Ah, Mardi Gras – the French phrase meaning Fat Tuesday, and a famous party holiday most notably celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Mardi Gras is a time for flashy colors and giant parties that mark the last day of indulgence before the beginning of Lent. Here in Austin, we aren’t far from the Mardi Gras Capital of the World, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate right here in town.
For our full list of Mardi Gras events in Austin, click here!
Contributed by Emily Gibson
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WHERE TO GET KING CAKE
King Cake is a Mardi Gras staple meant to symbolize the gifts that the Wise Men brought Jesus during birth – but, today, that really just means an ornate purple, yellow and green cake with a small plastic baby hidden inside. Legend has it that whoever finds the special plastic addition will have good luck.
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Photo via Stuffed Cajun Meat Market
12226 Ranch Rd 620 N
Meat's not the only thing on the menu at this Cajun local favorite. This year, get your sweet fix with their various flavors of King Cake. Serving up a hefty 16-18 slices each, choose between traditional or filled (fillings include cream cheese, Bavarian cream, cherry, or lemon.) Or, try their mini King Cake perfect for 1-2 people.... Whatever your poison, order here.
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701 East 53rd Street, Suite C
ZK's take on a Mardi Gras King Cake is a a sweet cinnamon spiced Bundt Cake with thick Vanilla Glaze, and naturally colored coconut sprinkles! Available for pick up 3-8pm Tuesday February 17th.
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4404 W William Cannon Dr
Cypress Grill has authentic Gambino’s King Cakes from New Orleans on sale now. You can walk in and buy one today (as long as they’re not temporarily sold out between deliveries), or you can pre-order yours to be picked up any time between now and Mardi Gras on February 17th! To pre-order, call 512-358-7474, option 1, or ask your server for an order form.
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EVEN MORE PLACES TO GET KING CAKE:
Various Locations
1200 E 6th St
609 W 6th St
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WHERE TO GET CRAWFISH
*Crawfish season is a bit delayed in Texas this year, so please be sure to call these spots and make sure they are in stock before going to feast on some crawdaddies*
Shoal Creek Saloon | Limited availability - check their Instagram for updates.
Stuffed Cajun Meat Market | Order boiled crawfish (when available) alongside tons of Cajun sides and dishes. Stay up to date on availability by following them on Facebook.
Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar | Boiled, live, or frozen: whichever way you want it, Crawfish Shack has you covered. Availability based on the season. Call to inquire about live or frozen Crawfish or order online here.
Kasian | (Currently only has seafood boils on their menu - stay tuned on Instagram)
Deckhand Oyster Bar | In-person and takeout available at both locations. Call to to check crawfish availability and to place an order. They also offer crawfish etouffee.
Le Bleu | Order their seasonal crawfish, available by the pound or in a bulk 5 lb order with sides. Order for indoor or outdoor dining as well as pickup.
Pops Crawfish | Give them a call (512)688-9917) to reserve your share of boiled or live crawfish.
Abby's Crab Shack | Order crawfish by the pound or by the boil with sauces and sides. Available for dine-in and pickup!
Big Easy Bar & Grill | If you love fried crawfish, Big Easy is the way to go. Order up their Fried Crawfish Platter which comes with cole slaw, fries, and bread.
La Crawfish | Recently-opened crawfish franchise offers boiled crawfish with famous seasonings like Garlic Butter, House Cajun Rub, or Hot & Sour. Or, experiment with other dishes like their Crawfish Cajun Pho or Crawfish Po-Boy.
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WHERE TO GET DAIQUIRIS
photo via instagram
2700 Pecan St #202
If you’re up in the North Austin area, consider this stop for a candy shop-style beverage. Specializing in the to-go daiquiri experience, this locally owned business is known for their delish drinks and super friendly service. They’ve always got eight or more flavors on hand and fun toppings like gummy worms and pop rocks.
EVEN MORE PLACES TO GET DAIQUIRIS:
1045 Norwood Park Blvd #105
2000 E 12th St
8820 Burnet Rd #505
201 E Parsons St
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Did we miss a way to spend Mardi Gras in Austin?
Let us know.
