Where to Enjoy Drinks with Fireworks on July 4th in Philadelphia
Fairmount Park offers some of the best vistas for viewing the 4th of July fireworks. Whether you’re up on the Belmont Plateau or down at Kelly Drive, the views are tough to beat. However, all these spots are a bit more dry than we would like, so we have a collection of spots to wet your whistle while watching the display.
Philly 4th of July Jam & Grand Finale Fireworks
Con Murphy’s Irish Pub: Located right on the Ben Franklin Parkway, this bar’s two floors and outdoor patio will provide a great view to go along with the food and drinks. (1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 267-687-1128)
Public House Logan Square: This is your last chance to hang out at Public House, since it will close on July 5th and become another City Tap House before long. (2 Logan Square, 215-587-9040)
Mace’s Crossing: This unpretentious bar is another that’s smack dab on the parkway. Good food, good drinks, good people. Sound good? (1714 Cherry Street, 215-564-5203)
McCrossen's Tavern: For the 4th, this no-nonsense tavern near 20th and Spring Garden Streets is serving up a picnic themed menu and offering specials on summertime sippers like Yuengling Summer Wheat and Sly Fox Pikeland Pils. (529 N. 20th St.; 215-854-0923)
Bishop’s Collar: The Collar has one of the best vantage points of the Art Museum from Fairmount. It’s just a block up the hill from the festivities, so it’s definitely a great spot to quench your thirst. (2349 Fairmount Ave., 215-765-1616)
Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Spectacular: July 5
Morgan’s Pier: Green Velvet will be turning Morgan’s Pier into a patriotic waterfront house show. Come for the music and fireworks, stay for the cocktails and beer. Ben Franklin and the bridge that takes his name would both approve of coming here to celebrate Independence Day. (221 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-279-7134)
Dave & Buster’s: D&B’s is known for its fun-loving atmosphere, and this 4th will be no exception. There will be the typical selection of food, drinks and games, but the view from the dining room may never be better. Large glass windows position you right above the waterfront facing a Ben Franklin Bridge which will be illuminated with bombs bursting in air. (325 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-413-1951)
Moshulu: Care to come aboard a boat that made an appearance in The Godfather Part II? Thought so. This ship hasn’t been on supply runs around South America for a few years, so hop aboard the deck and watch the fireworks explode in the summer night. Nowadays, this stalwart of the riverfront has food and wine good enough for the Corleone family. (401 S. Columbus Blvd., 215-923-2500)
Cavanaugh’s River Deck: It’s hard to complain with a spot that has four different bars and is predominantly outside. The River Deck will be one of the better places in the city to watch the fireworks and dance the night away. (417 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-629-7400)
Photo via Brad Jacobson
