Mardi Gras in DC
Life’s suggestions for restaurants and parades to ensure Fat Tuesday is a blast
New Orleans is the home of Mardi Gras, but that does not mean you have to travel all the way down to Louisiana to celebrate. Much of the rest of America has taken on Mardi Gras as a sort of adopted holiday, and the District is no exception. Fat Tuesday falls on Feb. 28 this year, and is a time to celebrate with loads of decadent food and lively jazz. D.C. has no shortage of locations to enjoy your Mardi Gras.
Enjoy Mardi Gras the way it was intended with seafood galore from Bayou styled dishes. For $39 this Tuesday, you can dine on a full three-course meal - consider the Frog Legs appetizer, Louisiana Gumbo and a possible finisher of King Cake, or feel free to craft your own trio.
When: 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: 901 New York Ave NW
Metro: Red line, Metro Center station
Hop on the Red Line for a short trip to Bayou, a restaurant as New Orleans as it can get with a fun setting and even better cuisine. This year, treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat buffet for $25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 2159 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Metro: Red line, Farragut North station
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
Mix it up with the traditional Mardi Gras cuisine by adding some espresso to your day. As the name would suggest, Bayou Bakery specializes in southern baking - pick up a King Cake or two and enjoy Mardi Gras with simplicity.
Where: 1515 N. Courthouse Rd
Metro: Orange line, Courthouse Station
Head over to Union Market to have the most complete Mardi Gras experience D.C. has to offer. Over 20 restaurants (including some of the above) will be arriving along with live music for the entire night. Bring as many friends as you can and enjoy the Southern experience to its fullest.
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Union Market
Metro: Red line, NoMa - Gallaudet U station
If you’re not a fan of Fat Tuesday’s restaurant alternatives, enjoy it with some spectacle instead. Starting at 7 p.m. at Wilson Boulevard and North Barton Street, continuing up Wilson, Clarendon’s first annual Mardi Gras parade will be en route. Not to mention there will be copious amounts street fare, food and dancing.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Parade start route at Wilson Blvd and N. Barton Street
Metro: Orange line, Courthouse Station
