The Ultimate July 4th Dining Guide NYC
If you plan on spending the Fourth of July in New York this year, there are a number of reasons to celebrate. For starters, the holiday happens to falls on a Friday, which means you’ll have an entire weekend ahead of you to work off that Independence Day-induced hangover. And secondly, Macy’s has finally brought their fireworks spectacular back to the East River, which means you don’t need to head to New Jersey in order to get a prime view of the proceedings. So make the most of what’s bound to be an extra-special Fourth of July, by commemorating it in style. From a moonlit cruise aboard the North River Lobster Company to a waterside supper at the unfailingly elegant Riverpark and a rooftop soiree at The Ides, atop the stylish Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn…
Riverpark
Talk about a restaurant where the food is every bit as noteworthy as the expansive, waterfront views. Owned by Tom Colicchio and overseen by his longtime chef and partner, Sisha Ortuzar, Riverpark is offering a family-style feast of American cookout classics on July 4th, in their gorgeous garden plaza overlooking the East River. For only $65 per person, you’ll start with Peel ‘n’ Eat Prawns and Heirloom Tomato Panzanella with Burrata, followed by Berkshire Pork Baby Back Ribs, Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Texas-Style Wagyu Brisket, accompanied by Baked Beans, Grilled Corn, Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Braised Collard Greens, and Summer Stone Fruit Cobbler, Strawberry Tipsy Cake and gooey S’mores for dessert.
Read MoreBacchanal
To celebrate the July 4th weekend, renowned mixologist Naren Young will offer red, white and blue cocktails at the recently opened and well received Bacchanal, a new, casual fine-dining hotspot in the Bowery. Try the “Blue Lady” made with Blue Curacao and Gin, the ruby-colored “Bacchanalia,” a mix of Spiced Sangria Syrup and Rye, and the icy “Polar Bear,” made with White Crème de Menthe and Mezcal, all of which will pair perfectly with summery, grilled dishes from former Veritas chef, Scott Bryan. Think Chilled Corn Velouté with roasted poblanos, sweet tomatoes and basil, Grilled Spanish Octopus paired with eggplant caviar and paprika, and Grilled Skirt Steak over black bean chipotle tinga and spiced avocado. Yum!
Read MoreMarlow & Daughters
If you’d just as soon throw a Fourth of July bash in a nearby park or (lucky you!) your own backyard, but don’t really feel like doing much of the cooking, Marlow & Daughters — Brooklyn’s best nose-to-tail butcher and locally-sourced provisions shop — has got you covered. Grill Kits are available now for pre-order, including hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken and more, which you’ll probably want to supplement with fresh bread from their sister spot, She Wolf Bakery, along with ice cream, popsicles, and house-fermented pickles.
Read MoreThe Gander
The Gander may only have been open for a couple of months, but chef and owner Jesse Schenker is diving into the deep-end by throwing a blowout Fourth of July party. The all-American restaurant will be open from 12pm–8pm for live music, karaoke, a ping-pong tournament, gift bags, and all-you-can eat and drink, with purchase of a $100 ticket. Expect bottles of rosé, kegs full of craft brews, a special Gander Punch and frozen tiki tipples, along with Oyster Shooters, Lobster Rolls, Fried Chicken, Beef Ribs, housemade Pies, Caramel Apples, and even a Make-Your-Own-Sundae bar!
Read MoreNorth River Lobster Company
It’s one thing to watch the fireworks from a park or rooftop located along the river, but what about actually going out on the water itself? New York’s newest dinner boat is providing that incredibly unique opportunity, by booking tickets for an Independence Day cruise that will last from 6-11 pm. Tickets are $250 per person (you’ll actually be sailing amongst the fireworks, after all), and include an elaborate, under-the-sea buffet and lobster bake, an open bar, and music and dancing all night long.
Read MoreThe Ides
It’s first come first serve for admission to The Ides, the sleek, rooftop bar high above Williamsburg’s impossibly chic Wythe Hotel. So we suggest making an (Independence) day of it, and scheduling an early dinner at the Andrew Tarlow-owned Reynard downstairs, for Radishes tossed with Lobster Butter and Breadcrumbs, and Pork Chops served with Zucchini, Romesco and Basil, before being first in line for classic cocktails, small bites and aerial views of the fireworks at The Ides.
Read MoreSotto 13
Former “Top Chef” contestant Ed Cotton is offering a Boozy Brunch all holiday weekend at this congenial, West Village charmer, along with a special Fourth of July Pig Roast. Enjoy Slow-Roasted Porchetta topped with a fried egg, and Patty’s Pork Plate, featuring plantains, avocados, egg, rice, black beans and roasted pork, while sipping on an Independence Day Watermelon Margarita in the breezy, leafy backyard.
Read MoreAlma
This popular Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn’s Columbia Waterfront District looms high over the East River, which is why the rooftop seats are so sought after come spring and summer. So you can bet that Alma will be a Fourth of July hotspot; a chance to view the fireworks with a tumbler of tequila or a frosty margarita in one hand, and mole-dipped Plantains or Slow-cooked Lamb Tacos in the other.
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