Several restaurants in Panama City Beach are offering New Orleans-style cuisine ahead of the 2026 Mardi Gras and Music Festival. Local establishments aim to bring the spirit and flavors of Mardi Gras to residents and visitors without the need to travel to Louisiana.
Bayou on the Beach describes itself as “The Place Where Mardi Gras Happens Everyday!” The restaurant offers a menu with Cajun dishes made from scratch, including Who Dat Shrimp, Fried Boudin Balls, Louisiana Crawfish, Mardi Gras Fish, Muffalettas, Po’ Boys, Red Beans & Rice, and Jambalaya. The drink menu features a version of New Orleans’ Hurricane cocktail. For dessert, options include a Beignet Basket with honey and confectionary sugar as well as Bread Pudding with rum-infused whipped cream.
David’s New Orlean’s Style Cafe & Sno-Balls is known for its beignets and sno-balls made from real snow. Customers can choose from 47 sno-ball flavors such as Apple Pie, Birthday Cake, King Cake, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon or Strawberry. Toppings include whipped cream, condensed milk, graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, evaporated milk or chocolate. The cafe also serves homemade Muffalettas on Gambino’s Bakery bread, Po Boys, Shrimp Étouffée, Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice and Jambalaya.
Dat Cajun Place was established by owners who relocated after Hurricane Katrina. The restaurant serves home-cooked Cajun meals like Crawfish Étouffée and Gator Po’ Boy on authentic French bread. Its Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo has received awards. The menu also includes “The Whodat,” their take on a muffaletta sandwich topped with house-made sauces.
J.Michael’s Restaurant highlights its original Red Beans & Rice dish that dates back to 1976. Another local favorite is their Seafood Gumbo which has been served by the owner for over three decades.
Dee’s Hangout features a Southern Coastal Cajun menu with Po’ Boys served on Leidenheimer Brother’s French Bread—the original inventors of the Po’ Boy sandwich—and a Cajun Platter that includes Shrimp Étouffée, Chicken Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice and fried Catfish.
These restaurants offer various options for those seeking traditional New Orleans fare during Mardi Gras season in Panama City Beach.
