How to celebrate Bastille Day in Philadelphia

To celebrate like a true Parisian, here are a few ways to celebrate and enjoy Bastille Day in Philadelphia. 

Forsythia

Chef Christopher Kearse’s French gem will be celebrating the holiday this Friday, July 14, with a special food and drink menu that will be at the Old City venue for one day only. While there, Philadelphians can indulge in Escargot à la Provençal, Tuna Niçoise Crudo, Blue Moon Acres Tomato (made with rosè vinegar, burrata panna cotta, caviar and African blue basil), a Softshell Crab BLT, Panisse with Raclette Cheese Fondue and a Baba au Grand Mariner (boasting white peach, raspberry and lemon balm.)

For the more spirited side of the offerings, Forsythia will also be serving up the “Cinq à Sept” ($12) made with cognac, Grand Marnier, absinthe and lemon, “A Drama in Paris” ($12) made with vodka, Cappelletti, absinthe and lemon, the “La Vie en Rose” ($12) made with gin, Lillet Rosé, Carpano Bitter and lime-thyme cordial, plus a Kronenbourg 1664 ($6) and Absinthe ($12). 

Those who head to Forsythia will also be able to view the Citröen DS, a legendary automobile produced by French car manufacturer Citröen between 1955 and 1975 while there, a release states. The vehicle will be parked in front of the venue from 4 to 7 p.m. on July 14, and the owners will also be available to engage with guests, including assisting in photography with the car.

And lastly, on Bastille Day, Forsythia will not be offering à la carte service until after 7 p.m. Forsythia’s everyday beverage menu will be available however, in addition to the Bastille Day specials, a release finishes.

233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com

Royal Boucherie

For Bastille Day in Philadelphia, Royal Boucherie will be commemorating the occasion all week long. From now until Saturday, July 15, the Old City bar/restaurant will offer a curated menu spanning Oyster and Champagne Shooters (with foie gras consommé, caviar and quail egg yolk), an Escargot and Brie Crépe, Foie Gras and Roasted Peach Tarte, A5 Wagyu Sirloin “Bourguignon”, and Goat Cheese Napoleon.

While there, Philadelphians can also sip on Laurent Perrier ($20 per glass, split for $50), Francois Ducrot ‘Auguste’ Orange ($13 per glass), Domaine Barons de Rothschild Lafite d’Aussieres Chardonnay ($14 per glass), and Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir ($14). Additionally, the venue will also be serving up a Parisian Sour (comprised of brown butter washed cognac, peach, and a red wine float), and the Marseille Martini (mixed with blue cheese-washed St. George Reposado Gin, blanc vermouth, and a blue cheese olive garnish)—both of which were created by lead bartender Eden Beschen.

52 S. 2nd St., royalboucherie.com

Parc

On Friday, July 14, families can head to the Rittenhouse hotspot for a full celebration of Bastille Day in Philadelphia. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Parc will be offering special food and beverage options like an ice cream cart on site (until 7 p.m. or sold out), a St. Germain Cart (2:30 to 5 p.m.), French lemonade, a classic French tuna salad sandwich, jumbo macarons, plus, plenty of entertainment, such as arts and crafts and balloons.

The Midnight Society Band will also be on-site to play jazz, lounge and swing music, and there will be other surprises set throughout the day as well. 

227 S. 18th St., parc-restaurant.com

Rodin Garden Bar

The Young Friends will take over the Rodin’s seasonal Garden Bar for an evening full of Bastille Day celebrations spanning music, art and French-inspired food and beverages this Friday from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Highlights include a floral-focused mini studio session by Jajhira Photography, French-focused drinks and snacks, tunes and poetry by DuiJi Mshinda, and more while you relax surrounded by the Auguste Rodin sculptures and take in the sunset over the reflecting pool and  flowers.

 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, philamuseum.org