Saving Big on Mardi Gras & Tasting Events in the Big Easy
It’s hard to think of the King Cake Festival without all of the supporting events that go along with Mardi Gras. If you plan to take a trip to New Orleans to celebrate in the streets, you’ll also want to know which places will offer tasting tents that offer a rich taste of Mardi Gras that you’ll want to learn more about.
What About Tasting Tickets?
One of the interesting parts about the King Cake Festival is that it gave the general public and attendee’s full reign to judge the variety of king cakes that could all be sampled using a system of taste tickets. It’s not uncommon for many of the local restaurants and bakeries to have a tent at many of the local festivals during Mardi Gras. But if you’re looking to get tasting tickets, you can’t beat the coupon discounts that are offered more often.
Coupons are always a great way to taste everything from drinks and food, but also immediate discounted prices on all of the local events and hotspots you might otherwise never hear about. Just like a tasting ticket, these ticket coupons don’t cost a single cent but in turn offer you freebies, two-4-one deals, and extended discounts on meals and entertainment.
Great Mardi Gras Discounts
With all of the parades that span the entire week of Mardi Gras for the upcoming 2022 schedule, you’ll want to know where the best discounts are located so you’ll save a few bucks here and there. It’s kind of hard to not find a good deal at local pubs and restaurants and bars all throughout the French Quarter, but not all of them are going to provide these so readily. After all, Mardi Gras is just once a year and tourist dollars are the name of the game.
You don’t want to get railroaded at some joint that might overcharge you if you weren’t being careful. So if you do see vendor tents around the city, don’t be surprised if their prices are going to be much costlier than if you go to participating Mardi Gras festival locations. Here are some great examples of our local favorites that you might want to check out. Or you can always check this coupon info map.
Food:
Otherwise known to locals as Lode NOLA Cookery, you can find a generous 10% discount for any entrée on their menu. They also have great gumbo and shrimp with plenty more savory dishes with a distinct New Orleans flavor.
2) Oceana Grill
Another fine establishment is the Oceana Grill that also features a 10% discount on any entrée with a complete menu lineup. They also have live music, a full bar, and are just a couple minutes walking distance from the French Quarter!
3) Bourbon Heat
If you’re looking for killer service for a larger group you can enjoy a very generous $15 off discount on any lunch or dinner Sunday through Thursday at Bourbon Heat. They also have a BOGO special for drinks which are obviously (Buy one get one free) on their select BOGO drink menu.
Not to be confused with a Streetcar Named Desire’, this classy joint offers plenty of food and drink for weary parade guests, only a few steps off the parade route. Not only that, but they also have a $10 lunch buffet Monday through Friday. If you want to stick around from 3-6pm, they have a $4 Happy Hour on draft beer, cocktails, and of course their selected martinis.
Drink:
When was the last time you could play on classic arcade coin slot video games from the golden age of video arcades? Barcadia is a time capsule of entertainment fun and also offers a free drink with an appetizer. If you’re starving you can get a free appetizer with any two entries of your choice.
2) Cafe Beignet
A legend of the French Quarter, Cafe Beignet is where you want to be when it comes to drinks. Get one daiquiri and the next is half-price at both of their French Quarter locations. If you like coffee, you get a free Cafe Au Lait, a popular coffee of The Big Easy, with any purchase to keep your senses sharp.
For a superb happy hour from 4 to 6pm on Monday through Friday, and you’ll find their menu is as fresh as it gets in the Big Easy. They’re worth the trip since they’re off the parade path but they do make up for their reputation in the best fresh seafood in New Orleans.
Where You Can Find Parade Route Festival Goodies
There are so many different parade events that run throughout the French Quarter which all have distinct themes and crazy costumes to boot. You can find a complete list of all of the current parades according to their 2022 location. Luckily, there’s no shortage of festive business owners who will have their best goods on hand right along each parade route. It also won’t be too hard to spot vendor tents set up along these routes located in parking lots or near to each parade route throughout the French Quarter. See more on the best places, events, and eateries throughout the Big Easy.
