Rook Cafe

276 reviews

4516 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

therookcafe.com

+15043548114

About

Rook Cafe is a Coffee shop located at 4516 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115. It has received 276 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday5:30AM-9PM
Tuesday5:30AM-9PM
Wednesday5:30AM-9PM
Thursday5:30AM-9PM
Friday5:30AM-9PM
Saturday5:30AM-9PM
Sunday5:30AM-9PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Rook Cafe: 4516 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

  • Rook Cafe has 4.8 stars from 276 reviews

  • Coffee shop

  • "Stopped here on a Friday afternoon for a quick pick-me-up"

    "I like to try different places for lunch when I have days off from work and thought I'd try out Rook Cafe since I always pass by it"

    "Rook has been my study spot for years, and I mean it when I say I don't think I could've made it through high school without them"

    "Charming,quirky,amusing"

    "I was trying to explain to my cousin last week what your yerba matte was"

Reviews

  • April Bennington

Stopped here on a Friday afternoon for a quick pick-me-up. I ordered the 'Bishop'; which is Thai tea with a shot of expresso and my friend had the lemonade and lavender 'Serenity', as I recall. I found the 'Bishop' somewhat intense, but I think that has more to do with my choice of beverage than any fault in the way it was made. The place has two levels, plus there is a game table right in the front window of the building. Lots of interesting art work on the walls and; although, I noticed some board games stacked about, the cafe' seemed to be occupied more with people studying than gaming. I do wish that these types of cafes could have areas specified for conversation, so that those wanting to talk need not be concerned with bothering people that are studying. Rook Cafe' also offers a few quick food items such as quiche, cookies and muffins as well as a few sandwiches. I thought this was a really interesting little cafe with a unique and well executed theme.

  • Aibhlinn Cahill

I like to try different places for lunch when I have days off from work and thought I'd try out Rook Cafe since I always pass by it. When I went to check out the "website" that should have been a warning right there. My mom always told me to be wary of places that don't list their prices and I should have listened. The only thing on their "website" is the names of the drinks they serve. Literally nothing more than that. Nothing about drink sizes, prices or food so you literally have no idea what's available until you get there. Because of health reasons, I can only eat certain things and when I inquired about a particular item, the person behind the counter was no help whatsoever when it came to answering my question. It's also expensive and not worth the price they charge for a 16oz iced coffee. Next time I'll just go to Mojo Coffee House since I've heard nothing but great things about that establishment.

  • Camille Ingram

Rook has been my study spot for years, and I mean it when I say I don't think I could've made it through high school without them. I've spent countless hours here, writing papers, trudging through readings, and trying to organize my life. With a variety of chairs, lamps, and tables, Rook offers study nooks for all types of students, as well as delicious menu items to keep you focused. Rook isn't only a study spot, though; it's a perfect place for an afternoon coffee and card game with friends. If you're having a rough day, spend some time in Rook with a coffee and maybe book; I promise you won't regret it.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20

  • Christopher Carlsson

Charming,quirky,amusing.Nice place with creative drinks and board games, comfortable seating.only complaints are 1. The service can be glacially slow at times.sincere but slow. Also they run out of most of their snack/ food choices consistently and quickly.I wish they would adjust their buying/ inventory habits to deal with this as many times I would have to go somewhere else as I wanted a little something to eat with my refreshments. Rather frustrating and cost them some business when I go somewhere else.otherwise 5 stars.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10

  • Will Monson

I was trying to explain to my cousin last week what your yerba matte was. And when I got to the part where I was trying to explain the weird cups that people are obsessed about to make it when I realize that I didn't need the weird cup. What I needed was everything around the cup to be weird. That life isn't about having a cup with a straw built into it for some reason to brew one variety of tea, but instead life is about going to a place has weird stuff in the walls and a blue-haired barista asking me if I want a ginger snap cookie. That to me is what Yerba matte tea is truly about

  • Nazary Nebeluk

This place is an awesome little coffee shop that has a real laid back local community feel. I mainly know it as a place people go to play board games and in that capacity it rules. They have board game nights on Fridays and Saturdays but you can also bring your friends and play whenever. The baristas are a lot of fun and always a pleasure to chat too. The coffee drinks are good - my favorite is the queen (a mix of espresso and condensed milk) which is their take on a Cafe Bombon. It's small but packs a punch.

  • Jordan Graham

I love the Rook Cafe. The drinks are delicious and the staff is friendly. I love the shelves of board games to pick from and enjoy while you sip whatever delicious caffeinated concoction you order. I normally keep it simple and just get a glass of cold brew during the summer or hot coffee during the winter. Either way its good for a quick trip for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, a long sit and catch up with friends, or to tuck away and read in the corner.

  • Nikki

Someone recommended this cafe, I can say I was not disappointed. Upon entering it was as if I had been teleported into the time of King Arthur's court and Merlin the Magician. I had an everything bagel and THE holy grail. Mmmm good. Such a warm tasty drink, made with the perfect ingredients and boosts of espresso shots. Highly recommend. The owner I met was excellent. Very pleasant and accommodating. There are board games galore and even local art for sale.

  • Anne Braconnier

We had been going to the Rook coffeeshop weekly for a while now. We love the Serenity (limonade/w lavender) so much that we can't try other drinks yet ... They even have limonade or coffe ice cubes! The service is always very kind. The atmosphere is incredible, a feel good place! Definitely recommend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Daniel Amato

I ordered the Doctor and thoroughly enjoyed it, iced. The hazelnut was the perfect amount. My wife ordered the holy grail and enjoyed hers as well. There are plenty of interesting pieces of art on the wall available for purchase by local artists. Also, several bookshelves are lined with books and board games for customers to enjoy.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Ally

What a cool spot. Quirky, artsy and cozy. Feels like a gamer Sci fi living room. Unique Java speciality drinks with equally unique bites. I appreciated the chalked up bathroom, local art on walls and games in book shelves. Had a delicious bite and crafted drink.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • David Becnel

Wonderful staff create an atmosphere where one feels free to sit down and ask anyone what (of any board game in the establishment or one a patron has brought from home) they're playing and if they have room for one more. Unique coffee and tea selections alongside filling muffins, bagels, or tarts give Rook's all it needs to keep it's patron's enjoying it's relaxed environment all night.

  • Rei Clark

Its a really bigger on the inside type place. The drinks are all show themed and there's really good combos. I had the lavender tea in a unicorn cup and it was so good. The staff is nice and the area is pretty good. Parking is very limited though.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Tracey Ford

Nothing but great things to say about this cafe. It’s welcoming and cozy, and they’ve just switched over to using reusable straws and I appreciate their commitment to being environmentally friendly. I enjoy their teas, lavender lemonade and vanilla chai latte but the options are endless here!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10

  • Heather West

I was really unimpressed by this coffee shop. Had the prices and size options for drinks been written along with the names of the drinks, I would have been less confused by the menu. The barista was not especially helpful, and my drink wasn't that great either. I'll be going to one of the other local coffee shops in the future.

  • Taryn Alexandros

I'm a plain iced latte person, but I love the options like Bishop (chai tea latte) and other drinks with interesting titles. Service is quick and helpful. Love this place. Its tucked away on Freret Street. I passed up my first try. The best seat in the house is the window, people watch while sipping an excellent latte!

  • Scott H

Quite the laid back hole in the wall place. Pretty good options for board games, but most of them are a little dilapidated or not so mainstream so it would take a little time to learn. Coffee was decent. Bathroom was somewhat in need of cleaning and soap. Otherwise, had a good time hanging out with friends and family!

  • Lee Kaufman

Excellent place to come to study or work. Great coffee, tea, or lemonade. The outlets are a bit loose depending on where you sit, so make sure your stuff can hold a charge just in case. Amazing staff, clean bathrooms, and good vibes. I love ordering the Serenity with their lemonade ice cubes for a long focus session.

  • JUSTIN B

This is a really great coffee shop, and it has an amazing atmosphere. They have all this this artwork all over the walls, which is for sale, from local artists, I assume. We really enjoyed our drinks too, and the barista was very nice. Everything was so colorful in there, and they have a lot if board games.

  • Dinidu Perera

Quirky, shotgun-style coffee shop with board games, and elevated space to study, and unique espresso beverages.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: No
Curbside pickup: No

  • Miklos Hargitay

Lovely and quaint place to get a coffee/tea, enjoy some board games or a book, and feel welcome.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Yazmine Parker

Food options aren't great but this is my favorite study spot! The coffee is really good
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Good but not always available though

  • Bree

Love their Holy Grail! One of my favorite shops in New Orleans. This is nerdy and more down to earth: I love a good hipster coffee shop but sometimes the pretentiousness gets old so this is a great low-key stop with some tasty House drinks that shakes up the coffee house vibes.

  • Jay C

Fun quirky local neighborhood coffee shop used by lots of students to study, somehow, despite the often awful blaring music. Not a place to relax, focus, or even be, sometimes, with the caterwauling "music." Good drinks, limited but tasty food. Haven't tried game night yet.

  • Jason Calmes

Fantastic spot. Steeped in nerdiness in the best way. Good interesting drinks, good bites to eat. Fun vibe beyond the names of drinks, such as "The Picard" and "Serenity," including games and art. Different kinds of seating, including outside and right in the front window.

  • Ken N.

I actually come here very frequently throughout the week - all the staff are super kind and helpful! I highly recommend supporting this dainty and ‘nerdy’ cafe. It’s a great place to study or chat with tea, coffee, pastries, and more..
Price per person
$1–10

  • Travis Bias

Their pride is greater than their desire to make money. Negative attitude from the sole worker (due to my outside coffee cup, admittedly), despite my generous tip. Next visit to NOLA, I’ll choose one of the 1000 other coffee shops in town - you should too.

  • Rahul Hk

Lovely place with great cool free and nice vibes! Has a fun selection of books to chill with and the cafe smells amazing!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Francesca Latzer

Love this coffee shop. It’s pretty great for studying. I like how big it is and there is a variety of tables. It’s also open later than other coffee shops, which is nice. The service is always great and I like supporting a locally owned business.

  • J. Brodie LeBlue

The Rook Cafe is nearby to my home, and it's a great place to chill with an interesting coffee menu. My favorite drink of theirs is the Holy Grail, but today I tried their lavender beverage (the name escapes me), which was pretty good if a

  • Sharie Lawless

Cute!! Fun and welcoming atmosphere and very good coffee at a reasonable price. Few places out front to sit. Lots of seating inside.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Parking
Street parking

  • Sara Soriano

Rook has a very unique and cozy feel. I love the art on the walls and the high ceilings and am a huge fan of places that have games around for customers to play as they enjoy their beverages. And, of course, the coffee is tasty too!

  • Alessandro Pelias (PizWiz)

I love the rook. Staff are always friendly, and the environment is nice. The only gripe I have is that some of the drinks are a little too expensive for what they are. If you like tabletop gaming, I definitely recommend this place.

  • Brooklynn Fisher

Really cute, quiet place! I wish I lived in the area. I can definitely see myself studying here. Coffee was nice and strong :) I got the Queen specialty drink! I also love the special names they have for all the drinks. So cool.

  • Rebecca Lee

I like my coffee like I like my goblin king, ice cold with lavender. This particular cafe is able to offer such. Super chill environment decked out with nostalgic board games and free colored condoms in the bathroom. Five stars.

  • Jennifer Carter

The atmosphere is nice and quiet; the tea is amazing! The artwork on the walls are also lovely, and even the bathroom is fun; the wall being a huge chalkbiard with a plate if chalk to doodle on. I will definetly be back.

  • Nathan Park

The absolutely best coffee shop around. With a humble atmosphere, wonderful table top selection and plenty of space, Rook makes for a great location to hang with friends, power through computer work or just to hang out!

  • J. W. Rozelle

The Rook cafe is an amazing spot. Its cozy, and there's some serious nerd culture happening here. They have a game night (which I have yet to attend). I love the Thai ice tea, my friends favorite drink was the Bishop.

  • Lindsay Isé

Really good coffee and the employee who made it was so nice and helpful. She even asked my friend what ratio of lemonade to tea she wanted for her drink. 10/10
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10

  • Danielle Levitt

Perfectly nerdy theme with games, plenty of seating, unique decor, and good coffee. Baked goods and other snacks are also available.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Jennifer Montgomery

Comfortable, cool ac, friendly staff and delicious iced herbal teas. I’ll be back for sure!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Ryan Cook

I had a fun time sitting in the front window and playing chess. I had a shot of espresso and the Thai tea. The espresso was actually decent. No complaints. The music was all movie soundtracks. Will go again

  • Furious George

Great coffee, bagels are yummy, service excellent. Nice atmosphere, very relaxed, just be warned if you dont like loud excited nerds maybe bring some headphones, lots of games going on (but thats the draw)

  • Nigel Reyes

Cozy, geeky café with pop culture themed specialty drinks. E.g. The Doctor. A lovely retreat to study or relax in, and a space to meet friends for table top games. I'd be a regular if I lived in the area.

  • Suamy Rivas

Nice place to work, study or just hang out with friends. I love the decorations and you can choose a game to play. I recommend you the golum coffee ☕
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Pournami Rajeev

Really great drinks (with creative names and flavor combination). It's relatively quiet if you wanna do work and study. But they also have a large board game selection and tables in the back to play.

  • Raymond Sweet

I like the Rook. They have a lively bunch that plays games there. Greg Yeager the night barista is friendly and accommodating. They have a drink with Unicorn tears and not sure what that is yet.

  • Andrew Tuozzolo

Simple, perhaps spare, coffee shop with lived-in aesthetic and good coffee. Not a fancy third-wave shop, but a solid neighborhood joint with a distinct Birkenstocks, punk rock, granola style.

  • Steve Lochner

Exactly what one looks for in a neighborhood coffee shop. They offer coffee at the right strength at the right time! Try em out.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Joseph Vickrey

I really like this place! I have only been there twice, but it has a great atmosphere. They, also have broad game night. Also, the drinks aren't over priced, I suggest The Rook.

  • Lauren Chriceol

Extremely friendly staff and eclectic, nerdy atmosphere. I love that freret has this coffee shop which allows me to feel a part of the community by frequenting here everyday!

  • Annabelle Stone

Love this place! Great coffee, great atmosphere, great baristas! The best lavender syrup I’ve ever had. I don’t know if it’s homemade or store bought but it’s my favorite.

  • Cooking IsArt

Extremely expensive, very weird vibe from the owner. There is another coffee house down the street that is cheaper and sunnier. It's called mojo. Go there instead :)

  • Gabriela Swanson

Great coffee and fun art. Definitely going back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Levi Kurtenbach

Great relaxing place to hang out. They have a large collection of board games and we stayed for probably 3 hours, playing Risk and a game I brought with me!

  • Darrell McCool

Best drinks! Awesome vibe. Some nights a lot of people come in and play board games. During times like this, it gets loud and is not ideal for online work.

  • Tayler Jones

Funky lil cafe with decent drinks. It's a comfy spot to study or play board games with friends. I'm personally not a huge fan of the art selection inside.

  • Kelly L

Great local neighborhood coffee shop with some of the best specialty coffee drinks in the city and the best bathroom graffiti for your reading pleasure.

  • Osama Hamdan

Love the people, location and coffee. Seating is great but had a hard time getting connected to the WiFi. Hope that gets fixed soon so I can be back.

  • Reginald Darby Jr

Great coffee, awesome staff; low-key space to study, link up with friends or just to watch people walk by on Sunday afternoons along Freret street.

  • Daniel

Just say yes to Rook. Get the Pawn and sit in the comfy chairs in the window nook. Watch New Orleans go by, you can thank me later. More

  • Griffin Gansar

barista was super friendly, awesome decor, cute punch card!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • John Sherer

$15 rook mug, $1 drips, $1 off yesterdays baked goods, solid music, comfy chairs, soft lighting, walls loaded w local art, games, books

  • Gregory Yeager

Like the Tardis, it's bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. Large tables are good for board games! Coffee is great too!

  • Ivan Garcia-Caban

Happy, unique, tasty. Invites you to study, meet up, relax and enjoy life. Service is super. Coffee is creative. Food is tasty.

  • Phillip Lirette

One of the best spots in New Orleans for coffee! Art, board games, book club - always something fun going on at the Rook! ♟️☕

  • Amanda

Amazing coffee, great choices, friendly staff
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

  • Alexis Unger

Cool spot, kind barista, excellent coffee
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Ahmet Arı

Very cute coffee place with good coffee
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Jeff Spicoli

Efficient coffee guy. Two chairs by the window with a chessboard and a few games. Solid ice chai. Would recommend

  • Brian L. Frye

Very chill, good coffee, free books.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Majaliwa Mzombwe

The dirty bishop is a wonderful treat. A Thai tea with espresso. Make sure to ask about there coffee ice cubes.

  • Editha Amacker

Really good coffee! I love the whimsical menu and friendly baristas.
Service
Dine in
Service: 5

  • Jeremy Baier

Great selection of specialty drinks! Interesting art on the wall. The cookie i had was kinda stale though :(

  • Cécile Girard

Excellent Thai tea + strong WiFi + roaming friendly cat = great study spot.
Price per person…
More

  • Jose D

Great coffee!! Also an amazing place to hang out especially on Saturday, game night. Check it out.

  • Matthew Shilling

Great atmosphere and the barista made a fantastic recommendation then crafted it to my liking.

  • Ronnie Lloyd

Good place to get various geek and nerd themed drinks. Has board games you can borrow and play

  • Zane Harris

The coffee was good. I really like the cold brew they have. Nice place with lots of seating.

  • James Thompson

Great coffee and atmosphere. Game night is a blast. Lots of great people having a good time.

  • melanie blackwell

Coffee is delicious! Games are fun! Staff so friendly and the art works awesome to look at!!

  • Clayton Smith

Chill gaming-oriented coffee shop. Learn to play go here on Wednesday and Friday nights.

  • Chasity Hunter

Nerdy venue. Great coffee; kind of on the expensive side. Cool place to play board games

  • Ciara Yochum

This place is so relaxing. The people are so nice. We had so much fun playing the games.

  • Rachel Tucker Grenier

Very excellent coffee. Chuckle to yourself as you order a “hot doctor” instead of iced.

  • Worklight Pictures

This is the best coffee shop in New Orleans, right me
Price per person
$1–10

  • Brenda Wolfe

I Got coffee with coffee ice cubes. If only the cup could have been coffee as well.

  • Anthony Vitrano

Love this place. Always great coffee and drinks. Good prices and friendly staff.

  • Bike Taxi

Jaeger is the man! Great Cafe, love this place. Bishop is a phenomenal drink

  • Michelle Duggan

Nerdy divey coffee shop. Great spot for studying but also group board games!

  • Sam

Funky indie vibe, lots of nerds, and coffee ice cubes for the iced coffee.

  • James Germain

Delicious coffee. Lavender flavored drinks. What more else can you want?

  • Maurice Ruffin

Perfect coffee. Good vibe. One of the very best in shops in New Orleans.

  • Nathan

Board game nights on Friday and Saturday. Great coffee. Friendly staff

  • Enrico Cabredo

This place has great coffee and the geeky atmosphere is a lot of fun

  • Trish Otts

Lots of books and board games there while enjoying a cafe or …

  • Christian P.

Love the place. Got lots of great boardgames. Best coffee in town.

  • Nate Trajano

the vibes are immaculate here, I recommend the millennium falcon!

  • Adele Bry

They had me at chocolate, coconut, almond espresso— the Pawn!

  • Tamra Schiroky

My husband raves about this place, I tried it. I LOVED IT.

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