Bites Nearby: Celebrate Mardi Gras with Boogaloo

Psst. Just in case you've been living under a rock for the past few days, let me remind you: Mardi Gras is this weekend.

Yes, St. Louis' debauchery-filled weekend celebration is the second biggest Mardi Gras party in the nation (second only to New Orleans). And it'll be here sooner than you think. Have you made plans yet?

Well, you're in luck; Maplewood's own is celebrating the occasion in style. The popular restaurant serves up delicious food with a Creole twist, and you can't forget their signature bar swings—that's reason alone to make a stop—but this year the restaurant is taking the Mardi Gras celebration to another level.

This Saturday, Boogaloo will open at 11 a.m. to allow participants to get an early start on Mardi Gras festivities. Boogaloo will offer a shuttle ride to the parade along with a free hurricane at Molly's in Soulard. Who can beat that?

For those looking for a quieter Mardi Gras celebration, Boogaloo can provide that as well. If a rowdy day downtown just isn't your thing, enjoy one of their many classic Creole dishes in the comfortable restaurant instead. Try Boogaloo's Cubaniche ($9): this pressed sandwich with pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayo will surely hit the spot. Alternatively, the house-smoked jerk chicken will take you right down to the bayou with its blend of pepperjack cheese and remoulade sauce.

Whatever your plans are for this Mardi Gras weekend, be sure to make Boogaloo a part of it. This local eatery never disappoints.