You can bet the Gumbo Pot inside the Farmer's Market and the nearby outdoor bars will be busy Tuesday. Grab a seafood gumbo to go and then saddle up at one of the nearby bars. Eddie Baytos & the Nevis Brothers play the West Patio from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Face painting and bead-tossing as well into the night. A great family-friendly way to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Metromix reports Zanzibar is rounding up the best elements of the world's Fat Tuesday parties and combining them into a spectacular mishmash of a party they call "Big Fatty." This world music dance free for all is in its 9th year at Zanzibar, so they've pretty much got it down to a science, this of course being the science of drinking, drumming, dancing and frenetic revelry. .

In Los Angeles, for some reason, many folks head to the not-so-authentic Cabo Cantina to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Spring break happens every day at Cabo Cantina, so if you are looking for just a taste of the copious consumption taking place in New Orleans this week, you may find it here (in spirit, anyway).

If you want to celebrate with some real Louisiana transplants, Stevie's might be your best bet Tuesday. Although the bar won't overdo it with cheesy specials or beads, count on at least a few extra drinkers at this Encino bar for Mardi Gras. A $15 buffet is offered.

Though its Mississippi Delta by way of Disneyland approach to decorating may be a bit much to take, a few folks may make their way here for dinner Tuesday for catfish or other southern fare (the bar does not have any special Mardi Gras-themed bands booked this year).

At Harold & Belle's, the quality of the Creole food is as impressive as the gargantuan quantities. The restaurant will have a special happy hour menu for Mardi Gras (5$ well drinks and specialty drinks).

Enjoy a cajun-style dinner, a zydeco band and more at Twin Palms' $29.95 prix-fixe dinner Tuesday. The restaurant is also hosting a costume contest with prizes for winners. Bring your best mask.

Cafe Boogaloo is Hermosa Beach's answer to the House of Blues (a New Orleans-style restaurant, bar and live music venue full of bayou charm, that is). Expect a big crowd Tuesday (it remains one of their biggest nights of the year and they open at 11 a.m. accordingly for early party people). T-Lou and his "Super Hot Zydeco Band" provide the soundtrack from 7 p.m. $15 cover for those who arrive after 7 p.m. Get here early, and bring beads.

Venice Bistro is a true dive that is perfectly content to be nothing more than that. They hosted an after party for Venice Beach's Mardi Gras parade this past Saturday, and will host a reggae band Tuesday. Don't expect crowds, as the vibe will be mellow here.

This new-ish destination, formerly the Temple Bar, is hosting a blowout Tuesday in honor of Mardi Gras. Free masks and beads for all, and expect live music from Big Easy style Blues band Heather & the Heartbeats. $2 "Fat Tuesday Fat Tire" beers. Owners have even flown in crawfish from New Orleans for the occasion. $5 cover from 7 p.m. onwards.

"Get your beads for dirty deeds," coos a flyer promoting this Santa Monica establishment's Mardi Gras party. That might tell you all you need to know about the vibe tonight inside The Hideout. Try their $5 New Orleans-style buffet to soak up the $6 hurricanes and half-price well drinks. From 9 p.m. onwards (no cover).