New Orleans' biggest party of the year, Mardi Gras, is here! Locals and tourists alike are keeping the city alive with festive celebrations in honor of Fat Tuesday. Not only are parades being attended, our local restaurants are getting a huge boost in business because of the holiday. Here are five local spots to go to in order to keep the good times rolling into the night.
Nice
Guys Bar & Grill
If you're looking for a really nice place to eat at for Mardi Gras, Nice Guys Bar & Grill is a perfect choice. Their menu offers a number of different dishes like chargrilled oysters, boudin burgers, messy fries, and more. You absolutely can't miss out on their delicious Drunken Chicken Wings. Nice Guys also offers plenty of drink specials, so enjoy a daiquiri or two. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysnola.com
Seaworthy
Seaworthy offers some of the best seafood plates that you will find anywhere in the Crescent City. All of the restaurant's catches are from American waters and the menu features tasty options like tuna, mussels, shrimp, and more. Seaworthy's oysters, which come from the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and West Coast, are out of this world. Make sure to enjoy one the restaurant's craft cocktails or specialty desserts. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com

Flamingo A Go Go
Flamingo A Go Go is one of the trendiest hangout spots in the Big Easy. Their outdoor patio area can seat a lot of people and is beautifully decorated. The restaurant has plenty of entrées and sandwiches to choose from, such as Jerk Gulf Shrimp Tacos, Blackened Chicken & Creole Jambalaya, and all kinds of different burgers. Flamingo A Go Go has plenty of "flocktails" to enjoy, as well as bottomless frosé, margaritas, and mimosas. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com
Down the Hatch Bar & Grill
Down the Hatch is a relaxing spot in the Garden District that's great for unwinding from all of the Mardi Gras fun. If you have a party with you, grab some Hell's Kitchen Wings with your choice of Buffalo, Mango Habanero, or Black & Gold sauce to split with everyone at the table. Their chicken and catfish platters are mouthwatering and plentiful. Make sure to save some room for Down the Hatch's bread pudding or cheesecake.1921 Sophie Wright Pl., 504-522-0909, downthehatchnola.com
Buffa's
Bar & Restaurant
Voted
as one of the best bars in America by Esquire, Buffa's is absolutely
worth celebrating. This establishment on the border of the Quarter is one of
the best spots in the city for live music. Choose from Buffa's unique house
specialties like bratwurst jambalaya or alligator and chicken gumbo. The
restaurant also has plenty of burgers and deli sandwiches to enjoy. 1001
Esplanade Ave., 504-949-0038, buffasbar.com