Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras 2017 in Philadelphia

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Whether you’re a believer or just a partier, Mardi Gras is one of the best party days/nights of the year. As with any huge party holiday, Philadelphia has you covered with a plethora of options to get your gluttony on. Here are the best spots to enjoy your sinful desires on February 28, before you have to give up soda for a month.

 

Bourbon Blue 

Head to Manayunk for a one of the biggest Louisiana-style parties of the year. Bourbon Blue is offering two open bar packages starting at $25 along with a buffet, live music, beads and masks, drink specials and more! (2 Rector St.; 215-508-3360)

 

Chris’ Jazz Cafe 

Who needs Bourbon Street when we have Sansom Street? Listen to live music by the Hoppin' John Orchestra at this spot from 7 PM to midnight while enjoying drink and food specials like hurricanes, crawdads, and jambalaya. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased ahead of time. (1421 Sansom St.; 215-568-3131)

 

The Franklin Institute is throwing another one of their 21+ Science After Hours events this Tuesday, this time with a Mardi Gras theme. Enjoy the sounds of the New Sound Brass Band and a live science-themed show. Tickets are $20 for non-member and $15 for members. The event runs from 7-10PM. (271 N 21st St.; 214-448-1200)

 

Visit Rex 1516 for a Mardi Gras Citywide which includes a sinful King’s Cake burger (beef patty, cooper cheddar, bacon, lettuce, house-made pickles, King’s Cake roll) and a pint of Newbold and a shot of Jim Beam Devil’s Cut for $17. They’ll also be serving up a Falernum Hurricane for $7. The specials are available Fat Tuesday and Wednesday while supplies last. (1516 South St.; 267-319-1366)

 

Sit back and relax with a Sazerac and some live jazz at South’s Jazz Jam on Tuesday. The southern restaurant will also be featuring a special 3 course menu for only $25 that includes dishes like duck confit gumbo, fried Mississippi catfish, pineapple bread pudding and more. Show times are 7, 8:30 and 10 PM. (600 N Broad St.; 215-600-0220)

 

Want to get your shop on, but also go to a kick ass Mardi Gras celebration? You’re in luck. Whole Foods is throwing down from 4 PM - 8 PM with $3 Abita pints, $11 Abita growler fills, buck-a-shuck oysters, po boys, and beignets. They’ll also have live jazz from 5-7 PM. (2101 Pennsylvania Ave.; 215-557-0015)