Sure, New Year’s Eve seems far away, but with the holiday frenzy already upon us, it’ll be here in no time. Don’t get left in the dust! Whether you want to just nibble on appetizers or go to town on a lavish meal, you’ll be covered for the stroke of midnight with these picks.
10pin Bowling Lounge
Roll with it, baby! Grab a lane and watch the big ball drop on a 128-foot video screen while sipping a glass of free bubbly. A special menu of small plates includes chilled lobster salad with garlic toast points ($14) and chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne cream dipping sauce ($8). The DJ spins from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Lane reservations accepted for 20 or more. No cover. 330 N. State St. 312-644-0300.
EJ’s Place
Planning a romantic dinner for two? Turn up the heat by reserving a table beside the giant stone fireplace at this feisty Italian supper club. The night’s festivities include a special dinner menu, a free champagne toast and old-school tunes (a la Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington). Menu items range from grilled calamari ($12.50) to whole Maine lobster tail ($84). Try the made-from-scratch caramel custard bread pudding ($6.50). 10027 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-933-9800.
The Chopping Block
Not everyone likes crowds of drunken strangers. If you prefer a more serene scene, enroll in an hors d’oeuvre- (6:30 p.m., $60) or dinner- (9:30 p.m., $125) making class. Watch and learn as a chef prepares tasty eats while you sip wine. Count on buckwheat blini with caviar and creme fraiche (appetizers class) and filet mignon with porcini mushrooms (dinner class). The best part? Eating the syllabus. Classes at Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations. Reservations for five or fewer (14-16 people per class). 1324 W. Webster Ave.; 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-6700.
Ambria
Want NYE to be more of a fine-dining experience than a swill fest? Try a six- ($105, 5:30 p.m.) or nine-course ($150, 9 p.m.) degustation feast at this fancy Lincoln Park place. On the menus: kumquat marmalade, braised artichokes and thyme-scented lamb jus, warm pheasant salad, butter poached Maine lobster, Grand Marnier souffle and much more. Think $150 is a little steep for dinner? The second seating also includes live music, a midnight champagne toast and take-home baskets filled with fresh-baked breakfast goodies for New Year’s morning. Reservations required. 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-472-5959.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Not a champagne person? Not to worry. Free glasses of Cava sangria will be served instead at this Lincoln Park Spanish restaurant. Hungry? Complimentary tapas will be passed throughout the evening. Hungrier still? Order from the special a la carte menu: rioja short ribs, fennel salad, citrus-cured salmon with cucumber bread and more ($3-$10). $10 cover charge after 8 p.m., when DJs spin and the dance floor comes alive. 2024 N. Halsted St. 773-935-5000.
Nacional 27
Ring in the New Year Latin-style at this River North spot. Choose from two seatings: a three-course prix-fixe dinner of dishes made with seasonal ingredients ($39) at 5:30 p.m.; and a four-course meal ($60) at 9 p.m. Guests of the latter seating also will get free champagne at midnight. DJs will spin salsa and merengue hits from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Don’t want dinner? Drop by after 9 p.m. for drinks and dancing ($25). Reservations required. 325 W. Huron St. 312-664-2727.
Go all night!
Plan now and party later at these bar bashes
New Year’s Eve Party
$80 gets you top-shelf open bar, party favors, buffet and champagne.
8 p.m.-2 a.m. Cans, 1640 N. Damen Ave. 773-227-2277.
Champagne Supernova
DJs Dannyboy and Billy the Kid spin house, trance and hip-hop while you indulge in the open bar, free appetizers and champagne toast at midnight. $135. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Hotel Allegro, 171 W. Randolph St. 866-672-6143.
Fashionably L8
DJs Jumpin’ James spins. $100 includes open bar, appetizers, buffet, champagne toast at midnight and an afterparty at neighboring Sound-bar. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 222 W. Ontario St. 312-266-0616.
Kiss the Sky
The metromix/RedEye bash features DJ Sheik, an open bar and a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $150. Whiskey Sky, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-943-9200.
