You don’t have to go to the island to celebrate Mardi Gras. Several local restaurants and bars will be hosting their own bead-filled bashes. (We'll be updating this list as it gets closer to Fat Tuesday.)
Oh, baby, it's Mardi Gras time!
House of Blues will be the site of a Mardi Gras Feb. 9. There will be a zydeco band, a Bloody Mary Bar and a Cajun feast. From noon-4 p.m., $29.95 gets you four pounds of crawfish and all you can eat at a Cajun buffet.
1204 Caroline, 888-402-5837

The “Roots of Brazil” is the theme of the G Lounge’s Brazilian Carnaval (8 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 9). The Bacanas Brazilian Band will perform classic sambas and other traditional music. Presale tickets for this 18-and-up event are $25.
5718 Fairdale Lane, 832-881-1569.

Now through Feb. 12, Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen is celebrating its 14th anniversary with a $14 special that includes your choice of three Cajun comfort foods (shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes or parmesan-crusted eggplant) and a frozen Hurricane. Beginning Feb. 8, the locally owned restaurant chain will offer Mardi Gras specials and beads.
Find the nearest location at go-cajun.com.

At 4 p.m. Feb. 10, Haven chef Randy Evans will devote his monthly cooking class to creating the perfect Mardi Gras meal. Participants will later enjoy the meal paired with wine. Cost is $60.
2502 Algerian Way, 713-581-6101

Ragin' Cajun will be celebrating Mardi Gras from 6-10 p.m. Feb. 12 with live bands, cold beer and beads.
The Original: 4302 Richmond, 713-623-6321
Woodlake Square: 9600 Westheimer, 832-251-7171
Sugar Land: 16100 Kensington, 281-277-0704

Milton Hopkins and the Hit City Blues Band will serenade diners 6-10 p.m. Feb. 12 at Danton's Gulf Coast Seafood. A three-course Mardi Gras dinner (with plenty of options) will be served 5:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $55 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations advised.
4611 Montrose, 713-807-8883

Brennan's Houston will host a New Orleans-style Fat Tuesday party from 5:45-10 p.m. Feb. 12. The festivities will include a three-course dinner, live jazz band, beads and King Cake. Cost is $65, plus tax and gratuity.
3300 Smith, 713-522-9711

Read : Celebrate in Galveston