Chicago Fourth of July Celebrations: Beyond the Lakefront
Publican Quality Meats
Fourth of July weekend is coming up this weekend, and that means it’s about to be the biggest summer celebration this city has seen in a long time. Much of that will center around the lakefront, from beach parties to live music at Navy Pier, and maybe even some fireworks… (as yet unannounced but we have our eyes peeled!) Bars and restaurants throughout the city will be hosting events and slinging specials, and that extends far off the lakefront. Don’t limit your party plans to one neighborhood or area…there’s so much fun to be had all over Chicago! Don’t miss out on these delicious spots…
Publican Quality Meats {825 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.445.8977}: No one does barbecue like the PQM team, and they have some special 4th of July meats for the occasion, including shibazi rubbed and pomegranate molasses-glazed baby back ribs! They will also have barbecue beef by the pint, marinated chicken & sausage kabobs, plus festive treats like blueberry & cherry pies, malted vanilla ice cream pints, bomb pop push pops and more. Not enough goodness? There’s also a weekday patio-exclusive ‘Quality Time’ special next door at The Publican from 3-6PM on the patio with butcher’s boards, sips, and more if you want to start the celebration early!
BLVD Steakhouse {817 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.526.3116}: If you’re going to get your grill on, you might as well do it with steakhouse-quality proteins! The BLVD Steakhouse Grilling Kit makes that easy with your choice of two prime steaks (Bone-In Ribeye, Filet Mignon or NY Strip), 50/50 Mashed Potatoes, asparagus, bone marrow butter and BLVD Steak Salt. Order ASAP and you can pick up starting on Thursday, through the Sunday holiday.
Recess Chicago {838 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.801.1181}: There's no better inland destination to celebrate Fourth of July in Chicago is at Recess! They’ll have DJs on Friday 7/2 and Saturday 7/3 night indoors, as well as a special photo contest on their Instagrammable patio. To enter, strike a pose in your best red, white & blue outfit in front of the new street art and murals gracing the patio, and tag @chicagoinrecess for your chance to win Recess swag, bluetooth speakers and gift cards. We love a weekend with a contest!
The Bristol {2152 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.862.5555}: Want a quintessential cookout menu for the holiday weekend? Want to wash it all down with handcrafted summertime cocktails? The Bristol’s “BBQ At Home Package” has it covered! Complete with a Whole Marinated Chicken, Carolina BBQ Spare Ribs, Fingerling Potato Salad and more, all of which come with instructions so you can easily prepare them at home. Add on a “Watermelon Sugar” growler for a sweet cocktail to pair with all these goodies! But move fast - you need to have your order in by Thursday, July 1 for weekend pick-up.
Rye Deli + Drink {25 South Halsted Street, Chicago; 312.602.2100}: If you’re hosting a party this weekend, you’re going to need some delicious nomz to feed your friends and family! Rye Deli, for example, has ‘Super Duper Sandwich Samplers,’ cocktail kits and other offerings that will blow your BBQ out of the water. Think bagel sandwiches, classic slow-smoked pastrami, homemade dips and lots of other fixings 🤤
Cabana Club {The Robey, 2018 West North Avenue, Chicago; 872.315.3050}: The weather is looking up for the weekend (thank GOODNESS), so let’s hit some Chicago rooftops! Cabana Club has amazing city views with poolside drinks and bites, plus a Beer Braised Bratwurst special just for the weekend. Perfect to gather a group and keep a look out for local fireworks displays!
Milk Money Brewing {75 South La Grange Road, La Grange; 708.582.6030}: Cheers with beers to the weekend! For drinks on the go, you can grab 4-packs of Milk Money Brewing’s beers here, along with other summer menu classics like fried chicken, corn dogs, root beer, and more. They also have Milk Money’s Butcher and CSA offerings if you want to get your chef-on at home too.
Le Sud {2301 West Roscoe Street, Chicago; 773.857.1985}: Nothing says “Americana” like a great burger, and that can even come from a French restaurant! Le Sud will have a special double burger and beer bundle for only $29 from Friday-Sunday. The burger will have two wood-grilled patties topped with gruyere, caramelized onions, frisee and aioli on a sesame bun, served with frites and a Lagunitas IPA. You’re going to need two hands to dig in!
Offshore Rooftop & Bar {1000 East Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.535.6660}: Okay, yes, this spot is very much on the lakefront but the views are worth a visit to Lake Michigan! Come for the cocktails, stay to enjoy our amazing city in all her glory. And hey, maybe you’ll see some fireworks, too!
If you plan on staying home to celebrate, you can also make some delicious cocktails with this simple and delicious recipe from The J. Parker at Hotel Lincoln!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor