New Orleans is known for many things, and its restaurant scene is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless restaurants in the French Quarter and surrounding areas that have become culinary pillars for the Crescent City. While we may not have those sky-high eateries with majestic overlooks, there are still plenty of sea-level (or just under it) restaurants where you can catch a beautiful view alongside a delicious meal. 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then add Cafe Du Monde to your list. This iconic restaurant in the French Quarter was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. 

It’s a popular pitstop for folks touring the French Quarter. After all, it’s been around for over 150 years! Anytime I find myself in the Quarter I make sure to swing by and grab an iced coffee.

Fun fact: iced coffee was added to the menu in 1988. 

New Orleans’ most famous coffee shop has a simple menu consisting of dark roasted coffee and chicory, white and chocolate milk, and beignets. It’s a cash-only joint, with an ATM nearby.

The dining area is a huge open space that’s perfect for people-watching. Grab a table near the edge and sip on your coffee while you watch life pass you by. People-watching in New Orleans is on a completely different level, especially in the French Quarter. 

You can always count on a nearby street musician to score your experience with their talents. That’s one thing I love most about sitting down at this historic restaurant in the French Quarter. From bucket drummers to brass bands, the music is always on point. 

It’s hard to swing by Cafe Du Monde and not get a bag of beignets—it is what they’re known for! Beignets come in orders of three, and they cost less than $4. These French doughnuts pair perfectly with their signature Cafe Au Lait, and you can snag both for under $10.

One word of advice: hold your breath when you take a bite of a beignet. Oh, and don’t aim your beignet at anyone whilst taking a bite. Or do, if you’re a prankster. 

Eat them quickly! Beignets are best when they are served fresh out of the fryer. It doesn’t take long for them to become rock-solid, so don’t plan on taking these to-go to eat later in the day.

After your iconic New Orleans treat, wander through Jackson Square! Or sit by the river and watch the ships pass—that’s my favorite thing to do in the French Quarter. Or you may want to enjoy an evening on the Steamboat Natchez!

Read on to discover some of the best things to do in New Orleans.