Publican Quality Bread's baker Greg Wade with his take on the traditional New Orleans King Cake. This sweetened baked loaf is made tender with soft cream cheese, is slightly flaky and rolled with a cinnamon sugar swirl. Local sales will be coated in frosting and festive colored sugar for that look found on King Cakes throughout NOLA. Nationwide delivery of this specialty will include the frosting and sugar on the side to home-decorate for more fun. Available for pre-order and local pick-up at Publican Quality Meats from February 26 - March 1, plus nationwide shipping through Tock.
Photo courtesy of Greg Wade at PQM
Familiar Bakery
Executive Chef Ashley Robinson and Sous Chef/Head Baker James Kubie worked on this Mardi Gras menu together based on their mutual ties to and love for New Orleans. While Chef Robinson has visited her family in NOLA since she was a kid, Chef Kubie just moved to Chicago after working as a pastry chef there for the past 10 years. The menu includes:
Paczkis from their signature milk bread donut recipe; fillings include: blueberry chamomile jam, salty honey cream, spiced chocolate cream, passionfruit cream, raspberry rose jam, & coffee cream
Pistachio, Chocolate + Chartreuse Galette de Rois: pistachio frangipane, dark chocolate, chartreuse + lemon in puff pastry
Raspberry, Sweet Cheese + Sumac King Cake: fluffy dough rolled with raspberry and sweet cheese, glazed with sumac lemon glaze & dressed with homemade sprinkles
Photo courtesy of Samantha Parquette
Delightful Pastries
This year, Paczki Day falls on Fat Tuesday, March 1 and Delightful Pastries (5927 W Lawrence Ave) has already geared up in advance.
While walk in orders are available, Delightful Pastries owner Dobra Bielinski recommends ordering in advance. Minimum order is a dozen and orders must be made by February 21. Delightful Pastries, normally closed on Sundays, will be open on Sunday, February 27 to accommodate orders
“We encourage everyone to call and order in advance to minimize long waits. We will have social distancing precautions, and for those who have pre-ordered, curbside pickup is available by calling 773-545-7215 when you arrive.”
Delightful Pastries has a variety of options, ranging from traditional flavors such as Custard Topped with Chocolate Fudge, Apricot Jelly, Raspberry Jelly, Rose Pedal Jelly and Plum Butter. If you’re more adventurous, try flavors such as Fresh Strawberry and Whipped Cream; Fresh Strawberry; Passion Fruit Jelly, Salted Caramel with scratch-made caramel using sea salt; and German Chocolate with pecans and coconut custard topping.
Delightful Pastries’ signature Drunken Paczki include three booze-filled options: Vodka & Vanilla Bean Custard, Jameson Whiskey with Chocolate Custard and Moonshine & Lemon.
All advance orders must be received by February 21.
Photo courtesy of Delightful Pastries
aliveOne
aliveOne will host a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, March 1. In addition to half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., specials will include $5 Abita Purple Haze beers and $6 aliveOne Daiquiris.
Central Park Bar
Avondale's newest neighborhood bar, Central Park Bar will hose Fat Tuesday specials. Specials will include $6 Hurricane cocktails all night and half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Easy Bar
Easy Bar will give away complimentary King Cakes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (while supplies last). Guests who find a baby in their King Cake will win New Belgium swag. New Belgium beers will be available on tap for $4 each. Half-price happy hour will also be available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Estelle's
Estelle’s will get the party started early with a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. Guests can get in the spirit with a specialty $10 Plantation Pineapple Daiquiri and $5 Slrrrp Jello Shots. Festive beads and glow stick necklaces will be available while supplies last. Guests can stick around for a dance party with DJ Kinshame from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Remedy
Remedy will offer Fat Tuesday specials on Tuesday, March 1. Themed drinks will include $10 Hurricane and Corpse Reviver cocktails. The bar will have themed decor, and all customers will receive Mardi Gras beads (while supplies last). Remedy will also provide a snack table with an array of junk food for late night munchies.
The Owl
Logan Square’s The Owl will be pouring $6 Daiquiris all night to celebrate Fat Tuesday on March 1. Guests can kick off the holiday with a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or end the evening with one of The Owl’s late night dance parties.
The Rambler Kitchen + Tap
The Rambler will celebrate Fat Tuesday in their weatherproofed beer garden with specials like a Shrimp Boil Plate with jumbo shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes ($16). The Rambler will also offer a themed Island Oasis cocktail menu from Friday, February 25 through Tuesday, March 1 which will include $8 Hurricanes, Strawberry Daiquiris, Pina Coladas and Bushwackers.
Starting at 7 p.m on Tuesday, March 1, guests can participate in New Orleans-themed music trivia. Trivia will be free to join, and prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.
Photo courtesy of aliveOne
Carnivale
It's about to be a "Carnival" at Carnivale. The Latin-inspired restaurant will be celebrating the festivities and traditions of Brazil this year with a Mardi Gras celebration. Guests that book from February 25 - March 1 (closed on Monday, Feb. 28) will be treated to a specialty menu, live music and Samba dancers performing live in their colorful dining room.
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, located at 1401 South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop, is celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an evening of Louisiana-style eats and beats. Guests may select from a special Fat Tuesday menu that brings to life all the flavor of New Orleans with live music from High-Hat Second Line, a New Orleans brass and jazz band with a Chicago twist. The Cajun-inspired menu will feature classic including Crawfish Mac & Cheese, Cajun Fried Chicken Jambalaya, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Creole Seafood Gumbo, and more. Specialty cocktails include Hurricanes and Sazeracs, with plenty of Abita Purple Haze beer flowing throughout the evening.
“Our annual Mardi Gras celebration is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Laura O’Malley, owner of The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. “Between our bold and flavorful Louisiana-style menu and live jazz performances, we invite Chicago to come and let the good times roll– laissez les bons temps rouler!”
Photo courtesy of Carnivale
Lottie's Pub
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Camp Lotties. Lottie's Pub (1925 W. Cortland St) is getting in the Mardi Gras spirit with a double showing of Girls Trip– playing at 5:30pm and 8pm on Tuesday, March 1st.
Lottie's will be serving Ina Mae Tavern's canned cocktail, the HurriCAN, and Sazeracs for $10. Food specials will include $10 Cajun Chicken Sandwiches and Cajun Shrimp Tacos, and $8 Gumbo. Tents can be reserved by visiting www.lottiespub.com/private-events/.
Photo courtesy of Lottie's Pub
Mustard Seed Kitchen
Warm up before celebrating with Mustard Seed Kitchen's (49 East Cermak Road) gumbo. The Chicken Gumbo($7.99) is a meal featuring andouille sausage, tender chicken pieces, rice, and scallions. Pair it with the Cornbread with Honey Butter ($1.99) and a side of veggies like the Creamed Corn ($4.99) or Roasted Potatoes & Paprika ($4.99) for the a late winter lunch or dinner.
Mustard Seed Kitchen is the new American Takeout concept created by James Beard-nominated Chef Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant. Mustard Seed Kitchen is open Monday - Saturday from 11am - 8pm.
Time Out Market
Looking to celebrate all weekend long? Time Out Market Chicago(916 W. Fulton Market) is hosting Chef Darnell Reed of Luella's Southern Kitchen for a"Mardi Gras" Pop Up from Friday, February 25th through Tuesday, March 1st. The limited-time pop up will feature a variety of Mardi Gras-themed dishes including:
Red Beans & Rice ($10): Andouille sausage, Louisiana trinity, and delta rice
Fried Catfish Po Boy ($16): housemade French bread with fried catfish, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and Dijonaise
Muffuletta ($14): available hot or cold featuring Mortadella, Salami, and ham on housemade Muffuletta bread and Muffuletta relish
King Cake ($6): cinnamon roll with cream cheese and Mardi Gras sugar
Spoken Cafe
Celebrate Mardi Gras in true Southern Louisiana fashion with a feast from Spoken Cafe! For one day only, Spoken Cafe will be serving a Mardi Gras menu while supplies last featuring:
Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo - hot pints or cold frozen quarts to take home
Shrimp & Crawfish Etouffee Stew - hot pints
Louisiana Shrimp & Grits - by the pint
New Orleans Muffaletta - by the half or whole (this is a very large sandwich!)
Fried Pickled Green Tomato Po'Boy, fully dressed
Hot Link Louisiana Boudin - or cold two packs to take home for later
Banana's Foster Pudding
Spoken is offering two types of Paczki from Do-Rite Donuts -- Raspberry or Salted Caramel Custard. Paczkis are available for pre-order via email to will@spokenchicago.com and a limited supply will be available in-house for first come first serve. Spoken Cafe, located at 1812 West Montrose Avenue, is open from 7am - 2pm.
Photo courtesy of Mustard Seed Kitchen
Hewn
Hewn’s Mardi Gras (Tuesday, March 1) offerings:
King Cake - Celebrate Fat Tuesday with a Hewn King Cake! Comes with a "baby" to hide inside of the cake. $20
Packzi (filled with Chocolate Pastry Cream) - Chocolate pastry cream baked (not fried) Packzi. Limit 6 per person. $4.20
Packzi (filled with Lemon Curd) Limit 6 per person. - $4.20
Orders must be placed on Tock by Saturday, February 26 at 8pm. Limited quantities are available.
Photo courtesy of Hewn
Storyville
Storyville, the new River North bar and restaurant inspired by early 20th-century New Orleans’s red-light district, will celebrate Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 1 with a special Crawfish Boil and King Cake slices. With the freshwater crustaceans being flown in fresh from Louisiana for the festive holiday, the shareable experience will include fresh crawfish ($18.95 per pound) with sausage, potatoes and corn.
In addition, local band Bowmanville will perform live music from 6 to 9 p.m. and Storyville will offer festive beads to all guests.
**Previously closed on Tuesday, Storyville will now be open every Tuesday following Mardi Gras
Fatpour Wicker Park
On Saturday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fatpour Wicker Park will host a Mardi Gras brunch ($35pp) featuring live Blues performances by Keith Scott, traditional N’Awlins breakfast items, Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bud Light, and Hurricanes for guests to select among a decorated space of beads and Mardi Gras decor.
Mardis Gras Brunch for $35 per person featuring:
Drinks: Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Hurricanes and Bud Light
N’Awlins Skillet: Andouille sausage, bell peppers, caramelized onion, Old Bay sausage gravy and melted white cheddar over Cajun seasoned breakfast potatoes. Topped with two eggs of any style and choice of toast.
Gumbo: Traditional dark roux gumbo with andouille sausage, chicken, bell peppers and just the right amount of heat. Topped with steamed rice and scallions.
Live Music: Live Blues Acoustic Brunch by artist Keith Scott
Tickets for Mardi Gras Brunch can be purchased via: www.fatpourwickerpark.com/even... or by reserving through info@fatpourwickerpark.com.
Photo courtesy of Storyville
West Town Bakery
Paczkis will be available on Tuesday, March 1 at three of West Town Bakery’s four locations:
West Town (1916 W. Chicago Avenue)
Wrigleyville (3626 N. Clark Street)
Financial District (190 S. LaSalle Street)
For those wanting to avoid lines, West Town Bakery is taking online pre-orders through February 24 at 12 p.m.
Photo courtesy of West Town Bakery
FireLake Grill House & Bar
Did you know pancakes are a Mardi Gras must-have? The tradition dates back hundreds of years to the lfeasts held before lent season started. Located in the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, this farm-to-table restaurant offers three types of pancakes, including The Blu Pancakes served with Custard, blueberry preserves, and powdered sugar. Wash them down with a signature Mardi Gras inspired cocktail, specially crafted for this day of feasting. FireLake will also be serving Paczkis all day long on Mardi Gras for $5.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
Fat Tuesday Paczki offerings from Stan's. Available in all 16 locations in the Chicagoland area, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee are offering four Pazcki offerings. Guests can choose from Vanilla Pastry Cream, Chocolate Pastry Cream, Cannoli Cream and Cherry Paczkis. Stop in to your nearest Stan’s from February 26 through March 1 to pick up your favorites or order online.
Funkenhausen
Funkenhausen’s Piggy Plate is an option for sharing with friends, offering seasonally selected and housemade charcuterie on a pig-shaped platter and a way to finish off Fat Tuesday. Looking for something a little smokier? Select from the WunderBar-BQ Spare Ribs with a Dry Rub, White BBQ and 8-hour smoke.
Publican Quality Bread
Publican Quality Bread's baker Greg Wade with his take on the traditional New Orleans King Cake. This sweetened baked loaf is made tender with soft cream cheese, is slightly flaky and rolled with a cinnamon sugar swirl. Local sales will be coated in frosting and festive colored sugar for that look found on King Cakes throughout NOLA. Nationwide delivery of this specialty will include the frosting and sugar on the side to home-decorate for more fun. Available for pre-order and local pick-up at Publican Quality Meats from February 26 - March 1, plus nationwide shipping through Tock.
Familiar Bakery
Executive Chef Ashley Robinson and Sous Chef/Head Baker James Kubie worked on this Mardi Gras menu together based on their mutual ties to and love for New Orleans. While Chef Robinson has visited her family in NOLA since she was a kid, Chef Kubie just moved to Chicago after working as a pastry chef there for the past 10 years. The menu includes:
Delightful Pastries
This year, Paczki Day falls on Fat Tuesday, March 1 and Delightful Pastries (5927 W Lawrence Ave) has already geared up in advance.
While walk in orders are available, Delightful Pastries owner Dobra Bielinski recommends ordering in advance. Minimum order is a dozen and orders must be made by February 21. Delightful Pastries, normally closed on Sundays, will be open on Sunday, February 27 to accommodate orders
“We encourage everyone to call and order in advance to minimize long waits. We will have social distancing precautions, and for those who have pre-ordered, curbside pickup is available by calling 773-545-7215 when you arrive.”
Delightful Pastries has a variety of options, ranging from traditional flavors such as Custard Topped with Chocolate Fudge, Apricot Jelly, Raspberry Jelly, Rose Pedal Jelly and Plum Butter. If you’re more adventurous, try flavors such as Fresh Strawberry and Whipped Cream; Fresh Strawberry; Passion Fruit Jelly, Salted Caramel with scratch-made caramel using sea salt; and German Chocolate with pecans and coconut custard topping.
Delightful Pastries’ signature Drunken Paczki include three booze-filled options: Vodka & Vanilla Bean Custard, Jameson Whiskey with Chocolate Custard and Moonshine & Lemon.
All advance orders must be received by February 21.
aliveOne
aliveOne will host a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, March 1. In addition to half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., specials will include $5 Abita Purple Haze beers and $6 aliveOne Daiquiris.
Central Park Bar
Avondale's newest neighborhood bar, Central Park Bar will hose Fat Tuesday specials. Specials will include $6 Hurricane cocktails all night and half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Easy Bar
Easy Bar will give away complimentary King Cakes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (while supplies last). Guests who find a baby in their King Cake will win New Belgium swag. New Belgium beers will be available on tap for $4 each. Half-price happy hour will also be available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Estelle's
Estelle’s will get the party started early with a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. Guests can get in the spirit with a specialty $10 Plantation Pineapple Daiquiri and $5 Slrrrp Jello Shots. Festive beads and glow stick necklaces will be available while supplies last. Guests can stick around for a dance party with DJ Kinshame from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Remedy
Remedy will offer Fat Tuesday specials on Tuesday, March 1. Themed drinks will include $10 Hurricane and Corpse Reviver cocktails. The bar will have themed decor, and all customers will receive Mardi Gras beads (while supplies last). Remedy will also provide a snack table with an array of junk food for late night munchies.
The Owl
Logan Square’s The Owl will be pouring $6 Daiquiris all night to celebrate Fat Tuesday on March 1. Guests can kick off the holiday with a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or end the evening with one of The Owl’s late night dance parties.
The Rambler Kitchen + Tap
The Rambler will celebrate Fat Tuesday in their weatherproofed beer garden with specials like a Shrimp Boil Plate with jumbo shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes ($16). The Rambler will also offer a themed Island Oasis cocktail menu from Friday, February 25 through Tuesday, March 1 which will include $8 Hurricanes, Strawberry Daiquiris, Pina Coladas and Bushwackers.
Starting at 7 p.m on Tuesday, March 1, guests can participate in New Orleans-themed music trivia. Trivia will be free to join, and prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.
Carnivale
It's about to be a "Carnival" at Carnivale. The Latin-inspired restaurant will be celebrating the festivities and traditions of Brazil this year with a Mardi Gras celebration. Guests that book from February 25 - March 1 (closed on Monday, Feb. 28) will be treated to a specialty menu, live music and Samba dancers performing live in their colorful dining room.
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, located at 1401 South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop, is celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an evening of Louisiana-style eats and beats. Guests may select from a special Fat Tuesday menu that brings to life all the flavor of New Orleans with live music from High-Hat Second Line, a New Orleans brass and jazz band with a Chicago twist. The Cajun-inspired menu will feature classic including Crawfish Mac & Cheese, Cajun Fried Chicken Jambalaya, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Creole Seafood Gumbo, and more. Specialty cocktails include Hurricanes and Sazeracs, with plenty of Abita Purple Haze beer flowing throughout the evening.
“Our annual Mardi Gras celebration is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Laura O’Malley, owner of The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. “Between our bold and flavorful Louisiana-style menu and live jazz performances, we invite Chicago to come and let the good times roll– laissez les bons temps rouler!”
Lottie's Pub
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Camp Lotties. Lottie's Pub (1925 W. Cortland St) is getting in the Mardi Gras spirit with a double showing of Girls Trip– playing at 5:30pm and 8pm on Tuesday, March 1st.
Lottie's will be serving Ina Mae Tavern's canned cocktail, the HurriCAN, and Sazeracs for $10. Food specials will include $10 Cajun Chicken Sandwiches and Cajun Shrimp Tacos, and $8 Gumbo. Tents can be reserved by visiting www.lottiespub.com/private-events/.
Mustard Seed Kitchen
Warm up before celebrating with Mustard Seed Kitchen's (49 East Cermak Road) gumbo. The Chicken Gumbo ($7.99) is a meal featuring andouille sausage, tender chicken pieces, rice, and scallions. Pair it with the Cornbread with Honey Butter ($1.99) and a side of veggies like the Creamed Corn ($4.99) or Roasted Potatoes & Paprika ($4.99) for the a late winter lunch or dinner.
Mustard Seed Kitchen is the new American Takeout concept created by James Beard-nominated Chef Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant. Mustard Seed Kitchen is open Monday - Saturday from 11am - 8pm.
Time Out Market
Looking to celebrate all weekend long? Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) is hosting Chef Darnell Reed of Luella's Southern Kitchen for a "Mardi Gras" Pop Up from Friday, February 25th through Tuesday, March 1st. The limited-time pop up will feature a variety of Mardi Gras-themed dishes including:
Spoken Cafe
Celebrate Mardi Gras in true Southern Louisiana fashion with a feast from Spoken Cafe! For one day only, Spoken Cafe will be serving a Mardi Gras menu while supplies last featuring:
Spoken is offering two types of Paczki from Do-Rite Donuts -- Raspberry or Salted Caramel Custard. Paczkis are available for pre-order via email to will@spokenchicago.com and a limited supply will be available in-house for first come first serve. Spoken Cafe, located at 1812 West Montrose Avenue, is open from 7am - 2pm.
Hewn
Hewn’s Mardi Gras (Tuesday, March 1) offerings:
King Cake - Celebrate Fat Tuesday with a Hewn King Cake! Comes with a "baby" to hide inside of the cake. $20
Packzi (filled with Chocolate Pastry Cream) - Chocolate pastry cream baked (not fried) Packzi. Limit 6 per person. $4.20
Packzi (filled with Lemon Curd) Limit 6 per person. - $4.20
Orders must be placed on Tock by Saturday, February 26 at 8pm. Limited quantities are available.
Storyville
Storyville, the new River North bar and restaurant inspired by early 20th-century New Orleans’s red-light district, will celebrate Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 1 with a special Crawfish Boil and King Cake slices. With the freshwater crustaceans being flown in fresh from Louisiana for the festive holiday, the shareable experience will include fresh crawfish ($18.95 per pound) with sausage, potatoes and corn.
In addition, local band Bowmanville will perform live music from 6 to 9 p.m. and Storyville will offer festive beads to all guests.
**Previously closed on Tuesday, Storyville will now be open every Tuesday following Mardi Gras
Fatpour Wicker Park
On Saturday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fatpour Wicker Park will host a Mardi Gras brunch ($35pp) featuring live Blues performances by Keith Scott, traditional N’Awlins breakfast items, Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bud Light, and Hurricanes for guests to select among a decorated space of beads and Mardi Gras decor.
Mardis Gras Brunch for $35 per person featuring:
Tickets for Mardi Gras Brunch can be purchased via: www.fatpourwickerpark.com/even... or by reserving through info@fatpourwickerpark.com.
West Town Bakery
Paczkis will be available on Tuesday, March 1 at three of West Town Bakery’s four locations:
For those wanting to avoid lines, West Town Bakery is taking online pre-orders through February 24 at 12 p.m.
FireLake Grill House & Bar
Did you know pancakes are a Mardi Gras must-have? The tradition dates back hundreds of years to the lfeasts held before lent season started. Located in the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, this farm-to-table restaurant offers three types of pancakes, including The Blu Pancakes served with Custard, blueberry preserves, and powdered sugar. Wash them down with a signature Mardi Gras inspired cocktail, specially crafted for this day of feasting. FireLake will also be serving Paczkis all day long on Mardi Gras for $5.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
Fat Tuesday Paczki offerings from Stan's. Available in all 16 locations in the Chicagoland area, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee are offering four Pazcki offerings. Guests can choose from Vanilla Pastry Cream, Chocolate Pastry Cream, Cannoli Cream and Cherry Paczkis. Stop in to your nearest Stan’s from February 26 through March 1 to pick up your favorites or order online.
Funkenhausen
Funkenhausen’s Piggy Plate is an option for sharing with friends, offering seasonally selected and housemade charcuterie on a pig-shaped platter and a way to finish off Fat Tuesday. Looking for something a little smokier? Select from the WunderBar-BQ Spare Ribs with a Dry Rub, White BBQ and 8-hour smoke.
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