Fat Tuesday, Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, and the beginning of the Lunar New Year all in one week? We’re here for it folks! Fat Tuesday AKA Mardi Gras, is on Tuesday, February 13, and we’re eyeing up which local spots have the best King Cakes, and who’s cooking up the tastiest crawfish. Check out our picks and more below.
Also, we’re just gonna add Do512’s “grown-up guide” to Mardi Gras in Austin with a full list of get-a-sitter-type parties here.
Where to Celebrate
— Mardi Gras Mambo @ The Hive
Sunday, Feb. 11 | 4 pm – 10 pm | Purchase tickets here
Get those Mambo shoes (and football cheers) ready! It’s time for The Hive’s Mardi Gras Mambo event with Live Music from The Numbers, Mardi Gras crafts, and themed drinks. The event begins at 4, with live music from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. The Super Bowl is on at 6:30 pm. Tickets include kid’s crafts, masks, and one adult event-themed cocktail. Get your tickets here.
Where to Get King Cake
Legend has it that whoever finds the special plastic baby inside will have good luck – try your hand (and your taste buds) and grab a King Cake here:
Easy Tiger
One of Austin’s more famous bakeshops, Easy Tiger offers King Cake made from its Pain au Lait dough. In place of the traditional baby, Easy Tiger places a small plastic tiger inside its cakes. These cakes serve 5-6 people and can be picked up at any of the Easy Tiger locations. Easy Tiger’s King Cakes cost $26, and require 48 hours’ notice. Get all the info here.
Sawyer & Co.
Sawyer & Co. aims to bring New Orleans flair to Texas in its Louisiana-style diner, so it’s only fitting they have Mardi Gras King Cakes! The last day to order is Feb. 11 and the last day to pickup is Feb. 13. Order yours for $39.99 here.
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
King Cakes can be ordered for pickup or delivery (through Feb. 13) from Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop in South Austin. More info here.
Stuffed Cajun Meat Market
Meat’s not the only thing on the menu at this Cajun local favorite. This year, get your sweet fix with their various sizes and varieties of King Cakes from mini, traditional, and “stuffed” with a filling. Order yours here.
Tiny Pies
Known for their little hand pies made from scratch, Tiny Pies has tiny King Cakes made with cinnamon spiced brioche dough, and pre-order a Crawfish and Shrimp Pot Pie. Tiny Pies Mardi Gras menu is available through Feb. 13 here.
More places to get king cake:
Where to Get Crawfish
Shoal Creek Saloon
Stay up to date on their current crawfish boils by following along on Shoal Creek Saloon’s Facebook Page here.
Stuffed Cajun Meat Market
Their crawfish season hasn’t officially begun yet but stay up to date here.
Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar
Boiled, live, or frozen: whichever way you want it, Crawfish Shack has you covered. Availability is based on the season. Call to inquire about live or frozen Crawfish.
Kasian Boil
Temporarily closed as of February 6, 2024.
Deckhand Oyster Bar
Takeout is available at both locations. Call to check crawfish availability and to place an order. They also offer crawfish etouffee.
Pops Crawfish
Their crawfish is delivered daily from Scott, Louisiana, but you’ve gotta pre-order! Get all the info here.
Abby’s Crab Shack
Order crawfish by the pound or by the boil with sauces and sides. Available for dine-in and pickup! Check out Abby’s three Austin locations here.
Big Easy Bar & Grill
If you love fried crawfish, Big Easy is the way to go. Order up their Fried Crawfish Platter which comes with cole slaw, fries, and bread.
La Crawfish
Recently-opened crawfish franchise offers boiled crawfish with famous seasonings like Garlic Butter, House Cajun Rub, or Hot & Sour. Or, experiment with other dishes like their Crawfish Cajun Pho or Crawfish Po-Boy.
Louisiana Crab Shack
Choose their Shack #2 for two pounds of crawfish and half a pound of sausage. Level it up by choosing your spice level and adding a sauce like cajun or garlic lovers.
Where to Get Daquiris
For moms & dads looking for some daiquiris to add an authentic touch to their at-home Fat Tuesday celebrations, here’s where you can find some frozen drinks to go:
To help you get in the spirit of Mardi Gras season, we thought you might enjoy this video of the time that the Preservation Hall Jazz Band played at Do512 HQ.
