Fourth of July 2013 in Jersey City

The fourth of / Genista / CC BY-NC-SA

With Fourth of July landing right in the middle of the work week this year, many folks may be planning on staying local for the holiday.  Here are a few ideas for celebrating the Fourth of July in Jersey City:

Fireworks

The Macy's annual Fourth of July fireworks will take place over the Hudson River, set off from four barges between West 24th and 40th Street in Manhattan.

According to the Star Ledger the good views on the NJ side will be from Weehawken and northern Hoboken, but some high rises along the waterfront in Jersey City with a clear northeast view could be nice spots too.

Even though Selena Gomez pre-taped her Fourth of July performance in Liberty State Park, there will be no festivities at the park on Thursday.

NJ 101.5 recommends watching from Riverview Park (in the Heights neighborhood of Jersey City) which boasts an amazing view of Manhattan.

Or you can watch the fireworks from a boat.  Check out MommyPoppins guide to Fourth of July cruises around NYC.

BBQ

If you plan on barbecuing check out BBQ at Legal Grounds for something different than the standard backyard fare, like espresso rubbed pork.  They have a location Jersey City at 2 Division Street or they are often at Groove on Grove on Wednesdays.

Bar/Restaurants

If you want to leave the BBQ (and the clean-up!) to the pros, Michael Anthony's will be having a BBQ and clam bake on Thursday from 2 pm to 9 pm ($34.95/person).

These are just a few ideas - what is everyone planning on doing to celebrate on Thursday?

Update: the Iron Monkey is also serving a special BBQ menu on the Fourth of July and drink specials from July 4th to 8th.

Update2: Tia's Place at 277 Grove Street is having a Fourth of July sale: red, white and blue items are 20% off this week.

Update3: What's open on 4th of July in Jersey City?  Newport Centre Mall (10 am - 7 pm, AMC movie theater until 11 pm), Honshu will be open for dinner (reservations recommended), Madame Claude Wine (3 pm - 7 pm), Edward's Steakhouse opens at 5 pm.