Don't want to look like a tourist... (New Orleans: to eat, retired)

[GoWest77]

I am coming to NOLA (YIPPEE!!!) next week and I have a Cafe Du Monde question. I know that I've read on here that the tables are first come first serve, but do you order from the table or do you have to place your order at the window first? I really want to blend in with the locals, since I've been to New Orleans several times but I don't remember what the procedure was at the Cafe because it's been years since I went there. Thanks in advance for your help. Also, if there are any other tips I'd love to hear them too!

[pandorafan5687]

When I went to NO back in 2006 and ate at cafe du monde, I believe I ordered at the table. B/c I think I remember asking our server for some water.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Unless they've changed it recently, you order from the table. And hold your breath as you bite into a beignet or you'll be covered in white powdery sugar.

[GoWest77]

Thanks guys! It's a silly little thing, I know but I just hate looking out of place. Anything else I should do/not do?

[BradfromNO]

Haha, it's like the first time doing coke. Yeah, YOU CAN order at the window,
but if you want to sit, like they always say, hover like a buzzard and dive like
an eagle. Your waiter will be with you shortly.

In fact we used to eat there once a month for fun and a cool breeze, and
we would kind of fake people out for fun. My GF would start packing her purse,
and I would take money out and place it on the table. Then we would kind of
half-stand and then sit, watching discreetly all the time. Then we would repeat
as necessary. But after about three times, it's just WRONG.

[hey teach]

Just don't stand in line as if you were waiting to be seated. People who do this simply drive me crazy. Tourist are especially thick on the weekends and they just form this line, waiting to be seated. If you can't get in, due to the line in front, walk around and go through the back. find a vacant table and sit down. Even if its stacked with dishes, once you sit down someone will clear it and get your order. Get ready the tourists will make snide remarks about your "cutting line".

[hershey87]

like everyone else said, you just go in and order from the table. there's a window w/ a line where you can get take-out orders.

[Dusty Rhodes]

Don't want to look like a tourist...


If you are under 30, wear sneakers, jeans and a T-shirt from somewhere else. If you are over 30 wear sneakers, jeans and a button down shirt, short sleeve, unless it is really bright outside and you are seriously hungover, ditch the shades.

[mhounit]

And wear a light colored shirt , for a couple of reasons .

[stillkit]

Originally Posted by Dusty Rhodes

Don't want to look like a tourist...


If you are under 30, wear sneakers, jeans and a T-shirt from somewhere else. If you are over 30 wear sneakers, jeans and a button down shirt, short sleeve, unless it is really bright outside and you are seriously hungover, ditch the shades.

Don't wear an over-sized shirt with flowers on it. That says three things about you:

1. You're over 60
2. You're bald
3. You're retired.



And, don't wear tight shorts with legs above the knees if you're a guy.