If you love board games and really laid back vibes, this seems to be the place. I was looking to kill time before a flight home after a conference and stumbled upon this hole in the wall. Everyone was instantly friendly and you can roll a D20 to select your drink if you can't make up your mind.
Chai latte was amazing (spices ground in house) and they had an impressive tea list (if you're into tea, you know). Very fun spot, and it appeared like a lot of students were doing work so it appears to be a good spot to do work as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Gillen
Absolutely love the Rook Cafe! It’s a hidden gem on Freret Street with nothing but good vibes. Service is friendly and excellent. I love the ample syrup choices and the house made beverage concoctions. The art on the walls is all local and all for sale 👀. Love doing my school work at the Rook!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Paul Vines
Cool cafe - good coffee, nice artwork, looks game friendly, seems to be a neighborhood spot
A E
Great little local owned coffee shop with lots of tables and places to work. Delicious cruffins and not often seen coffee + condensed milk combo drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
B A
Rook Cafe is one of the coziest and most soulful corners of New Orleans. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, soft jazz tunes, and its effortlessly elegant ambiance capture the true spirit of the city. The walls are filled with local artworks, each corner telling its own aesthetic story. Warm, simple, yet full of character — the coffee is crafted with care, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. A place where art, calm, and coffee meet in harmony✨♥️🤟🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ben Harris
Parmesan pesto cruffin is 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jess Dorrance
This place is adorable! There is great art, lots of space for working, good music playing in the background (but not too loud), and the staff was especially awesome. I didn't know what I wanted to order because so many things on the menu looked good, but Maddy helped me decide and I ended up with a really delicious latte! This spot is located next door to where I'm working while I'm in town and I hope to be able to come back during my visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trent Istre
Rook Cafe has such a cool vibe and some of the tastiest sounding drink options. I only wish I was in the area longer to try them all. I had the Kuromi with their crown shaped coffee ice cubes, and it was the perfect blend of coffee with a hint of sweetness from the condensed milk. Come check them out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Addison Selna
A great community hub where people come together over coffee, art, board games, and so much more. Drinks and food are always delicious and made with care. The staff goes above and beyond making you feel welcomed and cared for- remembering my order, asking my name, and about my day. Feels good shopping here and supporting local and being seen as a valued costumer! Thank you for the whole team- shout out Juno, Ty, and Maddy!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
makayla williams
the baristas here are super cool and ridiculously hot. every time im here it gets better and better. i get an americano with condensed milk and it’s like god made my coffee.
We ordered hot chocolate and the barista was watching anime while steaming the milk, and the hot chocolate ended up being lukewarm. I asked him to warm it up more and he showed so much unnecessary attitude for no reason. He ended up making it scolding hot.
Also why the hell is a coffee $7.50 for a medium?? It was honestly so mediocre and the guy didn’t even stir it properly so all the condensed milk was sitting at the bottom. The coffee itself did not taste special or different at all.
This whole experience was bizarre. I genuinely hate starbucks and these guys managed to be even worse. Not only was the coffee super mid, it was ridiculously expensive too, AND the cherry on top was rude service. 2/10 overall, points only cause of the creative title and theme of the place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Raye Mitchell
Alleged “owner” doesn’t know how to approach customers.
I sat myself near the door for ab 30 minutes at my local cafe so that I could access locked funds being that I don’t have WiFi in my new apartment at the moment. In the middle of me being in contact with customer service (after waiting the approximate 30 minutes to get through to someone), a tired blonde woman tells me that I can’t have outside food or drink and that I’d have to leave if I didn’t make a purchase with a very stale attitude.
I had a half full bottle of water.
I didn’t care to explain my situation to her because she already looked like she wanted me out and I wasn’t investing in anyone’s business that speaks to anyone that way.
I told her that she needs to adjust her approach and not to speak to me the way that she did.
Her: “Well how would you suggest I do it?” Me: “Like you want me to spend money.” Her: *Performitively changes her tone with a sarcastic smile and holding back obvious discomfort* Me: “There you go, that’s much better. Practice that.” Her: “I hope to see you next time.” Me: “You won’t.”
As I said before, I wasn’t explaining my situation to her based off of how she spoke to me and the way this “owner” approached me was not in care or consideration of the guest or business she claims to want to stay afloat.
It’s too early in the morning for that in such a beautiful city; her character bled through her shortcomings to self proclaim that she is in a position of leadership.
I’ll happily accept a free pastry to forgive such an avoidable (through training and self reflection) experience. 😇 I hope that she continues to put the technique I showed her into practice for future incidents!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
Molly Gluck
Discovered this very adorable coffee shop on our latest trip to NOLA. The drinks are inventive and delicious. The theme is whimsical and fun. Birdie, the barrister, is warm, smart, inviting, and extremely attentive. She made a special drink for my 3yo with sparkling water and “unicorn tears” and my daughter was thrilled. She even overheard my kid saying the cup was too cold and she handed me a cup sleeve without any prompting.
I’m so glad we discovered this great coffee shop right near our hotel and the hospital. Definitely worth a visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Michele Rose Sylvester
Since moving to New Orleans, I’ve been a regular at Rook Cafe, and it’s quickly become my go-to spot for studying, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a quiet coffee break looking at local artwork and feeling inspired. Tucked slightly further from the university than Mojos, it takes a bit longer for students to find, which makes the atmosphere peaceful, relaxed, and perfect for focusing.
The cafe offers fun and creative drinks, from unique coffee blends to inventive staff beverages, making each visit feel special. The friendly, art-saturated, and queer-friendly environment adds to the charm, creating a welcoming space for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet study nook in New Orleans, a chill spot to meet friends, or a place to try innovative drinks, Rook Cafe is a must-visit.
If you’re searching for best cafes in New Orleans for studying or creative coffee spots in NOLA, this hidden gem is worth the extra steps to find.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Hale
Such an amazing spot. Many selections of delicious coffees and treats. The decor is beautiful and i love how supportive this place is about platforming local artists and their work on their walls inside. The people are always friendly and i truly love that you can come here and feel relaxation the moment you enter the building. I highly recommend people to come here and enjoy the place.
If you love board games and really laid back vibes, this seems to be the place. I was looking to kill time before a flight home after a conference and stumbled upon this hole in the wall. Everyone was instantly friendly and you can roll a D20 to select your drink if you can't make up your mind.
Chai latte was amazing (spices ground in house) and they had an impressive tea list (if you're into tea, you know). Very fun spot, and it appeared like a lot of students were doing work so it appears to be a good spot to do work as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely love the Rook Cafe! It’s a hidden gem on Freret Street with nothing but good vibes. Service is friendly and excellent. I love the ample syrup choices and the house made beverage concoctions. The art on the walls is all local and all for sale 👀. Love doing my school work at the Rook!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Cool cafe - good coffee, nice artwork, looks game friendly, seems to be a neighborhood spot
Great little local owned coffee shop with lots of tables and places to work. Delicious cruffins and not often seen coffee + condensed milk combo drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rook Cafe is one of the coziest and most soulful corners of New Orleans. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, soft jazz tunes, and its effortlessly elegant ambiance capture the true spirit of the city. The walls are filled with local artworks, each corner telling its own aesthetic story. Warm, simple, yet full of character — the coffee is crafted with care, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. A place where art, calm, and coffee meet in harmony✨♥️🤟🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Parmesan pesto cruffin is 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
This place is adorable! There is great art, lots of space for working, good music playing in the background (but not too loud), and the staff was especially awesome. I didn't know what I wanted to order because so many things on the menu looked good, but Maddy helped me decide and I ended up with a really delicious latte! This spot is located next door to where I'm working while I'm in town and I hope to be able to come back during my visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rook Cafe has such a cool vibe and some of the tastiest sounding drink options. I only wish I was in the area longer to try them all. I had the Kuromi with their crown shaped coffee ice cubes, and it was the perfect blend of coffee with a hint of sweetness from the condensed milk. Come check them out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great community hub where people come together over coffee, art, board games, and so much more. Drinks and food are always delicious and made with care. The staff goes above and beyond making you feel welcomed and cared for- remembering my order, asking my name, and about my day. Feels good shopping here and supporting local and being seen as a valued costumer! Thank you for the whole team- shout out Juno, Ty, and Maddy!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
the baristas here are super cool and ridiculously hot. every time im here it gets better and better. i get an americano with condensed milk and it’s like god made my coffee.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We ordered hot chocolate and the barista was watching anime while steaming the milk, and the hot chocolate ended up being lukewarm. I asked him to warm it up more and he showed so much unnecessary attitude for no reason. He ended up making it scolding hot.
Also why the hell is a coffee $7.50 for a medium?? It was honestly so mediocre and the guy didn’t even stir it properly so all the condensed milk was sitting at the bottom. The coffee itself did not taste special or different at all.
This whole experience was bizarre. I genuinely hate starbucks and these guys managed to be even worse. Not only was the coffee super mid, it was ridiculously expensive too, AND the cherry on top was rude service. 2/10 overall, points only cause of the creative title and theme of the place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Alleged “owner” doesn’t know how to approach customers.
I sat myself near the door for ab 30 minutes at my local cafe so that I could access locked funds being that I don’t have WiFi in my new apartment at the moment. In the middle of me being in contact with customer service (after waiting the approximate 30 minutes to get through to someone), a tired blonde woman tells me that I can’t have outside food or drink and that I’d have to leave if I didn’t make a purchase with a very stale attitude.
I had a half full bottle of water.
I didn’t care to explain my situation to her because she already looked like she wanted me out and I wasn’t investing in anyone’s business that speaks to anyone that way.
I told her that she needs to adjust her approach and not to speak to me the way that she did.
Her: “Well how would you suggest I do it?”
Me: “Like you want me to spend money.”
Her: *Performitively changes her tone with a sarcastic smile and holding back obvious discomfort*
Me: “There you go, that’s much better. Practice that.”
Her: “I hope to see you next time.”
Me: “You won’t.”
As I said before, I wasn’t explaining my situation to her based off of how she spoke to me and the way this “owner” approached me was not in care or consideration of the guest or business she claims to want to stay afloat.
It’s too early in the morning for that in such a beautiful city; her character bled through her shortcomings to self proclaim that she is in a position of leadership.
I’ll happily accept a free pastry to forgive such an avoidable (through training and self reflection) experience. 😇 I hope that she continues to put the technique I showed her into practice for future incidents!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
Discovered this very adorable coffee shop on our latest trip to NOLA. The drinks are inventive and delicious. The theme is whimsical and fun. Birdie, the barrister, is warm, smart, inviting, and extremely attentive. She made a special drink for my 3yo with sparkling water and “unicorn tears” and my daughter was thrilled. She even overheard my kid saying the cup was too cold and she handed me a cup sleeve without any prompting.
I’m so glad we discovered this great coffee shop right near our hotel and the hospital. Definitely worth a visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Since moving to New Orleans, I’ve been a regular at Rook Cafe, and it’s quickly become my go-to spot for studying, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a quiet coffee break looking at local artwork and feeling inspired. Tucked slightly further from the university than Mojos, it takes a bit longer for students to find, which makes the atmosphere peaceful, relaxed, and perfect for focusing.
The cafe offers fun and creative drinks, from unique coffee blends to inventive staff beverages, making each visit feel special. The friendly, art-saturated, and queer-friendly environment adds to the charm, creating a welcoming space for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet study nook in New Orleans, a chill spot to meet friends, or a place to try innovative drinks, Rook Cafe is a must-visit.
If you’re searching for best cafes in New Orleans for studying or creative coffee spots in NOLA, this hidden gem is worth the extra steps to find.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Such an amazing spot. Many selections of delicious coffees and treats. The decor is beautiful and i love how supportive this place is about platforming local artists and their work on their walls inside. The people are always friendly and i truly love that you can come here and feel relaxation the moment you enter the building. I highly recommend people to come here and enjoy the place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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