The Fourth of July is this Friday (meaning a nice long weekend, woohoo!), and it’s a great excuse to enjoy some American foodstuffs and plenty of grilled meats. Here are some places to enjoy yourself, as well as some excellent spots to pick up all the supplies you’ll need for your own feast.
~BAR AGRICOLE~ is having their 36th Annual July Fourth Cookout party from 4:30pm to 8:30pm (we’re not sure how they got to 36 years, since they opened in 2010, but okay). There will be all-you-can-eat oysters and grilled sausages, plus your first American beer is included (and of course you can buy more). Ten percent of all proceeds are going to save the Drakes Bay Oyster Farm, which hit another legal roadblock this week. Tickets are $50 in advance or $55 at the door.
San Francisco has a pretty serious lineup of cool butcher shops, so don’t miss a chance to grill some of their fine meats at your party. First up, despite their French roots, is OLIVIER’S BUTCHERY, where you’ll find a full selection of specials for the holiday, including Louisiana hot links, cheese-stuffed burger patties, chicken wings, and baby back ribs. Here are all the choices; consider ordering ahead for large quantities. 1074 Illinois St. at 22nd St., 415-558-9887.
It wouldn’t be the Fourth without hot dogs, and local butcher shop 4505 MEATS makes some of the best in town. They also butcher sustainable whole animals in-house and offer a huge variety of cuts, as well as housemade sausages. Plus, they’ll be open on the Fourth from 11am-5pm. Call ahead for large or special orders, and check out this informative (and funny) tutorial with owner Ryan Farr on The Bold Italic. 1909 Mission St. at 15th St., 415-255-3094.
BELCAMPO MEAT CO. is raising all their own animals on their ranch in Yreka, then butchering and selling them at shops here in the Bay Area. If you’re headed out of town, they’ve also got locations in Larkspur at the Marin Country Mart, and in Palo Alto, in addition to their newly opened Polk Street location. Starting today, July 1st, they’re offering 20 percent off all ground beef, and also have a great selection of pastured meat, including ribs, sausages, and wings. San Francisco: 1998 Polk St. at Pacific, 415-660-5573; Larkspur: 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle #4 and Lincoln Village, 415-448-5810; Palo Alto: 855 El Camino Real Suite 161 at Alma, 650-561-3492.
Fireworks on the Fourth of July. Flickr photo by DVIDSHUB.
