The countdown is on for the Fourth of July 2014. Do you know where you’ll be celebrating? If you’re looking for some good eats and boozy refreshments, check out our list of what and where to eat in Denver this Independence Day:
Where to prep for the Fourth
Jax Fish House
What: Reserve your own crab boil for a deliciously filling Fourth
Where: All Jax locations (Denver, Glendale, Fort Collins and Boulder)
When: Reservations must be made before July 1st. Pick up before 10pm on July 3rd
Cost: $45 per person
The Details: To-go crab boils from Jax feature snow crab, shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes & corn all cooked in a delicious, spicy, lemon-rich broth. All you need to enjoy this at home for the Fourth is a pot of water.
Chipotle
What: Buy one get one free premium Patron Margaritas
Where: Select Colorado Chipotle locations. Find out if your nearest Chipotle is participating by calling your local Chipotle or emailing [email protected].
When: Thursdays starting July 3rd from 4-8pm
The Details: Sure, this Colorado fast-casual classic may not be the first place that comes to mind for a holiday celebration. But this year, it’s a great place to kick off the long Independence Day weekend with buy one get one free hand-mixed margs made with premium Patron tequila.
EDGE Bar at the Four Seasons
What: Pick up the ingredients for these two new patriotic cocktails from the Four Season Denver’s lounge or stop in to the EDGE Bar and let their staff mix one up for you.
Where: 111 14th Street in Denver
When: Lunch 11am-2pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm, Bar 10:30am-2am
The Recipes:
Fireworks Martini
1 oz Malibu Rum
1 oz Blue Curacao
Splash of pineapple juice
Splash of cranberry juice
Directions: Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass.
Garnish: Rim the glass with Punch Pop Rocks.
Stars and Stripes
1 oz Marie Brizard Watermelon Liqueur
1 ½ oz Patron Silver Tequila
¼ oz Blue Curacao
½ oz Simple syrup
Splash cranberry juice
1 thin jalapeno slice
1 slice of lemon
1 slice of lime
Directions: Mix the watermelon liqueur and cranberry juice in a shaker. Pour ingredients into a Collins glass full of ice. Muddle the jalapeno, lemon slice and lime slice. Add the tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup in the shaker. Dry shake the ingredients and slowly strain into the Collins glass over the red layer.
Garnish: take a slice of banana and use a cookie cutter to make a star. Lightly place two “banana stars” on top of the drink as the garnish.
Where to celebrate on the Fourth of July, 2014
The Post Brewing Company
What: An Independence Jubilee complete with backyard pig roast
Where: 105 West Emma St. in Lafayette
When: 11am until the pork runs out on on the Fourth
Cost: $12 a plate
The Details: There aren’t many things that are better than beer, pork, and a long weekend. Lafayette’s Post Brewing Company knows that, so they’ll be hosting an Independence Day Jubilee complete with a backyard pig roast. Enjoy whole roasted pork and delicious fresh beer, then shimmy on down the block to watch the local fireworks show. Full menu also available all day.
Zengo & Tamayo
What: Bottomless brunch and $5 Stars and Stripes Margaritas
Where: Zengo 1610 Little Raven St Unit 100; Tamayo 1400 Larimer Street
When: July 4th for Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm; Margarita available all day at both locations
The Details: Start your celebrations early at Richard Sandoval’s Zengo or Tamayo with their bottomless brunch of unlimited small plates and brunch cocktails. Or, stop by in the evening for one of their special Stars & Stripes Margaritas.
Linger
What: View of fireworks from Linger’s patio
Where: 2030 W 30th Avenue in the Highlands
When: Happy hour 4:30-6:30pm; Dinner 5pm-close
The Details: With great city views and an always fun atmosphere, Linger’s patio is one of the best places to grab cocktails in Denver. This year, it’s opening on July Fourth for the first time so you can enjoy your patriotic celebrations with a view.
Lola Mexican Fish House
What: A classic 4th of July BBQ and Taco Eating Contest
Where: 1575 Boulder Street in Denver
When: Noon until the food runs out. Taco eating contest starts at 3:30pm
The Details: Enjoy live music from Lane, Meadows, and Levy of The Congress while munching on eats like smoked chicken wings, duck carnitas tacos and “s’more” on a stick.
Freshcraft
What: Summer-perfect specials for lunch and dinner
Where: 1530 Blake Street in Denver
When: Open at 11am on July 4th
The Details: Firecracker Shrimp Po-Boys with a Tabasco-Chili Aioli for lunch and a BBQ platter for dinner that includes slow smoked baby back ribs and apple pie for desert. Freshcraft will also be tapping The Bruery’s Oude Tart from their special collection and Epic’s Hop Syndrome. Or try the Red, White, and Blue Sangria, frozen red wine ice cubes in a white wine sangria with fresh blueberries.