12 Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day in D.C.

Get a French fix this week.

by Meredith Bethune Updated Jul 13, 2016, 2:00pm EDT

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Bastille

| R. Lopez

by Meredith Bethune Updated Jul 13, 2016, 2:00pm EDT

Tomorrow 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.

Local restaurants truly have Francophiles covered this time around, so there are tons of options across D.C. this week. Consider attending a raucous, French themed-brunch or witnessing the French Maid Relay Race at L'Enfant Café. Or go for something more relaxed like a simple glass of wine from Burgundy, a cone of French-style ice cream, or an indulgent three-course meal. There are also plenty of parties and opportunities to enjoy the musical accompaniment of a live band or a DJ.

Here are 12 different ways to celebrate Bastille Day and get a French fix this week, starting tomorrow. Some restaurants like Le Diplomate, 2941, Bastille, are even celebrating through the weekend.

2941 Restaurant

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Executive chef and French native Bertrand Chemel is offering a Bastille Day-themed dinner available Thursday, July 14th through Sunday, July 17th. The three-course prix fixe menu will feature some classic French dishes like paté de campagne, salad Niçoise, escargot de Bourgogne, and more. Also expect a dessert like blueberry Vacherin, raspberry Millefeuille, or apricot clafoutis. The restaurant is normally closed on Sunday, but the Bastille Day menu will be available that day, but without the limited a la carte menu. That means a $25 deposit will be required for all reservations placed on Sunday.

2941 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA, 22042

(703) 270-1500

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Bastille

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Try a dinner based on the Bordeaux region from July 14 through 17 at this Old Town Alexandria restaurant. The menu includes three courses for $39 (with an optional $24 wine pairing), four courses for $49 (plus $30 optional wine pairing), and five courses for $59 (plus $35 optional wine pairing). Choices include terrine de foie gras, escargots au pistou, and tarte aux aubergines. All dishes are also available a la carte.

606 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 519-3776

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Bistrot Du Coin

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This French restaurant is getting in the Bastille Day spirit with two different dinner seatings at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. There will also be music by DJ Ash, and reservations are recommended.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 234-6969

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Café du Parc

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Celebrate Bastille Day with an evening of French food and live music on Thursday, July 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant will offer specials like made-to-order crepes ($10) and a charcuterie board for $30.

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 942-7000

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Capitale

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This weekend, Diners are encouraged to dress in theme (like corsets, fishnets, and other 18th century clothing) and can expect French-inspired food, burlesque, French maids, and a live jazz band at this weekend's brunch party. There will even be an appearance from the King and Queen. Brunch is $32.50 per person, and reservations are required through La Boum's website.

1301 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 962-3933

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Central Michel Richard

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On July 14, chef Deshaies will offer a special French-inspired menu with three courses for $55. Expect live music from 5:45 - 9:30 p.m. in the lounge.

1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 626-0015

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Convivial

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Convivial will have a menu of discounted drinks and nibbles in the bar and dining room, along with live French music and more.

801 O St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 525-2870

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ENO Wine Bar

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This Georgetown wine bar has created a Bastille Day wine flight ($22) with wines from across France. Try a bubbly Cremant de Jura, Chardonnay from Burgundy, a bright and fruity Gamay from Chasselay. Pair it with themed foods like a traditional French Tomato Tart Tatin or a creamy French cheese like Brillat-Savarin. ENO Wine Bar will also offer 30 percent off all French wine bottles in honor of the holiday.

2810 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

(202) 295-2826

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L'Enfant Café

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On Thursday, July 14, L'Enfant Café will do happy hour all day. The $5 cover will grant access to drink specials like $5 Champagne, rail drinks, and Belgian beers. The kitchen will be closed, but the restaurant will have some items like simple sandwiches served on baguettes. There will also be a DJ, and the "French Maid Relay Race" will take place at 7:30 p.m.

2000 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 319-1800

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Le Bar @ Sofitel DC

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On Thursday, July 14th, Le Bar is doing happy hour from 4-7 p.m. Then live music performances by French-inspired gypsy jazz quartet Djangolaya and a guest DJ will start at 7 p.m.

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806 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 730-8700

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Le Diplomate

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Le Diplomate is planning a big Bastille Day celebration. Expect four days of festivities (July 14-17) with an ice cream cart featuring special flavors, live accordion and mime performances, celebratory cocktails, brunches, children’s activities, a petanque court, and more