Known as a popular celebration in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a holiday filled with culture, history, food, colors, and music. The term Mardi Gras translates to Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the day that signifies the start of the 40 days leading up to Easter. For those looking to experience a Mardi Gras celebration, many places in New Jersey will be hosting events and serving themed food. Read on for a guide on celebrating Mardi Gras in New Jersey.
Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras at The Shannon Rose | 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton + 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey
February 13th | 5PM – 8PM (Clifton) + 6PM-9PM (Ramsey)
In its two locations in Clifton + Ramsey, The Shannon Rose invites guests to dress in their Mardi Gras gear for a themed celebration. There will be a live jazz band, giveaways, and food and drink specials. Learn more here.
Fat Tuesday at South House | 149 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
February 13th | 6PM
South House is celebrating “Fat Tuesday” on February 13th. There will be live music by @highandmightybrass from 6PM to 9PM. There will also be drink and food specials.
Lambda Upsilon CDC Mardi Gras Celebration at DoubleTree by Hilton Fairfield Hotel + Suites | 690 U.S. 46, Fairfield
February 17th | 7PM
Dress up in Mardi Gras wear and join a party at DoubleTree by Hilton. There will be cocktails, colors, and lively music that embraces authentic New Orleans vibes. Tickets can be purchased here.
Read More: A Guide to Authentic French Eateries in Montclair + Beyond
Mardi Gras Bingo Brunch at Asbury Ale House Sports Bar + Grille | 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
February 17th | 12PM
Asbury Ale House will bring a unique take on the Mardi Gras celebrations. It will host a holiday-themed brunch, where guests can play bingo, win prizes, and have a chance to win a trip. Learn more here.
Mardi Gras + Carnival Edition at Dolce | 17 Broad Street, Elizabeth
February 23rd | 9PM
Dolce in Elizabeth will be hosting a Mardi Gras celebration on February 23rd at 9PM. More details are yet to be announced. Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
Mardi Gras at Bottagra Restaurant | 80 Wagaraw Road, Hawthorne
On February 25th, Bottagra Restaurant will be turning into a New Orleans-themed party. There will be special guest DJs and other entertainment yet to be announced. Learn more here.
Where to Find Cajun + Mardi Gras-Themed Cuisine
Beignets | 5 Broadway #1, Denville
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Beignets, located in downtown Denville, is a tasty treat spot serving European-inspired coffee, lattes, and desserts. Guests can order a variety of specialty doughnuts. Along with the doughnuts, Beignets is one of the few places in North Jersey where customers can get freshly made beignets. These warm and pillow-soft treats come with powdered sugar and sometimes even cinnamon.
Cap’t Loui | 210 Main Street, Fort Lee + 10 Park Street, Montclair + 25 US-22 Highway, Springfield
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Cap’t Loui serves Cajun-style seafood and sides. Here diners can enjoy the Boiler option which includes the diner’s choice of seafood, sauce, a spice level of choice, and extras like noodles, corn, and potatoes. Cap’t Loui also has Po’Boy sandwiches, and beignets.
Crab Island Cajun Seafood + Bar | 1016 Main Avenue, Clifton
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Crab Island Cajun Seafood + Bar is a full liquor bar serving hush puppies, corn, sausage, rice, and more. This bar has outdoor seating and has several televisions for sports watching.
Gencarelli’s Bakery | 446 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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Celebrate Mardi Gras with some holiday treats at Gencarelli’s Bakery. This spot will have King Cakes and cupcakes to get into the Mardi Gras spirit.
Hook + Reel | 50 Bayonne Crossing Way, Bayonne + 100 Broadway Suite 13, Elmwood Park + 200 Passaic Avenue, Kearny + 687 West Edgar Road, Linden + 965 Jefferson Avenue, Union + 495 Prospect Avenue Suite #20, West Orange
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With over 75 locations, six of which are in North Jersey, Hook + Reel is serving up some really good Cajun seafood. Lobster, catfish, flounder, and oyster fried can be found. The Po’Boys are literally a mouth full. Served with french fries or soup, these sandwiches can be filled with catfish, flounder, or shrimp — and for non-seafood lovers, chicken is an alternative option.
Krewe of McGinley Square | 673 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City
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Krewe of McGinley Square is a taste of NOLA in Jersey City. Since Spring 2021, the restaurant has been serving cornbread, gumbo, Po’Boys, jambalaya, grits, collard greens, beignets, and seafood.
See More: Where To Host An Event in Hoboken + Jersey City
Milk Sugar Love | 19 McWilliams Place, Jersey City
Milk Sugar Love has been serving the Jersey City community since 2013. It is known for its handcrafted sweet treats and ice cream. The shop will be taking part in the Mardi Gras festivities with special holiday flavors and King Cake. These treats will only be available on February 13th from 4PM to 9PM.
The Cajun Crab Louisiana Seafood Restaurant | 789 US-22, North Plainfield
The Cajun Crab Louisiana Seafood Restaurant serves a wide variety of seafood such as tilapia, calamari, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops. Along with these authentic Louisiana dishes, patrons can order hush puppies, which are a must, as well as corn, sausage, and rice.
