9 Bars And Restaurants Where You Can Watch Fireworks This 4th Of July

July 4 is nearing, and in the United States, that means kaleidoscopes of color are about to illuminate the night sky. For many, this entails setting up camp at local parks and piers to watch the fireworks. But our favorite cities, metro areas, and beachside towns have so much more to offer than end-to-end blankets in alcohol-free public spaces. If you'd prefer to enjoy the festivities while sipping chilled cocktails perched above the crowds, here are nine fantastic bars and restaurants at which to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July.

Photo Modified: Flickr / Sam Churchill

With their Main Street location and laid-back atmosphere, there might not be a better place to watch Montauk's Umbrella Beach fireworks. 668 the Gig Shack will be serving up its usual "Global Surf Cuisine," so come early and try to grab a sidewalk table to crush fish tacos and slow-poached shrimp scampi while sipping drinks and enjoying the festivities. Champagne house Nicolas Feuillatte will swing by to pour tastings of their classic French bubbly. Main Street Montauk frames the fireworks, and every year the staff and most of the restaurant pour out onto the sidewalk to watch! 

Music City promises more bang for your buck this year. With the city of Nashville boasting that they will feature more firework shells than any other display in the country, you'd better get a good view. Acme Feed & Seed's rooftop patio has a uniquely Nashville atmosphere, and it's on the same block as the festivities. They have their own celebration going on inside, too, including live music, specialty Southern cocktails, and a rooftop buffet for VIP ticket holders.

Photo Modified: Flickr / Rachel Chapdelaine

Only days after its grand opening event, Art Marble 21 is perfectly poised to be a July Fourth hotspot. It's situated at the base of South Lake Union with a great view of the fireworks, so come early for dinner beforehand to get a good seat. Mac and cheese, halibut fish and chips, and barbecue pork sliders are some of the new-American and traditional bar fare they serve. Try a Schilling 75: a French 75 topped with Schilling cider instead of sparkling wine. Or ask your bartender for a recommendation — it's sure to exceed your expectations. 

Perched above Coast Boulevard directly across from the ocean, this beautiful, historic home converted into a restaurant is La Jolla's hidden gem. Dine on the patio overlooking La Jolla Cove, a rocky stretch of San Diego County coastline, for the Fourth of July Fireworks. The menu for the Fourth is a special buffet, but we're still anticipating some Brockton Villa California seafood. 

Grab a spot on whiskey bar Jack Rose's open-air rooftop terrace while D.C.'s fireworks illuminate the National Mall. They will host a "BBQ Pit Happy Hour" featuring smoked whiskey wings with Old Crow bourbon, honey and habanero, fried chicken skins, and jalapeño hushpuppies with Old Bay mayo. Whiskeys are the star at this high-end saloon, but beer and cocktails are plentiful as well. 

When it comes to Fourth of July festivities, Bar Harbor's are consistently recognized as among the best, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront. The Looking Glass Restaurant sits high on a hill looking over Frenchman Bay with full view of the show. Guests enjoy dining on local standards like Maine lobster and truffled lobster mac and cheese. Or enjoy cozy elegance with outdoor seating around the fire pit on the deck. 

Nestled snugly under the Brooklyn Bridge, the River Café is a destination for New Yorkers from all boroughs to watch the Macy's fireworks show light up the East River. This upscale and romantic new-American restaurant boasts a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline and has a special menu for the evening. But be prepared — this breathtaking view doesn't come cheap: The four-course dinner runs over $600 per person, not including beverages. At least you get to keep your table for the entire night. 

Photo Modified: Flickr / Ludovic Bertron

Take in the gorgeous skyline from the rooftop lounge atop the boutique Glenn Hotel with a panoramic view of Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park fireworks. Along with the view, craft cocktails by their award-winning mixologist are the draw at SkyLounge. 

Catch the Waterfront Blues Festival's fireworks from Thirst's low-key Willamette River patio. This wine bar serves mostly local vintages and has a small seasonal menu of modern comfort food, like artichoke dip, seared ahi tuna, and their signature dark-chocolate bread pudding. Enjoy sangria outside on a hot July night or select your wine flight by region or blend, or mix it up with the "Eclectic Red" or "Red, Red Wine" options. Scotch, bourbon, and tequila flights, as well as beer and cocktail lists, are available too.