A combination snow day and Fat Tuesday in Washington mean double the celebration—though a few of the parties have altered their plans and dates due to the storm. Despite the chill, there’s no need to feel left out if you didn’t make it to Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras this year. Washington bars and restaurants celebrate with are plenty of music, king cakes, and New Orleans-style eats. Here’s what’s going on this week.
901 New York Ave., NW
The downtown Louisiana spot hosts an exclusive Mardi Gras party with an all-you-can-eat and drink spread, including mini muffulettas, broiled oysters, peel-n-eat shrimp, and cocktail crab claws. Tickets are $100.
When: Tuesday, February 17, from 6 to 10
2519 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Join Bayou for its fifth annual Mardi Gras celebration, an evening full of live music and food. The parade from Dupont Circle has been canceled due to snow, but the indoor fun is still on. A $25 buffet gives you access to traditional Cajun/Creole fare, and live music will be playing until 1 AM.
When: Tuesday, February 17
1515 N. Courthouse Rd.
David Guas’s popular eatery is hosting its fourth annual Bayou Gras Block Party with plenty of New Orleans-inspired fare, snow be darned (plows and heaters are in the works). Food, drink, and beer tickets are all sold separately, starting at $15.
When: Tuesday, February 17, from 6 to 9
1837 M St., NW
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Spanish twist. This Fat Tuesday party is filled with unlimited tapas and Mardi Gras sangrias. Tickets are $45, and reservations can be made by calling 202-558-9545.
When: Tuesday, February 17
1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
The restaurant is closed Tuesday due to the storm, so the party has been moved to Thursday. Look for a special Mardi Gras menu with Louisiana favorites like jambalaya, oyster gratin, crusted cod Creole, and bananas Foster crepes. Live music by Laissez-Foure will also play from 7 to 10.
When: Thursday, February 19
2121 14th St., NW
The 14th Street eatery is offering a free slice of king cake, discounted Abita bottles and drafts, and a happy hour that runs from 4 to close.
When: Tuesday, February 17
3115 14th St., NW
At the Heights, Mardi Gras is a weeklong celebration packed with specialty old-time Louisiana cocktails and jambalaya and gumbo specials.
When: Week of February 16
2010 Crystal Dr.
This brand new Crystal City hangout is serving Mardi Gras food and drink specials to the tune of live music all night.
When: Tuesday, February 17
1813 Columbia Rd., NW
Jambalaya, beignets, and blackened fish all grace the special Mardi Gras menu at this popular French bistro. Additionally, the restaurant will serve specialty cocktails such as a French 75, a hurricane, and milk punch, alongside a brass band playing throughout the night.
When: Tuesday, February 16, from 5:30 to 10
2031 Florida Ave., NW
The bar is celebrating the occasion with a week full of Bourbon Street-inspired cocktails, from hurricanes to absinthe frappes.
When: Week of February 16
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace/Black Jack
1612 14th St., NW
Head to Black Jack for the Capital Cocktail Competition. Bartenders from eight local restaurants face off to win the honor of best Mardi Gras cocktail. Tickets are $30 and include hor d’oeuvres, oysters, and discounted drinks. Downstairs at Pearl Dive, the usual (and delicious) Louisiana fare is served, as well as king cakes that can be taken to go.
When: Tuesday, February 17, at 9
1900 M St., NW
Participate in the 14th Annual Bourbon Street Bash, with plenty of Cajun food, a brass funk band, and cheap drinks. If you’re feeling brave, you can even enter a hot wing eating contest. Doors open at 4, and if you come early, the cover charge is discounted. Advance passes are $5.
When: Tuesday, February 17
Strathmore Mardi Gras Concert
5301 Tuckerman La., Rockville
Enjoy a night full of New Orleans jazz with a performance by Grammy winner Irvin Mayfield. Tickets are $39 to $69.
When: Wednesday, February 18
