In the hot, sticky summer month of July, Americans across the United States don their red, white, and blue, bust out the grills, slather on the sunscreen, and light the sparklers to celebrate Independence Day.
But in South Florida, the depths of summer are a bit like the depths of winter in Minnesota: Sure, there's a certain percentage of the population who will brave the insane temperatures for some time outside, but most sane people hunker down in the climate controlled indoors, sipping seasonally appropriate beverages.
So, what better way to celebrate the Fourth of July in South Florida than in air conditioned bars and restaurants - or at least ones that have a waterfront deck with a good breeze and plenty of fans? To celebrate our nation's independence, these establishments are offering mouth watering deals and specialty brews and - in some cases - even views of the fireworks. ‘Murica!
S3
11 a.m., July 5. Cost is $28.95. Call 954-523-7873, or visit s3restaurant.com.
There's nothing more American than barbecue, and S3 certainly understands that. Guests will be able to indulge in a traditional pig roast on the 5th and other delicious options. On actual Independence Day, fireworks are included, but not for eating, of course.
The Village at Gulfstream Park
2 p.m. 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach. Visit gulfstreampark.com.
Gulfstream has a multitude of delectable options this holiday. Local food trucks will be in attendance along with a buffet at the Ten Palms for $19.99. Kids 12 and under eat for half price. After being in a food coma, watch the Grucci Grand Illuminations show at 9:15 p.m.
Brass Tap
950 N. Congress Ave. Suite J100, Boynton Beach, and 624 SW 145th Ter., Pembroke Pines. Visit brasstapbeerbar.com.
All weekend long, Brass Tap locations will be offering specials on chicken wings and beer. Choose from 50 craft beers for a 32-oz. pitcher and pair with ten wings for $17.76. One pitcher is the equivalent of 2 pints and is at a $25 value. Can you say, “Great deal”?
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa
Doors open at 4 p.m. 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Visit society8.com or call 954-567-8020.
Along with a fireworks show and music, guests can enjoy an all-American gourmet barbecue provided by by Beauty & the Feast. The $49 ticket includes southern-style dishes such as Jalapeño roasted cream corn, beer can chicken, and short rib corn dogs. Two different dinner seatings are available at 5:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. with doors opening at 4 p.m. RSVP is a must and there is limited space.
Funky Buddha
9 a.m. Saturday, July 4. 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park. Visit Facebook.
Get funky at the Funky Buddha with extended hours and specialty brews. Starting at 9 a.m., attendees can get numerous beer selections for 32-oz. and 64-oz. growler fills. Blueberry Cobbler Ale will be making a return in four pack bottles for purchasing, aka drinking. In regards, hot dog food truck Diablo Dog will be out front.
Rhino Doughnuts
All locations. $1.99 for doughnuts. Visit rhinodoughnuts.com.
Looking for something more simplistic for your Fourth of July food special? Visit any Rhino Doughnuts location for some damn good doughnuts with added patriotic colors.
World of Beer
4437 Lyons Rd. Suite E-101, Coconut Creek. Visit Facebook.
Nothing says “community” like potluck, and World of Beer gets it. Join this Coconut Creek bar for BBQ, potluck style. There will be specials for Texas’s Shiner Brewery and other cans all day. Day drinking has never been so patriotic.
Dada
5 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Dada. 52 N Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. $18 cover. Visit Facebook.
DADA will be hosting their annual Fourth of July charity cookout on, well, July 4. Admission grants users barbecue specials and drink specials. In addition, the psychedelic Satori Kings and Americana rock band Mylo Ranger will be present for your jamming needs.
And if you still want to brave the heat for fireworks displays:
- Hollywood's annual Star-Spangled Spectacular Fourth of July Celebration starts at 2 p.m. and ends with fireworks at 9 p.m. Check out live music from DJ Tony Mixx, Beach Party and Private Stock on the Connecticut Street stage as well as Latin music from Cachi Velez and Friends on Fillmore Street. Carl Stanley & Silk Steel Drum will perform at Missouri Street. The event is located at North Broadwalk in Hollywood. Call 954-921-3404, or visit hollywoodfl.org.
- Fort Lauderdale’s free Fourth of July Celebration is located on A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. The fun starts at 12:30 p.m. with music from reggae band Grace and the Victory Riders and Billy Joel tribute band Turnstiles. There is also a kids zone with bounce houses, face painting and games. At 9 p.m. Fort Lauderdale's fireworks erupt over the Atlantic Ocean. Visit fortlauderdale.gov.
- Boynton Beach’s Fourth of July Festival will include live music provided by The New Horizon Band and Big Night Out. The Kid’s Corner includes arts and crafts, a watermelon eating contest and a petting zoo. The event is from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Intracoastal Park, located at 2240 N. Federal Highway. Free shuttle rides will be given from Boynton Beach City Hall (100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd.) and Boynton Beach High School (4975 Park Ridge Blvd. at Gateway Boulevard). Call 954-742-6246.
- Delray Beach’s party will be located on A1A and Atlantic Avenue and starts at 3:30 p.m. There will be live music from reggae band Progression and Jimmy Buffet tribute band Jimmy Stowe & the Stowaways. Also included is a Splash Zone featuring water slides and games, a Kid’s Corner with face painting, arts and crafts, and more. For adults, check out the beer garden hosted by Burger Fi, Caffe Luna Rosa, and Boston’s on the Beach. There is also a sand sculpting contest, mini golf course, burger eating contest and lip-sync battle. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at the north end of the beach. Visit julyfourthdelraybeach.com.
