Though New Orleans is officially the Mardi Gras capital of the country, NYC wouldn’t let a holiday go by without at least some type of celebration.
Mardi Gras marks the final day of Carnival season, which traditionally starts on Three Kings Day (January 6) and is celebrated with parades, parties and more. It also falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, hence the “Fat Tuesday” name, a last day to load up on indulgent food and drink before fasting for the religious holiday.
The NOLA spirit is here in NYC today and this week, with food and drinks specials as well as lots of live jazz. Here’s everything going on.
A true Big Easy–style party at 1803 NYC
This fabulous restaurant in Tribeca feels like you’re in New Orlean’s famous French Quarter, with beautiful floral decorations, an upper level with cast iron balconies and arched windows. Though its Cajun cuisine and New Orleans influence are a focus year-round, 1803 goes especially all-out for Mardi Gras. Expect menu classics like jambalaya, muffulettas, and beignets plus cocktails like Hurricanes and a tequila-forward “Voodoo Garden #2.” Tonight, February 17 is the big Mardi Gras party, with:
- Live jazz from a five-piece band (Amos Hoffman) from 5–8 p.m.
- Burlesque performance from Miss Frankie Eleanor and dancers from 6–8 p.m. upstairs
Reservations encouraged.
From King Cake to Cupcakes
It’s hard to still find King Cake in NYC (lots of bakeries sell it through January following Three Kings Day), but Make My Cake Bakery in Harlem is doing these adorable Mardi Gras themed cupcakes! And you may just find the classic baby inside…
They are available now through Wednesday, February 18.
An Italian Mardi Gras twist with Carnevale at Lulla
Carnival isn’t only celebrated in Louisiana Italy has their own version of the high-energy, colorful holiday (though it’s spelled Carnevale!). During lunch today, February 17, from 12-2 p.m., Lulla in Chelsea is hosting an Italian Mardi Gras with special food and drinks specials, live music, mask-making for all-ages, prizes and giveaways. It’s a great option for families — just make sure to wear your best Carnevale-inspired costume!
A week-long Mardi Gras celebration in East Midtown
If you’re a bit behind on celebrating and miss the boat for today, don’t worry, the East Midtown Partnership has you covered. This beloved annual Mardi Gras event is back again with an even longer time period — one week instead of one day! There are lots of participating restaurants with special menus of drinks and food from Feb. 16-22, culminating with live jazz performances at select restaurants on Saturday, February 21. We have our eyes on David Burke Tavern’s King Cake Martini. See the entire list of participating restaurants from East Midtown Partnership here.
Cajun-French-inspired menu at a classic NYC brasserie
Grand Brasserie in Grand Central’s iconic Vanderbilt Hall is bringing some New Orleans energy for Mardi Gras on Tuesday. A special Cajun-French-inspired menu includes the likes of boudin blanc, Oysters Rockefeller, beignets, King Cake and classic New Orleans cocktails such as Sazerac, Hurricane or The Vieux Carré. It’s open from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m., so if late-night is calling you this is the way to go.