Whether you’re a dedicated Francophile or you thought until recently that Bastille was that Lincoln Park wine bar your roommate likes, Tuesday celebrations — and savings — at these six spots should be all the reason you need to commemorate the French revolution.
Marche
833 W. Randolph St.
312-226-8399
The place: This colorful and playful West Loop spot feels bold any night of the week, but on Bastille Day, you can take a real Josephine Baker-style, risque romp through Paris. Watch burlesque performances by Michelle L’Amour and her Lavender Cabaret and dance to Bastille Day tunes alongside maidens dressed in sexy French Revolution costumes (7-9 p.m.).
Bastille deal: A special menu features French martinis ($11), escargots ($9), coq au vin ($21) and more. An entree purchase gets you a $50 gift certificate for your next visit.
Savings: Free entertainment; $50 on future visit
Bistro Campagne
4518 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-271-6100
The place: A cozy cottage atmosphere and courtyard patio overlooking gardens with lounging areas and a mosaic fountain set the stage for romance at this Lincoln Square fave.
Bastille deal: Say oui to good taste and good health at a five-course French wine dinner created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients ($60), including house-smoked and -cured trout served with Domaine de Roally chardonnay.
Savings: $18-$24
Kiki’s Bistro
900 N. Franklin St.
312-335-5454
The place: Outside, there’s a landscaped terrace. Inside, the decor at this Near North spot kicks up higher than a can-can dancer’s leg with French flags, balloons and a large-scale Eiffel Tower. Local musician Chris Beckstrom performs classic French songs on piano and accordion.
Bastille deal: Order an entree, including roast chicken ($18.95), steak frites ($19.95) or sauteed duck breast ($24.75), and get a gift certificate for free ice cream or sorbet on your next visit. Valet parking is free.
Savings: $10-$20 for parking (based on neighborhood rates); $6 on future visit; free entertainment
Bistro 110
110 E. Pearson St. 312-266-3110
The place: This longstanding Mag Mile spot features colorful murals by French artist Alain Vavro, a copper-topped bar and a covered sidewalk patio, and, of course, the authentic cuisine of French executive chef Dominique Tougne.
Bastille deal: Dine like a king on a pauper’s budget — all entrees and glasses of upscale Krug champagne cost $17.89. Marie Antoinette (OK, an impersonator) makes an appearance and serves complimentary cake.
Savings: Up to $17.11 per entree; $47.11 per glass of champagne
Brasserie Jo
59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800
The place: The white tablecloths, dark wood and banquette seating at this River North mainstay are reminiscent of brasseries in chef-proprietor Jean Joho’s native Alsace. Celebrate indoors with live jazz from the Gypsy Gitans and Alfonso Ponticelli, or put a beret on your pooch and dine on the dog-friendly sidewalk patio.
Bastille deal: Special “Frenchies” and “Loire Valley” menus ($12.95-$24.95) feature traditional cuisine including sauteed sweetbreads with crispy macaroni and blood sausage with pommes puree, apples and onions. Pair them with Kronenbourg draft or bottled beer ($3.50) and enter a Tour de France contest to win dinner for two or a racing bike.
Savings: $3.75 on beer; free entertainment
Koda Bistro
10352 S. Western Ave.
773-445-5632
The place: The modern-chic interior of this neighborhood spot in Beverly features slate floors, dark red bistro window treatments, gold faux-finished walls and an LED bar. Parlez vous upscale?
Bastille deal: Chef Aaron Browning (of Everest, Le Vichyssoise and others) offers a one-night-only, five-course French wine dinner for $90, which includes filet mignon tournedos with seared foie gras and black truffle sauce paired with Chateau Carabins Margaux. Like the wines? Purchase a bottle directly from the purveyor at the end of the meal.
Savings: $34
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Everyday Francais
Got other plans on Tuesday? (Plans to storm a fortress, perhaps?) Check out these French deals throughout the week.
La Tache
1475 W. Balmoral Ave. 773-334-7168
$20 three-course meal (Mondays)
La Sardine
111 N. Carpenter St. 312-421-2800
$25 three-course dinner (daily)
Brasserie Jo
59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800
$1 French-style hot dogs on baguette with mustard (5-7 p.m. daily through July 31)
Le Bouchon
1958 N. Damen Ave. 773-862-6600
$25 three-course Lyonnaise menu (daily)
La Petite Folie
1504 E. 55th St.
773-493-1394
$32 three-course meal (5-6:30 p.m. Tue.-Sun.)
— J.B.
