4th of July 2013: Where to celebrate

Back when I was younger and living in Illinois, 4th of July meant huge family picnics in a local park lasting throughout the afternoon and the evening; wrapping up only after the big finale.

Since I have lived in Arizona, it’s been just too hot to even think about an outdoor picnic, and to be completely honest we have spent the last few years peering out our second story window to catch the fireworks from the cool ac’d indoors.

This year, with so many great food specials for the Fourth, we may have to venture out of the house! Check out these local specials and let us know what your Fourth is going to look (and taste) like.

• The Herb Box

Location: SouthBridge: 7134 E. Stetson Dr., Suites 100-200, Scottsdale  DC Ranch: 20707 N. Pima Rd., Suites 140-145, Scottsdale

Special: The Herb Box is hosting a Sunday Summer Supper series and will feature a Made in the USA dinner celebrating the flavors of our great country. You will find yourself feasting on Squash Puppies served with green tomato jam, Coffee Molasses smoked beef brisket topped with Tabasco fried shallots served with roasted red potato salad, and salute the end of your meal with a Star Spangled All American apple pie with cinnamon ice cream. For only $30 per person, you’re sure to feel patriotic by the time the bill comes.

Dates: 7/2/13 through 7/4/13

• Sapporo Scottsdale

Special: Firecracker Roll: A spicy combination of seared yellowtail, crab mix, avocado, jalapeno, and a garlic butter sauce sure to cause an explosion of flavor. $13. The Red, White and Blue: A delicate layering of grenadine, blue curacao, vodka, lemon juice and a splash of simple syrup on the rocks. Straw is served on the side, allowing guests to mix the colorful cocktail – or not! $10. Select Red and White Wines (sorry – no blue wine!) will also be available at happy hour pricing all day, every day. Prices start at $5/glass. Full summer happy hour and drink menu – including their newly launched summer Liquid Market cocktails and a large selection of summer sushi rolls – will also be offered all day, every day.

Dates: 7/3/13 through 7/7/13

• Sandbar

Location: All three Sandbar locations in Peoria, Chandler and in Desert Ridge.

Special: A spicy Mexican menu and an array of tropical drinks make the Sandbar a great spot to wind down, dance to resident DJ’s on the dance floor, or get competitive with friends in the game lounge. All three locations will be offering their Sandbar, Stars & Stripes specials including $4 apple pie shots, $5 america-ritas, $4 bomb pop shots, $7 bbq pork mac’n’cheese, and Happy Hour from 3-7pm.

Dates: July 3rd, 4th and 5th

• Sprinkles

Location: 4501 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Special: Celebrate this 4th of July with Sprinkles’ 4th of July Box. Filled with six lemon blueberry and six red velvet cupcakes and topped with patriotic stars–these decadent treats are sure to add fireworks to any holiday BBQ.

Dates: 6/21/13 through 7/7/13

• Bobby Q

Special: Stars and Stripes FOUR-ever. This Independence Day, Bobby Q is supplying revelers with four barbeque essentials that will be known as “The July Four”. Available on to-go orders only, The July Four will include:  ½ lb. of hand-sliced Smoked Brisket,  ½ lb. of seasoned Pulled Pork, 4 large BBQ buns and a 5oz bottle of Bobby Q’s signature BBQ sauce for only $17.76 (get it??).

Dates: 07/04/13

Phone: Call 602-995-5982 to order

• Westgate Firework Fest

Are you looking for more than just exploding flavors? Westgate is ready to put on a show for you with what they believe will be the West Valley’s largest fireworks show and festival. From 5pm to 9:30pm on July 4th, you will treated to a spectacular 25 minute firework show (beginning at 9pm), face painting and a splash pad for the littles, live music, historic military vehicle display, Grab & Go or Drive-In style meals from almost all Westgate restaurants and an All-American Pub Crawl with drink special for guests 21 and over. All Military members will receive discounts during the event.

Whether you opt to pull up and park in any Westgate parking lot to catch the show or if you choose to bring a blanket and claim a great spot, you won’t be lacking for any dining options.

Check out these Westgate Deals:

• Calico Jack’s Cantina

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – $5 “dinner-in-a-bag”. Adult bag comes with a bean & cheese burrito and chips. Kid’s bag comes with a choice of bean & cheese burrito or cheese quesadilla and chips. Create a family of four meal for $20.

All-American Pub Crawl – $1 drinks from 9-11pm and $2 drinks from 11pm-midnight (all drinks are wells, wines, and domestic drafts). No cover.

Military members – Receive 10% off total bill with military ID.

• McFadden’s

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – $2 hot dogs and $5 pub salads.

All-American Pub Crawl – $1 drinks from 9-11pm and $2 drinks from 11pm-midnight (all drinks are wells, wines, and domestic drafts). No cover.

Military members – Receive 10% off with military ID.

• Saddle Ranch Chop House

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – 2 Chicken Tacos for $5.50.

All-American Pub Crawl – Red, White & Blue Specialty Carafe for $12.

Military members – Receive 10% off with military ID.

• The Shout! House

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – Burger or foot-long hot dog, fries and soda for $8.

All-American Pub Crawl – $5 Big Ass Leinenkugel Summer Shandy. No cover.

Military members – Receive $2 Domestic Drafts with military ID.

Doors open at 7pm. Pianos at 8pm.

• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – 50% off all to-go appetizers from 4-7pm (excluding Volcano Nachos). Kids eat free with the purchase of two adult entrees (receive one free kids meal with the purchase of two entrees.)

All-American Pub Crawl ­­– 20 oz. Landshark Lager for $4.

Military members – Receive 15% off total bill with military ID.

• Hell’s Half Acre

All-American Pub Crawl – $3 tall boy cans and $5 Fireball shots all night.

Military members – Receive 25% off total bill with military ID.

• Shane’s Rib Shack

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – Three-piece Chicken Tenders with side and 20 oz. drink or Big Dad BBQ Pork Sandwich with side and 20 oz. drink for $6.

All-American Pub Crawl – All Bottled Beer is $2 (Dine in Only).

Military members – Receive 10% off on all regular-priced menu items with military ID.

• Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

Grab & Go Dinner Deal ­- Traditional and combination dinner entrees including soup, salad and rice starting at $11.95.

Military members – Receive 15% off with military ID.

• Johnny Rockets

Grab & Go Dinner Deal ­ – Burger, chips and soda for $8.

Military members – Receive 20% off total bill with military ID.

• Which Wich

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – Regular-size combo meal with a regular wich, chips and fountain drink for $6.50 or get 2 combos for $12.

Military members – Receive free chips and a drink with a purchase of a wich with military ID.

• Mama Gina’s

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – Sandwich, chips and 20 oz. beverage for $8.50.

Military members – Receive 20% off total bill with military ID (excludes alcohol).

• Cold Stone Creamery

Grab & Go Dinner Deal – 7.5 oz. Cold Stone Creamery Signature Ice Cream Creation along with a bottle of Dasani water for $5 (four flavors to choose from).

Military members – Receive 10% off total bill with military ID.