No need to go to all the way to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras when you have Long Island’s Cajun-style restaurants hosting their own Fat Tuesday parties.
There are many local restaurants that capture the ambiance of New Orleans as well as the Cajun food such as crawfish, Gumbo and Jambalaya.
This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 5, so as the French say, Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
Big Daddy’s Restaurant
1 Park Ln, Massapequa. 516-799-8877 bigdaddysny.com
This place goes big with their annual “Mardi Gras Madness Week,” where they have seven nights of New Orleans-style celebration with live music and specials. Big Daddy’s also offers Cajun food such as Louisiana Crawfish Boil, Motor Mouth Stuffed Shrimp, and Cajun “10 Ouncer” Burger. One of the most festive places to go on LI for that New Orleans feeling.
Big Daddy’s East
44-46 E Main St, Bay Shore., 631-968-2505, bigdaddyseast.com This Cajun-style bar and restaurant that’s the second location of a Massapequa eatery of the same name opened in time for Mardi Gras. Patrons are in good hands with Executive Chef Adam Anders, who trained under Emeril Lagasse. One of the most festive places to go on LI for that New Orleans feeling.
Biscuits and Barbeque
106 East 2nd St., Mineola. 516-493-9797. biscuitsandbarbecue.com
The weekend-long Mardi Gras festivities at this diner-style eatery kicks off Friday, featuring Crawfish, alligator sausage, Louisiana Gulf Shrimp, and King Cake, plus too many more to list here. A casual joint, this neighborhood haunt is a cozy spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a lively atmosphere. Dishes not to miss include the biscuits and gravy (but be warned, get this to share—it is huge), the brisket, the mac n cheese and the shrimp po’boy.
Blackbird’s Grille
553 Old Montauk Hwy., Sayville. 631-593-4144. blackbirdsgrille.com
With their homey atmosphere and great food, Blackbird’s will have Mardi Gras specials on their Cajun dishes such as Jambalaya, gator bites, crawfish, shrimp po’boy and much more.
Cafe Joelle
25 Main St., Sayville. cafejoelle.net
Their annual Mardi Gras celebration includes traditional favorite New Orleans dishes, such as Jamalaya, catfish and Chicken Creole. Wash it all down with a Hurricane or Voodoo Juice.
Louisiana Joe’s Sandwich Shop
488 Merrick Rd., Oceanside. 516-442-9838. louisianajoes.com
This place gives that New Orleans atmosphere by serving up their traditional Cajun food with dishes such as Louisiana Hot Wrap, Jambalaya eggs, the Cajun burger, and “The Muffuletta.” They will have specials for Fat Tuesday.
R.S. Jones
153 Merrick Ave., Merrick. 516-378-7177. rsjones.com
Serving up dishes such as shrimp ‘n’ grits, cornbread, and might fine gumbo, R.S Jones will host a party with live music and specials for Mardi Gras.
Treme Blues and Jazz Club
553 Main St., Islip. 631-277-2008. tremeislip.com
One of the few jazz clubs on LI, this spot’s named for the French Quarter neighborhood where jazz was born. The Blues bar is normally open Wednesday through Sunday—except for their epic annual Fat Tuesday party. Headlining this year’s show is The Slap Yo’ Mamma Jazz Brigade. Although the club is more known for their music than their food, specials on cocktails, Gumbo and Mardis Gras King Cake are among the mouthwatering items on their menu. There will be beads and New Orleans glam is encouraged. No cover. Party starts 7 p.m. Feb. 13.
Nawlins Seafood Co.
301 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. nawlinsseafood.com
Celebrate Mardi Gras on The Nautical Mile! This place won’t reopen for this spring, but, their sister restaurant right next door, Rachel’s Waterside Grill, will host a Mardis Gras party featuring samples of the Nawlins Seafood Co.’s menu, including gumbo, jambalaya, catfish, hurricanes and more.
Mara’s Homemade
236 West Jericho Tpke., Syosset. 516-682-9200. marashomemade.com
Mara’s is a Cajun barbeque joint great for casual eats, with must-have dishes including the crawfish-stuffed baguette, lobster, gator bites (yes alligator!) and the andouille crusted tilapia. The owner herself often comes to check in on patrons, contributing to the hospitable atmosphere. Don’t forget to save room for their famous bluegrass pie, homemade beignets and fresh seasonal fruit pies as a delicious way to have an authentic Mardi Gras experience. Specials and beads are on tap for the big day!
