Craftsman Row Saloon brings the Big Easy to Philly

Mardi Gras might still be a few weeks away, but Philly can celebrate early this year. Craftsman Row Saloon, known for their colorful decorations and even more vibrant menu choices, has recently debuted their Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar — and the festive addition to the Center City establishment will let the good times roll until Fat Tuesday.

Owners George and Vasiliki Tsiouris have set out to take the city right to the Big Easy with a complete takeover of their bar. Between the shimmering gold, green and purple decorations, beads, feathers, masks and more, what patrons can also find are mini vignettes that shout out and pay homage to some of New Orleans’s most famous streets and destinations. In the background, you can also listen for your favorite Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Mummers and Jazz-inspired tunes.

But, the decorations are just the start. The menu at Craftsman has also undergone a transformation as well — and of course, it features an insane milkshake creation that the establishment is particularly known for.

“The countdown to Fat Tuesday is on,” said owner Vasiliki Tsiouris in a statement. “We are thrilled to announce Philadelphia’s only immersive Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar Experience. You can be the King of Bourbon Street with our over-the-top new milkshake with real King Cake, plus we have free beads for everyone that dines with us in February. The entire restaurant glitters from all the gold, green and purple — with beads, street signs, masks and more in every corner and from ceiling to floor.”

You can taste the flavors of the festive celebration while at Craftsman Row as well, quite literally.

The New Orleans-styled food and drink menu features fries, rice, cocktails and more — all with a twist. Philadelphians can order King Cake Fries (sweet potato fries with a brown butter glaze, cinnamon praline, green and purple sugar) dirty rice (made with ground beef, shrimp, peppers and onions), and the King of Bourbon Street insane shake (boasting Bassetts vanilla ice cream, king cake, white chocolate, cinnamon, powdered donut, caramel drizzle, beads, festive sprinkles and a boozy option is also available) while there.

The drink menu on the other hand spans their Cereal Milk Punch (bourbon, cereal-milk and nutmeg), Masquerade Hurricane (light and dark rum, orange, pineapple and lemon), Smudge Kit Margarita (tequila, sage, triple sec and lime), Saints Sazerac (rye, peychauds, and absinthe), Who Dat Martini (vodka, blackberry, elderflower and lemon), Voodoo Cure (brandy, whiskey, fernet, sweet vermouth, angostura and lemon), and the Primm’s Sangria (white wine, gin, strawberry, mint and ginger).

All of the above, as a news release states, will be available on the full larger menu of comfort food at the popular spot. A few other staples of Craftsman Row Saloon’s  include their Dorito coated mozzarella sticks, award-winning burgers and fiery buffalo mac-n-cheese. As the perfect pairing with the shakes, for all the sweet tooths, owner George also recommends trying their Donut Fried Chicken with bacon, american and maple syrup, and the Mac Daddy Burger with smashed patties that are smothered and dripping with mac and cheese on a Martin’s potato roll.

George Tsiouris added, “We can all use a little fun, a little color and a little something out of the normal to bring a smile to our face during these challenging times — and we hope to give everyone something to look forward to for February and as we get closer to spring. Our family and team worked extra hard to get this ready in time and we can’t wait to welcome everyone this coming weekend.”

For a building that was built on a name meant to honor the hard-working artisans that comprise Jeweler’s Row, the object is to create environments where there’s a comfortable, neighborhood setting. So, the party lives on.

The Mardi Gras Pop-up Bar Experience at Craftsman Row is open now through March 1. Hours are Wednesday to Thursday, from noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

For more information on Craftsman Row Saloon (112 S. 8th St.,) visit craftsmanrowsaloon.com.