Laissez les bons temps rouler!
If you like big beads and you cannot lie… you’re gonna wanna post up at these Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday) celebrations in Raleigh. Eat, drink and dance the night away, but don’t you worry—what happens on the float, stays on the float.
The Big Easy
Our very own Nawlins nugget in Raleigh, The Big Easy is obv here for Mardi Gras. Head to DTR and down Hurricanes and Abita Purple Haze cans while grooving to live music. And up the authentic factor with some bites from Big Easy’s Cajun-inspired menu (think alligator bites, shrimp and gouda grits, and Bourbon Street chicken) that promise to put you in the Fat Tuesday spirit.
St. Roch
Hola, NOLA. A Mardi Gras celebration at one of Raleigh’s most esteemed Nawlins-inspired restaurants is a no-brainer. Swing by for faves like oysters, crawfish hushpuppies, jambalaya, fried seafood and more. Beignet, done that.
Stanbury
Stanbury doesn’t mess around when it comes to Mardi Gras. The popular resto’s annual party touts music, a crawfish boil and jambalaya, and Hurricanes—plus a Creole-inspired special menu just for Fat Tuesday.
Hummingbird
Fill your soul (and stomach!) with New Orleans-inspired eats from chef-owner Colleen Speaks—from gumbo to fried chicken livers to po’boys and more. (Note: Hummingbird is closed on Tuesdays but will be open Wednesday for anyone who’s craving a late Mardi Gras celebration!)
Tepuy Donuts
It wouldn’t be Fat Tuesday without paczki. Pronounced (POONCH-key), these hole-less and sweet-jelly-filled fried doughnuts are a Polish dessert traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday (hence the holiday’s name). And Tepuy Donuts will have some on hand—plus King Cake doughnuts!—at Idle Hour Coffee to make sure your Mardi Gras is ever so sweet.
