Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July 2015
Considering how many terrific Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens restaurants currently dot the waterfront, we couldn’t be happier that the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display is finally back on the East River. So instead of watching the celebration unfold from your TV set, pop in for drinks or dinner at one of these ideally located eateries along the waterfront instead, at Riverpark, The River Café, the Water’s Edge and more!
Salvation Taco
Commemorate July Fourth by making a $25 reservation for Salvation Taco‘s private brick rooftop, with killer views of the East River’s fireworks spectacular. In addition to chef April Bloomfield’s brand new house menu of Tacos, Tamales and bar snacks, guests will enjoy holiday specials like housemade, artisanal Beef and Pork Hot Dogs on potato rolls, alongside Boozy Pineapple Spiked Ice drinks.
Read MoreRiverpark
Featuring two unique outdoor spaces (an expensive, utterly elegant patio and a casual, picnic table-appointed terrace), you’d be hard pressed to find a more idyllic Independence Day locale than at Tom Colicchio’s glorious, East River-adjacent Riverpark. $250 tickets will buy you unfettered access to their Fourth of July event, featuring an open bar, a BBQ spread, and games like ping-pong, cornhole and bocce ball.
Read MoreSmorgasburg South Street Seaport
How’s this for a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July — heading to Seaport Smorgasburg, grabbing a drink from the fully stocked Smorgasburg Bar, and watching the fireworks on the water? There are also eight great vendors on hand, to supply all manner of ideal Independence Day eats; think Lobster Rolls from The Red Hook Lobster Pound, Fried Chicken Sandwiches from Schnitz, and fresh fruit Shaved Ice from People’s Pops!
The Gander
Granted, Jesse Schenker’s The Gander is smack in the middle of Flatiron, but you don’t necessarily need a front row seat to the fireworks to celebrate Independence Day in style. From 12pm – 8pm, the restaurant will feature live music, karaoke, and a beer pong tournament, as well as passed food and beverage and food stations, featuring Beef Ribs, housemade Pies, specialty cocktails, Jell-O shots and even a mobile ice cream cart, where diners can enjoy custom-built ice cream sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and profiteroles.
Read MoreThe Camlin
Instead of being confined to a restaurant, grab to-go items like Cheese, Charcuterie, Chopped Salad, Chorizo Croquettes, Lamb Skewers and Deviled Eggs from The Camlin (the brand new Brooklyn venture from the owners of Ardesia), and head over to the bustling, Williamsburg waterfront to watch the fireworks explode over the East River.
Read MoreThe River Café
It may be one of Brooklyn’s spendiest restaurants, but an evening at the 38-year-old icon, The River Café (which is literally astride the East River) is wholly unique and undeniably special. Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge with incomparable views of the skyline, you can almost feel the eatery bob gently with the waves, as you sip champagne and dine on Wagyu Steak Tartare, Poached Lobster and Mushroom Wellington.
Read MoreThe Water Club
Moored on a barge directly over the East River, you’ll practically be able to reach out and touch Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks. Oh, and the food will be primo too — from a Lobster Salad amuse in a butter lettuce wrap, to a Red, White and Blue Salad with strawberries and ricotta cheese, to Snapper with tomato and sweet corn, Filet Mignon au Poivre, and an “All American” dessert trio, featuring Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream.
Read MoreWater’s Edge
Since Queens boasts its own share of terrific eateries along the river, consider making a trip to the Water’s Edge in Long Island City — which in addition to its own spacious dining rooms with breathtaking views, also charters four private yachts, available for catered functions. And while the food could easily run a distant second to the fabulous location, this isn’t paint-by-the-numbers fare; think hand-rolled Gnocchi, Australian Lamb Lollipops, and Grilled Whole Branzino.
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