Celebrate The 4th With Food & Drink

Here's a few suggestions on where to celebrate Independence Day if you're looking for food, drink and merriment this busy holiday weekend:

When you're bobbing and weaving your way down Peachtree in the Peachtree Road Race, you'll run right by it... VITA, at Peachtree and Bennett Street (right before "Cardiac Hill," err, Piedmont Hospital). Keep jogging to the finish at the Civic Center, meet your friends under the "V" balloon (for VITA), then swing back to celebrate your accomplishments over VITA's popular Bellini Brunch from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Refuel for the day with a three-egg VITA omelet hugging your choice of fillings, Italian country bread French toast, open-faced spinach frittata or an open-faced chicken frittata omelet loaded with pulled chicken, pancetta and mozzarella cheese. All dishes are $12 and are accompanied by seasonal fresh fruit and roasted potatoes. For hydration beyond sports drinks, try a bubbly Bellini, mimosa or glass of champagne ($6/glass) - or make it a lycopene-loaded Bloody Mary ($5/glass). www.vitaatl.com.

If you're partying at the Atlanta Pride Festival, stop by Marlow's in Midtown on  July 4 and 5. DJ Chris Griswold will be spinning tunes on both nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sponsored by Red Bull energy drink, the restaurant will offer food and drink specials on both days along with $5 Stoli martinis all day on Friday and Saturday. There is no cover charge to attend. 950 West Peachtree Street.www.marlowstavern.com.

Food 101 Morningside is offering Friday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a backyard party from 4 to 11:00 p.m. on the patio. All of your favorite summer foods such as burgers, hot dogs, ribs, BBQ chicken and traditional picnic sides will be served. 1397 North Highland Ave. www.food101atlanta.com.

Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland will be roasting a whole hog in the back parking lot as well as serving traditional American sides. Guests can enjoy a slice of Americano for $15 per person which includes a meat and three side items such as baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad. 794 North Highland Ave. www.atkinspark.com.

Justin’s Restaurant kicks off holiday festivities at 8 a.m. by giving Peachtree Road Race runners complimentary Bad Boy Enterprises goodies, including: Sean John t-shirts and cologne, Bad Boy Records cds, water bottles and tons more. The evening party begins at 4 p.m. and will feature drink specials such as the Watermelon Martini served with a slice of locally-grown watermelon, Fourth of July menu specials and Justin’s house DJ spinning live until close. J2200 Peachtree Road. www.justinsrestaurant.com.