Tennessee Williams said it best: “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” No offense to Cleveland, or anywhere else for that matter, but the man was right. All three cities posses something unique and special, and for New Orleans, one of those things is Mardi Gras.
For those not familiar, Carnival—loosely translated Latin for “farewell to the flesh”—is the season between Christmas and Lent. Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) refers to the last day to indulge in glutenous foods before the fasting obligations associated with Lent begin on the next day, Ash Wednesday. While Carnival celebrations exist all over the world, nowhere does Mardi Gras quite like New Orleans. And since it’s probably too late to head on down to the Big Easy, we’ve compiled the best spots to eat, drink, and celebrate in San Francisco to laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) on Tuesday.
‘Where Y’At?’
If you’re looking to celebrate with the masses, San Francisco has several organized activities happening around town. Be sure to dress the part, bring your dancing shoes and maybe a handkerchief to wave if you’re looking to join a Second Line.
San Francisco’s 2018 Mardi Gras Parade
It just wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without a parade. The “krewe” is starting at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley with a line-up of several brass bands and other musicians, you’ll probably hear the parade long before you see it. The good times will begin rolling at 5 p.m.
Brick & Mortar Music Hall
The Mardi Gras line up includes Chali 2na and House of Vibe, Jazz Mafia’s Heaviest Feather, Mission Delirium and special guests. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets available online.
Fat Tuesday in the Fillmore
This neighborhood block party features a free blues concert from 5 to 7 p.m. by the Silver Fox Blues Band, with a special appearance by Fillmore Slim, followed by a New Orleans Second Line processional down the Fillmore corridor led by the St. Gabriel Brass Band and SambaFunk! Expect beads, costumes, face painting, street artists, and other carnival merriment.
The Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball
Following the outdoor festivities in the Fillmore district, head to the Masquerade Ball at the West Bay Conference Center starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are required. The party will feature tunes by Alabama Mike & Band, New Orleans-style food prepared byNia Soul, and dancing to Zydeco.
Carnaval San Francisco Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Kick-Off Party
In San Francisco, the two-day annual carnaval celebration and parade is held in May, but there will be 17 different parties in the Mission District at various venues from 6–10 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. A percentage of sales in all of the participating venues will go to support Carnaval San Francisco, an organization that seeks to cultivate and celebrate the Latin American and Caribbean roots of the Mission district and the greater Bay Area.
Taste of N’awlins
You’ll be sure to “pass a good time” at any of these local eateries all year long, but even more if you stop by on Mardi Gras for some NOLA-style fare and drinks.
Alba Ray’s
Mardi Gras will be in full effect at Alba Ray’s—in true New Orleans fashion, there will be strong cocktails and Cajun eats. The Mission eatery will feature live music from DJ Lady Lust and a special Mardi Gras menu, including French Quarter favorites like andouille corndogs, jambalaya cones, po’boy sliders, beignets with a king cake twist, and a special crawfish boil. As always, the Sazeracs will be strong and the Hurricanes will register category five.
Queen’s Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe
It might be located down on the Embarcadero instead of down by the bayou, but Queen’s Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe is arguably home to the best po-boy this side of the Mississippi. This NOLA ex-pat favorite imports their bread from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans, along with a host of other Louisiana products that will leave even the most die-hard transplants nostalgic.
Brenda’s French Soul Food
Another solid spot for southern specialties year-round that steps it up at Mardi Gras by offering king cake beignets bursting with berry compote, vanilla cream cheese, pecans and topped off with a tiny baby Jesus. You just haven’t beignet, done that until you’ve tried one of these. If it’s traditional king cake you’re craving, both Arizmendi Bakery and Noe Valley Bakery have you covered.
Town Hall
The Mardi Gras bash at Town Hall is the stuff of legends, complete with beads, boas, bottomless hurricanes and Abita beer, along with a all-you-can-eat bar including the restaurant’s famous fried chicken, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp n’ grits, corn bread, biscuits and king cake. Live music by The Joe Cohen Show featuring Wil Blades plus Samba Dancers by Amor do Samba. Party starts at 6 p.m.; tickets available online and at the door.
Elite Cafe
Join in the revelry at Elite Cafe, which will be celebrating Mardi Gras with masks, music, Creole food, king cake and cocktails. A ticket will get you a frozen hurricane and unlimited crawfish, quite the pair.
So, while San Francisco is not quite New Orleans when it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras, it’s also couldn’t be farther from Cleveland.
