Mardi Gras — Translated from its original French to mean “Fat Tuesday”– is hard evidence that Catholics can have fun too. The raucous parties, made so famous by the eclectic city of New Orleans, were first celebrated as the final day of sin before the 40 days of fasting, prayer, and self-denial known by believers as Lent. For most today, it’s still considered a “day without religion”, regardless of religious persuasion or lack thereof. While those of us here may not be able to get out to the carnivals of New Orleans on February 21st this year, we can still party pretty hard in the Big D. With celebrations kicking off as early as the Saturday prior to Fat Tuesday, and ending right at the start of lent — as is tradition — there’s something for every breed of hedonistic party animal.
PLUSH
Night: Tuesday, February 21
Cover: $10
Specials: $2 Early Bird Special Mardi Gras-themed drinks including Hurricanes and SoCo & Limes
Note: Plush is a three-level cocktail-style nightclub with a classy urban feel, committed to maintaining a sense of upscale grandeur…dress code is enforced. Ladies must be 18 years or older to get in. Men are 21 & up.
Website: plushdallas.com
ZOUK
Night: Saturday, February 18
Cover: None
Specials: Zouk is an adult party house complete with bottle service. Giveaways of beads, plus gift cards and adult accessories courtesy of Condom Nation, with gogo dancers and 5 great DJ’s including Joe Vega and Shogun Keith.
Note: Part lingerie party, part alcoholic’s paradise, women 18 and over, men 21 and up.
Website: zoukdallas.com
WISH ULTRA LOUNGE
Night: Tuesday, February 21
Cover: None
Specials: Wish’s regular “Back to Basics” Tuesday nights get a Mardi Gras makeover with specials on Hurricanes, Hand Grenades and other themed drinks all night, plus sounds exclusive to “The Only Industry Night in Dallas”.
Note: Wish was named one of the 100 best nightclubs in the nation by Nightclub & Bar Magazine
Website: wishultraloungedallas.com
STATION 4
Night: Saturday February 18
Cover: Free before 11 PM or $8 after
Specials: Dallas’ hottest ring of Oak Lawn area clubs, Station 4, The Mining Company, The Rose Room, and JR’s Bar & Grill, offer various drink specials, plus face and body painting, famed aerialists, and drag shows. General masquerade-themed block party.
Website: partyattheblock.com
…Oh, and for everybody else:
Big Easy New Orleans Style Sandwiches – www.bigeasyplano.com
The party will really get going at 6:30pm on Fat Tuesday when the Preston Ridge Jazz Quartet starts playing some classics. If the weather accommodates then take full advantage of their patio. Big Easy carries the full line from Abita and will also have Hurricanes for you. You name it – they’ve got it! Beads, boudin balls, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, po-boys and beignets. Available all day and well worth the visit.
BlackFinn American Saloon – www.blackfinndallas.com
A Taste of New Orleans arrives to the metroplex in the form of the annual BlackFinn Fat Tuesday party. Enjoy the draft beer, affordably priced bombs and Hurricanes all day. The complimentary New Orleans style buffet will bring the night together. Get ready for the water pong tournament. We hear it’s vicious and addicting.
Dick’s Last Resort – www.dickslastresort.com
“The Shame O’ Dallas” is taking their Mardi Gras game up a level by having their party over the weekend. That’s right, back-to-back nights starting at 8pm. Cheap Hurricanes and drinks are complimented by Cajun Food and live music by The Gumbo Kings. Bring beads and an attitude!
Duke’s Original Roadhouse – www.dukesoriginalroadhouse.com
The folks at Duke’s Original Roadhouse know how to party and this year’s Mardi Gras event is no different. They open at 8am for beer and beignets. Their parade is a sight to see. They’ll have live music, live crawfish and other specials all day long. Did we mention the bead contest? Yep you can thank us later…
Razzoo’s Cajun Café- www.razzoos.com
Razzoo’s Cajun Café wants you to “Occupy Razoo’s” the week leading up to the big day. They are offering discounted drink prices starting on the 13th and culminating on Fat Tuesday. Enjoy the Abita Drafts, Frozen Hurrycanes, Rat Toes, Boudin, Frog Legs, and Crawfish. Call the store if you’re interested in other specials.
Mardi Gras in the Cliff…
Dash for the Beads 5k run/walk
Saturday February 18 – 8am
Seventh Street, Dallas
• Best Costume Contest Pets/People
• Benefits FIDO of Oak Cliff
www.dashforthebeads.org
OCarnivale Masquerade Ball
Saturday February 18 – 7pm
The Kessler Theater
• Prizes for Best & Most Unusual Dressed
• Full themed bar
• Dancing all night
• Benefiting GO Oak Cliff
www.mardigrasoakcliff.com
Mardi Gras Parade
Sunday February 19 – 4pm
Davis Street, Dallas
• Floats, bands, and beads
• Crawfish Boil in Bishop Arts District (3,000 pounds/hr) $15 a pound with corn on the cob and boiled potatoes
www.mardigrasoakcliff.com