Here’s where to barbecue in Brooklyn on the Fourth of July

July 3, 2019 Kelly Mena

McCarren Park. Photo via NYC Parks

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The nation will celebrate the Independence of the United States on Thursday — and it’s important for all those looking to enjoy a sizzling hamburger or hot dog to enjoy their summer without getting burned.

Quick reminder up front: it is illegal in New York City to use a propane gas grill or charcoal grill on the roof of any building, including residential properties with three or more family residences, any terrace or balcony of an apartment building.

So, take it to the park.

Those gearing up to grill can look to the borough’s public parks for some options. City parks are currently open from around sunrise to 1 a.m. A few notes: As per park policy, propane gas grills are prohibited, as is barbecuing next to trees, tree roots or buildings — and guests must barbecue at least three feet off the ground.

That said, here are our picks for the best places for a Brooklyn barbecue banquet.

1. Prospect Park

The newly car-free park leads the pack with a dozen BBQ pits scattered at various entrances of the 526-acre green space. Prospect Park is easily accessible by the 2, 3, F, G, Q and B trains.

There are a whole slate of designated grilling areas across Prospect Park:

Both sides of Bandshell
North area of Long Meadow
Near Prospect Park South West and 10th Avenue
Near Vanderbilt Street and Prospect Park Southwest
Area north of Picnic House
Grecian Shelter area
Area near Lincoln Road and East Drive
Area south of the Picnic House
Parkside Lawn near Parkside Avenue and St. Pauls Place
Park Circle area near Parkside Avenue and Prospect Park Southwest/Coney Island Avenue
Area near the Well House
The Nethermead

2. Red Hook Recreation Center

Red Hook Recreation Center. Photo via NYC Parks.

Those a little more westward can turn to the Red Hook Recreation Center for a nice day out. The neighborhood meeting point is a perfect area for staying close to home, away from the crowds, for the day’s festivities.

The grilling areas are located at Bay Street near Columbia Street, near the baseball and soccer fields.

3. Herbert Von King Park

The southeast entrance to Herbert Von King Park in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Eagle photo by Noah Goldberg — Herbert Von King Park in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Eagle photo by Noah Goldberg

For those in central Brooklyn, there is Herbert Von King Park, located in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The park is one of the oldest in the borough, and has one designated grilling area located in the middle of the block on Lafayette Avenue.

Bring your kids and pets; there’s a playground and dog run nearby for families to enjoy.

4. Coffey Park

A hop, skip and jump from the Red Hook waterfront, there lies a small piece of greenery known as Coffey Park, which is sure to provide a quieter environment.

The 8.27-acre neighborhood park has two areas for grilling, one located near the park’s entrance on the corner of Verona and Richards Streets and the other on Verona and Dwight streets. Bring a basketball if you like; there’s a court.

5. Fort Greene Park

The tower seen through Fort Greene Park’s trees is 112 St. Edwards St. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

For those looking to enjoy a piece of iconic Brooklyn on July 4th, head to Fort Greene Park. The public park has a place in history as the borough’s first publicly designated park, way back in 1847.

Claim a spot at one of the various BBQ pits long Myrtle Avenue between North Portland Avenue and St. Edwards Street.

6. Kaiser Park

For those closer to Coney Island — home of the hot dog — head to Kaiser Park.

The community park spans the waterfront, which makes it perfect for enjoying the view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The grilling area is located right next to the football fields near Bay View Avenue and boasts more than 20 grills.

The park also includes soccer, football, baseball and tennis fields and a running track for those looking to work up a sweat in anticipation of the day’s activities.

7. Manhattan Beach Park

Manhattan Beach Park. Photo credit NYC Parks.

For the merpeople of Brooklyn, check out Manhattan Beach Park, a favorite of many local residents due to its ideal location next to the beach.

The grilling areas are located at the northeast end of the promenade and at the corner of Oriental Boulevard and Hastings Street. The grilling areas do not permit amplified noise, so those looking to get some summer jams in will have to do it at a respectable decibel level.

The park also includes a scattered array of baseball, handball and basketball fields, as well as some playgrounds.

8. McCarren Park

For those near the northern end of the borough, there is McCarren Park. The park spans nearly four city blocks and is in the heart of the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. The park is known for its proximity to the F and G train lines.

The grilling area is located on Driggs Avenue between Lorimer Avenue and Union Avenue, right across from the soccer and softball fields.

Big bonus: the park also is a frequent stop for local ice cream vans.

To look up public BBQ areas around the borough, see here.