From N'awlins to Naptown: Best Mardi Gras Food in Indianapolis

Feb 5

Fat Tuesday is right around the corner which probably has you craving some New Orleans-inspired cuisine.

From classic Indy staples to a few limited edition items, Indianapolis has several cajun and creole options to enjoy while celebrating Mardi Gras.

Yats

If there’s a place to get your cajun flavors on, it’s Yats. With humble beginnings at 54th and College in Broad Ripple, Yats has become a classic Indianapolis spot with cheap and delicious eats. While the Chili Cheese Étouffée with Crawfish is my personal go-to, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (and don’t forget to grab some extra bread!!!).

Other great options are the Maque Choux or Drunken Chicken. On top of that, they are also serving up dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options as well—there’s something for everyone! Pro tip: they’re always busy on Fat Tuesday, so try and get there early.

5363 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (original location) - Multiple Indiana locations

The Jazz Kitchen

There’s no shortage of good food and good vibes at The Jazz Kitchen. With a menu packed with cajun flavors from andouille sausage to various types of seafood, you can’t go wrong stopping by to celebrate this time of year. They’re also hosting a Mardi Gras Party on February 21 where you can find a shrimp boil, themed cocktails and a live DJ.

5377 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220

The Quarter

A relatively new spot in Broad Ripple, The Quarter has an entirely New Orleans-inspired menu, making it a great choice for any Mardi Gras festivities. They have a weekend seafood boil, live piano on Wednesday and Fridays and of course, po’ boy sandwiches!

While they’re usually closed on Tuesdays, they will be open on Fat Tuesday (February 13) for a ticketed event and a full Mardi Gras buffet.

925 E. Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Fried oysters at The Quarter in Broad Ripple

Chef Borel’s Kitchen

Looking for some cajun food available for take-out? Order jambalaya, gumbo, red beans & rice and more through their online storefront and have it delivered right to your door. Chef Borel is fusing New Orleans, West African, Caribbean, Spanish and Native American cuisine into these dishes.

Delivery only, order online or via food delivery apps

Taylor’s Bakery

If you’re like me, you’re probably asking what’s for dessert—and we’re talking about KING CAKE! Made with danish dough, Taylor’s has a classic version of the King Cake, white icing, colorful sugar and all. Order a cake and celebrate Fat Tuesday!

6216 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46220 or 8395 E. 116th St, Fishers, IN 46038

Circle City Sweets + Goose the Market

If you’re more of a do-it-at-home Fat Tuesday celebrator, be sure to stop by Goose the Market.

While you’re there, grab a King Cake with praline or cream cheese filling made by the Circle City Sweets team. You can also pick up a few Nola essentials while you’re there, like tasso ham and oysters, or pick up andouille sausage and crawfish, perfect if you’re planning on whipping up some gumbo or jambalaya at home.

2503 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46205

Ruth Brungard

Working on platform at a VC firm by day and searching for the best dinner options in Indy by night. The go-to food holder / model as seen on the @tasteindianapolis Instagram.