The best NYC bars for the Fourth of July

If you thought NYC had every themed bar you could imagine, this one may surprise you. Idaho NYC is an Idaho-themed bar that will transport you to the cozy and rustic atmosphere of the Gem State. Nothing screams America like a honky tonk surrounded by a potato field, and this is as close as you can get in the Big Apple. Find all-American cocktails like Huckleberry lemonade (on tap), Ranch Water, Jack and Coke, and gem state cocktails like the Emerald (mezcal, basil, green apple) and the Ruby (taquila, beet, lime). The food menu has fries and loaded spuds (a must), the Idaho smashburger, and a chili that claims to be the best in NYC. It’s worth a try, for sure.

This 800 sq. ft. bar in the East Village can host up to 100 guests for private events.

Perched 18 floors high atop the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker is the rare NYC rooftop bar that manages to feel both breezy and grounded. Its decor is mid-century modern, with black and white tiles and light wood furniture. It’s the kind of place that has hosted photoshoots for models and fashion shoots. At night, the disco ball and the jukebox light up to create a laid-back atmosphere without the attitude. The bar’s known for its rotating cocktail list that often includes playful twists on classics. Grab a “Tropic Like It's Hot” and take in views of the East River, the Chrysler Building, and the buzzing Flatiron District below.

There are several options for private events, and Broken Shaker is bigger than it seems: it can accommodate groups of up to 400 guests in its four full-service bars.

Also in the Freehand hotel, Georgia Room is Broken Shaker’s sultrier sibling, inspired by the art of Georgia O’ Keeffe and the interior of her home in New Mexico. The furniture’s plush, the lighting’s low, and the vibe is part hotel lounge, part vintage ballroom. If you’re not spinning on the dancefloor beneath the glittering disco ball, you’re probably sipping something smoky in a corner booth.

It may not be your average fireworks-night hang, but that's exactly why it works. Dance the night away – it’s a long weekend after all. For private events, the 2,400 sq. ft. venue can be rented out and turned into your own red-lit Fourth of July soirée for up to 300 guests.

If you want something classically All-American without being cliché, Goldie’s Tavern fits the bill. This Midtown spot has a classic sports bar atmosphere (ideal if you want to spend your July 4th watching the Yankees play The Mets) and a quieter private event room. In classic sports bar fashion, you can order plenty of buffalo wings, tater tots, and fried pickles with ranch for the group. Wash it all down with beer on tap, or an espresso martini if you plan on staying out late for the fireworks. Expect loud laughs, solid pours, and maybe a spontaneous “Born in the U.S.A.” singalong if you time it right.

Goldie’s Tavern can host up to 250 guests in the main bar space, and 45 in the private event room.

Named after Nellie Bly, a pioneering journalist who reshaped the landscape of investigative journalism in the 19th century, Miss Nellie’s is a place to toast to the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s one way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Funky wallpaper, old-timey furniture, and hot air balloons floating from the ceiling honor the globe-trotting adventures of Bly and the era of prohibition. Enjoy a Friday happy hour this July 4th from 4-6pm, with global-inspired cocktails like Caribbean Cowboy (caradmom rum, banana, cinnamon) or Tokyo Tango (gin, melon, yuzu). There are also plenty of fun bar bites like a candy bowl, s’mores, and a charcuterie board.

There are multiple private spaces to rent out for bashes, like the main dining area (max. 70), the Explorer’s Lounge (max. 30) and The Textile Room (max. 20), all decorated to the nines with vintage travel decor.

The adjoined bar to the Georgia Room, Bar Calico takes inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe’s 1931 painting Cow’s Skull with Calico Roses, modeled after a skull she collected in a hot summer in New Mexico. With desert-inspired decor and an atmosphere that’ll make you regret leaving your cowboy hat at home, Bar Calico is a great spot to start your night of festivities.

Located inside The Freehand Hotel (yes, again – they’re clearly onto something) the bar is a calmer alternative to the other nightlife options in the building. Enjoy a choice of fifteen house cocktails with Southwest spirits, including mezcal, cactus juice, and tomatillo – each with a story behind it. The Chihuahuan Martini is a must-try: named one of the best martinis in America by Esquire, it has a base spirit of sotol with aloe liqueur.

You didn’t think we’d leave you without a fireworks option, did you? For the best views of fireworks all across the city, head to Overstory, a cocktail bar 64 floors above the city. One of the best bars in North America, its Art Deco interior and expert cocktails are only elevated by the magnificent 360-degree views looking over Brooklyn and Downtown NYC. With this year’s fireworks launching from the Brooklyn Bridge, you can’t ask for a better view.

While you can’t book private events at Overstory for July 4th, you can grab a $275 ticket for entry to their exclusive party – an open bar, canepes, and a live DJ is included. Or, head there early to enjoy the city in daylight before heading for your evening barbeque.