Originally published February 23, 2017. Updated February 27, 2019.
For all you guilt-laden Catholics and non-guilt laden other Christians out there, it’s almost time to give up chocolate or alcohol or (the Pope’s favorite) “indifference towards others” for 40 days during Lent. But lucky for us, French-God bestowed upon the world the loophole that is “shove everything bad for you in your face in one day”: Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday.
Milwaukee may not be historically known for its French population (though 26% of us are Catholic), but we’ll be damned if we don’t celebrate excess with the best of them. Here’s just a few big Mardi Gras festivities around town for you to indulge in next week, Tuesday March 5th.
Maxie’s (Bluemound Heights)
For 11 years the city’s preeminent Cajun restaurant has been throwing a 2-day feast, with $4 Abita beers, $5 Hurricanes, and “a special NOLA menu”. This year’ll again feature the Extra Crispy Brass Band and an outdoor heated party tent to boot.
The Brass Tap (Greenfield)
Need even MORE fatness? Pair 4 Abita beers with 4 mini beignets at The Brass Tap.
Leff’s Lucky Town (Wauwatosa)
Time to Party Gras. Guaranteed BOGO $5 Hurricanes. Guaranteed live music. Guaranteed seeing 12 people from your high school.
TRIO Lounge (Westown)
TRIO Lounge (formerly cajun pub The Brass Alley and upstairs’ Evolution MKE ping pong bar) will be carrying on the Nawlins party tradition. Not many other places are offering Stilt Walkers + Dancers + Jugglers + Fire Eater + DJ Khek.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino (Menomonee Valley)
Only Potto can one-up them, as they’ll have 4 whole days of festivities. Potawatomi ends Fat Tuesday with marching bands, showgirls, a parade, stilt walkers, jugglers, tarot card readers, and non-stop live music. Plus spin the Mardi Gras wheel to win double payouts.
Limanski’s Pub (West Allis)
Ain’t many places in town that’ll be offering a “traditional crawfish boil”, but Limanski’s Pub in the Dirrrty Stallis ain’t many places. $5 Hurricane buckets and sazeracs drown it down, with something called “Zydeco” playing on the speakers.
Crawdaddy’s MKE (West Allis)
One of Milwaukee’s classic (rebooted) Cajun restaurants, Crawdaddy’s will be slinging their authentic New Orleans nosh all week leading up to the big day, when everyone is a little French.
The Jazz Estate (Murray Hill)
Is there better jazz than that from the Big Easy? Nah. Come hear the true sounds of the south, paired with crafty cocktails, at The Jazz Estate.
Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom (Westown)
It’s a brewery, so it’s probably got beer. Plus it used to be a church, so it counts as Ash Wednesday mass. Also, free live music and free jambalaya & pączki so see you there is what I’m saying.
Third Space Brewing (Menomonee Valley)
It’ll set you back a few bucks, but Third Space is throwing a Fat Tuesday beer dinner sure to turn the staunchest Yankee into a ragin’ Cajun.
Dingers Pub (West Allis)
It’s all about BEADS at Dingers in Stallis. Serious cash goes to the person who ends the night with the most beads around their neck, received by any means necessary. $12 all-you-can-drink will help with that.
The Explorium Brewpub (Greendale)
Pączki and pierogi is a good start, and the beer a good finish, as Explorium Brewpub brings the party to Southridge Mall.
Binary: Games, Foods and Spirits (West Allis)
I love me some King Cake, and whomever gets the “king” in their slice of (free) cake here will be crowned a King for a day. Plus: beads and free shots.
Backdraught (Tippecanoe)
All I gotta say about this neighborhood corner bar is: $3 16oz Hurricanes. Oh, also: $1.25 Big Easy tappers.
Crossroads Collective (East Side)
Seven different food/drink venues in one space, all celebrating the saucy season with something unique from their kitchen or bar.
Sottile’s Pub (Cudahy)
Another corner pub, another $3 Hurricane special. We need more of these places.
Aggie’s Bakery and Cake Shop (West Allis)
This local bakery promises “loud music, long lines, obnoxious Mardi Gras antics, funny outfits”, but I’m coming for the 4 different sizes of King Cake.
The 4th Quarter (Harambee)
If you don’t have your own mask, The 4th Quarter has got you covered with a free one and more beads than you can shake your chest at.
Hi Hat on Brady (Lower East Side)
“Neo-burlesque” dancers? Fleur De Lis Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles? I didn’t expect that.
And don’t forget to repent on Ash Wednesday for your pączki gluttony at one of Milwaukee’s fine Catholic masses.