Mardi Gras Taste in the Alamo City
Mardi Gras carnival events traditionally start at Epiphany, culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. It’s a time of revelry and delicious gluttony before the Lenten season begins. Most revelers would agree New Orleans is the most famous place to celebrate Mardi Gras, but you don’t need to make a trek to the Big Easy to find a taste of Louisiana. Thanks to these great San Antonio restaurants and bars you can laissez les bon temps rouler any time of year!
Image courtesy of Cookhouse
720 E Mistletoe Ave
210-320-8211
You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of NOLA the moment you lay eyes on Cookhouse. Behind an iron fence, the charming coral-colored house with dark shutters and overflowing hanging baskets of ferns looks as if it was plucked from the French Quarter and transported to its Tobin Hill location.
Inside the sweeping bar, crisp white clothed tables and attentive staff assure the perfect setting for authentic Louisiana cuisine. Chef/owner Pieter Sypesteyn works his magic with his renowned Peacemaker po’boy with crunchy fried oysters and house-made bacon and the NOLA BBQ Shrimp po’boy.
Image courtesy of Cookhouse
The Andouille sausage and duck gumbo is complex and comforting and shouldn’t be missed. With the soft glow of lights, dinner is atmospheric and special with dishes like Fried Boudin Balls of crisp chopped Cajun pork, Charbroiled Oysters and Cajun Cassoulet. As hard as it will be, fight to save room for decadent signature desserts especially the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with raspberry filling.
Image courtesy of Bourbon St. Seafood Kitchen
Northeast 2815 North Loop 1604 East
210-545-0666
Downtown 103 9th Street
210-301-0066
Northwest 24165 IH 10 West, Ste. 433
210-698-9888
Open for lunch and dinner, there’s three locations of Bourbon Street Kitchen offering New Orleans taste across the city. A casual setting and a menu to match there’s a variety of Cajun and fish specialties, pasta and meat dishes.
Image courtesy of Bourbon St. Seafood Kitchen
Try the classically white wine, lemon and butter sauced Mussels Mariniere, Oysters Armon on the half shell with spinach, pecans and bacon or the blackened Iyla Fish Filet topped with sautéed shrimp and scallops in a lemon butter smoked pepper sauce. The over-the-top Pecan Bread Pudding with bourbon cream sauce, chocolate syrup and a side of vanilla ice cream is share worthy.
Image courtesy of Pat O'Brien's
121 Alamo Plaza
210-220-1076
The legendary New Orleans bar has an outpost in San Antonio just a stone’s throw from the Riverwalk. You’ll find the iconic flaming fountain, piano players and the famous rum-based, fruity Hurricane in their signature souvenir glasses. There’s a specialty drink full of favorites like the Sazerac Rye Whiskey Battle Crye, the orange rum Pat O’s Lemonade and a classic Mint Julep. But it’s more than inspired beverages, look for true Louisiana bites and entrees like corn flour coated, deep fried Alligator Bites served with honey Creole mustard sauce, Shrimp Remoulade and New Orleans’ sandwich favorite, the Mighty Muffaletta.
Image courtesy of Pat O'Brien's
Sunday Brunch is a French-Quarter style treat with live music, bloody Mary’s and a special menu that includes Pain Perdu, the New Orleans inspired French custard battered, powdered sugar-dusted French Toast and Boudain with Red Beans and Rice.
For Louisiana-style Mardi Gras and Fiesta events check out the San Antonio Zulu Association.
