Philadelphia, PA - Vive le 14 Julliet! Celebrate Bastille Day (Thursday, July 14) with Philadelphia’s premier dining and imbibing destinations, including Forsythia, Royal Boucherie, The Dutch, and Stratus Rooftop Lounge — all of which offer festive fare, themed libations, and celebratory happenings in honor of the French national holiday.
Forsythia, Old City’s
Forsythia, Old City’s contemporary French bar and restaurant helmed by Chef Christopher Kearse, has an exceptional commemorative happy hour in-store for foodies and imbibers from Wednesday, July 13 through Friday, July 15. Beverage Director Shawn Miller will be serving up a festive tipple dubbed A Drama In Paris, composed of vodka, absinthe, Cappelletti, smoked simple, and lemon, while Chef Kearse is curating two delightful dishes, the Escargot À La Provençal ($12), prepared with tomato and chartreuse-almond butter, pearl onion, and bergamot crouton, and Seared Foie Gras ($25), crafted with pickled cherries, marcona almonds, and truffle. Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday, 5 – 10 pm for dinner service, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am – 2 pm for brunch service. 233 Chestnut Street
Royal Boucherie
Royal Boucherie, Old City’s lively and atmospheric neighborhood bistro, is taking its French-focused roots to new heights with an elegant, over-the-top evening in honor of Bastille Day on Thursday, July 14. Noted burlesque performer Lelu Lenore will be on-site from 5 - 8 pm dressed to the nines in various Marie Antoinette-inspired costume changes — sure to wow the guests. Attendees can enjoy a spate of rich and flavorful French tapas, and sip on a variety of Champagne-based cocktails while enjoying an all-French playlist. Hours of operation: Wednesday through Thursday, 4 pm–10 pm, Friday, 4 pm–11 pm, and Saturday, 12 pm–11 pm, Sunday, 10 am–9 pm. 52 S 2nd St
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, is kicking off a summer to remember with Vino & Vinyl, with performances by French native-turned-Philly-based DJ Romain, on Thursday, July 14. Guests can enjoy the smooth sounds of vinyl courtesy of Romain, in addition to appearances from professional roller skating dancers, from 8 pm - 11 pm. Imbibers can select from Stratus Rooftop Lounge’s newly refreshed cocktail menu, or opt for half off select bottles of wine, available during each monthly Vino & Vinyl night moving forward. Hours of operation: Wednesday, 4 pm – 10 pm, Thursday, 5 pm – 12 am, Friday, 5 pm – 2 am, and Saturday, 8 pm – 2 am. 433 Chestnut St
The Dutch
The Dutch, the popular breakfast, lunch, and dinner eatery with a focus on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics, is utilizing Chef/Owner Lee Styer’s background in refined French cuisine for one-night-only with an exclusive Bastille Day Dinner, available on Thursday, July 14 for two seatings at 7 pm and 7:30 pm. For $150/per person, the five-course fête includes Tuna Crudo, Sweetbread Pâté, Striped Bass Bouillabaisse, Pork Belly, Beef Tenderloin, and Vanilla Custard Eclair — all paired perfectly with a glass of wine, curated by General Manager Adam Judeh. Hours of operation: Wednesday through Friday from 8 am - 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 are - 3 pm and 5 - 9 pm. 1537 S 11th St
