The fireworks exploding over the East River (suck it, NJ!) may be the main event for July 4th weekend, but if the cacophonous show isn't for you—or you need liquid encouragement beforehand—there are some pretty tasty deals happening to fill that void. From clam bakes and cheap beer to fine dining and haute cruises, we've got you covered on where to eat and drink this holiday weekend.

EAT, DRINK AND BE FREE

  • Williamsburg's Extra Fancy will be honoring tradition with a Cape Cod style clambake from noon to 4 p.m. Eat clams, mussels, shrimp, potatoes and corn; drink a can of Budweiser; and imagine you're actually at the beach.
    302 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn // 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. // $40 per person

  • The Gander will celebrate Independence Day with it's annual bash featuring karaoke, live music, a beer pong tournament, a mobile ice cream cart for sundae building, rosé ALL DAY, Jell-O shots, and unlimited craft beer on tap. It's the no-holds-barred event of our most decadent dreams.
    15 W 18th Street // noon - 8 p.m. // $45 per person for food only, $85 per person for food and open bar

  • Picnic on Narcissa's South Garden Terrace for a 4th of July weekend lobster bake. Michelin-starred chef John Fraser's prix-fixe menu includes a steamed lobster, BBQ ribs, jalanpeno-cheddar cornbread, and mussels (to name a few choice items).
    25 Cooper Square // July 4th and 5th, 12 noon - 8 p.m. // $56 per person

  • Freddy's Bar-B-Q is keeping it simple with standard holiday fare, prepared by Freddy's (for free!), or brought by you. All tap beers are $4 for the occasion, as guaranteed by the Founder Fathers.
    627 5th Avenue, Brooklyn // 3 p.m.- late // Free to attend

  • Take advantage of sea-to-table restaurant BKB's $1 oyster happy hour and $5 wine pairings on the fourth. Chef-owner Eric Miller's summery seafood specialties—soft shell crab, lobster rolls, and day-boat scallops—shouldn't be missed by those heartsick for the Hamptons.
    321 East 73rd St // Happy Hour 5-7 p.m., kitchen open to 11 p.m. // reservations

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    OUTDOOR PARTIES

  • The Festival of Independence at the South Street Seaport will host musical guests on all three of the seaport's stages all afternoon and evening. Jam to the live tunes of your choice, drink and dine at the Seaport Smorgasburg and the Smorgasburg Bar, then stick around for one of the best views of the fireworks downtown.
    The South Street Seaport // 1 p.m. onward // Free to attend

  • If you're feeling nautical, set sail aboard the Hermione, a 210-foot warship built to replicate the boat that carried the Marquis de Lafayette to America in 1780. Enjoy food, cocktails, and patriotic pride on the Hudson before retiring to the other river for the evening.
    North Cove Yacht Harbor // 9:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. // Tickets $175

  • Alternatively, treat yourself—or let let someone else treat you—to a Fireworks sail along the East River aboard the City Clipper Tall Ship or the Shearwater Schooner. Both are offering a fully catered menu of BBQ snacks like ribs, stuffed jalapenos and juicy watermelon, plus an open bar of wine, beer and specialty-themed cocktails. Prices are steep, but they're plying you with food and alcohol for four and a half hours.
    Battery Park, Slip 2, North Cove Yacht Harbor // 5:30 - 10 p.m. // $450 for adults, $350 for kids

  • The flea market revolutionaries of Brooklyn Night Bazaar are launching Get Summered, "New York's newest and greatest beach party of all time" this Independence Day. Along with food and drink vendors, programming includes DJs all day and a pop up tattoo parlor.
    Jacob Riis Park // 12 noon - 9 p.m. // Free to attend

  • And finally, the 2015 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot-Dog Eating Contest will take place at Coney Island. Attending is good, entering is better. America needs a new champion.
    Coney Island // 11 a.m. - 1 p. m. // Free to attend