Gaslamp Mardi Gras Beads, Bites and Booze Tour - San Diego, CA

Mardi Gras is celebrated in many ways, from living it up with the true New Orleans experience, partying with friends locally, or just partaking in good 'ol Lousiana style food! Our preferred way is the last... 

Over the weekend, we attended the Gaslamp Mardi Gras Beads, Bites and Booze Tour. This tour provides ticket holders an opportunity to enjoy bites and sips at various businesses in the gaslamp. Tickets for this event were $25 pre-sale or $30 day of with Will-Call located at Florent Restaurant. 

At each participating location, they mark off your ticket in exchange for the food and drink samples. We loved seeing the decor in various spots. At Tacos el Cabron, we picked up two tacos and I just had to capture a mask at the same time (first pic)!

The bartender at El Chingon Bad Ass Mexican was on the ball pouring drinks for everyone. I also spotted Batman outside of Analog and offered him some of their yummy brussels sprouts. Since he didn't accept, I ate them all instead.

The Field put their own spin into jambalaya plus paired it with a sweet drink. We ate here prior to Mardi Gras two years ago.

It was our first time at All American Burgers and we enjoyed their quarter of a burger sample. There was also a Mardi Gras photo area to the side!

Another bartender from Coyote Ugly dressed up and serving themed patrons.

We're a fan of Bud's Louisiana in Kearny Mesa so were pleasantly surprised to find a new spot called Bud and Rob's New Orleans Bistro. 

Our favorite jambalaya had some heat and was served at Jolt'n Joe's

Ciro's Pizza always has great samples because they give you a whole slice! Score!

Masks, beads and selfie sticks were perfect for this event. This pretty lady is enjoying the chicken tikki masala and cranberry vodka from Roya India.

Havana 1920 had these delicious cubano samplers! Luckily every sample wasn't this big or else we wouldn't have been able to finish the whole tour!

There was a total of 19 participating restaurants. After visiting at least 10 locations, we showed our ticket at will-call to get admission beads to the secret afterparty. Our final destination was Altitude Sky Lounge.

Mardi Gras performers!

Trade in your tasting ticket for one last shot on the gorgeous rooftop bar. I wish I could have kept mine as a souvenir but at least I got a final pic.

We had fun celebrating Mard Gras with this event over the weekend. Hope everyone enjoys their day, no matter how you celebrate!

Disclaimer: We were provided tickets to this event. We were not otherwise compensated and all opinions stated are our own