All of them are serving up good food and a good time. Most are located in or very near downtown Beaumont making it easy to visit while you’re in the area. 

I’m sharing the restaurants I’ve personally tried and enjoyed, with a couple I want to try next time!

Places to Eat in Beaumont Texas

Katharine & Co

Katharine & Company, located in the historic Mildred Building in Beaumont, is a gourmet restaurant that serves some of the best food throughout the week.

The menu includes fresh salads, homemade soups, house-made sandwiches, and from-scratch desserts, as well as beer and wines.

New York Pizza & Pasta

Pizza and pasta barely begins to describe what you’ll find on the vast menu at New York Pizza & Pasta. 

Have a hankering for fried calamari? Mediterranean salad? Ribeye steak? Salmon fillet? Shrimp Modo Mio? 

They’ve got all the gourmet Italian eats to satisfy every palate. They pride themselves in their Old-World cooking style, making dinner here an unhurried, quality experience.

Rao’s Bakery

Rao’s Bakery brings the sweet taste of Italy to Beaumont, Texas. They are famous for their Mardi Gras King Cakes that they ship out all throughout the United States.

They were also the first in Texas to produce and sell Gelato, Italian ice cream.  Rao’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and of course a delicious variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts of many kinds.

J. Wilson’s

J. Wilson’s is known around Beaumont for its attention to detail. Fresh ingredients, carefully crafted in house, adorn every plate.

Fried shrimp, flank steak, stuffed chicken breast… everything is served like artwork on cast iron plates. J. Wilson’s has a great bar menu and offers brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Tacos La Bamba

Tacos La Bamba offers up typical Mexican food. Not the kind you might find up north in my neck of the woods, mind you.

But the authentic Mexican eats that take Taco Tuesday (and everyday) to a whole new level at a great price. They even offer breakfast tacos! Burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, and more can be found at this Tex-Mex restaurant.

Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant

Visit Carmela’s for traditional Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The menu includes all your favorite Mexican food options like flautas latinas, enchiladas, and classic tacos. Let me recommend Carmela’s famous fajitas!

Floyd’s Cajun Seafood Company

Floyds fuses Texas and its Louisiana neighbor with its southern hospitality and cajun way of life. The Floyds of Floyds have perfected their passion: the Crawfish, committing their lives to finding just the right flavor combinations to wow even the harshest critic. If you enjoy oysters you absolutely must try their famous Oyster Nachos. Happy hour is offered Monday-Friday

Struggle Street Brewing Company

Crafting their own beer right in Beaumont, Texas, Struggle Street Brewing Company is proud to be Texan. Stop in to try out their beer on tap. Their creativity keeps the tap options exciting.

Check out their menu for a thorough list of the beer they offer from various breweries as well as what they make in house.

Here are two restaurants I look forward to trying when I make it back to Beaumont Texas.

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, right next to Mamma Tia’s on Calder Ave. in Beaumont, offers a lively and fun dining experience with great music and casual vibes. Specializing in Mexican Cajun seafood, their must-try dishes include the Catfish Basket and Steak Nachos.

Mamma Tia’s Bistro

Mamma Tia’s Bistro, a newly opened gem in Beaumont, Texas, offers a fresh twist on dining with its unique “Mex-Italian” fusion. Combining Mexican and Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, wings, and sandwiches, the bistro serves up flavorful dishes in a newly renovated space. Be sure to try their famous Peach Bellini—it’s a must!

Things to do in Beaumont, Texas range from culture to fishing to public art, things to do inside and outside and everything in between.

Beaumont makes a perfect weekend getaway and I promise you won’t go hungry. There are so many great restaurants!

Use this complete guide to plan your next adventure.

Things to Do in Beaumont Texas – Inside

Art Museum of SE TX

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas is a small, but well-curated museum in downtown Beaumont. With the mission to “provide education, inspiration and creative vision” to Southeast Texas, the Art Museum offers unique collections and exhibits as well as public programs.

Traveling exhibitions as well as their permanent collection celebrate Texas and its history and creativity. Admission is free with donations accepted.

Texas Energy Museum

Learn about the history of energy and oil in the Texas Energy Museum, as well as the processes involved in the refinery of petroleum. There are a surprising amount of products today that include oil byproducts.

Check out the interactive displays that showcase the evolution of the oil industry including an oil drill display and robotic characters who share the story of the great 1901 Spindletop gusher.

Tyrrell Historical Library

The Tyrrell Historical Library is not your average library. The focus of Tyrrell is to gather and preserve the history of the Beaumont area.

It is located in a beautiful hundred year old building and holds a treasure trove of historical and genealogical information all about Beaumont and the surrounding area.

Jefferson Theater

The Jefferson Theater in Beaumont is a beautifully restored theater that offers weekly classic movie showings. In addition, the Jefferson Theater has regular live shows and events including the symphony, ballets, junior league Dancing with the Stars, and so much more.

McFadden-Ward House

This stunning Texan home was built in 1906 and contains its original furnishings. The McFadden-Ward House is currently offering free self-guided tours of a portion of the house.

Throughout the year, you’ll find the McFadden-Ward House busy with community events, live music, summer camps, and more.

Chambers House Museum

The Chambers House Museum is another breathtaking oil boom home open for tours. The Beaumont Heritage Society inherited the house in 2004 when the last of the original owners passed away. T

hey found the home beautifully preserved with all of its early 1900s items and artifacts. Stepping into the Chambers House is stepping back in time.

Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum

Take a walk through Gladys City as it was in the early 20th century during the first Spindletop oil boom. 15 replica buildings grace this museum, complete with a saloon, post office, and a livery stable.

The most fascinating display is the reenactment of the Lucas Gusher. In 1901, oil was discovered on Spindletop Hill shooting high into the air and continuing to gush for 9 entire days.

The Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum replicates the awesome sight with water.

I stay in a lot of hotels and most of them look like any other hotel. However, the Texican Court is a standout and this is one of the many reasons I’ll be making a return trip to Irving.

Why A Stay At The Texican Court is A Must

Texican Court Location

Directly across the street is the convention center and about a block away is the Toyota Music Factor.

Honestly, you don’t need a car when you stay at the Texican because everything is walkable and if you don’t want to walk Uber/Lyft is plentiful. 

Texican Court Check-In | Lobby | Courtyard

When I arrived at the Texican Court I felt like I was stepping into a Western movie film set. It had all the ingredients for a movie and I was waiting for Clint Eastwood to walk around the corner or pull up a chair next to mine at any minute. 

Sadly, Mr. Eastwood never showed up nor was there any movie filming going on, but I had a great time at this resort. The landscaped courtyard and sitting areas are so well done and incredibly comfy complete with fire pits.

The entrance feels like you’re arriving at a home away from home. Walk into the and you’ll find the check in to the right and the tequila bar to the left. Yep, definitely my kind of place.

Continuing on you’ll find yourself in the courtyard with the rooms forming a large enclosed area. I ADORE that there are honest to goodness, uses real wood, fire pits here PLUS you can purchase s’more kits at the front desk. 

This makes my outdoor soul very happy!

I didn’t use the pool. It was a bit cool during my visit, but it looked very inviting. We did, however, make use of the outdoor sitting areas near the fire pits. That was incredible and when I return that’s where you’ll find me.

Texican Court Rooms

Stepping into my room I’m delighted to find fun decor, a PACKED fridge with liquor, mixers, and soda, and an incredible bathroom. I always say its the little details that will win me over every time and the Texican does not disappoint.

From the run to the throw pillows to the lamps everything in my room reminds me of a being in the west and I am in love. 

The bed is incredibly comfy and I just want to spend my day lazing about, snuggled deep, and enjoying a really good book and a glass of wine.

Speaking of wine. Check out this SMEG fridge!! Anything you could possibly want is available to you. There is, of course, a fee for everything, but I didn’t think some of the prices were too bad. 

Texican Court Dining

Beside the tequila bar in the lobby, there is the Two Mules Cantina on-site that offers up a complimentary continental breakfast or a paid hot breakfast, plus a full menu for lunch and dinner. The breakfast choices looked delicious and the coffee was great.

We didn’t dine there, but I will tell you the cocktails were perfect. I’ll give the restaurant a try when I go back.

Live Music

On the weekends the Texican Court has live music that you can enjoy with your cocktails. 

4 Reasons Why You Should Stay at the Texican Court

1. Ambiance – Honestly, I think the outdoor sitting areas that invite guests to sit around and chat are just about the best thing ever. 
2. Location – Easy to get to, no car required and walkable to all the things to do in Irving.
3. Unique – Let’s just admit that the Texican Court is just a really cool and unique property. If you like stay at NOT run of the mill hotels than this is the place for you. 
4. Rooms – Um, have you ever been in a hotel room that looks like this AND has a packed fridge?

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A few year ago it moved to Beaumont to offer more room for parking, crowds, and event growth.

And yes, Mardi Gras happens outside of New Orleans. 

In fact, you can go just about anywhere along the Gulf Coast and in the entire state of Louisiana and find any number of Mardi Gras festivities.

But why go anywhere else when you can celebrate Mardi Gras Cajun-Texas style in Beaumont?

I was joined by Nedra from Adventure Mom to attend the first-ever Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas in Beaumont and we had a great time!

This article is brought to you in partnership with Visit Beaumont. This article contains affiliate links. 

Why Celebrate Mardi Gras in Beaumont Texas

Why struggle through traffic and crowds to big city events when you can celebrate Mardi Gras in Beaumont, TX?

If you’re road-tripping from Texas to New Orleans for Mardi Gras you can save yourself a lot of miles and drive time just by taking the exit off I-10 to Beaumont. 

Seriously, you’re going to love Mardi Gras done Texas-style!

There are parades, carnival rides, fireworks, concerts, great food, a small chicken run, some of the best King Cake on the coast and so much more!

Mardi Gras Beaumont Parades

There were 9 parades during the four-day celebration.

Five of them are held along the city streets while the other four happen inside the festival grounds which required a ticket for entry. More on the fairgrounds later.

Of course, five free parades are more than enough to keep everyone happy.

There were floats, bands, dancers, fire trucks, cars, jeeps, and even an ATV/Golf Cart parade!

Arrive at the parades ready to have a lot of fun. It’s ok to dance in the streets, yell “throw me something, Mister!”, and have an all-around good time.

Plus, it’s all completely family-friendly. 

Oh, and the leader at the parades was none other than the Budweiser Clydesdale horses! I hope the Clydesdale horses lead the parades every year.

They are incredible to watch plus if you go to the Mardi Gras fairgrounds afterward you can see them up close and personal.

There is great music, lots of throws, and it’s one heck of a party.

As each float rolls past be prepared to catch some beads.

They are tossed frequently and in quantity and it’s a lot of fun to try to catch them.

Tips for Attending the Mardi Gras Beaumont Parades

• There is lots of free parking available. Some lots charge but we were able to easily find free parking and then walk a couple of blocks to the parade route.
• Be aware of flying throws and be ready to catch some beads.
• There is plenty of space for everyone along the parade route. No need to save a spot early in the day.
• The parades last about 45 minutes.
• Dress accordingly, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen, as needed.
• Plan to arrive early. During our visit, the times adjusted without notification. If you don’t want to miss an event I recommend getting there at least 30 minutes early.

After the parade head to the fairgrounds for more Mardi Gras fun.

Inside the Mardi Gras Beaumont Fairgrounds

Note: there is a fee to enter the fairgrounds. It ranges from $10-$15/day per person with no discount for children. An additional ticket is needed for carnival rides. The best deal is to purchase tickets in advance online.

Once inside the fairgrounds you’ll find carnival rides, fair food (alligator on a stick, anyone?), the Clydesdale horses, and so much great music. 

Live Music at Mardi Gras Beaumont

Each night of the event brings in different acts. Saturday night was a throwback to the 90s with Tone Loc and Vanilla Ice.

They put on a very energetic and fun show and the crowd went wild.

It is standing room only so make sure to wear very comfortable shoes.

There are three music stages with performers from all styles of music to keep the party going all night long.

Fair Food

There is fair food galore at Mardi Gras. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is what to eat first. Some of the vendors have long lines so be prepared to wait. 

Alligator on a stick, boudin balls, nachos, funnel cakes, and lemonade, to name a few.  If you can imagine it they probably have it.

However, this is not the place to go if you’re looking for healthy options.

Treat yourself to something though, it is Mardi Gras after all and it only happens once a year.

Budweiser Clydesdale Horses

Budweiser has a “barn” set up at the fairground for the horses to rest when they are not performing in a parade. It’s a must-visit while you’re there.

The horse stalls allow you to visit the horse and get a more up-close look at them. They are simply gorgeous.

Each of the horses has a name plaque outside their stall so you can learn a bit more about them.

Budweiser goes all out to make sure the horses rest in comfort and it’s one of the nicest portable barns I’ve had the chance to visit. 

Everyone’s Favorite Mardi Gras Treat — KING CAKE!

You can’t have a Mardi Gras celebration without Rao’s King Cake. No, seriously, you can’t.

Rao’s is the oldest bakery in Southeast Texas and they make over 12,000 King Cakes each season. You know they have to be good when they are selling that many. 

They offer up both full-size and individual-sized cakes plus they have Mardi Gras sugar cookies that you might want to try as well. By the way, Rao’s doesn’t use preservatives in their cake which we love!!

While at Rao’s grab a cup of coffee and give the pecan cinnamon roll a try. It’s a best seller for good reason. 

If you find yourself in need of a cake you can’t go wrong with the Eclipse or Dobasche cakes.

Fat Tuesday Taste of the Triangle

Round out your Mardi Gras celebration with the Taste of the Triangle. This is a ticketed event starting at $30.

Held at the Beaumont Civic Center you can sample small bites from over 40 restaurants and beverage companies from throughout Southeast Texas.

From appetizers to desserts you’ll get to taste dishes from all over the area.

Where To Stay When You Celebrate Mardi Gras in Beaumont

The Holiday Inn and Suites Beaumont Plaza right off of I-10 is a great location for your Mardi Gras stay.

It’s a quick 10-minute drive from the hotel to downtown for all the Mardi Gras fun.

If you don’t want to drive you can easily grab an Uber or a Lyft from the hotel.

The 8-story hotel offers spacious rooms, a hotel pool and gym, and an on-site restaurant and bar.

Parking is free. 

Mark Your Calendar for Mardi Gras 2021

The next time you find yourself in need of a good place to celebrate Mardi Gras be sure to consider Mardi Gras Southeast Texas in Beaumont.

The official dates for Mardi Gras Southeast Texas in Beaumont haven’t officially been set, but Fat Tuesday in February 16, 2021 so there is a really good chance it will be February 11-14th.

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