Where to celebrate Mardi Gras in Chicago

Celebrations are popping up all across Chicago this weekend to kick off Mardi Gras, which starts on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Fat Tuesday began as a religious holiday to prepare Christians for fasting during Lent. Since then, it has become a period of festivities across the globe, with the most extravagant parades in New Orleans and Brazil.

Chicago is joining the celebration and embracing the bead-throwing, mask-wearing, and traditional Mardi Gras cuisine. Here are 9 places to kick off Mardi Gras and ring in the celebration on Fat Tuesday across Chicagoland.

February 16

Lottie’s Pub Mardi Gras

Celebrate all weekend long with food specials that include Cajun chicken sandwiches, shrimp tacos, and gumbo, along with cocktails like Ina Mae Hurricanes and Sazeracs. Feb. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., $8-$10, Lottie’s Pub, 1925 W. Cortland St., (773) 489-0738, lottiespub.com

February 17

Mardi Gras at Mac’s Wood Grilled

Order specials only available during Mardi Gras, like the Cajun-spiced blackened chicken po’ boy, the smoked andouille sausage po’ boy, the buttermilk-marinated cornmeal fried shrimp po’ boy, cajun fries, and a seasonal beer called the Mardi Gras Bock. Feb. 17, 18,19, 20, and 21. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., $5-$17, Mac’s Wood Grilled, 1801 W. Division St., (773) 782-4400, macswoodgrilled.com

February 18

Mardi Gras at Morgan’s

Party the night away on the heated roof deck, where there will be libations, plenty of beads, live performances, and New Orleans-inspired bites. 8 p.m. - 12 a.m., $65-$75, Morgan’s on Fulton, 950 W. Fulton St., (312) 374-3686, bucketlisters.com

February 21

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant’s Fat Tuesday Party

This celebration includes Mardi Gras beads and a buffet of Cajun-inspired eats – like crawfish mac and cheese, Cajun-fried chicken jambalaya, shrimp po’ boy, creole seafood gumbo, plus warm beignets. Sip on specialty cocktails, including Hurricanes and Sazeracs, while enjoying live jazz performances from High-Hat Second Line. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., $55, The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 786-1401, resy.com

February 21

Fat Tuesday at Nola Bar & Kitchen

Let the good times roll with festive decor, live music, and Cajun eats – like four kinds of gumbo, lobster jambalaya, shrimp etouffee, fried alligator, and beignets. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Nola Bar & Kitchen, 3481 N. Clark, (773) 661-1873, nolachicago.com

February 21

Mardi Gras at the Market

Go all out with provided festive beads and masks while watching a live set from the Tubad Kings of New Orleans. Drink specials will be available all day, along with a beer sampling by Moor’s Beer. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Time Out Market, 916 W. Fulton Market, (312) 637-3888, timeoutmarket.com

February 21

Tipsy Tuesday Mardi Gras at Reggies

Hear musical artists like Mr. Blotto and Greg Jacks & Brother Help, and order from their Mardi Gras-themed menu of po’ boys, gumbo, Hurricane cocktails, and more. 6 p.m., Reggies, 2105 S. State St., (312) 949-0120, reggieslive.com

February 21

Norman’s Bistro Fat Tuesday

Come out for the Second Line parade and wear provided beads and decorated Mardi Gras masks. Special dinner choices will be available, along with Hurricanes and rum punch. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., $25-$400, Norman’s Bistro, 1001 E. 43rd St., (773) 966-5821, eventbrite.com

February 21

Mardi Gras Interactive Cajun Feast at Get in the Kitchen

Join in on the appetizer cooking class to make Cajun hush puppies from scratch while sipping on a complimentary Hurricane. Then sit down for a 3-course meal by Cajun chef Allen Rochelle, including a chef salad, jambalaya, bread pudding, and King Cake. Dinner will include a Mardi Gras-themed bingo and entertainment. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., $99, Get in the Kitchen, 3617 N. Broadway, (773) 754-7877, getmeinthekitchen.com

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