Christian's Tailgate (photo by Becca Wright)
IF YOU DON’T have a view of the many fireworks displays around town on July 4, these spots are celebrating Independence Day with dinner, brunch, live music, deals, and booze — plus, we’ve thrown in a road trip idea. Pull up a chair to catch our spectacularly lit-up sky show!
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
B&B rooftop (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Expect the regular dinner menu on July 4, plus a Texas wagyu hot dog special served with giant steak fries and accoutrements. After dinner, catch a view of Houston’s Freedom Over Texas fireworks from the parking lot — hot diggity dog!
B.B. Lemon
Bloody Mary at B.B. Lemon (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Rise and shine for a July 4 patriotic brunch, lunch or dinner with tunes on the patio by DJ Mohawk Steve. In addition to the regular menu, expect wagyu burgers, hot dogs, beers from the new tap wall, and a festive cocktail special. Catch the great view of downtown Houston’s firework display from the B&B Butchers parking lot across the street. It’s better than a drive-in movie.
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.
Freedom Over Texas (photo courtesy Visit Houston)
This third-floor rooftop has prime views of the downtown Freedom Over Texas fireworks, accessible with a ticket ($20, starting at 7pm). Pub food (awesome pizzas!), beers and frozens will be available to purchase a la carte.
Christian's Tailgate
This casual burger joint with three locations will offer all-American hot dogs and tacos for only two bucks, along with $3 draft pints, seven specialty burgers and other rib-sticking pub grub.
CityCentre
CityCentre’s beloved fireworks celebration returns. Leading up to the big 10-minute fireworks show at 9:30pm, there will be live music from 7pm onward (country and pop). CityCentre restaurants will offer a variety of to-go menu options for snacking and sipping under the stars.
Home Run Dugout
Home Run Dugout
On the Fourth, join the sprawling party for build-your-own hotdogs and burgers, a cornhole tournament, a hot dog contest, ice-cold beer and fireworks after dark. Bring the whole family for indoor batting cage fun and great food!
NoPo Market & Bar
Treats at NoPo (photo by Carly Shuttlesworth)
Hurry and pre-order red, white and blue sweet treats from June 29 through July 3 — yummy mini cakes drenched in patriotic colors, decorated sugar cookies and fruit tarts. Closed July 4.
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
Seafood at Pier 6 (photo by Becca Wright)
Head for the water in San Leon for Pier 6's Fourth of July Bash (4-9pm). It’s a family-friendly seaside celebration, with nostalgic snacks including a popcorn machine, snow-cones and cotton candy, plus live music and DJ, face painting — and a local fire truck making daytime rounds through the marina waving American flags.
POST Houston Skylawn
After grabbing a nosh downstairs from the sprawling food market — try Johnny Good Burger or Flower and Cream ice cream — celebrate the Fourth on the largest rooftop park in America! The POST's five-acre Skylawn is the ideal location to view the Downtown fireworks display and experience DJs and bars on-site.
The Laura Hotel
Cool off at two parties on this downtown rooftop deck July 2 and July 4. The Stars, Stripes & Poolside Vibes parties feature live DJ sets, refreshing cocktails and poolside barbecue ($35 per person). Make it a staycation: Fee is waived for hotel guests!
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake
The Loren
Hitting the road for the holiday? Consider this cool new hotel across the river from downtown Austin near the city’s iconic hike and bike trail. Deals include a special room package, a curated picnic basket for the fireworks display at nearby Auditorium Shores, and new seasonal items at Nido’s dining on site — think a griddled all-beef hot dog with elevated fixings. Or watch the fireworks display from the comfort of a lake-view luxury suite with sweeping views of the downtown skyline and Lady Bird Lake, while treating yourself to sparkling wine, chips and caviar.
The Woodlands' Red, Hot & Blue Festival
July 4 in The Woodlands
The forested master-planned community just north of Houston is celebrating the Fourth with food and live entertainment geared toward the whole family. Its fireworks display will be one of the largest shows in the greater Houston area. Live music begins at 6pm and the fireworks start around 9:30pm.
Z on 23 at Le Meridien
Z on 23 rooftop
Experience one of Houston’s highest open-air rooftop bars, perched on the 23rd floor with sweeping city views and a view of the Freedom Over Texas fireworks display. The bar will be open until 10pm on the Fourth.
Fady Armanious, Brigitte Kalai AND Alicia Smit (photo by Priscilla Dickson) 
