The chicory flavored coffee with a beignet is not a healthy way to start the day, but it’s tasty enough. People love to mingle at this corner of Jackson Square with their pets tied to the iron railings. A canopy top to this outdoor restaurant will keep heavy rains away. This place was open very quickly after Katrina. To go orders are available at a window. The restaurant is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, except for Christmas Day and days when hurricane’s sweep through. Just down Decatur street at Grandad’s General Store, a Cafe du Monde Company Store, cans of chicory coffee, souvenir coffee mugs, beignet ingredients, and other items can be purchased at a slightly lower price an in fresher stock than the ubiquitous souvenir stands around the French Quarter. In 1942 Hubert Fernandez purchased Cafe du Monde from Fred Koeniger, who presummably is related to the creator of this tradition that began in 1862. The two story apartment building with balcony covered sidewalks across the street (shown in the photos) from the restaurant had already been owned by the Fernandez family and was the location of the Fernandez Wine Cellar, which is now closed. It is on the south end of this building where the souvenir shop is located.I like the beignets at lot. I know they aren’t healthy, but I don’t eat this kind of breakfast everyday. The coffee-chicory blend coffee is also a unique and excellent way to start the day. Typically, the coffee is mixed with milk in a 1/2 to 1/2 ratio.