Bringing Mardi Gras to the Metroplex

If you don’t want to go all the way to the Big Easy to celebrate Mardi Gras -- or if you just want to avoid the post Super Bowl craziness -- why not go bead crazy in the Big D? It may not be the French Quarter or Bourbon Street, but the Metroplex still knows how to party for Mardi Gras.

If you are looking for someone to toss you some beads on Fat Tuesday, check out our list of the best places in town to party like a Cajun. We’ve found places where you can listen to Louisiana style bands, march in parades, kick back hurricanes, and wear as many beads as possible.

Bars, Booze, & Beads:

Dick’s Last Resort: Come in your most outrageous Mardi Gras costume and win $200 cash. Prizes for 2nd and 3rd place include $50 and $20 in Dick’s Hard cash cards. Enjoy live entertainment by The Gumbo Kings and So Co Hurricanes On-Da rocks for $2.75. This Shame O’ Dallas is located on 2211 N. Lamar. Contact Dick’s at 214-747-001.

Gingerman: This cozy pub is known for it’s wide selection of fine imported and domestic beer and wine. Stop by either location in the Metroplex during Happy Hour on Fat Tuesday for Fat Tires for $4.25, which includes a pint glass. You can find a Gingerman pub in Dallas on 2718 Boll Street, 214-754-8771 or in Plano on 7205 Bishop Rd., 469-814-8299.

Gators Mardi Gras Dallas: Where it’s Mardi Gras everyday, Gators knows how to throw beads like Bourbon Street in Dallas. On Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday kick back on $3 longnecks and $3 Gator cocktails. With a DJ all three days, enjoy lots of dancing and beads. You can, of course, also find Cajun food and specialties at this Gator bar located at 2720 North Stemmons Freeway. Contact Gators at 214-634-9669.

Frankie’s: This everyman’s sports bar, known for its game day watching parties is going Cajun style this week. From the Feb. 8th to the 16th enjoy specials on catfish and seafood gumbo. Sip on $3 Hurricanes and $3 Hand Grenades starting this Saturday, and if you are craving a good ole’ Cajun craw fish boil, Frankie’s is also your place. Visit either location in Uptown on 3227 McKinney, at 214-999-8932 or in Lewisville at 2516 S. Stemmons Freeway, at 214-488-1100.

Thomas Avenue Beverage Company: The Uptown upscale but not snooty bar is throwing beads your way. Known for it’s great restaurant and patio, TABC is having $4 Hurricane specials and a free bead give away on Fat Tuesday. TABC is located on 2901 Thomas Ave. and can be contacted at 214-979-0452.

Primo’s: This trendy locale is known for great Mexican food, good-looking clientele, and a great patio. Kick off this Fat Tuesday at Primo’s with $2 Margaritas. You can find Primo’s at 3309 McKinney Avenue and call them at 214-220-0510.

Ra Sushi: It’s Mardi Ra at Ra Sushi this Fat Tuesday. Come to this masquerade and enjoy an assortment of Mardi Gras themed drinks and food. From 3- 7 p.m. take advantage of their Fat Tuesday happy hour deal with half price food and drinks. Ra Sushi is located in Plano at 7501 Lone Star Dr. and can be contacted at 469-467-7400.

Balcony Club: This jazzy and cozy bar set in the historic Lakewood Theater is celebrating Fat Tuesday with an open mic night from 6- 9 p.m. and a Big Easy Jazz band from 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Also, to celebrate the Cajun holiday, Balcony club is offering $2 off any drink from 5-8 p.m.

Flying Pig Roadhouse: It’s Party Gras at the Flying Pig this Fat Tuesday. If you want to hear good southern rock and roll and country blues to put you in the Louisiana Mardi Gras mood, the Flying Pig is the place to be. Jam out to Kim Younkin from 8-12 p.m. Don’t worry -- the Flying Pig has plenty of beads for everyone. The Flying Pig Roadhouse is located in Lake Dallas, at 5008 C. Stemmons (I35E) and can be contacted at 940-497-3240.

Family Masquerade Fun:

Mardi Gras Parade & Party: For a real life Big Easy parade experience, stop by this annual Mardi Gras parade including more than 40 decorative floats competing for a $1,000 prize this Fat Tuesday. Come prepared for costume and mask contests for $150 grand prizes.

Crawfish Contest: Roll up your sleeves and get dirty Cajun style for a Craw fish eating contest. For the kids, there will be carnival rides, bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoos, and a rock climbing wall. Enjoy listening to the New Orleans Gumbo Kings band while chowing down on plenty of Cajun food. This New Orleans party is located in Lake Dallas near City Hall and the Main Street area on Tuesday Feb. 16th from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. To enter the float contest call 940-497-2226.

Mardi Gras, Fort Worth Style:

Mansion Masquerade: This Fat Tuesday celebrate in style at the Masquerade party at the Mansion. Come in your best costume and enter the costume king and queen contest. Show your moves off during the dance contest to the live band the “Brave Combo.” Also be prepared for casino and raffle action. To RSVP or by tickets call 817-392-2650. The party can be found at Stonegate Mansion at 4100 Stonegate Boulevard in Fort Worth. Tickets are $50 a person.

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