Sons of Essex is taking the party to the street.
Credit: Provided
The Fourth of July is about the patriotic celebration of our freedoms. So exercise your right to the best food and drinks in the country, if New York City does say so itself.
The Gander
Make new friends for the Fourth with karaoke and a ping-pong tournament, then get to know each other over an all-American menu including homemade pies and a sundae bar. Need some liquid courage? Kegs of craft brews and the bar’s signature Goose Punch stand ready to help. $60 just food; $100 for food, drinks and a goodie bag. 15 W. 18th St., 212-229-9500
Boqueria
This tapas bar brings some Barcelona to your burger with its Independence Special: a Black Angus patty on a brioche bun, spicy potatoes and a glass of red sangria for $17.76. 171 Spring St., 212-343-4255
Recette
Outdoor classics get an upscale twist — like bratwurst in a puff pastry — in a three-course, $28 menu. Also on the list are potato salad with pickled ramps and a deconstructed s’more. 328 W. 12th St., 212-414-3000
Mini hot dog, big taste.
Credit: Mira Sushi
Mira Sushi & Izakaya
Skip the usual grilled frank and try chef Brian Tsao’s Japanese-inspired mini hot dogs. The dogs ($7 for 2) are made with smoked pork sausage from Japan and topped with a jicama mango slaw and red onions. 46 W. 22nd St., 212-989-7889
Pig roasts
Sons of Essex
Our national food may be apple pie, but it’s bacon that we love in everything (including apple pie!). Sons of Essex is taking over its namesake street with its second annual Bacon & Beer Block Party. We’re talking pig roasts from noon till late, with sides and beer, for $48. 133 Essex St., 212-674-7100
Sotto 13
The “social Italian” kitchen keeps its unlimited-cocktail boozy brunch going all weekend long, but Friday’s pig roast will add dishes like slow-roasted porchetta, pulled pork hash and Patty’s Pork Plate, with plantains and avocados by the Puerto Rican sous chef. 140 W. 13th St., 212-647-1001
Paulaner
Friday’s other big event is the World Cup quarterfinals, which will be on every TV in this Bavarian restaurant and brewery. If a bratwurst burger isn’t quite traditional enough for you, Friday’s BeerBQ Fest includes a shareable plate of roast suckling pig and housemade pork sausages with coleslaw. 265 Bowery, 212-780-0300
Food with a view
Spyglass
The Archer Hotel’s new rooftop bar is barely old enough in days to drink legally, but you certainly can, with indoor and outdoor seating and cocktails like You Look Smashing that echo the ‘50s vibe. As a David Burke Group property, you’ll be well served by the shareable plates. 47 W. 38th St., 212-719-4100
Hotel Chantelle
A Made in America rooftop party sounds like the proper way to celebrate our country. The $15 ticket includes a cocktail, but don’t miss the liquor-infused snow cones. Electric Gentleman will spin hit tunes under the Parisian-inspired canopy — catch the fireworks without getting rained on here. 92 Ludlow St., 212-254-9100
Fornino sits on the edge of the East River in Brooklyn Bridge Park, making it a prime viewing spot.
Credit: Provided
Fornino
You can’t get much more front row than Brooklyn Bridge Park, where this pizza joint will be serving unlimited grub from 7 to 11 p.m. for $75 (drinks not included). Take your plates up to the roof for the big show set against the Manhattan skyline. Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, 718-422-1107
Keep the party going
Arlington Club
The Fourth falls on a Friday, which means there’s no reason for the party to stop. Arlington’s seasonal barbecue menu, which includes fried chicken and baked beans, will be available for dine-in and take-out all weekend long. 1032 Lexington Ave., 212-249-5700
Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken
Not into fancy restaurants? Then grab a to-go box to feed your party (or picnic, if the forecast improves). The Bird box has eight pieces of chicken with fries and coleslaw, and you can add sides like griddled corn and bacon or pickles. 28 E. First St., 212-228-0404
