Where to Eat and Drink on July 4 in NYC

Fireworks over New York City
Fireworks over New York City | © Morfoto/Shutterstock
Amy Schulman

Food Editor

This year marks the one time every seven years when the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday. That means you’re either off on a five-day weekend or you’re shivering under your office’s dripping air conditioner for most of the week.

For those cursing the calendar and their teeny, grill-lacking apartment, you’re in luck: There are plenty of venues around New York City hosting Fourth of July-themed food and drink specials. These are the best places to down burgers, drink red, white, and blue cocktails, and even catch a glimpse of those beloved smiley face fireworks.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Boqueria

Restaurant, Spanish

Spanish restaurant Boqueria is in Flatiron
© Boqueria

Given America’s current political climate, you might be on the hunt for ways to give back on Independence Day. Enter Boqueria. The Spanish tapas bar plans to donate ten percent of the proceeds from its red-, white-, and blue-sprinkled churro sundae sales to RAICES (the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services). The organization helps unite separated immigrant children with their families.

The Crown

Bar, American

The Crown Rooftop Bar, New York City
© All Good NYC
Once you’ve ascended to the top of The Crown, you’ll never want to leave. The roof boasts a 360-degree panorama of Manhattan—perfect for your Instagram feed—plus an unmatched view of the fireworks. The $40 general admission tickets include a one-hour open vodka bar, along with one cocktail on the house.

Bungalow Bar

Bar, American

Patio 2
© Bungalow Bar

Take the A train all the way to the Rockaways for a hint of salty air and to stick your toes in the sand. Bungalow Bar is a waterfront bar, and to commemorate Independence Day, it’s offering a red, white, and blue frozen slushie. Grab a drink (or two), soak up the view, and dance all night with the live DJ.

One World Observatory

Museum

View of New York from One World Trade Center Observatory.
© Milind Ketkar / Alamy Stock Photo

There certainly won’t be buildings blocking your view of the fireworks 100 floors up at One World Observatory. Atop Manhattan’s tallest building, festivities begin at 8pm with a two-hour open bar and all-American foods like hot dogs and pretzels. Get your tickets here.

Gotham West Market

Market, American, Japanese, Mexican

For those who like to keep their options open, several of the tenants at Gotham West Market are cooking up some specials. At Seamore’s, cool off with a red, white, and blue adult snow cone (blood orange, coconut, blue curacao, and rum) for $7.60. Choza Taqueria is launching an all-day taco happy hour (two tacos for $5), and any purchase of a noodle dish at Ivan Ramen arrives with a free bun and drink.

Tacocina

Restaurant, Mexican

007b_Tacocina and open grass area
© Daniel Levin

Post up at Tacocina, Danny Meyer’s newest Mexican venture at the recently remodeled Domino Park. For $100 per person, you’ll be rewarded with unlimited food and drinks for four hours (think margaritas, rosé, chips & guac, and a slew of tacos), plus an unparalleled view of the East River fireworks. Buy tickets here.

Brooklyn Cider House

Bar, American

Bar snacks spread
Courtesy of Cider House

If you’re not into the whole barbecue thing, you can level up at Brooklyn Cider House’s pig roast in Bushwick. From 12-5pm, feast on roast suckling pig sandwiches, house-made cider, beer, and frozen drinks. Eating will take place on the outdoor deck, accompanied by music and games.

Refinery Rooftop at the Refinery Hotel

Bar, American

RR Terrace corner (PC Tony Lante)
© Tony Lante
Catch a glimpse of the Macy’s fireworks while you munch on Refinery Rooftop’s $16 foot-long dog. The all-beef hot dog is topped with avocado relish, shards of crispy bacon, pickled red chilies, and a side of kettle chips. You’d be remiss not to wash down the dog with a glass of bright pink Frosé.

Boulton & Watt

Gastropub, American

Boulton + Watt, New York, USA.
© Oleg March
Patriotism knows no bounds at Boulton & Watt, the pub restaurant on Houston Street. The kitchen is cooking up a $16, truly American special: Choose from a burger (veggie burgers are also available) or two specialty hot dogs, which come with house-made pickles and a heavy pour of draft beer.

Brooklyn Barge

Bar, Restaurant, American

Brooklyn Barge
© Jason Burke
For those really looking to get in on the action, station yourself literally under the fireworks at Brooklyn Barge. This floating bar will offer a family-style BBQ featuring things like grilled prime striploins and potato salad, along with plenty of cold drinks. Tickets start at $180.

Drexler's

Bar, American

Drexlers Bar
© Drexler's

Head to Drexler’s for a free (yes, free!) Fourth of July barbecue. All you have to do is buy a Jack Daniels cocktail, and in return you’ll be provided with either a free hot dog or a slider. The more drinks you buy, the more meat you’ll get. The party starts at 4pm on July 4, with happy hour specials lasting all night.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Boutique Hotel, Eco Hotel

Since 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge opened in 2017, it has consistently delivered some of the most interesting hotel art around. The stylish, eco-conscious hotel tapped local artists to create works inspired by Brooklyn Bridge’s surrounding waterfront area. An avalanche of obsidian rocks tied with hand-dyed rope, a nod to the nearby docks, and a living plant wall are among the hotel’s inventive works highlighting Brooklyn’s nature.

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