While most people have Independence Day off from work, Houston's service industry will be at their stations, behind the bar and on the line. Prior to fighting the heat and the mosquitos at the fireworks extravanganza of your choice, consider one of these special food events.
Catch The Houston Wave for this event that brings together craft beer, great burgers and fireworks. Don't worry — the folks drinking the beer aren't allowed to light the fireworks. Meet at Silver Street Studios at 5 p.m. to head to BRC Gastropub for burgers and a pint. The tour continues with a tour and tasting at local favorite Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. Finally, return to Silver Street to watch the city's fireworks with music and a nightcap. 21+ only, $60 per person.
Want to eat on your own? Join in on the fun in the parking lot for $10.
Pappy Van Winkle Tasting at Reserve 101
As an object of cult-like obsession, few spirits generate as much reverence as Pappy Van Winkle. At 5 p.m. on Friday, downtown whiskey bar Reserve 101 will open a bottle of each Pappy expression. They are: Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr 107 Proof ($12 for 1.5oz pour), 12-year old Van Winkle Special Reserve ($15), 13-year old Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye ($17), 15-year old Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve ($25), Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 year ($40) and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 year ($80).
With only 18 shots in each bottle, they'll go quickly. Better to start the night there than hope any is left at the end.
Summer Smoke Sessions at The Flat
Get a preview of upcoming restaurant El Burro & The Bull when celebrated pitmaster John Avila serves barbecue at The Flat. The menu includes traditional barbecue favorites like brisket and ribs as well as a few of Avila's Second Ward specialties like elotes. As for his stint in Brooklyn, that's represented by kale salad.
Service kicks off at 5 p.m., which leaves people plenty of time to walk over to Freedom Over Texas afterwards.
'Merica, F-Yeah Party at The League of Extraordinary Brewers
Downtown Houston's only brewpub will be featuring $3 Texas drafts, a special collectible cup and a keg of Stone Enjoy by 7/4 at its Independence Day party. Munch on $5 bar bites like barbecue pulled pork mac & cheese, French toast and grilled cheeses (made with beer cheese).
Can anyone consume too much bacon? Find out by sampling the three-course bacon menu paired with bacon beer. When the time is right, everyone will walk over to a nearby spot to watch fireworks and celebrate the end of the festivities with a beer toast at midnight.
July 4th with French flair at Bistro Provence
Independence Day may be the most stereotypically American holiday when it comes to eating. Which explains why French restaurant Bistro Provence is bringing a French twist to the classic hamburger and hot dog. At lunch, a barbecued merguez sausage on a baguette with a side of potato salad ($13) substitutes for the hot dog.
At dinner, a healthy six-ounce filet gets topped with foie gras and served with sauteed potatoes ($29). Classic American? Probably not. Delicious? Seems highly likely.
Reserve 101 will open these six bottles of ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle at 5 p.m. on Friday.
A rendering previews the restaurant's new location.Courtesy of Saigon Hustle
Saigon Hustle co-founders Cassie Ghaffar and Sandy Nguyen.Photo by Al Torres