The Best of Fourth of July Celebrations in Chicago

Though the Fourth of July weekend might look a little different this year, that doesn’t mean Chicago won’t be celebrating. This holiday is always one of the high points of the season, and even if your party size is a little smaller than last year, you can still have some patriotic fun in the sun thanks to many Windy City restaurants. They’ve found new and fun ways to celebrate the season, so get your stars and stripes ready for a fun weekend ahead.

RECESS {838 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.801.1181}: If you’re looking for a more traditional summer weekend in Chicago, this West Loop spot is the place to be! Their patio is expansive, so there is plenty of room to party the holiday away, even from a safe social distance. They have amazing cocktails, and its the perfect spot for a group of friends to gather and celebrate.

Bandit {841 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.666.6061}: This West Loop spot has multiple patios open for celebrations this coming weekend! And what summertime fun would be complete without a Boozy Bomb Pop Lemonade, made fresh with vodka and topped with a red, white, and blue bomb pop ($12)? They also have plenty of other drink specials to make it easy and fun to spend the weekend in the sunshine with their team. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are also welcomed.

Mundano {1935 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago; 773.312.7040}: Lincoln Park's newest restaurant is taking advantage of their 70-seat patio to host a neighborhood BBQ on July 4th! For only $20 a plate, you can dig into 1/3rd Slab Ribs or Grilled Summer Squash, Broccoli Salad, Carrot and Red Onion Salad, Zucchini Corn Bread, plus BBQ Lamb Baked Beans. There will also be an a la carte menu, as well as American Flag Cake available for dessert. Talk about an exciting new addition to the Chicago food world!

BLVD {817 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.526.3116}: For the 4th of July, BLVD is offering a special BBQ meal for takeout from Friday-Sunday. This makes it easy to dine at home on something special because each kit includes Baby Back Ribs (1/4 rack), BBQ Beef, baked beans, macaroni salad and a Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuit. They also have more traditional grill kits with raw steak and sides from Chef Johnny Besch. You can pre-order all of these on Tock, and then pick-up or have them delivered through DoorDash, Grubhub and UberEats.

The Publican {837 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.733.9555}: Have a party at home this weekend! It’s super easy this year thanks to The Publican’s Lobster & Shrimp Roast Kit! Each kit comes full of deliciousness, including 1 lobster, 1/2 lb. shrimp, 2 smoked PQM sausages, potatoes & onions, plus PQB garlic bread and Build-Your-Own S'mores for dessert. You’ll be everyone’s favorite Fourth of July host in no time at all.

III Forks {180 North Field Boulevard, Chicago; 312.938.4303}: Gas up the grill and get ready to party in style with III Forks' burger kits! The package includes 6 half-pound Certified Angus Beef burger patties, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, aged cheddar cheese, sesame seed buns, III Forks seasoning and a half-dozen freshly baked cookies. Your mouth should be watering already! You can pre-order online NOW and pick up is available from June 29 to July 3.

Barrio {65 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.940.9900}: Instead of a traditional BBQ, how about a Fourth of July brunch this year? Barrio will have Bottomless Brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 3pm so you can sip on bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Bloody Marias while you listen to a live DJ! They have both patio and indoor seating available for the celebrations.

The Smith {400 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.312.5100}: The American brasserie has newly opened its sidewalk patio in the heart of River North just in time for the holiday! It’s the perfect spot to relax with a nice meal and celebrate the holiday weekend.

Gaijin {950 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.265.1348}: Though a Japanese pancake restaurant might not be your first thought for Fourth of July, that doesn’t mean Gaijin won’t be celebrating! They have a Fourth of July special (starting July 4 until it’s gone) of Smoked Pork Shoulder Okonomiyaki, Osaka style, for $16. Get it while you can!

By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor