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It's Fat Tuesday, the glorious last day of indulgence and debauchery before the Lenten season begins. And for real New Orleans dwellers (and fans), Mardi Gras is not about Bourbon Street— it's about celebrating excessive amounts of food, drinks, and music with friends. So even though you're way out on the West Coast, get out there and make the most of it at one of these fine New Orleans loving establishments.
Town Hall
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Town Hall does it up every year for Fat Tuesday, shutting down the entire restaurant for a big ol' party. Buffets of fried chicken, etouffé, gumbo, oysters, bbq chicken, ribs and more will be on hand, plus a crawfish boil. Abita beer, hurricanes and caipirinhas will flow freely as a brass band and samba dancers wander about. Tickets are $75 in advance ($99 at the door) and include unlimited eating and drinking; the rumpus begins at 6 p.m. 342 Howard St.
Image credit: The Menu Page
Elite Cafe
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It's bourbon, beads and blues again over Elite Cafe. Enjoy live music from the Greg Jacob Blues Trio from 6- 9 p.m. No cover charge for dinner guests; reservations are recommended. 10 percent of all dinner proceeds benefit Glide Memorial Church. 2049 Fillmore St.
1300 On Fillmore
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Celebrate the last day before lent by eating cheesy grit sticks with tomato marmalade or blackened crawfish croquettes with a red eye remoulad. There'll be plenty of Southern drinks as well, including Sazeracs, and an Old Fashioned with scotch, muscovado sugar, pecan bitters and a chicory ice cube. 1300 Fillmore St.
Image credit: 1300 Fillmore
Fat Tuesday in the Fillmore
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The entire Fillmore district is partying for Mardi Gras, with a masquerade ball at the West Bay Conference Center and food and drink specials at all the area restaurants and bars (like 1300 on Fillmore and Fat Angel) with a special $10 wristband. They'll have a free live blues concert in the plaza from 5-7 p.m., followed by a second line down Fillmore, ending at the West Bay Conference Center at 7 p.m.
Image credit:Fillmore Mardi Gras
The Chapel's Mardi Gras Concert and Happy Hour
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Leading up to their Mardi Gras concert ($18), join The Chapel for a free pre-party with live music, a second line and specials like $8 hurricanes and Sazeracs, gumbo z’herbes and New Orleans BBQ peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp. The party starts at 5 p.m. 777 Valencia St.
Image credit: SF Fun Cheap
Boxing Room Crawfish Boil
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Louisiana native chef Justin Simoneaux is bringing the party to SF with a crawfish boil, classic New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac and king cake. Plus lots of beads and live music from Gaucho. Dinner starts at 5 p.m., but get in early for happy hour from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Image credit: Boxing Room
