Top Bars For 4th Of July Parties In Philadelphia

What better way to celebrate your independence than in a bar in the birthplace of America? Instead of staying at home and stressing over hosting a gathering, go out and party in the same streets our forefathers did. Here are some suggestions to get your in the 4th of July mood.

Red, White, and Brew Pub Crawl Philadelphia 
Philadelphia, PA
(212) 724-3900
pubcrawls.com

Are you ready to party? Why be stuck inside one bar when you can party in all of Philly? Red, White, and Brew is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, June 30 and culminate on Wednesday, July 4. Sure to be a great experience, you will visit some of the best watering holes in Philly. Get into the spirit of the holiday and don your red, white and blue as you dress up in patriotic garb and become Uncle Sam or Aunt Samantha for the day.

Related: Top Singles Bars In Philadelphia

Continental Old City
138 Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-6069
www.continentalmartinibar.com

Not too far from the Seaport Museum fireworks at Penn's Landing, the Continental in Old City is a great place to grab a martini and watch some fireworks. A Stephen Starr restaurant known for its sensational coctails and retro décor of olive martini lighting, the Continental is in just the right spot to be close to the action. Take in all the happenings at Penn's Landing without being in the middle of the masses and enjoy a great experience.  Situated right on Market Street and with a rooftop bar, where else would you want to be when fireworks light up the sky?

XIX – Nineteen
200 S Broad St
19th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-1919
www.hyatt.com

XIX is situated in the Hyatt at the Bellevue at the corner of Broad and Walnut Streets.  Named for its location on the 19^th floor, this bar has an awesome view of the city and all its happenings, including the fireworks. With its mahogany and leather décor, a fireplace, signature cocktails and more, you are sure to feel fancy while watching the revelers below. Its custom designed 36 foot high domed Italian ceiling and handcrafted strands of peals over the bar, XIX is sure to quench your thirst and offer a some great eye-candy. With its floor to ceiling arched picture windows, this bar will provide a  comfortable and gorgeous view of the sky when it lights up on the 4^th.

R2L
Two Liberty Place, 37th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 564-5337
www.r2lrestaurant.com 

Reminiscent of the past, but with modern art décor style, R2L sits high atop Two Liberty Place. Situated on the 37^th floor, R2L sports a spectacular view of the Philadelphia sky. This is definitely one of the top places to view the sky and see it burst into color and light as the fireworks explode over America's birthplace. Why be out in the elements when you can be comfortably situated at R2L enjoying a cocktail and looking on at the action?

Downey's
526 S Front St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-9500
www.downeysrestaurant.com

Downey's opened its doors in 1976 and is located in Society Hill. Open 365 days a year, Downey's overlooks Penn's Landing at Front and South Streets. With imported décor from Ireland, Downey's sports a mahagony bar, wood panels, and stained glass panes. While you are here, be sure to check out the 2 pound lobster special and other Irish fare.  "Upstairs at Downey's" has a capacity of 125 for sit down events, and can hold even more for a standing event. It's there, on the outside balcony that you have the perfect view of the fireworks display at Penn's Landing.

Related: Philly's Top Rooftop Bars 2011 

Joanne Apice is a full-time benefits manager with 20 years of experience in Human Resources. She earned the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation from Wharton School and the International Foundation. A lifelong learner, PA Accident and Health, Life and Fixed Annuities Licensed, she navigates the employee benefit maze daily in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.