Long lines at Cafe du Monde?
 

I'm assuming the lines at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans' French Market are always long, no matter what time of day, due to its popularity. Is this true? How quickly does the line move?

Since they're open 24/7, is there an odd hour and/or day of the week when the lines aren't too bad?

I think it does depend on when you get there but if you want to sit inside (well, under a roof anyway!) and order, you usually don't wait very long. We were there a few weeks ago and one day, the to-go line was very long b/c a huge tour bus had just deposited a huge load there. My husband went through the to-go line another day (early evening) and it didn't take long at all. The thing is, those beingets are SO worth it!:)

You can always seat yourself at an open table for waitress service here -- depends on your preference. There's no hostess who oversees seating, if memory serves.

When we passed by (several times) in early May, there were no lines.

I've been there three or four times. I always just sat right down at a table without waiting, and a waitress showed up fairly quickly.

No, you really shouldn't have any problem. I don't go a lot but have been different times and never had a problem. It's, of course, very busy late at night but that's my favorite time to go.

Think of the seating at Cafe Du Monde as a "free for all" or "seat yourself" environment. Just bypass the lines and then go find a seat and seat yourself. The lines are for the unknowing tourists.

Excellent. Thanks everyone for the info!