Holidays

Let Them Eat [Free Cup]Cakes at La Boulange, and More Bastille Day Ideas

This would be a stock image of the Arc de Triomphe.
This would be a stock image of the Arc de Triomphe. Photo: iStock Image

Tomorrow is Bastille Day, and given the fraternité between France and the little, semi-socialist, food-obsessed bubble that is San Francisco, it’s fitting that there are plenty of Bastille Day fêtes around town each year. Below, our list of a few good ideas for ways to mangez-vous.


Café des Amis - Chef Justin Deering will be making cassoulet, and there’ll be a special Storm the Bastille cocktail, as well as Happy Hour specials all day, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Belden Lane - The unofficial ‘French Quarter’ usually charges $10 admission just to come in to the alley. The restaurants mostly serve up drinks and small bites, and it’s a grand Frenchie time.

Bisou Bistro - The kiss-laden Castro bistro is offering several special dishes for the holiday, and will have three DJs spinning throughout the night.

Bistro Central Parc - They’ll have a few special menu items, but no prix fixe. They’re keeping it simple like a true bistro would.

La Boulange - The bakery-café chain is hosting Le Cupcake Revolution from 3 to 4 p.m. tomorrow, or until supplies last. At each of their 13 Bay Area locations they’ll be giving away 500 free lemon cupcakes.

Chez Papa Bistrot - They’re doing a 3-course prix fixe dinner menu for $34.95, with their regular menu available as well.

Grand Café - They’re really getting into the spirit with someone dressed as Marie Antoinette, who’ll be handing out cake.

Lafitte - Chef Russell Jackson is doing a $49 prix-fixe menu in honor of Richard Olney, one of the most well-known French food writers and chefs. The menu will include Artichokes with Two Mousses (Fonds D’Artichauts aux deux Mousses), and Sole with Fine Herbs & Braised Cucumbers (Filets de sole aux fines herbes avec Concombres a l’etuvee), and beverage pairing are a mere $10 extra.

RN74 - The French-inflected eatery in the Michael Mina empire is throwing their annual fête, which includes a costume contest requiring “Parisian” attire. Anyone who comes in costume gets a drink ticket, and admission is free. There’ll be dollar oysters and pastries, and the fun goes from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Related: Say Oh La La! at These Bastille Day Celebrations [Tablehopper]

Let Them Eat [Free Cup]Cakes at La Boulange, and More Bastille Day Ideas