While the rest of the country is excited about bears and apple picking, in New Orleans the first week of October is all about Beignet Fest. For one day, the city converges onto the Festival Grounds at City Park to taste every sweet and savory beignet our chefs have to offer. This year the 3rd annual FREE event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From beignets filled with crawfish to beignets filled with Oreos, 30 local restaurants and food trucks serve up their very best for festival attendees in hopes of getting your vote for the best sweet and the best savory beignet of the year.
By far, the best part of the festival is being able to discover how many varieties beignets are out there. We all know and love Cafe Du Monde, not only for the taste but also for their rich history. And what Morning Call may lack in history, it definitely makes up for in flavor. Both beignet destinations are rightfully popular, but it’s time we give some other pastry chefs their shine.
Here are five other delicious beignet restaurants that you need to try:
Cafe Beignet
Alright, alright, we know. It’s not Cafe duMonde and it’s in the Quarter, but seriously, Cafe Beignet can hold its own. This other Quarter beignet spot offers all the warm deliciousness of a classic beignet without the tourist-filled lines. Sit down, get some coffee, listen to live music and just relax as you enjoy the French Quarter’s charm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm3afRGHBYx/?hl=en&taken-by=cafebeignetnola
New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Company
You can stop in to their St. Charles location if you’re craving a beignet and a breakfast. The Vintage on Magazine Street offers beignets from this local spot as well, and that’s our pick for anyone wanting to pair beignets with frose! New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Company offers a light menu that sure to have what you’re craving for. Even serving mini beignets for the peckish and chocolate beignets for the indulgent. When you arrive be sure ask if the pastries are “ala minute” to get the freshest batch.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOhjhahjXXk/?hl=en&taken-by=nocoffeeandbeignet
Katie’s Restaurant & Bar
Oh, honey! You have not lived until you’ve tried Katie’s crawfish beignets. Yes, I said crawfish. Your mouth will start watering as soon as this savory plate gets to your table. Between the blend the spicy jalapenos, cheeses, and delectable crawfish, this take on the pastry might be the most NOLA one yet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZS7yCnBXL/?hl=en&taken-by=katiesinmidcity
Luca Eats
Back to the sweet stuff. This Uptown eatery concocted what only can be described as what would happen if a fried Oreo and beignet had a baby. Say hello to the Oreo Beignet. It’s super sweet, super unique, and super worth all those calories.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKTn1TgjRTf/?hl=en&taken-by=lucaeatsnola
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
Stepping into Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is like walking into your favorite auntie’s kitchen. In fact you might see Loretta, hard at work or greeting people with a smile. She was the first African American woman to open a praline company in New Orleans and 35 years later she’s still thriving. After a Their traditional beignet is perfect, but if you’re feeling adventurous give the praline beignet a try. You’ll be happy you did.
https://www.instagram.com/p/2O1r_vqsaL/?hl=en&taken-by=lorettaspralines
