It's finally New Jersey's time to shine.
As you've more than likely heard by now, the annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show will be returning to the Hudson River for the first time in more than a decade. That means that all of North Jersey's spectacular waterfront areas in Weehawken, Hoboken and Jersey City will finally become some of the best seats in the house to view the show.
It's also the perfect opportunity to make a reservation at one of the hottest restaurants along the Hudson River to enjoy a delicious meal or handcrafted co*cktail as the fireworks light up the night sky. So beat the rush and make a reservation now to guarantee yourself an unforgettable Fourth of July experience.
Chart House, Weehawken
With 24 waterfront locations across the country, Chart House was founded in 1961 by a Hawaiian surfer and a Navy man with the goal of offering fresh seafood and great views. One of its locations sits along the Hudson River in Weehawken, and is famous for its stunning panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
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The menu features favorite seafood dishes like shrimp co*cktail, crab cakes and coconut shrimp, as well as farm fresh fish like halibut, salmon and sea bass. There are also menu items for those not interested in seafood, including filet mignon, New York strip and herb roasted chicken. Plus, there is a 3-course meal special daily for $58, which includes a soup or salad, a choice of three entrees and a mini lava cake for dessert. To go along with the meal, Chart House has an extensive list of co*cktails, wine and beer to choose from.
Hours: 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Go: 1700 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken; 201-348-6628, chart-house.com/location/chart-house-weehawken-nj.
Blu on the Hudson, Weehawken
Known for its scenic view of Manhattan and modern American eats, Blu on the Hudson is a beloved spot for both holiday meals and year-round experiences. Their dinner menu includes sushi, a raw bar, homemade pasta, steak and more. The restaurant also has an extensive list of signature co*cktails to enjoy while you watch the fireworks light up the Hudson River.
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Go: 1200 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken; 201-636-1200, bluonthehudson.com.
NoHu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Weehawken
Located on top of the Envue Hotel in Weehawken, NoHu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant overlooks the Hudson River and has a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline. Because of its elevated position, it's the perfect spot for a special view of the annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show.
Among the items on the dinner menu include warm buttermilk biscuits, charred Brussels sprouts poutine, blackened Gulf shrimp and fried chicken strips. There is a list of co*cktails, beer and wine available to accompany the meal, and their dessert menu features ice cream from Fredon Township's Windy Brow Farms.
Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.
Go: 550 Ave. at Port Imperial, Weehawken; 201-683-2132, nohurooftopbar.com.
Halifax, Hoboken
Run by Chef Seadon Shouse and his team, Halifax in Hoboken specializes in Northeastern farm and coastal cuisine, focusing on local and sustainable ingredients from Delaware to their namesake of Halifax — the capital of Nova Scotia. Between the choice ingredients and the prime location along Hoboken's Hudson River waterfront, it's an ideal destination to enjoy a meal while watching the fireworks show.
On their dinner menu, you can expect a seafood tower, pan-seared salmon, ricotta gnocchi, prime New York strip and smoked Amish chicken. There is also an extensive dessert menu, a long list of both white and red wine, as well as speciality co*cktails.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Go: 225 River St., Hoboken; 201-253-2500, halifaxhoboken.com.
Blue Eyes, Hoboken
Located in Hoboken's Frank Sinatra Park, Blue Eyes is, naturally, an Italian restaurant. In the summer months, this walk-in only restaurant has outdoor seating available so patrons can take in the stunning waterfront views.
One of the restaurant's staples is the pizza, which is authentically made using a wood-fired brick oven from Naples, Italy. Plus, the menu has an assortment of pasta dishes, appetizers, paninis, desserts, gelati and coffees available. Also in the summer months, Blue Eyes has a separate gelato stand and raw bar outside.
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Go: 525 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken; 201-683-6861, blueeyesrestaurant.com.
Del Frisco's Grille, Hoboken
Del Frisco's Grille is a classic American chophouse chain with a trendy interior, but this location along the Hudson River in Hoboken has the added benefit of waterfront views. Menu items here include cheesesteak eggrolls, braised short rib, mahi mahi, rigatoni Bolognese, black angus streak frites and handheld burgers and sandwiches, as well as a signature steak list. You can finish off your meal with a selection from the dessert menu, or trying out one of their specialty co*cktails.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Go: 221 River St., Hoboken; 201-653-0195, delfriscosgrille.com/location/del-friscos-grille-hoboken-nj.
Battello, Jersey City
Yet another restaurant with stunning views of the Hudson River is Battello, a modern Italian joint with a menu that is overseen by chef and co-owner Ryan DePersio, who is also the executive chef of The Kitchen Step in Jersey City.
Though small and simple, the dinner menu is mighty. Offerings here include a seafood tower, prime filet beef carpaccio, squid ink campanelle, sheep's milk cappelletti, lasagna bianca and more. There is also a list of specialty co*cktails, wines and freshly made desserts.
Hours: Open for dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Go: 502 Washington Blvd., Jersey City; 201-798-1798, battellojc.com.
Rooftop at Exchange Place, Jersey City
The Rooftop at Exchange Place offers some of the best views of the New York City skyline in New Jersey, spanning from midtown Manhattan to the city's financial district. The venue's retractable glass roof and walls make sure you don't miss any part of the view, especially during the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show.
As for the menu, the restaurant specializes in small bites like garlic parmesan fries, mac and cheese, lollipop wings and charred broccolini caesar. But there are also more filling options, like their flat iron steak sandwich and pan-seared Atlantic salmon, available, too.
If you're not in the mood for food, order one of the bar's signature co*cktails or something from their wine and beer menu.
Hours: 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Go: 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City; 551-256-7850, rooftopxp.com.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter forNorthJersey.comand The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her onInstagram @maddiemcgay,onX @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for herNorth Jersey Livingnewsletter.Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her atMMcGay@gannett.
