As we head into summer and July 4th celebrations, the new normal of celebrating at a distance will affect Independence Day gatherings, too. While large events may not be on this year’s menu, we’ve gathered a few places that are offering to-go options — plus nearby green spaces — so you can still celebrate with traditional summer foods and barbecues, even if it’s apart.
Liberty Barbecue
Offering a 4th of July Bundle ($135/serves 8-10), the smoked menu includes two meats, three sides, 12 mini corn muffins, 12 deviled eggs, 12 potato buns, house-made pickles and signature sauces. You can also add on smoked wings, a rack of pork ribs, pickle-brined fried chicken, salads, small bites, and desserts.
Park: Madison Park, 334 Lawton St, Falls Church
J. Gilbert’s
Neighborhood McLean favorite J. Gilbert’s invites guests to roll up their sleeves and put on a bib to enjoy their Seafood Boil Kit ($150/serves 4-6), featuring shrimp, lobster tails, crab legs, clams, sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes and seasonings, plus bibs and newspaper.
Park: McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolly Madison Blvd, McLean
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon
If going for an afternoon drive is in your plans, then consider heading out to Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Inn, a great place to celebrate July 4th on the land of the nation’s first president. Open for tours 365 days a year, the Inn’s July 4th Picnic includes your choice of grilled barbecue chicken or rack of ribs, plus sides of grilled shrimp salad, cornbread salad, summer slaw, and sliced ciabatta bread, and s’mores kit or apple pie to finish, with beer, wine and mixed drinks available for an additional cost. ($25.99/person)
Park: Mount Vernon Bowling Green (on the Mount Vernon Estate property)
Roots 657 Restaurant
42301 Spinks Ferry Rd, Leesburg
Out in Loudoun County, you’ll find the Roots 657 Restaurant, which is offering a weekly rotating menu of family-style prepared meals that you can pick up and have on hand. For this Independence Day, the restaurant presents a 4th of July Special, featuring their famous ribs, paired with corn pudding and coleslaw ($19.99/person for half rack, $34.99/whole rack). While you’re picking up the ribs, be sure to grab some Maryland Corn & Crab Soup or Smokehouse Chili, sold by the quart.
Park: Lucketts Community Park, 14560 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg
Ted & The Bully Bar
1200 19th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Celebrate July 4th in the heart of D.C. at Dupont Circle’s Teddy & The Bully Bar, which pays tribute to the nation’s 26th president with their simple, classic American comfort food menu. For the 4th, the restaurant is offering Bottomless BBQ. On the menu, you’ll find grilled hotdogs, short rib burgers, cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken and ribs, plus corn, mac & cheese, baked beans, southern-style coleslaw, caesar salad, and potato salad, with watermelon and banana pudding for dessert. Specialty cocktails available. $18/ages 12 and younger, $25/food-only, $41/food and cocktails.
Park: Farragut Square, 912 17th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar
11825 Grand Park Ave, Bethesda
Bethesda’s Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar is making it’s July 4th celebration an all-day affair. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.,m., patrons will be able to enjoy cocktails and small plates, plus salad, tacos, pizzas, and more.
Park: Wall Park, 5900 Executive Blvd, Rockville
Have additional take-out options and great picnic spots in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia? Leave us a comment!