If you’re still in search of Fourth of July plans that include views of the Macy’s fireworks display, look no further. From VIP bottle service to BBQ buffets to rooftop soirees, here’s where to find parties in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens that offer prime views of the East River spectacular.
See the fireworks from the nation’s tallest building
For completely unobstructed views of the fireworks, you can’t go wrong with the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. All three levels (100, 101 and 102) of the One World Trade Center’s observatory will be open for a special fireworks party, featuring a two-hour open bar and light bites and picnic fare. 8-10 p.m., general admission $250, VIP $325; 285 Fulton St., 844-696-1776, oneworldobservatory.com(Credit: Ivan Pereira)
Dine on seasonal eats at McCarren Hotel & Pool
Watch the fireworks from the hotel’s rooftop terrace during its fireworks party, featuring a live DJ set from Sleepy & Boo, and order seasonal items from the menu, such as East Coast and West Coast oysters, Maine lobster roll, boozy ice pops and Victory Garden goat milk gelato. 7 p.m.-midnight, general admission $25, VIP $75 (includes admission to terrace seating, champagne toast and appetizers); 160 N. 12th St., Williamsburg, 718-218-7500, tickets at eventbrite.com(Credit: Leonardo Cestari)
Feast on barbecue at Penthouse808
It’s not the Fourth of July without proper barbecue, and executive chef Seth Levine will be serving up some gourmet barbecue fare at this rooftop restaurant and lounge. Ticket options range from standing room only to a two-hour open bar on the venue’s seventh floor observation deck to bottle service. 3-11 p.m., tickets starting at $65; 8-08 Queens Plaza S., Long Island City, 718-289-6118, tickets at penthouse808rooftop.com(Credit: Scott G. Morris)
Shop at LIC Flea
The weekend market will be open specially for the holiday. Peruse the more than 80 vendors, from food to vintage goods, grab a cold draft at the all-Queens beer garden and take advantage of the waterfront views of New York City come fireworks time. 1-11 p.m.; 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City, licflea.com(Credit: LIC Flea and Food)
Watch the show from Brooklyn Barge
The seasonal floating bar and restaurant on the East River hosts its first Fourth of July viewing party, complete with live music and a buffet-style BBQ menu with pork sliders, burgers, hot dogs, Mexican-style corn and more. Starting at 6 p.m., general admission costs $150 (includes select beer and wine open bar and meal voucher), VIP barge access costs $225 (includes select well, beer and wine open bar, champagne and meal voucher); 3 Milton St., Greenpoint, 929-337-7212, tickets at thebrooklynbarge.com(Credit: Jason Burke)
Party at Watermark Bar’s Freedom Fest
Head to this South Street Seaport bar, on Pier 15, for its second annual Freedom Fest. Admission includes a four-hour open bar and barbecue buffet with burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken wings and pulled pork tacos. Starts at 6:30 p.m., tickets start at $105; 78 South St., 212-742-8200, tickets at julyfourth.com(Credit: Watermark Bar)
Picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Garden Bar
Grab a seat in Brooklyn Bridge Park at this outdoor restaurant, which is throwing a “good old-fashioned picnic.” Tickets include admission, a full buffet of picnic favorites and two beverages of your choice (including top shelf). 6-10 p.m., tickets starting at $125; 12 Furman St., Brooklyn Bridge Park, tickets at 4th.bbgb.nyc(Credit: Meredith Deliso)
Party at Mr. Purple
From the 15th floor of the Lower East Side’s Hotel Indigo, watch the fireworks while sipping on frozen margaritas by the pool, chowing down on treats from a traditional Sabrett hot dog stand and dancing to tunes from DJ Phresh. Starting at 4 p.m., general admission $50, tables available for $125-$150/person; 180 Orchard St., tickets at mrpurplenyc.nightout.com(Credit: Noah Fecks)
Celebrate Independence Day at South Street Seaport
For a low-key, no-frills night, head to the Festival of Independence in the Seaport District in Lower Manhattan. Grab some grub from the Seaport Smorgasburg, home to six vendors and an outdoor bar, and take in the fireworks from two barges that will be set up off the end of Pier 17. 19 Fulton St., southstreetseaport.com(Credit: Jane Kratochvil)
Take a dinner cruise
For a view of the fireworks right from the water, check out these dinner cruises, which depart from Manhattan docks and piers and offer views of the display, as well as Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan skyline:
Manhattan By Sail: The 4 1/2-hour cruise on either the Clipper City Tall Ship or Shearwater Classic Schooner includes an open bar and BBQ buffet. Departs 5:30 p.m., $400- $450/person; manhattanbysail.com
Spirit Cruises: The 5-hour cruise will feature an open bar and buffet. Departs 6 p.m., from $379.90/person;spiritcruises.com
Bateaux New York (pictured): The 5-hour cruise offers a plated dinner menu, open bar and live music. Departs 6 p.m., from $499.90/person; bateauxnewyork.com
Rock the Yacht: The 4-hour cruise aboard the Bay State Yacht will offer a buffer menu, open bar and live DJ. Departs 7:30 p.m., $149/person; julyfourth.com
IndepenDANCE Party Cruise: The 4-hour party on the Amberjack V will offer a buffet menu, open bar, live DJ and nightclub vibe. Departs 7:15 p.m., $169/person; julyfourth.com
(Credit: Bateaux New York)
