Unless you’re lucky enough to know someone with a waterfront rooftop, chances are catching the NYC fireworks means trekking with the throngs to FDR Drive or the Brooklyn Promenade. But on a day that’s all about celebrating independence, do you really want to be stuck in a slow-moving crowd of three million? Start your holiday early at one of these river-view spots (some affordable, some extravagant), and stay put—at about 9:20pm, the city’s pyrotechnics display will be launched from the East River between 23rd and 42nd Streets and from a location near the South Street Seaport.
L.I.C. Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd. (@ 46th Ave.)
Long Island City 718.786.5400
By now, it’s no secret that Long Island City, Queens, has one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. Pre-game for the fireworks at this charming, rustic bar near the water’s edge—complete with a tree-filled backyard—and you’ll have prime seating for the rocket’s red glare. Technically, you’ll have to step across the street to see the show, so hopefully you haven’t had too many $4 pints to stumble outside.
East River
97 S. 6th St. (Berry St. & Bedford Ave.)
Williamsburg 718.302.0511
At this grungy outpost, red, white, and blue comes in the form of a can of PBR. Bring your own meat (or soy version) to grill on the DIY BBQ in the back patio overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge and the river. Besides, what’s more All-American than a bar that blasts Patsy Cline and has a Buckhunter machine?
Sutton Place Restaurant & Bar
1015 2nd Ave. (53rd & 54th Sts.)
Midtown 212.207.3777
If you can get over the fact that you’ll be surrounded by a preppy frat crowd and an 8-to-1 guy-to-girl ratio, whoop it up at this rooftop bar overlooking the Queensboro Bridge. Expect a packed crowd elbowing for drinks that are less-expensive than at other rooftop bars in the city. At any rate, once the fireworks are over you’ll be entertained by all the cheesy pickup lines.
For those with Benjamins to spare:
Harry’s @ Water Taxi Beach
Hunter's Point (2nd St. & Borden Ave.)
Long Island City (No Phone)
If you haven’t already purchased them, scoop up $25 tickets for the 4th of July party here (available through their website), or $200 VIP tickets, which include open bar, food, and access to the tent area. As we said earlier, for the best views of the NYC skyline, LIC is the place to be, and this sandy spot serving delicious burgers has “perfect summer day” written all over it.
Rise @ The Ritz-Carlton
2 West St. (@ Battery Pl.)
TriBeCa 212.344.0800
For a cool $125, you can score a table in the lounge on top of the Ritz-Carlton, which overlooks Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty—oh, and you get a half-bottle of champagne and a chocolate version of Lady Liberty, too. Want a coveted table on the outdoor deck at Rise? Fork over another $75, and the magic is yours.
