When parades start rolling in New Orleans, people flood onto the streets to experience the Mardi Gras magic. But as good as the floats, bands, and marching groups are, the food is just on another level. Many parades follow along the St. Charles Avenue parade route from Napoleon Avenue Uptown to Canal Street downtown. That’s three miles of parade all on one street! We’ve rounded up a few places for you to visit right on the parade route when you get a hankering for seafood, king cake, and that good ole’ Popeye’s chicken.

Several businesses also offer ticketed events with premium viewing stands, food service, and access to bathrooms - we’ve got that covered too. Check out our Mardi Gras parade schedule here and see our page on hotels located on St. Charles Avenue here.

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WHERE TO EAT | TICKETED PARADE WATCHING | PRE-ORDER FOOD OPTIONS

Where to Eat on the Parade Route

These restaurants are just steps away from the action on St. Charles Avenue! Take a break and grab a bite to eat at these restaurants.

Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar

Superior is your go-to for frozen drinks and raw oysters on the parade route.

New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Company

With a menu full of fried fish, shrimp, and chicken tenders, New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Company on St. Charles Avenue and Milan Street is the perfect stop for a quick meal.

Gracious Bakery

Gracious Bakery is the place to go for lunch sandwiches and baked goods, like king cake, right on the St. Charles Avenue parade route.

The Avenue Pub

Burgers, beer, and other pub grub are within reach at St. Charles and Polymnia.

Avenue Café

Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, Avenue Café is the perfect spot for early parade-goers to grab breakfast.

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco

Enjoy ceviche, fried yuca, picarones, and other traditional Latin American food at Tito’s.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Whether you grab the Caniac Combo or get the fingers à la carte, Raising Cane’s is right here on the parade route for you.

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House

Fill up to the brim with grilled, fried, and raw seafood at Mr. Ed’s.

Jack Rose

Featuring a mix of Italian, French, and Spanish dishes, indulge in dinner or brunch at Jack Rose - just make sure to save room for the Mile High Pie, which gets its own king cake treatment come Carnival season.

Popeye’s

Locals know that if you’re not eating Popeye’s chicken on the parade route, you’re not doing Mardi Gras right. Luckily, there are several locations in the area including this one on St. Charles and Erato. If you find yourself a little further downtown, stop into the Popeye’s on Canal Street instead.

Pluck Wine Bar

Visit for wine and cheese at this chic bar just off St. Charles Avenue downtown.

Trenasse

Dive into contemporary Cajun cuisine at Trenasse.

LUFU NOLA

The name says it all LUFU (Let Us Feed U) is all about delicious Indian cuisine. In 2025, LUFU was awarded Bib Gourmand Honors in the Michelin Guide, which highlighted their affordable but outstanding quality of dishes.

Ticketed Parade-Watching Events

Enjoy access to restrooms, tables, and parade watch parties at these hotels and restaurants along the parade route.

The Chloe

Enjoy unparalleled views, comfort, and seamless service right on St. Charles Avenue at The Chloe. Choose from daily ticketing, patio reservations, or an all-season pass. Book here.

Columns

Perfectly positioned along the parade route, purchase a day pass for $30-$45 a day for full property access. Reserved tables for up to either six or eight guests are also available for purchase, otherwise seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Book here.

Lula Restaurant Distillery

The “Lula Gras” tickets vary by price, but all include balcony views, an all-you-can-eat buffet, access to bathrooms and the barrel room, and a cash bar. Book here.

Lüke

With prime views of the parades downtown, Lüke has wristbands for purchase on each parade day, with food and drink to be purchased separately. Book here. You can also book a reservation to dine here.

Saint John

Saint John is excited to bring back its Mardi Gras Grandstand Passes. Your ticket includes access to Saint John's grandstands in front of the restaurant (select your day), plus access to the upstairs private rooms with balcony access overlooking the route, a private bar (with three drink tickets included) and bathrooms. Food add-ons are available to purchase. Purchase here.

The Hotel Perle

Experience Mardi Gras in comfort at The Hotel Perle on the corner of St. Charles & Julia Street downtown. Revelers can choose from Grandstands ($75-$100 per person) or the VIP Terrace($150-$200 per person), both of which include convenient access to restrooms. Add on a 5-hour Open Bar Package for $100 per person. Book here.

Pre-order your Parade Party Package!

From to-go daiquiris to special menus, check out these Mardi Gras food options.

Cochon Butcher

Pre-order the Mardi Gras Float Package, which comes with 20 pieces of fried chicken, large portion of jambalaya, potato salad, or coleslaw, 10 sandwiches (choice of turkey or ham), & 10 bags of Zapp's potato chips. It's meant for float riders, but will feed any hungry crowd! Order here.

Francolini's

Grab some food for your float or sidewalk krewe at Francolini's. Options include sandwich platters, twice-baked potato bites, king cake focaccia, mini cannolis, and much more. Order here.

Gris-Gris

Gris-Gris is excited to bring back a returning favorite, the King Cake Daiquiri, made with Brioche Infused Spiced Rum, Cinnamon Demerara, Gambinos Rum Cream, Amaretto, and Vanilla Soft Serve. Half gallon pre-orders will also be available at 504-272-0241. One half gallon is $45, or get three for a discount of $120.

Thirsty? See our guide to Where to Drink Along the Parade Route here.