This year, Fat Tuesday falls on February 21, and there are plenty of celebrations to inspire North Texans to get out of their homes and party New Orleans style. Here’s where you can eat crawfish, bring out the feathers, and laissez les bon temps rouler et rouler et rouler…
Mardi Craw Crawfish Boil
The Truck Yard’s party of the month is a crawfish boil on February 18. Starting at noon, eat as much crawfish you can, with two pounds for $20 and three pounds for $30. There will also be New Orleans-inspired cocktails, Cajun music, and the usual Truck Yard fare like cheesesteaks and nachos. 5959 Grove Ln., The Colony.
Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade and Festival
Dubbed the largest Mardi Gras celebration in North Texas, the Oak Cliff parade will bring New Orleans up to Dallas with floats, music, and themed costumes. The parade will be held February 19 and start at 2 p.m. along Davis Street. More information is here.
Fat Tuesday at Quarter Bar
On February 21, the Uptown bar will have $6 frozen hurricane cocktails, $4 Abita brews, and Bread Winners’ gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and po’ boys starting at 3 p.m. until close. 3301 McKinney Ave.
Fat Tuesday Mardi Craw at the Rustic
A Crawfish boil will be joined by more Cajun fare and drink specials all Tuesday long, Live music featuring Congo Square will start at 7 p.m. 3656 Howell St.
Mardi Crawl Live!
A general admission and drink package comes with tokens for hurricanes, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Packages aren’t necessary to attend, but those who get one will have priority access to the crawfish boil and receive a Mardi Gras bag filled with goodies. The event starts February 25 at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets here. 1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington.
Where to Find King Cake in North Texas
A Mardi Gras celebration isn’t complete without a tiny plastic baby hidden inside a giant cake. Here are North Texas bakeries making them.
Bayou Cat Seafood: The Arlington Cajun restaurant gets shipments of Manny Randazzo king cake and Dong Phuong king cake from New Orleans. Starting at $43.99. 2505 E. Arkansas Ln., Arlington.
Bread Winners Café and Bakery: preorder or walk-ins are available until February 17. Call 214-754-0099 at least 48 hours in advance for preorder. Multiple locations.
Haute Sweet Patisserie: Choose from king cake bread pudding or a king cake hot chocolate bomb made with white chocolate. Prices vary. Place orders online or by calling 469-677-5757 (Far North Dallas) or 214-856-0166 (Lake Highlands). 6959 Arapaho Rd., Ste. 106; 10230 E. Northwest Hwy.
Reverie Bakeshop: the vegan bakery offers whole king cake ($55) in six flavors: cinnamon, cream cheese, strawberry, vanilla cream, strawberry cream cheese, and chocolate cream. On Saturdays only, king cake will be offered by the slice ($5) with chocolate cream, vanilla cream, or strawberry cream cheese fillings. Order online. 980 N. Coit Rd., Ste. 2850, Richardson.
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