5 Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans | My Picks for Coffee + Vibes
Discover the TOP 5 coffee shops in New Orleans for specialty coffee, pastries, light bites, and great vibes! All five are conveniently located in some of the city's most popular areas, including the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and Garden District.
Coffee shops are one of the first things I research after booking a trip. You won't find me wasting my morning latte or afternoon cold brew at a subpar café.
When it comes to finding a great coffee shop, espresso quality and atmosphere are my top priorities. I also love spots that locals frequent and have that neighborhood feel.
Whether you're exploring the Garden District, French Quarter, or Warehouse District, I've got you covered. I've personally visited each of these cafés and narrowed down my favorites to the TOP 5 best coffee shops in New Orleans.
This map shows each New Orleans coffee shop listed in this post. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map (which will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the "You" on the very bottom, scroll to the bottom and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.
- Blue: top 5 coffee shops in New Orleans
- Purple: honorable mentions for the best coffee shops in New Orleans
1. Cafe Bon Ami – Warehouse District
Best New Orleans Coffee Shop for Working or Studying
Cafe Bon Ami immediately won me over with its minimalist design, friendly service, and excellent coffee. Their flat white and Americano ranked among my favorites during my last visit.
They also serve locally made pastries from Compagnon and Gracious Bakery.
The building itself is particularly interesting. Built in 1858, it originally housed cotton merchants and is where Edgar Degas painted his famous A Cotton Office in New Orleans.
There's a cozy little nook in the back that once served as the building's money vault. Today, it's the perfect spot to get some work done or have a quiet meeting.
Another plus? The WiFi is fast and reliable.
Cafe Bon Ami is my personal favorite on this list and, in my opinion, serves some of the best coffee in New Orleans.
2. French Truck Coffee – Multiple Locations
One of the Best New Orleans Coffee Shops for a Quick Break While Exploring the French Quarter
French Truck Coffee is one of the most popular coffee shops in New Orleans among locals and tourists alike, with several locations throughout the city.
The 217 Chartres Street location is a perfect stop for a coffee break while exploring the French Quarter. Their cafés along Magazine Street are also convenient for shopping and gallery hopping, although they're not my favorites when it comes to atmosphere.
I highly recommend trying their New Orleans Iced Coffee, which has a hint of chicory.
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3. Fourth Wall – Central Business District
One of the Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans for Atmosphere
Fourth Wall is one of those coffee shops where the atmosphere is just as much of a draw as the coffee itself. Tucked inside a historic building in the Central Business District, it has a charming, eclectic feel that's a refreshing change from your typical modern café.
The interior is filled with vintage furniture, plants, and cozy seating areas, along with a lovely courtyard. It has that relaxed, neighborhood feel I always look for in a coffee shop, and it's the kind of place I'd happily return to just to spend an hour enjoying a latte.
They also serve a selection of sweet and savory pastries from local favorite Ayu Bakehouse. With plenty of seating and free WiFi, it's a great spot to settle in with your laptop or simply take a break from sightseeing.
Its location is also convenient for anyone exploring downtown New Orleans, especially if you're staying near the French Quarter or Warehouse District.
Photos: Mammoth Espresso - Michael Tucker
4. Mammoth Espresso - Warehouse District
One of the Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans for Flat Whites, Pour-Overs, and Specialty Teas
Located in the heart of the Warehouse District, Mammoth Espresso is a small coffee shop serving quality espresso drinks in a bright, contemporary space. Seating is limited to a handful of tables and window seats, but it's a great stop for a flat white while exploring the area.
If you prefer pour-over coffee, Mammoth offers a rotating selection of single-origin coffees, typically with six to eight options to choose from. Each is brewed to order to bring out the distinct flavors of the beans. Ask the barista for a recommendation!
For something a little different, try the "Sweet Little Thing," a chilled espresso drink shaken with vanilla and cream and finished with a dash of cocktail bitters. The "Golden Latte" is another popular choice.
Tea lovers will appreciate the variety of premium loose-leaf teas.
They also offer pastries from a local bakery, along with seasonal treats. I recommend the banana bread!
Photos: Mojo Coffee House
5. Mojo Coffee House – Multiple Locations
One of the Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans for a Local Vibe
Mojo Coffee House has been a New Orleans staple since 2006. I love its laid-back atmosphere and the fact that it's just as popular with locals as it is with visitors.
Mojo has three locations throughout New Orleans. The Magazine Street café is convenient for exploring the Lower Garden District, the Freret Street location is popular with students thanks to its proximity to Tulane and Loyola universities, and Tchoupitoulas Street is home to their coffee roastery and a small café.
They roast their own coffee locally and serve everything from traditional espresso drinks and pour-overs to cold brew. Their NOLA Iced Coffee, made with cold brew, chicory, and a splash of cream, is worth trying.
If you're looking for something a little different, Mojo offers seasonal drinks like the Maple Cinnamon Latte and the BooBee, an iced honey pumpkin spice latte. If you're not in the mood for coffee, they also serve flavored lemonades like elderflower and lavender, tea lattes, and a variety of hot and iced teas.
For something to snack on, you'll find pastries like croissants, Danish pastries, and muffins. I recommend the spinach and feta croissant!
Honorable Mention - All Good New Orleans - Warehouse District
All Good New Orleans has gone through quite a few changes over the years. It was originally Stumptown Coffee and remained in my Top 5 when it became Lovage. Since changing to All Good, I've moved it down to an honorable mention because it seems to be experiencing some growing pains with service and coffee quality.
That said, I still love the atmosphere, especially the adjoining lobby and lounge at The Barnett Hotel. It's a comfortable space that's popular with remote workers thanks to its ample seating and free WiFi.
They now serve locally roasted Mammoth Coffee, along with specialty drinks, teas, and fresh pastries.
While it's no longer one of my top picks for espresso, I'd still recommend stopping by if you appreciate a coffee shop with a great atmosphere.
Honorable Mention – Cherry Coffee Roasters – Garden District
Cherry Coffee Roasters has a spacious interior and a hip, industrial feel with exposed brick walls, visible pipes, and a wooden coffee counter. It has that neighborhood coffee shop vibe I always appreciate, along with a menu of breakfast and lunch options if you're looking for something more substantial than pastries.
It's a popular spot, especially on weekend mornings, so don't be surprised if you encounter a crowd.
Final Thoughts on the Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans
And there you have it! These are my absolute favorite coffee shops in New Orleans, each serving quality espresso and offering a great atmosphere.
For me, Cafe Bon Ami takes the top spot for its excellent espresso, minimalist design, and comfortable atmosphere. Fourth Wall is another favorite, especially if you appreciate a coffee shop with plenty of character.
If you're exploring the French Quarter, French Truck Coffee is a convenient stop, while Mammoth Espresso is worth seeking out for its flat whites and pour-overs. Mojo Coffee House is a great choice for a more casual, neighborhood feel.
I've also made sure to include coffee shops in the areas you're most likely to explore as a visitor, so whether you're in the French Quarter, Warehouse District, or Garden District, you'll never be too far from a great cup of coffee.
Whether you're visiting New Orleans for the first time or returning for another trip, I hope this list helps you find a few new favorites along the way.
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5 Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans | My Top Picks for Coffee + Vibes
