Mardi Gras, Chicago Style

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Chicago!

You don’t have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras! Chicago offers its own flare to the pre-Lenten party tradition. Celebrate with food, drinks and festivities at these Chicago and suburban locations.

Two cooked pork ribs garnished with rosemary on a wooden board, with a vegetable tart in the background.

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a traditional NOLA fare at Chicago q! NOLA may be known for great Southern barbeque, but Chicago q offers Southern fare with a twist including delicious smoked barbeque including pulled pork, fried chickens and rib slabs. For Mardi Gras try their beignets and crawfish specials! A 9 minute walk from State & Chestnut.

A wooden board topped with crispy fried chicken nuggets, fresh parsley, and a small bowl of barbecue sauce, with a side of French fries in the background.

Enjoy Cajun cuisine at Heaven on Seven! Situated on Wabash for over 37 years, the Cajun-inspired menu features Mardi Gras jambalaya, voodoo fried chicken, gumbaroni and lots of pie! Stop by for their Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras special, including traditional food and drink, live music, and festive decorations. Only a 5 minute walk from 73 East Lake and Marquee at Block 37.

Three young women singing karaoke and holding microphones and cocktails, smiling and enjoying themselves at a party with festive lighting in the background.

Reserve a table at Brando’s Speakeasy for Mardi Gras fun and Tuesday trivia! The karaoke bar will be selling $5 hurricanes along with complimentary Mardi Gras beads. Stay for trivia night and karoake, only an 11 minute walk from AMLI 900 or a 14 minute walk from 215 West Apartments.

Three round jelly-filled donuts dusted with powdered sugar are placed on a white tray, sitting on a wooden surface.

Packzi Day is Fat Tuesday at Bennison’s Bakery! The bakery will be selling the traditional Polish pastry all week long with flavors such as rasberry, apple, fresh banana cream, and german chocolate. Only a 6 minute drive from AMLI Evanston.