Best Restaurants For Watching July 4th Fireworks

Which city has the best Fourth of July fireworks spectacular? No doubt there's some city pride about who has the best display of national jubilation. But as patriotism and pure experience goes, can it really get any better than lying on a picnic blanket on your back under the summer sky on the mall in Washington, D.C.? Doesn't seem possible.

No matter where you are this Fourth of July, it's always a rat race to the get that primo spot. You can end up fighting with people or having to stake out that prime real estate all day long. Then there's the whole do-it-yourself meal situation. If you're not into carting picnic food and hauling booze to wherever you're planning on watching the fireworks there's another plan: a restaurant.

The Daily Meal called restaurants in cities across the U.S. to find spots with great views and grub. These places are all near the fireworks celebrations in their cities (or claimed to have good views of them), and said you can still get in (as of publication, at least).

 

Boston

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River starts at 10:30 p.m. Top of the Hub is the obvious choice given its view of the city, for $200, you can watch fireworks while eating a five-course meal (21 and over). But there are plenty of other places worth trying (and they won't be quite as, well, Top of the Hub-esque). At Dante there's a "great, but partial view'" party with wristbands that allow you to come and go ($75 a head, $45 12 and under) at this "American-Italian barbecue." You can also try Bar Lola. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Oscalito)

 

Chicago

As the Sun Times reported, there will be no city-run July 3rd or July 4th fireworks in Chicago this year. (Thank former Mayor Richard M. Daley who made the decision in an effort to reverse $7 million in festival losses.) But there will be a 15 minute show at 9 p.m. at Navy Pier paid for by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. Check out the following five restaurants: The Billy Goat Tavern, Riva, Harry Caray's Tavern, and Capi's Italian Kitchen. (Photo courtesy Flickr/xersti)

 

Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Sun reports that eight casinos are planning fireworks displays for the July 4th weekend. On Sunday at 9:15 p.m., Caesars will shoot fireworks atop its Roman Tower. On Monday at 9 p.m., Mandalay Bay is hosting a concert with Mystic Roots and a fireworks display ($25 cover) at Mandalay Bay Beach. The Hilton will host an invitation-only viewing party at its pool on Monday night for its fireworks display but it's supposedly also visible from near the sports book entrance. On July 4th at 9 p.m., Station Casinos will feature fireworks at five of its properties around the Las Vegas Valley (Green Valley Ranch, Aliante Station, Red Rock Resort, Fiesta Rancho, and Texas Station). Of course, Top of the World in the Stratosphere has a heck of a view too. Some restaurant suggestions include: Voodoo Steak & Lounge, Mon Ami Gabi, Green Valley Ranch, Aliante Station, Texas Station. (Photo courtesy Flickr/danperry.com)

Los Angeles

With CBS Los Angeles listing more than 20 fireworks celebrations, the question is where aren't you going to watch fireworks? Here are some restaurants The Daily Meal staff called to confirm views and open reservations: Famous Dave's, Parker's Lighthouse, Gladstone's, and Duke's. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Californian Em)

 

Miami

There are all kinds of parties, parades, and celebrations during Fourth of July weekend in Miami this year including a free blues and jazz concert with fireworks on Miami Beach. Two suggestions for places to eat while watching the fireworks: The Knife and Lombardi's Italian Restaurant. (Photo courtesy Flickr/ruben i)

 

New Orleans

It's all about Go 4th On The River the dueling barges fireworks extravaganza on the Mississippi River that starts at 9 p.m. Wolfe's in the Warehouse in the Hilton has a good view. So does Drago's, Grand Isle, and if you want to go chain, the Hard Rock Cafe. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Spojeni)

 

New York City

Six barges located between 20th and 55th Streets will be setting off fireworks on the Hudson River for Macy's Annual Fireworks celebration on July Fourth. The best views are said to be on 12th Avenue below 59th Street (click here for access points). A bunch of restaurants with views are featuring special dinners.

Chelsea Brewing Company is doing a sit down dinner with an open bar ($175 per person). For a higher vantage you could make a reservation at The View, New York's only revolving rooftop restaurant (there's just no guarantee that the rotation will be such that you'll be able to see them from your table!). You can't see fireworks from your table, but you could also eat dinner in Midtown at PRINT in the Ink48 hotel — that will get you a $75 discount on the cost of a ticket to PRESS ($300), the upstairs lounge where you can watch the fireworks while snacking on passed hors d'oeuvres and taking advantage of the open bar.

For the view at 230 Fifth you'll have to reserve a table with bottle service (Champagne, $125 for two people, $250 for four). The Boat Basin is more democratic — it's first-come, first-serve. The view isn't ideal (you can see the fireworks if you get up and go down by the walkway).

You can buy tickets online for the fireworks barbecue party at Hudson Terrace, or pay $100 at the Sky Room to enjoy 360 degree views of Manhattan and the Hudson River "from the city's highest rooftop lounge." Tickets still seem to be available for the Pier Party being hosted by Circle Line and World Yacht at Piers 81 and 83. There will be music, grilled food, beer and "unrivaled views of the best fireworks display in the country." World Yacht's July Fireworks Cruise includes a four-course dinner, open bar, and a live DJ ($299)

 

Philadelphia

There are two firework displays for the 4th of July weekend. The first takes place on July 2nd on the Delaware River. Three good places to view those celebrations are Moshulu (actually a boat that is permanently docked), Chart House, and Keating's River Grill. For the fireworks on the 4th (Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th and 23rd Streets) try Fountain at the Four Seasons. For something a little different try going to The City Tavern. It's supposedly the site of the first ever 4th of July celebration and they do a historical re-enactment. (Photo courtesy Flickr/BarnyardBBS)

 

San Francisco

The firework situation in San Francisco was summed up well by The Pub at Ghirardelli Square, yes there's a view, "but it may be foggy." There are a bunch of Fourth of July celebrations at Pier 39 and fireworks over the bay starting around 9:30 p.m. Try these restaurants for views while eating: Ana Mandara, Capurro's, and The Eagle Café/Tin Fish. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Marcin Wichary)

 

Seattle

Fundraising goals were met so the 2011 Family 4th at Lake Union fireworks celebration is going to happen this year. If you're planning to actually go to Gas Works Park you can bring your own food and coolers (subject to search), though keep in mind that you're not allowed to bring in personal barbecues and alcoholic beverages from outside the park during the Family 4th. There will also be a beergarden, food vendors, and ice cream. A few places to eat where you can watch the fireworks include: Daniel's Broiler, Chandler's Crabhouse, and McCormick and Schmick's. (Photo courtesy Flickr/mr.bmonroe)

 

Washington D.C.

Public access to the National Mall begins at 10:00 a.m. You'll want to get there (or rock, paper, scissors a friend to see if you can get them to wait there all day) to secure a good spot to watch the fireworks. Beacon Bar and Grill sold out at the beginning of June, but there are some other options. Charlie Palmer Steak is throwing a block party, you can hit the W Hotel for the POV Rooftop Party if you don't mind dropping $300 for a ticket, and Tabaq is doing a pre-fixe dinner for $75. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia/J.W. Photography)