Before the Fireworks: Five cool Minneapolis gatherings for the big kids on July 4th

June 30, 11:55 AMMinneapolis City Guide ExaminerLori Wilson

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What kind of city festivities are you looking for this Independence Day? Lakeside or rooftop fireworks? Hitting up downtown clubs with friends? In Minneapolis, there is a little bit of everything for everyone. Of course, that all depends on what kind of fun you are looking for. Part 1 of this Fourth of July planner looks at several pre-firework rooftop and patio picks for the big kids. While not all are famous for their food or service, the views are unbeatable. Throw in some fireworks and you have the best courtside seating in the city!

Tuggs Tavern: Tuggs is well-known for their riverside view and a large open deck perfect to swig brew and catch the fireworks show once the sun goes down. It is a casual restaurant/bar along the historic Main Street of St. Anthony Main near the old Minneapolis flour mills. This burger and beer joint is a perfect place to kick back and relax for a few hours with friends and unexpectedly diverse crowds. The variety of beer isn't huge but they do serve the classic Grain Belt Premium, a popular vintage throw-back enjoyed by the younger crowd. Tuggs is found 219 Main St. SE in St. Anthony Main. 612-379-4404. View map.

VIC's Dining: VIC's is another popular open-air terrace on the Mississippi Riverfront near the Stone Arch Bridge directly next to Tuggs Tavern. The wrap-around patio has plenty of seating options with live music playing on Fridays and Saturdays. If you can't get a spot outdoors (and the patio does get busy), head inside. VIC's has floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic views of the Minneapolis downtown skyline from every table. Arrive early for  prime patio seating while bands and entertainers perform along the riverfront for the 4th's Red, White and BOOM! festival. VIC's is located at 201 E. Main St. SE., with a validated parking ramp with tunnel. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 612-312-2000. View map.

Solera: This chic Minneapolis tapas bar, a homage to the Spanish tapas tradition, serves 40+small plates of tapas in the heart of the Hennepin Theatre District. It was voted 'One of the World's Top 10 New Restaurants' by Food & Wine Magazine. Solera's rooftop is a decent mid-to-large size space for small groups or couples looking for a slightly more sophisticated taste. The rooftop is not quite as dominated by the Brit's Pub patio scene, but still has plenty of action every night of the week. The live DJs, Late Night Happy Hour (until 1 a.m.!), and the pitchers of Sangria on the rooftop are cool complements to the downtown view that's unparallel to anything else in the city.

You can also catch rooftop movies at Solera in the summer months. Enjoy 80s cult classics like Heathers, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and current comedies Super Bad, Borat and Old School, that runs through September. Solera is located at 900 Hennepin Avenue. 612-338-0062.

Tiger Sushi: Tiger Sushi is one of the newest additions to Minneapolis' quirky Lyn-Lake neighborhood. The restaurant has a wrap-a-around glass facade and a cool indoor layout with abstract layers of colors for unique dimension.But the best part of this sushi joint is outside. Their huge Zen-like patio is somewhat protected from the summer sun and city distractions. You can almost forget you are on one of Uptown's busiest streets with the colorful landscape and the Midtown Greenway's bike trail below the patio. Tiger Sushi is totally dog friendly, a great start up for sushi beginners, and an easy stop for bikers who want to grab a bite to eat. Tiger Sushi is located just north of Lake Street at 2841 Lyndale Ave. S. in Uptown. Take-out is also available in case you want to park and eat while watching the city fireworks.

Cafe Lurcat: This decadently cool joint (with the best mini burgers in town!) is one of the city's premier "places to be seen" outdoor hot spots. The restaurant's lush, green patio overlooks the top end of Loring Park, an urban green space in Minneapolis designed around New York City's Central Park. Both inside and out, Lurcat has tons of character with exposed brick walls, small candleight coves, intricate archways, large expansive windows and an outdoor garden patio. Cafe Lurcat is located at 1624 Harmon Pl. 612-486-5500.

Other popular Minneapolis rooftop/patios for pre-firework partying:

moto-I
Brit's Pub
Seven Sky Bar
Joe's Garage
20:21
Nicollet Island Inn
Stella's Fish Cafe
Town Hall Brewery
Grumpy's Bar
Psycho Suzies
Drink Uptown