Mardi Gras in Middleton

Mardi Gras is almost here, and you don’t have to head to New Orleans to celebrate. Local restaurants are bringing the flavor with festive food specials that capture the spirit of the season. 

Clasen’s European Bakery is selling king cakes in two sizes: one perfect for one to three people and the original king cake for the whole family or office, complete with the traditional plastic baby that you have to hide inside the cake yourself. Pre-order to ensure availability. If you’re more of a cookie person, Clasen’s also has large Mardi Gras decorated cookies as well as packs of mini sugar cookies with sprinkles in traditional Mardi Gras colors.

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Longtable Beer Cafe is known for its amazing beer cooler and craft frites, but for Feb. 17, they are embracing the Mardi Gras spirit with three specials: shrimp po’ boy, jambalaya and king cake-inspired desserts (If you find the plastic baby in your dessert, it’s free. If you don’t, you will receive a $5 Longtable gift certificate). This year, Mardi Gras lands on Longtable’s “Bottles on the Bottle” Tuesday special, where all large bottles on the bottom row of the beer cooler will be 30 percent off. Be sure to stop by on Fat Tuesday during business hours (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) to enjoy these festive specials. 

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Louisianne’s ETC is a little piece of New Orleans in Downtown Middleton. Head downstairs to this hidden gem, which serves Cajun and Creole food year-round. Enjoy spicy jambalaya, shrimp, pecan catfish, or crawfish cheesecake and etouffe. Call for reservations or carryout.

Lane’s Bakery in Middleton’s business park is known for pre-orders and occasional pop-ups, but Fat Tuesday calls for something special. The bakery will open for a Mardi Gras pop-up from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2026, featuring king cake and paczki in a variety of flavors, including prune, apricot, lemon, raspberry, custard and buttercream. Expect a case filled with more of Lane’s signature indulgent treats while supplies last.