In DC it might as well be a patriotic duty to go all out for the Fourth of July. From grab-and-go picnics to pop-up pool parties to booze cruises, go Fourth with these 10 options for celebrating the nation's birthday:
DUPONT CIRCLE— Splurge on the 4th with some of America's finest indulgences: doughnuts and fried chicken. GBD's offering a grab-and-go $25 picnic for two to bring to the Mall, which includes half a fried chicken with a choice of two sides, biscuits and two doughnuts. (They're making special patriotic-themed doughnuts for Friday.) Open on the holiday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Boqueria is offering an appropriately priced meal on Friday for lunch or dinner. For $17.76 get an American meal with a Spanish twist: a burger, spicy patatas bravas, and a red sangria.
GEORGETOWN— Pick up Pinstripes' hearty Italian-American fare to eat under the stars and stripes. The tasty bowling alley fare includes sandwich and party platters. Nosh on Italian grinders, roast turkey cobb salad, and baked lasagna. Orders must be placed beforehand by phone.
PENN QUARTER— Flight is being transported from the ground floor to the top of its 11-story building at 777 6th St. for an intimate fireworks viewing and tasting party. The menu includes at least eight wine options, five craft beers and ciders, and plenty of bites for $85 per person (tax and gratuities not included). They just doubled the capacity from 40 to 80, so spots are still left.
City Tap House is celebrating America's finest beverage with a BeerBQ Brewery Battle. Its culinary team will go head-to-head against representatives from 3 Stars Brewing Company and Evolution Craft Brewing Company in a BeerBQ cook-off from noon to 5 p.m. Pay $10 to enjoy the concoctions and vote for a winner. That won't be the only competition under way: The outdoor patio will host a cornhole tourney; the last man or woman standing will be crowned with a gift certificate.
METRO CENTER— Stop by Café du Parc's annual block party BBQ at its outdoor Pennsylvania Avenue venue. The Willard's French bistro will grill up hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and vegetarian wraps to the sounds of live Bluegrass from noon to 8 p.m. (TBD whether Obama will make the short walk over.) Pick up a carryout lunch for $15, or stay parked at du Parc with a glass of vino and popsicle. It's extending hours for the post-firework crowd, until 10:30 p.m.
CAPITOL HILL— The Liaison's Rooftop Pool & Lounge is throwing a poolside Red, White & 'Que party tomorrow, complete with a barbecue spread created by Art and Soul. Expect traditional Fourth fare like hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob, and pasta salad. The $35 ticket includes pool admission with all-day access and a welcome cocktail, with $5 from each ticket donated to the USO Of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore.
ATLAS DISTRICT— The H Street mussel bar Granville Moore's is starting early with a Firecracker Brunch on Friday from 11 a.m. til 4 p.m. The full brunch menu, including the glutenous Good Doctor and Brisket Hash, will be available on the first floor. The bar will remain open once the kitchen closes to continue day drinking til the big bangs begin around 9 p.m.
SCOTT CIRCLE— When your hotel is named after the author of the Declaration of Independence (and steps from the White House), you go big on the Fourth. The Jefferson is offering guests a "Jefferson Mobile Meal" (sandwich, chips, festive cookie, pasta salad) to take along the short stroll to the Mall for $35 per person. This weekend a special $295 per night private package includes a king guest room for two, a full American breakfast in the Greenhouse and an American flag.
THE POTOMAC— Spirit of Washington is throwing a 21 and up booze cruise for $169.90 per person with tastes from Food Network Chopped Champion Eric LeVine. Odyssey Cruises is also offering an evening ride for $209.90 per person, which includes live music, open bar, and a four-course menu. A more family-friendly option: Spirit's lunch cruise (and narrated tour of DC monuments) on July 4th with prices starting at $43.90 for adults $26.95 per child (ages 3 to 12).
--Tierney Plumb