Don’t have rooftop access this Fourth of July? Don’t feel left out. These rooftop bars and restaurants provide some great views of Brooklyn and beyond, so you can catch a glimpse of the city’s fireworks, legal and otherwise, or just enjoy the night air.
Berry Park
4 Berry St. at N. 14th Street in Williamsburg, (718) 782-2829
This Williamsburg bar is expecting a swarm, since it has a spacious rooftop deck that overlooks McCarren Park and provides clear views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s no surprise then that, though only open less than a year, the Berry Street bar has become one of the neighborhood’s most popular destinations. For the Fourth, it’ll be first come, first serve for rooftop access. For the early bird, the bar is open at noon that day, so you can get a head start on their German drafts and also score a seat.
Il Tetto
370 Fourth Ave. between Fourth and Fifth streets in Park Slope, (718) 625-2177
The restaurant at the top of Hotel Le Bleu may no longer be called The Vue, but the scenery from the breezy rooftop bar and lounge hasn’t changed one bit.
As Il Tetto (Italian for “the roof”), the space specializes in authentic Italian fare, with a few specials thrown in for July Fourth.
The main draw, of course, will be the perch from Brooklyn, with the open air watering hole found nine floors above the bustle of Fourth Avenue.
“The rooftop lounge and outdoor dining space offer an amazing view, which includes the Verrazano Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, as well as the Manhattan skyline,” said Il Tetto’s Marc Grumet.
With that, in addition to raising a glass to Lady Liberty, you can also expect to catch a glimpse of the fireworks show in the sky.
Alma
187 Columbia St. at Degraw Street in the Columbia Street Waterfront District, (718) 643-5400
This Mexican restaurant gets diners trekking to Columbia Street for one of the best views in the city, thanks to its proximity to the East River and panoramic views of Manhattan.
Since the fireworks moved from the East River to the Hudson a couple years ago, the bar doesn’t get the same spectacular show it used to when they were shot off right across the water at South Street Seaport. But it remains an ideal destination for outdoor diners, especially fans of seafood.
“It’s still nice to be on the rooftop,” said Alma co-owner Ron Starns. “And you get to see Jersey shoot their fireworks off, and bits and pieces of others.”
For the big night, the restaurant is taking reservations on its rooftop for 8 pm on for a $50 three-course meal.
Juliette
135 N. Fifth St. at Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 388-9222
This French bistro is a more fitting draw on Bastille Day, but you can be forgiven for dining at Juliette this Independence Day thanks to the spot’s charms, antique fixtures, and its winning French cuisine.
The rooftop bar is also pretty sweet, with its intimate dining, soft lighting and breeze from the East River.
For a sophisticated Fourth, order a Paris street-style hog dog and sip from one of their many house cocktails (the guillotine -— a rum, lillet white and marachino mix -— sounds fun).
And hey, at least they have the same colors on the flag.