Patch Picks: Mardi Gras Festivities Around Town

Break out the masks, beads and your best purple, green and gold attire. Today marks Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." Though the féte is more commonly known for the lavish festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana, there are celebrations taking place right here in West Hollywood.

Eleven nightclub with Micky's, Fiesta Cantina, Revolver and Trunks, is hosting a free Mardi Gras street festival from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Larrabee Street and the alleys between San Vicente and Palm will be transformed into a New Orleans style celebration with special food and cocktails, dancing and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit the Van Ness Recovery House.

Over at The Abbey, feast on a special Creole menu (gumbo, shrimp boil and po'boys) while soaking up some music. The line-up includes DJ Dawna Montell at 4 p.m., DJ Roddick at 9 p.m., with a special performance by Barbie's Addiction.

Be sure to don that festive mask and come collect plenty of beads at The Hudson. The neighborhood bar is offering traditional Cajun cuisine, and of course plenty of drink specials like the Hurricane—made with fruit juice, grenadine and rum for a mere $6. Food specials include jambalaya pasta ($16) and plantation fried shrimp po'boy sliders ($12). Make use of The Hudson's photo booths to memorialize the festivities.

Today is the last day to enjoy some delicious Cajun dinner menu items at Dominick's. The Little Italy-inspired eatery on Beverly Boulevard is going full out New Orleans, temporarily serving up muffaletta sandwiches, crayfish pies and beignets in honor of Mardi Gras. Everything is under $10.

However you plan to celebrate Mardi Gras, wear your beads and be sure to bring your camera.