Foodietoo

We wanted an iced coffee. I was leary, as it looks like it caters to people from Bucksnort Iowa, and I was right. We were over-charged, and couldn't argue the point because the staff were all Chinese, and didn't understand what I was trying to say. I left frustrated after paying $10.00 for two iced coffees and a pastry.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Tourist trap with no redeeming qualities

01/15/09

didn't live up to expectations

by caliprncss6

it's very crowded thanks to the historical nature, and the location is good. The staff isn't exactly friendly, but they're really busy and they try to be fast. The coffee is a special chickory flavor you either love or hate, but it's not like regular coffee. The beignets didn't live up to the hype... they get them to you warm, but they're so busy they let them overcook all the time and they get chewy. They also load about 1/2 a box of powdered sugar on every order... more than anyone could ever eat and at a huge waste to the company I'm sure. The hard part with that is you end up wearing the sugar everywhere if there's the remotest bit of wind... after getting through all that and feeling a bit dry if you order water they hand you a glass the size of a large thimble...

• Pros: good value, fun location and history
• Cons: average food, no regular coffee, difficult to get seated or get service, impossible for large groups

11/17/07

Negative reviews miss the point

by chuckberry

The handful of negative reviews of the Cafe Du Monde completely miss the point of this New Orleans institution. Because it is open to the street 24 hours a day and VERY high traffic, it will not and cannot be a paragon of cleanliness and speedy, friendly customer service. The situation is too out of control for that to happen. You get a melange of all of New Orleans and everyone that goes there. Humanity is not tidy, and the Cafe reflects the truth of the humans that give it its energy. You can get good service, and you can get bad service, but the cafe au lait and beignets are a constant, as is the opportunity to see the world passing in front of you.

It is not called "du monde" without reason. It's the true center of New Orleans as far as I'm concerned, and no trip to N.O. is complete without a visit.

• Pros: THE place to come see New Orleans without having to stand up.
• Cons: Pricey local parking.

06/27/07

Gotta Go For The Beignets

by cc1231

This Cafe Du Mode is an outdoor place to grab a quick bite. The beignets are out of this world and honestly, the only reason to stop by - other than to say you've been there. The cafe au lait leaves a lot to be desired as does the waitstaff. The coffee is inconsistent and you're lucky if you have an actual full cup after the waiter "throws" it at you. At certain times of the day you can also catch some decent street muscians or have a good conversation with other patrons.

• Pros: beignets!!!
• Cons: service

05/22/07

fun in a cloud of powdered sugar

by thirdcoast4

I went here three times in a matter of five days during a visit to New Orleans. Each time, I went at a different part of the day. Overall, the food was fantastic-- I had your obligatory beignets as well as their cafe au lait. Their hot chocolate was also very good. Go in the early morning if you want a quieter way to start your day. In the afternoon, the outdoor seating area is a great place to people watch or take a break from your stroll along the riverside street. Deep in the heart of the night, go to see the action and liveliness of New Orleans with other people getting their midnight snack. The service was friendly and quick. This is a must-see (and eat) when you are in the Big Easy!

• Pros: 24 hours, tasty food, warm drinks
• Cons: bring something to wipedown your hands, powered sugar is good but messy

04/25/07

Great beignets & coffee

by joker814

A great place, on weekdays, to have beignets & coffee. However do not expect great or even average service and no "southern" hospitality. The first day we went the service was minimal, the next time we went it was nonexistant, even the manager was abrupt & rude. It was not crowded since it was in winter & in the middle of the week. We loved the beignets, but were surprised at the treatment of customers.

• Pros: great beignets, coffee & atmosphere
• Cons: terrible to indifferent service, no parking

03/10/07

Beignets are Bangin'

by peachacid

This is definitely a necessary New Orleans experience. My boyfriend and I had cafe au lait and beignets here twice -- once just to use the bathroom -- and both times we were able to get seating quickly and were served promptly. The first time the waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. I saw a huge long line there this morning (Saturday morning around 10), so that's not the time to go! Also, the bathrooms are DISGUSTING and there is powdered sugar EVERYWHERE. As far as that goes, though, it's hard to find a bathroom if you're walking around -- it's better to pay two bucks for some beignets to use a gross bathroom than to pay six or seven bucks for a drink to use a grossish bathroom! Also this place is good for groups and for couples.

03/05/07

Food from Thieves

by user311983

Well, the beignets were great, but I can't say as much for the staff. I was there with two friends and we enjoyed a great little snack, knowing we HAD to eat at Cafe du Monde while in the Big Easy. My friend left his wallet on the table when we left. We left the cafe, crossed the street and then he realized it was gone...we hadn't been gone for more the three minutes. When we returned, the place was as empty as it was when we left....except the wallet was gone. We pleaded with the staff to "look in the back room" saying that we wouldn't ask any questions-still no one came forward. We explained that we didn't care about the money, credit cards, we just needed his military ID back...still no response. Eventually we gave up. No one was there when we left, and no one was there when we came back - except the staff who played dumb the whole time. My friend is in the Coast Guard...a military branch that New Orleans owes a great deal of thanks to...I guess this is how New Orleans shows their appreciation.

01/30/07

A bear of a wait, but worth it!!

by trenchnurse

This place survived Katrina, and thank God! The beignets are pure heaven. They are messy with their powdered sugar so get plenty of napkins. The coffee is great also; the perfect combo with about three or four beignets. However, the place with exercise your patience because they are always busy and the line to the bathroom should be measured in hours, not minutes. Parking is terrible so expect a walk from wherever you park. Even if you are driving through, you must stop here. It is definitely a destination treat!

• Pros: taste, history, tradition, people-watching
• Cons: parking, price