Aberdeen Listen to DJ Arkitek spin as you take advantage of a premium open bar and appetizers. There’ll be a chance to win prizes and a champagne toast, too. 1856 W. North, (773)772-5500.
Alhambra Palace This two-floor, five-room spot is hosting an extravagant party from 9pm-1am with entertainment provided by DJs Shawn Edwards, Tony Tone, Ryan Pollano and others. For $75-$100, guests can get their drink on for four hours with a top-shelf open bar and fill up on an appetizer buffet. Additional information can be found at thepalace4nye.com. 1240 W. Randolph, (312)666-9555.
Angels & Kings The DJ duo The Fabulous Ladies of Fitness will make an appearance alongside additional guest DJs as guests enjoy snacks, a dessert bar, a champagne toast and a souvenir champagne glass. 710 N. Clark, (312)482-8600.
Angels and Mariachis Tables range from $50-$100 and the party package (10pm-1am) includes an all-you-can-eat taco bar, sangria, beer, margaritas, cocktails and a midnight champagne toast. Bottle service is also available for $50-$300. 1721 W. Division, (773)227-7772.
The Bad Apple Ring in 2010 at The Bad Apple as DJ Nosmo spins tracks from the 1970s and 1980s tunes. For $65 you’ll get a champagne toast at midnight, a limited beer and liquor selection and a dinner buffet. Reservations are required, so call (773)360-8406. 4300 N. Lincoln, (773)360-8406.
Betty’s Blue Star Lounge Party at Betty’s where DJ Jam Master C will be playing house, hip-hop and top-40 hits until the wee hours of the morning. Fifty dollars gets you access to an open bar, while $75 gives you VIP status, which includes reserved seating and a bottle of champagne for a group of four to six. 1600 W. Grand, (312)243-1699.
Black Rock Head to Roscoe Village for a $55 package that includes a top-shelf open bar, appetizer buffet and midnight champagne toast. 3614 N. Damen, (773)348-4044.
Brownstone Tavern & Grill For $75, get unlimited premium liquor, drafts and bottles, Red Bull, champagne and appetizers starting at 9pm. 3937 N. Lincoln, (773)528-3700.
Bull & Bear Bull & Bear will be hosting six hours of open bar, a midnight champagne toast, heavy passed appetizers and entertainment from Jesse Seeley for $115 per person. Admission also gets you access to Stone Lotus. If you have $1,200 to spare, I hate you. Also, you can use it to get eight tickets and a VIP booth, which comes with a premium bottle of both vodka and champagne and a personal table tap. Whatever. Drinking 30-year-old tequila in your PJs while watching a “Mad Men” marathon or “Short Circuit” or something is way more awesome. 431 N. Wells, (312)527-5973.
Burwood Tap From 8pm-1am enjoy an open bar, buffet, a midnight champagne toast and $2 shots. 724 W. Wrightwood, (773)525-2593.
Cagney’s Don’t even think about wearing jeans to this singles-only bash. Put on your finest duds and mingle with other singles as you listen to the DJ spin music all night, munch on appetizers and play group games. There’s also a cash bar, party favors and $5,000 in door prizes. Buy tickets in advance at clubzone.com for $50 or pay $60 at the door. 2142 N. Clybourn, (866)824-8212.
Cans Bar & Canteen Enjoy five hours of premium open bar, a dinner buffet and a midnight champagne toast. 1640 N. Damen, (773)227-2277.
Carnivale Chef Mark Mendez will be serving up a menu of Caribbean, Spanish and Cuban food, while entertainment will be provided by a DJ, stilt walkers and a magician (named Gob…I wish). There’ll also be a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast. 702 W. Fulton Market, (312)850-5005.
Casey Moran’s Eighty bucks will get you five whole hours of open bar, a dinner buffet and a midnight toast. If you’re not much for crowds, private party rooms are available. 3660 N. Clark, (773)755-4444.
Celtic Crown Public House Enjoy a four-hour open bar, champagne toast, balloons, party favors and a multimedia countdown for $40. 4301 N. Western, (773)588-1110.
Chen’s If you’re in the mood for Chinese, head to Chen’s where $45 will give you access to a Chinese buffet, as well as an open bar and party favors. 3506 N. Clark, (773)549-9100.
Citizen Bar RSVP to [email protected] to get Citizen Bar’s New Year’s Eve’s three-hour food and drink package. Included is an open bar, unlimited appetizers and a champagne toast. 364 W. Erie, (312)640-1156.
Cityscape Bar Cityscape Bar and Italiasiaare teaming up to create a four-course menu, a specialty martini and a champagne toast at midnight. Included on the menu is miso-glazed salmon, prosciutto-wrapped scallops and polenta with mushroom ragout. 350 N. Orleans, (312)836-5000.
Crescendo For $75, get four hours of premium open bar (9pm-1am), passed hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet and a midnight champagne toast. DJ Dante the Don will be performing a late night set that’ll go until 4am. 222 W. Ontario, (312)787-6060.
Crimson Lounge Crimson Lounge is doing an international travel theme for this year’s $135 bash. The fourth floor of Hotel Sax features DJs spinning in themed rooms, including Dubai and Paris. Premium cocktails, wine, beer, appetizers, champagne and a midnight balloon drop are included in the admission. Get your “passport” (hardy har har) stamped in all five of the rooms and you’ll be entered to win one night at the hotel. VIP table reservations are available and start at $500 for three people. 333 N. Dearborn, (312)923-2473.
Crobar Enjoy a four-hour open bar, a midnight champagne toast, balloon drop and party favors. 1543 N. Kingsbury, (312)266-1900.
Crossroads Public House Enjoy a dinner and late night buffet, party favors and a champagne toast as DJ Maverick spins. 2630 N. Clark, (773)248-3900.
Cuvee Dress up as 007 or one of the women he shagged at this James Bond-themed bash. Four hours of open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres are included in the $125 ticket. 308 W. Erie, (312)202-9221.
C-View Starting at 9pm, the rooftop lounge located on the 29th-floor will have a premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and more for $79. 166 E. Superior, (312)523-0923.
Debonair Social Club Dance the night away at this Wicker Park hotspot. Bar packages start at $65. 1575 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-7990.
District Bar Put on your Sunday best and sip bubbly and more at District’s $90 open bar from 9pm-12:30am. A midnight champagne Swank in the New Year at District’s cocktail bash. 170 W. Ontario, (312)337-3477.
Division Ale House A drink package runs from 9pm-2am that includes wine, beers and call liquor, plus a buffet. There’ll also be a midnight champagne toast, party favors and a DJ ($75). 1942 W. Division, (773)384-6886.
Drake Hotel Chicago Scene hosts this bash at the Drake Hotel, featuring four ballrooms, a premium open bar (9pm-1am) staffed by 45 bars and bartenders, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a live cover band, DJs spinning dance, disco, hip hop, house and more, a champagne toast, balloon drops at midnight AND coffee and dessert after the ball drops. If you go for a VIP ticket ($200-$275), you’ll be able to access private areas in two of the ballrooms with private seating and servers. Tickets usually sell out in advance, so head to chicagoscene.com to find out more info and buy tickets. 140 E. Walton, (312)787-2200.
Dream Remember Whiteboy from VH1’s smash-hit reality show “I Love New York”? Me neither. But he’ll be making an appearance at Dream’s New Year’s bash. For $80, enjoy a four-hour premium open bar, dinner buffet, party favors, balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Go so you can make everyone you know totally jealous of the night you partied with THE Whiteboy. 1750 N. Clark, (312)932-1750.
Duchamp This Bucktown spot’s four-course menu includes choices like a white pizza with lobster, trumpet mushrooms, taleggio, lemon zest and herb salad; a Thai bouillabaisse with Chilean sea bass, mussels and rock shrimp; artisanal cheese plate with fruit bread; and a caramelized lemon tart with strawberry-cardamom, cupcake and ice cream sandwich. The New Year’s seating will be at 11pm 2118 N. Damen, (773)235-6434.
Duffy’s Tavern and Grill Enjoy a dinner buffet, drinks and party favors as a DJ spins until 1:30am. 420 W. Diversey, (773)868-8073.
Durkin’s Tavern Enjoy drinks, a dinner buffet and party favors. 810 W. Diversey, (773)525-2515.
Elm Street Liquors A DJ will be spinning top 40, hip-hop and dance tracks until 2am at this Gold Coast bar. Included in the $85 admission is an open bar and midnight champagne toast. 12 W. Elm, (312)337-3200.
Enclave Fall into the rabbit hole at Enclave’s Alice in Wonderland-themed party this New Year’s Eve, featuring four-and-a-half hours of premium open bar and an appetizer bar. If you find a white rabbit, you even get a free limo ride home. 220 W. Chicago, (312)654-0234.
English From 8pm-1:30am, enjoy a full premium bar, buffets, DJs and ten flat-screen TVs that’ll be tuned in to the Times Square ball drop and local coverage at midnight ($10). The NYE package includes champagne service all night. 444 N. LaSalle, (312)222-6200.
Evil Olive Enjoy a premium open bar, dinner buffet, party favors, balloon drop and midnight champagne toast. 1551 W. Division, (773)235-9100.
Excalibur Ring in the New Year at Excalibur with five dance floors, a four-hour open bar, three huge balloon drops and two light shows. Better yet, you can choose how much you’re willing to spend as packages range from $40 (basic admission and cash bar) to $59 (open bar from 7pm-11pm and buffet from 7pm-9:30pm) to $99 (premium open bar from 8pm-12am and access to private party rooms) to $125 (same as $99 package but you also get access to the VIP penthouse). 632 N. Dearborn, (312)266-1944.
Fearon’s Public House Watch the Pat DiNizio Trio plays from 9pm-12am at this no cover bar. Enjoy a buffet, $1 shots all night and midnight champagne toast. Open bar packages are also available. 3001 N. Ashland, (773)248-0990.
The Fifty/50 Enjoy an open bar, a buffet from 9pm-11pm, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 2047 W. Division, (773)489-5050.
Finn McCool’s There’s two floors to party on at Finn McCool’s, which starts at 6pm and wraps up at 4am. There’s no cover, so enjoy the DJ, party favors, balloon drop, video countdown and champagne toast guilt-free. 15 W. Division, (312)337-4349.
404 Wine Bar A DJ will be spinning all night at 404, and for $65, you’ll have access to a premium open bar, dinner buffet, appetizers, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 2852 N. Southport, (773)404-5886.
The 44th Ward Dinner Party DJ Scotty Brandon will be spinning at this Hawaiian-themed singles party. Prices range from $59-$69 and include an open bar, games, a midnight champagne toast and, um, grilled-cheese sandwiches and a mashed-potato bar. 3542 N. Halsted, (773)857-2911.
The Full Shilling Public House Enjoy an open bar from 9pm-12am, an appetizer buffet from 9pm-11pm, party favors, a champagne toast and a multimedia countdown for $45 per person at the Full Shilling. 3724 N. Clark, (773)248-3330.
Gaslight Bar and Grille For $75, get unlimited liquor, beer, Red Bull, champagne and appetizers. Starts at 9pm. 2426 N. Racine, (773)929-7759.
Grand Central For $85, eat and drink as much as you possibly can at this Lincoln Park hotspot. 950 W. Wrightwood, (773)832-4000.
Green Dolphin Street Electronic legends The Crystal Method headline Green Dolphin Street’s huge club event. Supporting them on the bill will be thirteen other DJs, including Mario Florek and Just Joey. Forty dollars gets you in the door, but you can double it to gain VIP status which includes a three-hour open bar. 2200 N. Ashland, (773)395-0066.
Hard Rock Café Musician Maggie Speaks will help you ring in the New Year at the Hard Rock Café’s bash, where $125 will also get you appetizers, a premium open bar, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 63 W. Ontario, (312)943-2252.
Hard Rock Hotel The Lincoln Park Young Professionals host the Hard Rock Hotel’s party, which includes four hours of premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. 230 N. Michigan, (312)345-1000.
Harry Caray’s Tavern Head to this Wrigleyville bar from 9pm-2am for An Evening With Bubbles. For $90-$100, enjoy the dinner buffet, call drinks, beer, a champagne toast and lots of bubbles. Entertainment will be provided by DJ/VJ Rain. 3551 N. Sheffield, (773)348-0009.
Hilton Chicago Rapper Pitbull performs at this Playboy party with three ballrooms filled with gambling, hors d’oeuvres and a four-hour premium open bar. 720 S. Michigan, (312)922-4400.
HUB 51 From 9pm-2am, nosh on crispy short rib tacos, carrot cake, King Crab California Rolls and more at HUB 51’s New Year’s bash. For $115, take advantage of a top-shelf open bar and a midnight champagne toast. For an extra $25 get access to HUB’s downstairs club, SUB 51. 51 W. Hubbard, (312)828-0051.
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House R&B musician Professor John will perform for eight straight hours at Hugo’s, and guests will also get party favors and a champagne toast. 1024 N. Rush, (312)640-0999.
Hyatt Regency Chicago 104.3 Jack FM and the Hyatt hosts this party that includes live music from cover band 7th Heaven, a DJ, premium open bar, buffet stations until 11pm, party favors and prizes. Great. Now I have that crappy “7th Heaven” theme song stuck in my head. 151 E. Wacker, (312)565-1234.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare If you need to fly out of the city right after New Year’s Eve, head to the Hyatt Regency’s party. Live entertainment will be provided by Modern Day Romeos, C-Factor, JakTripper, DJ-SPIN, Tony Ocean and the Lori Brittin Jazz Quartet. Your $39 ticket also gives you access to a five-hour open bar, party favors, a midnight champagne toast and a fantasy casino. For $30 more you can enjoy a dinner buffet with items like prime rib and lobster bisque. You can also book an entire package that comes with two party tickets and a deluxe grand room for $189. For tickets, head over to ticketweb.com and to book room packages, go to ohare.hyatt.com. 9300 W. Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, (847)696-1234.
InterContinental Chicago O’Hare The Gin Blossoms headline this bash near O’Hare. Other acts on the bill are Too White Crew, The Breakfast Club (do we really need to tell you they’re an eighties cover band?) and DJ Roland, among others, in the Tom Tom Room. The $85 admission includes a four-hour open bar and party favors. You can also book a room package with prices starting at $139. For room packages, call (847)544-5300. For tickets only, call (800)745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com. 5300 N. River, Rosemont, (847)544-5300.
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap No cover! All night! A $5 chef’s table with unlimited servings of bar food! Yeah! New Year’s Day, Jake’s has brunch specials including their very own Hair of the Hog breakfast sandwich, $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas and a “rehydration station.” 41 E. Superior, (312)266-0400.
Joe’s Bar The Rumrunners will provide live music as you enjoy your top shelf drink package, appetizers and a buffet. 940 W. Weed, (312)337-3486.
Joey’s Brickhouse Indulge in shrimp, pizza, prime meat and lots of booze from 9pm-12am at Joey’s. Reservations are suggested and the cost per person is $44. 1258 W. Belmont, (773)296-1300.
John Barleycorn This $100 per person package includes a premium bar (wine, beer, liquor) plus an upscale buffet with appetizers and more from 9pm-2am. 658 W. Belden, (773)348-8899.
Junior’s Sports Lounge Twenty bucks will get you in for an appetizer buffet and a midnight champagne toast. Perfect for those who plan on remembering what they did that night. 724 W. Maxwell, (312)421-2277.
Kirkwood Bar & Grill Unlimited liquor, beer, Red Bull, champagne and appetizers for $75. Starts at 9pm.2934 N. Sheffield, (773)770-0700.
LaSalle Power Co. This speakeasy-themed party features four and a half hours of open bar, a full buffet, DJs, go-go dancers and more for $85. For a $110 VIP ticket, you’ll get better food and access to the third floor, which’ll have a live band. The bash runs from 8pm-2am.500 N. LaSalle, (312)661-1122.
Late Bar Dave Roberts and Kristien Hengl will spin New Wave classics until 4am at Late Bar’s bash. Admission is just $10 and gets you party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 3534 W. Belmont, (773)267-5283.
Le Bar Dance until 2am at Le Bar’s $20 party and enjoy a champagne toast and party favors. 20 E. Chestnut, (312)324-4000.
Le Passage Discotheque Drawing Room Chef Nick Lacasse serves up a gourmet dinner buffet to go along with a four-hour premium open bar and champagne toast at midnight. The $120 ticket also gets you free admission to the after-party that runs until 4am. 937 N. Rush, (312)255-0022.
Leg Room Enjoy a premium open bar, DJ, champagne toast and multimedia countdown for $60. Show up after 11pm and you’ll only have to shell out $20. 7 W. Division, (312)337-2583.
Lion Head Pub For $69, enjoy an open bar, buffet, balloon drop, party favors, midnight champagne toast and video countdown. 2251 N. Lincoln, (773)348-5100.
Lottie’s Pub Your $65 ticket to Lottie’s gives you access to a premium open bar, a midnight champagne toast and a chance to try its new thin-crust pizza that’s part of a full buffet. 1925 W. Cortland, (773)489-0738.
Lumen Go back in time to the Roaring Twenties as Lumen transforms into a speakeasy for the night. Throw on your best flapper-style dresses or suits and access a five-hour open bar and buffet. DJ Lil Mikey and a live brass band will perform all night as you play blackjack and craps. Just hope the cops don’t show up. (Get it? ROFLMAO! I’m funny.) 839 W. Fulton Market, (312)733-2222.
Luxbar No package deal and no cover, not at Luxbar. The kitchen’ll stay open until 1am and the Lady DJs will spin in the LuxLounge. You’ll get some party favors and a champagne toast, but that’s about it, keeping this party pretty low-key. 18 E. Bellevue, (312)642-3400.
Mac’s American Pub There’s no cover, so dance to pop, rock and top 40 all night at Mac’s. Five dollar champagne cocktails are among the specials and there’s an optional drink package (wine, beer, cocktails) available for $35. 1801 W. Division, (773)782-4400.
Manor Enjoy four hours of premium open bar (9pm-1am), passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet before having a champagne toast at midnight. 642 N. Clark, (312)475-1390.
Martini Park Enjoy live music from cover band IPOP, tunes spun by DJ Ryan and a two-hour open bar (10pm-12am) until 2am. The cost is $85 per person, but for an extra $40 you and four friends can get your own table and bottle of champagne. The $150 VIP tickets include two bottles of bubbly and a reserved booth. 151 W. Erie, (312)640-0577.
MaxBar For the $60 ticket price, you’ll get access to a premium open bar, midnight champagne toast, balloon drop and more. 2247 N. Lincoln, (773)549-5884.
McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon Indulge in five full hours of premium open bar and a dinner buffet. Hey, you can always make a New Year’s resolution to eat right, drink less and exercise more starting in January. (And like 99.9 percent of the population, you’ll obviously keep it.) 1206 N. State, (312)475-9450.
McGee’s Tavern and Grille Enjoy a dinner buffet, drinks, party favors and music provided by a DJ. 950 W Webster, (773)868-8073.
Merkle’s Bar and Grill Head down to Wrigleyville for a six-hour bash beginning at 8pm. $50 will get you an open bar, buffet, champagne toast, party favors and DJ entertainment. 3516 N. Clark, (773)244-1025.
Moe’s Cantina If you like Mexican food, head to Moe’s for its $100 New Year’s bash, including a premium bar package including margaritas, sangria, beer and an upscale Mexican buffet. Make reservations if you want the $250 booth package, which includes a bottle of champagne, 4 Rebels Premium or Dragonfruit Vodka. The party runs from 9pm-2am.3518 N. Clark, (773)248-0002.
Murphy’s Bleachers House favorite Daily Special will perform a slew of cover songs and the always mandatory “Auld Lang Syne.” The party goes from 9pm-1am and includes appetizers and a premium bar package featuring Stoli, Jim Beam, Tanqueray and craft beers on tap. 3655 N. Sheffield, (773)281-5356.
Mystic Celt Listen to the DJ as you enjoy an appetizer buffet, five hours of premium open bar and a midnight champagne toast. 3443 N. Southport, (773)529-8550.
Neo A New Wave dance party features DJs Qbot and Kamar spin at this New Wave dance party. A midnight champagne toast is included in the $20 cover price. 2350 N. Clark, (773)528-2622.
Northside Bar and Grill Enjoy an open bar, appetizers and party favors. 1635 N. Damen, (773)384-3555.
NV Penthouse Lounge Celebrate New Year’s Eve with class at NV Penthouse Lounge. You’ll receive a premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, champagne and dessert at midnight and tons of party favors. Buy tickets at www.newyears.com.116 W. Hubbard, (312)329-9960.
O’Donovan’s Enjoy passed appetizers as you sip on cocktails, beer and wine and dance to the DJs eclectic mix of tunes. There’ll be a champagne toast at midnight, and if you don’t want to pay for a package, you can just shell out $10 and get everything except the open bar. 2100 W. Irving, (773)478-2100.
Ole Lounge Buy tickets in advance for $60 or pay $75 at the door to enjoy two floors of dancing, six hours of hosted bar, tapas, hors d’oeuvres, a midnight champagne toast and more. 2812 N. Lincoln, (773)388-3500.
People Lounge People’s $60 package includes open bar, DJ entertainment, a champagne toast and party favors. For $40 more, you can enjoy a four-course dinner of Mediterranean salad, scallops with saffron orzo, blue cheese-crusted skirt steak and dark chocolate sorbet. 1560 N. Milwaukee, (773)227-9339.
Pops for Champagne From 3pm-8:30pm, head to Pops for the full food and beverage menus if you want, but stick around until 9pm for the main champagne bar. The party will have an open bar, desserts, hors d’oeurves and party favors. Bar seating is $130 and a table or booth will cost you $150. Reservations are required. If you’re looking for some music, buy a $60 ticket and see the Ava Logan Quartet perform in the Jazz Club from 9pm-1am. 601 N. State, (312)266-7677.
Purple Haze Admission is $40 to Purple Haze and let’s you enjoy $1 drinks and live music all night. 3415 N. Clark, (773)975-6677.
The Rail The Rail’s serving up an assortment of appetizers plus mixed drinks, beer and a midnight champagne toast for $50. RSVP at (773)878-9400. 4709 N. Damen, (773)878-9400.
The Red Canary Prices range from $100-$225 at this River West restaurant and lounge. Drop $100 for just a premium open bar from 9pm-2am, $150 for that, unlimited bottle service and a table for the night, or $225 all of the above plus a five-course meal, table and early entry. DJ Justin Dahl will be spinning all night. 691 N. Milwaukee, (312)846-1475.
Red Ivy Fill up on a pizza buffet and down call liquor and beers at this Wrigleyville bar’s $85 celebration which includes a midnight champagne toast. For an extra $10 per person, you can even get a table with your very own server. 3525 N. Clark, (773)472-0900.
Red Kiva The 2nd Story storytellers—Deb Lewis, Julie Ganey, Khanisha Foster and Larry Kerns—come back to Red Kiva for the second year in a row for their Stories and Bubbly party, featuring four new original tales, as well as live music by Seeking Wonderland, snacks, a dessert bar and a champagne toast. Cocktails inspired by the four tales and flatbread pizzas will also be available. 1108 W. Randolph, (312)226-5577.
Redmond’s Enjoy an open bar, dinner buffet and party favors. 3358 N. Sheffield, (773)404-2151.
Risqué Café Admission to Risqué is $40 and drinks are $1 all night, so kick back and enjoy the live entertainment at this Wrigleyville pub. 3419 N. Clark, (773)525-7711.
Rock Bottom Brewery The Karaoke Dokies are hosting Rock Bottom Brewery’s live-band karaoke bash, which includes a DJ, premium open bar, buffets (appetizer, dinner and dessert) and a midnight champagne toast. If you buy a ticket in advance at brownpapertickets.com, you can get in early and enjoy a cash bar from 8pm-9pm. 1 W. Grand, (312)755-9339.
The Rockbox For $35, enjoy an open bar from 7pm-12am, and for $45, get that plus a buffet dinner from 8pm-10pm and lounge access. 2624 N. Lincoln, (773)871-0205.
Rockit Bar & Grill $95 gets you six hours of premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet and a midnight champagne toast at this River North bash lasting from 8pm-2am. 22 W. Hubbard, (312)645-6000.
Rockit Bar & Grill (Wrigleyville) $75 gets you six hours of premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet and a midnight champagne toast at this Wrigleyville bash lasting from 8pm-2am.3700 N. Clark, (773)645-4400.
Rockwood Place Starting at 8pm, take advantage of the premium bar and buffet as you listen to the bar’s resident DJs spin all night. For $85, watch the ball drop on one of Rockwood’s flat-screens, do a champagne toast and take home some party favors. Booth reservations are available for groups of six or more. 3466 N. Clark, (773)880-2222.
Rosa’s Lounge Blues group Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band perform at this bash. Party favors and a champagne toast are included in the $25 admission, and blues fans will be happy to know that if you stop in on New Year’s Eve, your next visit to Rosa’s will be free. 3420 W. Armitage, (773)342-0452.
Salud Tequila Lounge Enjoy a five-hour premium open bar, a dinner buffet and midnight champagne toast. Group discounts are available. 1471 N. Milwaukee, (773)235-5577.
Salute Wine Bar Seatings from 5pm-9pm include a three-course meal consisting of an appetizer, pizza or Panini and dessert for $25. From 10pm-2am, enjoy an open bar with select wines and call brands ($60-$75). 46 E. Superior, (312)664-0100.
Schoolyard Tavern For $75, down as much liquor as you can at this open bar that opens at 9pm, but make sure to soak it up with some appetizers. 3258 N. Southport, (773)528-8226.
Sheffield’s A wide beer selection as well as house wines, Absolut, Tanqueray, Jameson and Captain Morgan will be on hand for this five-hour open bar (8pm-1am). Good ol’ bar food, including cheese curds and mini pulled pork or grilled cheese sandwiches, are also included in the ticket. Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. 3258 N. Sheffield, (773)281-4989.
The Shrine DJs Mark Fullaflava and 33 1/3 will be spinning all night and playing music videos. Guests can enjoy food all night as well as a midnight champagne toast. To gain VIP status, which includes express entry, a bottle of champagne and special seating, you’ll have to shell out $120. 2109 S. Wabash, (312)753-5704.
Sidebar Grille Starting at 9pm, head to Sidebar for unlimited premium liquor, beer, champagne, Red Bull and appetizers, all for $75 a person. 221 N. LaSalle, (312)739-3900.
Signature Room at the 95th The New Invaders, The Tony Calderisi Trio and SODA will perform at this New Year’s bash. The $200 per person ticket includes a gourmet buffet and an open bar from 8pm-1am. Cocktail acquire is required. 875 N. Michigan, (312)787-9596.
Small Bar Head to Wicker Park to hear DJs Intel and Pickel spin an eclectic mix of music, including funk, soul and hip-hop. Best of all is—you guessed—there’s no cover! 2049 W. Division, (773)772-2727.
Soiree Bar Lounge From 8pm-1am there’ll be a premium open bar, and table service as well as a full appetizer menu will be available until 3am. Get party favors and watch the countdown live. 2438 N. Lincoln, (773)477-8880.
Sopo If you like sangria, head to Sopo where $100 will buy you as much as you can drink. There’s also an open bar and food. 3418 N. Southport, (773)348-0100.
Spin This Boystown favorite will feature a drag show from The Spin Divas, DJ Bryan Smith, go-go dancers, a pizza buffet and a midnight champagne toast. If you get there early, you’ll get to take advantage of an appetizer buffet from 8pm-10pm, and drink specials all night include $5 Absolut cocktails. 800 W. Belmont, (773)327-7711.
Spoon Classy? Between the ages of 21 and 39? Like top 40 radio? Then this Old Town spot’s for you! 1240 N. Wells, (312) 642-5522.
The Spot This is The Spot’s third annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door and include a four-hour drink package, full buffet (prime rib sandwiches, pasta, chocolate fountain and more), a midnight champagne toast and party favors. 4437 N. Broadway, (773)728-8933.
Stretch Run If you’re on a tight budget, head to Stretch Run where you can enjoy $5 champagne and $5 Jager shots all night, plus a $7.95 special of sauerkraut, ribs and black-eyed peas. Best of all: there’s no cover charge. 544 N. LaSalle, (312)644-4477.
Sweetwater Metromix and RedEye are hosting this bash at Sweetwater, one of the newest bars in the city and owned by the guys behind Trace and The Boundary. The $100 ticket includes premium liquor and beers, passed appetizers, party favors, a champagne toast and DJ entertainment. Group ticket purchases of four and six can even reserve a table for free. 225 N. Michigan, (312)698-7111.
Tapas Valencia Desserts at Tapas Valencia come with a free glass of champagne this New Year’s Eve. Buying a drink in the bar area between 5pm-6:30pm and 9:30pm-11pm also means you’ll be able to enjoy $2 tapas. Entertainment will come via a guitarist. 1530 S. State, (312)842-4444.
The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars The Tasting Room will transform into a speakeasy for the night, so throw on your best Twenties costume and head down from 8pm-12am to enjoy a full open bar, hors d’oeuvres and DJ entertainment. The price is $125 per person. 1415 W. Randolph, (312)942-1212.
10pin Bowling Lounge Dancing, bowling, cocktails and food. As the DJ spins, munch on crab cakes, smoked salmon canapés, beef tenderloin sandwiches and more while drinking champagne and 10pintini’s. Partygoers can also bowl for prizes including a trip to the Caribbean. There’s a four-hour premium open bar. Prices range from $75-$150 and can be bought at ticketweb.com. 330 N. State, (312)644-0300.
33 Club Come down for dinner and dancing at this Old Town bar and restaurant. For $65 per person, you can have a four-course prix-fixe menu along with party favors, a midnight champagne toast, balloon drop and music courtesy of DJ Carla Washington. For $100, you can get a super-premium drink package which gives you access to an open bar for four hours. Want both? It’ll cost you $140. 1419 N. Wells, (312)664-1419.
Theory General admission tickets range from $100-$125 and include passed appetizers, four hours of open bar and a champagne toast. For $150, get your own table with a server, appetizer platters and bottle service. Buy tickets at theorychicago.com. 9 W. Hubbard, (312)644-0004.
Timothy O’Toole’s If you’re on a tight budget—and really, who isn’t right now?—head to Timothy O’Toole’s from 9pm-3am. For $15 per person you’ll get a champagne split or 24-ounce Miller High Life, plus a midnight buffet, party favors and pool tables.622 N. Fairbanks, (312)642-0700.
Tin Lizzie For $75 per person, you’ll get to take advantage of a four-hour premium open bar, champagne toast, party favors and music spun by the house DJ (9pm-1:30am). 2483 N. Clark, (773)549-1132.
Tiny Lounge There’s no cover and no reservations necessary at Tiny Lounge, but you still get free passed appetizers and a midnight champagne toast. 4352 N. Leavitt, (773)463-0396.
Trader Todd’s Don Gibb, aka Ogre from “Revenge of the Nerds,” hosts Trader Todd’s $60 party with food, drinks, karaoke and a champagne toast. Call to RSVP for guaranteed seating. 3216 N. Sheffield, (773)975-8383.
Uberstein A three-hour open bar, food, a champagne toast and a video dance party until the wee hours of the morning. 3478 N. Clark, (773)883-0300.
Underground Underground’s bash features a premium open bar, dinner package and midnight champagne toast. Buy tickets at tickets.com keyword: The Underground. 56 W. Illinois, (312)943-7600.
Vision Nightclub Ring in the New Year at Vision with five entertainment rooms playing dance, hip-hop, pop and retro hits. There will be three huge balloon drops and a multimedia countdown to 2010. Better yet, you can choose how much you’re willing to spend as packages range from $40 (basic admission and cash bar) to $59 (open bar from 7pm-11pm and buffet from 7pm-9:30pm) to $99 (premium open bar from 8pm-12am and access to private party rooms) to $125 (same as $99 package but you also get access to the VIP penthouse). 632 N. Dearborn, (312)266-1944.
W Hotel City Center From 8pm-2am, enjoy a cash bar, loads of DJs, a champagne toast, photography, gift bags and more at this enormous three-room party. 172 W. Adams, (312)332-1200.
Weather Mark Tavern Enjoy drinks, an appetizer buffet and party a champagne toast. 1503 S. Michigan, (312)588-0230.
Westin Michigan Avenue ChicagoNYE.com and Kiss 103.5 host this formal soiree at the Westin. Wear your finest duds as you head to this multiple-ballroom bash on Michigan Avenue. The $150 admission includes a top shelf open bar, hors d’oeuvres, special martinis, unlimited champagne, celebrity DJs, live video mixing, a midnight confetti storm and more. There’s also a complimentary pre-party and post-party included in the ticket, as well as discounted hotel rooms. 909 N. Michigan, (312)943-7200.
Wrightwood Tap Enjoy drinks, a dinner buffet and party favors. 1059 W. Wrightwood, (773)549-4949.
Wyndham Chicago Trilogy Productions is hosting its seventh annual New Year’s Eve party at The Wyndham. This extravaganza includes multiple rooms of entertainment, a four-hour top shelf open bar, a hors d’oeuvres buffet, unlimited bubbly and live music from a local cover band. The $150 ticket also includes admission to a pre-and-post-party, and you could book a hotel room for just $139 a night. 633 N. St. Clair, (312)573-0300.
Zella For $100 per person, you can snack on appetizers and enjoy a top-shelf open bar, plus party favors, a champagne toast and entertainment by DJs from 9pm-1:30am. 1983 N. Clybourn, (773)549-2910.
RESTAURANTS
Abbington Distinctive Banquets Food, drinks and music from 7pm-1:30am. For $125 per person, you get a five-course meal that includes filet mignon and lobster tail. Motown’s The Hiline Band will perform during a five-hour premium open bar and late night buffet. 3 South 002 IL Route 53, Glen Ellyn, (630)942-8600.
Birch River Grill From 12pm-10pm, a special three-course menu is available that includes lobster bisque, filet mignon, jumbo shrimp and chocolate mousse. A complimentary glass of champagne is included in the $38.95 price tag. 75 W. Algonquin, Arlington Heights, (847)427-4242.
Blue 13 First at Blue is a $100-per-person five-course prix-fixe dinner that includes everything from scallops to pork belly and brioche toast to avocado puree and herb salad (5pm-10pm). From 10pm-2am, passed appetizers, a cash bar and a champagne toast at midnight will set you back $30. 416 W. Ontario, (312)787-1400.
The Bristol The Bristol will be serving a special three-course dinner this New Year’s Eve and is letting you decide what you get. For the first course will it be pork rillettes with toast and sauce ravigote, roasted beets with goat’s milk ricotta and walnut bread or tuna conserva with beluga lentils and saba? And for the second course, will you be going with the roasted cod with blood orange, pistachio and sausage stuffed veal breast with Roman gnocchi, celery root agnolotti with pear, Parmesan and balsamic or Gaeta olive and Swiss chard? For dessert, you can choose from a selection of pastries, fudge and cookies. 2152 N. Damen, (773)862-5555.
Café Bella Café Bella’s offering a three-course meal of soup or salad, entrée (salmon with mango salsa, lamb shank or New York strip steak) and dessert. Drinks are BYOB and there’s no corkage fee. 3311 W. Fullerton, (773)292-5040.
Courtright’s Courtright’s is giving diners three options. Choose a three, four or five-course meal ($55, $75 or $99, respectively). Entrees include sautéed Scottish salmon, butter-poached lobster, beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes and roasted Peking duck breast. After dinner, check out the live music, champagne and midnight party favors. 8989 S. Archer, Willow Springs, (708)839-8000.
Deleece Grill Pub Head to Deleece to fuel up for your late night partying with a $50, four-course menu that includes bolete mushroom soup; crisped lobster and cave-aged marissa ravioli with baby frisee and truffle brown butter sauce; your choice of braised pork shank with sweet potatoes dauphine, fried apples and sautéed spinach or bacon-wrapped halibut with rosemary shallot potatoes; wild mushrooms and fennel seed aioli or prime rib with mashed potatoes; braised carrots and roasted shallot blue cheese sauce; and your choice of chocolate bourbon pecan pie, Granny Smith apple pie, a chocolate and cheese plate or chocolate mousse with bourbon-soaked cherries. The regular menu will also be available, and if you’re not a fan of PBR, you can pay an extra $15 for beer pairings. 3313 N. Clark, (773)348-3313.
Dine For $56 a person, fuel up for late-night festivities with a four-course meal that includes your choice of salad, entrée and dessert (4pm-10pm). 733 W. Madison, (312)602-2100.
Elate Elate will be hosting two seatings: a four-course, $60 meal at 6pm and a five-course, $85 meal at 9pm that comes with a midnight champagne toast. Selections on the menu include grilled octopus salad, smoked duck breast salad, roasted chestnut risotto, caramelized banana cake and more. 111 W. Huron, (312)202-9900.
Geja’s Café Enjoy a four-course fondue dinner at either 5pm, 7:30pm or 10pm. The prices go up the later you sit and range from $75-$115 per person. Included in the package is a glass of Piper Sonoma Brut, a glass of Piper Heidsieck Brut Cuvee or a bottle of Piepr Hiedieck Cuvee, depending on the seating time. 340 W. Armitage, (773)281-9101.
Green Zebra For the vegetarians out there, Green Zebra is offering a flavorful five-course meal for $75. Add wine pairings for $45 per person. 1460 W. Chicago, (312)243-7100.
Il Poggiolo Bring the family at 5pm where the kids will get $10 menu and you’ll get three courses for $35. The 7:30pm and 9:30pm seatings will feature a four-course menu with champagne. 8 E. First, Hinsdale, (630)734-9400.
Italiasia Cityscape Bar and Italiasiaare teaming up to create a four-course menu, a specialty martini and a champagne toast at midnight. Included on the menu is miso-glazed salmon, prosciutto-wrapped scallops and polenta with mushroom ragout. 350 W. Mart Center, (312)529-1157.
Jerry’s The Grateful Dead cover band Scarlet Mountain will be performing from 8pm-12am at Jerry’s, which will be featuring a five-course sandwich-based meal for $50. (Beer parings are available for an additional $15.) On the menu is butternut squash soup with crème fraiche, lobster rolls with avocado, cucumber and pickled onions on a toasted brioche roll and chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla custard. 1938 W. Division, (773)235-1006.
Karma At Karma, you decide the cost of your meal by choosing one of four entrees ranging in price from $28-$40. This Pan-Asian joint will be serving dinner from 5pm-10pm. 510 E. IL Route 83, Mundelein, (847)970-6900.
Kendall College Dining Room From 7pm-8pm there will be a cocktail reception and appetizers, followed by a four-course meal (winter greens salad with caramelized apples, butternut squash soup, shiraz-braised short ribs, pear mousse) with wine pairings, and later a DJ, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 900 N. North Branch, (312)752-2328.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club Go back to the thirties and fifties at Kit Kat as it celebrates the Chez Paree lounge. There will be three dinner seatings (6pm for $50, 8pm for $75 and 10pm for $85—all prices per person), each with a five-course meal and entertainment provided by Diva Madame X and Traci Ross who’ll sing tunes from those eras. Reservations recommended. 3700 N. Halsted, (773)525-1111.
La Mediterranee For $70-$85, enjoy a four-course dinner, champagne toast and burlesque cabaret show. The first seating is at 5:30pm and the second is at 8:30pm. 941 W. Randolph, (312)243-1818.
Le Colonial Chef Chan Le will be offering a $65 per person three-course meal starting at 5pm at this upscale French-Vietnamese spot. 937 N. Rush, (312)255-0088.
LM Restaurant Guests who arrive before 7pm will get a $55 per person four-course meal with their choice of everything from foie gras torchon to braised beef cheeks as well as a cheese plate and dessert. Guests stopping by after 7pm will get an $85 per person five-course menu with items like lobster, scallops and truffle risotto. There’ll also be a midnight champagne toast. 4539 N. Lincoln, (773)942-7585.
Marche Bring the family to one of the early seatings (5:30pm, 6pm and 6:30pm) and kids eat free (one per dining parent) from a menu with favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese and burgers. At 7:30pm, the restaurant will have a fake countdown for the kiddies. The grown-ups get a special $45 surf-and-turf menu which will be served long after 7:30pm and will also be accompanied by live entertainment, including fire-eaters and burlesque dancers. 833 W. Randolph, (312)226-8399.
Market For $90 per person, enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Joe Rosetti as well as a premium open bar, party favors and midnight champagne toast. If you want to skip the meal, the bar package is available for $65 per person. The event runs from 8pm-1am. 1113 W. Randolph, (312)929-4787.
Nacional 27 Nacional 27 will have two seatings, a $45 three-course dinner and a $95 five-course meal. The menu includes shrimp skewers, empanadas, grilled seafood paella, barbecue skirt steak and tres leche. DJ George will spin and patrons will also get a champagne toast and party favors. 325 W. Huron, (312)664-2727.
N9NE Steakhouse & Ghostbar The early-bird special doesn’t start so early here. From 5:30pm-7pm, all of N9NE’s favorite steak and seafood creations are on the non-pre-set menu (Reservations require a $40 pre-payment per person). The second seating ($80 pre-payment per person) goes from 8pm-10pm and includes free Ghostbar admission after 11pm. From 9pm-11pm, Ghostbar hosts its own style of celebrations with hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary glass of champagne and a dance floor and DJ for $20.10. After 11pm, the tunes continue until the New Year. Keep in mind that all reservations must be prepaid with a credit card, so call (312)575-9900 to book your table, or contact Tricia G. at [email protected]. 440 W. Randolph, (312)575-9900.
NoMI A five-course tasting menu composed by Executive Chef Christophe David is super fancy and priced accordingly at $195. Creations include sushi and sashimi or Alaskan King Crab with sunchoke, celery and smoked caviar; truffled beef consommé with foie gras and puff pastry; and pasta carbonara, prime beef tenderloin with black trump, roasted marrow and sauce Bordelaise, or butter-poached Maine lobster. A cheese, nuts and chocolate course as well as desserts round out the menu. For an additional $80 per person wine pairings are available. 800 N. Michigan, (312)239-4030.
North Pond For $120, North Pond will be serving a seven-course menu. Wine pairings are an additional $60. 2610 N. Cannon, (773)477-5845.
Odyssey Cruises Ring in the New Year on Lake Michigan from 8:30pm-1am. For $219.90 per person, you’ll get a premium open bar, champagne toast, the best spot to view the fireworks, a live band, one boarding photo per couple and a multicourse meal. Included in the meal is almond-encrusted shrimp, mushroom tarts, chicken satay, smoked trout toast points, salad, lobster bisque, filet mignon and Odyssey’s signature exotic sweet’s table and fruit. 600 E. Grand, (888)957-2322.
Old Town Brasserie For $75, fill up on a four-course dinner as you take in live jazz from Joe Ferrar. 1209 North Wells, (312)943-3000.
one sixtyblue Fill up on Chef Michael McDonald’s rich five-course menu. For $75 per person, indulge in chilled Florida stone crab, house-made saffron linguini, seared Sonoma foie gras and more. 1400 W. Randolph, (312)850-0303.
Osteria Via Stato Osteria’s popular Italian Dinner Party menu will be served with seatings beginning at 5pm and running until 9:45pm at this State Street restaurant. For $38.95 per person, have unlimited antipasti, pasta, your choice of an entree and two sides.620 N. State, (312)642-8450.
Park 52 Early birds can stop by Park 52 between 5pm-8pm to get a $40 three-course meal including risotto, roasted duck or blackened catfish ($65 for wine pairings). From 9pm-2am, the party starts. For $100 per person, enjoy a live band, a DJ spinning music, appetizers (and an appetizer menu), mini desserts, a cash bar and a champagne toast with take-home flutes.5201 S. Harper, (773)241-5200.
Pelago Ristorante For $125 (plus tax and tip), Pelago is offering a six-course meal that comes with a glass of Prosecco di Conegliano Marco Ceschin. Featured on the menu is salmon Carpaccio with asparagus puree and tomato salad; lentil soup with shrimp and crab; dover sole ravioli with caviar and chive sauce; veal medallions with artichoke sauce and pecorino Toscana; truffle potatoes; spinach flan; roasted cherry tomatoes; chocolate and raspberry cake with champagne sorbet and piccola pasticceria. 201 E. Delaware, (312)280-0700.
Red Light Chef Jackie Shen offers a special five-course Taste of Asia menu for $55 per person. 820 W. Randolph, (312)733-8880.
Salpicon Los Duques will be providing live music all night at Salpicon, where the five-course meal will increase in price the later you dine ($65-$85). Along with soup and salad, you choose your appetizer, entrée and dessert. Menu items include grilled quail with ancho chile-honey sauce, bacon-wrapped Maine sea scallop and rack of Australian lamb with pasilla-tomatillo sauce. The late seating (9:30pm-10pm) includes party favors and a champagne toast. 1252 N. Wells, (312)988-7811.
Sepia A $65 four-course meal or $85 five-course meal will give you the chance to go and experience Sepia’s dishes and gorgeous setting. 123 N. Jefferson, (312)441-1920.
sola A Hawaiian menu prepared by Chef Carol Wallack will include dishes like braised pineapple with coconut sorbet and macadamia nut shortbread. Champagne’s available, too. 3868 N. Lincoln, (773)327-3868.
SugarToad Come early for a five-course meal ($65, 6pm) or later for a six-course meal with a champagne toast and party favors (8:30pm, $75). Wine pairings are available (three for $30 or five for $45). Menu items include potato and mussel soup; poached pear and apple terrine; pork belly with spiced rutabaga; black cod with ice spinach; and molten chocolate cake with peanut butter ganache. 2139 CityGate, Naperville, (630)778-8623.
Sunda Come in between 7pm-9pm for the $75 first seating or between 9:30pm-12am for $150 to dine on a five-course menu in the dining room. You could also head to the sushi bar for a laidback meal ($100) or the buffet at the bar ($75). All guests will receive party favors, a premium bar package and a champagne toast. 110 W. Illinois, (312)644-0500.
Texas de Brazil Churrascaria Lovebirds can hit up Texas de Brazil Churrascaria from 5pm-11pm where $150 will get you dinner, a bottle of champagne, dessert and coffee, all for two. 51 E. Ohio, (312)670-1006.
Trader Vic’s This tropical restaurant offers a four-course meal for $75 which includes a bottle of Roderer Estate Champagne and baked Maui onion soup; crispy prawns and cherry-brandied short ribs; filet mignon or half-roasted chicken with asparagus or wasabi mashed potatoes; and a chocolate mousse bomb with blood orange. 1030 N. State, (312)642-6500.
Uncommon Ground on Devon The Fatum Jazz Quintet will be performing all evening for diners at Uncommon Ground. Early birds can be seated at 5pm or 5:30pm and be treated to Chef Brian Millman’s special holiday menu for $60 per person. If you’d rather stop by later, it’ll cost you $75 per person. 1401 W. Devon, (773)465-9801.
Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine Venus will be serving a five-course meal with a glass of wine or a martini for just $30. 820 W. Jackson, (312)714-1001.
West Town Tavern Chef Susan Goss has planned a special a la carte menu for West Town Tavern’s New Year’s Eve festivities this year. The regular menu will also be available, but here’s a peek at the specials: Lobster macaroni and cheese; pan-roasted pork saltimbocca wrapped in Benton’s country ham with polenta, sage and preserved lemon; baby spinach with tangerines, marcona almonds, dried cherries and orange-honey vinaigrette; winter vegetable risotto with poached apricots, toasted walnuts and fried sage; and pumpkin-spice doughnut holes with rum custard sauce. Wine pairings are available. 1329 W. Chicago, (312)666-6175.
Zocalo This River North Mexican restaurant will be hosting seatings this New Year’s Eve at 7pm and 9pm. For $45, patrons will be treated to a four-course meal along with a glass of cava. The huge menu features everything from crispy confit duck legs to sweet corn masa crepes with squash blossoms and cheese. Diners at the second seating will be treated to live music, and at 11:30pm the party begins. A DJ will spin, and there will be a champagne or tequila toast. Drinks specials last until 2am. 358 W. Ontario, (312)302-9977.
Best Forever and Ever: Thirty Years of Best of Chicago Summer, 1993; we were undertaking the first-ever Best of Chicago and we'd set the bar high: to transform the idea of a "service feature" into something else entirely: a living, breathing, surprising, even shocking snapshot of the greatest city in the world at that moment.
