Whether you’re beach-bound or staying local, these are some of the best spots to celebrate Independence Day around the US, no matter your budget.
The aroma of sizzling meat, cans cracking open and Bruce Springsteen turned all the way up. It can mean only one thing: July 4th has landed. It’s a full-throttle celebration of summer in all its star-spangled glory. Whether you’re splashing out or keeping things cheap, this is where to eat, drink and toast the season across the US.
Sweet Liberty, Miami
@sweetlibertymia
The United States Declaration of Independence famously calls for, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”: no brainer then to beeline it to Sweet Liberty, whose motto is ’Pursue happiness’. This award-winning spot is cool, quirky and decked out with industrial accents, neon signage and a killer happy hour. The massive menu features a variety of agave cocktails, highballs and fruity plays on the classics. The piña colada made with fresh pineapple and Jamaican coffee is tropical bliss, while the Lemon Popsicle made with gin, lemon curd, lemon grappa and limoncello is the very lemon-y icing to a perfect 4 July. There are also plenty of dreamy bar bites, from caviar onion dip to pickled devilled eggs and oysters.
Franklin Barbecue, Austin
@franklinbbq
(Image: Wyatt McSpadden)
Is there anything more American than a stack of smoked ribs and an ice-cold beer? Get in line extra early at the holy grail of grill, where chef Aaron Franklin serves some of the US’ best barbecue. Its perfectly smoked brisket is held up as a central Texas staple, but you’ll also want to get in on the moreish jalapeño cheddar sausage. Slather your pulled pork in the restaurant’s famous espresso barbecue sauce and save room for a slice of pie. You won’t go wrong with anything you pick off the menu.
Amar, Boston
@amar_boston
Boston was the epicentre of a raft of American history-making moments, so there’s no better place to ring in the holiday than at glossy Raffles Boston. Set on the hotel’s 17th floor, Amar’s top-to-bottom windows let in the July rays, and the hotel’s afternoon tea – inspired by Boston Public Garden, the country’s first botanical garden – is an elegant way to spend the day. If you’re there for dinner, you can count on some of the city’s finest dishes, with a heavy dose of seafood (we are in Boston after all): don’t miss the fresh seafood tower, topped with local oysters, the caviar-topped ricotta gnocchi or the saffron tagliatelle with lobster. If you’re not able to get in front of a roaring fire this year, Amar’s bonfire chocolate cake is the next best thing.
Service Bar, DC
@servicebardc
(Image: Creative by Ash)
This cosy, Black-owned neighbourhood bar serves good times and even better cocktails. Service Bar is a no-frills hangout, loved for its chill vibes and a spread of best-selling fried chicken sandwiches. It’s also an ideal spot to escape DC’s scorching temperatures, with a surprisingly large beverage list of inventive cocktails, such as the Semester Abroad with lemon-infused vodka, Strega, pineapple and lemon, or the Celery Martini made with celery-infused gin, vermouth, seasoning, olive brine and curry leaf oil. Pair it with a buffalo chicken dip and a tangy BBQ chicken sandwich before the DC fireworks kick off.
White Horse Tavern, Newport, RI
@whitehorsetavern
Known as the oldest operating restaurant in the US, White Horse Tavern is 103 years older than the US Constitution. The colonial-style tavern is a national landmark and one of Newport’s culinary gems. Although its prices aren’t what they were in the 1600s, the restaurant excels at regional dishes, such as the New England clam chowder, endive and roquefort salad, beef Wellington, lobster ravioli and maple-glazed brussels sprouts. Newport will be bobbing with tourists across the holiday weekend, so book a table stat. Hot tip: ask the waiters if you can sit where George Washington supposedly ate – and remember the business-casual dress code.
Nobody's Darling, Chicago
@nodbodysdarlingbar
(Image: Kathleen Hinkel)
This year, you’ll likely see a rainbow flag proudly flying outside this Chicago LGBTQ+ favourite. Lovingly known as Chicago’s Queer Cheers, it’s a local’s spot where all are welcome, and its inclusive ethos is as important as its cocktail menu. The bar spotlights Black-owned spirits and a rotating roster of cocktails named after Black female icons like Eartha Kit. The drinks here are delicious, but it's the sense of community that keeps punters coming. Warm and welcoming service is a hallmark here, and good tunes and better vibes have cemented the bar as one of the city’s finest. This year, it will be honouring its usual Thursday Happy Hour, where all spirits brands owned by women and people of colour are $2 off from 5-7pm.
Bar Tetto, New York
@bartetto_rooftop
On Independence Day in any major American city, rooftop bar stools become prime real estate. And Bar Tetto, in New York’s Lower East Side, is one of the premier spots to watch the city’s fireworks. Super fun inside, the bar is a mix of timber, rose gold and soft curves, while outside, plush couches are where you’ll want to base yourself before things start popping off. Drinks are typical Manhattan prices, with fun plays on classics, such as the Pineapple and Cinnamon Mojito, Tropical Sazerac and Rooftop Negroni. They also serve snacks including marinated olives, chicharrónes and tuna tartare. Claim a spot facing Manhattan’s Midtown for a fireworks display you won’t forget.
Abacá, San Francisco
@restaurantabaca
(Image: Melissa de Mata)
US culture has been shaped by immigrant communities from all over the world. At Abacá, within the Kimpton Alton Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf, Filipino Californian flavours take the stage. Family recipes ranging from chef Francis Ang’s tita and tito (aunt and uncle), brought to life with the freshest California ingredients, create addictively delicious sharing plates. Try the wagyu beef kilawin, Lola’s pork lumpia and the chicken adobo barbecue skewers washed down with a cocktail that spotlights Filipino ingredients, such as the Ube Colada 17, with rum, ube coconut cream and pineapple. Get in on the calamansi habanero hot sauce, so good you’ll want to slather it on everything.
Discover more fantastic restaurants, bars and hotels with 50 Best Discovery, and start planning your next adventure.
