The Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans
Ahh, the Big Easy. Those who live elsewhere likely see New Orleans as a party town. A destination. A hedonistic playground. A city that boasts one of the world’s greatest culinary scenes, one of the world’s greatest music scenes, and some of the world’s greatest festivals. And they’d be right. From the French Quarter to Frenchmen Street, from the Garden District to the Warehouse District, from the Lower 9th to Uptown, and from Central City to Mid-City, there’s just no place like New Orleans.
What many don’t know, however, is that the Big Easy has a bustling coffee scene. It’s a mecca for coffee lovers, particularly those who were out partying their asses off the night before. Now, it’s the morning after, and they’re itching to find the best coffee in New Orleans.
It can be a tough choice. New Orleans is dotted abundantly with quirky quick-stops and cozy cafes where you can get your caffeine fix…and then some.
Here are some of the best coffee shops in New Orleans (23 to be exact) to help you kickstart your day:
Mojo Coffee House (Two Locations)
Mojo Coffee House opened its first location in 2006 right on Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District. This location has since expanded and has become a morning destination for those who live in the LGD. It’s also a great place to study for those LSATs, work remotely, or pretend to be writing that screenplay you’ve been talking about for the past three years.
In 2012, Mojo opened its second location on the now bustling Freret Street corridor. A bit smaller than the Magazine Street location, Mojo on Freret Street is still a perfect place to perk up. And its not far from Tulane and Loyola University.
Mojo’s beans are all “ethically sourced, hand-sorted and small-batch roasted” right in the Big Easy at their roastery located on Tchoupitoulas Street. Mojo is also one of the first coffee shops in New Orleans to introduce hand-crafted pour over methods. The folks behind Mojo “strive to highlight the innate sweetness and unique flavor characteristics of each of our coffees, and focus on ensuring consistency from seed to cup.”
Mojo also serves up pastries, muffins, lots of Gluten-Free and Vegan desserts, and hand-made breakfast burritos. But really it’s the super friendly staff, beautifully brewed coffee, and awesome ambience that make Mojo a must-visit when you need your caffeine fix in the Crescent City.
Fourth Wall Coffee
Fourth Wall Coffee is so f***ing cool. Tucked away in a storied building (once an Edison phonograph shop) on Gravier Street in the heart of the Central Business District, Fourth Wall shares its space with the Beaubourg Theater and Labarre Wine Bar.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll immediately notice the funky decor, the fully-stocked bookshelves, and the counter where you can order your caffeinated concoction of choice. Fourth Wall offers coffee, espresso, and tea beverages featuring beans from local roasters like HEY Coffee Co., Pretty Coffee Roasting and Exile Coffee Roasters. They also have some bomb-ass breakfast tacos.
Once you order, you’ll head to the back where you can chill out and channel your inner creative. The Beaubourg Theater offers a sizable space for getting sh*t done, while the very cute rear courtyard has a small stage for live music.
Whether you live in New Orleans or you’re just in town for a bachelorette party, if you feel like you’ve hit a wall, then try re-filling your tank at Fourth Wall, y’all. Or make it your go-to spot for pretending to write that screenplay you’ve been talking about for three years.
CC’s (on Esplanade)
Come for the Cold Brew; stay for the atmosphere. Founded in 1995, CC’s Coffee is a prominent local chain, with dozens of locations across Louisiana. But this particular location is undeniably special. It’s a corner building that sits on gorgeous Esplanade Ave., where N. White St. and Desoto St. collide.
If you’re unfamiliar with New Orleans, this part of Esplanade Ave. runs through the Bayou St. John neighborhood, an absolutely wonderful part of the city. Get your caffeine fix and then walk or bike in either direction down Esplanade. Eventually you’ll find the bottom of the French Quarter or you’ll find yourself entranced by City Park.
Does CC’s have the best coffee in the city? Absolutely not. Although, there’s something about their Cold Brew that makes it strangely addicting.
CC’s is mostly known for it’s super sugary drinks like the Mochachip and the Turtle Mochasippi. Otherwise, you can get your standard coffee drinks like a latte or a Cafe Au Lait. They also serve up smoothies, herbal teas, and a variety of pastries.
Whatever you get, just make sure you also snag some outdoor seating so you can soak up the surrounding scenery on Esplanade Ave. That’s what really makes this New Orleans coffee shop a must.
The Vintage
A coffee shop, then a restaurant, then another coffee shop, and now The Vintage, this bustling café sits on a busy stretch of Magazine Street that separates the Garden District from the Irish Channel – both historic New Orleans neighborhoods.
Not only does The Vintage have great coffee and tea, it also serves up sweet, fluffy, handcrafted beignets in a variety of flavors. Get a bag of Traditional Beignets or a bag of Beignet Bites, or try a Fancy Beignet. The Fancy Beignet flavors change on the regular, but there’s always something to tickle your…fancy.
The Vintage also has a full bar and a full menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner items like Avocado Toast, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Flatbreads, Pressed Sandwiches, and a Seared Tuna Salad. Definitely try the Chicken Wings (with a dry rub to die for) and the Vi Truffle Parmesan Fries.
The Vintage has a little something for everyone. And the place can get rowdy, especially during Happy Hour. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, go in the morning before the crowd starts shuffling in. Bring your pup (they’re dog-friendly!) sit outside and enjoy the people watching!
St. Coffee on St. Claude
St. Coffee on St. Claude sits on a busy stretch of…you guessed it…St. Claude, and borders New Orleans’ super funky Bywater neighborhood.
St. Coffee features all your classic coffee drinks, from Cold Brew and Cappuccinos to Mochas and Lattes. No surprise there. They’ve also got muffins, pastries, and other desserts. No surprise there, either. You may be surprised, however, when you bury your face into one of their awesomely delicious, big-ass, made-to-order breakfast burritos.
What really makes St. Coffee so great is the supremely friendly staff and the ginormous courtyard lined with picnic tables and such. It’s the perfect outdoor space for getting sh*t done. Or for getting nothing done. Or for hanging out with your homies. Or for watching cars drive by on St. Claude. Or whatever. I guess that’s the beauty of being an adult; you get to do what you want.
Just make sure you stop by St. Coffee or God will punish you.
The Bean Gallery
Mid City’s Coffee Destination, The Bean Gallery sits on a fairly quiet stretch of Carrolton Avenue, just a stone’s throw from Bayou St. John and City Park. It’s a bustling little café that’s open late and provides an ideal study spot for students.
The Bean Gallery has wonderful coffee, with a rotating selection of flavored Cold Brews. If you’re lucky, you’ll stop in when they’re pouring up either their Peanut Butter Cold Brew or their Pistachio Cold Brew.
You can also order from The Bean Gallery’s full menu. They’ve got some nice breakfast items like a Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuit, mini quiches, muffins, croissants, pastries, and a bagel with lox. The Tomato Cucumber Bagel is highly recommended. They also have a slew of panini sandwiches served with a side of chips, potato salad, or fruit.
So, if you’re in Mid-City, make sure you pop into the Bean Gallery. They’ve also got a nice little patio that faces Carrolton Avenue.
Coffee Science
Not necessarily in the best location, Coffee Science sits right on busy Broad Street, which can be a bit of a clusterf*ck. So, if you don’t know New Orleans well, just getting to Coffee Science and finding a parking spot can become a time-consuming experiment.
That said, if you’re willing to brave Broad Street, Coffee Science is most definitely worth a visit. An Espresso and Coffee Bar, Coffee Science sources the best beans they can find, and then the brew ’em up using…Science! In fact, the back room looks a little like a science lab. They’ve also got a killer courtyard. Unfortunately, though, they do not have WI-FI. (Seriously, who doesn’t have wi-fi??!??)
HINT: Try the Venetian Creme, an iced latte made with with coconut milk, oat milk, and a splash of cane sugar. Or try the the Bavarian Creme, a Venetian Creme mixed with their secret Ghirardelli chocolate blend.
In addition to their menu of super science-y coffee drinks, Coffee Science also serves Cocktails, house made pastries, and breakfast, brunch and lunch items. They have plenty of vegan and Gluten-Free options as well. You can order pickup or delivery on their website.
The Orange Couch
If you ever find yourself meandering through the Marigny – and there’s a good chance you will – you must visit The Orange Couch, a modern coffeehouse that boasts “good vibes, great pals, and groovy coffee.” Located on Royal Street, not far from Frenchmen Street and the bottom of the French Quarter, The Orange Couch serves all your favorite coffee drinks plus a variety of treats, pastries, breakfast tacos, and more.
You can order from the the take-out window, or you can head inside and plop down on the big orange couch right in the middle of the place. (Which came first: the couch or the name?) Definitely try their Vietnamese Iced Coffee; it might be the best in town.
Delightfully dog-friendly with plenty of outdoor seating, The Orange Couch has been a local go-to spot since 2010. Oh, by the way, they also have ice cream!
French Truck (Multiple Locations)
Now boasting nine locations, French Truck has become a veritable institution in New Orleans. It’s impossible to miss any French Truck location because of the brand’s signature bright yellow color.
According to French Truck founder, Geoffrey Meeker, “French Truck Coffee inspired by a bag of coffee brought to me in 2009 by a cousin from San Francisco. The coffee had been roasted only two days before I made a cup, and drinking it was an experience I will never forget.”
French Truck sources some of the finest beans from Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, and roasts them in small batches. Some menu highlights include their version of a NOLA Iced Coffee and their Oji Drip Coffee. They also have a selection of sandwiches and pastries.
Visit French Truck’s website to find the location nearest you. I’m partial to the French Truck on Dryades Street.
Cherry Coffee Roasters
Slightly off the beaten path on a cozy residential block of Laurel Street in Uptown, Cherry Coffee Roasters is bringing a breadth of coffee knowledge to the neighborhood. All of their coffee is made from beans grown at quality and ethically sourced farms. And their selection is vast.
Cherry Coffee also provides a quiet, comfortable atmosphere, making it a great place to study or catch up with a friend. It’s a laid-back espresso bar with rustic industrial vibes. They also serve a variety of light bites like pastries and Avocado Toast.
You can order specialty coffee from Cherry’s website. You can also place an order for pickup or book their space for a private event.
Backatown Coffee Parlour
As they like to say, “We are not Uptown, not quite downtown but Backatown!”
This locally-owned coffee boutique is located at the site of old Storyville on historic Basin Street, just a block from St. Louis Cemetery, Canal Street, the Rampart Streetcar line, and two blocks from the New Orleans Welcome Station.
In addition to premium coffee and espresso drinks, Backatown also serves loose leaf teas, juices, freshly baked pastries and desserts, and a variety of sandwiches and other light fare. Most impressive, perhaps, is the atmosphere – a large, airy, and light-filled space with a plethora of comfortable seating.
If you find yourself in the French Quarter, you’d be wise to walk over to Basin Street and visit Backatown. These folks are doing it right, and doing it with lots of love. And it’s clear how proud they are to be part of the reawakening of businesses along Basin Street.
Baldwin & Co.
New Orleans was positively abuzz when Baldwin & Co first opened in early 2021 on the corner of St. Claude and Elysian Fields. That’s because Baldwin & Co is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a black-owned independent bookstore, podcast studio, and community gathering place that celebrates black culture. Its name pays homage to the legendary writer, James Baldwin.
But for our purposes, it’s important to point out that Baldwin & Co has some damn fine coffee. Try the If Beale Street Could Talk, which is one of their signature coffee drinks. They also have a small selection of pastries and tons of outdoor seating. Totally beats the Starbucks across the street.
Baldwin & Co really is an amazing place, likely to be a staple of the community for years to come. It’s a must-visit, whether you live in New Orleans or you don’t.
Petite Clouet Cafe
“Petite” is definitely the perfect word to describe this little New Orleans cafe on Royal and Clouet in the heart of the Bywater neighborhood. Little though it may be, they’re serving up a big selection of coffee, espresso, pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. Not to mention breakfast tacos from local favorite, Rosalita’s.
A go-to for those who live in the neighborhood, Petite Clouet Cafe is also a great place for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown or uptown.
So pop in, grab a coffee, and chill out. The super-friendly staff is a nice bonus.
Treme Coffeehouse
Of all the New Orleans cafes, Treme Coffeehouse is one of the most treasured. This colorful, family-owned coffeehouse has been proudly serving the historic Treme neighborhood for years. For you history buffs, Treme was the first Black Indigenous American neighborhood under colonialism.
Treme Coffehouse uses fair trade beans roasted by Orleans Coffee Exchange. They serve all the classics: hot brew, cold brew, drip coffee, espresso, and more. They also serve artisan aromatic loose leaf teas, pastries and bread from La Louisiane Bakery, and classic New Orleans snoballs from syrups made in house.
Get a taste of history at Treme Coffeehouse. And a taste of delicious brew. But don’t dilly-dally. They close at 2pm!
HiVolt
This funky little spot on Sophie Wright Place has been giving caffeinated love to the Lower Garden District for years now. With a kind of modern throwback vibe, HiVolt prides itself on quality, freshness, and healthiness.
In addition to all the coffee classics, HiVolt brews up a host of other delicious (and nutritious!) drinks like their Matcha Latte, Green Smoothie, Blue Smoothie, Spirulina Smoothie, Cacao Smoothie, and Honey Cayenne Latte, You can also get a Bullet Proof coffee with butter and MCT oil.
HiVolt also has a pretty epic food menu with some killer breakfast items like the Good Morning Vietnam and my personal favorite The Dom Sandwich. They also have a variety of great salads and bowls. The Souper Bowl in particular is a total score. Check out their menu for yourself.
Rue De La Course
This very cool coffee shop occupies an old, historic bank building on Oak St. and Carrolton Ave, an absolutely beautiful part of town. It’s an open, airy space with gimongous windows, casual vibes, and a second floor with additional seating. All that coupled with the soft, classical music makes it the perfect place to get your study on.
Probably most famous for its caffe latte, Rue De La Course serves 100% arabica coffees, all roasted over a gas flame in small batches using the natural cooling process. They’ve got all the classic hot and iced coffee and tea beverages, plus a variety of Italian sodas. And their specialty bagel sandwiches are the bomb.
If you’re new to New Orleans, get out of the French Quarter and head to the opposite part of town (most tourists don’t) so you can check out Rue De La Course, which has been caffeinating the Crescent City since 1990.
Z’otz
Nestled on Oak Street just a hop, skip, and a jump from the aforementioned Rue De La Course, you’ll find Z’otz, an eclectic little joint with killer coffee and apocalyptic vibes. They use only Certified Organic and Fair Trade coffee from Orleans Coffee Roasters.
Z’otz actually has some tantalizing iced teas like Black Pear, Blackberry Hibiscus, and Green Pomegranate. They also brew up some pretty sick (the good version of sick) Specialty Drinks. Try the White Zombie made with white chocolate and espresso. Or if you’re really dragging ass, get the Double Strength Iced Coffee.
Z’otz also had a variety of muffins, pastries, and vegan desserts.
Old Road Coffee
Located on Bayou Road in historic Treme, this third-wave coffeehouse has become something of a community hub. Not only is it locally owned and sourced, Old Road Coffee hosts regular art markets, songwriter’s nights, and neighborhood brunches.
It’s no surprise that Old Road is quickly becoming a local favorite. It’s got a super relaxing and pleasant vibe with supremely friendly staff.
It’s also worth mentioning that they have the absolute BEST breakfast burritos, brought in fresh each morning by Survivor’s Catering. Seriously. The BEST.
So, venture off the beaten path and visit Old Road Coffee. HINT: If you’ve had your fill of coffee, try the Oat Milk Chai Latte.
Undergrowth Coffee
Located on a busy stretch of Magazine Street right next to the landmark 24-hour bar Ms. Mae’s, Undergrowth Coffee is a truly special coffee shop on a mission.
“We believe in the impact of symbiotic, mutual growth and the power of small changes that lead us down the path toward a sustainable future,” the folks at Undergrowth say on their website. “Much like the undergrowth of the rainforest, we seek to provide a platform for upward momentum in all facets of our industry.”
Small but mighty, Undergrowth sources all of its green coffees directly from low-emission mills and warehouses. And every single-use product they deliver is 100% compostable and/or biodegradable. They also ensure that any import teams with whom they trade are fair and producer-focused.
Order online from Undergrowth’s website or stop in for some deliciousness – particularly if you’ve been partying all night (and all morning) at Ms. Mae’s.
HINT: The Spiced Cold Brew is a must try.
Park Island Brew
Located on Gentilly Blvd., close to the Fairgrounds (home of Jazz Fest), this little coffee shop is serving up big flavor and big personality. Park Island Brew is locally owned and operated by lifelong New Orleanians, which is probably why they place and emphasis on family and community.
Park Island Brew offers an array of specialty espresso and coffee drinks, and a variety of teas and tea beverages including a delicious chai latte and a very nice matcha latte. The shop also offers pastries and ice cream. Try the Espresso Milkshake!
The folks at Park Island Brew are incredibly welcoming, whether you have two legs or four. So, pop into Park Island with your furry friends and enjoy some of the best coffee in the city.
CR Coffee Shop
What started as a kiosk in St. Roch Market has now expanded to a full-fledged coffee shop located in an old shotgun house on a great stretch of Magazine Street. It’s a cozy spot with comfortable outdoor seating. And they’re brewing up some great coffee.
CR serves Coast Roast Coffee, which prides itself on getting coffee back to its simplest and freshest form. Coast Roast coffee is roasted on antique coffee roasters with traditional roasting techniques. All of their syrups are made in house with real, natural ingredients. Their specialty drinks have been highly thought out from the coffee farm, through blending and roasting, all the way to your cup.
If you like Cold Brew, CR Coffee is definitely worth a visit. Try the Cold Brew Cubano or the Sweet Vanilla Cream Cold Brew. You can also buy their Cold Brew by the gallon.
If you don’t live in New Orleans but you’d still like to sip on some CR Coffee, you can order a variety of blends on their website.
The Station
You could easily drive right by this funky little building on Bienville Street in Mid-City without noticing that it’s a popular New Orleans coffee shop and cafe. But The Station, in fact, has been fueling Mid-City residents with some of the finest caffeinated beverages and freshly baked goods for several years now.
Not only do they serve a variety of roasts from all over the world, they have a vast selection of handmade treats like coffee cake, frittatas, sausage rolls, and kolaches.
Inside, it’s a cozy space. But they’ve got a huge yard with plenty of outdoor seating. So, if you’re rolling through Mid-City, make sure you fuel up at The Station.
Cafe Du Monde
What would a list of awesome New Orleans coffee be without the world-famous Café du Monde? Situated on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, this landmark, open-air coffee shop has serving beignets and café au laits since 1862. Café Du Monde coffee is also widely available across America. Visit virtually any supermarket and you can’t miss those iconic blue and orange cans.
Here’s the straight scoop: Café Du Monde is one of New Orleans’ biggest tourist traps. You can get better coffee and even better beignets at several other places where you won’t have to wait in an egregiously long line. But it’s still worth a visit, particularly if it’s your first time in the Big Easy.
Get there super early to avoid the lines. Grab your chicory coffee, grab your beignets, grab a heaping pile of napkins, and grab a table. There’s no better place to soak up the sights and sounds of New Orleans.
As you can see, New Orleans has an amazing coffee scene. So, whether you’re a long-time resident or a short-time visitor, now you know where to get your Crescent City caffeine fix.
