Best Fourth Of July Parties In Chicago

Backyard, deck and patio grills will be smokin' along will these Chicago spots for pre- and post-fireworks celebrations around the city on Independence Day, 2014. Choose to have your bare toes in the sand or in sandals dancing at a rooftop bar for a very liberating Independence Day. See what parties were cooking on July 4th, 2013 here.

IO Urban Roofscape
Godfrey Hotel
127 W. Huron ST.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 374-1830
www.godfreyhotelchicago.com/rooftop-lounge
 
Chicago's newest rooftop bar, located at The Godfrey Hotel in River North, offers roughly 10,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor dining and event space with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline to the south – fireworks included. Order delish kitchen cocktails like the chef's Margarita and Lemonade Punch and a full menu of flavorful takes on Midwestern favorites: flatbreads, crispy honey chicken bites, Waygu steak sliders, classic American half-pound burger and fab desserts like Chicago Deep Dish Apple Tart with Cinnamon Bobtail ice cream.

THE dec Rooftop Lounge + Bar
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-5160
www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc/the_dec_rooftop_lounge_bar
 
THE dec is a smart destination to celebrate the 4^th of July with friends and family. Situated 12 stories above Chicago's Magnificent Mile, THE dec features matchless views and a mixologist-driven cocktail program to make the view even better. The menu of small plates for dipping and sharing as well as more substantial food items will satisfy and desserts are not to be missed. Executive Pastry Chef Eric Estrella will be working it to provide Independence Day partiers with exceptional treats.

Castaways 
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-1200
www.castawayschicago.com
 
Castaways is a perfect place to spend The Fourth of July holiday soaking up the sun next to the beach. The North Avenue Beach locale serves up cold beer, frozen cocktails and good food including quesadillas, salads and wraps. You can hang out on the beach and take a dip in the water or chill out in a cabana with a view of the party. The Fourth is all about celebrating America's independence and being outside with friends and family. And Castaways is the ideal setting for that.
 
Related: Best Clubs For Pop Music In Chicago

Landshark Beer Garden
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 595-7437
www.chicagosbestbeergarden.com
 
Get to Landshark Beer Garden early on July 4th for a front row seat for the fireworks as well as live music: 10 national acts perform this summer among the more than 90 bands on the schedule. Expect live music on Independence Day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.  Located on the east end of the Pier, Landshark offers an array of craft brews, frozen concoctions and summery menu items like hot wings, brats cooked in beer, burgers and Chicago-style hot dogs.

Navy Pier/Lake Michigan Independence Day Cruises
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(866) 305-2469
www.odyssey.com
 
Party right on Lake Michigan with Entertainment Cruises onboard the Odyssey, Spirit of Chicago, Mystic Blue or Seadog on Independence Day 2014. Three cruises offer appealing lunch or dinner menus and DJ entertainment amid the city's breathtaking skyline. Prices start at $51.90 per person for lunch and go up to $189.90 for a dinner cruise with various price points in between. Reservations are required.
 
Related: Best Places In Chicago For Sundresses