When picturing the perfect New Orleans coffee companion, muffins probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. But there's more to breakfast in the Big Easy than beignets, and the muffins at HiVolt Coffee take a humble pastry to a whole new level. I once, in all seriousness, told one of the employees that their muffins were the best in the world, and she responded with a laugh, "At least in the city." Regular customers like myself know that this is hardly an ambitious claim. With a flagship location in the Lower Garden District and a quaint new spot Uptown, HiVolt offers an array of jumbo-sized muffins that are anything but average.
Several of the muffins on HiVolt's menu are downright outrageous. You don't have to be a PSL-loving fall aficionado to enjoy their pumpkin cream cheese monstrosity, which is practically erupting with a gooey filling that's perfectly balanced out by the added crunch of a crumbly streusel topping. Fans of fruitier flavors will appreciate the equally-extravagant raspberry lemon muffin. A sweet glaze pleasantly complements this otherwise tart treat, making for a truly decadent experience.
Even the more traditional flavors, however, are something special. I'm a fairly adventurous eater, so I often tend to avoid more "ordinary" options in favor of trying the most exciting thing on the menu. But to neglect their blueberry or banana chocolate chip muffins would be a mistake. Far from bland and boring, these two prove the value of taking something simple and doing it right. In fact, HiVolt does simple so right that, much to my surprise, I would probably have to name them my two favorites of the bunch.
At most bakeries, those with dietary restrictions are often left out, but at HiVolt, there's a muffin for everyone. They always feature plenty of inclusive options, such as gluten-free ginger peach or vegan carrot cake muffins. I haven't personally tried these, but they look every bit as indulgent as the rest of the lineup; I never would have been able to distinguish them from the others if they weren't labeled. And with so many friends who have varying dietary needs, it's great to have somewhere everyone can agree on.
The muffins are so addictive, however, that I don't mind going all by myself to get my fix. I've tried to limit myself to just once a week, but the guilt of making extra trips is lessened by the fact that they offer a coffee punch card. Buying any nine of their house-made beverages—which also include tea and kombucha—will earn a tenth free, so I basically have to go more often. There are few ways I'd rather start my day than taking a walk in Audubon Park, hitting HiVolt's Uptown location, and pairing a muffin with a cappuccino or cold brew. And whether you're grabbing a window seat while you study your Latin notes (like me) or hurrying off to work with a to-go order, that's a match guaranteed to brighten your morning.
So if you haven't already, give them a try, but only if you're prepared to have your life changed and be so hooked that you won't want muffins from anywhere else. Come for the muffins, stay for the caffeine, and it'll be your new favorite coffee shop in no time.
