Let the good times roll! The cure to your winter slump is here. Fat Tuesday falls on February 17th this year, and there’s no shortage of places to go and people to see. Find a spot that matches your vibe, get a taste of some NOLA delights, and join in the festivities taking place all throughout Lakeview East.
Below is your guide to all the Mardi Gras events, specials, & more taking place this year!
Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden: Sheffield’s is celebrating from now until the big day with food specials every day! Try a bite of steamy, seasoned gumbo, flavorful jambalaya or a juicy po’ boy, then try saying you don’t feel the Mardi Gras spirit. This beloved beer garden has been serving the neighborhood for over 30 years, and they know a thing or two about a party. Take your crew out for a drink or two, and enjoy these Cajun classics like you’re in the heart of NOLA.
Dad’s Place: Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Dad’s Place! The kitchen is stirring up something special for the occasion— all your Louisiana favorites right here in Chicago. On the menu is a seafood gumbo from Commander’s Palace, Comeaux’s pork boudin, Natchitoches crawfish pies, and Muffuletta from Central Grocery! For your beverage needs, they’re mixing Hurricanes, Sazeracs, and more.
Chicago Sugar Daddy: This tv famous patisserie has delicious cupcakes, pastries, and other baked goods year round. This February they’re shaking it up with Paczkis available in not one, not two, but six different flavors! Take your pick of Ube, mango, chocolate, raspberry, Boston Creme, and cookies & cream.
Jacqueline’s: If you’re on Broadway on Tuesday night it’ll be hard to miss the party at Jacqueline’s. At 6pm, there will be free gumbo and jambalaya from Ina Mae! Drinks will be flowing, and the good times rolling. Come party!
Crab King: Look no further than the iconic Crab King for your Cajun seafood boil fix! Their selection includes a variety of favorites like snow crab, crawfish, shrimp, clams, and more. Savor in other southern delicacies like their fried catfish, lobster tail, and soft shell crab.
Neva Hangry: Some of the tastiest food can be found at the ultimate foodie experience that is Neva Hangry! Friendly to vegetarian and vegan diets, they serve high-quality creole soul food that’s sure to make your mouth water. From their gumbo cups to their NOLA night shrimp and grits, check out their menu to find what fits your taste this year.
Stolen Saddle: Stop by Stolen Saddle for deals on food and drink! It’s always a party at this western themed joint. On the big day they’re selling tacos for $3 and margaritas for only $4!
If your Mardi Gras vibe leans more vinyl-spinning dance party than bead-throwing balcony, Shakers on Clark has you covered. On Fat Tuesday, February 17, they’re hosting Very Vinyl with DJ Adam EL from 8 PM to midnight, spinning feel-good jams straight from his personal collection. It’s laid-back, a little retro, and the perfect excuse to celebrate Mardi Gras with a drink in hand and a dance floor moment. Consider this your sign to dust off your fun side and let the good times roll, Lakeview style.
Sidetrack: One of the neighborhood’s biggest Mardi Gras parties is back again for another round! Sidetrack is dancing to All Things Mardi Gras this Tuesday. Partygoers can enjoy complementary face and body painting by Julez Osco, specialty Hurricane cocktails, go-go boys, performances and lots of fun surprises. There will be games, and there will be prizes!
Bittersweet Pastry: Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Bittersweet’s version of the classic King Cake. Their twist features cinnamon sugar rolled in brioche and topped to perfection with vanilla bean glaze. And it wouldn’t be complete without the signature purple, gold, and green of the festival.
Do-Rite Donuts: If you’ve been in need of a sweet treat you’re in luck! For this Fat Tuesday, Do-Rite donuts is baking batches and batches of Paczki just for you! These tasty bites come in four different, delectable flavors: lemon coconut, salted caramel, raspberry vanilla glazed, and Boston cream. Place your pre-orders now until 2/17.
