(Long) Weekend Picks: Strings Ramen Sangria And Skewers, MFK Opening, TMIP Chicken Fry, Sportsman's 4th Celebration, Star Lounge Anniversary

By Melissa McEwen in Food on Jul 3, 2014 3:00PM

Mercadito (108 W Kinzie St.) is offering some 4th-themed specials including this "El Patriota" cocktail made with Rhum JM, St. Germain, lemon, agave nectar, strawberries, and blueberries.

This holiday weekend, when you aren't watching fireworks, pick up some sangria and skewered delights at Strings Ramen, eat fried chicken at TMIP Restaurant, eat ribs and play lawn games at Sportsman's Club, check out the seafood at MFK, celebrate Star Lounge's birthday with a block party and grab a special cocktail at Mercadito.

All Weekend

MFK (432 W. Diversey Pkwy.), a new restaurant that aims to emulate a seaside cafe, opens for the first time today at noon and will be open on the 4th. Check out their seafood-rich menu at Eater.

Strings Ramen (2141 S. Archer Ave.) is now offering pitchers of non-alcoholic sangria they are calling "Stringria." BYOB and make it alcoholic and this weekend every pitcher comes with six skewers of oden, savory appetizers including their kurobuta pork belly sausage and fried tofu.

July 4

If you want to get out of the city and see what newcomer TMIP Restaurant (8734 W. 400 N, Michigan City, Ind.) is all about, they are having a chicken fry on July 4 at their farm/restaurant. Call 219-814-4930 to reserve.

The Winchester is popping up at Sportsman's Club (948 N. Western Ave.) on July 4 to serve up ribs alongside plenty of whiskey, juleps, live music, and popsicles.

July 5

Star Lounge (2521 W. Chicago Ave.) is celebrating their anniversary July 5 with a huge block party featuring Roots Pizza, tacos from Rosie's West Town Deli, nachos from Sauce & Bread, and Big Fork Sausage. Oh and free beer. The party starts at 2 p.m. and it's free though they'd like you to RSVP and you need to be at least 21.