WASHINGTON, DC- JULY 04: Thousands of spectators watch the annu
Thousands of spectators watching the annual fireworks display on the National Mall in 2023.
Photo by Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Where to Celebrate the 4th of July in D.C.

Honor the annual holiday with a lavish rooftop party, festive dessert, backyard barbecue, and everything in between

View as Map
Thousands of spectators watching the annual fireworks display on the National Mall in 2023.
| Photo by Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images

The nation’s capital is naturally home to a multitude of iconic places to ring in America’s 248th birthday. For those seeking a more intimate setting away from the National Mall (and its relentless traffic) on the Fourth of July, lots of bars, hotels, and restaurants around the city offer stunning views of the fireworks with a side of all-American eats and drinks.

Whether you’re wanting to be in the heart of the patriotic party, enjoy the dazzling display from your favorite spot, or throw a takeout feast at home, there’s plenty of budget-friendly or opulent ways to celebrate Independence Day in D.C. Read on for some top choices around town for Thursday, July 4.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Occasions Caterers

Copy Link

Cater any Fourth of July party with Occasions Caterers by ordering dishes for delivery like barbecue salmon and brisket, warm cacio e pepe crab dip, heirloom tomato panzanella, and more. Deliveries will be made on July 3 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

St. Vincent Wine

Copy Link

Wear your finest red, white, and blue and head to St. Vincent for wine garden revelry. They promise fancy hot dogs and fried chicken sandwiches and all the sides, plus a live bluesy band, and “more wine than you can shake a sparkler at.” A $10 ticket renders a boozy Rocket Pop punch, an entry into a raffle for St. Vincent Wine swag, and discounted pricing (up to 50-percent off) on to-go wines.

The Line

Copy Link

Tucked away in Adams Morgan, the Line hotel’s top floor rooftop slings hot dogs and cocktails with a side of breathtaking fireworks views and performance from Brandon Woody’s UPENDO. The event is free for all with an RSVP, with preferred seating reserved for hotel guests.

American Ice Company

Copy Link

There’s no reservation or ticket required to partake in American Ice Company’s annual July 4th Crab Crack. At the first come, first serve event, steamed crabs just delivered from the Maryland shore will be available in dozen or half-dozen portions. Crab-friendly sides include hush puppies, corn on the cob, and swachos. Open at noon until the crabs run out. PBR buckets are $25 and pickleback shots are $9.

Vagabond

Copy Link

Vagabond’s July 4 menu honors international cuisine stateside. Dine on its open-air rooftop, patio, or underground getaway known as Swayze’s, all conveniently located under one roof.

Boundary Stone

Copy Link

Boundary Stone will open at 11 a.m. for brunch on the holiday with chef David Bacot’s homemade cinnamon rolls, PBELT (crispy pork belly, fried egg, romaine lettuce, pickled green tomato, cilantro mayo), fried chicken and French toast, and more, with bottomless brunch cocktails for $23. Reservations are available via Resy.

Ambar Shaw

Copy Link

The Balkan eatery will offer its popular prix fixe brunch menu packed with unlimited small plates for four days straight, from July 4-7. 

St. Anselm

Copy Link

Skip the everyday barbecue this year and head to Union Market for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Look forward to pimento dogs served fresh from the grill and classics from St. Anselm’s brunch menu, including bodega sandwiches and avocado toast. Reservations available here

Balos Estiatorio

Copy Link

Go Greek for the holiday at Michelin Guide’s new 2024 entry in Dupont Circle. Snack on some of the freshest Mediterranean cuisine in D.C. while sipping on cocktails alongside a live DJ and its infamous napkin toss. Reservations available here

The Dabney

Copy Link

For the first time ever, chef Jeremiah Langhorne and his team host an immersive grilling class focused on the fundamentals of wood-fired cooking. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and light snacks, learn how to shuck oysters, and prepare a meal featuring grilled vegetables, dressings and marinades and wagyu beef and Autumn Olive Farms pork. The Michelin-starred fun runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.; tickets are $395 per person and can be reserved here.

Unconventional Diner

Copy Link

Unconventional Diner’s Fourth of July picnic solves any concern of what to eat while watching the fireworks. The spread ($60), intended to feed four, is available for pre-order via Resy until 3 p.m. on July 2. Included in the package: a fried whole bird (eight pieces)⁠, mashed potatoes, slaw, cornbread squares, and festive vanilla cupcakes.

L'Annexe

Copy Link

Enjoy summertime cocktails on the patio at Georgetown’s L’Annexe this Fourth of July from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Try 434 Minutes for something refreshing (strawberry macerated bourbon, basil, white truffle, saffron tincture, and lemon bitters). For those with a fruitier palette, there’s the BBLL with blueberry macerated rum, yellow Chartreuse, lavender, lemon, and mint.

Grazie Mille

Copy Link

The downtown newcomer gets the holiday party started at 1 p.m. with smash burgers, New Jersey-style hot dogs, and a daytime menu full of Italian snacks like grilled corn on the cob with Calabrian mayo and Grana Padano, tortellini salad, and fried cacio e pepe balls from chef Gerald Addison (Grazie Nonna, Little Chicken). Vinyl DJs will be spinning all day.

Grazie Mille throws an all-day party on the Fourth.
Grazie Mille

Mxdc Cocina Mexicana

Copy Link

Chef Todd English’s contemporary Mexican menu gets a little help from executive sushi chef Noriaki Yasutake, who infuses his proficiency of sushi rolls with Mexican spices and ingredients.

Ciel Social Club

Copy Link

The K Street favorite perched atop the AC Hotel boasts a breathtaking, 360-degree view made for seeing the fireworks. Expect a three-hour open bar, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, and party favors. Tickets begin at $180 and are available here.

The Mexican mainstay will extend its bottomless brunch service from July 4-7. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., choose between ordering bottomless food and drinks ($69) or bottomless food ($45) and drinks a la carte.

Crimson View

Copy Link

Take in the dazzling fireworks display from the Crimson Rooftop Bar atop the Motto City Center Hotel. The exclusive watch party under the stars starts at 7 p.m., and tickets to enter are nicely priced at $50 (which includes a welcome cocktail). Guests can order beef, veggie, and barbecue pulled chicken sliders ($15 for three) plus an array of cocktails ($14) from its menu.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Copy Link

Joe’s Seafood will be open on Thursday with its regular menu for dine-in, carryout and delivery. Joe’s will also offer an extended cocktail hour beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Specials include half-priced oysters on the half shell, cocktails, wines by the glass, and draft beers, as well as a host of snacks. Happy hour is first come, first served and for dine-in only.

Top of the Gate

Copy Link

For a patriotic staycation at one of D.C.’s most iconic rooftop, drive in and take advantage of complimentary overnight parking and access to VIP tickets for the Fourth of July fireworks party. A VIP premium ticket runs $595 per person, while a VIP ticket costs $395 per person. Both options run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and general admission ticket are $195 per person and guarantee entrance between 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

L'Ardente

Copy Link

For those who want to eat dinner before the fireworks show, chef David Deshaies and his team whip up a special three-course dinner featuring seasonal seafood paired with fresh produce and wine. Tickets cost $275 per person for the dinner, drinks, and a rooftop viewing party, or $125 per person for the rooftop party only. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the viewing party kicks off at 8:30 p.m., with everything wrapping up at 10:30 p.m.

Indulge in a fusion of Spanish and Japanese flavors at Cranes with special sides like Spanish potato salad, baby corn on the cob with anchovy butter, and deviled tamago. From the grill comes pork ribs with gochujang and sesame, rabbit shoulder with sosit and yuzu-kosho glaze, a smash burger with smoked scamorza, and more.

Riggs Washington DC

Copy Link

Enjoy a staycation fit for Washington royalty with the baller “Fireworks on the Potomac” hotel package at Riggs Hotel. It includes a suite, welcome amenities, breakfast for two in Café Riggs, a fireworks cruise, and overnight valet parking. The cruise will include a picnic-style dinner delivered by “launch boat” followed by fireworks.

Bistro Cacao

Copy Link

Bistro Cacao will serve brunch starting at 11 a.m. on Independence Day. The brunch menu spans three courses and is priced at $35 per person, with an option to add two hours of bottomless mimosas for $49 per person. The Capitol Hill bistro will also offer happy hour all day long to take the party into the night.

Sushi by Bou

Copy Link

D.C.’s hottest new sushi spot atop the citizenM Washington Capitol hotel boasts memorable views of both the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. On the Fourth, the rooftop restaurant will only be offering its “bou-gie” menu at the counter, which features 17 courses of omakase for $125. Reservations available here

Salamander Washington DC

Copy Link

Celebrate Independence Day at Salamander Washington DC and experience the property’s newly manicured Grand Lawn and Garden overlooking the Washington Marina. Enjoy bites, live entertainment, and experiences for the entire family, including a DJ, brass band, caricature artist, and more. Indulge in fresh local oysters at the raw bar or grilled specialties prepared on the “Big Green Egg” grill. Finish with a sweet treat from a celebratory ice cream bar.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Copy Link

Considering how hot it is, nothing sounds better than ice cream on the Fourth of July. This summer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams debuted a new seasonal flavor dubbed Sparkling Cherry Pie. An innovative take on an American classic, it combines sour Michigan cherry ice cream, sweet-tart cherry jam, crumbly shortbread, and a hint of Sichuan peppercorn to mimic the fizz of a sparkler.

Hi/Fi Taco

Copy Link

Pre-order barbecue by July 1 at 6 p.m. for pickup on the Fourth of July from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Roost’s food hall stall. Available by half-pound or pound, there’s prime brisket, chopped pork, smoked turkey, and more meats alongside 8- and 16-ounce sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, fried plantains, and more. Wash it down with margarita flavors like spicy strawberry, tamarind, and classic lime.

Moonraker

Copy Link

Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf’s stylish rooftop restaurant and lounge takes advantage of its priceless vantage point of the nation’s capital with a lavish Fourth of July soiree, complete with themed drinks, passed bites, a decadent dessert bar, live music, and star-spangled party favors (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). Ticket tiers start at $200 for a standard open bar; $350 includes the addition of bottomless Veuve Clicquot Brut, or $450 for upgraded bottomless Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. Reservations are available on OpenTable for guests 21 and up.

All Purpose

Copy Link

Ahead of the 11:05 a.m. Mets-Nationals game, All-Purpose Riverfront will open at 9:30 a.m. on July 4. Mike Friedman’s Italian brunch menu calls for risotto carbonara, uovo al forno (baked farm eggs, spinach, goat cheese, lemon, arugula salad, white balsamic vinaigrette, focaccia), and brunch pies like the Moderna (creme fraiche, mozz, smoked bacon, caramelized onion, grana, chives). Reservations are available via Resy.

Occasions Caterers

Cater any Fourth of July party with Occasions Caterers by ordering dishes for delivery like barbecue salmon and brisket, warm cacio e pepe crab dip, heirloom tomato panzanella, and more. Deliveries will be made on July 3 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

St. Vincent Wine

Wear your finest red, white, and blue and head to St. Vincent for wine garden revelry. They promise fancy hot dogs and fried chicken sandwiches and all the sides, plus a live bluesy band, and “more wine than you can shake a sparkler at.” A $10 ticket renders a boozy Rocket Pop punch, an entry into a raffle for St. Vincent Wine swag, and discounted pricing (up to 50-percent off) on to-go wines.

The Line

Tucked away in Adams Morgan, the Line hotel’s top floor rooftop slings hot dogs and cocktails with a side of breathtaking fireworks views and performance from Brandon Woody’s UPENDO. The event is free for all with an RSVP, with preferred seating reserved for hotel guests.

American Ice Company

There’s no reservation or ticket required to partake in American Ice Company’s annual July 4th Crab Crack. At the first come, first serve event, steamed crabs just delivered from the Maryland shore will be available in dozen or half-dozen portions. Crab-friendly sides include hush puppies, corn on the cob, and swachos. Open at noon until the crabs run out. PBR buckets are $25 and pickleback shots are $9.

Vagabond

Vagabond’s July 4 menu honors international cuisine stateside. Dine on its open-air rooftop, patio, or underground getaway known as Swayze’s, all conveniently located under one roof.

Boundary Stone

Boundary Stone will open at 11 a.m. for brunch on the holiday with chef David Bacot’s homemade cinnamon rolls, PBELT (crispy pork belly, fried egg, romaine lettuce, pickled green tomato, cilantro mayo), fried chicken and French toast, and more, with bottomless brunch cocktails for $23. Reservations are available via Resy.

Ambar Shaw

The Balkan eatery will offer its popular prix fixe brunch menu packed with unlimited small plates for four days straight, from July 4-7. 

St. Anselm

Skip the everyday barbecue this year and head to Union Market for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Look forward to pimento dogs served fresh from the grill and classics from St. Anselm’s brunch menu, including bodega sandwiches and avocado toast. Reservations available here

Balos Estiatorio

Go Greek for the holiday at Michelin Guide’s new 2024 entry in Dupont Circle. Snack on some of the freshest Mediterranean cuisine in D.C. while sipping on cocktails alongside a live DJ and its infamous napkin toss. Reservations available here

The Dabney

For the first time ever, chef Jeremiah Langhorne and his team host an immersive grilling class focused on the fundamentals of wood-fired cooking. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and light snacks, learn how to shuck oysters, and prepare a meal featuring grilled vegetables, dressings and marinades and wagyu beef and Autumn Olive Farms pork. The Michelin-starred fun runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.; tickets are $395 per person and can be reserved here.

Unconventional Diner

Unconventional Diner’s Fourth of July picnic solves any concern of what to eat while watching the fireworks. The spread ($60), intended to feed four, is available for pre-order via Resy until 3 p.m. on July 2. Included in the package: a fried whole bird (eight pieces)⁠, mashed potatoes, slaw, cornbread squares, and festive vanilla cupcakes.

L'Annexe

Enjoy summertime cocktails on the patio at Georgetown’s L’Annexe this Fourth of July from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Try 434 Minutes for something refreshing (strawberry macerated bourbon, basil, white truffle, saffron tincture, and lemon bitters). For those with a fruitier palette, there’s the BBLL with blueberry macerated rum, yellow Chartreuse, lavender, lemon, and mint.

Grazie Mille

The downtown newcomer gets the holiday party started at 1 p.m. with smash burgers, New Jersey-style hot dogs, and a daytime menu full of Italian snacks like grilled corn on the cob with Calabrian mayo and Grana Padano, tortellini salad, and fried cacio e pepe balls from chef Gerald Addison (Grazie Nonna, Little Chicken). Vinyl DJs will be spinning all day.

Grazie Mille throws an all-day party on the Fourth.
Grazie Mille

Mxdc Cocina Mexicana

Chef Todd English’s contemporary Mexican menu gets a little help from executive sushi chef Noriaki Yasutake, who infuses his proficiency of sushi rolls with Mexican spices and ingredients.

Ciel Social Club

The K Street favorite perched atop the AC Hotel boasts a breathtaking, 360-degree view made for seeing the fireworks. Expect a three-hour open bar, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, and party favors. Tickets begin at $180 and are available here.

Related Maps

dLeña

The Mexican mainstay will extend its bottomless brunch service from July 4-7. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., choose between ordering bottomless food and drinks ($69) or bottomless food ($45) and drinks a la carte.

Crimson View

Take in the dazzling fireworks display from the Crimson Rooftop Bar atop the Motto City Center Hotel. The exclusive watch party under the stars starts at 7 p.m., and tickets to enter are nicely priced at $50 (which includes a welcome cocktail). Guests can order beef, veggie, and barbecue pulled chicken sliders ($15 for three) plus an array of cocktails ($14) from its menu.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Joe’s Seafood will be open on Thursday with its regular menu for dine-in, carryout and delivery. Joe’s will also offer an extended cocktail hour beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Specials include half-priced oysters on the half shell, cocktails, wines by the glass, and draft beers, as well as a host of snacks. Happy hour is first come, first served and for dine-in only.

Top of the Gate

For a patriotic staycation at one of D.C.’s most iconic rooftop, drive in and take advantage of complimentary overnight parking and access to VIP tickets for the Fourth of July fireworks party. A VIP premium ticket runs $595 per person, while a VIP ticket costs $395 per person. Both options run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and general admission ticket are $195 per person and guarantee entrance between 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

L'Ardente

For those who want to eat dinner before the fireworks show, chef David Deshaies and his team whip up a special three-course dinner featuring seasonal seafood paired with fresh produce and wine. Tickets cost $275 per person for the dinner, drinks, and a rooftop viewing party, or $125 per person for the rooftop party only. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the viewing party kicks off at 8:30 p.m., with everything wrapping up at 10:30 p.m.

Cranes

Indulge in a fusion of Spanish and Japanese flavors at Cranes with special sides like Spanish potato salad, baby corn on the cob with anchovy butter, and deviled tamago. From the grill comes pork ribs with gochujang and sesame, rabbit shoulder with sosit and yuzu-kosho glaze, a smash burger with smoked scamorza, and more.

Riggs Washington DC

Enjoy a staycation fit for Washington royalty with the baller “Fireworks on the Potomac” hotel package at Riggs Hotel. It includes a suite, welcome amenities, breakfast for two in Café Riggs, a fireworks cruise, and overnight valet parking. The cruise will include a picnic-style dinner delivered by “launch boat” followed by fireworks.

Bistro Cacao

Bistro Cacao will serve brunch starting at 11 a.m. on Independence Day. The brunch menu spans three courses and is priced at $35 per person, with an option to add two hours of bottomless mimosas for $49 per person. The Capitol Hill bistro will also offer happy hour all day long to take the party into the night.

Sushi by Bou

D.C.’s hottest new sushi spot atop the citizenM Washington Capitol hotel boasts memorable views of both the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. On the Fourth, the rooftop restaurant will only be offering its “bou-gie” menu at the counter, which features 17 courses of omakase for $125. Reservations available here

Salamander Washington DC

Celebrate Independence Day at Salamander Washington DC and experience the property’s newly manicured Grand Lawn and Garden overlooking the Washington Marina. Enjoy bites, live entertainment, and experiences for the entire family, including a DJ, brass band, caricature artist, and more. Indulge in fresh local oysters at the raw bar or grilled specialties prepared on the “Big Green Egg” grill. Finish with a sweet treat from a celebratory ice cream bar.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Considering how hot it is, nothing sounds better than ice cream on the Fourth of July. This summer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams debuted a new seasonal flavor dubbed Sparkling Cherry Pie. An innovative take on an American classic, it combines sour Michigan cherry ice cream, sweet-tart cherry jam, crumbly shortbread, and a hint of Sichuan peppercorn to mimic the fizz of a sparkler.

Hi/Fi Taco

Pre-order barbecue by July 1 at 6 p.m. for pickup on the Fourth of July from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Roost’s food hall stall. Available by half-pound or pound, there’s prime brisket, chopped pork, smoked turkey, and more meats alongside 8- and 16-ounce sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, fried plantains, and more. Wash it down with margarita flavors like spicy strawberry, tamarind, and classic lime.

Moonraker

Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf’s stylish rooftop restaurant and lounge takes advantage of its priceless vantage point of the nation’s capital with a lavish Fourth of July soiree, complete with themed drinks, passed bites, a decadent dessert bar, live music, and star-spangled party favors (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). Ticket tiers start at $200 for a standard open bar; $350 includes the addition of bottomless Veuve Clicquot Brut, or $450 for upgraded bottomless Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. Reservations are available on OpenTable for guests 21 and up.

All Purpose

Ahead of the 11:05 a.m. Mets-Nationals game, All-Purpose Riverfront will open at 9:30 a.m. on July 4. Mike Friedman’s Italian brunch menu calls for risotto carbonara, uovo al forno (baked farm eggs, spinach, goat cheese, lemon, arugula salad, white balsamic vinaigrette, focaccia), and brunch pies like the Moderna (creme fraiche, mozz, smoked bacon, caramelized onion, grana, chives). Reservations are available via Resy.

Related Maps