In 1776, John Adams, one of the nation’s founding fathers who would go on to be our second president, wrote to his wife, Abigail, that he thought Independence Day celebrations should be commemorated with “…with Pomp and Parade, with Shews [sic], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations.”

Whether Houstonians opt for the bonfires and illuminations or not, there are plenty of restaurants and bars around town to celebrate our national birthday and enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of great dining and drinking.

Downtown

The Rustic, 1836 Polk: The popular beer spot is offering guests the chance to imbibe for a good cause with “Drink the Flag.” The promotion raises funds for the Lone Survivor Foundation, which helps wounded service members, veterans and their families. Guests who order 11 Below Brewing Company’s Hipster Sauce, Southern Star’s Bombshell Blonde or No Label Brewing Company’s Brew of H Pale Ale get to select choose their own donation amount (minimum $5) for the organization. The Rustic is open 11 a.m. to midnight on July 4.

Galleria

Axis Lounge at Royal Sonesta Houston, 2222 West Loop: The swanky bar created a special cocktail for Independence Day. The Liberty Bell is a blend of Patrón Silver and Patrón Citronage Lime, fresh lime juice, soda water and hibiscus syrup to create a refreshing summer sipper. It’s available for $12 and the lounge is open from noon to midnight.

The Heights

Eight Row Flint, 1039 Heights: The popular watering hole has Bourbon Cherry Limeade Snow Cones made with Maker’s Mark for $7 today. Bonus: guests get free watermelons all day long. Updated 07/01/19 at 1:15 p.m.

Mastrantos, 927 Studewood: During dinner service July 4 through 6, diners can order the special Tatanka Burger for $15. It’s a half-pound buffalo burger served with a side of French fries.

Superica, 1801 North Shepherd: The casual Mexican spot offers its weekend brunch menu on Independence Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with selections such as Huevos Rancheros, Tamales and Eggs, a barbecue brisket sandwich and several Aguas Frescas.

Lazybrook/Timbergrove

Karbach Brewing Company, 2032 Karbach: The favorite craft brewery is hosting a July 4 Music and Fireworks Spectacular, featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick. The event features $5 craft beer, food trucks and kids under 12 come in free. General admission is $28, while a VIP ticket is $100 and comes with three free beers, a buffet, prime viewing for the show and indoor restrooms. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Memorial

Jonathan’s The Rub, 12505 Memorial: The west side favorite is offering happy hour all day, which means diners to choose from a selection of discounted drinks and bar bites from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Montrose

Emmaline, 3210 West Dallas: This chic oasis offers a Fourth of July combo that screams, “Summer!”. For $20, get a burger, a beer and a banana split. The special is available July 4 through 6. The restaurant is open on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight.

River Oaks

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, 4310 Westheimer: The popular, whiskey-centric gathering spot has a special “All-American Flight” available on July 4, beginning at 11 a.m. It features four pours of American whiskies, allowing guests to sample tastes from around the country.

Uptown

The Bar at The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa, 111 N. Post Oak: The ritzy watering hole has an Independence Day-themed cocktail called Sea to Shining Sea. The combination of Texas Treaty Oak Rum, pomegranate, blueberry, lime and agave syrup is a perfect pre-dinner drink. The Bar is open from 3 p.m. to midnight on July 4.

Washington Ave

B.B. Lemon, 1809 Washington and B&B Butchers, 1814 Washington: These two Berg Hospitality properties right across the street from each other are both offering special Independence Day deals. At B.B. Lemon, there’s a 4th of July Backyard Cookout from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Executive chef Emily Trusler is breaking out the grill and guests can get a watermelon salad, Texas Wagyu burger (or two TXexas Wagyu hot dogs), cottage fries and strawberry shortcake for $29.76 per person. Buckets of beer or Babe Rosé are available for $17.76. Call (713)-554-1809 to reserve. Over at B&B Butchers, a three-course Independence Day Feast lets diners choose an appetizer, entrée, two sides and a dessert for $47.76 per person. Options include pigs in a blanket, fried chicken, hamburger, cheeseburger, steak fries, potato salad, Berry Butter Cake and New York cheesecake. The feast is offered from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and reservations are strongly recommended. Call (713)-862-1814 to book a table. By the way: both spots offer great viewing of the Freedom Over Texas fireworks display.

West Houston

New Spot Eatery, 12102 Westheimer: This casual dining restaurant gets festive for the Fourth with a couple of specials. They’ll be serving Red, White and Blue French Toast all day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and every beer and wine on the menu is $2 with purchase of brunch, lunch or dinner all day long. The restaurant also offers live music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended for those coming in for the music. Call (346) 773-4126 to get a seat.

The Woodlands

Broken Barrel, 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd: With prime seating for The Woodlands’ fireworks display, this restaurant is sure to be a popular destination on July 4. In addition to seating with a view, Broken Barrel has several special menu items to celebrate America’s birthday. Check out the Watermelon Fizz made with vodka and fresh watermelon juice for $12, Blue Corn Dogs with smoked honey mustard for $12, Shrimp Sliders with red pepper aioli for $15, Charred Corn with a cheddar crumble and bacon for $12 and Red, White and Blue Tres Leches for $10. Reservations are available from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Multiple Locations

BuffBurger: All locations around town are offering a kids-eat-free special with the purchase of an adult order. This should prove fun for families dropping in before fireworks displays or those watching the budget ahead of summer travel.

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria: All four Houston-area locations have a discount deal for guests for the Fourth. Customers dining in get a 25-percent discount all day long.

Jax Grill, 6510 South Rice and 1613 Shepherd: The casual place for burgers and bites is offering a buy-one-get-one deal for dine-in customers only. Those who purchase an entree can get an additional one of lesser or equal value all day on July 4.

Peli Peli, 110 Vintage Park and 23501 Cinco Ranch, Katy: Both the original Peli Peli and Katy location are hosting happy hour all day long on the 4th of July. That means diners can indulge in select cocktails for half off and $6 bar bites to their hearts’ content. In addition, the brunch menu is available at the Vintage Park location until 4 p.m. The hours there are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the one in Cinco Ranch opens for dinner at 4 p.m. and closes at 9.

The Union Kitchen: To mark America’s birthday, all five locations are offering a buy-one-get-one deal on entrées. Choose from selections such as Tyler’s Pasta, a dish of fresh fettuccine and chicken tossed in a sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce and fresh basil or Peggy’s Diver Scallops, pan seared served over parmesan risotto with citrus cream sauce and baby bok choy, and get one of equal or lesser value for free. The deal is good only on July 4.