by kimberlypeiffer - 50 Reviews - 84 List
July 4th, summer?s quintessential party, is upon us. Find out where in Chicago to get all-American eats and see the most ?ooh?- and ?aah?-inspiring fireworks. The 4th of July weekend also puts several high-profile festivals right in our backyard. From barbecue to baseball, we?ve got your guide to a fun-filled 4th of July holiday weekend in Chicago. (Photo: Crumbs Bakery)
Updated: June 28, 2010
If you don?t have time to grill out (or if your barbecue skills are subpar), this BYOB smoke shack in Old Irving Park has you covered with an array of carnivorous delights, from 15-hour smoked ribs to Texas hot links to Applewood-smoked pulled pork, and lip-smacking good sides like creamy mac 'n' cheese and vinegary coleslaw. Word to the wise: Save room for the incredible peach cobbler.
The namesake Italian beef is the main attraction at this unassuming, mostly takeout Taylor Street joint. The nutmeg-scented shredded beef with jus-sopped French bread was born here in 1928, and although it?s been duplicated, local residents, UIC students and clued-in tourists know it?s still unparalleled.
What's more festive than a red, white and blue-themed cake? Indulge in the Star Spangled cupcake from Crumbs--a red velvet cake topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting, red, white and blue sprinkles and a star cookie dipped in blue fondant.
The 4th of July seems un-American without a good, juicy burger! Rockit Bar and Grill will take care of that with its delectable Kobe beef burger, topped with melted cheese and served with a side of sweet potato fries. Independence never tasted so good.
Taste of Chicago 2011: June 24-July 2, 11am to 8:30pm, and July 3, 11am to 6pm (free). Sure it?s hot, sticky and jam-packed, but how many opportunities do you get to chow down on Eli?s Cheesecake and Harold's fried chicken while taking in gratis performances by big-name musical acts?
4th of July Fireworks: July 4, 9pm (free). For the second year in a row, the city will forgo its traditional one-show fireworks display in Grant Park for a triple-play of smaller, coordinated blasts on July 4: one show at Navy Pier, another along the south lakefront and a third at a north lakefront location.
Sox vs. Cubs: July 3, 1:20pm (price varies). For a truly festive (and sports-filled) weekend, watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. A game between these two rivals is always a good one, and the holiday weekend makes it even more fun!
Fireworks Dinner Cruise: July 4, 6:30pm to 10pm ($90.90 per person). What could possibly top the view of the fireworks along the Chicago lakefront? Only the view of the fireworks from the deck of a cruise ship, with the Chicago skyline twinkling in the background. Throw in a buffet dinner and a DJ and three hours of open bar, and we wager that by the end of the night, you'll be buzzing with patriotic spirit.
