Spending your 4th of July weekend in New York? Here are a few spots to hit up while in town!
1. Grab some grub at delicious eateries
Shake Shack
One of the best things about 4th of July? Using it as an excuse to ditch the diet and chow down on some of New York’s best artery clogging but mouthwatering eats. High up on our list is a burger joint that quickly became a cult favorite: Shake Shack. Its July 4th specials include a Shack Corndog (Vienna all-beef sausage served with Rick’s Picks sweet corn relish) and a ‘Blueberry Pie Oh My’ concrete (vanilla frozen custard blended with house-made blueberry pie).
The Dutch
If you’re down for even more food galore, don’t miss out on The Dutch’s annual 4th of July daylong cookout in Soho. Combining brunch, lunch and dinner, this is the perfect place to be if you want something that’s truly worthy of a cheat meal. For the occasion, feast upon all-American dishes like shrimp hushpuppies with pickled jalapeño, a barbecue plate of smoked brisket and pulled pork, potato salad, hot fried chicken with honey butter biscuits, and desserts like peach pie with blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. To go along with all of that, wash it down with a refreshing cup of their tasty watermelon punch.
Narcissa
For the classier eater, opt for an evening of more upscale fine dining at Narcissa where American nouveau and vegetarian options will delight your appetite. For Independence Day weekend, the restaurant is set to host its traditional reservations-only New England style lobster bake on its terrace. For $56 per person, elevate your tastebuds with steamed lobster, BBQ spare ribs, mussels, jalapeño-cheddar cornbread and 4th of July cupcakes. Plus, you’re in for a treat if you’re looking for specials on drinks like beer pints and pitchers.
2. Party on the best rooftop bars
Berry Park
Celebrate Independence Day with a couple of festive drinks perched up high on one of New York’s most lively rooftop bars. At Berry Park in Brooklyn, you can expect laid-back vibes and sweeping views of Manhattan on its expansive biergarden roof deck. The bar offers a good selection of beer with 15 taps mostly dedicated to European imports. It also features a beer-friendly food menu at very affordable prices.
Sky Room
If you fancy something with a bit more flair, head out to Sky Room – the city’s highest rooftop lounge. You’ll catch a fantastic view of the city’s illuminated skyline while sippin’ on your favorite cocktails by the open bar and munching on traditional picnic-themed snacks like classic buffalo wings, pigs in a blanket, chicken tenders, potato chips and more.
3. Catch some sweet rays on nearby beaches
Jacob Riis Beach Park
Things getting a bit too hot? Sizzle down with a dip by the water. Not too far from New York are beaches a plenty where you can catch a break from the city. With one of them being Jacob Riis Beach Park, you’ll be in for a good time as there’s an ongoing Beach Bazaar there. Not only will you get access to the city’s favorite food and drink pop-up vendors, you’ll also get to enjoy it with live music, DJ sets and beach activities.
4. Top off your weekend with a couple of local events
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Nothing says 4th of July like a swell ol’ time at a hotdog eating competition. Best venue to kick off the festivities? Check out Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. You’ll be able to watch contestants go head-to-head in an attempt to gulf down the most hotdogs under 10 minutes. The record currently belongs to Joey Chestnut from California who ate 69 hotdogs during the contest’s 2014 edition. Let’s see if he can win his ninth title this time around!
IndieFest 2015
While you’re at it, make the most out of your time in the city by checking out IndieFest 2015 at the PIT. Running for its fifth year, the festival will once again bring together improv teams from across New York for a full-day of live comedy performances, abs-inducing laughter and beer. Come witness comedic geniuses at work, and then indulge in a bit of revelry at their annual potluck BBQ.
New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Game
Feeling extra patriotic? Go for an all-American outing with a pro baseball game! The New York Yankees are playing at home on the 4th, so support and cheer on the team as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium.
5. Watch the fireworks
Brooklyn Promenade
As an ever classic event marking Independence Day and a yearly tradition for many, fireworks are not to be missed. A great viewing location to catch the famed Macy’s Fourth of July dazzling display of fireworks is on the Brooklyn Promenade if you don’t mind braving a good crowd. That greatly coveted spot is well worth it though as you’ll be able to see everything from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge.
Grand Ferry Park
If you prefer a quieter spot, head down to Grand Ferry Park. Despite not boasting the best of views, you’ll still be able to enjoy the staple pyrotechnic show but in a more relaxed setting with fewer people. No matter where you are in the city, there’s nothing better than a celebratory sea of red, white and blue as an explosive way to end the day!
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