What To Do This Fourth Of July

July Fourth is like the perfect storm of holidays – warm weather, sun (fingers crossed), barbecue, beer, and if you’re spending it in the city, spectacular fireworks.  But there’s a lot more to do than watching the fireworks this weekend, like Nathan’s annual, hot dog eating contest where food is a spectator spot.  If you can’t backyard barbecue, Dinosaur BBQ ain’t no conciliation prize. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite options for the holiday weekend.

Nathan’s Famous
Address: 1902 Surf Ave. between the Boardwalk and 19th, Brooklyn
Website: www.nathansfamous.com
Every July 4th, Nathan’s hosts its hot dog eating contest, which transforms the boardwalk into a festive hot dog party.  Watch Joey Chestnut attempt to eat his way to a 5th consecutive win, then treat youself to one, that is if he hasn’t finished them off himself.  These franks are snappier than almost any other variety we’ve had, more garlicky, and less greasy.  Go simple with a squeeze of mustard and some sauerkraut, or have it topped with chili and cheese. Whichever version you choose, make sure to get a side order of their famous, crinkle fries.

Thai Rock
Address: 275 Beach 92nd St., Rockaway Boardwalk (Queens)
Phone: 646-455-3991
Website: www.thairock.us
Rockaway Beach is no longer just a taco destination anymore.  Welcome Thai Rock, a restaurant with roots in Rincon, Puerto Rico (where there’s a parent location) and its soul in Thailand.  It opened just this week and the early word is good.  Personally, we can’t wait to try their beachside version of Thai papaya salad (som tum) and pineapple fried rice.  There are lunch and brunch specials and a small selection of specialties from the owner’s Mom. For dessert, there’s mango sticky rice and a sweet roti.  Hey, you could head to Rockaway for lunchtime tacos, linger on the beach til dinner at Thai Rock.  (Not a bad idea at all.)

Tavern on the Green
Address: Central Park at W. 67th St.
The former New York institution has turned into a food truck mecca and a destination for first-rate street food. You’ll find soups and sandwiches from Ladle of Love, an offshoot truck from an upstate New York café or outstanding duck dumplings from the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck. And if you just want to grab a cone on a walk through Central Park, there’s the Van Leeuwen truck, which dishes out artisanal scoops in flavors like vanilla, hazelnut and pistachio. And, just this week, the Pera truck was wisely granted a liquor license, so you can add booze to the list of offerings. Try Pera’s Mediterranean french fries or zucchini pancake taco with a glass of wine and set up a picnic on the grass.

Dinosaur BBQ
Address: 700 W. 125th St., at 12th Ave, (Harlem)
Phone: 212-694-1777
Website: www.dinosaurbarbque.com
If you’re hungry for barbecue, this is the place to do it.  In fact,  Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem may have the best pulled pork and brisket outside the south.  From the chicken to the ribs (pictured above) everything at Dinosaur BBQ is top-notch.  The smoked meats fall right off the bone and you get a free pass to lick your fingers clean.  Don’t miss the fried green tomato starter or almost any of the sides, especially the mac & cheese.

Blue Hill
Address: 75 Washington Place near Sixth Ave.
Phone: 212-539-1776
Website: www.bluehillfarm.com
If you can’t make it out of the city, Blue Hill is the next best thing for farm-to-table dining.  In fact, Dan Barber has brought his Stone Barns farm in Tarrytown to the city.   The New York outpost adheres to the same principles as its upstate brethren, which is simple, seasonal, fresh-as-can-be food.  It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. If you can’t get a reservation, bar dining is a well-kept secret, fiercely guarded by its weekly regulars.  The menu nods to the pedigree of each ingredient, so seize the opportunity to sample proteins raised at Stone Barns, like the Berkshire pork, as well as the vegetables.

Royale
Address: 157 Ave. C, btwn. 9th and 10th Sts.
Phone: 212-254-6600
Website: www.royalenyc.com
We’re not sure why, but this Alphabet City spot has managed to stay under the radar, even with its alfresco dining option.  Royale boasts a sizable backyard that’s perfect for an impromptu barbecue or get-together without the hassle of food preparation or clean up. The menu is simple: There’s a very respectable burger that you can order with or without cheese and with or without french fries.  The sandwich selection includes a standout crispy chicken with spicy sliced jalapenos and melted cheddar cheese. A perfect summertime meal with a cold beer and a good group of friends.

RG Writer: Lauren Bloomberg