NYC's 5 Best Mardi Gras 2014 Parties & Celebrations
Cajun cuisine, strong cocktails (and of course beads) make for a Mardi Gras celebration to remember. With Fat Tuesday around the corner, shore up your party plans with one of these NYC bars and restaurants hosting wild, New Orleans-style events that'll make you feel like you really are in the Big Easy. By Sarah Shaker.
Two Boots celebrates Mardi Gras with live music, dancing, stilt walking, and more at LPR. The night will feature music from The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Mamarazzi, Hungry March Band, and The Main Squeeze Orchestra. Live art by Zito, stiltwalkers from The Lady Circus and a surprise Celebrity King & Queen will round out this crazy celebration. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with tickets available for $35 for general admission, two general admission tickets for $60 or $125 for the VIP treatment (including an open bar, dinner and reserved seating). Proceeds benefit The Lower Eastside Girls Club.
The Delta Grill is hosting a Fat Tuesday party to remember. A $30 cover at the door includes an unlimited Cajun menu that features Crawfish Boil, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, and Chicken Creole, one free Hurricane and the Southern style music from Citigrass. Head here right after work, as the buffet opens at 6 p.m. and music follows at 7 p.m. to get the party started right.
Celebrate Mardi Gras this year at Village Pourhouse's Fat Tuesday Party in the East Village, including traditional Zydeco tunes, $5 Hurricanes, 2 for 1 Abita beers, and of course, colorful beads. If you're hungry, be sure to order the Jambalaya or Cajun Chicken Pasta for an authentic Mardi Gras meal.
French Roast Uptown is going all out for Mardi Gras this year with a special menu, cocktails, and of course, plenty of beads for everyone to get in the spirit. Dine on New Orleans favorites such as Chicken & Andouille Gumbo, Shrimp Remoulade, Blacked Catfish with Dirty Rice, Crayfish & Shrimp Etouffee and Po' Boys. You can also sip on Hurricanes and other cocktails that are sure to make your Mardi Gras night authentic. And make sure you save room for dessert because French Roast will be serving a tradition King Cake with a special surprise: a small baby doll baked inside. The person who gets the doll in his or her piece of cake will win a $25 gift card.
From the moment you see Bourbon Street Bar & Grille's wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps and stuffed alligator above the bar, you'll feel as though you really are on Bourbon Street. And what better place to celebrate Fat Tuesday?!? This New Orleans-inspired bar and restaurant is hosting a Fat Tuesday party that includes face painting, beads, masks, giveaways and a DJ to dance away the evening while you sip on their signature Hurricanes.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
