Mardi Gras in Philadelphia
It’s well into the afternoon, so I’m assuming at least some of you have begun your Mardi Gras celebrations. Alas, most of you are at work, so yes, it’s completely understandable that you spitefully put a little “extra love” in your coffee this morning because “the man” is holding you back from partying it up in New Orleans fashion. Hopefully, work will be over sooner rather than later, and you’ll be able to get out there and enjoy some of the awesome Mardi Gras celebrations happening here in Philly. Thus, we’ve devised for you a game-plan of sorts; a roadmap to weekday debauchery, a blueprint to a “successful” Fat Tuesday, a how-to for the inexperienced, and a manual for a Mardi Gras in Philly perfected.
Khyber Pass Pub (56 S. 2nd Street | Philadelphia PA)
All year, Khyber runs a Creole inspired menu while keeping a strong dedication to a diversified selection of crafts and locals. So they’ll be doing what they do best, except today, it’ll be more accessible. From 11am-6pm, indulge in classic creole (think Beignets, Crawfish Étouffée, Po Boys, and Gumbo), always-awesome beers, and some potent Mint Juleps and Vieux Carrés at happy hour prices. Throw in a $4 all-day Abita special with DJ Yantastic and DJ Haveboard spinning upstairs, and you could make Khyber your first and last destination of the day.
Rex 1516 (1516 South Street | Philadelphia PA)
For a little more “high-end” southern, leave it up to manager and barkeep Heather Rodkey to construct for you her take on the Hurricane and let chef Justin Swain to fill you up with Muffuletta sandwiches, lamb gumbo and sweet potato beignets with bourbon caramel and cream cheese custard.
Interstate Draft House (1235 E Palmer Street | Philadelphia PA)
Taco Tuesdays turned Fat. $1 crawfish tacos, $3 draft beers, and $4 hurricanes—all between 4 and 11 pm.
Sidecar Bar & Grille (2201 Christian Street | Philadelphia PA)
They’re celebrating the day with some high-octane beer. The High Gravity event happens every month at Sidecar, and it just so happens February’s High Gravity falls on one of the biggest party days of the year. So what does this mean? Some NOLA funk/jazz, chef Brian Lofink’s special menu of NOLA food, and 8 tapped beers to knock you off your feet (enjoy a flight of 4 for $12).
Doc Magrogen’s (3432 Sansom Street | Philadelphia PA)
The University City raw bar/restaurant has composed for itself a $45 tasting menu of which guests will get to experience 12 courses of New Orleans inspired, seafood-driven goodness. Pair that with $8 Kracken Hurricanes and $5 Abita Mardi Gras Bock beer, and you’ve got a surefire way to celebrate Mardi Gras in good fashion.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House (1310 Drury Street | Philadelphia PA)
The “Renaissance Man” of bars is proving itself well-versed tonight when they’ll be casually and counter-intuitively serving up some Mardi Gras specials. Expect the usual Tuesday night specials of $6.50 Bud Light pitchers, $1 mugs of throwback beer, 35¢ jumbo wings, and $4.50 pickle backs, and then add on Hurricanes, Po’Boys, Muffulettas, and Hot Jambalaya.
