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14 Ways To Eat, Drink, And Party This 4th Of July Weekend
By
Scott Heins
Published Jun 27, 2016
Modified Jun 29, 2016
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By
Scott Heins
Published Jun 27, 2016
Modified Jun 29, 2016
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Don't feel bad if you're staying in town this weekend—NYC is absolutely fantastic during 4th of July and there are myriad ways to celebrate without setting foot outside the city limits. On top of the East River fireworks, this long Fourth of July weekend will feature some of the best parties of the year. Whether you're looking to chow down on delicious grilled food, get a patriotic buzz, or just dance your patriotic ass off, here's what NYC has to offer for America's 240th birthday.
EAT, DRINK, AND BE FREE
- For the third year in a row, The Gander is hosting a bbq-style meal packed with smoked chicken wings, homemade corn dogs, pulled pork, mac & cheese, pies, and more. There'll be two services, one from 1-3 p.m. and another from 5-7 p.m., plus music, games, unlimited beer, wine, and punch. The restaurant will also be serving up boozy slushies! 15 West 18th Street // July 4th, 1-3 p.m. & 5-7 p.m. //$120 per person
- Chow down on your favorite Fourth of July delicacies at Narcissa's Fourth of July lobster bake. Along with lobster, they'll be serving ribs, mussels, clams, corn, and potatoes throughout the weekend. This East Village restaurant sports a lovely outdoor area, so you can get some sun while enjoying your favorite crustacean. Narcissa, The Standard Hotel, 25 Cooper Square, New York // July 2 - July 4, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. // $60
- An open bar and all-you-can-eat buffet will be on hand at Industry Kitchen, which is capitalizing on its South Street address and promising unbeatable views of the East River fireworks. The party gets started at 5 p.m., giving you plenty of time to dine and imbibe before the gunpowder goes off. Ticket prices may be steep, but with a view like this your #America instagrams are guaranteed to be top-notch. 70 South Street at Maiden Lane // July 4th, 5 p.m. - 1 p.m. // $94-238 per person
- Take a tour of New York's revolutionary-era landmarks with Big Onion's Independence Day walking tour. You'll be enlightened about the city's bitter Patriot/Loyalist conflicts and learn where the declaration of independence was first read aloud for all the city to hear. In between there'll be Alexander Hamilton's grave, the site of George Washington's Inaugural address, and so much more. Begins at the intersection of Broadway and Murray Street at City Hall // July 4th, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. // $20 per person
- Sure it's impossibly crowded, but there's nothing that screams "America" like watching burly men wolf down encased meats for prize money and brand endorsements. So head to Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest, where the world's best competitive eaters will vie for their sport's ultimate prize. Plus, it's a mi-day event, which means you'll make it back for the fireworks with time to spare. Coney Island // July 4th, 10 a.m. - 1 p. m. // Free to attend
- Long Island City Flea & Food will be open on the 4th from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Check out the market's 80-plus vendors, offering a variety of vintage and artisanal goods alongside some well-loved dining—think quesadillas, sno-cones, and funnel cakes. Relax at the all-Queens beer garden where you'll find a selection of Queens-made craft brews before staking out your spot on the waterfront for the fireworks show. 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, Queens // July 4th, 1-11 p.m. // Free entry
- All across the country Americans will be getting out on the water on Independence Day, but why should flyover country have all the fun? Take a trip to the Brooklyn Barge, a newly-opened seasonal watering hole located on a floating barge just off the shore in Greenpoint. Their Fourth of July shindig guarantees great views, live music, and buffet-style BBQ including Brooklyn Summer Ale Pork Sliders (yes please!). 3 Milton Street, Brooklyn // July 4th, beginning at 6 p.m. // Tickets $150-200 per person
OUTDOOR PARTIES
- Honestly what's more American than The Beach Boys? You can see the classic group live on July 4th at the Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk. Ticket prices range from $25 to $295, pretty much accommodating every budget. These guys may be in their mid-70s, but they still know how to put on a good show. 2113 W. 21st St, Coney Island, Brooklyn // 7 p.m. // Tickets start at $25
- The South Street Seaport Museum is hosting a Fourth of July party on Pier 16. Tickets to this event get you access to a water-side view of the fireworks show and an array of food trucks. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and post up in this comfortable setting to celebrate America's birthday. Pier 16, South Street at the foot of John Street, New York // 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. // $60 per person
- Celebrate America's birthday in a weird, delicious way at House of Yes's outdoor BBQ Extravaganza. A simple RSVP gets you in for free, and you're strongly encouraged to wear red, white, and blue costumes. Barbecued meats and loud dance beats are being promised, so let your star spangled freak flag fly and spend the entire day in Bushwick. 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn // July 4th, 12 p.m. - 2 a.m. // Free with RSVP
- There's no better day to hit the beach than July 4th, and the Riis Park Beach Bazaar will be hosting Get Summered, a party loaded down with DJs and live bands that will have you dancing your sunscreened ass off. 16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd // July 4th, 12-8 p.m. // Free
- A go-to July 4th party option since 2007, the Star Spangled Boogie will take over LP 'n Harmony for a day of on-point summer dance music that spans funk, motown, house, and hip-hop. Buying yourself a drink gets you a free plate of food, so even if you don't plan to spend the entire night, this should serve as a perfect mid-day boost. 683 Grand Street, Brooklyn // July 4th, 3-10 p.m. // Free
- If the home team loses on the Fourth of July, the British are granted official control of America again. Those are most definitely the official rules, so you'd better be there to cheer on the Mets as they play the Florida Marlins at Citifield. There'll be fireworks after the game and plenty of special patriotic hijinks. Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens // July 4th, 4:10 p.m. // Tickets $20 and up
- "Spend fourth of July at a cat cafe" makes sense if you repeat the phrase 1776 times while batting a ball of yarn. You can slake your patriotism and cat obsessions in one fell swoop by stopping by Koneko's outdoor Catio (we know) BBQ party. which features all-you-can-eat grilled eats and Sapporo beers. Plus all the cats you can pet! Seating will be limited and happening in 2-hour slots. 26 Clinton Street, Manhattan // July 4th, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. // $30 per person
Emily Siegel and Sarah Aziza contributed to this patriotic roundup.
Tagged
4th of july
independence day
july 4th
original
Scott Heins
Scott Heins is a freelance photo and video journalist based in New York City, and a frequent contributor to Gothamist + WNYC. His work often centers around labor rights, housing, and policing. In 2018-2019 he traveled to four states while covering a wave of public school teachers strikes, with work featured in The New York Times, The Intercept, Getty Images, Splinter, and Bloomberg Photos. Scott is a dues-paying member of the National Writers Union's Freelance Solidarity Project.
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