Where D.C. Gets Drunk ON Bastille Day

Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, is basically just July 4th for the French.  It happens ten days after the celebration of our awesomeness, and fêtes pretty much the same thing.  Even if you aren't a French fan, today is a great excuse to join in Francophile revelry and get buck.

In Paris, France's capital, partying abounds with song, dance, a parade down the Champs Elysées and July 4th-worthy fireworks.  What this means for the District is that every Francophile, the tall and the small, will be reliving the 4th today--just as they started to recover.

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Here are some options for celebrating in the District for the Frenchies and Frenchie lovers on this day of La Fête Nationale:

Alexandria's Bastille restaurant plays up its association with today's festivities by offering a $35 prix-fixe (that's French for fixed price, in case you were wondering) meals through July 17th.  Noteworthy dish: vegetable tangine with couscous.

BLT Steak encourages serious bacchanal celebrations today: they're offering half price deals on all French wine.

Café du Parc gets jiggy wit it for lunch and dinner today.  They're offering an outdoor feast fest with live music.  However, given the monsoon outside, I suggest you call in advance to see if the feast fest is moved inside.  Note that the regular menu will not be offered; only the special Bastille Day menu which features traditional French fare and a crêpe station.

L'Enfant Cafe and Bar hosts a Bastille Day block party, much to commuters chagrin.  They take over part of the road outside their 18th and Florida NW location.  The shindig begins at 4 PM and a French Maid race takes place at 8 PM.

Bistro Du Coin gets rowdy around 11 PM tonight (let's be honest, it will probably start before then), when tables are moved out of the way so people can bump and grind to some serious house music.

This list is by no means extensive.  So if you can't get to any of these places, any French restaurant is sure to be doing something to celebrate.  And they need your help.  Bon Anniversaire, France!