8 Atlanta restaurants offering the best dishes for Mardi Gras
From po’boys to gumbo, we’ve got the perfect dishes for Fat Tuesday.
Naya Clark
February 9, 2024
If you can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this Feb. 13, you’re still in luck: There are plenty of ways to celebrate around Atlanta, especially when dining out.
Historically, Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) was the gluttonous precursor to Lent, hence all the hearty, flavorful dishes many have come to associate with the holiday. Across Atlanta, you have your choice of southern-style dining experiences that offer up favorites like po’boys, gumbo, seafood, and more. Visit these eight spots to let the good times roll — just remember to save room for king cake.
The Po’Boy Shop & Basement Bar
1369 Clairmont Rd., Decatur, GA 30033 (Bar: 558 Webster Dr, Decatur, GA 30033)
Upon approaching The Po’Boy Shop, it seems like a regular restaurant, but just underneath is an atmospheric bar decorated in classic New Orleans yellow, purple, and green. At either, you’ll find 20-plus po’boy options, including the classic fried shrimp, catfish, and crawfish, or more adventurous options like fried alligator bites and Beyond beef po’boys. The fun doesn’t stop at the food and drinks. The NOLA-themed Basement Bar has pool tables, darts, skeeball, keno, and sports in every corner of the bar, making it the perfect place to pop by with a fun group of friends.
Bon Ton
674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Bon Ton mixes the best of Cajun and Vietnamese to create a singular feast for Mardi Gras and all year round. Re-opened under Darren Carr, Eric Simpkins (of Big Citizen), and Chef Hieu Pham (of Crawfish Seafood Shack), Bon Ton honors tradition while creating new classics. Try the Cajun shrimp burger, the blackened catfish banh-mi, or the charbroiled oysters, or go all out with the “Birthday Boil-A-Rama,” which includes everything and the kitchen sink. Bon Ton is open late, too — just heed the lights of the bright neon signs to find a memorable meal.
Big Easy Grill
1193 Collier Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, UNIT D
Located in West Midtown, this intimate restaurant (with a spacious patio for nice weather) serves up big flavors and classic NOLA fare. Start with the alligator bites before trying the crawfish etouffee, gumbo, or catfish, but save room for the beignets, which are the real stars of the show. With decorations that pay homage to the Saints, LSU, and Tulane, you’re sure to get fully immersed in NOLA vibes.
Cafe Bourbon Street
Two locations (Atlanta food truck; Marietta)
Catch the Cafe Bourbon food truck in Atlanta (that’s consistently named one of the city’s best), or head to the Marietta brick-and-mortar to find unique spins on traditional delicacies, like jambalaya egg rolls, Cajun wings, and the Sunday-only favorite, chicken and beignets. Though the menu is small, it never disappoints.
Fontaine’s Oyster House
1026 1/2 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
If you are looking for an excellent seafood experience, check out Fontaine’s Oyster House. Offering fresh oysters (that are now internet famous), crawfish, mussels, and more, diners rave about the quality and variety of options. Don’t skip the Louisiana-inspired dishes like Cajun rice balls, seafood gumbo, shrimp etouffee, and jambalaya. Whether your tastes want something land or sea, Fontaine’s has you covered.
Dos Bocas
275 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA, 30313
If you’re with a group that wants several types of cuisines, try Dos Bocas in Midtown. It offers a blend of Creole cuisines like Gulf shrimp etouffee, fried catfish, and “Chicken Zydeco,” plus Tex-Mex standards like enchiladas, fajitas, and margaritas. For dessert, pick between the tres leches cake or the beignets. (Or both, perhaps.)
Hippin Hops Brewery and Oyster Bar
Two locations (East Atlanta and Stone Mountain)
Ever heard of a brewery and an oyster bar together under one roof? If the idea piques your interest, Hippin Hops can satisfy two cravings at once. This Black-owned brewery knows how to keep the party going, which is easy thanks to the assistance of meticulously brewed lagers and ales for every taste. With locations in Kirkwood and EAV, you have neighborhood options to make any day Mardi Gras. Pick one of the fun appetizers like Cajun shrimp deviled eggs or Cajun crawfish eggrolls. Or you can try out their “Oyster Collardfeller” — a southern variation of Oysters Rockefeller topped with collard greens and smoked turkey.
Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar
Multiple locations
Black-owned and inspired by the Gullah Geechee culture off the coasts and bayous of Louisiana, this restaurant holds tight to southern hospitality service and offers a friendly neighborhood vibe. The Gullah-themed menu is full of flavorful choices like “sammen,” “skrimp,” and “greenz.” Whether you sit inside or on their open-air patio with a city view, Virgil’s is sure to put you in the mood to celebrate the way NOLA folks do.
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Nearby Cortland Locations
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8 spots in Phoenix to bring your favorite person for Valentine’s Day
See Phoenix’s best spots for this love-filled holiday.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your paramour how much they mean to you. Trade that box of chocolates for an unforgettable and uniquely Phoenix experience. From spa treatments at a romantic resort to unparalleled outdoor excursions, here’s where to take your Valentine when Cupid’s arrow strikes.
Explore the Desert Botanical Garden
If you think long walks in the desert are romantic, escape to Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden this Valentine’s Day. With over 140 acres to explore and 50,000 plant displays, the botanical garden is a verdant escape from the ordinary for cacti-loving couples and botanist buddies. The garden is open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Feb. 14, so you can visit for a pre-dinner stroll or snag an early or late dinner (while reservations last) at Gertrude’s, the onsite restaurant. If opting for a late Valentine’s Day, you can visit on Feb. 16 for Music in the Garden, featuring Walt Richardson and Friends, and grab a beverage at the Patio Café.
Take a trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Get carried away on a unique expedition via Verde Canyon Rail. Opt for the Chocolate Lovers’ Special for lovers with a sweet tooth, offered Feb. 10, 11, and 14 while reservations last. You’ll be treated to wonderous views of the canyon and its wildlife while you snack on house-made truffles, mousse cups, and other chocolate treats paired with Valentine-themed cocktails. This event has been charming visitors for 21 years and must be experienced at least once.
Have a farm-to-table breakfast at The Farm at South Mountain
If food is the way to their heart, call in late to work and start your Valentine’s Day with a savory farm-to-table breakfast at Morning Glory Cafe at The Farm at South Mountain. Tucked away in the shadow of Phoenix’s South Mountain recreation area, this hidden gem is known for its pecan tree groves and open-air picnic table dining. Take your pick from seasonal omelets and breakfast tacos, or opt for something sweet like the brioche French toast with candied pecans and whipped goat cheese frosting.
Explore the OdySea Aquarium on Valentine’s night
Get your ticket to the “CraySea in Love” event, which features entry into the OdySea Aquarium, dinner with dessert, plus access to the real stars: sea lions, turtles, groupers, and more who call the aquarium home. As you peruse the indoor attraction, Mesa singer-songwriter Rick Hale will serenade guests, who can find multiple bars and interactive experiences to create their own special night. Select a starting time between 6 – 8 p.m. (while available) to begin the adventure.
Be pretty in pink at the Phoenix Art Museum
Don your best Barbie attire for the Pretty in Pink Valentine’s Party hosted by PhxArt. The museum is celebrating the opening of its new exhibits, “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” and “The Power of Pink.” Walk down the pink carpet and pose for photos, then journey inside for dancing and light fare, or enjoy hands-on, experiential activities like valentine-making or a scavenger hunt. Learn about the history, fashion, and cultural importance of the color pink on the pinkest day of the year.
Sip drinks at The Wright Bar at Arizona Biltmore
Go Gatsby-style this Valentine’s Day at The Wright Bar. The art deco-inspired bar is equally as famous as it is infamous, as it was once a prohibition period hideaway for the who’s who of Hollywood at the time. Local legend has it that the Tequila Sunrise cocktail was first mixed here. The bar is outfitted with lounge and bar seating, with a selection of light bites, including oysters and yellowtail ceviche. Plus, you’ll find live music from local artists on the weekends.
Book a Rainbow Ryders sunset hot air balloon ride
Looking for a way to take your love to new heights this Valentine’s Day? Book a swoon-worthy sunset hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders. This bucket list balloon excursion will give you a panoramic perspective of the Sonoran Desert like you’ve never seen before from the basket of a floating hot air balloon. When it’s finally time to return to Earth, you’ll commemorate the experience with your pilot crew and flight companions with a bubbly champagne toast.
Enjoy a couples treatment at Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms
Take some well-earned PTO and enjoy an entire day at Phoenix’s romantic Royal Palms Resort & Spa on Feb. 14. The 1920s-era winter residence turned luxury resort inspires romance at every turn, from the private poolside cabanas to the fireside patio dining tables. For the ultimate romantic retreat, reserve a couples spa treatment at Royal Palms’ Alvadora Spa. In addition to the side-by-side spa treatments, like the Citrus Ritual or the Desert Juniper Wrap, you’ll have access to the spa relaxation areas as well as the resort pool for the day.
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5 DFW Valentine’s Day delivery options for a lovely night in
No reservation needed for these inventive gift ideas.
Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it’s an excellent opportunity to show your love and appreciation to your special someone through thoughtful deliveries. This day of love isn’t just for romantic partners; it’s also a chance to celebrate all forms of affection, including the love you have for friends, family, and yourself. Whether you’re spending it with your long-time partner, treating yourself to a luxurious gift, or spreading joy to your best buds, we put together a list of DFW Valentine’s Day deliveries that will leave your loved one feeling adored.
Foxtrot Delivery
Why go out for Valentine’s Day when you can bring the charm and flavor right to your doorstep? Picture this: a cozy indoor picnic with your special someone. And what better way to set the mood than with Foxtrot’s Deluxe Cheese and Charcuterie Board? This selection boasts an array of salami, prosciutto, hot soppressata, capicola, cheddar, brie, gouda, buttermilk blue, cornichon, pickled sweet peppers, and olives. And let’s not forget the extras – it comes with grain mustard, house-made parma dip, fig preserves, and fresh herbs. If you’re not within the delivery radius, you can still access “Foxtrot Anywhere,” where you can order a range of sweets, non-alcoholic beverages, and cute home accessories.
The Little Black Box from Dr Delphinium
Looking to make your Valentine’s Day extra special with a delivery that’s as chic as a little black dress? Look no further than The Little Black Box from Dr Delphinium. Inside, you’ll discover a bottle of Floralia Pinot Noir, perfectly paired with The Truffle Box — a collection of 12 seasonal and specialty truffles from a local chocolatier. But that’s not all! The box also includes a stunning floral arrangement featuring passion pink roses and spray roses elegantly showcased in a bud vase. You have the option to upgrade your delivery to include premium chocolates or champagne, adding an extra layer of luxury to your celebration. It’s a romantic gesture that’s bound to leave your sweetheart absolutely swooning. With a delivery radius that encompasses most of the Metroplex and same-day, next-day, or advanced-day delivery options, this Valentine’s Day will be a breeze.
Tiff’s Treats Valentine’s Day Gifts
If you are looking for something sweet to indulge in on Valentine’s Day, consider Tiff’s Treats. They offer a variety of deliverable desserts, including freshly baked cookies, warm brownies, bite-sized Valentine cupcakes, and more. Valentine’s Day cookie flavors include Valentine’s Day sprinkle cookies, festive sugar cookies with red, white, and pink hearts baked in, and Red Velvet cookies baked with cream cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you want to surprise your loved one, treat yourself, or celebrate with your friends, Tiff’s Treats has something for everyone. Add a touch of elegance to your celebrations with the exclusive Kendra Scott Juliette Pendant Necklace, available as part of their offerings. To make your Valentine’s Day extra special, Tiff’s Treats also offers sweet, curated packages.
Chocolate Secrets’ Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Consider sending your loved one chocolate-covered fruit instead of flowers this Valentine’s Day. Chocolate Secrets offers a variety of chocolate-dipped options, including strawberries that are both delicious and romantic. You can choose from 12 strawberries for $44, 6 strawberries for $22, or even order a single strawberry for just $4. For an extra personal touch, remember to add a handwritten note. Please note that Chocolate Secrets only delivers locally within a 10-mile radius, so be sure to check for delivery fees beyond this range.
The Meat Shop’s Rosewood Wagyu Trio Gift Box
Looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift for a meat lover? Consider The Meat Shop’s Rosewood Wagyu Trio Gift Box. It includes three of The Meat Shop’s most popular cuts, all sourced from Rosewood Ranches in Ennis, Texas. The box contains two one-pound strip steaks, two one-pound ribeyes, and two half-pound tenderloin filets. Meat gift boxes require overnight shipping to maintain their quality and freshness. However, if you are located within 500 miles of The Meat Shop, some local deliveries may qualify for ground shipping. Surprise your loved one with this special gift and make their Valentine’s Day deliciously memorable — especially if you cook a meal for them.
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