Mardi Gras is a time for feasting, celebration, and incredible food. While New Orleans is the heart of the festival, you don’t have to be in Louisiana to enjoy the flavors of the Big Easy. Boulder has its own hidden gems where you can indulge in classic Cajun and Creole dishes like King Cake, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets, and Shrimp Po’ Boys.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a hearty stew, or a bold and spicy dish, here’s where you can find the best Mardi Gras food in Boulder, Colorado.

King Cake: A Sweet Tradition

No Mardi Gras is complete without a King Cake. This cinnamon-filled pastry is topped with purple, green, and gold icing, representing justice, faith, and power. Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck (and the responsibility of bringing the cake next year!).

📍 Where to Find It in Boulder:

• Moxie Bread Co. occasionally offers a special take on this festive treat.
• Le Frigo Boulder carries Galette des Rois, a French version of King Cake filled with almond paste.

Gumbo: A Comforting Classic

This rich, slow-simmered stew is a staple of Louisiana cuisine, blending French, African, and Spanish influences. Made with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and okra, Gumbo is known for its deep, bold flavors and satisfying warmth—perfect for a chilly February day in Boulder.

📍 Where to Find It in Boulder:

• Lucile’s Creole Cafe serves up a classic New Orleans-style Gumbo, made fresh and served with rice and a buttermilk biscuit.

Beignets: The Perfect Sweet Treat

Light, airy, and deep-fried to perfection, Beignets are like little pillows of happiness, coated in powdered sugar and served hot. These French-inspired pastries are a must-try for any Mardi Gras celebration.

📍 Where to Find It in Boulder:

• Lucile’s Creole Cafe serves fresh Beignets, hot and fluffy, just like the famous ones from Café du Monde in New Orleans.

Jambalaya: One-Pot Perfection

A cousin to Spanish paella, Jambalaya is a bold and spicy rice dish made with sausage, chicken, and shrimp, all cooked together in a medley of aromatic seasonings. Whether you prefer it Creole-style (with tomatoes) or Cajun-style (without), this dish is a must for any Mardi Gras feast.

📍 Where to Find It in Boulder:

• While Jambalaya isn’t widely available, you can often find pop-up events and cooking classes featuring this iconic dish. Or try making it at home using fresh, local ingredients from Boulder’s farmers’ markets.

Shrimp Po’ Boy: The Ultimate Mardi Gras Sandwich

One of the most iconic New Orleans dishes, the Shrimp Po’ Boy is crispy, golden fried shrimp tucked into a soft French baguette, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and remoulade sauce.

📍 Where to Find It in Boulder:

• Lucile’s Creole Cafe serves a delicious shrimp sandwich on French bread, featuring their signature black bean chile sauce and Cajun fries.

Bringing the Mardi Gras Spirit to Boulder

While Boulder may be far from Bourbon Street, you can still embrace the flavors of Mardi Gras right here in town. Whether you’re indulging in a King Cake, savoring a bowl of Gumbo, or biting into a Shrimp Po’ Boy, these classic dishes will transport your taste buds straight to the French Quarter.

So grab some beads, find a festive dish, and let the good times roll!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Artist’s rendering of Lucile’s Creole Cafe, Boulder, Colorado – A beloved local gem known for its Southern charm, hearty Cajun and Creole flavors, and iconic front porch with a view of the Flatirons.

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