As the calendar transitions from June to July each year, it’s natural to feel a little more patriotic.

Both before and after Independence Day, meals made outside on the grill sound better and as the heat of summer really kicks in, some cold drinks would really hit the spot.

There’s no shortage of ways to embrace the all-American in Downtown Spartanburg, whether it’s locally-crafted drinks or those grill-out staples served up fresh to you, without even having to get your grill started.

BOOMS

This guide is good year-round, but we’ve got to include Spartanburg’s biggest summertime celebration. Red, White & Boom!, the City of Spartanburg’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show, is set for 6-10 PM Monday, July 4, with live music, food and drink vendors, and of course, a night-capping fireworks extravaganza.

BREWS

RJ Rockers, Spartanburg’s oldest craft brewery, specializes in several distinctly-American beer styles, particularly with its Son of a Peach, bringing together a Southern fruit staple and the American-style wheat beer.

Just a few blocks away, Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery also serves up American-style ales, including the seasonally-popular New England-style IPA.

BITES

In the heart of downtown, FR8yard isn’t just the state’s first fully-outdoor biergarten, it has a menu with some all-American classics like hot dogs, street meet, and smashburgers with all the toppings you’d want at your very own cookout.

For barbecue without the effort, Initial Q executes the classics like pulled pork and brisket incredibly well, while embracing favorites from other regions like sausage. For another taste of how good smoked meat can be, head to Main Street Pub for some of the best wings in Spartanburg, along with fully-customizable burgers and spuds (that includes fries, chips, and tater tots).

Speaking of burgers Cribbs has a full list of innovative burgers, and favorites of the American South like fried chicken, shrimp & grits and more.

The Peddler treats its beef a bit differently, focusing on perfectly-cooked steaks instead of burgers with all the toppings, not to mention it’s the perfect spot for anyone craving that old American steakhouse vibe.