If you manage to score a good street-side spot for the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade this Saturday, we know there’s no way you’re giving up that prime real estate to grab a po-boy or a daiquiri. Crowds of thousands mean that abandoning your station to walk just a couple of blocks for a beer can cost you your chance at catching those high quality beads. So what’s a hungry reveler to do?
We scoured downtown for great food and drinks available without ever setting foot off the parade route, so you don’t have to risk missing the best throws. The options are ordered from the beginning to the end of the route, so match one up to your spot and binge accordingly. Check out the map further down to help you make a game plan.
Spanish Town Market
At the corner of: Spanish Town Road and Seventh Street
Perfect for: Fueling up in the neighborhood
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Nestled in the Spanish Town residential area, the Spanish Town Market will be open and serving food 6 a.m.-6 p.m. If you’re headed to a house party in the area, grab a burger, a po-boy or some River Road coffee to keep your day rolling. Be warned: The store sets up a roped-off queue line that starts outside in anticipation of the crowds.
Main Street Market
At the corner of: Fifth Street and Main Street
Perfect for: Fighting off tomorrow’s hangover
Slide into the North Street entrance to hit up some lighter fare at one of Main Street Market’s stalls. Vendors like Go Ya Ya’s Crêperie, FRESH Salads & Wraps and Our Daily Bread will be dishing up breakfast and lunch into the early afternoon, packed with fresh ingredients to help your body handle your day of debauchery.
PJ’s Coffee
At the corner of: Lafayette Street and Convention Street
Perfect for: Kicking off your morning
To get your energy pumping ahead of the big parade, grab a king cake coffee and a quick bite of pastry from PJ’s. Added bonus: Capital City Grill is attached, meaning heartier brunch options if you’re still hungry.
King Bar & Bistro
At the corner of: Lafayette Street and Convention Street (inside Hotel Indigo)
Perfect for: A freshly fixed-up menu
A new chef and specially grown ingredients have overhauled Hotel Indigo’s dining options, and its cocktail and culinary offerings are better than ever. If you’re in the mood to try something new before the festivities kick off, check King Bar & Bistro out.
The Kingfish Grill & Lounge
At the corner of: Lafayette Street and Convention Street (inside Hilton Capitol Center)
Perfect for: A classy change of scenery
For something a little more upscale than your tailgate’s chicken wings, stop off in the Hilton Capitol Center for cocktails, apps and tasty plates. Party too hard? Just book a room and head upstairs at the end of the day.
The Blues Room
At the corner of: Lafayette Street and Convention Street
Perfect for: Reveling in live music
Starting at noon, The Blues Room will host two bands for live performances to sweeten your Spanish Town experience with some sweet Baton Rouge blues. Grab a drink and enjoy the show for a bit between floats.
Poor Boy Lloyd’s
At the corner of: Florida Street and Lafayette Street
Perfect for: Completing your traditional Mardi Gras with Louisiana cuisine
If it’s good enough for the President, it’s good enough for you and your drunk friends in need of some carbs to soak up all that alcohol. Perfect your Mardi Gras trifecta of beads, booze and po-boys with some authentic Cajun soul food from this shop.
Aztecas Mexican Cuisine
At the corner of: Main Street and Lafayette Street
Perfect for: Queso and margaritas
Right at the end of the route, setting up outside Aztecas gives you the strategic advantage of catching all the last throws from every float reaching the end of the parade. Pop inside for a hot second to grab one of their fruit-infused margs and a bowl of queso.
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Bald Eagle Pub
At the corner of: Main Street and Lafayette Street
Perfect for: Cheap drinks and escaping the crowds
If you’ve never been to Bald Eagle Pub before, it’s probably because they’re a bit underground—literally. Tucked beneath Aztecas, this basement dive has a wide range of bottled beer and a respectable spirits menu.