As we approach the Fourth of July on the Island, you can almost touch – and yes, taste – the rising excitement.
From the decorations around the Village, to the residents starting to talk about how they will decorate their parade entry, Key Biscayners are preparing for the big day.
The Island’s restaurants and resorts are gearing up for a big bang as well.
The Ritz-Carlton.
Last year during the Fourth of July celebrations, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami was closed for renovations, leaving a gap in the Island’s lodging options.
There was something else missing as well. The resort’s popular July 4th BBQ, held in the property’s Ballroom Patio & Oceanfront Grand Lawn, was also absent.
Now, with the reimagined resort open and ready to celebrate Independence Day, The Ritz, as it is known to locals, is ramping up their celebrations this year. With a focus on the 250th anniversary of the United States, an all‐American BBQ and grill station experience will be sure to please even the most discerning taste, drawing families and visitors with a menu that elevates classic American cookout fare into a luxury beachfront feast.
The event, which takes place from 7-10 p.m., on Saturday, July 4, not only has delicious all-you-can-eat fare, but will also feature family‐friendly crafts, live entertainment and a spectacular view of the Village of Key Biscayne’s popular fireworks grand finale.
International Chef Jack Arnold.
Photo courtesy: LAYNE RIGNEY
Adding to the experience this year is special guest Jack Arnold, an international BBQ host and live-fire grilling expert known for bringing high-energy barbecue events to luxury resorts across the country. Arnold, who works with premier hospitality brands, was present at the last Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne July 4th BBQ in 2024, will help showcase the art of live-fire cooking that has become a hallmark of the Ritz’s Independence Day celebration.
Of course, for a Taste of Key Biscayne feature, the star of the celebration may be what’s coming off the grill, and with Arnold bringing the heat, guests can expect a menu that goes well beyond traditional backyard barbecue fare.
Locals and guests can start with an incredible spread of fan favorites, including traditional coleslaw, classic potato salad, artisanal macaroni salad, heirloom tomato and cucumber salad, crisp iceberg wedge salad and chilled watermelon.
An aerial view of the Ritz-Carlton family pool, where part of the festivities will take place.
A selection of pickled garden vegetables and market relishes adds a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors coming off the grill.
In true Ritz-style, they have created a delicious centerpiece for this special experience; the resort’s extensive coastal grill selection.
Cedar-plank salmon, grilled lobster tails, jumbo barbecue prawns and citrus-brined chicken breast share the spotlight with coffee-rubbed skirt steak, artisanal sausages and premium all-beef franks. Signature beef burgers on fresh-baked brioche buns with an assortment of market-fresh toppings allow guests to build the perfect barbecue plate. Grilled corn on the cob and brown sugar baked beans help deliver the comforting flavors expected from a Fourth of July celebration worthy of 250 years.
For those seeking something even more substantial, chefs will prepare tri-tip beef and char-grilled heritage bone-in pork loin at a live fire carving station, one of the many stars of the show.
The Ritz-Carlton’s fireworks, which will be on display for July 4th festivities.
Melanie Anne Photography
The evening concludes on a patriotic note with mini apple pie tarts, mini-key lime pies, mixed-berry shortcakes, red, white and blue brownie bars and festive Fourth of July-inspired cookies.
Paired with beer, wine, prosecco or some of the resort’s specialty cocktails, the menu offers a fitting culinary salute to America’s birthday. For those wanting to venture into an adult beverage, the It’s a Blast, the day’s specialty cocktail, is a must-try, along with its companion, the It’s a Flash, July 4th signature mocktail.
The pricing for the Fourth of July BBQ, honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, is $165 for adults (21+), $145 for young adults (ages 13-20) and $85 for children (ages 4-12). Infants (3 and under) are complimentary.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, is located at 455 Grand Bay Dr., on Key Biscayne. You can reach them at (305) 365-4500 for more information or make a reservation.
For reservations, click here.