Third Wave Coffee Heavy Hitter Sucre Opens in the Quarter, Salon Coming Soon

French Quarter coffee enthusiasts will be happy to know that the newest location of Sucre, emporium of macarons, chocolates, gelato and other insane desserts, is now open at 622 Conti, and boasting the only Modbar in New Orleans, and potentially in Louisiana. For the uninitiated, Modbar is essentially the Ferrari of coffee brewing systems, and can be programmed to create pretty much any brewing method a barista can dream of.  Owner Joel Dondis went ahead and installed the Modbar espresso, steam, and pour over systems, so yeah, meet your new third wave coffee mecca, New Orleans.

The coffee—with beans from El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Colombia—is roasted at Orleans Coffee Exchange, but tea nerds will be equally happy to know that Rare Tea Company is supplying the exquisite teas both downstairs and at the upcoming Salon upstairs. Sucre provides coffee cupping notes for newbs, and those looking for a delicious dessert pairing.

As for the shop's interior design, there are some notable differences from the other locations. Most obvious: The color palette, while complimentary of Sucre's signature pastels, is more muted and refined to fit the historic Quarter, along with many baubles of the brass, iron, and copper nature. There's no large signage in the new shop either, giving it a bit more of a sophisticated air.

As for the highly-anticipated upstairs tea room, lounge and restaurant Salon By Sucre—which will feature a bar/wine program run by Union Square alumni, an Iberico ham station, a walk-through wine cellar, whimsical tableside preparations, couches for lounging, balcony seating, and more traditional dining areas to enjoy afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner—Dondis and chef Tariq Hanna tell Eater that the soft opening will likely be next week (Todd Price reports that it will officially open by French Quarter Fest). Do stay tuned for more information and photos as Hanna and team prepare to bring the pastry dining revolution to the Quarter.

Also, do expect donuts and deep fried pretzels to make their appearance at the shop as Sucre settles in over the next few weeks.

Sucre
622 Conti Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 267-7098
Hours: Sun-Thurs, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri/Sat, 8 a.m. to midnight.
Status: Downstairs shop certified open; Salon By Sucre opening next week