There’s no better place to spark fun on July 4th than New York City.
As their Independence Day fireworks showcase returns to the Hudson River for the first time in a decade, New Yorkers are scrambling to secure the best spot to enjoy the show, as the city has changed a lot in the past decade since the display was last on the west side.
The Macy’s Fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9:25 p.m. on Thursday, will take place up the river from Jersey City’s display by the world-famous Fireworks by Grucci, which starts at 9:30 p.m.
The city has announced official public entry points along the west side, beginning at Christopher Street and Washington Street and all the way up to West 40th Street and 11th Avenue.
But most would agree that fireworks are best enjoyed with a delicious drink and bite in hand.
For those hoping to guarantee a perfect view and a fun party, The Post put together a list of some of the best venues to spend the Fourth of July.
Arlo ART Midtown
The Arlo Midtown hotel has a July cookout buffet from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along with an open bar until 10 p.m. — then transitions to a cash bar — on their rooftop bar ART Midtown.
For a $117 ticket, those aged 21 and up are guaranteed a spot on the open-air garden oasis, 26 stories above Times Square.
The roof offers limited seating but plenty of standing room to view the iconic colorful display.
351 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018
Empire State Building
Why not watch the world-famous fireworks show from the world’s most famous building?
The 86th-floor observatory at the top of the Empire State Building will be closed to the public from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 4th of July to welcome 200 VIP ticket purchasers.
For $550 a pop, guests can enjoy a premium open bar from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and NYC staples — such as mini Coney Island hot dogs and mini Reuben sandwiches — catered by in-house restaurant STATE Grill and Bar as they dance along to the DJ on the 80th floor.
20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Pier 57
Pier 57 is perfect for peering fireworks. The Meatpacking District attraction is one of NYC’s largest rooftop parks and is ideal for casual viewers of all ages.
The public park will welcome free ticket holders from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday to enjoy unobstructed views of the Hudson River, bites and drinks from the Market 57 food hall, and music from DJ Viper.
However, there are a few rules. No outside food, beverages, coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, packaging, chairs or animals will be permitted and everyone must enter by 7:30 p.m.
25 11th Avenue New York, NY 10011
City Winery Pier 57
For a more exclusive experience at Pier 57, City Winery has plans to pop bottles for 21+ patriots.
The $150 General Admission tickets will include food while the $350 VIP All-Inclusive tickets will get you unlimited food and drinks.
The family-friendly event will have games, live entertainment and lots of food options in the main venue along with front-row panoramic views of the fireworks show on the Pier 57 Rooftop.
25 11th Avenue (Pier 57), New York, NY 10011
Le Bain
Popular nightclub Le Bain is throwing a party on the 4th of July from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. in honor of their address.
The 12-hour party at the top of The Standard Hotel is expected to be a marathon of music, dancing and great views of the west side of Manhattan and New Jersey.
Entry will be free but tables can be reserved for $175 or $250 per person to guarantee you’ll make it upstairs.
444 W 13th Street, New York, New York 10014
Hotel Hugo
This downtown hotel features two roof terraces with 360 views of Lower Manhattan — including the Hudson River — with AZUL, an open-air Cuban-themed cantina and BAR HUGO, a glittering glass-enclosed lounge and an outdoor balcony, right below.
The party at Hotel Hugo will openly welcome guests on both floors from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. but will require a reservation after that for prime placement until they close their doors at 11:30 p.m.
525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
City Vineyard at Pier 26
City Vineyard at Pier 26 will start the party for those 21+ at 3 p.m. on Thursday with DJs, food, drinks and of course lots of wine. Entry will stop at 8 p.m. regardless of having a ticket.
The $100 ticket will get you one complimentary cocktail and access to the food stations. For those who want to keep the wine flowing, the regular bar menu will be available for purchase along with VIP experiences including bottle service.
233 West St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Grand Banks
For those who want to be on the water during the fireworks show, you’ll want to snag a reservation at Grand Banks.
The eatery on the deck of a historic fishing boat is selling tiers of tickets — $300 for bar seating and $350 for dock seating but the $450 tickets for waterfront seating have already sold out.
Step aboard the docked boat turned restaurant for a celebratory three-course prix fixe menu of champagne, an amuse bouche, lobster roll or scallops, french fries and key lime pie paired with unparalleled front-row seating. A full bar menu is available separately.
Pier 25, 225 West Street, New York, NY 10013
Mezze on the River
The flower-covered restaurant along the bottom of the Hudson River boasts beautiful views of the water that will sparkle a little extra when the 4th of July fireworks burst.
Mezze on the River will be serving curated specials all day long with brunch going from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will have three dinner seating options at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and prime time prix fixe at 8:30 p.m. with mouthwatering options.
375 S End Ave, New York, NY 10280
Exchange Place RoofTop
A true New Yorker knows the best part of leaving the city is being able to see it.
The RoofTop at Exchange Place in Jersey City promises breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline that is sure to be a great backdrop for the fireworks show as the Jersey City display will be set right downstairs.
Reservations will be required on the 4th of July whether you want to hang out at the standard tables, cabanas/ red couches or VIP section.
Each spot can be reserved in 90-minute increments from 4 p.m. until midnight with additional time on tables ringing in at a $75 minimum per person per hour.
1 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Metropolis
Metropolis, an American eatery, will have its Independence Day celebrations in full swing from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Hoboken hotspot will charge a $45 admittance to the roof to secure a spot to watch the fireworks with a cash bar with drink specials and their full food menu.
The roof will be bumping music from a DJ and offering several giveaways. Those without tickets can bounce between the indoor parties on the two main floors to observe the holiday festivities.
96 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey, 07030
