Where to Celebrate Fat Tuesday in SF

Photo Credit: Pierce Larick / New Revolution Media

Mardi Gras is the latest it can possibly be and Fat Tuesday is taking place tomorrow, February 28. Although the majority of festivities take place in New Orleans, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras in San Francisco. At the Mission District’s sensational new restaurant devoted to Cajun cuisine, Alba Ray’s, there will be a festive party from 7 to 10 p.m. A ticket gives you access to a spread of delicious food—think boudin balls, pimento cheese on crackers, gumbo, and charbroiled oysters—plus a welcome hurricane cocktail, the enjoyment of a live brass band, and lots of beads. There will also be a crawfish boil and a jambalaya station serving different types of the classic rice dish.

At the Chapel, legendary drummer Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste will perform throughout the night. Modeliste is known for a funky style of drumming that is synonymous with New Orleans. The chef is whipping up a hearty feast of Cajun cuisine including fresh oysters, gulf shrimp and avocado remoulade, red beans and rice, and a romaine salad with creole vinaigrette. For dessert? Bananas Foster sundaes!

On Fillmore Street at the refreshed Elite Cafe, which is now under new ownership, the Mardi Gras fete starts at 6 p.m. Enjoy an unlimited crawfish boil, bowls of punch, and frozen cocktails. The famed jazz and blues duo Charles Wheal will perform until 9:30 p.m.

Over in Hayes Valley, Boxing Room is hosting their sixth annual Mardi Gras party from 5 to 11 p.m. A variety of specials will be on the menu including alligator-andouille sausage po’boys, king cake, and sazerac jello shots. Gaucho Gypsy Jazz will perform at the rollicking affair.