jelloshots.jpgIf you're staying in town this weekend and still don't have plans for the 4th, it's not too late to catch the spirit of '76; there are plenty of barbecue options within the five boroughs, whatever your budget or neighborhood. All the events below take place tomorrow, July 4th, unless otherwise specified.

Head to Water Taxi Beach for the next best thing to the Hamptons. $25 gets you a regular evening at the beach, but VIP passes [$200] provides access to an open bar until 10 p.m. and a buffet that includes a whole pig from pitmaster Robbie Richter. Turntables on the Hudson will provide tunes for all. [2-03 Borden Ave., at 2nd St., Long Island City; 212-742-1969 // tix available online]

Back Forty presents "The All-American Backyard BBQ" featuring festive versions of American classics. Three dollar local beers will wash down their signature grass-fed burgers, clams and oysters on the half-shell, pork jowl nuggets with jalapeño jam, grilled shrimp skewers with mint salsa, "Fearless Franks" veggie hot dogs, Maryland crab rolls in challah buns, barbecued chicken with Carolina rub and grilled pork chops with rhubarb mustard. [190 Avenue B, at 12th Street; 212-388-1990 // Reservations are available for parties of six or more.]

Roosevelt Island gets down with food from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, live music, and carnival festivities. The gates to Southpoint Park, located on the southern tip of the island, open at 5:00. [Road 3 near East Road; 888-695-0888 // $20]

Celebrate the Fourth Austrian style at Blaue Gans with a pig roast featuring sides of wurst, sauerkraut and even German-fried chicken. Michelle Newman will be providing the musical accompaniment and half-liters of Würzburger will be available for $8. [139 Duane Street near West Broadway; 212-571-8880 // call for reservations]

Shorty’s.32 is throwing a Blue Grass BBQ from 2 - 8:30 p.m. with a prix fix menu including burgers and BBQ. For atmosphere, they'll pull out the red and white checkered tablecloths, serve up beer in tubs, and feature a live blue grass band
[199 Prince Street; 212.375.8275]

If seafood's more your style, Elizabeth is serving up their Sunday night Lobster Boil on Friday in honor of the Fourth. Dig in to cracked lobster, cockles, chorizo, corn cobs, and potatoes steamed in herbs and butter for $28. They’ll also be serving some all-American apple pie for dessert. [265 Elizabeth Street, 212-334-2426]

For a taste of New England, Jane is offering a traditional clam bake Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights including clams, mussels, 1⁄2 lobster, shrimp, corn and potatoes. That's three chances to make it there! [100 West Houston Street, 212-254-7000 // $25]

And the Brooklyn Lyceum is having a Battle of Chicken and Beer. For $20, you get all the chicken and beer you could want, "along with a night of dancing and a break-dancing competition." [227 Fourth Ave. Btw President and Union Streets, 718-857-4816 // $20]