Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras 2017 in D.C.
From cocktail classes to all out Mardi Gras parties, let the good times roll with these Fat Tuesday celebrations.
Bayou
The New Orleans-inspired restaurant will be hosting it’s 7th Annual Mardi Gras with live music on the Patio (11 AM - 4 PM, as well as later in the night), a $25 all-you-can-eat buffet of Cajun favorites (5 - 9 PM) door prizes and giveaways from Abita. (2519 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; 202-223-6941)
Bayou Bakery
The DC location of David Guas’ Louisiana eatery will transform into Mardi Gras Wonderland complete with purple, green and gold decorations (think feathers and parasol umbrellas). From Feb. 10 - 28, guests can get into the Fat Tuesday spirit with menu specials and cocktails. The Courthouse location will celebrate Mardi Gras by offering pre-Clarendon Parade specials including $5 New Orleans cocktails and Abita Drafts and $5 Creole and Cajun dishes. (901 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; 202-664-5307; 1515 N. Courthouse Rd, Arlington; 703-243-2410)
Black Jack
The 14th Street bar will be hosting Mardi Gras Fest from Feb. 25 - 28. Enjoy drink specials including discounted Abita, Hurricanes, Irish Coffee Slushies, Jello Shots and specialty cocktails as well as creole-inspired dishes. On Fat Tuesday, the bar will have live music and all night happy hour in addition to food and drink specials. (1612 14th St, NW; 202-986-5225)
Dock 5 at Union Market
DC’s top chefs and mixologists from over 20 restaurants unite at Dock 5 on Fat Tuesday for a Mardi Gras Extravaganza. Proceeds from the event will benefit the New Orleans’-based St. Bernard Project and DC Central Kitchen. With your all-inclusive ticket, enjoy Southern-style bites, cocktails, and beer; live music; and contests (for best-crafted Hurricane and best costumes). 5 - 10 PM; tickets are $65. (1309 5th St, NE)
Round Robin Bar
Although known for its famous mint juleps, from Feb. 20 -28, the Round Robin Bar will be slinging Bourbon Street cocktails during a special Mardi Gras Happy Hour from 4 - 6 PM. Priced at $15 each, take your pick between the Sazerac, Brandy Milk Punch, Vieux Carre, Hurricane, or Bayou Bloody Mary. Pair your beverage of choice with Cajun bites including mini shrimp po boys, grilled oysters and roasted alligator wings. (1401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; 202-628-9100)
Grilled Oyster Company
During the week leading up to Mardi Gras, the seafood and raw bar will be offering a special pairing featuring an oyster po boy and your choice of either a Bourbon Street Fizz cocktail (blackberry, tequila, champagne) or an Abita draft for $20. (3701 Newark St, NW; 202-362-1719)
Service Bar DC
In a nod to Mardi Gras, the U Street cocktail bar will be kicking off its newest rotating Regional Menu concept with an homage to New Orleans. Available for two months starting on Fat Tuesday, the first menu will feature cocktails inspired by the Big Easy such as Sazeracs, Vieux Carres and Gin Fizzes as well as regional dishes including beignets, gumbo and dirty rice. A special tasting menu will be available in the private tasting room, The Snug. (926 U St, NW; 202-462-7232)
Via Umbria
Putting an Italian spin on Fat Tuesday (which falls on the final day of Carnevale), Via Umbria will be hosting a cocktail class with mixologist Matt Demma from True Syrups. Learn how to shake and stir five Carnevale-esque cocktails; $25. (1525 Wisconsin Ave, NW; 202-333-3904)
Vieux Carre
The New Orleans-style cocktail bar will kick off Fat Tuesday festivities at 6 PM with live music showcasing big band and Louisiana style jazz; Bayou specialities such as Po Boys, fried oysters, and beignets; and classic Mardi Gras cocktails including Frozen Hurricanes and Zombies. Revelers can expect plenty of party favors, beads, masks, and other themed giveaways as well as a raffle. (1413 K St, NW; 202-682-0949)
Don't want to make the trek outside and prefer to celebrate at home with friends? Not a fan of Ramos Gin Fizzes, Vieux Carres or Hurricanes? We've got you covered. Try shaking up these tasty cocktails in your very own kitchen for a chill (or wild) night in.
Blackberry Paloma
1.5 oz Ciroc vodka
2oz Mtn Dew Black Label
2 oz grapefruit juice
1893 Pure Gold
1.5 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
4 oz. 1893 Pepsi
lime wedge
Black Out
1.5 oz Ciroc vodka
3 oz Mtn Dew Black Label
berries for garnish
Photo via Danya Henninger