The Big Easy popup at Craftsman Row Saloon isn’t the only local establishment throwing it down for Mardi Gras in Philadelphia. Here’s where to let the good times roll come Fat Tuesday, March 1.
Square 1682
Diners can eat, drink and enjoy to celebrate Mardi Gras in Philadelphia at this acclaimed eatery located inside the Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Rittenhouse Square. While at Square 1682 on March 1, Philadelphians and foodies can sink their teeth and sip on dishes/themed cocktails that will be there for one night only, all from Chef Mackenson Horebe.
On Fat Tuesday, chef will be replicating a Louisiana Cajun tradition while bringing Haitian flare to the eatery in celebration of the holiday. On the menu is a clambake ($35) composed of littlenecks, mussels, shrimp, corn, potatoes, andouille sausage, and old bay broth, served alongside freshly baked garlic bread; and New Orleans-style beignets ($8) as a traditional treat to cap off the evening. According to a release, imbibers can also sip on four expertly crafted, New Orleans-inspired cocktails courtesy of the in-house mixologists at Square 1682: The beverage offerings are priced at $14/cocktail and include a Sazerac, Hurricane, Ramos Gin Fizz, and Vieux Carre, in addition to the robust seasonal libations.
121 S. 17th St., square1682.com
Chris’ Jazz Cafe
This Center City staple is letting the good times roll come Fat Tuesday with an assortment of menu items, a happy hour, and of course, a live performance. Chef/Owner Mark DeNinno will be opening his venue early on March 1 at 4 p.m., and he will be serving up his Bayou-inspired menu with dishes including fried green tomatoes; pecan salad; jambalaya balls; crawfish mac & cheese; buckets o’crawdads; smocked ham hock ravioli in tomato broth; catfish, red beans and rice; crawfish cheesesteak; and jambalaya.
Chris’ offerings also dive into the sweeter side of Mardi Gras with their dessert menu offering Café du Monde coffee served with Mayhall jelly-filled beignets fried fresh to order; peanut butter chocolate bombs; strawberry gateau with almond French buttercream; salted caramel creme brûlée; and crawfish cheesecake.
From 4 to 7 p.m., Chris’ happy hour will also feature reduced-priced drinks and appetizers. As a release states, in addition, Center City’s only second-line party kicks off with a strut down Broad Street and into the club with members of the Hoppin’ John Orchestra who take the stage at 7 and 9 p.m. The 10-piece unit bills itself as “Philly’s only Southern-fried jazz orchestra,” with horns galore and a taste for New Orleans second-line grooves, jump blues, good-time funk, Dixieland, vintage R&B and early jazz.
General admission tickets are on sale now for all shows and beverages, tax and gratuity not included. Those interested can check the website for ticket prices and arrival times, though all tickets are premium seating. “Pay-As-You-Wish” streaming is also available via paypal.com/paypalme/PhillyJazz or Venmo @ChrisJazz-Café.
1421 Sansom St., chrisjazzcafe.com
City Winery
Have you ever wondered how to whip up your own cocktails like they do on Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street and beyond in New Orleans? Well, here’s your opportunity right here in Philadelphia.
City Winery will be offering a ‘Bartending 101 – Classic Nola Cocktails for Mardi Gras Class’ on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. During this themed course, amateur bartenders and mixologists can learn about different cocktails and spirits as you take on three different Classic Nola cocktail recipes: The cocktails include a Ramos Gin Fizz, Hurricane, and the Arnaud’s Special. More information and ways to reserve your spot can be found online.
990 Filbert St., citywinery.com
Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms and the Music of New Orleans
If you can’t celebrate Mardi Gras in Philadelphia on Fat Tuesday, you’re in luck, because there’s another chance to celebrate the Big Easy in March. Rescheduled from Jan. 9, Philadelphia’s first Kanaval Ball will serve up all the grandeur, pageantry and fun of Haitian Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras when it takes place at The Fillmore Philadelphia on Sunday, March 20, according to a release. While there, New Orleans-based, world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the prominent Haitian bands RAM and Boukman Eksperyans, will perform, as will the energetic Haitian folkloric dance company Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm.
Haitan food and drink will also be on-site from local chefs, including including Sylvan Senat, Executive Chef of The Pyramid Club, and decor will also be provided by Philly’s own Flygirrl. Costumes are encouraged, but not required and doors will open at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 for the all-ages Kanaval Ball, which is free with advance registration.
29 E Allen St., xpnkanaval.org
