On the Fourth of July, Provo will be bustling with people and Freedom Festival events. But amid all of the cotton candy and whatever treats you happen to catch during the Grand Parade, chances are you’re going to want some real food. That’s why we rounded up a list of some of Provo and Orem’s best eats, so you can grab a (delicious) bite to eat and get back to celebrating.

Bam Bam’s BBQ

Bam Bam’s BBQ is quickly skyrocketing to the top of Utah’s best barbecue spots with its explosive flavors. Since it opened in June, locals have been calling Bam Bam’s brisket some of the best barbecued meat they’ve ever tasted. (We agree.) Pitmaster Cameron Treu earned his barbecuing credentials from winning a professional barbecue contest and completing an internship with John Lewis at the famous La Barbecue restaurant in Texas. Bam Bam’s brisket is $7.99 for a half pound. Bam Bam’s also offers pork ribs, turkey, pulled pork and chopped beef, any of which can be served meat-only or on a sandwich. Bam Bam’s also offers homemade sides like coleslaw (which even has non-coleslaw lovers raving), potato salad and beans. You may have to wait in line, but trust us — it will be worth it.

— 1708 S. State Street, Orem, (801) 225-1324. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or until they run out of meat

Mongo’s Stir Fry 

Mongo’s Stir Fry’s customizable noodle (or gluten-free noodle or rice) bowls and 16 sauce options make it a great choice for groups. Choose from three bowl sizes, starting at $5.79, which you can load up to 4 inches past the rim, or opt for all you can eat. Just choose your veggies, meats and sauce, and watch your meal come together on a circular Mongolian grill.

— 150 W. Bulldog Blvd., Provo, (801) 375-2660; Hours: 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Rocco’s Taco and Wing Wagon 

If you haven’t been to Rocco’s Taco and Wing Wagon yet, you’re officially missing out. Choose from fish, chicken, pork or beef tacos (all amazing, in our opinion), wings and fries. What’s that? You want dessert too? Don’t worry, Rocco’s has deep-fried Oreos or made-from-scratch scones, served warm and topped with cinnamon sugar and honey butter.

— 1 E. Center Street, Provo, (435) 669-4252; Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cafe 300

With an all-American menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads and homestyle entrees like the café’s famous tri-tip roast, Cafe 300 will appeal to the entire family. Café 300 also serves breakfast all day, so you can stop by after watching the balloons inflate and take off at the balloon festival.

— 279 E. 300 South, Provo, (801) 691-0218, www.cafeon300.com; Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Station 22

We love Station 22 for its unique twists on favorite American dishes. Think classy comfort food. Sage fried chicken and waffles, Southern Shrimp and Grits and the design-your-own float are a few of Station 22’s most popular menu items.

SEmD 22 W. Center Street, Provo, (801) 607-1803, www.station22cafe.com; Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Gloria’s Little Italy 

If you’re looking for a sit-down dining option with ambiance, Gloria’s Little Italy won’t disappoint you. With house-made pasta and sauces and out-of-this-world desserts, you and your family will leave the restaurant feeling full and just plain happy. Some of our favorite items on the Gloria’s menu are the Rosata pasta sauce and the Riviera salad. As for dessert, you really can’t go wrong with any of them, but it would be a shame to leave without trying the Fuochi D’ Artificio. (Did we mention out of this world?)

— 1 E. Center St. Suite 100, Provo, (801) 805-4913, www.gloriaslittleitaly.com; Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Slab Pizza

If you’re looking for a pizza spot with a focus on quality and quantity, head over to Slab pizza for the biggest slices of pizza in town. Each slab is a quarter of a 20-inch pizza and comes in more than 40 flavors. With flavorful combinations like chorizo potato egg, red curry pulled pork and lasagna, Slab thinks way outside of the pepperoni box. Although, you can order that, too. It’s a free country, right?

— 671 E. 800 North, Provo, (801) 377-3883, www.slabpizza.com; Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.