Fireworks are a glorious sight. They crackle and sizzle across the sky. They draw together crowds, and elicit fascination as heads tilted to the sky “ooing” and “ahhing.” Planning on going out to check out the displays on the fourth? Instead of weaving through the masses at the local fireworks displays, stop at one of these humble restaurants near the action and sit out on their patio for a view catered to your appetite.
Lenox Square Mall Fireworks
3377 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
678-500-3190
Street food vendors are taking their fare sky-high to the W’s rooftop for a birds-eye view of Lenox Mall’s display. The exclusive party begins at 5 p.m. and tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Food and drinks are separate, and include cocktails and food truck noshes.
Centennial Park Fireworks
150 Walton Street, Atlanta
404-524-0444
The rooftop bar is inconspicuously tucked away and offers its own viewing deck from the hubbub of downtown. Spend $45 and you can spin the wheel to win prizes like a free pint or shots for your group. This month’s burger is the “Arrigo,” a pizza inspired beef burger with pepperoni, marinara and mozzarella.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Decatur Fireworks
906 Oakview Road, Decatur
404-373-6270
Taking a cue from the laid-back vibe of Decatur, the patio at this boozer is tucked away from Decatur’s bustling square. This family-friendly dive bar makes you want to hang out and sip one of their draft beers like the new Three Taverns “A night in Brussels” IPA. For a throwback side that reminds you of grade school, order tater tots instead of fries with one of their pub-style burgers.
Marietta Square Fireworks
15 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta
678-290-6641
History is rooted in this former fire department, the oldest standing in Cobb County. Their back porch is tucked away from Marietta Square, and with more than 30 beers on tap, the selections range from an expected pint of Guinness Irish Stout to an uncommon Hobgoblin Brown Ale.
Lake Lanier Fireworks
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
5390 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
770-945-9181
This is a hike up I-85, but if you’re going to or from Lake Lanier’s fireworks display, the bright blue beach shack is an underrated haven of straightforward seafood classics. Try one of their easy appetizer picks like the crab cake sandwich, calamari or seafood dip, a cheesy ramekin of shrimp and scallops.
Roswell Fireworks
1170 Canton Street, Roswell
770-992-8866
NOCA stands for “North of Canton Street,” and the patio is a humble spot off Roswell’s prime bustling street. The restaurant serves up pleasing new American cuisine, with an assortment of basic options like steak frites to thoughtfully innovative pistachio-crusted grouper. The wine list is an elegant interplay of Old and New World wines, stretching from Oregon Pinot Noirs to Alsace Reisling.
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