At press time, these spots still had seats available for New Year’s Eve. Call to book your table now!
Meritage
Nosh in the New Year with a seven-course prix-fixe menu at this laid-back Bucktown cafe and wine bar. Seatings at 5:30-7 p.m. ($85) and 7:30-10 p.m. ($95). The latter includes champagne and party favors. Or belly-up to bar from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. for an all-you-can-drink open bar (featuring house liquor and wine) and hors d’oeuvres for $40. 2118 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-6434.
Allen’s-The New American Cafe
Order a la carte or opt for a six-course prix-fixe menu ($95). A la carte options range from smoked salmon and goat cheese terrine with truffle vinegar ($10) to warm Belgian endive salad with sweet breads and ham hocks ($12). The prix-fixe menu includes grilled venison loin with sweet potato puree, red cabbage and black currant sauce; and dark chocolate terrine with milk chocolate flan and pomegranate sorbet ($10). Everyone gets a complimentary glass of champagne and party favors. Seatings from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Bar remains open ’til 2 a.m. 217 W. Huron St. 312-587-9600.
Outpost
This outgoing Wrigleyville hang is nearly booked for New Year’s Eve, but spots are still open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 10 to 11 p.m. A four-course prix-fixe menu is available for $40 before 7:30 p.m. Thereafter, it’s $55 or $100 (includes open bar). On the menu: seared Yellowfin tuna; grilled pear and spinach salad; and slow-roasted salmon with shallots, sour cream, mashed potatoes and horseradish sauce. Items from the prix-fixe menu are also available a la carte until 9:30 p.m. (entree prices range from $16 to $24). Complimentary champagne toast and party favors at midnight. 3438 N. Clark St. 773-244-1166.
Vermilion
Chicago’s first Latin-Indian fusion restaurant is ringing in the New Year with a four-course prix-fixe menu from 5 to 8 p.m. ($50) and 8 to 10 p.m. ($75). Both seatings include four tapas, choice of entree, dessert and complimentary glass of champagne (the latter seating is more expensive because of larger portions of each course). Tapas include steamed muscles, ceviche, Mysore lamb chops and plantain kostas. Entree choices range from grilled spicy snapper to tandoori skirt steak. For dessert, try the cajar halwa (carrot pudding). 10 W. Hubbard St. 312-527-4060.
Kitsch’n on Roscoe
The 6th Annual Hangover Brunch includes spicy chipotle Bloody Marys ($5) and specials including the hangover breakfast wrap: a flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, jalapeno-Monterey Jack cheese and mango-mojito salsa ($8.50). Door prizes (Magic 8 balls, ice packs for your throbbin’ noggin) will be awarded to the raggediest-looking folks, especially those still wearing their pajamas. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2005 W. Roscoe St. 773-248-7372.
