Best Restaurants With A View Of July 4th's Fireworks In Minnesota
Stop fighting the crowd for a blanket on the grass and a spot to wait for the fireworks to begin. Since Minnesota is home to 10,000 plus lakes, and fireworks tend to be set off over a lake, there are a lot of options for viewing the fireworks that don't involve waiting a long time for it to get dark and being pretty far from a bathroom. Restaurants with patio and rooftop seating are situated by most major firework displays and offer the comfort of food, beverage, and restrooms without the hassle of carrying blankets and coolers down a mile from your car to wait two hours for a 15 minute display. The Fourth of July is about freedom. Freely enjoy the fireworks in comfort.
Maynards
685 Excelsior Blvd.
Excelsior, MN 55331
(952) 470-1800
www.maynards-excelsior.com
Located on the waterfront of Lake Minnetonka, Maynards may not just be the best place to see fireworks on the Fourth, it may also be the best place to hang out this summer. Locally owned and rated one of the best places for patio dining, Maynards welcomes a fun and lively summer crowd during patio season and is a great place to sit and enjoy the lake. The food and service are consistently good and the fireworks are easily enjoyed from the patio. Watch the show over Lake Minnetonka and enjoy a cocktail or two this Independence Day.
Sea Change
806 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 225-6499
www.seachangempls.com
Sea Change, a casual dining spot in the famous Guthrie of downtown Minneapolis, not only serves some of the best seafood in the state, but it also boasts a great patio and fabulous view of the fireworks on July 4. The firework show at the Stone Arch Bridge can be seen from the restaurant and it often starts around 10 p.m., leaving just enough time to have dinner and a few cocktails before the event. Enjoy the annual Red, White, and Boom celebration in downtown Minneapolis along with some sustainable seafood.
Dock Cafe
425 E. Nelson St.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 430-3770
www.dockcafe.com
Located on the waterfront in historic Stillwater, the Dock Cafe offers a great place to wine, dine, and celebrate the holiday. The beautiful scenery and foliage in the summer makes us glad we won the war during the summer. Sit outside at the Dock Cafe and relax with friends, family, or whomever you wish to pass the time with. Gaze out on the water at the historic Stillwater lift bridge and watch the fireworks over the river when the sun goes down. Enjoy great food and wine in a picturesque setting.
Little Angie's Cantina & Grill
11 E. Buchanan St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 727-6117
www.littleangies.com
With the perfect view of the fireworks display in Bayfront Park, Little Angie's Cantina is a great place to watch the festivities in Duluth. Little Angie's is right in the middle of the action. A staple in Canal Park and the famous finish line for the annual Grandma's Marathon. Enjoy the deck that offers your choice of a little or a lot of shade, the location across the harbor, and the view of the famous aerial lift bridge. Sip a margarita and enjoy southwestern flare at Little Angie's.
Acqua
4453 Lake Ave. S
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 407-7317
www.acquawbl.com
Acqua offers the experience of outdoor dining, delicious food, and a great view of the festivities on the Fourth. Located in White Bear Lake, the patio of Acqua overlooks the marina where the fireworks are set off for the holiday. Enjoy fresh Italian and seafood selections while listening to the live music that will be playing during the event. At 10 p.m., the fireworks start over the lake. Get there early, there are no reservations on outdoor seating.
Related: Fireworks, Grilling Safety Tips For The Fourth Of July
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.