This Fourth of July the fireworks aren’t the only attraction in New York. Whether you want to spend your Friday off drinking, dancing, sailing, or eating, one of these unique events will make for a memorable Fourth. Plus, many will provide you with spectacular views of the famed Macy’s display.
Eat, Drink, and Dance
Head to the Lower East Side, where Sons of Essex (133 Essex St.) will transform Essex Street between Stanton and Rivington into the Second Annual Bacon and Beer Block Party. The main attraction here is two whole roast pigs. Wash things down with beer from Brooklyn Brewery. The mood for a pig roast will be set with tiki torches, sand, and water, all in the middle of the LES. The event starts at noon, but stick around when the sun sets to watch the fireworks. Tickets are $48, email reservations@sonsofessexnyc.com to purchase.
If you’re on the west side, try the Independence Day Pig Roast at Sotto 13 (140 W. 13th St.). The Pig Roast will offer dishes such as the slow-roasted porchetta topped with a fried egg, pulled pork hash, bbq pork and scrambled eggs, and Patty’s Pork Plate, which combines roast pork with plaintains, avocados, egg, black beans, and rice. Plus Sotto’s famous weekend boozy brunch will be offered on Friday too from 11-4 ($29 per person).
Don’t want to miss the World Cup games this Fourth? Then try Paulaner (265 Bowery) for their Bavarian BeerBQ Fest. This event features a whole roast pig as well as housemade pork sausages, potatoes, cabbage slaw, and a house-brewed beer. The BeerBQ platter is available for two people for $42.
If you really just want to imbibe, head to the Evelyn Drinkery (171 Ave. C) for A Very American Afternoon. The event kicks off at 3pm (and if you show up between 3-4, you’ll get a Jack Daniels on the house). Stay until 8 for bbq and live music while enjoying Evelyn’s wide range of cocktails.
On the Water
For a luxurious experience that all ages can enjoy, set sail aboard one of two historic ships with Manhattan By Sail. Depart at 5:30pm and enjoy a full bbq menu and drinks. Then watch the fireworks display up close, returning to dock at 10pm. Tickets to board the Clipper City Tail Ship is $350 for adults and $275 for children under 12.
Rooftop Events
JIMMY at The James (15 Thompson St.) is hosting a party on their great poolside rooftop space in SoHo. It’s a perfect place to see the fireworks display live. Enjoy light bites, specialty drinks like the M-80 Swizzle—a cocktail created especially for the Fourth–, and a DJ who will keep the party going all evening.
In midtown, head to The Skylark (200 W. 39th St) to spend the evening on the 32nd floor rooftop. Sip specialty red, white, and blue cocktails while watching the fireworks on large HD screens.
Also in midtown is the Spyglass Rooftop Bar on the 22nd floor of the new Archer Hotel (47 West 38th St.) The party starts at 4:30 and when the sun sets you’ll be able to glance over to the Empire State Building as it lights up red, white, and blue. Pair specialty cocktails with light fare from David Burke Fabrick.
The Terrace at YOTEL (570 10th Ave.) is providing a 4th of July Endless Summer BBQ from 2-9pm, with two seatings. Partake of unlimited food and beverage for the price of admission. The price ranges from $50-$75 depending on the time of day and whether you want food only or food and beverage. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-of-july-endless-summer-bbq-at-yotel-2014-2-seatings-tickets-11934058089
Out of Town
For those heading out of town for the weekend, Sienna Restaurant & Ultralounge in the Hamptons has events throughout the day and into the night on Saturday, July 5. There’s a brunch and dinner party, and starting at 11:30 a live DJ will keep a dance party going into Sunday. To make reservations, email rsvp@dualgroupe.com.
Twisted Talk: How are you planning on spending your 4th of July? Will you hit up any of these events? Discuss below!
