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Best Mardi Gras Celebrations In Chicago

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday (Photo by Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images)
Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday (Photo by Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images)

Gather your beads and boas because Chicago bars/restaurants know how to throw a Mardi Gras party. Food and drink specials are, of course, a prerequisite for making this list, but all of these bars also offer something special, and we're not talking about just hurricane cocktails. Some will also surprise you, but all promise a good time. (These parties are in addition to those listed here).

Heaven on Seven
111 N. Wabash Ave., 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 263-6443
www.heavenonseven.com

While owner Jimmy Bannos proudly proclaims that it's Mardi Gras all the time at Heaven on Seven (and that goes for both locations, since the one on Rush St./Michigan Ave. closed), it's even more of a celebration come Fat Tuesday. In fact, the Loop location is open longer than usual. Rather than just serving lunch, it is offering dinner too. And all those New Orleans dishes - from the po' boys to the gumbo - are available during all the Mardi Gras festivities. Stay tuned to its calendar for exact details for this year's celebration.

The Frontier
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 772-4322
www.thefrontierchicago.com

This West Town restaurant may be known for its modern interpretation of some Wild West and pioneer culinary fare, but it's also a great place to celebrate Mardi Gras. One reason for that is Chef Brian Jupiter is from New Orleans and knows that food very well. In past years, his Frontier restaurant has also hosted a shrimp boil for Mardi Gras, along with a number of drink specials, like hurricanes and hand grenades. Call ahead to make reservations and grab your ticket in advance.

Carnivale
702 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-5005
www.carnivalechicago.com

On most days, Carnivale is all about Latin fusion cuisine, but come Mardi Gras, it has a whole different menu. Plus, with a name like Carnivale, it only makes sense that it hosts a big party. This restaurant in the West Loop features seating for 400, and plans to reach capacity for Mardi Gras. In past years, the restaurant has offered a special prix-fixe menu that has featured classic New Orleans dishes, such as Maine lobster etouffe. The night wouldn't be complete without some drinks, and Carnivale has those covered too, with some big-sized hurricanes and more.

Related: Best Cajun Food in Chicago

Lottie's Pub
1925 W. Cortland St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0738
www.lottiespub.com

What happens when a neighborhood bar in Bucktown throws a Mardi Gras shindig? You get lots of awesome drink specials, and perhaps even a food special or two. For past Mardi Gras parties, the Blackhawks and Chicago Fire bar featured deals on drinks like Abita pints and hurricanes. Food served included chicken po' boys and jambalaya. Call ahead for this year's deals.

World's Largest Indoor Bar Crawl
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
www.eventbrite.com

Who wants to bar hop in freezing cold Chicago weather? Well you don't have to with this indoor bar crawl along Navy Pier, because while it includes seven stops (including Harry Caray's and River Crab House), you'll never have to step outside. Plus, it's a pretty great deal; for $25 (at the time of this writing), you'll receive two gift cards that can be used at any of the stops as well as food and drink specials. The event in 2015 is on February 21 and runs from 2 to 8 p.m.

Related: Best Soul Food in Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's writing about a variety of topics for numerous websites and blogs, and working part-time at a culinary vacation company based in the Windy City. Some of her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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