In New Orleans, the Mardi Gras capital of the world, "laissez les bons temps rouler" is a way of life. And there's no better time to "let the good times roll" than in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, which lands on March 4. This means all of February can be spent seeking New Orleans-inspired cocktails around town, which aren't always easy to find. (Try ordering a Ramos Gin Fizz just anywhere, for example.) This month's edition of Where to Drink toasts six Fort Worth restaurants and bars for NOLA- and Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails. They promise to keep the fun and festivities rolling all the way to Fat Tuesday.
Tulane's
There’s only one bar in Fort Worth that calls itself “New Orleans-inspired” and it’s this one in The Foundry District (2708 Weisenberger St.). Open since early 2020, Tulane’s aims to capture the spirit of the Crescent City through its signature drinks, barrel-aged cocktails, and festive décor. (They’re also known for their giant slices of pizza served late.) Now with an outdoor, string-lit patio area, there’s more room to enjoy traditional NOLA cocktails like the French 75, Sazerac, Hurricane, and rum punch. Tulane’s also serves a Fleur de Lis, a tequila concoction mad with prickly pear named for the symbol of French royalty that’s prevalent around the bar. Make plans for Tulane’s fifth annual Mardi Gras party on Fat Tuesday, March 4.
The Usual
Order a Ramos Gin Fizz in New Orleans and bartenders won’t bat an eye. Order one in Fort Worth and you might be met with a puzzled look – except at The Usual (1408 W. Magnolia Ave.). Mixologists at Fort Worth’s first craft cocktail bar will happily shake up this labor-intensive libation that has a long history, invented in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos at New Orleans’ Imperial Cabinet Saloon. The refreshing cocktail is made with gin, heavy cream, lemon and lime juices, egg whites, orange blossom water, and club soda, and is popular for brunch or any time of day for an effervescent treat. To celebrate Carnival season, bartenders at The Usual also recommend ordering the storied Sazerac, or a Vieux Carre, the latter considered a NOLA spin the classic Manhattan.
Boo-Ray’s of New Orleans
With three locations on the outskirts of town - on Boat Club Road, in Crowley, and in Hudson Oaks - Boo-Ray’s is worth the drive for an authentic taste of New Orleans. Co-owner Scott Marks has cred in Cajun food and drink, having co-founded Razzoo’s back in 1991. The local concept for Crescent City cuisine is popular for its lengthy menu of seafood dishes, etouffee, jambalaya, and bisque. Wash them down with thirst-quenching cocktails like the Hurricane (available on the rocks or frozen); Swamp Juice, made with two kinds of rum and blue curacao; or Voodoo Punch, made with coconut rum, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice. Boo-Ray’s is always a ball on Fat Tuesday, with live music, beads, and drink specials.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Based in Houston (still home to thousands of permanent New Orleans transplants after Hurricane Katrina), this upscale steakhouse and bar in Clearfork (5212 Marathon Ave.) harkens Louisiana vibes leading up to Mardi Gras itself. Sit in the lively bar area to sip cocktails like the classic Sazerac. The iconic drink originated in New Orleans and was said to be created by Creole apothecary Antoine Peychaud in the 1830s. Authentic versions of the rye whiskey cocktail will use “Peychaud’s bitters,” as the bartenders do at B&B. Save the date for B&B’s annual Mardi Gras brunch, to be held on Saturday, March 1, featuring libations like the Bacardi Hurricane, and the French Quarter Crusta, both invented in NOLA with the latter named for its sugar-crusted rim.
Tricky Fish
Don’t sleep on this laid-back Waterside bar and restaurant (5917 Convair Dr.) – the concept originated as a spin-off of the New Orleans-inspired Razzoo’s Cajun Café. Patrons will find “Third Coast” vibes with a heavy focus on seafood and New Orleans coastal cuisine. Pair a platter of broiled oysters with a handmade hurricane – made with Plantation and Bacardi dark and light rums and orange, lime, and passionfruit juices – and be transported straight the French Quarter. Or go with a New Orleans classic French 75 and sip with sophistication. Note that happy hour is Monday through Friday from 2-6 pm and includes $2 off all starters and specialty cocktails.
Razzoo’s Cajun Café
Marking its 30th anniversary in Fort Worth this year, Razzoo’s celebrates the spirit of Mardi Gras all year long. The Dallas-based bar and restaurant first opened in 1991 with a mission to showcase appreciation for Louisiana food and drink. Two locations followed in Fort Worth in 1995 – one in Sundance Square and the other on Bryant Irvin Road. (Today there are also outlets in Alliance, Arlington, and Burleson.) No matter the location, the festive feeling of Cajun culture is prevalent in the food, cocktails, and Zydeco music playing overhead. Revisit Razzoo’s this month for an entire menu of “French Quarter Sips” including frozen “Hurrycanes,” “Mardi Ritas,” “Nola Tea,” and several “Mason Jar Chillers.” Or go retro and share the nostalgic Gator Punch in a fishbowl with friends for old times' sake.