Mardi Gras may mean different things to different people (beads, parades, stiff drinks, to name a few), but above all, it is a celebration of life, beauty, and culture — three things that are at the very heart of Cajun and Creole food. Whether it be in the warm lights of the French Quarter or here on the much colder streets of Westchester, delicacies such as king cake and jambalaya continue to enchant eaters, filling them with the same love for life central to the cultures that produced them.
These Westchester eateries are sure to serve you that lil’ slice of Bourbon Street you’re looking for, so do like they do in N’awlins: laissez les bons temps rouler, our fine friends!
580 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.668.2634
Celebrating its 31st anniversary, this Mount Vernon mainstay plans to put on the Mardi Gras celebration of a lifetime. From 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., the Bayou will be hosting “Fat Boi’s Brass Band” for three sets. The Bayou will also give a complimentary king cake to all patrons who order dinner, and the bar will be mixing up some delicious Hurricanes. The restaurant also offers its weekly “Fat Tuesday” specials, boasting a $20.99 all-you-can-eat special of jambalaya, Catch O’ The Day, Pasta O’ The Day, and Chops O’ The Day. The “Mudbug Mania” crawfish bucket will also be beefed up from 3 lbs. to 5 lbs. (Note: There will be a $10 cover.)
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23 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry; 914-693-8008
This Rivertown gastropub will be celebrating Mardi Gras in style by introducing a special New Orleans-inspired menu on Wednesday, March 2 — finely curated by Executive Chef, Evan Kalogiannis. The items will be available while supplies last, so call and reserve a spot ASAP.
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12 High St, Rye; 914.925.2668
Rye Roadhouse — famous for its Cajun cuisine ranging from classic gumbo to shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, po’boys, and the ever adventurous ‘gator nuggets — is going large as ever for its Fat Tuesday celebration. In keeping with its annual tradition, the roadhouse will offer off-menu Creole and Cajun specials. Customers will also be able to enter giveaways. Live music will be provided by “Francois & The Po’ Boys,” an authentic accordion and scrub board band, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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32 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.948.2888
For a discerning foodie looking to get in the spirit of New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras, one need look no further than Holy Crab Cajun Seafood Restaurant. This White Plains restaurant boasts an impressive menu, sporting many Cajun classics like jambalaya, po’boy sandwiches, and gumbo. The menu also has numerous Cajun-style boils, including lobster tail, headless shrimp, and king crab legs.
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39 Marble Ave, Pleasantville; 914.618.3355
This Southern-style restaurant from Pleasantville is sure to pack the heat for diners looking to spice things up on Mardi Gras. Southern Table checks all the boxes, and diehard Cajun purists or those who just want some authentic N’awlins grub would be more than satisfied with the Cajun gumbo or shrimp and grits with scallions and spicy Cajun gravy.
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Related: 8 Places to Get Tender, Slow-Smoked Barbecue in Westchester