Sick of NYC New Year's Eves that never live up to the hype? Not up for battling the crowds to
see the ball drop in Times Square (only the brave need attempt it)?
Try one of our New Year's Eve party picks and
ring in 2009 with a night to remember. We've got a New York New Year's Eve option for every personality -- from club scenester to health nut and more. And we will be adding new events to our top picks as we hear about them.
New Year's Nation is hosting ten blowout New Year's Eve parties in ten cities across the country. The New York party is at Cipriani Wall Street and will feature 6.5 hours of premium open bar, a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres, 3 DJs, and a broadcast of Travis Barker and DJ AM performing live from Los Angeles. General admission is $175 while Ultra VIP access is $245 (for reserved seating) and Platinum VIP access (better reserved seating) is $325.
"If you’re looking for a big-ticket dance party, Hudson Terrace has a heated rooftop the overlooks the Intrepid and typically draws an upscale, designer-chic crowd," says Annsley Chapman, editor of NewYears.com. The open bar will last for seven hours and DJs will be spinning in the main Salon and the rooftop Garden Lounge. General admission is $150, Ultra VIP access is $225 (includes bottle service and food), and Platinum VIP access is $275 (includes more bottle service and more food).
Get into the 80s groove at the Soho Grand. Guest DJs Shawn Regruto and Chris Sealey will be spinning 80s classics from artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. Between songs, guests can enjoy an a la carte style dinner and cocktails. There is a $150.00 per person minimum, which can be met through food and/or beverage. for more information or to make your recommendation,
email or call 212-519-6632.
Enjoy a classic New York New Year's Eve at a classic New York venue. Tavern on the Green makes a dazzling location for your big night. Party beneath the crystal chandeliers, then take a breather in the beautiful gardens to view the Central Park fireworks and catch a glimpse of the Midnight Runners (see listing for Central Park Midnight Run above). Your $175 general admission ticket includes a gourmet buffet dinner, 6.5 hours of premium top-shelf open bar, a great view of the midnight fireworks, and a continental breakfast at 3AM.
If you're looking to do some serious eating and drinking on New Year's Eve, it's hard to go wrong at Brother Jimmy's BBQ. For $60-$100, you'll get unlimited drinks and a four-course meal featuring chipotle maple glazed smoked short ribs, a trio of sliders, Cajun shrimp, and more. It's just $60 per person for seating between 5:30 and 9 PM and $90 per person ($100 at the Murray Hill location) for seating at the Main Event party from 9 PM until 1 AM (which also includes a DJ, a champagne toast, and party favors).
If you're looking for a lower-key, less expensive, and delicious way to spend New Year's Eve this year, consider Nino's Tuscany. This charming Italian restaurant in midtown is offering a three-course dinner, champagne toast, and live music for just $59.95 per person. This is real food (entree choices include filet mignon and rack of lamb) and real music by
the legendary Irving Fields, the gifted 93-year-old piano man who has also played The Plaza Hotel, Carnegie Hall, and many other top venues. Call 212-757-8630 for more information.
Buddha Bar is hosting a Golden Year's Gala with music by guest DJ Claude Challe and resident DJ Timka. The chef will also be preparing a tasting menu including Buddha Bar New Style Sushi and a "dessert fantasy." "Lots of parties will advertise a high-profile host who then hunkers down in the DJ booth all night," says Chapman of NewYears.com. "Buddha Bar doesn’t really advertise celebrity guests as much as simply draw them —- a lot of red carpet names have showed up unannounced in past years." General admission is $50 per person plus cash bar or $275 per person for the dinner package. Table bottle service packages are also available for $1,000 (for 4) to $2,500 (for 10).
The party at Capitale on the Bowery will include five hours of top-shelf open bar, a midnight toast, music by DJ X-Ray, and complimentary access to the after-party starting at 3AM. General admission is $135 per person and the various levels of VIP access range from $175-$275+ per person.
Purchase tickets online or call 212-255-4233 for more information.
Tribeca Grand hosts its own downtown version of the famous Times Square ball drop. Watch the ball drop from the top of the Tribeca Grand's spectacular 8-story atrium. Enjoy an open premium bar from 9 PM until 1 AM, hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and dancing to up-tempo party beats. General admission is $125 per person, reserved seating is $249 per person, and premium seating is $299 per person.
Party in the 16,000-square-foot dome over Bowlmor Lanes that used to house the New York Health & Racquet Club Tennis Courts. Music and lights will be bouncing off Pressure's 60' ceilings and a DJ will be spinning music all night long. For a more intimate party-within-a-party, Lucid is Pressure's VIP lounge and features a separate bar and dance floor. Admission prices range from $150 to $225 per person.
