What you’re looking for out of Mardi Gras is some good food, a little music and mystery. Here are a few spots where you can mask your face if not your intentions:
Shuck ‘n’ Dive: The 15th annual crawfish boil at Dan Stasi’s cozy homage to the Big Easy and Baton Rouge comes with plenty of red beans and rice, live bands and Abitas of all stripes from noon to midnight. Shuck ‘n’ Dive is at 605 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Info: 954-462-0088
Spin Ultra Lounge: Carnival masks and costumes are encouraged for the party, with two-for-one beer and $5 well drinks until 11 p.m. Spin is at 346 Plaza Real in Mizner Park, Boca Raton. Info: Spinboca.com, 561-361-3999.
Lulu’s Bait Shack: The breezy Beach Place boozeria throws its annual party, with Bacardi drink specials, three bands and a beads contest with the girl with the best set scoring a Bahamas cruise. Lulu’s is at 17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Info: Lulusbaitshack.com, 954-463-7425.
Mardi Gras Casino: As you might expect, plenty of New Orleans-style entertainment, food and drink from 5 to 11 p.m., with showgirls, firebreathers and music from the Bad Apple Brass Band, the Hot Java Band and the MacArthur High Jazz Band. The casino is at 831 N. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. Info: Playmardigras.com, 954-924-3200.
Rosey Baby Crawfish and Cajun House: More of the namesake mudbugs and drink specials, plus the bluesy growl of Joel Dasilva and the Midnight Howl. Cover: $3. Rosey Baby is at 4587 N. University Drive, Lauderhill. Info: Roseybaby.com, 954-749-5627.
Big Easy Bar and Grille: Fat sounds from saxman Al Ferrara (6 p.m.) and Blaize n Altar (8 p.m.) with drinks specials all night. The Big Easy is at 1925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Info: Thebigeasybarandgrille.com, 954-924-3006.
Shelborne South Beach: Sexy masks are not optional at the beautifully reimagined hotel’s party, beginning at 9 p.m. with sounds from Mr. Sandman and DJ Trouble. The Shelborne is at 1801 Collins, Miami Beach. Info: Shelborne.com, 305-341-1500.
The Cottage: A little lagniappe… with a Fat Tuesday party on Wednesday. The Voodoo Magic Mardi Gras Burlesque event will have beads for everyone and stars all your favorite Cupcake Burlesque dancers beginning at 8 p.m. Cover: $10. The Cottage is at 522 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth. Info: Cupcakeburlesque.com, 561-586-0080.
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