Fourth of July in LA: Dining and Drinking Specials

Magnolia Bakery's sweet ode to the Red, White and Blue

By Lesley Balla

What do you do when the biggest summer holiday falls smack-dab in the middle of the week? Eat and drink on your day off, that's what. Plenty of spots are open on the Fourth of July, and many offer specials to lure you in before, after and even during the fireworks. Here's a sampling of where to go.

Cafe del Rey
Now that the fireworks are back in Marina del Rey, you can watch them from the windows of this waterside stalwart. A special Americana-themed restaurant will be available - choose from dishes like watermelon gazpacho, bbq chicken, tri-tip, and sorbet floats. Cost is $39 for three courses. Make a reservation for a good table (4451 Admiralty Way; 310-823-6395).

J. Nichols Kitchen
Grab a bite at the family-run diner and then walk over to Fiserhman's Village for the fireworks. Along with the regular menu, get a three-course dinner plus a draft beer for $20. Some choices include pulled pork or chicken sausage sandwiches; a classic burger; Texas-style chili; and blueberry pie (4375 Glencoe Ave.; 310-823-2283).

City Tavern
Beginning Monday, July 2, the late-night happy hour will be available all week - cocktails are $9 after 10 PM. And on July 4, get the cheddar-bacon pretzel and a growler filled with your beer of choice for $15 (9739 Culver Blvd.; 310-838-9739).

Papaya King
Nothing more American than a hot dog. Wear something red, white and blue to the Hollywood stand and get four classic franks for $4, all day long (1645 Wilcox Ave.; 323-871-8799).

Pub at Golden Road
The track-side pub will have vegan and non-vegan Fourth of July specials: Half a rack of pork ribs with bacon baked beans ($18), or veggie skewers with vegan baked beans ($11). Both come with cornbread. Watching trains go by while sipping a few craft beers is obligatory (5410 W. San Fernando Rd.; 213-373-4677).

Tony's Darts Away
Get Louisiana-style hot links or spicy vegan sausage sandwiches and a beer for $10. There will be other bbq-like specials (pulled pork, watermelon lemonade, strawberry shortcake) all day long (1710 W. Magnolia Blvd.; 818-253-1710).

La Grande Orange and the Luggage Room
Pasadena's cafe and pizzeria will both have 4-cent white sangria all day on the Fourth (must order an entree). It's perfect with the fried chicken and/or wood-fired pizzas (260 S. Raymond Ave.; 626-356-4444).

Magnolia Bakery
Need patriotic sweets? The bakery had 4th of July cupcakes, and blueberry pie and jamboree for the holiday. Pre-order or pick up that day (8389 W. 3rd St.; 323-951-0636).

Red White & Brew Bar Crawl
The bars on Main Street will have drinks specials ($3 beers, 2-for-1 cocktails, $5 shots), food, DJs and more from 3-10PM on Wednesday. A percentage of the proceeds will go to The Surfrider Foundation (Santa Monica).

Pink Taco Both locations - Century City and the new West Hollywood spot - has 2-for-1 pitchers of margaritas from 3-7PM and again from 10-11PM. Pink, white and booze, indeed (10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-789-1000; 8225 W. Sunset Blvd., 323-380-7474).