clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Where to Eat Before and After the Theater in New Orleans

New Orleans's Essential Lunch Restaurants

Where to Eat Pasta in New Orleans

More in New Orleans See more maps
The Society of Saint Anne parade during Mardi Gras on 25th February 2020 in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
Saint Anne marches into the French Quarter on Mardi Gras in 2020.
Barry Lewis/In Pictures via Getty Images

Where to Eat and Drink in and Around the French Quarter on Mardi Gras

These spots are all open and fueling revelry on Fat Tuesday

by Clair Lorell Updated
View as Map
Saint Anne marches into the French Quarter on Mardi Gras in 2020.
| Barry Lewis/In Pictures via Getty Images
by Clair Lorell Updated

It’s essential to be fueled up on Mardi Gras day, or the joyful revelry is bound to be short-lived. And while house parties may offer some sustenance in the form of mini muffulettas and fried chicken drumsticks, sometimes further nosh is needed to make it through the day — and it’s not all that easy to find open restaurants on Fat Tuesday.

Below is Eater’s guide to the restaurants and bars open and serving food on Mardi Gras this year — February 21, 2023 — in and around the French Quarter, beginning in Bywater and stretching to the CBD. Hours are noted where available; most spots open in the morning to accommodate the early start to Tuesday’s festivities, and many, unless otherwise noted, are closing early. As always, be patient and tip your servers and bartenders — it’s Mardi Gras after all.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Breakaway's Restaurant & Bar

Copy Link

This Marigny newcomer is right on the path of the Ninth Ward procession to the French Quarter on Fat Tuesday, so luckily the corner bar (formerly Lost Love Lounge, a Mardi Gras day standby) will be open and serving drinks and food, from 8 a.m. til sundown.

2529 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 571-5179
(504) 571-5179

Also featured in:

Anna's

Copy Link

Anna’s is a guaranteed good time, and since opening in the former Mimi’s has become a Mardi Gras day gathering spot (much like its predecessor, known by the neighborhood as one of the great bars of Mardi Gras). The tradition continues in 2023, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with food from pop-up Wood Duck and drinks —including batched flasks — served out the front windows and bars.

2601 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 766-8376
(504) 766-8376

Also featured in:

Bywater Brew Pub

Copy Link

This fun addition to New Orleans’s Bywater neighborhood is a reliable source of to-go drinks, and Mardi Gras day is no exception. Bywater Brew Pub will be open beginning at 8 a.m. at the corner of Royal and Clouet to intercept revelers on their way to the Quarter with to-go beers, bloody marys, and snacks, closing up in the early afternoon.

3000 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 766-8118
(504) 766-8118

Dat Dog

Copy Link

All three locations of this budget-friendly, artisan hot dog chain are open on Mardi Gras, but the Frenchmen Street location is arguably the most important for the holiday. It’s open and serving its seriously satisfying grub from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fat Tuesday.

601 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 309-3362
(504) 309-3362

Effervescence

Copy Link

The chic sparkling wine bar on the edge of the French Quarter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for small bites on Mardi Gras, a delicious range of snacks from fries to caviar and chips, as well as its entire drink and bottle menu.

1036 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 509-7644
(504) 509-7644

Also featured in:

Verti Marte

Copy Link

24/7 means even on Mardi Gras day, and there’s likely no better time for when of its overstuffed po-boys — especially the French fry version or its signature sandwich, the “All that Jazz,” containing turkey, ham, shrimp, cheese, and grilled mushrooms.

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4767
(504) 525-4767
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Zhang Bistro

Copy Link

The French Quarter’s new Chinese-Thai hybrid restaurant is open for its first Mardi Gras day, opening at 11 a.m. for cocktails — including king cake shots — and and its full (vast) menu, staying open all the way through 10 p.m.

1141 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 826-8888
(504) 826-8888

Also featured in:

Clover Grill

Copy Link

If you're on Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras, going to the Clover Grill for a burger fried under a hub cap is a must. Open 24 hours, 365.

900 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 598-1010
(504) 598-1010
Clover Grill
Clover Grill
Brasted

Also featured in:

The Will and the Way

Copy Link

From the folks who brought you the beloved French Quarter bistro Sylvain, the Will and the Way is a French Quarter hotspot with high-quality food, cocktails, and very cool setting. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mardi Gras day, the Will and the Way is open and offering drinks and a few food items from the window.

719 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 962-9696
(504) 962-9696

Also featured in:

Sylvain

Copy Link

Sylvain draws a great mix of revelers on Mardi Gras day and is always a party. The beloved bistro is open from 10 a.m., offering a full bar and a special limited menu, through 4 p.m.

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 265-8123
(504) 265-8123
Sylvain
Brasted

Curio

Copy Link

Curio, a corner bistro from Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, is open Fat Tuesday from 8 a.m., serving brunch — shakshuka, biscuits and gravy — until 3 p.m, and staying open all the way through midnight. Good gumbo, better location.

301 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 717-4198
(504) 717-4198
Curio in the French Quarter.
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Justine

Copy Link

The sprawling, maximalist brasserie from Justin Devillier is a fitting Mardi Gras day spot: extravagant decor, festive drinks, and indulgent food — not to mention the location smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and taking reservations.

225 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 218-8533
(504) 218-8533
Justine

Also featured in:

Criollo Restaurant

Copy Link

Criollo is in the famed Hotel Monteleone, a positively perfect Mardi Gras setting. The restaurant is open for regular hours on Fat Tuesday, with breakfast served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., a menu with the likes of shrimp and grits and a booze-friendly Criollo smash burger.

214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 681-4444
(504) 681-4444
Criollo shrimp and grits.
Criollo/Official

Also featured in:

Copper Vine

Copy Link

The classy, tasty CBD wine pub with a stellar menu and wine flights will open its doors at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with lunch service until 4 p.m. and dinner after.

1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 208-9535
(504) 208-9535
Brandt Vicknair

Also featured in:

Couvant

Copy Link

This French-Louisiana brasserie is an ever-reliable destination for top-notch cocktails, wine, and cuisine — even on Mardi Gras. An elegant option, Couvant is open for breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.; lunch until 2 p.m.; and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. on 2/21.

315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 342-2316
(504) 342-2316
Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Miss River

Copy Link

Alon Shaya’s Miss River stuns in the fancy Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans downtown, a decidedly special occasion destination. And what’s a bigger special occasion than Mardi Gras? On 2/21, the dazzling first floor restaurant is open all day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 434-5701
(504) 434-5701
The bar at Miss River.
Miss River

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Breakaway's Restaurant & Bar

2529 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

This Marigny newcomer is right on the path of the Ninth Ward procession to the French Quarter on Fat Tuesday, so luckily the corner bar (formerly Lost Love Lounge, a Mardi Gras day standby) will be open and serving drinks and food, from 8 a.m. til sundown.

2529 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 571-5179
(504) 571-5179

Anna's

2601 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Anna’s is a guaranteed good time, and since opening in the former Mimi’s has become a Mardi Gras day gathering spot (much like its predecessor, known by the neighborhood as one of the great bars of Mardi Gras). The tradition continues in 2023, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with food from pop-up Wood Duck and drinks —including batched flasks — served out the front windows and bars.

2601 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 766-8376
(504) 766-8376

Bywater Brew Pub

3000 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117

This fun addition to New Orleans’s Bywater neighborhood is a reliable source of to-go drinks, and Mardi Gras day is no exception. Bywater Brew Pub will be open beginning at 8 a.m. at the corner of Royal and Clouet to intercept revelers on their way to the Quarter with to-go beers, bloody marys, and snacks, closing up in the early afternoon.

3000 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 766-8118
(504) 766-8118

Dat Dog

601 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

All three locations of this budget-friendly, artisan hot dog chain are open on Mardi Gras, but the Frenchmen Street location is arguably the most important for the holiday. It’s open and serving its seriously satisfying grub from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fat Tuesday.

601 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 309-3362
(504) 309-3362

Effervescence

1036 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

The chic sparkling wine bar on the edge of the French Quarter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for small bites on Mardi Gras, a delicious range of snacks from fries to caviar and chips, as well as its entire drink and bottle menu.

1036 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 509-7644
(504) 509-7644

Verti Marte

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

24/7 means even on Mardi Gras day, and there’s likely no better time for when of its overstuffed po-boys — especially the French fry version or its signature sandwich, the “All that Jazz,” containing turkey, ham, shrimp, cheese, and grilled mushrooms.

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4767
(504) 525-4767
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Zhang Bistro

1141 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

The French Quarter’s new Chinese-Thai hybrid restaurant is open for its first Mardi Gras day, opening at 11 a.m. for cocktails — including king cake shots — and and its full (vast) menu, staying open all the way through 10 p.m.

1141 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 826-8888
(504) 826-8888

Clover Grill

900 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116

If you're on Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras, going to the Clover Grill for a burger fried under a hub cap is a must. Open 24 hours, 365.

900 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 598-1010
(504) 598-1010
Clover Grill
Clover Grill
Brasted

The Will and the Way

719 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130

From the folks who brought you the beloved French Quarter bistro Sylvain, the Will and the Way is a French Quarter hotspot with high-quality food, cocktails, and very cool setting. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mardi Gras day, the Will and the Way is open and offering drinks and a few food items from the window.

719 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 962-9696
(504) 962-9696

Sylvain

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Sylvain draws a great mix of revelers on Mardi Gras day and is always a party. The beloved bistro is open from 10 a.m., offering a full bar and a special limited menu, through 4 p.m.

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 265-8123
(504) 265-8123
Sylvain
Brasted

Curio

301 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Curio, a corner bistro from Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, is open Fat Tuesday from 8 a.m., serving brunch — shakshuka, biscuits and gravy — until 3 p.m, and staying open all the way through midnight. Good gumbo, better location.

301 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 717-4198
(504) 717-4198
Curio in the French Quarter.
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Justine

225 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The sprawling, maximalist brasserie from Justin Devillier is a fitting Mardi Gras day spot: extravagant decor, festive drinks, and indulgent food — not to mention the location smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and taking reservations.

225 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 218-8533
(504) 218-8533
Justine

Criollo Restaurant

214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Criollo is in the famed Hotel Monteleone, a positively perfect Mardi Gras setting. The restaurant is open for regular hours on Fat Tuesday, with breakfast served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., a menu with the likes of shrimp and grits and a booze-friendly Criollo smash burger.

214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 681-4444
(504) 681-4444
Criollo shrimp and grits.
Criollo/Official

Copper Vine

1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112

The classy, tasty CBD wine pub with a stellar menu and wine flights will open its doors at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with lunch service until 4 p.m. and dinner after.

1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 208-9535
(504) 208-9535
Brandt Vicknair

Couvant

315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

This French-Louisiana brasserie is an ever-reliable destination for top-notch cocktails, wine, and cuisine — even on Mardi Gras. An elegant option, Couvant is open for breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.; lunch until 2 p.m.; and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. on 2/21.

315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 342-2316
(504) 342-2316
Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

Related Maps

Miss River

2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Alon Shaya’s Miss River stuns in the fancy Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans downtown, a decidedly special occasion destination. And what’s a bigger special occasion than Mardi Gras? On 2/21, the dazzling first floor restaurant is open all day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 434-5701
(504) 434-5701
The bar at Miss River.
Miss River

Related Maps