Local Eateries Serving Up the Authentic Taste of NOLA This Mardi Gras

Clementine
New Orleans native and James Beard Award finalist John Russ, head chef of Clementine, is set to host the restaurant's annual Mardi Gras Dinner on Tuesday, February 17. The one-night-only event features a five-course prix-fixe menu priced at $88 per person.

Inspired by his cultural upbringing in New Orleans, Chef Russ brings authentic Creole cuisine to the table, elevated with Clementine’s signature global fusion influences.

The evening’s menu features iconic NOLA staples that celebrate the soulful flavors of the Crescent City, such as a hearty andouille gumbo, slow-cooked smothered greens, and classic southern fried chicken.

Seating for this year's Mardi Gras Dinner is limited. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via OpenTable HERE.

Smashin Crab
Smashin Crab, known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, is celebrating Mardi Gras across all three San Antonio locations with festive specials now through Fat Tuesday, February 17. Guests can imagine strolling through Bourbon Street with the eatery’s Two-for-One Hurricane cocktail special or try their luck with a piece of seasonal King Cake served daily through the end of the Mardi Gras season.

The full menu of seafood boils, dishes like the Taste of New Orleans sampler, and NOLA-inspired cocktails remains available for guests to let the good times roll throughout the celebration. For more information and to view the menu, visit the restaurant’s website HERE.

Clementine and Smashin Crab invite San Antonio locals and visitors to experience Mardi Gras without leaving the city. From Clementine’s one-night-only prix-fixe dinner to Smashin Crab’s daily Creole offerings, both restaurants bring the bold flavors and festive spirit of New Orleans straight to San Antonio.

Opened in 2018 in the Castle Hills community of San Antonio, Clementine is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal, innovative eats in a modern and lively atmosphere. Led by Chef John Russ, a 2023 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef: Texas, and Pastry Chef Elise Russ, the menu features bold, globally inspired flavors through a rotating selection of small plates, generous platters, produce-forward “sideboard” options, and nostalgic, imaginative desserts.

Many guests choose the signature Feed Me, a six-course, family-style dining experience where Chef Russ and team create a personalized menu for the table based on seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. In addition to dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Clementine offers lunch on the third Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clementine is also home to The Juice Box, a sommelier - and Chef Russ - curated monthly wine club showcasing unexpected, highly drinkable bottles to be enjoyed at home. For special occasions, the restaurant offers private buyouts, providing a warm, intimate setting for all kinds of celebrations. Clementine @Home extends the experience even further, with a fully staffed, in-home dining service that brings Clementine’s hospitality and flavor to your table.

Ranked one of the top two best restaurants in San Antonio by the San Antonio Express-News, Clementine is located at 2195 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78213. For more information, call (210) 503-5121 or visit www.clementine-sa.com. Follow on Instagram @clementine.sanantonio and like on Facebook @Clementine.SanAntonio.

Founded with a passion for bold flavors and Southern hospitality, Smashin Crab brings the heart of the Gulf Coast to the table with every meal. With 3 locations across San Antonio, Smashin Crab is known for its signature seafood boils, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a fun, family-friendly dining experience. Whether it’s crawfish, crab, shrimp, or oysters, guests can enjoy a hands-on feast with robust Cajun-Creole flavors in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. At Smashin Crab, we're not just serving seafood — they’re serving up a celebration of coastal culture, one shell at a time