Summertime in Chicago means soaking up the sun and enjoying all the street fests, outdoor concerts, sidewalk cafes and events that the city has to offer. Fireworks are another Chicago summer hallmark, not just on the fourth of July but all summer long. Navy Pier hosts an exciting fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday evening through Labor Day weekend.
Beaches, river cruises and the Lakefront Trail are popular spots for taking in the colorful explosions but what if you want to relax with food and drinks? Here are a few Chicago restaurants that supply excellent food as well as great fireworks views.
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Co.
This crowd-pleasing dining emporium delivers brick-oven baked artisan pizzas delicious enough to satisfy the pickiest Chicago pizza lover. With a beautiful backdrop of the Chicago River and skyline. the ambiance alone is worth a visit.
The menu offers a selection of small plates like marinated olives, calamari and salads as well as thin-crust pizza with inventive toppings like duck prosciutto with Calabrian chile and marinated chicken with seasoned artichoke hearts (a personal fave). You can even create your own pizza if you want something simpler.
Be sure to grab a riverside table for the best firework views. Reservations are recommended because patio seating fills up fast.
465 N. McClurg Ct.
312-265-1328
Cindy’s Rooftop
Sitting atop the Chicago Athletic Club Association Hotel, Cindy’s Rooftop provides some of the most iconic skyline views in the city. With airy and stylish decor and a glass atrium and open-air terrace to maximize the panoramas, Cindy’s is a Chicago classic.
The menu features fresh fare like striped bass aguachile, oysters on the half shell and avocado toast served on communal picnic tables or lounge areas. The thing to remember about Cindy’s is that it is always busy, even during the day so reservations are required. But if you just want drinks or appetizers, it’s walk-in only.
Opt for a meal reservation because walk-ins typically have long wait times. Reserve as early as possible and select terrace seating for the most optimal fireworks views.
12 S. Michigan Ave.
312-792-3502
Offshore Rooftop
Named the world’s largest rooftop by Guinness World Records, this chic lounge and restaurant is located at the far east end of Navy Pier and supplies some of the most scenic cityscape’s in Chicago.
You can’t beat the views and the food measures up as well. The sizeable menu dishes up shareables like parmesan truffle fries and smoked chicken wings as well as pizza, poke, sliders and entrees like warm Greek orzo pasta and a prime double griddle burger.
Outdoor seating is first come, first serve, so make an early reservation so you can stake out your seat for the most ideal viewpoints for the fireworks.
1000 E. Grand Ave.
Festival Hall, entrance 2
312-535-6660
