Navigating The Fourth With Style

We know, we know. You’ve already mentally checked out for the week. Keep relaxing. Here’s your short list for fête-ing the Fourth…



Sure it’s played out. But if you want ooohs and ahhs with your cocktails, nothing beats 230 Fifth. This Independence Day, Manhattan’s largest rooftop bar is hosting a special fireworks viewing, complete with barbecue (burgers, hot dogs, ribs). Bottle service is a must. Call for reservations.

230 Fifth, 230 5th Avenue (at 27th Street), (212) 246-1000, 230-fifth.com

You’ll need some fuel to keep the long night going: get it at Jane where July Fourth gets you a special prix-fixe Clam Bake (you know, clams, mussels, half-lobster, shrimp, corn, and potatoes). $25 gets you in.

Jane, 100 West Houston Street (between Thompson Street & LaGuardia Place), (212) 254-7000, janerestaurant.com

For more adventurous seafood this Friday, head to the Upper West Side’s preeminent seafood spot, The Neptune Room. In addition to their impressive raw selection, the more-than-oyster bar will offer a variety of soft shell crabs for sampling.

The Neptune Room, 511 Amsterdam Avenue (between 84th & 85th Streets), (212) 496-4100, theneptuneroom.com

It doesn’t get more American than BBQ and a blue grass band at Josh Eden’s Shorty’s.32. Get comfortable with ice cold beer and sirloin burgers. Don’t worry though, the party ends at 8:30 p.m., so you won’t miss anything when the fireworks start.

Shorty’s.32, 199 Prince Street (between Macdougal & Sullivan Streets), (212) 375-8275, shortys32.com

The best for last? Well, yes. For true backyard bliss, The Smith is holding their own version of the down-and-dirty Southern Independence day, serving Brown Sugar and Chipotle-Glazed Pork Ribs and Buttermilk-Fried Chicken. Provocative late-night decadence meets classic down-home comfort.

The Smith, 3rd Avenue (between 10th & 11th Streets), (212) 420-9800, thesmithnyc.com