Chicago’s Mardi Gras Celebrations Offer Food, Music, and Festivities

CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2025 — As Fat Tuesday approaches on March 4, Chicago is gearing up for a lively Mardi Gras celebration, offering a variety of food and drink specials at bars and restaurants across the city. These festivities, which reflect the vibrant culture typically associated with New Orleans and Brazil, provide a taste of Cajun and Creole cuisine without needing to travel.

From king cakes to seafood boils, local venues are embracing the spirit of Mardi Gras with themed events. Many establishments will host live performances ranging from samba dancers to brass bands to elevate the celebratory atmosphere.

Highline Pizza Bar in River North is serving $7 hurricanes, a classic Mardi Gras cocktail, inviting patrons to join its festive ambiance. Lirica at Navy Pier offers a unique Brazilian twist with a special menu from Feb. 28 through March 8, featuring spaghetti with black tiger shrimp and churros for $95, along with live music on Fridays.

At Untitled Supper Club, guests can enjoy a burlesque show while being served New Orleans-inspired dishes, all led by costumed servers. This event starts at 7 p.m. at 111 W. Kinzie St.

Big Jones, a restaurant known for its dedication to Louisiana cooking, is offering a full menu of Mardi Gras dishes, including barbecued shrimp toast and crawfish étouffée. Chef Paul Fehribach’s menu will be available through the Mardi Gras season, showcasing the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine.

For those looking for an all-you-can-eat experience, Blue Bayou is hosting a crawfish boil on March 4, complete with corn and andouille sausage, for $65, running from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday.

Cody’s Public House adds to the festivities with a Mardi Gras-themed buffet featuring authentic dishes like jambalaya and cornbread, alongside $10 hurricanes and craft beer specials. The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will be playing New Orleans-inspired music and offering items like $1 Cajun wings and $5 hurricanes starting at 5 p.m.

At Jerry’s Sandwiches, guests can sample a range of New Orleans-inspired specials until the end of March, including highly sought-after po’ boys and specialty cocktails. Meanwhile, Junebug Cafe offers traditional king cakes along with a selection of French and Creole bites.

Lottie’s Pub is transforming into an instant Mardi Gras destination with $10 gumbo and themed cocktails, along with a special Crown Royal tasting on Fat Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar is taking a culinary approach to the celebration, presenting dishes like fried oysters and wood-grilled jumbo shrimp. A special cocktail menu will be featured throughout their operating hours.

The Chicago Firehouse will be hosting its eighth annual Fat Tuesday party with performances from the High-Hat Second Line and a buffet featuring classic dishes for $65, including bananas foster for dessert.

Lowcountry offers live music and tempting specials such as bowls of gumbo and beignets. For those with a sweet tooth, Alliance Bakery has king cakes available in vibrant Mardi Gras colors.

In Wicker Park, Estelle’s will create an electric atmosphere with DJ music from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and serve $6 hurricane shots. Time Out Market Chicago introduces a pop-up featuring crawfish empanadas and catfish po’ boys, a nod to classic Mardi Gras fare.

Notable mentions include Tuman’s Tap & Grill for gumbo and Pipeworks beer specials, and 115 Bourbon Street for themed cocktails and live band performances, making it a vibrant spot for celebration.

With a multitude of offerings, Chicago’s Mardi Gras festivities invite everyone to join the party and indulge in the rich food, lively music, and the spirit of celebration associated with this joyous occasion.