At SquareMeal, we’re big fans of savoury, sweet and deliciously deep-fried US comfort food. The Fourth of July is the perfect excuse to indulge in Uncle Sam’s favourite dishes and drinks – think triple patty burgers, racks of ribs, smooth Kentucky whiskies and more. To celebrate all things red, white and blue, here’s our pick of the best restaurants to visit on the Fourth of July.
Balthazar, Covent Garden
What: Sing ‘Bye Bye Miss American Pie’ while nibbling on the classic American treat. Balthazar is celebrating Independence Day by transforming into an American Pie shop serving homemade sweets such as New York Cheesecake, key lime pie and more. While there, get a little rowdy in true 4 July fashion and pie your friends in the face with the restaurant’s take on the Pie Face game.
Where: 4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ
How much: An individual slice of pie, £3
The Gallery, West Hampstead
What: Why not keep the festivities going well into the next day? On 5 July, The Gallery is hosting Whisky 101 where guests can indulge in American South classics. The menu, which oozes savouriness, features comfort foods such as fried chicken and pulled pork sliders. Chase them with your choice of whiskies provided by Heaven Hill, a Kentucky distiller, or with a beer from London-based brewers FourPure.
Where: 190 Broadhurst Gardens, NW6 3AY
How much: £15 per ticket
M Victoria Street, Victoria
What: Fireworks are as essential to the Fourth of July as they are to Guy Fawkes Night. For a stars and stripes sparkler display in London, M Victoria Street is hosting an Independence Day, serving USDA prime T-bone steaks and a specially curated cocktail menu with drinks made from Kentucky-based brand Bulleit Bourbon. The restaurant will be hosting its own fireworks display too.
Where: Zig Zag Building, Victoria Street, SW1E 6SQ
How much: Salt aged USDA prime T-Bone steak, £45
Maxwell’s Bar and Grill, Covent Garden
What: All-you-can-eat chicken wings, sizzling fajitas and triple beef patty burgers are among the menu items you can pick from at Maxwell’s Fourth of July party. The dishes are part of the restaurant’s Daily Deals offers, and on Independence Day, each is served with a free beer or milkshake.
Where: 34 King Street, WC2E 8JD
How much: Triple beef patty burgers daily deal, £19.95
Rumpus Room, South Bank
What: Nothing screams USA more than bourbon whisky and beer pong. Celebrate the stars and stripes on the rooftop of the Mondrian hotel, as the Rumpus Room is hosting an all-American party complete with an American-inspired menu featuring sloppy Joe sliders, buttermilk popcorn chicken and more, alongside cocktails crafted with Kentucky bourbon brands Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam.
Where: Mondrian London, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
How much: Buttermilk popcorn chicken, £12
Sea Containers, South Bank
What: Before making your way to the above Rumpus Room, indulge in the best Independence Day foods at Sea Containers. The restaurant’s “All-American” menu features Maryland crab cakes served with frisee salad and mustard dressing, barbecue ribs and drinks including the Mississippi mudslide, made with Bulleit Bourbon, orange zest, chocolate and whipped cream.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
How much: Mississippi mudslide, £13
Smith & Wollensky, Covent Garden
What: Swap the beers and bourbon for wine this year and join Smith & Wollensky as it hosts an Independence Day Wine Extravaganza featuring over 70 wines from around the world to sample. Should you fancy something to eat or pair your wine with, enjoy the three-course set menu on offer, which includes steamed cod, smoked duck carpaccio and more.
Where: 1-11 John Adam Street, WC2N 6HT
How much: £25 for wine tasting, £60 for set menu