Put down your white bread and raise that baguette proudly. Bastille Day—which commemorates the Storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789—is headed to San Francisco in a big way.
To properly celebrate, we've rounded up the best events and menus happening around the city for this special occasion.
Cafe Claude will be serving up delish bites, intoxicating cocktails, and live jazz for all you Francophones out there. The restaurant will also offer a $45 four-course menu featuring French classics such as oyster soup, duck cassoulet, and pot de crème. How could you not go? Reservations are recommended but not required so make sure to get there early to snag a table. // 7 Claude Lane, cafeclaude.com
Gitane is offering up smooth yet rich cocktails to patrons who stop by for the Bastille weekend. Gitane will feature a daily Fête Cocktail ($7.14) and a four-course celebration menu ($65), with classic French dishes including house-cured salmon gravlax, salad Lyonnaise, and pain perdu. So why are you not marking this in your calendar? // 6 Claude Lane, gitanerestaurant.com
Gaspar Brasserie knows how to celebrate a holiday; head down for a festive champagne flight ($17.89), and a four-course prix fixe menu ($65). On Tuesday, Gaspar Brasserie welcomes chef Hubert Keller into the kitchen. This one-of-a-kind Bastille Day celebration features a dinner menu prepared by chefs Hubert Keller and Chris Jones together, for twice the flavor. // 185 Sutter Street, gasparbrasserie.com
Amelie Wine Bar will be your one-stop destination for all things French this Tuesday, and of course, wine. Happy hour starts promptly at 5pm and moves into 7pm with live performances by Jayro. The special for the evening? Magnum of Rose from Provence ($40). The dress code: Mariniere, or blue stripes for those who can't read french. Wearing a beret for extra points is not a bad idea, either. // 1754 Polk Street, ameliewinebar.com
Bouche on Bush will be serving those who prefer to dine late (in true Eureopean fashion). Open until 1am, come and enjoy the a la carte menu they have prepared for the special occasion. A 3-course meal ($55) has been added just for Bastille Day, get there while you can. // 603 Bush Street, bouchesf.com
La Folie, an old time favorite, will be serving a choice of two five-course prix fixe menus: The Revolution ($150) and the Royaliste ($175). Both fully loaded with every course known to a French stomach, La Folie patrons will experience the decadence of true french cuisine. // 2316 Polk Street, lafolie.com
And if you're too indecisive to decide how to celebrate Bastille Day, then move on down to Belden Place and walk the side alley where food, drink, and aroma fill the air. Many of the restaurants such as, B44, Belden Taverna, Brindisi Cucina Di Mare, and more will be welcoming all who pass by with open seating and specialized menus just for the Bastille weekend. So what are you waiting for? Throw this wonderful holiday into your iCal now. // belden-place.com
