American independence is intrinsically tied to individual freedom. What better way to express that freedom then by choosing your favorite location to eat, drink, and watch things blow up? Bowling, ballgames, wings, beer, innovative cocktails, and some amazing views of the Navy Pier fireworks show are available to Chicagoans this July Fourth. Here’s some of the best the city has to offer.

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap | 41 E Superior
Start your party with the most American of beers, Surly 'Merica Lager. Jakes, a place that boasts of numerous awards for its wings, will sell 12 oz. cans of “Merica for $3 with the purchase of a basket of Firecracker Wings ($12.95).

Wrigley Field Rooftop | 1050 West Waveland
From the Fourth of July through the Sixth, Wrigley View Rooftop offers discounted all-inclusive pricing. For $110, fans receive game-day admission (doors open one hour before the start of the game), beverage service through the 7th inning, and an unobstructed view of the World Champs. Guests will also enjoy Buona Catering ballpark-style food. Baseball, beer, and hot dogs (and more)－happy birthday America!

Cindy’s | 12 S. Michigan Ave. – 13th Floor
A view, a brew, and poptails! Enjoy the Navy Pier fireworks from Cindy’s new outdoor terrace. While there, you can order some boozy, patriotic poptails. Cindy’s is known for its array of cocktails, mocktails, tisanes, and apothecaries, but Cindy’s also has plenty of good beer from breweries such as Solemn Oath, Off Color, Revolution, Three Floyds, Lagunitas, and Moody Tongue. You are free to drink however you want at Cindy’s!

The Signature Room | 875 N. Michigan Ave.
Watch Navy Pier’s Fourth of July fireworks from the atop the John Hancock Center in The Signature Room, located on the 95th floor, or The Lounge on the 96th floor. Not only can you witness the fireworks from roughly 1,000 feet in the air, you can enjoy beer, cocktails, and American cuisine from Chef Cardel Reid. Reservations are strongly recommended for the restaurant (call 312.280.0465), but are not needed at The Lounge.

The Blackstone | Autograph Collection - 636 S. Michigan Ave.
The Blackstone offers Chicagoans a full, unobstructed view of Grant Park and Lake Michigan that spans from Navy Pier to Soldier Field, a perfect spot for viewing the fireworks. And afterwards, guests can drink in the hotel’s newly-transformed lobby at Timothy’s Hutch, which features a ‘60s-inspired menu that takes guests through the past, present, and future of The Blackstone—a hotel steeped in history. The Blackstone has hosted a dozen U.S. presidents, the 1920 Republican Convention, Al Capone and other prohibition-era gangsters, and both The Color of Money and The Untouchables were filmed there.

Pinstripes Chicago | 435 E Illinois St
The place known for its expansive selection of American and Italian food, drinks, beer, bocce ball and bowling, is hosting its Fourth of July Four-Course Fireworks Dinner, which includes a terrific view of the Navy Pier fireworks from its terrace. Limited seating is available and pre-registration is required, so call ahead (312-527-3010). After the reception and salad, guests can choose from a filet mignon trio with garlic mashed potatoes or maple glazed salmon and sides. That’s then followed by housemade gelato or seasonal sorbet.

Navy Pier Fourth of July Events
The Miller Lite Beer Garden hosts music all afternoon and evening (no cover), starting with Andrew Leahey & the Homestead at 2pm, The PriSSillas at 4:30pm, and then the headliner, Wedding Banned, at 8 p.m. A host of cruises will leave Navy Pier and provide views of the city from the lake, food and drinks, and an all-out Fourth of July bash. Cruises include the Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise, the Shoreline Architecture Cruise, and the SeaDog cruise—all of which include a cool view of the fireworks. Food. Drinks. Music. Parties. Blowing things up. What could be more American than that?