We St. Louisans pride ourselves on knowing how to party, especially when it comes to Mardi Gras, that final hurrah before the asceticism of Lent. Chris Andoe recently provided the definitive guide to navigating Soulard’s take on the celebration, though there are also other solid options for letting those fabled good times roll.
Mardi Gras Saturday at the Broadway Oyster Bar
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Broadway Oyster Bar does Cajun all year long, so you know the food’s going to be fantastic. The place is also consistently excellent for live music and drinks, so it’s really a can’t-lose place to spend (or start or finish) the day. The Scandaleros play from 12:30–1:30 p.m., Sean Canan’s VooDoo Players take the stage from 3–7 p.m., and the AquaDucks finish the night from 8 p.m.–midnight. The cover charge is $10. 736 S. Broadway.
Mardi Gras Beer & Food Pairing Dinner at Anheuser-Busch
Start the decadence Friday night at the Anheuser-Busch Beer Garden. Enjoy a four-course meal (Cajun-themed, of course) including boudin balls, Creole shrimp salad, seafood and sausage gumbo, and bananas foster bread pudding. Each course is paired with beer, naturally, and the night will be capped off by toasting with the exclusive St. Louis ager. Tickets start at $70. 1200 Lynch.
Family-Friendly Mardi Gras Parade in Saint Charles
St. Charles is hosting its inaugural Mardi Gras parade, a family-friendly affair on Saturday in Frenchtown, beginning at Eco Park (1802 N. 2nd St) and moving south along Second Street. Look for Lindenwood University’s marching band and cheer team, the St. Charles Police Mounted Patrol, the fire department, Bike Stop Café cyclists, rainbow stilt walkers, dogs from Five Acres Animal Shelter, and more. 11 a.m.
Pardi Gras at Highway 61 Roadhouse
The popular Webster Groves restaurant celebrates Mardi Gras year-round, so it’s a given that this weekend will be a big one. Zydeco Crawdaddys will perform from 1–5 p.m. Limited space is available, and reservations are required; call 314-968-0061 to save a spot ($50 prepaid reservations, with $30 applied to tab). Then, on Fat Tuesday, the band will perform again from 6–10 p.m., with limited reservations for $10 per person. 34 S. Old Orchard.
The City of Granite City Mardi Gras
St. Louis is not the only place to strut this weekend. Granite City is hosting a parade and block party from 1–10 p.m. After the parade, enjoy live music courtesy of the American Originals, a kids’ corner with crafts and games, and tons of food and drink. That evening, buy a wristband for hop-on, hop-off buses on a route between bars for a pub crawl. Check out the event page for more details.
Sunday Morning Rugby Club’s Mardi Gras Party
Let your good times roll toward supporting the Sunday Morning Rugby Club. Since its inception in 1974, the club has kept St. Louis scrumming. Party at the clubhouse from 2–7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10, and your first hurricane is on the house. (Bring some cash if you want more than one!) Beads are strongly encouraged. 4526 Gravois.
Graham’s Grill Mardi Gras Bash at 612 Kitchen & Cocktails
612 Kitchen & Cocktails in Kirkwood is throwing its second annual Mardi Gras Bash all weekend. Reserve a table and tuck in. Specialty cocktails on offer will include Hand Grenades and Bahama Mamas. The food is mighty Cajun, including gumbo, gator, and frog’s legs. The band Three of a Perfect Pair will also raise the roof. 612 W. Woodbine, Kirkwood.
Mardi Gras Recovery Brunch Cruise
Assuming you’re seaworthy after Saturday’s parties, the brunch cruise on the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch looks like a delightful way to round out and wind down from what may have been a wild weekend. The riverboats offer a splendid-looking brunch including muffulettas, crab cakes, hash browns, waffles, and more. The Saint Boogie Brass Band also rides with you. Sunday, 1–3 p.m. $51 with a cash bar. 50 S. Leonor K. Sullvan.
