Make good decisions this 4th of July — with respect to where you’re going to go to get wild, of course — because an all-day drinking holiday can go terribly awry if you choose the wrong place to celebrate. Here are some suggestions for a fun and buzzy Independence Day in New York.

Exclusive Pier 66 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party
7 PM–12:30 AM, Thursday, July 4; $25-$200
The Frying Pan (Pier 66 Maritime)
This huge boat bar docked on the west side provides access to buckets of beer, burgers, old bay fries, and an incredible view of the Macy’s fireworks. Since this is as close to the action as you can get, tix for the 4th of July debauchery run out quickly (…so get on it). 

Beer and Bacon Block Party
Noon–7 PM, Thursday, July 4; $48
Sons of Essex (133 Essex St)
For their first annual Beer & Bacon Block Party, Sons of Essex on NYC’s Lower East Side will be roasting a Berkshire pig from Stony Brook Farm and featuring beers from local breweries. $48 includes “all the pig, sides, and draft beer you can fit." 

The Riverboat Ball
6 PM–10 PM, Thursday, July 4; $200
The Queen of Hearts (Pier 78)
Shortly after its birth, jazz made its way to the industrial north on riverboats puffing up the Mississippi. This 4th of July, celebrate America’s independence and her musical voyage, aboard a genuine riverboat. Dance, drink and dine as you splash through the night along the banks of Old Manhattan, enjoying unrivaled views of the fireworks and the hottest 1920s jazz entertainment this side of the Mason-Dixon.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship
1 PM–3 PM, Thursday, July 4; free 
Coney Island (1000 Surf Ave)
Watch professional eaters gorge themselves on Nathan’s franks at The Coney Island Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest, an annual tradition. Advice: try not to sit behind any of these contestants on the Cyclone roller coaster after. 

July 4th Fireworks Viewing Party
6 PM–late, Thursday, July 4; $165
Hudson Terrace (621 W 46th St)
Expect spectacular views of the fireworks display from Hudson Terrace’s stunning rooftop, as well as an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, a 4-hour open bar, replenished beer buckets for table reservations, an all-night DJ, and a dance floor party going on til the wee hours. 

Gansevoort Rooftop Pool Party & BBQ
3 PM–4 AM, Thursday, July 4; $25–$35
Gansevoort Park (420 Park Ave) Head up to the rooftop of the Gansevoort Park Hotel for one the biggest 4th of July parties. All day & all night, most will be celebrating ‘Merica’s birthday at the Gansevoort’s Rooftop BBQ & Pool Party featuring SAK NOEL (producer of top billboard hit ‘Loca People’). There will also be 1 hour of sponsored drinks from 3 PM.

Wasabassco Burlesque: America F*ck Yeah
8 PM–11 PM, Friday, July 5; $20
The Bell House (149 7th St, Brooklyn)
Wasabassco, Brooklyn's best burlesque show, presents their 3rd annual celebration of unbridled American freedom (and striptease) at The Bell House.

Photo via Flickr/Mini Moo