In the last ten years, cafes in major US cities have entered into an absurdly ferocious competition for the most flawlessly prepared cup of joe. Let me tell you, there’s never been a better time in history to get a damn good shot of espresso or a Gustav Klimt-inspired spiral in your latte foam (if that’s your thing). But like other highbrow experiences, this fad is accompanied by an air of pretension that’s been transforming the feel of neighborhood hangs.
Cafe Envie in New Orleans is an anachronistic gem swimming against the tide to maintain the integrity of the original coffeehouse. It’s a place of creativity, openness and, for many local characters, a home away from home. It’s situated on one of the most highly-trafficked corners in the city: Decatur and Barracks Streets right on the perimeter of the French Quarter. It’s got plenty of outdoor seating for some of the best people watching not just in New Orleans, but arguably, in the world. There you’ll spot rowdy freight train hoppers scouting out a corner to busk, tourists with fanny packs and a bloody mary to go, local musicians biking to gigs with their instruments and amps strapped to a wagon or baby carriage as it bumps, bumps, bumps behind them, men in tutus, cowboys, clowns, pirates (real ones too)…you name it.
Envie’s become a catch-all for every type of person in this charming circus of a town. A man in his fifties with a dirty-blonde ponytail struts in sporting a classic Levi's jean jacket with wool lining, a sea foam green lace skirt over a poofy black slip and heavy duty black combat boots weighed down by chains. He posts up in the corner and pulls out paint. A girl in her late teens who comes in everyday wearing a lime green stuffed alien backpack, bopping antenna and striped stockings orders the regular. A man in his thirties flaunting a willy wonkaesque top hat and royal purple blazer catches up with friends from the block. Others silently play string instruments, sketch in notebooks or escape into their books.
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| Local wood carver Tizart sets up shop at Envie |
The coffee’s not spectacular, but that’s not the point. You can sit for hours and marvel at the inspiration that flows in and out of this local safe haven. If you stop in more than once, you're bound to make friends. Coffee to go? What’s that?
You have a wonderful way of capturing a scene and bringing it to life. I know this cafe well and reading your post brings me right back into the thick of it. I can smell the smells and taste the tastes. Well done!!!!!
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