[Mike Kenneally, Unsplash]

NOLA Ranks as One of the Best American Cities for Coffee

07:00 February 28, 2024
By: Janay Major

The "Brewtal" Truth

New Orleans is well-known for food and boozy drinks. In a recent development, New Orleans has risen in the ranks among the top cities with the best coffee. The research was conducted by listwithclever.com, which ranked cities with the best and affordable coffee.

Listwithclever.com ranks New Orleans as number 11 for best coffee city in the United States. The average cost for a cappuccino in New Orleans is $5, and there are about 25 coffee shops per 100,000 people. The chicory coffee is a staple in the city and can be found around the city, including at the famous Cafe du Monde and Morning Call. The coffee in New Orleans is absolutely delicious, and the coffee shops here are just as unique as the city. Here's a small list of spectacular coffee shops to visit.

1. Pond Coffee

2700 Chartres St., instagram.com/pondcoffee

Located in the Marigny, Pond Coffee is a small locally-owned coffee shop that is attached to Small Mart, a vegetarian forward restaurant. What's cool about this place is that they only use oat milk unless whole milk is requested. The drinks are affordable, and their merchandise is adorable. Buy a shirt or mug on your way out.

2. Baldwin and Company Coffee and Bookstore

1030 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 354-1741, baldwinandcobooks.com

Inspired by American writer James Baldwin, Baldwin and Co. is a Black-owned coffee shop and bookstore located in the Marigny. This bookstore has tons of great books that range from nonfiction and fiction to young adult and children's books. Baldwin and Co. works to push for social change via the power of books. They also support the community by donating books to schools and nonprofits.

3. Envie Espresso Bar and Cafe

1241 Decatur St., (504) 524-3689, cafeenvie.com

Envie is located in the French Quarter and serves delicious coffee with and without alcohol. Their specialty coffee menu is subject to change, so it is best to go to the cafe to see what unique drinks they have. Being that Irish coffee is a best selling item in New Orleans according to listwithclever.com, it is only right to try Envie's version. Be careful; it packs a punch.

4. Backatown Coffee Parlour

301 Basin St. #1, (504) 372-4442, backatownnola.com

Backatown Coffee is located in the historic Storyville area of New Orleans. Determined to create a space for locals to gather and engage with one another, this Black-owned business creates memories through community, food, and coffee. The smooth sounds of jazz and blues play throughout the coffee shop. It is a comforting journey you need to experience.

5. The Bean Gallery

637 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 327-8176, thebeangallery.net

Famously recognized by their iconic green awning, The Bean Gallery is a locally owned coffee shop on the corner of N. Carollton and Orleans avenues in Mid-City. Their food menu is full of great options like the HWG Bagel. It's made with honey, walnut, goat cheese, and your choice of bagel.

6. Molly's at the Market

1107 Decatur St., (504) 525-5169, mollysatthemarket.net

Molly's at the Market most popular drink is the Irish coffee. They are located on Decatur Street in the French Quarter. It is smooth and blended to absolute perfection. If you are not a fan of blended drinks, they make customizable hot Irish coffees. Stocked with different flavors of alcoholic cold brews and sweeteners, you are in for a delicious treat.

7. Sacred Grinds Coffee House

5055 Canal St., (504) 482-1143, herbimport.com/sacredgrinds

This haunted coffee shop is located at the end of Canal Street near Oddfellow's Rest and St. Patrick's cemeteries. Sacred Grinds is serving up spooky treats and coffee that is to die for. They serve specialty drinks like the Lavender London Fog and the WhiteChoco Lavender Latte. Stop by for a cup and relax in their awesome lounge!

8. Coffee Science

Multiple Locations, coffeesciencetogo.com

Coffee Science is the only coffee shop in New Orleans that produces zero emission when roasting coffee. In addition to their outstanding coffee and amazing pastries, you are able to purchase a bag of their coffee beans. Try their Espresso Nebula--made with whipped espresso and your choice of milk. They also sell wellness shots for that extra boost of energy.

9. Treme Coffeehouse

1501 St. Philip St., (504) 218-8663, thetremecoffeehouse.com

Located in the oldest Black neighborhood in America, Treme Coffeehouse is a community staple. Not only do they serve coffee made from locally roasted coffee beans, but they also serve snowballs and ice cream. The snowball syrups are made in house, and the ice cream is from New Orleans Ice Cream Company. Stop by and visit this iconic family-owned business.

10. Mojo Coffee

Multiple Locations, mojocoffeehouse.com

Mojo began their journey when the first coffee shop opened in 2006 in the Lower Garden District. They have now expanded to two coffee shops and a coffee roaster. Their unique drink options include the s'mores cold brew, maple cinnamon latte, and the pumpkin space chai. Every parade season, Mojo releases their seasonal King Cake latte. It is a combination of vanilla and cinnamon and an absolute must try.

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