Mardi Gras paredes and restaurant reservations

Question

We are a couple arriving on Wednesday February 26 at noon and leaving Saturday March 1st. We are staying in FQ at Hotel de la Poste. We want to watch the parades but also enjoy the local restaurants. According to the parades schedule for those days, they start at 6:30 or 7:30 pm. Is it OK to make restaurant reservations for 8:30 or parades are still going on? Any other advice about combining the parades with restaurants?

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned for Mardi Gras! New Orleans during Mardi Gras is lively, and balancing watching the parades with enjoying good food can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s absolutely doable with some planning.

In general, Mardi Gras parades start in the early evening (around 6:30 to 7:30 PM), and they often continue for a couple of hours, depending on the parade. The crowds around the French Quarter and the parade routes can get quite large, so it’s important to consider how long you'll want to stay at the parade and how easy it will be to get to a restaurant afterward.

Here’s some advice on restaurant reservations:

8:30 PM Dinner Reservations: It may be challenging to get to a restaurant right after the parades start, especially if you're staying near the parade routes in the French Quarter. The streets can get crowded, and traffic can slow you down. However, 8:30 PM reservations can work if you're willing to eat a bit later, and if you're in walking distance to your dinner spot. The crowds may start to thin out by then, making it easier to move around.
Early Dinner Reservations (5:30-7:00 PM): A safer bet would be to aim for an early dinner reservation, before the parades start or just as they are kicking off. This way, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about missing out on the parade action. Restaurants like Palace Café, Café du Monde, or Antoine’s are classic New Orleans dining spots that offer an authentic experience and could work well for an early evening meal.
Post-Parade Dining: If you’re set on dining later, it’s possible to enjoy a late meal, but you should be prepared for either a longer wait time or an easy-to-reach spot. Some restaurants that are close to the French Quarter or on less busy streets might be able to accommodate last-minute guests. Consider dining spots like Coop’s Place or The Old Coffeepot Restaurant for a casual, local vibe after the parades.

Other Tips for Combining Parades and Dining:

Choose Restaurants Near Parade Routes: If you prefer to stay close to the parades, consider restaurants near the parade routes, particularly those around Canal Street or along St. Charles Avenue. This allows you to easily hop between parade viewing and dining without a lot of travel time. Just be mindful of road closures, as they can make getting to your reservation a bit more complicated.
Parade Time Flexibility: Mardi Gras parades can run late, and sometimes they may be delayed, so an 8:30 PM reservation could still work if the parade ends early or if you have flexibility to leave during a lull in the action. However, this is not always guaranteed, so be prepared for potential timing challenges.
Dining During the Day: Another option is to explore New Orleans' famous brunch spots. Many places will be serving brunch or lunch in the early afternoon, which might be less crowded than dinner hours. This allows you to enjoy great food while having more time to focus on the parades in the evening.

In Summary:

8:30 PM dinner reservations are a little risky due to parade traffic and crowds, but they’re doable if you’re nearby and flexible.
Consider earlier reservations (5:30-7:00 PM) to avoid missing out on the parade action.
Try to choose dining spots near the parade routes for convenience and ease of access.
Make sure to check the parade schedules for possible delays and be prepared for heavy crowds around dining times.

Enjoy the parades and have a wonderful time in New Orleans! Mardi Gras is truly an unforgettable experience!