Six Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day Tonight in D.C.

Today is France's national holiday— it marks the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. It's also the perfect excuse to go out and and indulge in some French food and drink. From a super casual burger to fancy quenelles, local restaurants have Francophiles covered. Here are six different ways to celebrate Bastille Day tonight:

With a mime:

Le Diplomate has all sorts of French-style entertainment planned tonight, including a mime and a petanque court. Players can sip on French-inspired cocktails and large drink carafes will be available for guests seated at tables. One of the special dishes of night will be fish quenelles with a a crayfish Natua sauce.

With a burger and shake (?):

Burger, Tap & Shake in Foggy Bottom is serving a special Bastille Day burger tonight and during the entire month of July. It's topped with melted brie, shallots, mache lettuce, and rosemary Dijon aioli. They're also doing a red, white & blue milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, blueberry purée and crushed raspberries.

With gougères:

During dinner service tonight, Central Michel Richard will serve complimentary gougères to each table who order their special  "fête menu." That menu will offer classic French dishes like escargot fricasse, scallop Normande and roasted chicken with ratatouille. All bottles of French wines will be offered at a 20 percent discount. (Updated)

With a free tart:

La Madeleine is offering free mini Liberté tarts to guests all day today. The puff pastries are topped with pastry crème and fresh blueberries, whipped cream and raspberries that represent the colors of the French flag. The chain has 10 locations around the D.C. area.

With a three-course dinner:

From today through July 19, Et Voila! will celebrate Bastille Day with a three-course, prix fixe menu of classic French dishes for $39.95 (excluding tax and gratuity) per person. It includes an appetizer of crispy brie with a frisée salad, followed by an entree choice of hanger steak or braised rabbit leg. Dessert is an apricot and pistachio tart with strawberry ice cream.

With wine:

For tonight only, Eno Wine Bar in Georgetown is celebrating with half-priced French wines. There are at least five to choose from on their list.