If you want to experience Mardi Gras without having to make a trip to Louisiana, check out one of the many spots celebrating right here in Texas! Our state’s Cajun influence shines as Mardi Gras parades and parties pop up everywhere, with no shortage of King Cakes and crawfish. Grab your crew and head out to one (or more!) of these spots to get your Mardi party on!
The Louisiana Longhorn Café – Round Rock
Just one bite from Louisiana Longhorn Café and you’ll see why they call it “Cajun food with an attitude”! The Shrimp Diane is a crowd favorite, but the gumbo is a real winner—some diners say it’s the best they’ve ever had! For starters, if you really want a true taste of Louisiana, the double-battered and Southern-fried frog legs are a must-try regional delicacy.
Smashin Crab – San Antonio
Smashin Crab’s boil kits make it easy to celebrate Mardi Gras at home—simply heat and feast! These comprehensive packages include everything you need to host a boil in your backyard, from detailed instructions to the classic Smashin Crab Boil Seasoning.
Boo-Ray’s of New Orleans – Crowley, Hudson Oaks, and Fort Worth
Boo-Ray’s serves Cajun cuisine in new and exciting ways. This Mardi Gras season, try the Shrimp and Crawfish Fondue, which features sautéed shrimp and crawfish in a spinach cream sauce topped with cheese.
Brennan’s – Houston
The New Orleans–inspired brunch menu at this hot Houston spot features—what else?—Bayou City Petite Beignets. Diners with a sweet tooth will love this taste of the Big Easy served on a bed of Café au Lait Anglaise with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Eunice – Houston
If you’re looking for a little taste of Mardi Gras, head to Houston’s Cajun-Creole restaurant Eunice for this over-the-top Kings Milk Cake Punch. Featuring Skrewball Peanut Butter Bourbon mixed with a base of cream, orgeat, vanilla, and cinnamon syrup, you will be transported to the jazzy streets of New Orleans at first sip. Finished with vibrant purple, green, and gold edible glitter, you’ll want to snag a photo before you dive in!
The Rustic – Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with an epic crawfish boil, live music, great New Orleans–inspired menu items, and beads, beads, beads! The Rustic’s party at their Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio locations is free with RSVP. On February 21, party all day in Dallas and Houston or after 7:00 p.m. in San Antonio with live New Orleans–themed music. Of course, it’s not Mardi Craw without specialty drinks to help wash down your Cajun feast.
Cypress Grill – Austin
Every day feels like Mardi Gras at this South Austin Cajun staple, but on February 21, they’re hosting their annual bash. The owner, John Haug, is a Louisiana native, so you can bet it’ll be a good one. There will be live music by Jean-Pierre & the Zydeco Angels, specials on hurricanes and Abita beer, lots of beads, and hopefully boiled crawfish if weather permits. Cypress Grill will also be selling King Cakes from Gambino’s in New Orleans, a world-famous bakery known as the “King of King Cakes.”
Pat O’Brien’s – San Antonio
If you’re looking for an authentic place to celebrate, make your way to Pat O’Brien’s in downtown San Antonio! The New Orleans icon has a second home here in the Lone Star State, so it’s no surprise they’ll be hosting a huge Mardi Gras party in true NOLA fashion starting at 10:00 a.m. all the way until midnight. Think live music in the courtyard, dueling pianos, DJs, and, of course, one of the only places to get the original Hurricane!
Mardi Gras! Galveston
Did you know you can find the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States right here in Texas? If you’re looking for a unique experience this year, hit the beach for Galveston’s multiday party with their 111th Mardi Gras celebration. From February 10 to 21, get a true New Orleans–sized experience with live concerts, parades, balcony parties, and more!
