It’s just about that time to raise a glass to our country’s independence, and where better to do it than a city that boasts the rich history that Baltimore does? Fortunately, there are plenty of Baltimore bars perfectly placed so you can take in the fireworks while toasting the 4th. Cheers!

Little Havana (1325 Key Highway; 410-837-9903)
Is there any better place to enjoy some drinks with July 4th fireworks than a waterfront bar and restaurant situated on Key Highway, named for Francis Scott Key who penned the nation’s anthem after he watched “the bombs bursting in air”? This popular mainstay serves up Cuban inspired cuisine and beverages and their outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip a mojito while watching the rockets’ red glare.

Woody’s Rum Bar (821 South Broadway; 410-563-6800)
Situated on the corner of Broadway and Thames Street in quaint Fell’s Point, Woody’s is a second floor rum bar with one of the best views of the water in all of Fell’s Point. Grab a table or sidle up to the seats along the floor to ceiling windows, and enjoy a Painkiller cocktail (a tasty tropical blend of rum, fruit juice and coconut) while you take in the fireworks.

Wit & Wisdom (200 International Circle; 410-576-5800)
Housed in the Four Seasons in Harbor East, Wit and Wisdom is easily one of the classiest waterfront drinking and dining destination points in Baltimore. Check out Wit on the Water, their outdoor seating area, for the fireworks. This is where comfortable lounge style seating meets classic cocktails and an impressive wine list. Additionally, on the fourth, the stylish restaurant is hosting a child friendly event. For $75 ($35 for children under 12) diners can sip on Union Craft Brewing’s beer selections as well as signature cocktails and wine, and dine on a variety of food offerings, including oysters from a shucking station. Tickets can be purchased at Missiontix.com.

Boathouse Canton (2809 Boston Street; 410-773-9795)
A newcomer to the Canton nightlife scene, Boathouse has an expansive amount of waterfront property where diners and drinkers can sit or stand in the casual space and take in the light show from a few miles away. While the outdoor space is one of the largest in Charm City, we’d still recommend getting there pretty early if you want a seat at this popular new joint.

Tiki Barge (500 Harborview Drive; 410-246-6501)
Housed at Harborview Marina, the Tiki Barge is one of the most popular spots to catch the fireworks. Right on the water, this bar and restaurant serves up some of Baltimore’s best crushes, tropical drinks, and local craft beer as well as seafood and sandwiches. If you like to watch your fireworks while actually in the water with your cocktail, check out their website on how to become a member and gain access to the members only pool area.

LP Steamers (1100 East Fort Avenue; 410-576-9294)
Is there anything that screams “Baltimore” more than spending July 4th watching fireworks over crabs and beer? On LP Steamer’s third floor deck, you can do just that. This popular Locust Point crab house is the place to go for all things seafood and one of the best views of July 4th fireworks.

Urban Pirates (912 South Ann Street; 410-327-8378)
Why be just waterfront on July 4th when you can actually be on the water? Urban Pirates, a local pirate themed cruise attraction, schedules evening adult cruises Thursdays through Saturdays. On Independence Day, $50 buys a ticket for the 7 p.m. cruise which promises fireworks on the adult only cruise. The best part? You can “Bring Your Own Grog.”

Barcocina (1629 Thames Street; 410-563-8800)
One of the recent newcomers to Fell’s Point, Barcocina is situated on the waterfront in Fell’s Point, with most outdoor seats offering a perfect view of the holiday’s fireworks. Given the building’s new glass and aluminum garage door walls, it is likely that drinkers and diners even inside at the busy bar will be able to take in the show while sipping on margaritas and fresh fruity cocktails at this Mexican inspired bar and restaurant.

Photo via Flickr user Ulises Jorge