EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is from way back in 2017. Here’s our updated guide to Mardi Gras a.k.a. Fat Tuesday in Dallas for 2019.
A trip to the Big Easy might not be in the cards this year, but here’s a list of the best places to have a New Orleans-style Fat Tuesday right here in Dallas.
When: 6 p.m. to midnight
Cost: $30 – $120
Special guest Chef Ty Frazier of Pier247 will make Cajun-style gumbo. You’ll also find catfish, dirty rice, and bourbon raisin-bread pudding. Grab a Hurricane, lots of beads, and enjoy New Orleans bounce from DJ Nawdy.
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
There will be boiled crawfish and shrimp and half-off fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. As always, Tuesdays are all-day Happy Hour, with half-price bottles of wine; $4 Gators, Hurricanes, and margaritas; and half-off appetizers with the purchase of an entree.
When: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you want a king cake, give 24 hours’ notice by calling (214) 754-0099. The usual Happy Hour specials are available from 3-6 p.m.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Join in a one-hour march through Deep Ellum followed by live music from the Free Loaders and the Big As$ Brass Band.
When: 4 p.m. to midnight
Cost: Free before 6 p.m. with RSVP
There will be live DJs, VIP areas, table and bottle service, Mardi Gras favors, a Cajun-style buffet (with ticket purchase), and an all-night Cajun menu.
When: 4 to 11 p.m.
Come hungry. There will be an all-you-can-eat broiled crawfish for $25, $6 Hurricanes, a live DJ, and tons of free beads and party favors.
When: 4 p.m to 2 a.m.
There will be a complimentary Mardi Gras-themed buffet from 5 to 7 p.m., $5 New Orleans-style cocktails, and a Bayou Teche tap takeover—four NOLA beers for $5 each—all on the rooftop deck overlooking downtown.
Rex’s Seafood at the Dallas Farmers Market
When: 4 to 11 p.m.
Cost: $30 at the door
There will be all-you-can-eat crawfish, corn, and potatoes, as well as Happy Hour drink specials ($3 beers and $5 Hurricanes) from 4 to 6 p.m.
When: 4 p.m to 2 a.m.
Zydeco rhythm and blues band Night Batch will set the Mardi Gras mood. There will be a crawfish broil, with drink specials (including Hurricanes).
When: All day
Both Shuck N Jive’s Richardson and Greenville locations will be celebrating with $6 Hurricanes, crawfish specials, beads, live bands, and more.
When: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Take in Happy Hour from 5:30-9 p.m., with live music from Club Wood (5:30 p.m.) and Woolly Jammeth (10 p.m.).
Ginni Beam is a DMagazine.com intern.