With Mardi Gras just around the corner, Houston locals don't need to trek all the way to New Orleans to join in on the celebrations. The Houston area, including Galveston, is stirring up quite a bash, complete with parades, live music, and the kind of food that'll have you saying "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" For a taste of the festivities minus the long drive, Houston eateries are pulling out all the stops with Mardi Gras specials that boast a local twist on the festive Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Galveston emerges as a festive haven during the first two weekends of February, promising one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations stateside. As revelers descend on the coastal city, anticipation for succulent gumbo and king cake runs high. But those who don't fancy the gridlock along I-45 or struggle to secure a table in Galveston's crammed dining spots have delicious alternatives on the road from Houston. A drive between the two cities reveals a gastronomic lineup featuring four standouts on the way to Mardi Gras—as reported by the Houston Chronicle, all of which are among its top 100 restaurant picks.
Famed for its delectable barbecue, Killen's BBQ in Pearland dangles dishes such as brisket pizza alongside classic smoked meats tempting enough to warrant a detour. Not far, Viola & Agnes Neo-Soul Cafe in Seabrook serenades the palate with slow Creole soul food, notably during its Sunday brunch where crispy fried chicken meets tender pecan waffles. The Prsrv in Kemah, described in the Houston Chronicle as an eccentric dining experience, fuses Indigenous American and Thai influences into a captivating 15-course tasting menu. Seafood lovers can savor the freshness at Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House in San Leon, where the oysters are as fresh as they come, thanks to owner Raz Halili's oyster-farming lineage.
Back in town, Houston is not skimping on the Mardi Gras spirit. Chapmans & Kirby will heat up the scene with its La Mardi Gras bash on February 10, blending live music with food and cocktail specials, including the traditional spiced hurricane and Sazerac. The Rustic's Mardi Craw event promises high-energy performances and drink specials in a rollicking free-for-all, according to a roundup by Houston Eater. Other Houston hotspots like Kolache Shoppe debut festival-themed treats, while The Daily Gather concocts a Mardi Gras twist on the espresso martini, and Traveler's Table introduces uniquely local cuisine specials, perfect for both dine-in and take-out.
Whether a stroll through downtown festivities or a bite at the French-styled Brasserie 19 while enjoying Boomtown Brass Band's live jazz, there are ample opportunities to embrace the Mardi Gras vibe. So as Fat Tuesday approaches.
