Waterbar
photo: Kevin Bond
Looking for a spot to sit back, sip a cold one and watch the fireworks on the Fourth?
EPIC Roasthouse and Waterbar: This Embarcadero duo couldn't be better situated for viewing fireworks on the Bay. Luckily, both will be open for lunch and dinner on the 4th, serving their regular à la carte menus both inside and on their shared outdoor patio (EPIC: 415-369-9955; Waterbar: 415-284-9922; reserve online).
Jardinière: Traci Des Jardins will bust out red, white and blue tablecloths for a special, family-friendly Fourth of July barbecue. Not exactly hot dogs and Lay’s potato chips, the set menu spread features starters like pickled watermelon, lobster rolls, Hoffman Ranch fried chicken, Berkshire pork ribs and a mess of sides like corn on the cob, mac 'n' cheese and buttermilk biscuits. Cherry pie à la mode and root-beer floats cap off the evening ($55 per person; 415-861-5555; reserve online).
Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery: This Haight Street brewpub, open regular hours on the 4th (10 PM–1 AM), will offer menu additions like barbecue Prather Ranch brisket with baked beans and corn on the cob, and spare ribs with potato salad and cornbread. The holiday dishes will also be available for dinner on Friday and Sunday (415-864-7468).
Mission Beach Café: Along with its regular menu, this Mission haunt will debut new dishes for an old-fashioned summer feast, including Prather Ranch meats (pork spare ribs, lamb riblets and pulled brisket), plus sides like deviled duck eggs and citrus fennel slaw. The menu is a preview of the restaurant’s new “BBQ Tuesdays” launching July 7.
Pier 39: Sure it’s touristy, but it provides a great spot to watch the pyrotechnics over the Bay. The entire Pier will host an afternoon of live music and entertainment from 1–4 PM, culminating in a fireworks spectacular accompanied by a musical simulcast from KISS FM 98.1. In between, grab a bite at one of the pier-side restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe and North Beach Pizza. At the nearby Aquatic Park, McCormick & Kuleto's has a limited number of evening reservations left.
Finally, to avoid the waterfront-parking crush, there's plenty of street parking and an underground garage near the Presidio’s Pres a Vi, Presidio Social Club and La Terrasse; their proximity to Chrissy Field allows guests to view the San Francisco, Marin and possibly even Oakland fireworks shows (Pres a Vi: 415-409-3000; reserve online; Presidio Social Club: 415-885-1888; reserve online; La Terrasse: 415-922-3463; reserve online).