“Laissez les bons temps rouler” in the days ahead by celebrating the last few days of Mardi Gras. While we may be far from Bourbon Street, there are plenty of places to get a taste of Mardi Gras in DC.
Mardi Gras in Virginia
1515 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Start your Fat Tuesday with a delectable New Orleans beignet and cafe au lait at this gem of a restaurant owned by New Orleans-native chef David Guas. Come back later in the day for its “Bayou Gras” takes place from 6-9 p.m., with live jazz and $5 food and drink deals, including New Orleans’ signature drink, the Hurricane. 
2150 N. Culpeper Street
Arlington, VA 22207
Yearning for King Cake? Venture to this classic German bakery for its classic King Cake. Made with brioche-style dough and topped with icing and green, purple, and yellow sugar, there’s no better way to celebrate Mardi Gras in DC. Legend has it whoever gets the piece with the plastic baby baked in it gets to be the “king” for a day (and has to buy the next King Cake!). Mardi Gras cakes, cookies, petit fours, and cupcakes are also available at Heidelberg
Two Nineteen Restaurant
219 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Two Nineteen Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria is the perfect place to get your fix of all things New Orleans this Mardi Gras season. Be sure to visit the Basin Street Lounge for fantastic jazz and blues any day of the week. This Mardi Gras, stop by for Happy Hour specials from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and some amazing jambalaya or crawfish étouffée.
Mardi Gras in DC and Maryland
33 Pearl Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Enjoy a free Fat Tuesday concert starting at 8 p.m. at Pearl Street Warehouse while enjoying some of its diner’s best southern favorites, like pimento cheese dip and spicy Cajun shrimp.
301 Water Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
This Southern-inspired restaurant in the Navy Yard neighborhood will have Fat Tuesday festivities beginning at 4 p.m. Enjoy live music from Zachary Smith & the Dixie Power Trio and an all-you-can-eat New Orleans spread for just a $30 ticket (which includes your first beer).
1309 5th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Union Market is hosting its annual indoor Mardi Gras Extravaganza on Tuesday from 6-10 p.m. The $50 tickets support the DC Central Kitchen. Check out the Hurricane cocktail competition, costume contest, and visits from local celebrity chefs and mixologists.
79 Potomac Ave. SE
Washington, DC 2003
The Salt Line, located just south of Nationals Park in the Navy Yard area, will preview its soon-to-open sister restaurant, Dauphine’s, Creole-inspired menu on Fat Tuesday from 4:30 -10 p.m. Come hungry and leave room for a New Orleans cocktail or two as well!
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are countless places to get a taste of New Orleans and enjoy Mardi Gras in DC! From crawfish to King Cake, from beignets to bourbon, there is something for everyone.
Did we miss your favorite place to celebrate Mardi Gras in DC? Please let us know so we can check it out ourselves
