U.S. restaurants kick off Summer Games with Olympic-themed food and drink specials

The official start of the 2024 Summer Olympics is Saturday following Friday's opening ceremony, and U.S. restaurants are throwing watch parties, shaking up themed cocktails and rolling out celebratory menu items. Fans who can’t make it to Paris can get in the Olympic spirit with a visit to one of these spots.

Lawrence, Kansas-based Jefferson’s Restaurants is giving away free hot dogs to all adults and children on Saturday in honor of Team U.S.A. There’s one catch—to score the freebie, customers have to show off the championship medals, trophies or certificates they have earned, even if it’s a ribbon for Best Mom of the Year or Spelling Bee Champ.

“At Jefferson’s, we want to honor the champion in all of us as we gather to cheer on Team U.S.A.,” said Brandon Graham, president of Jefferson’s. “We can’t wait to have our TVs tuned in to cheer on the American Athletes for the next three weeks. And what’s a more American way to do it than with a free hot dog?” 

Hot dogs are also on the menu at Mr. T in Los Angeles. The French restaurant collaborated with LA’s iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs to create four franks, all named for Parisian landmarks: Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Les Louvres and Champs Elysees. Each features a Pink’s hot dog and bun, with unique toppings inspired by French owner Guillaume Guedj's birthplace of Paris. The Olympic-themed hot dogs are available on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., along with French-inspired cocktails including the French 75 and French martini.

CPK is inviting guests to celebrate throughout the Summer Games, offering specials from July 26-August 11. To start, the new Red, White + Blue Butter Cake is dressed in all-American colors for a twist on the chain’s signature dessert. The warm cake is topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. For those who prefer to toast the athletes with an adult beverage, CPK is running an All-Day Happy Hour with 50% off on red, white and blue drinks, such as Red-Berry Sangria, a Sparkling Mojito and Blueberry Lemon Drop.

The bar at modern Parisian bistro Bresca in Washington, D.C., is in full Olympics mode, with sports-specific cocktails created by beverage director Will Patton. The “Fastest Man Alive,” a combo of gin, vermouth, mango, citrus and egg white, is an homage to runner Michael Norman, while the “Magnificent Seven,” a mix of pisco, tequila, bergamont, apple and bitters honors USA gymnastics. Basketball gets its due with the “Dream Team”—tequila, pineapple, Chenin Blanc, lime and grapefruit bitters. All are $16.

During Carrabba’s Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m. daily throughout the Summer Games, guests can watch the action on TVs in the restaurants’ bar area while indulging in $7 bites and sips. On the food side, there’s Bruschette Caprese, Calabrian Wings, Calamari, Shrimp or Vegetable Focaccia Bites, Meatball Sliders and ravioli. The $7 drink selection includes a Blood Orange Margarita, Passion Pear Spritz, Italian Old Fashioned and Pomegranate Martini.

Imbibers can also head over to On the Border, where the Liberita is the Margarita of the Month, priced at $7. The Olympics-themed drink is made with swirls of strawberry puree, lime margarita mix and blue curacao. During happy hour (4-6 p.m.) from Monday through Friday, the Liberita is just $6.

For a different kind of liquid refreshment, Smoothie King is offering an Olympics kickoff deal on Friday. All of the chain’s 32-ounce smoothies are $5 on that day only and Healthy Rewards members will have the chance to earn triple points.

“Cue’ the Gold” is Dickey’s nod to the Summer Olympics hoopla. On opening day, Big Yellow Cup Rewards members will be treated to a free Pulled Pork Sandwich with online orders through the app or website. They’ll also receive a one-day-only “Mystery Reward” the day after the USA wins a gold medal in any sport, from July 27-August 11. And if the USA wins the most medals at the end of the Games, there will be free Brisket Sandwiches.

To sweeten up an at-home watch party, Red, White and Blue Sprinkle Cookies are available from Tiff’s Treats through the end of July. The freshly baked sugar cookies are decorated with red, white and blue iridescent crystals. Fans can place orders for delivery in zones across the U.S.

From July 26-August 11, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is selling King’s Gold pints for $5 every time Team USA wins a gold medal. The 12-unit brewpub, with locations in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is also awarding King of the Hill loyalty club members double points on food purchases every day during the Summer Olympics. A special Gold-Medal Flight for $10 is on offer, too, along with a Gold-Medal 4-Pack of canned lager and stout for $14.25.

The Liberte Tart at la Madeleine is a red, white and blue pastry decked out with fresh blueberries, red raspberries and whipped cream in tribute to the colors of the French flag.  It's available through Aug. 7 for $2.99. The bakery-cafe is also offering weekly deals throughout the summer games, including a free individual bakery item from July 22-28; a BOGO baguette from July 29-Aug. 4; and a free fountain drink from Aug. 5-11.