A selection of New Year’s Eve festivities. By Caylie Sadin
FILM
S. S. Poseidon
For the fourth year, Camp Midnight will present “The Poseidon Adventure.” Embark at 11pm for the pre-show by Hell in a Handbag Productions. Wear your best because there will be a costume competition. An interactive guide for the movie will inform guests how to heckle the movie and Camp Midnight will provide commentary. The tickets are $23 in advance and $28 at the door.
S. S. Poseidon at the Music Box, 3733 North Southport, (773)871-6607, 11pm, $23-$28
NIGHTCLUBS
Beauty Bar
Beauty Bar, a hair “saloon,” invites everyone to join them for their “A Disco Affair” featuring Gigamesh and other special guests to ring in the New Year. There will be an open bar from 8pm-10pm and a champagne toast at midnight.
Beauty Bar, 1444 West Chicago, (312)226-8828, thebeautybar.com/chicago, $20
Board Room: A Boutique Nightclub
Join the Board Room for their New Year’s Eve celebration from 10pm-4am. The premium drink package is $125 per person or $195 per couple. Parties of people can spend from $2,000 to $100,000 for packages. The premium $100,000 package gets the group a private limo all night, a first-class vacation package to Miami, dinner for 20 at Mastros, three bottles of Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila, four Magnums of Grey Goose Vodka, and one 15 liter Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades” Gold Champagne. Party like it’s 2007!
Board Room: A Boutique Nightclub, 343 West Erie, (312)972-9882, 10pm, boardroomchicago.com, $125/person or $195/couple premium drink package, $2,000-$100,000 packages
Co-Prosperity and Maria’s Craft Beer NYE Party
Wanna go to an epic all-you-can-drink craft beer party featuring Dogfish Head, Three Floyds, Half Acre and Stone Brewing for New Year’s Eve? If so, join Maria’s and Co-Prosperity for their Craft Beer New Year’s Eve party. Besides beer, there will be food catered by Maria’s, live music, DJs, and a bubbly toast. Maria’s will also be open for a sister party.
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 South Morgan, 9pm, $40
Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier
The New Year’s Eve event at Crystal Gardens, a beautiful botanical venue at Navy Pier, starts at 9pm. and ends at 2am. The $110 ticket includes an open bar, a specialty cocktail upon arrival and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be hors d’oeuvres and music from DJ Jordan V and DJ J-Donn. Guests will be able to enjoy the fireworks show from their private terrace. An after-party wristband included.
Crystal Gardens, 700 East Grand, (312)560-4422, 9pm, crystalgardensNYE.com, $110 per person
Enclave’s Everyone’s Famous NYE
Enclave will roll out the red carpet for their Hollywood-inspired New Year’s Eve party. When making an entrance on the red carpet, guests can strike a pose for the paparazzi and talk to celebrity gossip reporters. Specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served and guests will receive a swag bag and a chance to win a trip for two to Hollywood.
Enclave, 220 West Chicago, (312)654-0234, EnclaveChicago.com/nye/, tickets start at $95
Everest
Soaring above Chicago’s skyline and on the fortieth floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building, Everest is hosting a New Year’s Eve night. Diners can order any of Chef Joho’s signature creations from Everest’s menu, which will have three, four and multi-course menu options.
Everest, 440 South LaSalle 40th floor, (312)663-8920, 5pm-11pm
Flat Iron’s Metropolis Ball
Hang out at this artists’ refuge New Year’s eve for their Metropolis Ball with Angela Eve burlesque. The evening will be filled with art, music, dancing and a sexy circus. There will be old fashioned teasing burlesque straight from New Orleans with a live band. Roving hairstylists from Chicago Chop Shop will doll up patrons. Just past midnight, Eve with Eve’s Parlor Cabaret will take the audience through an avant-garde show dedicated to dystopia-themed “Metropolis.”
Flat Iron, 1565 North Milwaukee, metropolisballchicago2012.com, 8pm-5am, $30 in advance/$35 at the door, $100-$200 VIP packages
Frontier
This New Year’s Eve, Frontier, a sports-viewing destination with twenty-four flatscreen TVs, two HD projectors, and a forty-foot bar, will be offering a four-hour premium drink package, which will include a live DJ, a buffet with whole smoked animals and a champagne toast at midnight. Large groups can reserve private party rooms.
Frontier, 1072 North Milwaukee, (773)772-4322, 9pm, thefrontierchicago.com, $95
Hard Rock Cafe
The Hard Rock Cafe is hosting a “Party Rock” New Year’s Eve event. There will be hip hop and house music, a cash bar, two levels, passed appetizers, a champagne toast and bottle service available. Trentino, Kopo, Daniel Jay, and DJ Kice will be entertaining guests. The event will be rocking until 5am.
Hard Rock Cafe, 63 West Ontario, (773)495-1522, 9pm, $40
Hydrate
“Dance until the world ends” at Hydrate. There will be an open bar, food, coat check, dessert, souvenirs and live entertainment by DJ Josh Sparber and DJR. The electro-queer-fuck band DAAN will also be playing with special lighting.
Hydrate, 3548 North Halsted, (773)975-9244, 8pm, hydratechicago.com, $75
Jack’s Bar & Grill
For New Year’s Eve, the Lakeview neighborhood watering hole Jack’s will offer a hearty buffet of comfort food with a carving station. An extensive drink package will provide guests with domestic drafts, call liquors, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Jack’s Bar & Grill, 2856 North Southport, 9pm-3am, jackschicago.com, $100
LaSalle Power Co.
Join LaSalle Power Co. for their New Year’s Eve bash to drink, dine, dance and relax on the comfortable second floor. Their premium bar package includes hors d’oeuvres, a live digital countdown, a balloon drop, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. A live DJ and VJ will be playing, and there will be a professional videographer and photographer.
LaSalle Power Co., 500 North LaSalle, (312)661-1122, lasallepowerco.com, $100 bar package, $300-$350 VIP table
Lincoln Square Lanes
Lincoln Square Lanes presents the “Chuckle Bowl Spectacular,” a zany and off-beat way to ring in the New Year. The Lincoln Lodge comedy and variety show will perform, and there will be open bowling with theatrical lighting, DJ Bubbles Sanchez, multiple screens showing funny films, free pizza, and a midnight toast with the Champagne of Beers.
Lincoln Square Lanes, 4874 North Lincoln, (773)561-8191, 9pm, $30 advance, $35 at the door
Lottie’s Pub
Lottie’s Pub, Bucktown’s seventy-five-year staple with history and charm, invites guests to ring in the New Year with a five-hour drink package which will include drinks, pizza and appetizer buffet with a champagne toast and party favors. Large groups can reserve a private party space.
Lottie’s Pub, 1925 West Cortland, (773)489-0738, 8pm, lottiespub.com, $65 per person
Luxbar
Guests who come to the Luxbar on New Year’s Eve will enjoy a no-cover event at this simple but elegant venue dedicated to customer service. DJs Madrid and Sadie Woods will be playing and the kitchen will be open until 1am. All guests will receive party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
Luxbar, 18 East Bellevue Place, (312)642-3400, luxbar.com
M Lounge
The M Lounge—M for martini—invites patrons to join them as they ring in the New Year. This warmly lit and relaxing jazz lounge will be offering guests hors d’oeuvres, music by DJ J Grilla, a champagne toast and party favors at the end of the night.
M Lounge, 1520 South Wabash, (312)447-0201, mlounge.com, $25 in advance, $30 at the door
NV Penthouse Lounge
Celebrate the New Year in NV Penthouse’s 3,400 square foot ultra lounge. On New Year’s Eve there will be a four-hour open bar, a champagne toast and desserts at midnight, a gourmet buffet from 9pm to midnight, a confetti storm and party favors.
NV Penthouse Lounge, 116 West Hubbard, (312)329-9960, 9pm, nvpenthouselounge.com, $145
Porter’s Pub
The New Year’s Eve celebration at the English-style Porter’s Pub includes a buffet with items like chicken marsala, Waldorf chicken salad sliders, honey baked ham and more. An open bar, a live DJ and a champagne toast at midnight will be provided. There is also a dessert table, which will include chocolate cake, mini petit fours and an ice cream sundae bar.
Porter’s Pub, 1250 Bowes Creek, Elgin, (847)214-5877, 8pm, porterspubelgin.com, $75 per person
The Irish Oak
Partygoers are invited to ring in the New Year just a block away from Wrigley Field at a traditional age-old Irish pub, The Irish Oak. The Oak will have live music by the Robbie Gold band and DJ Johnny Rockets, a full meal buffet, an all-drink package including any draft beer, a champagne toast, party favors and the chance to take a photo with “Teo,” the resident Leprechaun.
The Irish Oak, 3511 North Clark, 9pm-3am, irishoak.com, $80 per person
The Pony
The Pony, an ultra-sports bar with personalized flat screens at each table, invites guests to enjoy a five-hour package which will include a live DJ, a premium drink package, an appetizer buffet, a champagne toast and party favors. Large groups can reserve a second floor party room.
The Pony, 1638 West Belmont, (773)828-5055, 8pm, theponychicago.com, $75
The Scout
Guests are invited to ring in the New Year in the South Loop with The Scout, a mix of upscale and sports bar. Here guests will enjoy a premium open bar package that will include hors d’oeuvres, party favors, entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight.
The Scout, 1301 South Wabash, (312)705-0595, 9pm, thescoutchicago.com, $75
The Shrine
The Shrine will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with various packages for celebrators to indulge in. General admission scores guests a buffet, champagne toast and party favors. The Gold VIP seating for up to four people, includes two bottles of either Ciroc or Patron, a champagne toast, a personal server, party favors and buffet. Platinum VIP includes up to four people and the same as above. Diamond VIP includes all of the above plus a bottle of rose champagne. The Throne VIP is for twenty people and also includes seven bottles of liquor (either Ciroc, Patron, Remy or Hennessy) with three bottles of Rose Champagne.
The Shrine, 2109 South Wabash, (312)753-5700, 8pm, theshrinechicago.com, General $40, Gold $500, Platinum $600, Diamond $750, Throne $3000
The Whistler
The Whistler’s throwing a “big ol’ party” to ring in the New Year, with tons of fancy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and all night dance jams crafted by Dino Soccio of Only Children. Party hat and glass of champagne included, the midnight kiss is up to the guests to procure.
The Whistler, 2421 North Milwaukee, (773)227-3530, whistlerchicago.com, $85
Victory Ball 2012
Mingle, frisk, frolic and dress to impress at The Victory Ball 2012, which will be partying up the night until 3am. Guests can enjoy the gold package, which includes a six-hour open bar, confetti explosion, two floors of loft space and dance floor and hors d’oeuvres and buffet with coffee and dessert bar. For a little more, guests can enjoy all that was in the gold package plus VIP express entry, expanded buffet, the open bar with premium drinks, a champagne toast, wait service and VIP lounges.
Victory Ball 2012, 1044 West Randolph, (312)731-4677, $135 or $175
CRUISES
Entertainment Cruises
Entertainment Cruises invites Chicagoans to celebrate the New Year over three days. Mystic Blue will have an “Eve of the Eve” dinner cruise with a buffet, dancing, DJ and entertainment starting at $49.90. On New Year’s Eve, the Spirit of Chicago (from $159.90), Odyssey (from $219.90), and Mystic Blue (from $147.90) have a dinner and hors d’oeuvres with a champagne toast at midnight, entertainment, an open bar and fireworks. There will then be a New Year’s Day champagne dinner cruise on the Odyssey with a live band and a complimentary glass of champagne when boarding, starting at $84.90.
Entertainment Cruises, odyssey.com, spiritofchicago.com, mysticblue.com, various prices
RESTO
Acadia
Acadia, a restaurant devoted to having lighting that perfectly complements the dining experience, invites guests to ring in the New Year with two different seatings, at 6pm and 9pm, for a five-course menu that includes wine pairings, a champagne toast and entertainment.
Acadia, 1639 South Wabash, (312)360-9500, acadiachicago.com, $150, $125 for vegetarian
Agio Italian Bistro
The Agio wants to make their patrons’ New Year’s Eve memorable. They invite patrons to ring in the New Year with seatings at 5pm and 7pm, which are $55 per person, and the 9pm seating, which is $75 per person. Each package includes a five-course menu, live entertainment, party favors, a champagne toast and more.
Agio Italian Bistro, 64 South Northwest, Palatine, (847)991-2150, agiobistro.com, $55-$75
Autre Monde
Patrons are invited to the Autre Monde Café and Spirits to bid adieu to 2011. The earlier seating will include a prix fixe menu, on which will be lobster and crab bisque with grilled lamb chops or pan roasted game hen. The later seating will have a four-course meal, which will include a lobster salad, totellacci bergamese and lamb chops or black cod.
Autre Monde Café and Spirits, 6727 West Roosevelt, Berwyn, (708)775-8122, autremondecafe.net, $45 for 6pm seating, $65 for 9pm seating
Big Jones
Big Jones, which focuses on Southern heirloom cooking and sustainably-farmed food, invites everyone to join them in their New Year’s Eve celebration Southern and Creole style. A five-course meal that includes a Gullah good luck charm will be served.
Big Jones, 5347 North Clark, (773)275-5725, 5pm, bigjoneschicago.com, $65 per person, optional $30 wine flight pairings
Bistronomic
French bistro Bistronomic invites guest to celebrate the New Year with a four-course menu between 5pm and 7:30pm. After 7:30pm, guests can eat off of the Gala Menu, a five-course meal that includes a champagne toast at midnight.
Bistronomic, 840 North Wabash, (312)944-8400, bistronomic.net, $60 or $80 with wine for four-course meal, $80 or $105 with wine for five-course meal
Carnivale New Year’s Eve Cabaret
Join Carnivale, a soulful restaurant of Caribbean, Cuban, Spanish, Central and South American fare, for their New Year’s Eve Cabaret, which will feature a DJ, cabaret, an Action Photo Booth and specialty acts—including a drag queen, a fan dancer, a contortionist, burlesque performers from BigTop JoJo, a stilt walker and a magician. There will be a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight.
Carnivale, 702 West Fulton Market, (312)850-5005, 7:30pm, regular menu prices
Chalkboard Restaurant
Chalkboard Restaurant invites everyone to join them at either New Year’s eve meal—their child-friendly 5-6:30pm dinner, inspired by the chef’s five-year-old son, which includes sparkling cider, chicken strips, grilled cheese and bread pudding. The decadent, French-inspired five-course dinner begins at 7pm and includes lobster bisque, Waldorf caviar salad or cheese salad with maple gastrique, escargot or sole or vegetable pot pie and a dessert.
Chalkboard Restaurant, 4343 North Lincoln, (773)477-7144, chalkboardrestaurant.com, 5-6:30pm $12 per child, adults order from seasonal menu, five-course $100 with wine, $75 dinner only
Chen’s Chinese and Sushi
Chen’s invites patrons to ring in the New Year with an authentic Chinese buffet, fresh sushi, an open bar and party favors at midnight. The celebration goes from 10pm to 1am. You can also order from their regular menu with standard menu prices.
Chen’s Chinese and Sushi, 3506 North Clark, (773)549-9100, $45
Chevy Chase Country Club
Guests are invited to spend their New Year’s Eve at the Chevy Chase Country Club, which will include a four-station dinner presentation, live music from the Dick Elliott Orchestra and a champagne toast at midnight.
Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 North Milwaukee, Wheeling, (847)465-2300, chevychasecountryclub.com, $79
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Adorned in festive holiday decorations, the Chicago Cut Steakhouse is offering a dinner that includes a thirty-day aged prime filet mignon and two Tristan lobster tails. There will be live jazz music from vocalist Typhanie Monique from 9pm-1am. A Billecart-Salmon champagne toast will ring in the New Year with a balloon drop, streamers and dancing.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 North LaSalle, (312)329-1800, chicagocutsteakhouse.com, $65
Derby
For Derby’s, a horse-themed bar and resto, New Year’s Eve bash guests will get appetizers, draft beer, bottled beer and mixed drinks, with a champagne toast and party favors. There will also be a complimentary coat check and limited table reservations.
Derby, 1224 West Webster, derbychicago.com, $100
DMK Burger Bar
New Year’s Eve at DMK, a grass-roots grass-fed kind of burger joint, will offer guests various sliders, onion strings, sweet potato and truffle fries, and at midnight DMK will debut its latest burger. There will be an open bar and tunes all night.
DMK, 2954 North Sheffield, (773)360-8686, 9pm, dmkburgerbar.com, $75
Double A
Ring in the New Year with Double A, the lounge dedicated to mixing premium and personalized drinks, with a five-course dinner, party favors, a DJ and an all-you-can-drink bar for two hours.
Double A, 108 West Kinzie, (312)329-9555, doubleachicago.com, $100
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
If you are looking to entertain your friends and family in grand style, Fleming’s is having a three-day celebration that includes the day before and after New Year’s Eve as well. The extensive menu features filet mignon and prawns, prime ribeye and king crab and lobster.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 25 East Ohio, (312)329-9463, $70
The Florentine
What better way to toast to the New Year than with Chef Stein’s savory Italian cuisine? For their New Year’s Eve celebration, The Florentine will be serving its seasonal dishes such as bucatini carbonara, swordfish, crab salad, truffle risotto and sticky toffee pudding. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight.
The Florentine, 151 West Adams, (312)660-8866, the-florentine.net
Geja’s Cafe
Geja’s Cafe invites New Year’s Eve revelers to enjoy a romantic dinner with fondue and champagne with classical/flamenco guitar music. There will be three seatings, one at 5pm, one at 7:30pm, and one at 10pm, that includes party favors.
Geja’s Cafe, 340 West Armitage, (773)281-9101, $75, $95 and $115
Giordano’s Babysitter Special for New Year’s Eve
Chicago area families are invited to treat the kids and the babysitter to Giordano’s pizza this New Year’s Eve. Parents can order in a large, on-topping thin crust pizza, mozzarella sticks, a six-pack of soda and noisemakers.
Giordano’s, giordanos.com, $25
Go Roma
Go Roma will be having a family New Year’s Eve celebration from 6:30pm to 8pm at all six of their locations. The event includes an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet of starters, salads, pastas, pizza, Italian classics and dessert. There will be a countdown at 7:59pm with sparkling wine or a cider toast. There will also be a goodie bag which will include a gift certificate for the New Year.
Go Roma, 848 North State, (312)252-9946, goroma.net, $15 per adult, $5 per child
GT Fish & Oyster
This modern seafood eatery has two festive offerings for New Year’s Eve: half-off oysters in the bar after 10pm and a toast to the New Year with a four-course prix fixe menu. Reservations are available between 4:30pm and 11:30pm.
GT Fish & Oyster, 531 North Wells, (312)929-3501, $75
Harry Caray’s
Harry Caray’s invites guests to ring in the New Year with them at their festively decorated restaurant, complete with party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. There will be special menus at all of the locations on top of the regular menus. Prices will vary depending on the restaurant.
Harry Caray’s, harrycarays.com
Henri
Celebrate the New Year at Henri with an innovative and classical mix of foods. Special cocktails range in price along with different meal choices. Reservations will be taken from 5pm to 11pm.
Henri, 18 South Michigan, (312)578-0763, henrichicago.com
ItaliAsia
ItaliAsia (like the name implies, a mix of classic Italian and Asian food) is offering a four-course prix fixe menu which includes crab cakes, miso-glazed salmon, chicken Milanese and polenta with mushroom ragout.
Italiasia, 350 West Mart Center, 15th floot, (312)529-1157, italiasiarestaurant.com, $30
Jacky’s on Prairie Final Night
Owners of Jacky’s on Prairie invite guests to celebrate New Year’s Eve for the final time that Jacky’s will be open. The owners and chefs will then open Hota for the new year and close Jacky’s.
Jacky’s on Prairie, 2545 Prairie, Evanston, (847)773-0899
Koi
Koi invites families to celebrate New Year’s Eve at their kid’s event, which will offer a la carte dining options and a kids menu for children twelve and under. There will also be festive hats, party favors and a special countdown at 7:59pm.
KOI, 624 Davis, Evanston, (847)866-6969, koievanston.com
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
A Pop-up Opera New Year’s Eve dinner, the opera-themed dinner will be a four-course prix fixe menu that includes sparkling spirits and live entertainment.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib, 100 East Ontario, (312)787-5000, lawrysonline.com, $99
Lockwood Restaurant & Bar
Lockwood invites guests to a Bottomless Bloody Mary Bar on New Year’s Day from 10am to 2pm, which will include three signature Bloody Mary mixes, several vodkas, sake or tequila.
Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, 17 East Monroe, (312)917-3404, lockwoodrestaurant.com, $10 with brunch
Markethouse
Markethouse invites patrons to an original menu of farm-to-table dishes made only with regional ingredients for New Year’s Eve. The meal will be a nine-course truffle-infused menu.
Markethouse, 611 North Fairbanks, (312)224-2200, markethousechicago.com, $75 or $125 with wine
Mercadito
For New Year’s eve, Mercadito is hosting a night of dancers, DJs, percussionists and Mexican food specialties with three different food and drink packages. The “Before the New Year” is a regular dinner menu. The “Perfect New Year Night” includes a five-course sharing menu or a sharing menu with a two-hour open bar that includes a champagne toast; an additional hour of open bar can be added for $15. The last package is “Make Your First Day of 2012 Special,” which takes place on New Year’s Day with a make-your-own Bloody Mary and Mexican brunch.
Mercadito, 108 West Kinzie, (312)329-9555, mercaditochicago.com, $55 or $100 sharing menu with open bar
Mercat A La Planxa
This Barcelonian tapas restaurant and bar will have a four-course menu that includes a bottle of champagne and cava toast. The menu is available between 5pm and midnight.
Mercat A La Planxa, 638 South Michigan, (312)765-0524, mercatchicago.com, $110
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s offers guests late seating with their regular dinner menu which includes a couples’ three course meal. Share a bottle of Votre-Sante, Pinot Noir or Sonoma Country for an additional $45.
Morton’s The Steakhouse, all six locations, $110 three-course meal for two
North Pond
North Pond, which derives inspiration for their menu from the ingredients that are at the height of their season, are open for reservations for New Year’s eve from 5:30-10pm with a seven-course tasting menu.
North Pond, 2610 North Cannon, (773) 477-5845, northpondrestaurant.com, $120
O’Donovan’s
O’Donovan’s, will be observing New Year’s Eve with a festive party. There is no cover charge and the full menu will be available. Specials, such as seafood pasta, roasted pork chops and a strip steak will be available. There will also be various drink specials and there will be a group rate available for ten or more for $60 each and will include a five-hour open bar. A DJ will be playing rock’n’roll, blues, classics and original tunes.
O’Donovan’s, 2100 West Irving Park, (773)478-2100
Park Grill
Join Park Grill “under the Bean” for their New Year’s Eve celebration. One of the packages is a “Wine and Dine” kid-friendly, package from 6pm-9pm, which includes a kid’s menu, mocktails and hot chocolate. The “Countdown Package” from 9pm- 1am includes complimentary trolley rides home for people that live within two miles, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Live music from the Lizz and Rex Jazz Trio will be playing all night.
Park Grill, 11 North Michigan, (312)521-7275, parkgrillchicago.com, $50 Wine and Dine and $80 Countdown Package
Real Urban Barbecue
In honor of the season, Real Urban Barbecue is adding smoked prime rib, noodle kugel, moinks bacon-wrapped barbecue meatballs and more to their menu, which will be available New Year’s Eve until the restaurant closes at 5pm.
Real Urban Barbecue, 610 Central, (224)770-4BBQ
Rhapsody
For New Year’s Eve, Rhapsody, a restaurant that uses Italian flavors and local, seasonal ingredients, offers two seatings. From 5-7:30pm, an a la carte menu with a special four-course tasting menu is available. The second seating, from 9-10:30pm, is a more expensive four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. Live music will be playing. After 12:30am, there will be a complimentary trolley service within a three-mile radius.
Rhapsody, 65 East Adams, (312)786-9911, rhapsodychicago.com, $35 or $85
Rio’s D’Sundamerica
For the New Year, the whole family is invited to Rio’s. A Peruvian buffet spread and a champagne toast is available. The event goes from 8pm to 3am.
Rio’s D’Sundamerica, 2012 West Armitage, (773)276-0170, riosdesudameria.com, $52
Roka Akor
Guests are invited to Roka Akor for a six-course New Year’s Eve meal, which includes Kumamoto Oysters, lobster tempura and more. The night includes a champagne toast and optional sake and wine pairings.
Roka Akor, 456 North Clark, (312)477-7652, $128 or $178 with wine and sake
Rustic House
For New Year’s Eve, Rustic House is offering a five-course menu that will include veal cheek ragout, jumbo sea scallops, duck á l’Orange and rotisserie prime rib au jus. There are seatings at 6pm and 9pm.
Rustic House, 1967 North Halsted, (312)929-3227, rustichousechicago.com, $65 or $75.
Sepia
Sepia, a rustic yet contemporary restaurant, invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a multi-course feast that can be paired with wines for an additional fee. The 5:30-6:45pm seating is a four-course menu. The 8-9:30pm seating is a five-course menu.
Sepia, 123 North Jefferson, (312)441-1920, sepiachicago.com, $75 or $95
Sushisamba Rio
Indulge in a Brazilian-themed New Year’s Eve celebration at Sushisamba Rio. The full menu will be offered, plus some festive specials, at this Carnivale-style party with DJs, samba dancers, and drummers. Menu items are available a la carte.
Sushisamba Rio, 504 North Wells, (312)595-2300, sushisamba.com, $30+ á la carte after 10pm.
Table Fifty-two
With seatings until 10pm, Chicagoans are invited to enjoy a special menu that includes shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, berkshire pork chop, and filet and Maine lobster tail. A champagne toast and balloons for guests at midnight. Price varies depending on what is ordered.
Table Fifty-two, 52 West Elm, (312)573-4000, tablefifty-two.com, prices vary
Tavern on Rush
Guests are invited to enjoy a regular dinner menu a la carte along with a few dinner holiday specials, entertainment and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight at this upscale, contemporary American steakhouse.
Tavern on Rush, 1031 North Rush, (312)644-9600, tavernonrush.com
Texas De Brazil
Texas De Brazil invites patrons to celebrate and enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner with an affordable children’s menu. There will be a gourmet salad area, different meat selections and desserts.
Texas De Brazil, 51 East Ohio, (312)670-1006, texasdebrazil.com, $47 for adults, $24 for children six to twelve and $5 for children three to five
The Gage
A spirited New Year’s Eve celebration will be underway at The Gage. Doors open at 10am and will stay open until the early hours of January 1 with a menu of rustic contemporary American fare. Prices vary on meal and alcohol choices.
The Gage, 24 South Michigan, (312)372-4243, 10am, thegagechicago.com
ZED451 2012 Countdown
ZED451 is offering a harvest table with fire-grilled chef selections and a raw bar, which will include crab claws, shrimp cocktail, oysters and tuna tartare. They also have a NYE party from 9pm-1am, which includes a deluxe open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ and a champagne toast at midnight. To help with hangovers, ZED451 is offering a morning after brunch which will have unlimited Bloody Marys.
ZED451, 739 North Clark, (312)266-6691, zed451.com, $75 dinner package, $95 party package
HOTELS
Akira NYE Party
Akira invites guests to celebrate the New Year with them. Cocktails, free-flowing champagne, imports, domestics, wine and more will be served at more than forty-five open bars around the Drake’s ballroom. To mark the New Year coming, there will be a champagne toast and balloon drop.
Akira at the Drake, 140 East Walton Place, 8pm, $145, $195 VIP, $2000 per table
Bar Novo in the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
No reservations are needed for Bar Novo patrons on New Year’s Eve. Opening at noon that day, this bar will be playing the Bowl Games, basketball and hockey while serving food and cocktails. As it gets later, Bar Novo will transform into a candlelit spot with champagne specials by the bottle and glass.
Bar Novo, 1 West Wacker, (312)372-7200, 12pm, barnovo.com
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
The Grand Cafe at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will offer a dinner to celebrate the New Year. The Geneva ChopHouse and Ristorante Brissago will offer prix fixe options and live entertainment in the Grand Ballroom from 8:30pm to 12:30am. They also have overnight specials at $85 and $150.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva, Lake Geneva, (262)248-8811, grandgeneva.com, $60 for adults, $25 for children aged six to twelve and $12.50 for children two to five, Chop House and Risorante Brissago $150
Hard Rock Hotel
This exclusive party of only 200 tickets total will be providing guests with a four-hour top-shelf open bar, passed appetizers, a champagne toast and admission to the Hard Rock Cafe until 5am. Music will be provided by Patrick Neil, Ray Revel, Lady Meg and DJ Szkodon.
Hard Rock Hotel, 230 North Michigan, (312)334-6722, $140
Hilton Chicago NYE 2012
The Playboy bunnies will be announced at this New Year’s Eve bash at the Hilton. Eight playboy playmates and a live DJ will be partying with the patrons. There will be live performances from Eva Simons and Baby Bash. The tickets include a four-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres and midnight champagne toast with a video countdown and confetti explosion.
Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan, (312)226-6990, $155, VIP $215; Hotel Accommodations $163, Table Package for 8 $2000, VIP Table Package for 8 $3000
Hyatt Regency O’Hare
The Hyatt Regency in Rosemont invites guests to ring in the New Year with live music from Modern Day Romeo and Jaktripper, entry to the Dance Club,where DJ-Spin will be playing and access to Red Bar, where Tony Ocean will be performing. There will be a champagne toast, party favors and a fantasy casino with fantasy poker, blackjack and craps with fantasy money. The celebration begins at 8:30pm and ends at 1am.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr, (800)233-1234, ohare.hyatt.com, $75, $34 additional for VIP upgrade for open bar and snacks
JW Marriott Chicago
Hotel and spa packages are offered at the JW Marriott to ring in the New Year. At VALEO the package includes hotel accommodations, a bottle of champagne, two drinks, one appetizer, an $150 spa experience credit, in-room breakfast for two and late checkout at 2pm for $613. There is also a “Wine and Dine” package for $489, which includes a meal at The Florentine and late checkout.
JW Marriott Chicago, 151 West Adams, (312)660-8200, jwmarriottchicago.com, $613 and $489
Palmer House Hilton Hotel
Come celebrate with the Chicago Sun-Times, 103.5 KISS FM, and Yelp at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel. This fancy dress party will include multiple ballrooms, open bar, specialized martinis, hors d’oeuvres, champagne all night, casino gambling benefiting the Starlight Children’s Foundation, DJs, live video mixing, a midnight confetti storm and more.
Palmer House Hilton Hotel, 17 East Monroe, 9pm, chicagonye.com, $215
Sixteen in Trump Towers
For New Year’s Eve, patrons are invited to participate in a Venetian Masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve dinner and a New Year’s Day brunch. The masquerade includes a three-course menu during the first seating, which is from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and costs $135 or $185 with wine pairings, or a six or ten-course tasting menu during the second seating, from 9pm to 10:30pm. The six-course tasting menu is $235 or $355 with wine. The ten-course menu is $340 or $480 with wine. All guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast. The Brunch will include comfort foods and will have a Kid’s Table and a dessert table. It is $95 per person and $35 for children eight and under.
Sixteen at Trump International Hotel and Tower, 401 North Wabash 16th floor, (312)588-8030, trumpchicago.com, various prices
Trump International Hotel and Tower
“There’s No Place like Trump” celebration at Trump Tower invites guests to ring in the New Year yellow brick road-style. The mezzanine-level lounge will have a modern interpretation of the classic “Wizard of Oz” film. A live DJ will be entertaining from 9pm-2am and seasonal sushi and cocktails will be served. There are two packages for up to four people each: $450 for two bottles of Veuve, and either a sweet pastry tower or a savory tower of sushi, or $600 for one bottle of Veuve “La Grande Dame,” window seating and either a sweet or savory tower. There will be a champagne toast at midnight.
Trump International Hotel and Tower, 401 North Wabash, (312)588-8030, trumpchicagohotel.com, $450 and $600 party packages
The Wyndham Chicago
Ring in the New Year dressed in your best with the Chicago Sun-Times at the Wyndham on the Mag Mile. This extravaganza will include many rooms of entertainment, a four-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres buffet, all night bubbly and live music from a cover band.
The Wyndham, 633 North Saint Clair, 8:45pm, nye-chicago.com, $195
THEATER
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy
The seventh annual New Year’s Eve at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy will begin with a homemade dinner buffet and drinks. At 9pm the improv show will begin, and more drinks and food will be served during a break at 10pm. At 11pm, the ensemble will perform an interactive set of improv games, and then at midnight there will be a champagne toast with party favors and dancing until 2am.
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 West Irving Park, 8pm, cicomedy.com, $45
Hemmens Cultural Center
Come join the Hemmens Cultural Center for their “New Year’s Comedy Show for People Who Can’t Stay Up ‘Til Midnight!” The comedy headliner for the show is Rocky LaPorte, who has been on HBO, Letterman, and Leno. Sons of the Never Wrong will be playing and the WGN TV Morning News Funny Team will perform as well at this family friendly show.
Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847)931-5900, 7:30pm, Balcony $25, Main $30, Premium $35, Golden Circle $45
Lampkin Music Group New Year’s Eve Concert Celebration
The Lampkin Music Group presents a New Year’s Eve concert with Hollis Resnik, who is a ten-time Jeff Award winner. Resnik will be joined by Doug Peck as the music director.
Lampkin Music Group at Cabaret Room in Stage 773, 1255 West Belmont, 8pm, Stage773.com, $75
New Year’s Eve Cornstravaganza
Corn Productions invites patrons to join them for a New Year’s Eve Cornstravaganza where refreshments will be served. The show will begin at 8:45pm, and there will be a champagne toast at midnight and dancing until 2am.
Cornservatory, 4210 North Lincoln, 8pm, cornservatory.org, $100 per couple or $55 per person
Neo-Futurists
The Neo-Futurists present their New Year’s Eve “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.” Non-alcoholic refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. The performance begins at 11pm and there will be a New Year’s toast and pizza at midnight.
Neo-Futurists, 5153 North Ashland, (773)275-5255, 9:30pm, neofuturists.org, $50
Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show
On New Year’s eve Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show offers 6pm and 10pm performances at the Paramount Theatre. This show takes audiences back to the golden era of Las Vegas. Tickets include a champagne toast and party favors.
Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd, Aurora, (630)896-6666, $45
Zanies New Year’s Eve
Mike Young, who has appeared on the Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, will be performing at Zanies on New Year’s Eve. The first show is at 8pm; the second show is at 10:30pm. Includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
Zanies, 1548 North Wells, (312)337-4027, 8pm show $30, 10:30pm show $40
