Mardi Gras In NYC: Parties, Drink Specials And Celebrations
It is time for New Yorkers to unleash their Louisiana spirit and celebrate Mardi Gras on February 28. From the food to drinks and masks, there are countless ways to celebrate the holiday which has become known as Fat Tuesday. By John Friia/Corey Wehlan
Atwood Kitchen and Bar
986 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212-371-2233
www.atwoodny.com
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Nestled in the heart of Midtown, Atwood Kitchen and Bar is hosting their 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Crab Boil. As people enjoy live New Orleans style jazz music, they can chow down on a platter for two for $55 filled with snow crab legs, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes. Boiled in a spicy broth and served with melted butter, the delicious dish bring the zesty flavors of Louisiana to New York. Diners receive a complementary Abita beer to wash down the Cajun-inspired grub.
Eataly NYC Downtown
4 World Trade Center
New York, NY 10007
212-897-2896
www.eataly.com
Exploring Downtown NYC: Eat, See And Play
While Mardi Gras is a New Orleans traditional, Italians have celebrated the holiday since the 13th century. Known as Carnevale, the Venetian-style festival is getting a New York makeover at Eataly Downtown. In typical Venetian style, there will be an abundance of food, wine and music as people dress up in traditional masks. The festivities take place at Eataly's Il Pesce restaurant, and people will indulge on savory and sweet treats, specialty cocktails and craft beers.
Bourbon Street Bar and Grille
346 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-245-2030
www.bourbonny.com
Exploring Hell's Kitchen: Eat, See And Play
One of New Orleans' most famous streets has an outpost in Hell's Kitchen with the Bourbon Street Bar and Grille. Bringing the vibrancy of The Big Easy to The Big Apple, patrons will feel transported with drink specials featuring $5 Hurricane cocktails, Abitas, and Bud Lights. Of course, a Mardi Gras party would not be complete with endless beads and masks, and Bourbon Street will have plenty of those.
Chef Isaac Toups' Mardi Gras Dinners
Multiple Locations
Mardi Gras is beginning a little bit earlier with Cajun master and Top Chef contestant Isaac Toups. The Louisiana-based chef is hosting numerous dinners on the eve and night of Mardi Gras. On February 27, Chef Isaac will cook an exclusive four-course feast at the Tasting Table Test Kitchen in Lower Manhattan, including stuffed crawfish heads, crawfish bisque and Louisiana crawfish pie. On Mardi Gras, people can make reservations at Bird & Bubbles and enjoy a Louisiana crawfish boil dinner with Chef Sarah Simmons.
The Bell House
149 7th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-643-6510
www.thebellhouseny.com
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New Yorkers can head to Brooklyn for a New Orleans-style party at The Bell House with their Mardi Gras Bash. With music from Hungry March Band, Jonathan Toubin and Gordon Webster, the ticketed event with have people dancing the night away while drinking traditional cocktails and bites. The 1920s warehouse will have the energy of New Orleans throughout the expansive venue, making Fat Tuesday unforgettable.
B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
237 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 997-4144
www.bbkingblues.com
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This year, the sounds of George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will rock Mardi Gras for the 5th annual "Funky Fat Tuesday" at B.B. Kings Blues Club and Grill. Come hungry for their array of comfort dishes, as well as for fun. Show times starts at 8 p.m., but get tickets early -- seats book up fast. Prices start at $42.50, $49 at the door.
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.
Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York.
