Fourth of July weekend 2011 dining and drinking deals
More fests, plus eating and drinking deals in Chicago
Bushwood 4th of July RibFest
With all the food festivals that permeate the Chicago summer air, we couldn’t escape without at least one specially geared toward ribs. All you rib lovers out there, get your white plastic bibs on. This July 4th weekend, Bushwood will have all the smoky, juicy ribs you want, as well as music and arts & crafts at this inaugural fest. Lick your fingers clean and enjoy music from Chicagoland Bon Jovi and ’80s cover band Bad Medicine on Sunday night. Bushwood Golf Practice Center, 30 Madison St, Maywood (773-868-3010, chicagoevents.com). Fri 1, 3–11pm; Sat 2, Sun 3, noon–11pm; Mon 4, noon–8pm.
Beer & BBQ Party at Lotties Pub
Head on over to Bucktown this Fourth of July for some classic American cookin’. For just $7, feast on a BBQ Chicken Plate complete with baked beans, potato salad and dessert. After you’ve had your fill, wash it down with $3 American cans, $4 American drafts or $7 Jack Daniels. Patio seating opens daily at 11am. 1925 W Cortland (773-489-0738, lottiespub.com) Mon 4, 11am–2am.
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Mon Ami Gabi
Rise and Shine! Don’t waste America’s birthday in bed—visit Café Ba-Ba-Reeba for Brunch Pintxos (mini tapas) or Mon Ami Gabi Oak Brook for blueberry French toast and waffle bananas foster. In honor of Uncle Sam, all brunchers will receive a gift certificate equal to the price of their meal (minus tax and gratuity) for a future brunch visit. Stick around for $7 featured wines and select beer for $4 all day at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba and both Mon Ami Gabi locations. Café Ba-Ba Reeba, 2024 N Halsted St (773-935-5000). Mon Ami Gabi Oak Brook, 260 Oakbrook Center (630-472-1900). Mon Ami Gabi Chicago, 2300 N Lincoln Park W (773-348-8886).
Division Ale House
Show your American pride by digging in to the 100% American menu at the Division Ale House this 4th of July. $6 burgers with all American-made toppings (Winthorp Farms American cheese, Slagel family farm bacon, certified organic fried egg). All American-made craft beers are $1 off the regular price, too. 1942 W Division St (773-384-6886).
EPIC LiberTea Party
You can still enjoy all the burgers, brats and booze you want this July 4th, but do it a little bit classier at EPIC restaurant’s LiberTea party. The gorgeous rooftop terrace opens at 3pm on Sunday, so catch some lazy afternoon rays while sipping on special $5 John Daly cocktails. 112 W Hubbard St (312-222-4940, epicrestaurantchicago.com) Sun 3 at 3pm.
Fox & Obel All American 4th of July
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw. Of course, you can’t forget the apple pie to finish it off. If that doesn’t scream America, we don’t know what does. Visit Fox & Obel for a three-course all-American dinner for $15.99 (plus tax and tip). 401 E Illinois St (312-410-7301). Daily June 21–July 4 after 5pm. Call for reservations.
Fourth of July Weekend at Rockit
We all love being patriotic. So why not show it by sipping on a red, white and blue bomb pop from Rockit’s? Enjoy other American specials including Chicago-style beef hotdog with fries ($10), BBQ half chicken ($16) and Rockit ribs ($16 half, $25 full) throughout the holiday weekend. Rockit Wrigley (closed July 4) 3700 N Clark St (773-645-4400) and Rockit River North (open July 4) 22 W Hubbard St (312-645-6000).
Warm up for the fireworks show with a pitcher of firecracker punch from Frontier ($12). Sip on this summery concoction of blue raspberry lemonade, raspberry vodka and blue curacao float, and munch on ribs ($12), chicken ($10) and game sausage ($6) with picnic-like sides including mac and cheese, cornbread and potato salad. 1072 N Milwaukee (773-772-4322). July 3 and 4, 11am-2am.
Kit Kat
We’ll take our sparklers the grown-up way this year–in a “Tis of Thee-tini,” a red and blue-colored cocktail from Kit Kat. Also enjoy a half-price dinner and cocktail menu while Sexton performs songs from Gaga’s new album (which, by the way is titled “Americano.”) How perfect. 3700 N Halsted St (773-525-1111).
4th of July BBQ & Horseshoes at Bangers and Lace
Nothing says July 4th like a good old American BBQ. But for us big city guys and gals, grilling in the yard isn’t always an option. Come to Bangers and Lace to get your fill of hot dogs for $1 and U.S. craft beer. No BBQ is complete without a yard game, so sign up for the horseshoe tournament (if you’ve got a good toss, you might win your way into the B&L beer of the month club). 1670 W Division St (773-252-6499). Fri 1–Mon 4, noon–5pm.
HUB 51
One day really isn’t enough to show our American pride. So come to Hub 51 on Sunday, July 3 for $1 American Beer and BBQ ribs. In honor of Flag Day, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support pediatric research initiatives at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Cheap beer, good food and a great cause? Sounds like the best way to celebrate to us. 51 W Hubbard (312-828-0051). 10am-10pm.
Independence Day at Luxbar
July 4th Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise at Navy Pier
Looking for a change from your annual rib-eating, sparkler-lighting Independence Day? Celebrate this Fourth of July in style by taking a cruise aboard Navy Pier’s Odyssey ship. Indulge in a three-course meal while listening to a live band. For once, you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks without obstructions and hundreds of sweaty bodies right by your side. Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Avenue (888-957-2322, odysseycruises.com). $139.90 per person. Mon 4, 7–10pm. Ship boards at 6pm. Reservations required.
TABLE fifty-two Fried Chicken Special
There probably isn’t ever a bad time for Chef Art Smith’s famous Southern-style fried chicken. But 4th of July weekend just seems like the, oh, so perfect occasion for this All-American meal. Get it at TABLE fifty-two on Sunday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 5 for $24 (plus tax and tip). 52 W Elm St (312-573-4000). Sunday 4-9pm, Monday 5-10pm.
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