By Molly Given
Let the good times roll at Craftsman Row Saloon—the popular venue has brought back its 6th annual Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar Experience, transforming the space into a glittering carnival of beads, feathers, and masquerade magic.
Now through Fat Tuesday, the space is officially decked out with umbrellas floating overhead, jazz melodies drifting through the air, and vibrant decorations with an over-the-top New Orleans flair.
And the celebration would be complete without indulgent, themed bites.
“The countdown to Fat Tuesday is on, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for this year’s edition,” says co-owner George Tsiouris. “After our most successful year ever for our Christmas Pop-Up, we wanted to continue the fun with something truly special and extravagant. We went even more over the top — this is the most elaborate and the most decor we have ever done for Mardi Gras — we hope everyone enjoys this year’s experience.”
New menu items this year include a Creole Salad (with andouille sausage rice balls, crisp romaine, King Cake croutons and a spicy-hot vinaigrette) and spiced Cajun wings served with a drizzle of honey. Visitors can also sink their teeth into Andouille Sausage Rice Balls stuffed with mozzarella, celery, and thyme, or try out the decadent King Cake burger, layered with smashed patties, bacon, egg, maple syrup, and King Cake bread.
The rest of the menu features New Orleans favorites like crawfish mac and cheese, jambalaya, po’ boys, the Big Easy burger, NOLA loaded fries, muffalettas, and Cajun chicken alfredo to round out the experience.
There’s also the venue’s popular themed milkshakes—and for Mardi Gras, locals can sip on the King of Bourbon Street (local vanilla ice cream, a King Cake crumble/garnish, cinnamon and caramel drizzle) or the boozy Bead Me Up (local mint chocolate ice cream, bourbon, beignets and powdered sugar).
The cocktail menu has also gotten a Big Easy makeover, with options like the King Cake Espresso Martini (vodka, espresso, Rumchata, Kahlua and brown sugar), Carnival Pass Mule (tequila, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger beer and a keepsake wristband), and the Spiced Apple Sazerac (rye whiskey, Crown Apple, bitters, absinthe and dried apple), along with a few other spirited choices.
All of the above will be available in addition to the full menu of comfort food staples at Craftsman Row.
The Mardi Gras Pop-up Bar Experience at Craftsman Row Saloon (112 S 8th St.) runs through Fat Tuesday. Hours for this Mardi Gras season are Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday, 4 to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. More information can be found at craftsmanrowsaloon.com