Is there anything more American than celebrating the anniversary of our independence in the nation’s capital? From firework shows on the mall to a personal display in your backyard, the District celebrates America’s birthday with an emphatic bang. While there are a plethora of activities to do and events to attend, not everyone is keen on being surrounded by tourists or waiting in egregious lines. We can’t promise these following events won’t include either of those inconveniences, but we do know you’ll be thoroughly entertained celebrating one of the busiest holidays of the year.

Crimson Whisky

Absorb 360-degree views of Chinatown and the National Mall while sipping on buckets of beer and dancing to live music. One of D.C.’s new-is rooftop spots, Crimson promises a hot dog carousel to keep you well-fed as you wind down the evening gazing in awe at the fireworks show. While free, this is a first-come-first-serve event.

Crimson, 627 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., 202-847-4459

12 Stories

The Wharf’s snazzy new rooftop lounge is the perfect place to get dressed up in your finest red, white and blue. Specials for that evening include $10 Casamigo frozen margaritas and $12 buckets of Bud and Bud Light. Keep in mind everyone must spend $50 in order to secure a table. We recommend arriving early — 12 Stories will be having a special pre-fireworks show toast. Read our glowing brunch review here.

12 Stories, 75 District Square SW, 12th Floor Washington, D.C. 202-894-9700

The Brighton

The Wharf is slowly picking up steam as one of Washington’s hottest neighborhoods to hang out and that’s in large part to The Brighton. Gather your crew and head to the waterfront as early as 11 a.m. on the 4th where they’ll be serving specialty cocktails, $5 hot dog & fries combos and $8 cheese fries. Once you’ve eaten your classic American fare, settle in for what will surely be an entertaining fireworks show.

The Brighton, 949 Wharf Street SW, Washington, D.C., 202-735-5398

Brixton

Use America’s birthday as an opportunity to also do an act of service at The Brixton. The U St. saloon will give you a Sam Adams free of charge if you bring in five non-perishable food items on Independence Day. Double donations to 10 and they’ll sweeten the deal with a free hot dog. Read what the Bitches had to say about brunch here.

Brixton, 901 U Street NW, Washington, D.C., 202-560-5045

Boqueria

Nothing is more on brand for America and D.C. than four straight days of unlimited brunch. From July 4 to July 7 at both of Boqueria’s locations, gorge on a la carte menu items or pay $42 for their bottomless food and booze option. Our personal favorites include patatas bravas and torrija, which is caramelized French toast topped with seasonal fruit and caramel sauce. Check out what the Bitches had to say about brunch here.

Boqueria, 1837 M St NW, Washington, D.C., 202-558-9545 (Dupont Circle) and 777 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., 202 552-3268‬ (Penn Quarter)

The Graham Georgetown

An all-day unlimited barbecue buffet, live music, and drink specials available a la carte await if you pay $100 at The Graham Hotel in Georgetown. If you decide on a more extravagant direction to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, then splurge on the exclusive “Views” table which includes entrance for 10, two bottles of bubbly, a dedicated server, views of the fireworks and other exciting perks. Tickets for both options can be found here. The Bitches recently dined at The Alex Speakeasy, which is located inside The Graham. Find that review here.

The Graham, 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, D.C., 202-337-0900

City Tap House Dupont

Those with a more modest budget can pay $40 for an all-you-can-eat experience at City Tap Dupont, where they’ll be cooking up endless hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw and ice pops. Also included in the special are house wine pairings. Cool off with cocktails like $6 bourbon slushies, $7 grapefruit and orange crushes and $8 watermelon limoncello cocktails. Get into what we had to say about brunch here.

City Tap House Dupont, 1250 Connecticut Ave NW suite 105, Washington, D.C., (202) 878-8235