Let’s party, Chicago! Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, or whatever you call this day of decadence, it means one heck of a party, and we can’t wait to celebrate! Plenty of Chicago hot spots are bringing a taste of New Orleans to the Midwest with cocktails and Cajun specialties in the name of the festivities. For the best places to celebrate Mardi Gras, read on…
The Smoke Daddy (Wicker Park location only) {1804 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.772.6656}: $5 Abita Drafts and Frozen Hurricanes, $12 Brisket Muffaletta Sandwiches, and barbecue, too! Talk about the perfect trifecta for a Mardi Gras feast!
Firecakes {various locations}: King cake is a long-time Mardi Gras tradition, and Firecakes has put a special twist on the famous dessert by making it a breakfast treat! Their King Cake Donuts are the perfect way to start your Mardi Gras!
STK Chicago {9 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.340.5636}: Get your beads, masks, and feathers on because it is time for the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade at STK Chicago! On Fat Tuesday, STK Chicago will be serving it up NOLA-style with sponsored Big Easy Cocktails and New Orleans-inspired appetizers starting at 5:30pm for happy hour! Come for the cocktail party, and stay for the dinner party. Make your dinner reservations and dine in your masquerade best!
House of Blues {329 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.923.2000}: Laisses les bons temps rouler! The House of Blues is celebrating Mardi Gras with live music from the Sweet Potato Zydeco Band, plus food specials like a Crawfish Boil and Rock Me Hurricanes.
Ina Mae Tavern {1415 North Wood Street, Chicago; 773.360.8320}: Who says Mardi Gras has to only last one day? Ina Mae has been celebrating all weekend, and today, known as Lundi Gras, will bring half off Po’ Boys and cocktails all day long! Then, to close Mardi Gras with a bang, Ina Mae is celebrating Fat Tuesday with many moving parts. Ina Mae will open early at 4pm to kick off the evening with Happy Hour specials before chef Jup’s famous Crawfish Boil. Tickets are $35 and include all-you-can-eat crawfish, corn and potatoes, and a complimentary king cake.
Bluegrass {1636 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park; 847.831.0595}: This cozy family restaurant blends a little Southern influence into its repertoire, making it the perfect suburban celebration spot. They’ll have Crawfish Boudin, Nawlins’ Sweet and Spicy Shrimp, Crawfish Etouffee, and other Cajun specials just for the holiday! Bring a big group and get ready for a feast!
Vanille {various locations}: There is a strong French influence in New Orleans, and Vanille has brought that right into Chicago. With decadent desserts like Macarons, Petit Fours, cakes, and more, you can bring a whole bunch of dessert home for the family or for your co-workers at the office.
Texas de Brazil {various locations}: This Brazilian-American steakhouse has been celebrating Carnaval since Friday, and that celebration continues for Fat Tuesday! They’ll have classics that will transport guests’ imaginations and taste buds! Find traditional Caipirinhas, mouthwatering churrasco grilled meats, and an expansive 50-item salad area with a bounty of hot and cold dishes for the revelers. Fat Tuesday enthusiasts may also want to enjoy the Texas de Brazil happy hour specials including $3 domestic beers, $7 martinis, and more.
Goddess & Grocer {various locations}: Who doesn’t love a prize inside their dessert? It makes every bite all the sweeter! Goddess & Grocer has King Cakes and cupcakes for the holiday, and if you find a baby inside (as is Mardi Gras tradition), you can win a Goddess gift card. Huzzah!
St. Lou’s Assembly {664 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.600.0600}: Transport yourself to The Big Easy as you sip on Hurricanes and creatively crafted Mount Gay rum cocktails while indulging in New Orleans-inspired food items! St. Lou’s Happy Hour will be one to remember this Tuesday. See you there!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Make the Most of Chicago’s Fat Tuesday Celebrations appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.