Discover the TOP 5 coffee shops in New Orleans that offer artisan espresso drinks, snacks, and atmosphere! Locations are walking distance for the average tourist and focus on the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and Garden District areas.
Coffee shops are one of the first things I research after booking a trip. You will not find me wasting my morning latte or afternoon cold brew at a subpar cafe.
When looking for a coffee shop, the espresso quality and atmosphere are my main ranking priorities. I also try to find spots that locals visit and have a neighborhood feel.
Whether you find yourself in the Garden District, French Quarter, or Warehouse District (the main tourist areas), I’ve got you covered. I’ve visited all the best New Orleans coffee shops and have listed my TOP 5 picks.
SKIP TO
This map shows each New Orleans coffee shop listed in this post. Click the top left button (in the blue bar) to see a list view of each pinned location or the top right button to enlarge the map.
5 Best New Orleans coffee shops
1. Cafe Bon Ami - Warehouse District
The best coffee shop in New Orleans for a place to work/study with a clean, minimalist design
They serve locally made pastries from Compagnon and Gracious Bakery and the espresso quality is excellent.
The building 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 was the money vault back in the day. It's a perfect space to work or have a quiet meeting.
I appreciate that the WiFi is fast and reliable.
Cafe Bon Ami is my personal favorite and serves the best coffee in New Orleans (in my opinion).
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 New Orleans coffee shops for both locals and tourists. It has six locations in New Orleans to prove it.
The 217 Chartres Street location makes for a perfect coffee stop while exploring the French Quarter. The two Garden District locations on Magazine street (not my favorite for atmosphere) are convenient while shopping and gallery hopping.
I love their New Orleans Iced Coffee that has a hint of Chicory.
SEE MY OTHER NEW ORLEANS POSTS:
BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS
Top 11 THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS FOR FIRST-TIMERS
3. Lovage at the Ace Hotel - Warehouse District
One of the best coffee shops in New Orleans for nitro cold brew and plenty of space to spread out
Lovage earns a spot on the list of best coffee shops in New Orleans for its spacious layout and atmosphere. It's connected to the Ace Hotel, so you can take your coffee into their cozy lounge area.
Stumptown fans will appreciate their selection of Stumptown branded coffee including the nitro cold brew (my favorite). This actually used to be a branded Stumptown coffee shop, but recently changed to Lovage.
Lovage seems to be a popular spot for remote workers as there's plenty of table space both on the cafe side and the connected Ace Hotel lounge.
You’ll love their brass custom Mod Bar if pour overs are your thing. A small but delicious pastry selection arrives fresh daily. A full menu including breakfast burritos, salads, sandwiches, cocktails, beer, and wine is also available.
4. Mammoth Espresso - Warehouse District
One of the best coffee shops in New Orleans for a legit flat white and a nice selection of high quality teas
This small New Orleans coffee shop is located in the heart of the Warehouse District. Mammoth Espresso offers craft espresso drinks in a contemporary and bright space.
There are a few tables and window seats available if you want to linger over your perfectly poured flat white.
They also offer breakfast tacos and specialty treats that change depending on the season or day.
Try the "sweet little thing" which is an espresso cold shaken with vanilla and cream and topped with a dash of cocktail bitters. The "golden latte" is another popular pick at this New Orleans coffee shop.
If you're a tea lover, a visit to Mammoth Espresso is a must. They offer a lovely tea selection and have some excellent specialty tea drinks like the Grand Duke Alexei; a lemonade concentrate mixed with Topo Chico, butterfly pea flower to give the vibrant purple color, then topped with Matcha green tea.
5. Mojo Coffee House – Multiple Locations
One of the best coffee shops in New Orleans for a local vibe
Mojo has two locations in Uptown (north and south of Magazine street) and another in the Lower Garden District. The Lower Garden District is my favorite for atmosphere and it's right across the street from the new boutique hotel, Hotel Saint Vincent (highly recommend).
Mojo is known for being a community hangout spot and offers everything a coffee shop lover requires; great coffee, tasty baked goods (including vegan and gluten free), free Wifi, plenty of work space, and a friendly environment.
Mojo also offers a healthy food menu with items like acai bowls and salads.
It was obvious each time I visited that this is one of the most popular New Orleans coffee shops with the locals.
Honorable Mention - CHERRY COFFEE ROASTERS - GARDEN DISTRICT
Cherry Coffee Roasters has a large footprint and a hipster vibe with rustic brick walls, exposed pipes, and an all wood coffee counter. It feels like a neighborhood coffee shop and also serves a nice breakfast and lunch.
Honorable Mention - SpitFire Coffee
Spitfire has quite a big reputation for being such a small shop. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this closet sized New Orleans coffee shop is perfect when you’re looking to grab and go.
Quality coffee beans, smooth pour overs, and strong lattes are Spitfire’s specialty. For something different and beautifully presented, try the Las Tres Flores latte made with lavender milk, orange blossom syrup and rose petals.
I will note, I am not a fan of their cold brew. If you like dark and strong you'll be better off with an iced americano vs. the cold brew here.
In Summary
And there you have it! These are my absolute favorite coffee shops in New Orleans. Each of these spots not only serve quality espresso but also have a great atmosphere. I've made sure to find cafes that are in the "tourist zone", so no matter what area find yourself in, you'll never be far from an excellent coffee spot.
Leave a Reply