Just like that wicked tequila shot you took last night, Mardi Gras creeps up on us every year. Even though this celebration falls on a weekday, Tempe locals definitely plan to participate anyway. On Feb. 24, Mill Avenue will be lined with partiers and there will be more than enough booze to go around, as local bars hype up Mardi Gras events.
Mardi Gras literally means "Fat Tuesday" and that's where one of the biggest parties promises to be, according to Manager Rick VanDeWalle. Fat Tuesday will be extending their premises to a backyard property that will feature a full-service bar with over 20 different daiquiris. VanDeWalle explains that the "190 octane" is the most popular drink during Mardi Gras, but there will be lots more to choose from. Get there early and pay the $5 cover because once they're at full capacity, they'll be charging $10 and you'll have to wait in line.
Another local venue known as Margarita Rocks, will be celebrating their version of Mardi Gras in collaboration with a local radio station. They're serving up $2 Southern Comfort Hurricanes and playing Top 40 tunes all night. If you were lucky enough to win one of their VIP passes during the week, you get to go upstairs and pig out on their 40-foot food buffet on the 2nd floor. If you weren't that lucky, enter their "Best Mask contest" and win a $200 prize. But make sure you arrive before 10 p.m. to avoid paying the $10 cover charge.
The Library is planning to go all out this year, with a completely costumed staff, themed decorations, New Orleans jazz music, and various drink specials. Ladies are always free, but guys, be prepared to pay a cover. Manager Nick Kelly said, "We're going to have a midget running around too." A midget, music, and Mardi Gras mayhem -what more could you possibly want from a celebration?
Margarita Rocks isn't the only place in town offering the $2 Southern Comfort Hurricane. It's making a simultaneous appearance at Maloney's too. The beads will be flying at Maloney's on University Ave., along with enough Jambalaya to feed a small village. If you like spicy food but don't want to pay a cover, Maloney's is the place for you on Mardi Gras night.
Otherwise, head over to McDuffy's between 8 and 10 p.m. to get you-call-it drinks for only a quarter. After 10 p.m., it's a beer drinker's heaven because all drafts are only 75 cents. Manager Ryan Proctor hints that the Budweiser girls will be on hand to dance the night away.
Like Maloney's, there's no cover charge for The Owl's Nest. The cozy upstairs bar will have specials on all of their drinks to commemorate the occasion. "It's going to be a crazy Mardi Gras party inside and out," said Manager Steve Baltz.
Provided that you are sober enough to drive (or to call a cab), head up to Sugar Daddy's. They'll be hosting "Scottsdale's biggest Mardi Gras party," where you will find crazy drink specials, and three different stages, each with its own deejay. Did I forget to mention the Carnivale performers, Arizona Dream girls, flame-throwers, and fire- breathers will provide the evening's entertainment?
Despite all of the Mardi Gras fever around town, some venues are still treating it like any other night. "Mardi Gras and hooters don't really mix," said one Hooters manager with a chuckle. The popular wing joint is busy anyway and doesn't need to conjure up anything special. Dos Gringos and ACME are among several bars that will be open for business but will not offer any Mardi Gras themed events.
No matter what you do, make sure to play it safe and call a sober friend to take you back to your place if you've had one too many of those darn Hurricane drinks.
Reach the reporter at: kalea.yoshida@asu.edu
