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.

Where to Eat on the Parade Route

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ticketed Events on the Parade Route

The Chloe

Enjoy unparalleled views, comfort, and seamless service right on St. Charles Avenue at The Chloe. One ticket is a reservation for a table of four on their patio which includes a full-service menu and access to bathrooms, etc. Book here.

Columns

Perfectly positioned along the parade route, purchase a pass for $30 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.

Blake Hotel New Orleans 

Right on the corner of Poydras Street and St. Charles Avenue, the Blake Hotel is the perfect spot to catch all of the parades in Carnival season, including Endymion. Utilize both the balcony and viewing stands to get up-close to the Mardi Gras magic. Food will be available for purchase from Cafe at the Square in the lobby. Both the stands and balcony are wheelchair accessible. Book here. 

Mardi Gras Food Packages and Special Menus

Though not directly on St. Charles Avenue, these spots have special Mardi Gras menus everyone should know about

Palm&Pine 

Dine at Palm&Pine in the French Quarter at their Supa Dupa Pine: An Iconic Lundi Gras Brunch on Monday, March 3. Tickets are $25 and good for a reserved seat only; burlesque and entertainment will be provided by Bella Blue. Book here. 

Compère Lapin 

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a special a la carte Friday Lunch at Compère Lapin on February 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the main course, guests can enjoy curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi, fried chicken with biscuits and hot honey, or classic shrimp and grits with creole sauce, among other delicious options. Book here. 

Beggar’s Banquet 

Stop by for Beggars Brunch hosted on February 22-23 and March 1-2 from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy menu items such as crispy firecracker calamari, stuffed French toast, jam ‘n ham beignet, and more. Also available for just $50 will be Gable Boxes, with a choice of quarts of espresso martinis, bloody Marys, or spicy boy margaritas (about five drinks to-go) with ice, and cups for the parades. Book here. 

Mister Mao 

Mister Mao will offer a special brunch for two for $50 to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras. This deal runs from February 1 – March 2 on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy pork lumpia, Chinese chicken & rice dumplings, ginger salad, sticky broccoli, and more served family style. Add a half gallon of hibiscus margaritas to go for $40. Book here. 

Commons Club 

Enjoy a Lundi Gras Drag & Burlesque Brunch at Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels on March 3. Entertainment will be by Trixie Minx Productions and Sorellas Boutique will pop up with a custom hat and festive mask-making station for purchase. Tickets are $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Book here. 

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