The Last-Minute Fourth of July Dining Guide

Sticking around the city this weekend? There are tons of big deal parties going down, what with That All-Encompassing Hoagie Festival underway, but we'll leave the pomp and fireworks to the tourism board and just worry about getting you fed. Here now, a rundown of our very favorite low-key dining deals and special events to help you make the most of your Independence Day.

Brigantessa

Le Virtu's sister spot will throw aside its regular obsession with Southern Italian authenticity for one day and roll out a special menu of Italian-American classics like meatballs and gravy, sausage and peppers, baked ziti, and chicken and veal parmigiana. Prices run $9 to $25 and will be available all night on the Fourth only. Brigantessa, 1520 East Passyunk Ave., (267) 318-7341.

Blue Duck Sandwich Co.

The Duck is offering a special takeout deal so you can cater your celebration the easiest way possible: Three pounds of pulled pork plus slider rolls and sides of mac and cheese, cole slaw, and potato salad for $75 all-in. You just have to call the restaurant by 2 p.m. on Friday, July 3 to reserve your order for pick-up on the Fourth. Blue Duck, 2859 Holme Ave., (267) 686-4687.

Pub & Kitchen

Backyard barbecue vibes hit Pub & Kitchen on the Fourth, with what they're billing as "a summer version of" their ever-popular Country Delight. That means cheap beer, a great soundtrack, and a special menu featuring chef Eli Collins' take on barbecue and other all-American comfort foods. The party starts at noon and goes all day. Pub and Kitchen, 1946 Lombard St., (215) 545-0350.

PHS Pop-Up Garden East Passyunk

All long weekend long, the PHS pop-up at Ninth and Wharton will swap out its normal menu for an all-American backyard barbecue, courtesy of the Royal Tavern/Khyber Pass crew. Burgers, dogs, barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, blueberry cobbler and more will be on the menu, along with drink specials, from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. PHS Pop-Up Garden, Ninth and Wharton streets.

Percy Street Barbecue

Few foods are more fitting of the day than barbecue, and happily, Percy Street will be open its normal hours throughout the holiday. As a bonus, Oskar Blues cans are going for just $3 all weekend long (you'll even get your first one free if you show up in a Percy Street shirt). Percy Street Barbecue, 900 South St., (215) 625-8510.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is a perennial Independence Day favorite,, with the holiday bringing back their ever-popular specials of corn dogs and Blueberry Pie Oh My concretes. There's also new peach lemonade hitting the menu, and the special custard flavor of the week at all three local shops is caramelized peach, for even more summer-perfect tastes. Specials run Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 6 at all Shake Shack locations. Shake Shack [official].

Blackfish

Chip Roman's Blackfish BYOB in Conshohocken is serving a special four-course lobster bake dinner on the Fourth, for $45 per person from 5 to 10 p.m. On the menu:

'Potato' with smoked peanut potato, torpedo onion, baugna cauda, dill

'Corn' with lobster custard, creamed jersey corn, lemon thyme

'Bake' with Maine lobster, manila clams, summer squash, cultured cream

'Pie' with lemon curd, blueberry preserves, red wine meringue

Reservations are recommended. Blackfish, 119 Fayette St., Conshohocken, (610) 397-0888.

Need some more backyard barbecue-style dining inspiration? Check out Philly's essential burgers and the Eater Philly hot dog and hamburger Heatmaps.