So last week was Mardi Gras, but we're still feelin' pretty NOLA up in the Big Apple. 

Or, at least we can say we like the French airy version of a fried doughnut. We've got no hope in the world of being skinny while these beignet babies are available right in our own city. 

Since we can't afford a flight down to New Orleans, we'll stick with the best we've got, and the best is pretty darn close to the original.

These beignets are fried perfectly and topped with heaps of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar with enough flavor to keep your sweet tooth happy for weeks. 

Here are some of the best beignets (in no particular order) in NYC:

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1.Delimarie (106 Duane Street)

It's kind of difficult to imagine a deli with beignets on the menu. However, this one does, and they're pretty bangin'. 

For $5, you get three massive beignets topped with powdered sugar. 

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They're freshly made, crispy on the outside and warm, light, and airy on the inside. 

If you haven't had a NOLA beignet, this is one of the closest you're going to get. 

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2. Cookshop (156 10th Avenue)

Sometimes you really need to start your weekend with something sweet. If it's one of those times, head to Cookshop for brunch on Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and order their beignets. 

Cookshop's beignets are made with DiPalo's fresh ricotta cheese and a roasted pear compote. They're not the typical NOLA beignets, but that doesn't mean they aren't delicious. Make sure you also get the baked french toast with roasted apples, raisin walnut bread, vanilla cream, and candied almonds. 

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3. Nosh Borough (25-17 Astoria Blvd - Queens)

When you think beignets, you probably don't think sweet potato. They're just not on the same level. However, Nosh Borough has combined them to create an exceptionally delicious dessert. 

Sometimes the powdered sugar on a NOLA beignet can have (dare we say it) too much powdered sugar that it takes away from the flavor and texture of the little fried dough. 

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However, these beignets lack powdered sugar. Sure, some people will scoff and moan, but when you try them you'll fall in love. 

Instead, they're little fried pillows with a hint of sweetness and cinnamon that will woe any dessert hater. 

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4. Dirty French (180 Ludlow Street)

Yes, Dirty French is located in the Ludlow Hotel, but that doesn't mean it's not a spot to be sought out for beignet lovin'. 

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The Dirty French beignets are incredible. They're much more flavorful than a simple piece of fried dough, with hints of floral and orange flavorings accompanied by a chicory caramel sauce. Chicory, a smokey coffee, adds the perfect amount of depth for these babies. 

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5. Jalopy Tavern (317 Columbia Street - Brooklyn)

If you want real, authentic NOLA beignets without traveling to the Big Easy from the Big Apple, you can find some right in our own backyard. 

Head on over to Jalopy Tavern serving up some Big Easy favorites to the BK. Their beignets are served for brunch every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

They're crispy fried bits coated in powdered sugar, just the way NOLA loves them. 

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6. Ray's Candy Store (113 Avenue A)

You can't live in NYC without going to Ray's. Ray himself is a legend. He's one of the nicest men in the world, serving up some of the sweetest, most delicious treats to anyone who enters his shop. He recently turned 83 years old, and some customers threw him a burlesque themed birthday party. 

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His beignets are perfect little fried dough balls smothered in powdered sugar that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If they don't do the trick, try the fried oreos. You won't leave Ray's hungry or unhappy. 

Check out 8 Best Creperies in NYC. 

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]