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For those not blessed with a private roof deck or the patience to fight the patriotic droves at the Mall, here are some other ways to catch DC’s famous Fourth of July fireworks. Options range from the pricey—which usually require early reservation—to the traditional and cheap.

FIREWORKS CRUISES

What’s better than spending the Fourth sailing down the Potomac on a booze cruise? (There’s dinner, too.) While offering great views and inclusive packages, Fourth of July cruises tend to sell out quickly— make your reservations now.

Odyssey July 4 Fireworks Cruise
Metro: Waterfront-SEU
$199.90 cost includes a three-course meal, live entertainment, and an open bar.
Departs from Gangplank Marina at Sixth and Water sts., SW.

Spirit of Washington July 4 Fireworks Cruise
Metro: Waterfront-SEU
$169.90 cost includes open bar, dinner buffet, a live song-and-dance revue, and a disc jockey.
Departs from Pier 4 at Sixth and Water sts., SW.

RESTAURANTS

For festive foodies, this option allows for great food and great views.

Tabaq Bistro
1336 U St., NW; 202-265-0965
Metro: U Street-Cardozo
This U Street tapas restaurant is offering a three-course, prix fixe menu for the Fourth. Tabaq’s rooftop seating offers views of fireworks in DC and Virginia. $95.

Indigo Landing
From 5 to 10 on July 4, this waterfront restaurant, which has a view of the DC skyline, will have an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet and a free Champagne toast at the start of the fireworks.

Beacon Bar & Grill
This restaurant’s rooftop bar offers a great view of the fireworks, but reservations go quickly, so call soon.

Charlie Palmer Steak
Metro: Union Station
This restaurant near the Mall offers buffet-style service with barbecue, cotton candy, a chocolate fountain, and other party food.

See more of what restaurants are doing for the Fourth of July here.