Although you may think Mardi Gras (which is French for “Fat Tuesday”) may only be a New Orleans past time, you’re wrong! The holiday itself represents the day before Ash Wednesday, a celebration focusing on a feast, carnival and overall party to enjoy the last day before the Lenten period of fasting and sacrifice.
Here in NYC, that means lots of fun decorations, festive cocktails, jazz clubs, and more. Check out what’s happening in NYC for Mardi Gras below.
When is Mardi Gras celebrated?
This year’s Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025.
Mardi Gras in East Midtown
Ring in Mardi Gras in East Midtown on March 1st, when the business district hosts a special New Orleans-themed celebration for the holiday! Several local businesses in the area including Serendipity 3, Rosa Mexicano, The Naked Pig, and Copinette will be serving special New Orleans-themed bites and cocktails! Don’t forget about picking up festive purple, green, and gold beads and masks from the participating restaurants!
When: March 1st
🎭 See the full list of participating restaurants
Mardi Gras at 1803
Get an authentic taste of New Orleans at 1803 NYC, whose hosting a week-long celebration of Mardi Gras in the city. From February 28th – March 4th, the restaurant will turn into the ultimate NOLA experience, transporting you straight to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Events include live jazz performances, a speakeasy magic show, a burlesque brunch, a happy hour, Cajun-inspired dishes, and so much more.
When: February 28th – March 4th
Where: 1803 NYC (82 Reade St)
🎭 More information and reservations
Mardi Gras at Valerie
Stop by Valerie from March 3rd – 9th and try out all kinds of New Orleans-inspired dishes and cocktails including Po’ Boys to Gumbo, Sazerac, and Pimm’s Cups. On Fat Tuesday the 4th, they’ll also have a live jazz performance happening to help you transport to Bourbon Street!
When: March 3rd – 9th
Where: 45 W 45th St
🎭 More information and reservations
Mardi Gras at Lolita
Lolita in Midtown is serving a festive Mardi Gras cocktail, the Hurricane from March 3rd-9th. The Hurricane is made with Ron del Barrilito rum, Jamaican rum, passionfruit, pineapple, orange, lime juice, and piloncillo.
When: March 3rd – 9th
Where: 45 W 45th St
🎭 More information and reservations
Mardi Gras at Madame George
Beloved cocktail bar Madame George is serving up some themed cocktails from March 3rd-9th, including the Absinthe Frappe (St. George absinthe, anisette, demerara, mint aroma), La Louisiane (Jaywalk bonded rye, sweet vermouth, benedictine, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters), and Trademarked Cocktail (House melon liqueur, blended rum, vodka, gin, pineapple, cucumber).
When: March 3rd – 9th
Where: 45 W 45th St
🎭 More information and reservations
Mardi Gras at French Roast
Experience a full Mardi Gras meal from now until March 4th at French Roast on the Upper West Side.
The special menu includes NOLA favorites like Soft Shell Crab Po’boy, Seafood Boil, Cajun Sweet Potato & Seafood Chowder Old Bay, Jambalaya, and so much more. Not to mention the awesome Mardi Gras cocktails like the Hurricane, Pimm’s Cup (cucumber, orange, lemon mint, sparkling soda), and Sazerac Cocktail (sazerac rye, absinthe, sugar cube, Peychaud’s Angostura bitters).
When: February 28th – 4th
Where: 2340 Broadway