Bourbon, beads and boobs. Deep fried food and debauchery. Mardi Gras 2011.
Perhaps its because Chicago’s Catholic population is more dispersed, or perhaps its because celebrations happen in the evening, but whatever the reason Chicago seems to forget about Mardi Gras. While it is true there is no parade and day drinking is kept to a minimum, Chicago celebrates the holiday in the way only Chicago can.
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a Christian tradition in which those who practice the religion take part in a celebration of dancing, games, and eating fatty foods before Lent. For those who practice Christianity and believe in giving up a luxury during lent, it is a time to over indulge in that luxury. For those who don’t, it’s another reason to go out on a week night.
And any holiday that encourages eating anything deep fried and drinking anything with rum is one that I want to celebrate.
Per Chicago, each neighborhood has their own way of celebrating. After reviewing a list on Metro Mix and checking some bars on my own, I broke down the parties by neighborhood. Here are some places offering a taste of the south. For a more complete list check out Metro Mix.
Uptown
The Fat Cat : 4840 N Broadway.
- Celebrations from 6-11 p.m.
- Catfish eating contest
- Po’ Boys, Jambalaya and Kings Cake
- $6 Hurricanes, $4 Abita Beer
Lincoln Park
McGee’s: 950 W. Webster
- $0.25 wings
- $5 Hurricanes
- Celebrations – all day long!
Duffy’s :
- $20 New Orleans Buffet, all drafts and Hurricanes from 8- 11p.m.
- Masquerade ball
Lakeview
Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort – Fatty’s Tuesday Party: 2833 N. Sheffield
- Celebrations start at 9 p.m.
- Dance contest
- All you can grab beads
- Live band
- $3 Bud Light, $5 Hurricanes
The Pony: 1638 W Belmont Ave
- Celebrations from 11 a.m. – 2.a.m.
- $5 Hurricanes
- $7 Bourbon Chicken Sizzlers
The Blue Bayou: 3734 N Southport Ave
- $3 Bud Lights
- $6 Hurricanes
- $4 Abita drafts
- Cajun dishes
Bucktown/Wicker Park
Silver Cloud Bar & Grill: 1700 N Damen Ave.
- Celebrations from 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
- House made Jambalaya – $10.95
- $6 Hurricanes
Lotties Pub: 1925 W. Cortland Ave
- $5 Hurricans and grenades
- $7 Po’Boys with Jamabalaya
- $10 Cajun Pizza
Downtown
The Original Mothers: 26 W. Division
- $5 suggested donation (otherwise no cover charge)
- Street performers – stilt walkers, jugglers etc
- $4 Abita Beers
- Live band
- Proceeds go to New Orleans Musician Clinic
Fairmont Millennium Park Hotel: 200 N. Columbus
- Celebrations from 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- A masqurade ball with appetizers and Cajun inspired cocktails.
Lakeview is my neighborhood of choice. However, no matter where you choose to celebrate, each place is bound to have spicy food, sassy music and strong drinks!
