If you’re headed toward the East River as usual this Fourth of July, make an about face and go west. The annual Macy’s fireworks display moves across Manhattan this year to commemorate Henry Hudson’s historic, river-discovering voyage 400 years ago.
Macy’s pegs the best public viewing strip as 24th to 59th Streets, west of 10th Avenue. Dining with an actual view of the display in those areas, however, is nearly nonexistent, unless you’ve scored a key hotel room that includes room service (too bad the restaurants in the Time Warner Center all face east, north or south).
Our suggestion is to take it to the river for public viewing, then hit an eatery just steps away:
In the 50s: Druids draws locals for modern Irish fare like Guinness beef tenderloin stew (212-307-6410). The oven at Taboon will be busy turning out specialties like whole baked branzino with rosemary (212-713-027).
In the 40s: 44 & X Hell’s Kitchen celebrates Americana with its Vermont cheddar mac 'n'cheese (212-977-1170); Landmark Tavern serves a classic shepherd’s pie at one of the oldest bars in the city (212-247-2562). But there’s nothing more all-American than barbecue on the 4th, and Daisy May’s provides a far-west perch for comfort classics like pulled pork and beef brisket (212-977-1500).
In the 30s: Prime cuts of beef, like a giant 48-oz. porterhouse, await at Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse (212-244-0005). Open until 1 AM, HK offers classics like rack of lamb au jus with mashed potatoes; breezy outdoor seating is an extra draw (212-947-4208).
In the 20s: Farmer-friendly Cookshop dishes out homestead favorites like Heritage breed baby chicken with dried apricot and butter-braised cabbage. Bonus: sidewalk seating might provide glimpses of the 'works (212-924-4440). Red Cat also serves USA-inspired cuisine, like grilled double-cut pork chop with wilted romaine and feta gigantes (212-242-1122). Want something a little more exotic? Stop in Izakaya Ten for sushi, sashimi and small Japanese plates like barbecued eel with avocado and spicy sauce (212-627-7777).
– Kathleen Squires