Looking for a place to chill out and grab a bite – or perhaps just pick up a picnic meal – on your way to the July 4th festivities and fireworks display on the Mall? These spots will help you enjoy Independence Day in style.
Charlie Palmer Steak: Just steps from the Mall, this New American steakhouse will be serving a family-friendly buffet of old-fashioned favorites like Kobe hot dogs, sliders and crab cakes, along with a carving station, cotton candy, ice-cream sundaes and a chocolate fountain (4–10 PM; $39 per adult; $15 for children 12 and under; 202-547-8100).
Hudson: A New England–style clambake minus the flies and the sand is on hand at this Penn Quarter New American. The massive meal includes crabs, lobsters, steamed bivalves, fresh corn on the cob and more, all served on the restaurant's lovely patio (5–11 PM; $80 for two people; $160 for four; regular menu will also be available; 202-872-8700).
Johnny's Half Shell: This Capitol Hill seafooder will be shelling out picnics-to-go packed in coolers – think roast chicken and vegetable salad along with Valerie Hill’s peerless blueberry and pecan pies; order by 3 PM on July 2nd (pickups from 1–6 PM; $50 for two servings; $95 for four; 202-737-0400).
Les Halles: Sit back on the terrace and watch the crowds heading to the Mall – or chill in this Downtown brasserie's air-conditioned interior – while sipping vino and enjoying steak frites or one of the "Liberty Festival" specials like crawfish bisque (11:30 AM–midnight; 202-347-6848).
Liaison Capitol Hill: Rooftop views of the fireworks and innovative, à la carte barbecue fare as well as cocktails and snacks mark the first glimpse into this posh, recently renovated hotel whose regional American restaurant, Art & Soul, is slated to open this fall (5–9 PM, barbecue; 5–11 PM cocktails; 415 New Jersey Ave. NW; 202-638-1616).