Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, whatever you call it — today’s the day to appreciate the Creole and Cajun cuisine and don your best mask and beads. Finding local specials for Mardi Gras wasn’t quite as easy to find as our Valentine’s Day list, but below, we have compiled five places where you can celebrate Mardi Gras in State College. Jouissez! (That means “enjoy” in French.)

Levels

The wallet-friendly “$2 Tuesdays” weekly special from Levels Nightclub will have free beads, masks, no cover, and free food at midnight. There are $2 Long Islands, Budweiser, and Bud Lights. What more could you ask for?

Spats

Being one of the few (if not the only) Creole-inspired restaurant in town, it seems fitting to get your Mardi Gras fix at Spats on the corner of College and Pugh. It’s a bit pricy, but the food is worth it. The lunch special Louisiana Cioppino for $16 sounds divine – “shrimp, crawfish, clams, and butterfish in a rich Andouille and heirloom grape tomato broth” — as well as the Truffle Sweet Pea Ravioli dinner special for $28. Yes, I’ll have one of everything.

Rathskeller

Right under Spats is the All-American Rathskeller, where you can get the same creole-inspired flavors, but your wallet will take a lighter hit. The spicy shrimp, chicken, and bacon burger for $10 makes my mouth water, while the French Quarter Dip (a dipping sauce made with wild boar, melted brie, mushrooms, and Creole tomatoes) for $12 sounds like heaven in the form of dipping sauce. Drink specials include happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., $3 Sierra Nevada pints, and the classic burger and fries for $6 until 9 p.m.

Arena Bar and Grill

Arena will be serving up some traditional New Orleans food and drinks. Live music from Mudzo McCourt starts at 10 p.m., and there will be giveaways as well as a best dressed contest to crown a Mardi Gras King and Queen.

Liberty Craft House

If you haven’t tried Liberty Craft House out yet, you definitely should. According to its Facebook page, Liberty will have New Orleans options today, including gumbo, jambalaya, and hurricanes. Its business partner and neighbor, The Deli & Z Bar, will also have similar options.