Cafe Beignets

Cafe Beignets offers a truly unique culinary experience for local users in **Iowa**, transporting the vibrant, sweet flavors of the New Orleans French Quarter right to **Cedar Rapids**. This local bakery and cafe has quickly become a popular spot, establishing itself first through appearances at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets and now with a permanent location. It stands out in the Iowa dessert landscape by specializing in the iconic **beignet**—a deep-fried, square piece of yeasted dough generously dusted with powdered sugar, which is, fun fact, the official state doughnut of Louisiana.

This isn't just another coffee shop; it's a dedicated bakery bringing an authentic taste of the South to the Midwest. Cafe Beignets provides more than just the signature treat; they offer a full range of baked goods and a special coffee experience, including the traditional New Orleans **Chicory Coffee** blend. For residents across Eastern Iowa, from Marion to Iowa City, Cafe Beignets provides a delightful destination for a sweet treat, a unique breakfast, or a custom dessert, ensuring that every visit is a flavorful escape. The commitment to quality and the focus on a specialty item make this Cedar Rapids bakery a must-try local spot.

Location and Accessibility

Cafe Beignets is centrally located in a highly accessible area of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The business can be found inside the food court at **Lindale Mall**, with the official address being **4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA**. This location offers several advantages for local customers across the Iowa region.

Being situated within Lindale Mall ensures excellent accessibility, plenty of parking, and a convenient spot to grab a bite while running errands or meeting friends. This centralized, indoor location makes it a great spot to visit regardless of the famous Iowa weather. The presence in the food court provides a comfortable and communal area for guests to sit down and enjoy their fresh-baked treats and signature coffee.

The hours of operation are generally structured to align with the mall’s schedule, providing ample opportunity for customers to visit throughout the week. For the most current hours, which allow for flexibility and planning, the current operating times are:

• Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Services Offered

Cafe Beignets’ services are centered around its specialty, offering a focused menu of iconic New Orleans-style pastries and beverages, while also providing options for larger custom needs. The services emphasize freshness, quality, and a unique flavor profile not commonly found in the Iowa area.

• **Freshly Baked Beignets:** The signature offering is the **hot, made-to-order beignet**, served in a traditional order of three and heavily topped with powdered sugar. These are often described as having a crispy outside and a soft, sweet center, best paired with their coffee.

• **New Orleans-Style Coffee:** Serving a selection of authentic beverages, most notably the traditional **Chicory Coffee** blend (often served as **Café Au Lait**—coffee with milk), which is essential for the authentic New Orleans experience.

• **Other Baked Goods and Desserts:** The menu extends beyond beignets to include other delightful treats such as **buttermilk drops**, **sugar cookies**, and **caramel cake**, providing a variety of options for every sweet tooth.

• **Seasonal Specialties:** Periodically offering unique items like **King Cake Iced Coffee** during relevant seasons, adding a festive and specialized twist to the menu.

• **Light Meal and Snack Options:** In addition to their bakery items, the Lindale Mall location also offers specials like **hot dogs, nachos, and fries**, making it a great food court option for a full meal.

• **Catering Services:** Offering catering for events of all sizes. Customers can contact the bakery directly to inquire about custom options for their corporate event, party, or gathering.

Features / Highlights

What makes Cafe Beignets a standout destination for Iowa residents is its successful delivery of authentic New Orleans flavor and its unique place in the local food scene. These highlights differentiate it from standard bakeries and cafes in the Cedar Rapids area.

• **Authentic New Orleans Specialty:** The focus on the **beignet**—the "official state donut of Louisiana"—provides a cultural and culinary experience not widely available in Iowa, making it a unique destination.

• **Commitment to Freshness:** The beignets are always served **fresh, hot, and cooked to order**, ensuring the best possible taste and texture for the customer.

• **Unique Coffee Experience:** The availability of **Chicory Coffee** offers a bolder, traditional flavor that appeals to coffee enthusiasts looking for something beyond the typical brew.

• **High Visibility and Accessibility:** The strategic location within the **Lindale Mall food court** offers easy access, a central meeting point, and ample parking for customers across Cedar Rapids and the surrounding communities.

• **Proven Local Popularity:** The business gained a strong following through the **Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market**, often drawing long lines, which is a strong testament to the quality and popularity of their products within the local community.

• **Variety of Offerings:** The menu wisely balances its signature sweet treats with other baked goods and light savory snacks, appealing to a broad range of customers and times of day.

Contact Information

For questions about the menu, catering inquiries, or to find out more about their current specials, Iowa customers can use the following information to contact the Cedar Rapids location:

• Address: 4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA (Located inside Lindale Mall Food Court)

While a public phone number is not immediately available, the best way for local users to connect is often through the location itself during operating hours, or by following their business pages for updates on specials and events.

What Is Worth Choosing Cafe Beignets

For Iowa residents, choosing Cafe Beignets is a choice for a unique culinary adventure and a commitment to experiencing a high-quality specialty product. In a market dominated by traditional Midwestern fare, this Cedar Rapids establishment provides a delicious and memorable point of difference. This is what makes it a must-visit local business.

The primary reason to choose Cafe Beignets is the **Authenticity and Quality of the Beignet**. This is the only place in the area where you can consistently find this classic New Orleans treat served **hot and made-to-order**. The sheer novelty and the documented deliciousness of the beignets—described as a truly delightful, powdered-sugar-covered experience—make it worth the visit alone. It's an easy way to feel like you've been transported to the French Quarter without leaving Cedar Rapids.

Furthermore, the entire experience is elevated by their commitment to the New Orleans theme, particularly through their **Chicory Coffee**. This provides the perfect, traditional accompaniment to the beignets, creating a complete and authentic flavor pairing that is both satisfying and educational. For coffee lovers, it offers a distinct, bolder option that can’t be found at typical Iowa coffee shops.

Finally, its **Central and Convenient Location** in the Lindale Mall food court makes it an effortless choice for families, shoppers, and students alike. It’s an accessible, indoor destination that guarantees a fresh, tasty treat. By choosing Cafe Beignets, you are opting for a high-quality, specialty bakery that has successfully brought the vibrant, sweet culture of New Orleans right to the heart of Iowa.

Cafe Beignets

4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA