Mardi Gras in New Orleans When It’s Cold (From a Reluctant Yet Committed Local)
Favorite parades, warm bars, Uptown watching spots, and how I survive Mardi Gras season without freezing
It’s Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, and somehow the temperature is hovering around the freezing mark, with plenty of wind thrown in just to be rude.
This is my third Mardi Gras season in NOLA, and by now I’ve figured out a few favorite ways to enjoy it. Normally, this involves a lot of parade watching, street wandering, bar hopping, and selfie taking. Needless to say, this weather is cramping my style. And by style, I mean standing around outside for hours pretending I’m not cold.
Honestly, it’s making me want to stay home and stare at my YouTube crackling fireplace. Pathetic, I know. But my blood has thinned since living in the Deep South, and I just don’t have the will, or the wardrobe, to brave the elements like I used to.
Okay, enough groaning.
Since Mabel suffers from a very serious case of FOMO, we’ll be attending parades, bar hopping, and wearing our sequins as planned, despite the cold. So I thought I’d share a few of my favorites in case you want to armchair Mardi Gras…or maybe you’re in town and wondering what a transplant from the North is actually doing here for the next couple of weeks.
Let’s start with parades.
Tonight is Krewe du Vieux. Mule-drawn floats and brass bands make up one of the raunchier parades of the season - don’t bring the kids. This year’s theme is “Krewe du Vieux Saves the Wet Glands,” which sort of tells you everything you need to know. The parade has been rolling for 40 years and never disappoints. And this year, they’re throwing handmade recycled glass beads, which I love.
On the more wholesome front, next weekend brings the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, also in the French Quarter. It’s a favorite. This year’s theme is “Wicked & Wagged: Barkus Believes in Change for Good.” 2026 marks the parade’s 33rd year, and it remains the only canine parade in the city. I’ll be watching this one before settling in to watch the Super Bowl and see the Pats clobber the Seahawks. 😉 🏈
Beyond these French Quarter gems, I’m partial to Uptown parades. I like to watch close to the head of the parade on Magazine Street (near Napoleon), less crowded, better throw potential, and easy access to bathrooms and bars. I always plan my spot ahead of time and keep an eye on the route using the 4WWL Parade Tracker. It’s the one I find the easiest to use.
Outfit planning is part of the fun. I usually hit Funky Monkey or Miss Claudia’s (both on Magazine Street) for purple, green, and gold vibes, sequins and headgear. This year, long underwear may be required…but not thrifted. Hard no.
When we’re out and about and looking for something warm and comforting, I’ve got a few favorites (and a few hopeful newcomers) on my list this year. Barrel Proof on Magazine always feels like a good warming moment. I’m curious to try Chada, a new Thai fusion spot in Mid-City. Atchafalaya’s tiny bar and cozy dining room never disappoint when I’m craving classic New Orleans food. And a burger at Lillette on Magazine is never a bad idea.
If we’re headed toward the Marigny, I love N7 and Paladar 511. Paladar doesn’t scream cozy, but Mabel and I love sitting at the bar and chatting with our neighbors—and the meal always delivers. Pro tip: if you show up right when the doors open around 5:30, you can usually snag bar seats without a reservation. N7 shines for its intimate interior, and when the weather warms up, the courtyard is downright romantic. If you’re craving French fare that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a Paris courtyard, this is the spot. Moules frites forever!
All that said, during Mardi Gras: check parade routes so you don’t get trapped in traffic, and make reservations when you can, so you don’t end up cold, hungry, and cranky. Trust me. Been there. Done that.
Sequins on. Long underwear underneath. See you out there. 💜💚💛
📍 Local Mardi Gras Tips & Favorite Spots
Parade Tracking
4WWL Mardi Gras Parade Tracker – My go-to for parade routes and times so you’re not guessing where the action is next.
🔗 https://www.wwltv.com/parades
Shops for Mardi Gras Flair
Miss Claudia’s Vintage & Costumes – Great for bold, colorful pieces to elevate your parade outfit.
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/missclaudiasvintage/Funky Monkey – Fun accessories and Mardi Gras energy on Magazine Street.
🔗 https://www.google.com/search?q=Funky+Monkey+Magazine+Street+New+Orleans
Restaurants & Bars
N7 – Romantic French restaurant and wine bar tucked back in the Bywater with seasonal French/Japanese-inspired cuisine. Ideal for a slower, cozy night out. (N7)
🔗 http://www.n7nola.comBarrel Proof – Cozy Magazine Street cocktail bar — perfect for warming up with a drink between parades.
🔗 https://www.barrelproofnola.comChada – Thai fusion in Mid-City (perfect for flavorful, warming eats).
🔗 http://chadanola.comAtchafalaya Restaurant – Uptown favorite for classic New Orleans fare and a welcoming bar vibe.
🔗 http://atchafalayarestaurant.comLillette – Stylish spot on Magazine Street for burgers and French-inspired comfort food.
🔗 https://www.lillette504.comPaladar 511 – Intimate Marigny restaurant with great cocktails and conversation-friendly ambience.
🔗 https://www.paladar511.com