Photo: Po’Boys & Pickles’ $4 Canned Beer Special
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is right around the corner. Mardi Gras is historically the last hoorah before Lent, for those of Christian faith. Everyone is invited to celebrate Fat Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, by indulging in Cajun inspired menus, and events.
Did we miss you? Comment below or email [email protected] & we will add you to the list!
Dining & Specials
Andy’s will be celebrating Fat Tuesday with special menu items including house made Jambalaya, and pancakes all day! They will also have $6 Hurricanes and live music with Hadacol Bouncers (New Orleans jazz band) starts at 6 PM.
While Fat Tuesday is the most notable day of celebration, indulgence in cajun-inspired cuisine has no expiration date. If you are out and about looking to get your fix, check out Bayou Kitchen on Forest Ave.
Please note, Bayou Kitchen is closed on Tuesdays.
Definitive Brewing Co. is bringing some Southern flare to both their taprooms (Portland and Kittery)! Celebrating a little early (February 28th – March 2nd) and all weekend long, they’ll have the release of their Hurricane, named after the legendary New Orleans cocktail. This session sour is bursting with passion fruit, orange, lime, and vanilla. Hurricane is available starting Friday on draft and in crowlers to go. Fat Kid Culinary Productions will be running chicken and sausage gumbo, shrimp po’ boys, and andouille sausage po’ boys as their specials all weekend.
Kick off Mardi Gras season early with Fat Thursday at HiFi Donuts! In Poland, Tłusty Czwartek (aka Fat Thursday) is all about indulging before Lent, and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional paczki stuffed with strawberry jam or red current. Friendly reminder, HiFi will be closed Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday for a special birthday celebration but you can grab this paczki for the rest of the week. So, grab your treats while you can!
Co-Owner Moses is no stranger to Mardi Gras celebrations. Share in the tokens of his travel that inspire the food and culture of Hot Suppa found decorating the restaurant. Portland’s Southern Kitchen and Bar will be open for brunch Tuesday, 8am – 2pm serving up Shrimp and Grits, and spicy Bloody’s.
Po’Boys & Pickles Cajun Eats
Po’ Boy’s restaurant on Forest Ave may be small, but their oversized po’boys and hearty Cajun eats can fill any empty stomach. Open daily, this easygoing joint has a po’boy menu that features a Creole Sausage, Golden Fried Oyster, Golden Fried Shrimp, Pulled Pork, Fried Chicken Cutlet, BBQ Beef and more. In addition to their po’boy menu, enjoy Voodoo Chicken Wings, Cajun Fries, a Shrimp Basket, Macarons, Louisiana Gumbo, and Zapp’s Chips – a guaranteed taste trip to NOLA. For Fat Tuesday, enjoy $2.59 beers on draft and $3.00 canned beer.
Just outside of Portland, is South Portland’s very own Cajun Seafood House, the Shaking Crab. Open for lunch and dinner daily, their menu has a robust offering of seafood combos, complete with corn, potatoes, and sausage sides.
Celebrate Mardi Gras the sweet (and savory) way with Mini King Cakes from Two Fat Cats—topped with vanilla glaze and festive sprinkles! Walk-ins only this year, so stop by and snag yours while they last.
Events
Fat Tuesday Celebration with Charlie Brown @ Dock Fore
Join for an evening filled with the infectious rhythms of New Orleans-style music performed live by Charlie Brown from 4:30 PM to 7 PM at Dock Fore. Quench your thirst with $1.95 pints and treat yourself to exclusive New Orleans Frozen Irish coffee, available for just $7.95. Plus, 20oz drafts for just $3.25 and up from 7:00 PM until close. It’s the perfect way to soak up the festive atmosphere and let loose on Fat Tuesday! Oh, and of course, free Mardi Gras beads!
When: Tuesday, March 4th from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Ragtime Destroyers – Mardi Gras Celebration @ One Longfellow Square
One Longfellow Square is bringing the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to Portland, Maine with the Ragtime Destroyers. Known around Portland for their weekly pop-up swing dance session in the park, the irresistible Ragtime Destroyers bring New Orleans-inspired music from the 20’s and 30’s to the streets and beyond! Sometimes insouciant but certainly swinging, the Ragtime Destroyers play jazz for the feet and jug band music with a pedigree.
When: Tuesday, March 4th at 7:30 PM
Mardi Gras Celebration @ Orange Bike Brewing Co.
Laissez les bons temps rouler at Orange Bike Brewing Co.! They’re bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras a little earlier than Fat Tuesday (Saturday, March 1st to be exact) with a brand-new Hurricane Sour—because who needs Bourbon Street when you have craft beer? Pair it with a bowl of rich, flavorful gumbo, and you’ve got yourself a taste of the bayou. Plus, live music will be provided by Emma Derhak, Devon Daligan, and Francis Costin, who will be bringing the tunes from 5PM – 7 PM to keep the vibes rolling. Beads optional, good times guaranteed.
When: Saturday, March 1st from 12 PM – 8 PM
WMPG’s Annual Cajun Cookin’ Challenge
Get ready for a flavor-packed Fat Tuesday as WMPG’s Cajun Cookin’ Challenge returns for another year at the McGoldrick Student Success Center at USM! Local restaurants will bring the heat with bold Cajun flavors, from gumbo to étouffée, all set to the lively sounds of The Maine Ideal and Social Sanctuary Band.
Expect mouthwatering dishes from favorites like Bayou Kitchen, Bayside American Cafe, Ruski’s Tavern, Po’ Boys & Pickles, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard Cajun food fan or just looking for a spicy way to celebrate Fat Tuesday, this event is a can’t-miss.
Just don’t forget—USM garage parking now requires payment!
When: Tuesday, March 4th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
