French Independence
The top 6 ways to celebrate Bastille Day around Austin
Tuesday, July 14, is Bastille Day, the French equivalent of July 4. In honor of French independence, a host of restaurants around town have prepared special food and drink menus with an assortment of French wines, cocktails, bites and desserts. Take a gander at the top culinary celebrations to attend this Bastille Day.
Arro
Fine French restaurant Arro celebrates Bastille Day with half-price rosé and a special chef’s board with fresh charcuterie; French cheeses; and warm, buttery brioche. Arro's bakery companion, Easy Tiger, also celebrates in true French spirit. The downtown favorite will prepare freshly baked brioche, available for purchase at the restaurant and the bakery market.
Justine's
Perhaps the most French-centric restaurant in town, Justine's hosts its famous annual bash on Tuesday. In addition to authentic French food, the chic restaurant has organized live music from Metal Urbain, Pinata Protest and DJ Jello Biafra. A beautiful art installation, French Revolution T-shirts and a playful photo booth accompany the lively get-together, which runs from 8:30 pm - 2 am. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Péché
Starting at 4 pm, Peche serves $5 absinthe specials along with an assortment of French-based bites, including pork rillette; leek and bacon quiche; salad lyonnaise; friture frit with garlic aioli; and a decadent platter of brains, toast, boudin noir and bone marrow. There will be Bastille libations and vittles aplenty at this all-night celebration.
Texas French Bread
The local bakery and restaurant has planned a yummy French independence celebration during dinner service. Join the rest of the crowd on the patio as guests drink and feast on $7 rosé, $7 bowls of mussels and $7 orders of frites. You won’t leave hungry!
laV
Quickly becoming Austin’s favorite fine French establishment, laV has planned an elegant Bastille celebration. The jardins de laV offers complimentary appetizers (from 6-7 pm), an open bar, live music from an '80s cover band and a slew of options from the adorable Say laV trailer. Tickets are available for $40 presale, $50 at the door. Tickets include an open bar pass, two dinner items and free snacks from the trailer during the first hour. A portion of the evening's earnings will benefit the Wimberley Relief Fund. Call or email to secure reservations.
Chez Nous
Grab your friends and head over to Chez Nous, one of Austin’s most popular French establishments, to celebrate French independence. The local bistro is hosting a traditional “a la carte” dinner celebration from 6-10:30 pm on Bastille Day.