If you are hosting a get together in your Columbus downtown apartment this Fourth of July, you’ll want to dazzle your neighbors and guests with dishes and drinks that are not only festive, but burst with flavor! 

Start planning your menu with some star-spangled food and drink suggestions to up your Fourth of July party game: 

4th of July Dishes

Savory Sandwiches & Subs

Looking for a meal you can’t go wrong with? Try savory sandwiches or sub platters from Jason’s Deli or Jimmy John’s. With several varieties to choose from, you’ll be sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds! Take it a step further and decorate each sandwich or sub with mini American flags for an added festive flair. 

The Weekend Forecast calls for Sunshine 

Wake up to something delicious over Fourth of July weekend. Sunny Street Cafe has all of the sweet and savory dishes you’ve been craving. Try their new Summer Pancake Bar. With toppings like fresh berries, Oreo crumble, cinnamon butter, tres leches and more – you won’t be disappointed! 

Firecracker Hot Dogs

Excite the crowd with firecracker hotdogs! Easy to make and appropriately themed, this adult-sized treat is a remix of everyone’s childhood favorite—pigs in a blanket. Firecracker hot dogs are also the perfect grab-and-go snack to serve before you head out to watch the fireworks. If you’re not up to making your own, head over to Tasty Dawg in the Arena District for some handcrafted, all-beef hot dogs. 

Red, White & Blue Strawberries

These patriotic chocolate-covered strawberries will be the star of any party. Take a strawberry, dip the lower half in white chocolate and coat the bottom section in blue sugar or sprinkles. Or, try dipping the strawberry in yogurt for a healthy twist to this tasty recipe.

Star-Spangled Blackberry Pie

All eyes will be on this pie! The centerpiece-worthy dessert is loaded with fresh, juicy blackberries and topped with star-shaped crust cutouts. Make it the ultimate Independence Day treat and serve with a scoop of delicious vanilla ice cream.

4th of July Drinks

Bomb Pop Cocktails

This effortless, celebratory popsicle cocktail is perfect for guests of all ages! Stock up on your favorite red, white or blue sparkling beverages and serve with bomb pops for an intoxicatingly fun summer treat! 

Sparkling Blueberry Punch

Celebrate in style and stay cool all day long with this refreshing sparkling blueberry punch. Made with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and fresh lemon juice, this punch is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. 

Stars & Stripes Milkshake

Cool off with a dessert you can drink! This Fourth of July milkshake is easy to make and can be easily customized. Set up a milkshake bar with festive treats such as sprinkles, cookies and candy and let your guests decorate however they’d like.

Patriotic Piña Coladas

Turn your celebration into a tropical oasis with these patriotic piña coladas. Perfect for a hot day, this delicious summer drink can easily be made festive by adding a splash of grenadine and blue curacao.

Need to get grocery shopping? Visit the Giant Eagle Market District in Grandview Yard to knock out your full grocery list or stop by Nelson’s Convenience Store for some last-minute party drinks and snacks in the Arena District.