Where To Grill In NYC On The Fourth Of July

NEW YORK CITY — Those of you who hold it a truth to be self-evident that it's not the Fourth of July without the crunch of a charred hot dog or the barbecue drip of a tender spare rib don't need to flee the city to do your patriotic grilling duty.

That's because there are public grills and barbecue areas scattered all across New York City open to anyone (over the age of 18) willing to stake out the turf and cook.

Before we tell you where to find them, please note the Parks Department has a few rules (because fire).

• Groups of 20 or more must apply for a special events permit.
• No one is allowed to liter, why would you do that?
• No propane, please (because fire).
• Don't barbecue within 10 feet of trees or buildings (because fire).
• Throw extinguished coal (use water, please) and matches in designated red barrels.

Also, a word to the wise: You won't be the only person with this idea. Claim your grill early in the day, and if you're feeling nice, maybe share it?

Now that you've promised to grill in a responsibly and neighborly fashion, grab your tongs and head toward these spots across the five boroughs. Here's where you'll find a grill:

East River Park, Manhattan

Where: Near the FDR Drive and East 10th Street in the East Village

How Many Grills: 6

What you'll find: Picnic tables and a sweeping view of Brooklyn and the East River. Be warned: everyone needs a permit to use these grills.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Where: The lawn near the Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue entrance and near the Parkside and Ocean avenues entrance in Prospect Lefferts Gardens

How Many Grills: 4

What you'll find: Two new Americans With Disabilities Act-approved grills in each area.

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens

Where: Either side of Meadow Lake near the Jewel Avenue and Van Wyck Expressway entrance in Flushing

How Many Grills: 24

What You'll Find: A lakeside view the best chance in Queens of actually snagging a grill.

Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx

Where: Near Middletown Road and Bruckner Boulevard in Pelham Bay

How Many Grills: 30

What You'll Find: The city's largest park property has hiking trails and a 13-mile saltwater beach where you can kayak and canoe.

Wolfe's Pond Park, Staten Island

Where: Near the Chester and Huguenot avenues entrance in Prince's Bay

How Many Grills: 10

What You'll Find: Barbecue pits by a stretch of sandy beach.

For a complete list of areas that allow you to bring your own grill, check out this handy Parks Department website.