Fourth of July To-Go: Take-Out Options Around the District

Let’s be honest. The best part about a Fourth of July celebration is the food. If you’re not a self-proclaimed grill master and the idea of hosting a backyard barbecue sounds daunting, don’t fret. Restaurants and catering companies around the DMV are here to help. Many are offering patriotic packages so you can impress your guests without all the hard work in the kitchen. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite offerings so you can let the pros handle your festive Fourth fête. 

Summer BBQ, Dabney-style

This mid-Atlantic menu screams classic Americana. It includes bacon buttermilk biscuits, cucumber salad, watermelon and feta salad, hearth-grilled potato salad, barbecued chicken and pork ribs, baked beans and summer berry cobbler. The full selection is available for take-out for $55 per person.

An Italian picnic from Officina

Whether you’re picnicking in your backyard or at a peaceful waterfront locale, this is a carefree meal for two for $50. The kit features an array of salumi, preserves and snacks, plus the option to add batched cocktails. 

Family meal with Big Bear Cafe

What could be better than sharing a big plate of tacos? The corn and flour tortillas are stuffed with slow-roasted pulled pork, and are accompanied by black beans and rice, spicy cabbage slaw and guacamole. Plus, there are sticky buns with fruit and whipped cream for dessert, and you can pair it with beer, cider or wine. The package is $48 and drinks are available à la carte. 

Coastal fare from Komi

Bring the beach to your backyard with a seafood dinner for two. Enjoy seven pescatarian dishes, including pita with tzatziki and grilled red pepper dip, Greek salad and whipped feta, semolina sourdough with Maryland crab and sweet peas, grilled prawns, smashed/fried potatoes, branzino for two and Greek ice cream on a stick, all for $230.

Build your own barbecue with Trés Creole

Get a little of everything with individual or family-style options like BBQ chicken, baby back ribs, smoked brisket and fried whiting or catfish. Prices range from $14-$60 depending on size, and each main comes with a choice of two sides, such as mac and cheese, collard greens, potato salad, pasta salad and corn bread. 

‘Nox Box by Equinox Restaurant 

There’s something for everyone – including plant-based eaters – with this shareable spread. Select one your favorite item for each course, with options like yellow tomato and pineapple gazpacho, cauliflower and cremini mushroom kabobs, balsamic-soy glazed hanger steak and white chocolate cake. The box is $50 per person and sangria can be added for an additional cost.

BBQ and bevvy bundle from BBQ Bus

Choose your size and customize a bundle of all the cookout essentials, from smoked meats, sauces and classic sides to craft cocktails, beer and wine. Of course, each bundle also comes with bread and house-pickled veggies. Prices range from $65 to $195 depending on how many people you’re trying to feed. 

HalfSmoke’s half-smokes

This restaurant’s namesake will be the star of their $40 holiday special, which includes two half-smokes, two sides and six-pack of SoulMega beer.

Bento boxes from Daikaya

Perfect for taking with you for a picnic or enjoying at home, these grab-and-go bento boxes are $20 each. The vegetarian bento includes steamed summer veggies with yuzu kosho and sesame dressings, taro croquette, tamagoyaki omelette, steamed rice and pickled cucumbers. The pork bento is the same but with pork loin steak and roasted eel.

Family-style feasts from Healthy Fresh Meals

This meal delivery company is offering a holiday menu with portions serving four to six people. Options include potato salad, shredded BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, half-smokes, jalapeño cheddar cornbread, Maryland seasoned shrimp and baked beans. Prices range from $6 to $19 per dish.

DIY Grill Kits

If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, a grill kit might be your speed. You can still let the chefs do most of the work, but take on the grilling yourself with ready-to-cook meats and prepared sides. Check out these offerings at Albi, ANXO, Bresca, Centrolina, Fare Well, Gravitas, Neighborhood Provisions and Reverie.

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