Mardi Gras in New Orleans: what to eat, drink and do

One thing you can't afford to miss during Mardi Gras and Carnival season is king cake. This traditional ring-shaped cake is made by bakeries all over the city. Some are made with simple brioche dough or cinnamon-swirl dough, while others are stuffed with sweet fillings, from chocolate to praline cream (not to mention newfangled savory versions) and just about all are topped with purple, green and gold sugar. The cakes include one plastic baby (or another festive figurine)—if you get the piece with the baby, you’re obliged to buy the next king cake. Everyone has their favorite, but just a few include a classic from Haydel's, a simple but on-point version from Nolita or an indulgent one with a Vietnamese coffee-flavored filling from Dough Nguyener's. Can't decide? Stop by the King Cake Hub to find selections from bakeries all over the city, all in one spot.

Gris-Gris’ takeout sidekick has all your parade needs, from King Cake Daiquiris to packaged red beans and rice, chicken and dumplings, sandwiches and even turkey necks from sister restaurant Saint John. Pick up whatever you need for the parade route, or just dine at Gris-Gris before or after the parades.

You’ll need to eat before the parades, but not so much that you’re full. The Bower Bar does it just right with a selection of small plates to nosh on while you get in the spirit with specialty drinks like the Carnival Negroni (with housemade glittered Campari), the St. Charles Sour (with house-infused peach bourbon) and the Mobile Mardi Gras with spiced rum and chocolate vegan soft serve.

Birdy’s is a go-to spot for breakfast in the Lower Garden District and an ideal place to fuel up away from the crowds before heading out. Try a special king cake cinnamon roll, and—why not—indulge in a Mardi Gras Martini to start the day (or afternoon) off right.

Tujague's is a great spot for pre-parade dining if you’re catching one towards the end of its route, but with a prime spot on Decatur, it’s a great place to be when Krewe du Vieux rolls through. The restaurant will host a special KDV Parade Viewing Party, where you can enjoy an open bar and indulgent buffet with access to the restaurant’s private balcony overlooking the street as the always-colorful parade passes by.

Stop by Martin’s for all your parade needs. This Uptown wine shop, liquor store and deli has plenty of parade-worthy snacks, from finger sandwiches and wraps to cheese, crackers and snacks. And, of course, you can pick up wine, beer or cocktail supplies to enjoy on the parade route.

Saint John’s location on Saint Charles Ave. is a prime parade route spot, so the restaurant is offering Mardi Gras Grandstand Passes for a sweet parade viewing experience. Passes include access to Saint John’s upstairs private rooms, an open buffet featuring daily selections by Chef de Cuisine Darren Chabert, a private bar, balcony and restrooms, plus grandstand access in front of the restaurant.

This cash-only, 24-hour corner store and deli is the best spot for late-night (and early morning) eats in the Quarter—especially during Mardi Gras. The po’boys are hefty and flavorful, perfect for satisfying hunger after a night out or fueling up as you go. The hot sausage po’boy and the roast beef—both made with a secret sauce—are favorites. Then there’s the All That Jazz, a stunner stuffed with grilled turkey, ham, American and Swiss cheeses, fried shrimp and sautéed mushrooms. Perfect parade fare.

Another 24-hour joint in the Quarter, Clover Grill hits the spot with handmade burgers and fries, omelettes, chicken fried steak, sandwiches and other standard diner fare—cooked up with just the right amount of attitude needed for a parade pick-me-up. Situated at the tail end of Bourbon Street, it's the place to go to make sure your belly's full before heading to bed (whatever time that may be).

This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys. Shrimp are fried to perfection, roast beef is sufficiently messy and the Barq's (and beer) is served icy cold. The oyster po-boy is a favorite, but it is only available Mondays and Wednesdays. While not located near (yet not far from) any of the parade routes, this Mid-City spot is a festive place to grab a bite before heading out.

Aside from their parade, each Carnival krewe’s annual ball is a highlight of the season. Many of the major krewes (and some Carnival organizations that don’t parade) host regal, black-tie events that are exclusive to members, but some are open to the public. Krewe du Vieux and Chewbacchus host irreverent bashes that require a costume and feature top local bands. Grab a ticket to the black-tie Orpheuscapade or the Endymion Extravaganza, and you’ll catch national-level acts performing before watching the parades as they finish up in the Convention Center and Superdome, respectively.

Mardi Gras day is the time to don your best costume. You’ll see everything, from popular characters to elaborate, bedazzled get-ups to costumes that comment on the politics of the day as you walk the streets on Fat Tuesday. There’s no rule against dressing up on other days; however, you’ll often see parade-goers decked out in wigs, glitter and colorful attire. Shops like Miss Claudia’s Vintage, Uptown Costume and Funky Monkey are go-to spots for Mardi Gras costumes. If you’re not feeling creative, just throw on some purple, green and gold—the traditional colors of Mardi Gras.

This annual Carnival ball/music festival at Mardi Gras World follows the Krewe of Freret parade. The festivities include performances by Ja Rule, Soul Rebels, New Breed Brass Band, special guest Big Boi and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

The Monday before Mardi Gras brings its own festivities. Catch the Red Beans Parade (members craft their costumes from the city’s iconic legume) during the day, then Proteus (the city’s second oldest krewe) and Orpheus (the krewe founded by Harry Connick, Jr.) that night. The Lundi Gras Festival, hosted by the Krewe of Zulu at Woldenberg Park, features music and food to enjoy before King Zulu and his entourage arrive by boat on the Mississippi. Later, Rex (the King of Carnival) arrives and the mayor symbolically hands over control of the city to let the Mardi Gras revelry begin.

This annual event at the Royal Sonesta kicks off the final weekend of Mardi Gras. Greasing the poles in front of the hotel was done to prevent overzealous Carnival revelers from climbing up to the balcony, but the tradition continues today as a boisterous competition. Each year, local celebs participate as contestants and judges see who can grease the poles with the most flare.