Family Gras 2025 will be taking place over the course of three days from February 21 to February 23, at Mardi Gras Plaza across from Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie.
Each day will have local art, live concerts, local cuisine, a kids court, and Mardi Gras parades to enjoy. Here are 10 places to eat before, during, or after Family Gras this February 2025.
Places to Eat & Drink Before or After Family Gras
1. El Gato Negro (Lakeview)
300 Harrison Ave., (504) 488-0107
elgatonegronola.com
If you want to explore a Mexican wonderland, look no further than El Gato Negro. Their atmosphere satisfies the visual senses while their menu comes with a diverse array of eateries. From table-side guacamole to carne asada, burritos, fajitas, and everything in between, your taste buds will enjoy and crave while at El Gato Negro. Their famous margaritas are particularly mouthwatering, and they even have sotol!
El Gato Negro is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
2. A Tavola
3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 577-2235
atavo.la
If you're coming from out of town and looking for an intimate place to dine-in with great eats, book a reservation at A Tavola. It's right by the parking lot of Lakeside Shopping Center and on the direct parade route for Family Gras 2025. Enjoy a glass of wine with your family and bask in the unforgettable atmosphere before or after your Family Gras fun!
A Tavola is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday, as well as 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
3. Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop
2309 N. Causeway Blvd., (504) 835-2022
gumbostop.com
If you have a craving for New Orleans classics such as gumbo, po-boys, boudin, and more, make sure to stop by Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop to enjoy the freshest and locally grown ingredients. Chef Ron's specials tend to change with the season's because of his dedication to fresh, local ingredients, but his gumbo is always available to enjoy!
The Gumbo Stop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
4. Short Stop Poboys
119 Transcontinental Blvd., (504) 885-4572
shortstoppoboysno.com
If you want a variety of po-boy options to choose from with your family and friends, you'll want to make a stop at Short Stop Poboys. Whether you're craving shrimp, roast beef, oysters, hot sausage or hamburger, they offer all the po-boys and sandwiches that locals love.
Short Stop Poboys is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, as well as from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.
5. Drago's
3232 N. Arnoult Rd., (504) 888-9254
dragosrestaurant.com
If you want a true taste of charbroiled oysters, you'll have to make a stop at Drago's Seafood Restaurant. While they have locations all over the South, you'll want to stick to their original Metairie location to catch a bite before the Family Gras parade. The restaurant's goal is to provide customers a sense of family and warmth, as well as serve fantastic seafood. Overall, their secret ingredient is love, and you can taste it in every bite!
Drago's Seafood Restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
6. Vacca Steakhouse
3524 Severn Ave., (504) 315-3808
vaccasteakhouse.com
If you want a taste of Fat City, you'll have to stop by Vacca Steakhouse. Their menu is sure to satisfy your tastebuds with their selections of NY thick cut sizzling bacon, Oysters Severn, cowboy ribeye, steak cut fries, the Steakhouse Cheeseburger, and more. They are merely walking distance from the Family Gras fun. Book a reservation now for an unforgettable experience of bold flavored drinks and phenomenal food.
Vacca Steakhouse is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday.
7. Daisy Dukes
5209 W. Napoleon Ave., (504) 883-5513
daisydukesrestaurant.com/locations/5209-w-napoleon-ave-metairie
If you have a taste for traditional Cajun cuisine before Family Gras, you'll want to stop by Daisy Dukes' Metairie location. Let your tastebuds experience classic dishes, such as blackened fish, grilled pork chops, all-day breakfast, and much more. Make sure to also order their award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary.
Daisy Duke's is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day!
8. Bon Temps Seafood
4701 Airline Hwy., (504) 885-5003
bontempsboulets.com
Bon Temps Seafood offers all of the classic Louisiana seafood dishes that locals absolutely love. Make sure to try their live and boiled crawfish, blue crabs, crawdaddy platter and more. Their debris fries are particularly famous and mouthwatering. They even have crab-stuffed seafood bell peppers!
Bon Temps is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
9. Swamp Room
5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 888-5242
theswamproom.com
Not only is the Swamp Room one of Metairie's most popular bars and grills, it's also a great place to hang out with your closest friends. If you're looking to enjoy some quality beer, then this is the place for you. Order a beer flight and try a number of different food selections, including funnel cake fries, swamp burger, and many more.
Swamp Room Bar & Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
10. The Galley
2535 Metairie Rd., (504) 832-0955
Looking for boiled seafood? Look no further than The Galley for your selection of crawfish, shrimp platters, fried soft-shell crabs, raw & grilled oysters, and more. While enjoying your meal, your eyes can catch a view of their three-foot hand painted oyster sculpture, one of few along the Jefferson Parish Oyster trail.
The Galley is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. They are closed Sunday and Monday.
During Family Gras
Family Gras' kids' court will have various activities for kids 12 and younger, such as face painting, hand-wax art, and interactive games.
Local festival food vendors will have many savory treats, such as shrimp po-boys, chicken andouille gumbo, crawfish mac 'n' cheese, Louisiana-style meat pies, sushi, spicy tuna tacos, and crab & tuna wonton nachos! This year's concert will feature must-see headliners Amanda Shaw, Gary LeVox, Ambrosia, and many many more. The gates for Family Gras 2025 concert will open at 3 p.m. on Friday, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
After enjoying all the festivities, stick around to watch the Krewe of Excalibur, Atlas, and the Mad Hatters as they roll in front of the Family Gras site on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. While admission is free for all guests, a three-day VIP Royal Pass will be available for $125 to individuals seeking a VIP area, back stage access, front stage views, limited food, two non-alcoholic drinks, and the use of a comfort station for kids 6 and younger.
For more information, you can visit their website.
