Mardi Gras, also called Carnival, refers to celebratory events beginning on or after Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday" and often serves as the last chance to eat rich food and indulge in alcohol before Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.
In case the weather hasn't tipped you off, we're far away from New Orleans. But even if you can't celebrate in the Big Easy, there are several events going on throughout Brew City to party for Mardi Gras. As they say, laissez les bons temps rouler! ("Let the good times roll!")
Hi Hat Lounge
1701 N. Arlington Pl., (414) 255-9330
hihatlounge.com
This year, Hi Hat is bringing Bourbon Street to Brady Street. In the two weeks leading up to and culminating on Fat Tuesday, Hi Hat will transform into a premiere Mardi Gras celebration destination. Ornate decorations, glitter, masks, a Carnival themed drag show, Mardi Gras drink specials, Louisiana cooking, live music, DJs and much more await you.
Mason Street Grill
424 E Wisconsin Ave., (414) 298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
Mason Street Grill is bringing Mardi Gras to Milwaukee with a new menu now available through March 5. Inspired by his Caribbean roots, new Mason Street Grill executive chef, Heskeith Flavien recently launched a new menu featuring fried oysters, king cake and more.
Maxie's
6732 W. Fairview Ave., (414) 292-3969
maxies.com/milwaukee
If one day of celebration is not enough, why not make it two? Maxie's will host Lundi Gras on Monday, March 4 and Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 5. Lundi Gras, or "Fat Monday," will feature dining without dancing in the party tent, and members of the Extra Crispy Brass Band will play 6 to 9 p.m. Maxie's will be taking a limited number of reservations for Lundi Gras.
Maxie's Mardi Gras party will take place from 2 to 10 p.m, with Extra Crispy Brass Band playing at 6 p.m. An outdoor bar in the tent will serve signature drinks. Maxie's will not be taking reservations on Mardi Gras. Visit online for more information.
Pabst Brewery and Taproom
1037 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 908-0025
pabstmkebrewery.com
It’s a Mardi Gras party at the Pabst Brewery! Stop in to hear live music from The Sweet Sheiks & The Hungry Williams. In spirit of Fat Tuesday, jambalaya and paczkis will be served.
Potawatomi
1721 W Canal St., (800) 729-7244
paysbig.com
Go big or go home this Mardi Gras at Potawatomi! Things get kicked off Friday, March 1, with a concert from New Orleans-based band Cowboy Mouth, and the party goes through Fat Tuesday, March 5. Highlights of events include nightly parades through the casino floor, palm readings and tarot cards, food and drink specials and the soulful New Orleans sounds of Marcia Ball and Sonny Landreth at Northern Lights Theater on Fat Tuesday.
Stubby's Gastrogrub & Beer Bar
2060 N Humboldt Blvd. Suite 200, (414) 763-6324
stubbysgastrogrub.com
Stubby's will be bringing the Mardi Gras party early this year, celebrating Friday, March 1. Live music with the Milwaukee fave, The Extra Crispy Brass Band, a full menu of Bayou pleasures and beer specials and giveaways from NoLa's own Abita Brewing.
The Stilt House
W62N630 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, (262) 618-4889
stilthousegastrobar.com
In the spirit of Louisiana, The Stilt House will hold its annual crawfish boil! For $60, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, shrimp, corn on the cob, red potatoes, andouille sausage and, of course, Abita Brewing Company beers! Call to reserve a space.
The Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill
1721 W Canal St., (414) 847-7993
paysbig.com/dining
Spend your Mardi Gras at Potawatomi at The Fire Pit! Mardi Gras Specials will run Friday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 5. Try some gumbo, shrimp po' boys or jambalaya to get in the Big Easy Vibe.
The Jazz Estate
2423 N. Murray Ave., (414) 964-9923
jazzestate.com
Bringing the Big Easy to Brew City, the Jazz Estate will host the Sweet Sheiks from 9 p.m. until 11:55 p.m. on March 5. Spend your Fat Tuesday listening to some "refreshingly vintage sounds!"
Third Space Brewing
1505 W. St Paul Ave., (414) 909-2337
thirdspacebrewing.com
In collaboration with Shully’s Cuisine, the 6 p.m., March 5 event will pair Shully’s cajun cuisine with Third Space award-winning beers. Tickets will go for $60 per person.
