The streets are alive with the sound of laughter and music, restaurants wafting with the scent of crawfish boil and jambalaya, as festive floats wind their way down Ryan Street and parade-goers come clad in their best purple, green, and gold. Since kicking off with the Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana Queens Pageant in November 2024, Lake Charles’ Mardi Gras season is in full swing culminating with the Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana Krewe of Krewes Parade on Mardi Gras, March 4.
In between, there are endless things to do and eat. From traditional Mardi Gras dishes, like King Cake, boudin, and gumbo to unique Mardi Gras inspired treats like King Cake calzones, the cuisine provides an authentic taste of Louisiana culture. As vital as the fabulous Mardi Gras balls and parades, food is a major highlight of the season, with iconic dishes lending a sweet and savory soul to the celebration.
Must-Visit Restaurants & Dishes on the Mardi Gras Trail
Oysters at Salt Revival
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or in our case, when in Lake Charles, feast on fresh seafood. Such as oysters at Salt Revival, a restaurant so rooted in local sourcing that they work hand-in-hand with an oyster farm that supports Louisiana oystermen. Along with other seafaring staples, like marinated crab claws and smoked mahi dip, the menu provides a deep dive into the world of Gulf Coast oysters, served up every which way, from raw and char-grilled to baked with pimento cheese. Plus, it’s located right on the Krewe of Krewes parade route, making it a convenient stop for a pre or post parade Mardi Gras feast.
Beignets at Stellar Beans or Coffee:30
A match made in Mardi Gras heaven, beignets and coffee are the perfect combo to kickstart any festive day. A Cajun breakfast tradition, golden-brown beignets can be found at institutions like Stellar Beans and Coffee:30, where fluffy French pastries come freshly fried, dusted with powdered sugar, and perfectly paired with delicious coffee creations. Both are right off the parade route—Stellar Beans is mere blocks from the Lake Charles Event Center, home to the Mardi Gras Royal Gala .
Cracklins & Boudin: Leonard’s Food Quarters, In-Laws Cajun Specialties & Famous Foods
Cracklins and boudin are two meaty musts during Mardi Gras season for a savory snack. Both are traditionally made with pork, derived from butchers looking to utilize every part of the animals. Otherwise known as boucherie, the whole-animal approach to pork resulted in traditional snacks like cracklins, aka fried pork skin, and boudin, a sausage-like blend of meat, rice, and vegetables.
Get a taste at Lake Charles cornerstones like longstanding Leonard’s Food Quarters, which pays homage to French Quarter traditions with fried boudin balls and fresh cracklins. In-Laws Cajun Specialties lives up to its name, with multiple versions of both boudin and cracklins at two locations (Iowa and Moss Bluff), including smoked pepper Jack boudin, and chicken cracklins. Meanwhile, Famous Foods serves up its own spin on tradition, offering soft and spicy cracklins alongside plump boudin sausage.
King Cake: Various Locations
For something sweet, try King Cake, a round cake that dates to 12th century France, covered in icing and carnival colors of purple, green, and gold. You can sample the festive dessert in bakeries and restaurants all over Lake Charles, from traditional versions to those made with the likes of pecan praline and cream cheese. Embark on a King Cake crawl to destinations that include Misse’s Grocery, Pronia's Market and Deli , and Delicious Donuts and Bakery.
Crawfish: Various Locations
No spring trip to Southwest Louisiana is complete without crawfish! The popular crustacean is available as early as December, but is best later in the season making Mardi Gras the prime time for feasting. Purchase all you can eat crawfish from popular restaurants like OB's Bar and Grill or BeauxDines' located on the main parade route or order to go from drive through locations like Heinen's Boil N Go or Cody's Crawfish Shop.
Mardi Gras Atmosphere
Food is just one of the ingredients in the festive gumbo that makes Mardi Gras season in Lake Charles so special. While traditional foods like beignets and boudin provide authentic flavor and a taste of history, that activities in the region complete the Mardi Gras experience.
It’s in the vibrant parades, numerous throws, strolls through the streets, and elaborate costumes put on by more than 60 krewes (the organizations that put on the parades each year) that define the joyous celebrations. Numerous parades occur throughout the season, including the nighttime Merchants’ Parade on February 28, the Krewe of Omega Parade on March 1 to celebrate the contributions of the various Black fraternal organizations in the community, and the Mardi Gras Children’s Day Parade on March 2.
The grand finale is the Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana Krewe of Krewes Parade , on Mardi Gras (March 4). Preceded by Jeeps on Parade and a musical Second Line Stroll, and several other family-friendly parades down Ryan Street, with music blaring and krewes dancing. Attendees come dressed in Mardi Gras colors of green, purple, and gold, and shout, “Throw me somethin’ mister!” in hopes of catching traditional throws like doubloons and beads or unique gifts like stuffed animals and t-shirts!
Plan Your Visit
Is your mouth watering yet? We invite you to celebrate and savor Mardi Gras in Lake Charles. Plan your visit today and experience the season's history, culture, and festive spirit. Most importantly, come hungry. For more Mardi Gras content check out Tips and Tricks | Mardi Gras Like a Local.
