July 4th Fireworks

Date: May 18, 2009 12:51:50 PM EDT
To: inyc@timeoutny.com
Subject: help

Since you guys seem to be up on everything: Can you recommend a restaurant (indoors) to view Fourth of July fireworks in New York?

Thanks,
DW

Just watch

Whoa there, back away from the FDR—Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks move west to the Hudson River this year, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s aquatic adventure.

The West Side Highway will be closed between 23rd and 59th Street, starting at 4pm—bring your lawn chair and your communal spirit. The barges themselves will be in the river from 24th to 50th Street, but remember that the big bursts will be visible from Tribeca to the Upper West Side. Oh, and don’t mob the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in hope of getting the ultimate patriotic view—as base for NBC’s broadcast operations, it’ll close to the public at 3pm on Saturday 4.

Eating and drinking

Chelsea Brewing Company
Manhattan’s only waterfront microbrewery will be offering a $150 open bar starting at 5pm, featuring a selection of its craft beers. The 24-foot ceilings and giant windows ensure you’ll be treated to an astronomic view of the fireworks—plus the Chelsea Piers Driving Range is just outside the door, and nothing’s more American than Big Bertha clubs. Pier 59, W 18th St at Eleventh Ave (212-336-6440, chelseabrewingco.com)

Hudson Terrace
Stuff your face for America—the magic words all you can eat and open bar justify the $125 price tag for the 7 to 10pm celebration, and the midtown location makes for some of the best seats on the island. 621 W 46th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (212-315-9400, hudsonterracenyc.com)

Pier 66
The Frying Pan, a sunken Coast Guard ship turned bar, is one of the coolest (and thematically appropriate) vantage points to see the night’s aerial magic. While the barge itself will be closed to the public due to security concerns, the North River Historic Ship Society is throwing a private party on the roof of the attached Pier 66 from 7 to 10:30pm. The price is steep ($200), but it’s hard to get closer (or classier). Pier 66, Twelfth Ave at 26th St (212-989-6363, nrhss.org)

The Rusty Knot
Get things started around noon at the would-be dive bar, which features the Uncle Sam Special: 25¢ Busch beers served until 5pm. Think of it as an economic stimulus for your pockets and an alcoholic stimulus for your liver—though you may need to decamp to the street outside for the actual sparkle show. 425 West St at 11th St (212-645-5668)

Before and after

It’s an indie match made in heaven when Jenny Lewis and Conor Oberst play Battery Park at 3:30pm for the River to River Festival (Broadway at Battery Pl, rivertorivernyc.com).

Head to HK Lounge (405 W 39th St at Ninth Ave, 212-947-4208) for brews and beats after the explosives.

Yeah, you’ve never been to Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club before (641 W 51st St at Twelfth Ave, 212-247-2460). Sure, we believe you.

Click here for more postfireworks suggestions, along with lists of other sparkling shows across the city.

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