It’s the most wonderful time of the year in New Orleans! No, it’s not Christmas, it’s Mardi Gras.
As the city buzzes with activity, visitors can take in all the sights and sounds that make this historic destination unique. And while Mardi Gras may be known for its parades and colorful costumes, it’s also a special opportunity to sample some of the best food and drinks!
Whether you’re looking for traditional Creole cuisine or something more exotic, there are plenty of places to eat and drink during your stay in NOLA. So get ready—it’s time to see what culinary delights await in New Orleans during Mardi Gras!
Where to Eat & Drink in New Orleans this Mardi Gras
Mister Mao
This season, Mister Mao will offer special to-go packages for revelers on the move. Stop by the Mao’s from February 10 – 19 for their special $40 Uptown Funk Hibiscus Margaritas. Available in a ½ gallon size, this tangy treat is perfect for thirst-quenching on the parade route. The batched cocktail comes with a bag of worm salt and fresh limes. Mao’s also offers a special Mardi Gras parade feast for pick-up, which includes 20 pieces of cold Kashmiri fried chicken, 10 Kalua Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches, ten bags of Zapp’s potato chips, and ten portions of Hawaiian-Style Macaroni Salad. Visit Mister Mao Website HERE.
Toups Meatery
If you’re looking for a place to grab some grub during the Endymion parade, look no further than Toups’ Meatery. Chef Isaac Toups’ Mid-City gem will open from 5 PM – 11 PM with everyone’s favorite Cajun dishes and creative cocktails. Feast on the Double Cut Pork Chop with dirty rice and cane syrup gastrique. Or try the Confit Chicken Thighs with ham-braised greens, Dijon cream, and lardons. Seafood lovers can snag some Crab Claws marinated in chili lime vinaigrette, pickled pineapple, and trout roe. Wash it all down with the specialty Mardi Gras cocktail Kings & Queens – featuring Cheramie Rum, Velvet Falernum, Liqueur de Cassis, Orgeat, lime, and a splash of tobacco bitters. Visit Toups Meatery HERE.
Bakery Bar
Just a stone’s throw from the parades, Bakery Bar features an inventive Mardi Gras cocktail menu and two specialty Doberge King Cakes. Libations include the King Cake Martini – Beignet Vodka, cinnamon demerara, cream, and Grand Marnier poured into a sugar-rimmed glass; Mardi Gras Sazerac – a blend of Sazerac Rye, cinnamon demerara, Angostura, and Peychaud’s in a purple, gold and green sugar rimmed glass; and a Strawberry King Fizz – a smooth blend of rum, triple sec, strawberry puree, heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice and a dash of club soda topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Visit Bakery Bar HERE.
Debbie Does Doberge
Break out the beads and enjoy the Cream Cheese King Cake Doberge at Debbie Does Doberge. This delectable treat combines two New Orleans dessert obsessions in one slice. Ready to laissez les bons temps rouler? Try the Café Brulot King Cake: a boozy decadence featuring a delicious cinnamon cake with Café Brulot pudding, cream cheese icing and finished with coffee buttercream. Both cakes are available in multiple sizes and can be shipped nationwide through Goldbelly.
Tujague’s
Swing by Tujague’s and grab a drink at one of their seasonal Mardi Gras Satellite Bars. Imbibers can belly up and enjoy festive libations like the signature Hurricane, Pimm’s Cup, or a Paloma. If you feel extra festive, try a specialty Mardi Gras Smash made with bourbon, blackberry syrup, blackberry liquor, and lemon juice. Certain beers will also be available for $5, a perfect to-go drink for the parade route. Visit Tujague’s HERE.
Jack Rose
On Friday, February 17, Jack Rose, the crown jewel of the Pontchartrain Hotel, is hosting a festive Friday lunch from 11 AM – 2 PM. Chef/Owner Brian Landry will serve an array of specialty dishes in addition to the eatery’s signature a la carte menu. Of course, the restaurant’s King Cake Mile High Pie will be on offer, as well as fun Carnival-inspired cocktails like the Second Line Spritz – featuring tequila, Pamplemousse, Bonal, lemon, and champagne; and the Throw Me Something – featuring Cathead Honeysuckle, lemon, elderflower, Pamplemousse and muddled strawberry. Diners can also expect entertainment and are encouraged to wear their most festive attire; after all, it’s Mardi Gras! Visit Jack Rose HERE.
Gris-Gris
Gris-Gris unveils an exciting new offering this Mardi Gras season, Gris-Gris to Go Go! At the new grab-and-go retail store next door to Gris-Gris, you can snag a variety of grab-and-go staples from Cook’s award-winning restaurants. Options include chicken and andouille gumbo, red beans and rice, and chicken and dumplings. If you have a bigger group, order a pre-order package from Gris-Gris. Cold fried chicken, finger sandwiches, pasta salad, and chips will keep your krewe well-fed on any parade day. Visit Gris Gris HERE.
Compere Lapin
This Mardi Gras season, Best Chef South Nina Compton’s acclaimed restaurant will showcase The Last Stag – a balance of whimsy and purpose, much like Compton’s cuisine. The cocktail features Hombres Mezcal from Bryan Cranston, Jägermeister, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, and fresh lemon. Visit Compere Lapin HERE.
Copper Vine
On Mardi Gras day Copper Vine will host a Zulu Parade brunch party. Watch the parade pass right in front of you on Poydras while you enjoy unlimited Bloody Marys and Mimosas from your private balcony. Fill up on the Cajun classic buffet, which includes chicken & boudin gumbo, pain perdu, beignets, and more. Visit Copper Vine HERE.
Couvant
Couvant is now serving slices of its homemade French-style king cake with layered puff pastry, almond cream, and berries served with cream cheese ice cream. Top it off with a special King Cake Old Fashioned, a festive twist on the classic cocktail with Fireball whiskey, house-made cinnamon syrup, and rimmed with king cake sugar. Visit Couvant HERE.
Barcadia
Barcadia provides guests with a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras experience from now until after Fat Tuesday. In addition to festive decor, Barcadia is located directly on the parade route and is the perfect place for all your Mardi Gras needs. Visit Barcadia HERE.
Commons Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans, the bustling hotel located in the Warehouse District, is welcoming Carnival season with bottomless brunches and festive celebrations. Each Friday leading up to Mardi Gras, guests can enjoy southern seasonal cuisine from Executive Chef Alex Harrell, plus live DJ entertainment and bottomless mimosas at the Commons Club, the social epicenter of the hotel. Visit The Virgin HERE.
Juniors On Harrison
Juniors in Lakeview has a “semi-famous” party boxes for Mardi Gras this year. Featuring 48 nuggets, 4 biscuits, and 4 dippers for $34.99. They also have 789 Octane in the daiquiri tank that’s blending fresh citrus and a ton of booze. (It’s like the frozen ritas we do but a bit stronger.) Visit Juniors HERE.
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Barrel Proof
Whether you’re looking to rent out the whole place for a private party, or just want somewhere close and easy to head after a parade, Barrel Proof has room for your whole krewe. A quick walk from Mardi Gras World, and the parade route. Visit Barrel Proof HERE.
The Chloe
Staycation Amongst the Revelry. With over 25 parades passing by us on St. Charles, The Chloe will be operating as a Mardi Gras hub throughout the season. Lucky for you, The Chloe still has rooms available, and hotel guests will receive complimentary wristbands for indoor access, concession tickets, a curated welcome package of Mardi essentials, and access to special events. Visit The Chloe NOLA HERE.
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