Beyond the BBQ: Where to eat for July 4

Only just recovered from Memorial Day weekend celebrations? Can’t deal with crowds on the Esplanade? No room to barbecue, or it’s just too much work for you and yours? There are many places around town to relax and enjoy the Fourth, and let someone else do the cooking.

Celebrate the Fourth all month long

The Fireplace

617-975-1900. 1634 Beacon St., Brookline. www.fireplacerest.com

During the entire month of July, The Fireplace’s chef and owner Jim Solomon celebrates the Fourth with a month-long program of dishes favored by US presidents who were born, raised, or vacationed in New England. Among them are Boston’s finest: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and John F. Kennedy. Along with The Fireplace’s always
all-American Red, White and Blue wine list, there will be some presidential tipples featured, too.

Where would American liberty be without the French?

Bistro du Midi

272 Boylston St., Boston. 617-426-7878. www.bistrodumidi.com.

Without General Lafayette and French backing, independence from the British Crown would have been a whole different story. Bistro du Midi celebrates Franco-American Independence with its new 714 menu. Chef Robert Sisca’s special four-course prix fixe menu celebrates two events: American Independence Day and French Bastille Day, which is a national French holiday held on July 14. The 714 menu is named for its seven options in one prix fixe over four courses, including halibut crudo with salty white anchovy and olives from Provence, duck Bolognese over garganelli pasta, gianduja chocolate beignets with lavender creme—all of which can be a tasty change from burgers and dogs. Available Jul. 4-Jul. 14. $49/person, not including tax and gratuity.

Celebrate freedom at The Liberty Hotel

The Liberty Hotel Red, White and Ewe

215 Charles St., Boston. 617-224-4001. www.libertyhotel.com

This isn’t your average backyard barbecue: The Liberty’s Red, White and Ewe event is held in the hotel’s private, outdoor, shrubbery-lined Yard courtyard. Chef Bradford Rainville is cooking up a Middle Eastern style lamb shawarma with pita, harissa, and tzatziki; a lamb burger with smoked cheddar and caramelized onion; and a spicy lamb merguez served on a bun with Dijon mustard and pickled onions. Pair with some farm fresh sides, and a local draft or a cocktail or two. Chill with live music from the Conscious Reggae Band. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. $30 per person.