This year’s 4^th of July might be remembered for watching fireworks from home and restrictions on gathering, but that’s no reason you can’t get out there (responsibly) and celebrate our American freedom – with masks and social distancing, of course. Here are four recommendations for spending the summer holiday enjoying liberty, delicious food and libations.

The Deck at Island Gardens

The Deck at Island Gardens will be celebrating with a weekend happy hour and holiday-themed menu specials. On July 4, dine on classics with a twist: lobster rolls, kobe beef sliders and there’s nothing more American than chicken wings and hot dogs. Sunday’s popular brunch offers salty and sweet options: lobster eggs benedict, berry pancakes, or the ultimate American creation – the Deck’ed Out Burger. A Sparkling Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday will leave you refreshed as you take in the serene view from the ample al fresco dining area covered by shade, with outdoor fans to keep the breeze flowing.

888 MacArthur Causeway, Miami; (786) 627-4949; islandgardens.com

Joia Beach

A hidden paradise awaits at this beach restaurant on the far end of Jungle Island. Dine on a European-inspired menu with views of crystalline waters and the iconic Miami skyline. Make a date of it by starting with a visit to Jungle Island – strolling through nature exhibits and encountering wildlife – and ending with a romantic meal at Joia Beach sharing small plates of fresh halibut crudo, Turkish octopus and gambas al ajillo. Don’t miss out! Due to COVID-19 restrictions they are limiting dining hours to Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. by reservation only.

1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami; (305) 400-7280; joiabeachmiami.com

The Taurus Coconut Grove

If the 4^th of July isn’t enough reason to celebrate, how about your 101^st birthday? In honor of both, The Taurus (formerly Taurus Beer & Whiskey House) is throwing itself a party with plenty of drink specials throughout the day including bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s for $25 (noon to 4 p.m.) happy hour cocktails (4 to 8 p.m.) and $15 buckets of PBR (8 p.m. to 2 a.m.). From noon to 4 p.m., the Lazy Oyster pop-up will be at Taurus serving premium oysters (please note oysters are limited). The Ariete brunch menu will also be available for dine-in at Taurus.

3540 Main Highway, Miami; (305) 529-6523; taurusbeerandwhiskey.com

Fireman Derek’s

With two locations in Wynwood and Coconut Grove (walk over for dessert from The Taurus!), head to Fireman Derek’s for a slice of Flag Pie. Made with their signature hand-rolled flour crust, a glorious combination of blueberry and strawberry pie filling spread evenly atop a thick cheesecake layer, jam-packed with summer berries and decorated to honor our flag’s stars and stripes, it will leave you seeing fireworks. It’s only available for purchase on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 so run, don’t walk.

Coconut Grove: 3435 Main Highway, Miami; (786) 502-2396; Wynwood: 2818 N. Miami Avenue; (786) 703-3623; firemandereks.com

By Estefania Garcia, Contributing Writer