7 Downtown patios with view of July 4 fireworks

Everyone is crossing their fingers for good weather on Independence Day. The Freedom Blast fireworks is Central Indiana's largest fireworks display. But just in case, get Downtown early to snag a spot on the patio at one of these seven restaurants.

Tavern on South: Avoid the Downtown chaos. Tavern on South has their own parking lot and a second-level patio that holds more than 60 people, just west of Lucas Oil Stadium. If it starts to sprinkle, the retractable roof and can be pulled out. "You can have a good view of the fireworks, but you don't have to be in the middle of all the mayhem," owner Steve Geisler said. The regular-priced menu for the day includes fresh fish, sandwiches, crispy-crust pizzas, crab cakes and salads. No reservations. Kitchen closes at 10 p.m. but there is no set closing time for the restaurant.

423 W. South St., (317) 602-3115,tavernonsouth.com .

Bru Burger Bar: Go here if you're finding yourself in a burger-and-beer mood. Known for their gourmet burgers, Bru Burger is located on Massachusetts Avenue. Chef burgers start at $10 and classic burgers start at $4. Beer is locally sourced from Sun King, Fountain Square, Flat 12 and Bier Brewery with draught beers starting at $3. Patio holds about 70 people but the place gets packed so make sure to plan ahead. Average wait time is 30 minutes. Open until 11 p.m.

410 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 635-4278,bruburgerbar.com .

Slippery Noodle Inn: Blues, man. Every day. Located south of Regional Bank building, Slippery Noodle is considered the oldest bar in Indiana. It was built in 1850 as a roadhouse and bar for railroad passengers. Its patio holds 70 people and is open late. Expect to pay a $5 cover for the Scott Ellison blues band. Kitchen is open until 2 a.m. serving subs, burgers, nachos and steaks. Band starts playing at 9:15 p.m. on the front stage.

372 S Meridian St, (317) 631-6974,slipperynoodle.com .

Brass Ring Lounge: This vegetarian-friendly bar is located in the heart of Fountain Square and has a patio seating for up to 100 people. Their St. Louis-style pizzas are considered the most popular but don't stop there. With food dishes such as Mighty Aphrodite and Sultry Senorita, why wouldn't you want to put in an order here? All meat dishes can be substituted with seitan free of charge. Munchies include potstickers, hummus plates, fruit and cheese plates, and pineapple curry. The ever popular Rooftop Garden Restaurant is sold out, but the Brass Ring is first-come, first-serve.

1245 S. Shelby St., (317) 635-7464,thebrassringlounge.com .

Front Page Sports Bar and Grill: Attention Mass Ave. regulars: This will be Front Page's last Fourth of July. The patio, a great place to view the fireworks, holds up to 125 people. The Front Page will be offering its regular menu including burgers, wraps, and chicken wings. There will be a country and bluegrass band playing from 6 to 10 p.m. but no coverage charge. Drink specials include $4 Tito's Vodka and $4 22-ounce Coors Light draught. There are 25 tables on the patio but if they get full there is some standing room and some benches to sit on. No reservations.

310 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 631-6682,frontpagesportsbar.com .

Tow Yard Brewing: Get the "Hook Up." Tow Yard is celebrating Independence Day with the release of their latest canned beer. "Hook Up" is a shandy beer, a golden ale with a citrus flavor. Their patio holds up to 100 people but late-comers won't be out of luck. Two big garage doors open up to give inside seating a view of the fireworks. The deli includes craft burgers but also a Lean and Green menu. Kids will be permitted only in the deli.

501 Madison Ave, (317) 638-9273,towyardbrewing.com .

The Rathskeller: Located behind the 19th-century Athenaeum Building on East Michigan Street is the immense Biergarten, able to accommodate a whopping 2,000 people. This area includes two bar huts, two dance areas and a large bandshell. Only 21 and older will be permitted with a $5 cover charge for the genre-spanning Zanna Doo band. Rathskeller will be serving its regular menu of schnitzel and filet mignon. The beer menu is like a book, boasting a wide selection. Kitchen closes around 11 p.m. Reservations not accepted.

401 E. Michigan St., (317) 636-0396,rathskeller.com .

Call Star reporter Dennis Barbosa at (317) 820-8150. Follow him on Twitter: @DennisBarbosa86.