Where to view Statue of Liberty from a distance?

I'm going to be in New York with kids this weekend. The activity of going all the way out to the statue of liberty isn't appealing but seeing it from a distance is on our list. I'm looking for a restaurant or park or bookstore or somewhere that we can hang out and see her from a distance.

I love alternative culture and tattoos and street art so I'd love a place also immersed in the alt scene but this is not a requirement.