I seem to have more New Year’s Eve dinner reservations than I can use. More than 100 more, actually.
Can anybody else use them?
Welcome, again, to our annual Save-the-Tables story, wherein At Play rides to the rescue of those loyal readers who still haven’t made New Year’s Eve plans.
We’ve arranged for participating restaurants to set aside a few precious reservations until today, when they’re available to the first person or persons (some places are holding more than one table) to call and ask for the “At Play” table. (Asking for the “Tribune” or “Phil Vettel” table works too).
To be crystal-clear on this, we’re not really giving away anything. You’ll still pay for the dinner, drinks, tax and tip; there are no freebies or discounts involved. But you will be able to snag a New Year’s Eve reservation that ordinarily would be unavailable.
Have your credit card ready; to guard against no-shows, the restaurants will require a credit-card deposit, and possibly full prepayment.
Although most restaurants have specified the size of the tables being saved, they may be flexible in that regard. If your party is larger or smaller than the published table size, don’t be discouraged. The restaurant may be able to accommodate you.
I made every effort to ensure that package information and prices are correct, but last-minute changes can occur. Verify all relevant information when booking. If you call a restaurant before it has opened and leave a voice-mail message, do not assume that you have gotten that reservation.
And if you’re not the first caller, ask about other packages and seatings.
All of the reservations are for Dec. 31 only, and unless otherwise specified, all prices listed are per person and do not include tax, tip or alcohol.
Best of luck and Happy New Year.
Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells St., is saving two tables for two and one table for four at 6 p.m. and two tables for two at 9:30 p.m. The early seating features the regular menu; the late seating features a four-course menu with unlimited beer, wine and margaritas, mariachi entertainment and midnight tequila toast for $95. 312-266-7999.
Adobo Grill, 2005 W. Division St., is saving two tables for two and one table for four at 6 p.m. and two tables for two at 9:30 p.m. The early seating features the regular menu; the late seating features a four-course menu with unlimited beer, wine and margaritas and midnight tequila toast for $89. 773-252-9990.
Ambria, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, is saving tables for two at 5 and 8:30 p.m. The first seating features a multi-course degustation menu priced at $105; the second seating features degustation menu, jazz by the Bill Pollack band and midnight champagne toast for $135. 773-472-5959.
Atwood Cafe, 1 W. Washington St., is holding “the most requested table in the house” and a complimentary bottle of champagne for a party of two to four (time negotiable), featuring a three-course menu for $45. 312-368-1900.
Avec, 615 W. Randolph St., doesn’t accept reservations but nevertheless is saving space for a party of four at 8 p.m., featuring its regular menu. The special number to call is 773-509-1738.
BB’s, 22 E. Hubbard St., is holding two tickets to its gala party, from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., featuring gourmet appetizers and buffet dinner, premium open bar, champagne and dancing. $100. 312-755-0007.
Bin 36, 339 N. Dearborn St., is holding six tickets to its New Year’s party, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., featuring a buffet of canapes and small-bite dishes for all-night nibbling, dessert bar, open bar with red, white and sparkling wines and champagne toast. Music by deejay J. Gravity. $125. Note: Bin 36 will be non-smoking on Dec. 31, and forevermore. 312-755-9463.
Birch River Grill, 75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, is saving two tables for two at 7 and 10 p.m., featuring an a la carte menu. 847-427-4242.
Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph St., is saving a table for two, plus two glasses of champagne and complimentary dessert, at 8 p.m., featuring a la carte dining. 312-715-0708.
Blu Coral, 6320 Illinois Highway 53, Woodridge, is saving two tables for two, two tables for four and one table for six-plus at 5 p.m.; a table for two and four at 6 p.m., a table for two and four at 7 p.m. and one table for two at 8:15 p.m. Regular menu plus maki specials are featured. 630-719-8808.
Blue Water Grill, 520 N. Dearborn St., is holding five tables (various sizes) for its 9:30 p.m. seating, which features a three-course dinner with champagne toast for $90. 312-777-1400.
Butter, 130 S. Green St., is saving a table for two at 7 and 9:30 p.m., offering a three-course menu ($60), five-course menu ($92) or six-course white truffle menu ($192). 312-666-9813.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted St., is saving tables for four at 8:30 and 9 p.m., featuring a la carte menu plus deejay and dancing. $15 cover charge. 773-935-5000.
Cafe des Architectes, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut St., is holding a table for two at 8:30 p.m., featuring a multi-course French menu including butter-poached lobster with white-truffle macaroni. $102. 312-324-4000.
Cafe Lucci, 609 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, is holding tables for four at its 5, 7 and 9 p.m. seatings, featuring the regular menu augmented by specials and offering bottles of 1996 Dom Perignon Champagne for $135. 847-729-2268.
Cafe Matou, 1836 N. Milwaukee Ave., is holding tables for four at 6 and 7 p.m., featuring its regular menu plus a four-course menu for $64. 773-384-8911.
Cafe Spiaggia, 980 N. Michigan Ave., is saving a table for two at 8 p.m., offering a three-course ($52) and four-course ($62) menu with a variety of choices. 312-280-2755.
Carlucci, 1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, is holding four tickets to its event, from 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m., featuring cocktail party and dinner buffet with martini and wine stations and an open bar, plus a video deejay and midnight champagne toast. $99, including tax and tip. 630-512-0990.
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, is saving a table for four at 10 p.m., featuring its regular menu plus king crab and steak specials, plus deejay, dancing, costumed performers and dancers. 312-850-5005.
China Grill, 230 N. Michigan Ave., is holding tables for two and four for its early and late seatings. The early seating, 5-8 p.m., features the regular menu plus a $35 prix-fixe option; the late seating, 8 p.m.-midnight, features a la carte dining with specials, and glass of champagne. 312-334-6700.
The Chopping Block, Suite 107, Merchandise Mart, is saving two reservations for its demonstration wine dinner, 9-11:45 p.m., featuring cooking class and multicourse meal with wines for $150. 773-472-6700, ext. 3.
Coco Pazzo, 300 W. Hubbard St., is saving a table for two and a table for four at 6 and 8 p.m., featuring a special a la carte menu. 312-836-0900.
Copperblue, 580 E. Illinois St., is holding a VIP reservation for four at 8 p.m., featuring five-course ($65) and seven-course ($85) menus featuring favorite dishes from the past year. Complimentary bottle of champagne for the At Play table. 312-527-1200.
Courtright’s, 8989 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, is holding a booth by the fireplace (seats two to four) for its second seating (5:30, 6 or 6:30 p.m.), which features a four-course menu for $75. 708-839-8000.
Cucina Paradiso, 814 North Blvd., Oak Park, is saving tables for four at its 5, 5:30, 7, 7;30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. seatings, featuring the regular menu with deejay music and dancing. $15 cover in addition to dinner. 708-848-3434.
Custom House, 500 S. Dearborn St., is holding a table for four for its 6:30 p.m. seating, featuring a four-course menu for $80-$110, depending on entree selection. Vegetarian options available with advance notice. 312-523-0200.
Cyrano’s Bistrot, Wine Bar & Cabaret, 546 N. Wells St., is saving tables for two at 6 and 9:30 p.m. and tables for two and four at 7:30 p.m. The first seating features a la carte dining, the middle seating features a four-course menu, with choices, with glass of champagne ($49) and the late seating features a five-course dinner with choices and midnight champagne toast ($99). 312-467-0546.
David Burke’s Primehouse, 616 N. Rush St., is holding a table for four at its second seating (8:30 p.m.), featuring a six-course tasting menu with midnight champagne toast. $155. 312-660-6000.
DeLaCosta, 465 E. Illinois St., is holding tables for four at its early and late seatings. The first seating, 6 p.m., features a four-course dinner for $65; the late seating, 9 p.m., features a four-course menu with champagne toast for $95. Music by the Reid Audley Band. 312-464-1700.
Dick’s Last Resort, 435 E. Illinois St., is saving one table–for up to 10 people–for its New Year’s bash, which features a “Retro Prom” package ($49.99) that includes appetizer, entree, dessert, party favors, New Year Survival Kit, free parking and midnight champagne toast. 12-836-7870.
Dine, 733 W. Madison St., is saving two tables for two at 7 and 10 p.m., featuring a five-course menu priced at $60. 312-602-2100.
Don’s Fishmarket Grill, 9335 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, is holding a table for four at 8 p.m., featuring the a la carte menu with specials, plus a champagne toast at midnight. 847-677-3424.
Embrace, 29 E First St., Hinsdale, is saving a table for four at 9 p.m., featuring a four-course menu, live music, party favors and midnight champagne toast. $115. 630-325-1996.
Emilio’s Sunflower Bistro, 30 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange, is holding tables for two at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., featuring a four-course menu with glass of champagne for $68. 708-588-9890
Entourage on American Lane, 1301 American Lane, Schaumburg, is holding two tables for four at its 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m. seatings, featuring the regular menu. 847-995-9400.
Firkin, 515 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, is saving a table for two at 8:30 p.m., featuring a special menu with choices, plus glass of champagne, for $50. 847-367-6168.
Flatlander’s Restaurant & Brewery, 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, is saving one table, holding up to 10 guests, including 8 p.m. five-course dinner, dancing in the Tap Room to Chicago Outskirts (18-piece swing band), favors, champagne toast and late-night hors d’oeuvres. Cost is $50, $99 per couple. 847-821-1234.
Geja’s Cafe, 340 W. Armitage Ave., is holding one table for four at its 5, 7 and 10 p.m. seatings, each featuring a four-course fondue dinner. The early seating ($75) includes a glass of sparkling wine, the middle seating ($95) features a glass of champagne and the late seating ($115) includes a bottle of champagne per couple. 773-281-9101.
Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash Ave., is holding a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring its regular menu plus a special menu, plus midnight champagne toast. 312-939-3870.
Graze, 35 W. Ontario St., is saving its Chef’s Table (which seats 4 or 10) at 9 p.m., featuring its regular small-plates menu (nothing more than $14). 312-255-1234.
Green Zebra, 1460 W. Chicago Ave., is holding a table for two at 6:30 p.m., featuring a five-course vegetarian tasting menu for $65 (wine pairings an additional $45). 312-243-7100.
HB … Home Bistro, 3404 N. Halsted St., is holding a table for two (time negotiable), featuring a five-course dinner for $150 per couple. Restaurant is BYOB. 773-661-0299.
Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie St., is saving tables for four at 7 and 8 p.m., featuring a five-course menu for $65 ($85 with wine pairings). 312-828-0966.
Harry Caray’s, 10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont, is saving tables for four at 7 and 8 p.m., featuring a three-course menu for $45 ($65 with wine pairings). 847-699-1200.
Heaven on Seven, 600 N. Michigan Ave., is holding a table for four at 7 p.m., featuring its regular menu. 312-280-7774.
Hot Chocolate, 1747 N. Damen Ave., is saving a table for two, featuring an hors d’oeuvre reception at 8 p.m., followed by five-course dinner with wine or beer for $100. 773-489-1747.
Il Covo, 2152 N. Damen Ave., is holding a table for two at 7 p.m. and a table for four at 9:30 p.m. The early seating features the regular menu; the 9:30 p.m. seating features a fixed menu priced at $75 and will include deejay music upstairs and midnight toast. 773-862-5555.
Il Mulino New York, 1150 N. Dearborn St., is holding a table for two and one for four, featuring a four-course menu priced at $150, including midnight champagne toast. Early seatings feature the regular menu. 312-440-8888.
Isabella’s Estiatorio, 330 W. State St., Geneva, is holding a table for four at 7:30 p.m., featuring its regular menu plus a few lavish specials. 630-845-8624.
Karma, 510 E. Illinois Highway 83, Mundelein, is holding two tables for two at 7 and 10 p.m., featuring an a la carte menu. 847-970-6900.
Lawry’s the Prime Rib, 100 E. Ontario St., is saving a table for four at 9:30 p.m., featuring the regular prime-rib menu, plus New Year’s specials. 312-787-5000.
Le Colonial, 937 N. Rush St., is saving a table for four at 6 p.m. and a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring a three-course Vietnamese menu for $55, as well as a la carte selections. 312-255-0088.
Le Francais, 269 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, is holding a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a six-course menu with Dom Perignon toast for $150. 847-541-7470.
Le Lan, 749 N. Clark St., is holding a table for four at 6:30 p.m. and a table for two at 9 p.m. The early seating features a five-course dinner for $90; the late seating features a seven-course dinner with Krug champagne toast for $130. 312-280-9100.
Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights, is saving a table for four at its early seating and a table for two at the late seating. The first seating, 4:30-7 p.m., features a six-course dinner priced at $86; the second seating, 8-10 p.m., features a six-course menu, live music, party favors and midnight toast for $92. 847-506-0222.
Marche, 833 W. Randolph St., is holding a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a special menu (in addition to a la carte choices), costumed performers and midnight champagne toast. 312-226-8399.
Marche, 833 W. Randolph St., is holding a table for a family of four at 5 p.m. featuring a la carte menu, complimentary kiddie cocktail, party favors and kiddie countdowns at 6:30 and 8 p.m. 312-226-8399.
Mas, 1670 W. Division St., is holding tables for four at 7 and 9:30 p.m. The first seating features a five-course contemporary Latin menu for $75; the late seating features the same menu plus a split of sparkling Cava, for $85. 773-276-8700.
Michael, 64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, is holding tables for two at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. The first seating features a five-course menu for $70; children’s menu items available. The late seating features a six-course menu with midnight champagne toast for $85. 847-441-3100.
Miramar, 301 Waukegan Ave., Highwood, is holding a table for four at 7 p.m., featuring a three-course menu for $50. 847-433-1078.
MK, 868 N. Franklin St., is saving tables for four at its early and late seatings. The early seating, beginning 6-7 p.m., features a four-course menu for $80; the late seating, 8:30 p.m., includes menu, live music and champagne toast for $120. Call Alyson at 312-482-9179.
Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 Lincoln Park West, is holding tables for two at 5 and 6 p.m., featuring a la carte dining with specials. 773-348-8886.
Mon Ami Gabi, 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, is holding a table for four at 8:30 p.m. and a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a la carte dining with specials. 630-472-1900.
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., is holding a table for two for 8 p.m., featuring a five-course dinner for $75, $120 with paired wines. 773-248-3905.
Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron St., is holding tables for two, and two complimentary glasses of champagne, at 6 and 6:30 p.m., featuring a three-course dinner priced at $45. 312-664-2727
N9NE Restaurant, 440 W. Randolph St., is saving a table for four from 5:30-7 p.m., featuring a four-course menu for $80. 312-575-9900.
NoMI, Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 N. Michigan Ave., is saving a table for two at its first seating, 5:30-6:30 p.m., featuring a three-course menu plus glass of champagne for $100. 312-239-4030.
One Sixtyblue, 1400 W. Randolph St., is saving a table for four at 5:30 and 10:30 p.m., featuring a four-course menu with glass of champagne for $99. 312-850-0303.
Opa Estiatorio, 950 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills, is saving a table for four at 6 p.m. and a table for two and 9:30 p.m., featuring regular menu and live music. 847-968-4300.
Opera, 1301 S. Wabash Ave., is saving a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring regular and special menus and a midnight champagne toast. 312-461-0161.
Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St., is holding tables for four at 7:30 and 8 p.m., featuring the regular menu. Those at the At Play tables will receive a complimentary Prosecco toast. Call Marcia at 312-642-8450.
Panino’s, 3702 N. Broadway, is saving a table for four at 6 p.m., a table for two at 8 p.m. and a table for four at 10 p.m., featuring the regular menu. 773-472-6200.
Panino’s, 1968 Dempster St., Evanston, is holding a table for six at 5:30 p.m. and tables for four at 8 and 10 p.m., featuring its regular menu. This is a family-friendly celebration. 847-475-6200.
Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted St., is saving a table for four at 5 p.m. and a table for two at 10 p.m., featuring its regular menu and live music. 312-226-3377.
Portofino Italian Bistro, 102 Hawthorne Pkwy., Vernon Hills, is saving tables for four at 6:30 and 9 p.m., featuring its regular menu. 847-680-4300.
Prairie Grass Cafe, 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, is holding a table for two at 7 p.m., featuring champagne and hors d’oeuvres at the bar from 7-8 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner and split of sparkling wine for $107. Price is $107. 847-205-4433.
Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St., is saving a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a prix-fixe menu at $85, plus regular a la carte choices. 312-733-8880.
Ristorante We, W Hotel-City Center, 172 W. Adams St., is saving a table for four at 8 p.m., featuring a four-course Tuscan menu for $75. 312-917-5608.
Saloon Steakhouse, 200 E. Chestnut St., is holding a table for two at 10 p.m., featuring its regular menu and regular prices. 312-280-5454.
Scylla, 1952 N. Damen Ave., is holding a VIP table for two (time negotiable) featuring a five-course seafood menu for $75. At Play table receives a complimentary glass of champagne. 773-227-2995
Sequel, 44 Yorktown Convenience Center, Lombard, is holding a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring a four-course menu priced at $85. 630-629-6560.
Shanghai Terrace, Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior St., is holding a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring its a la carte menu. 312-573-6744.
Signature Room at the 95th, John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., is saving two tables for two at its first seating and two tables of four at its second seating. The early seating (6-6:30 p.m., black tie suggested) offers a five-course menu with glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for $125. The late seating (9-9:30 p.m., black tie required) features an eight-course gourmet extravaganza, bottle of Veuve Clicquot per couple, dancing and party favors for $275. 312-787-9596.
Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln Ave., is holding a table for four at 8:30 p.m., featuring the regular menu and “over the top” specials. 773-327-3868.
Spring, 2039 W. North Ave., is holding a table for four for its first seating, 6-7 p.m., with a four-course dinner for $80. 773-395-7100.
SushiSamba Rio, 504 N. Wells St., is saving a table for two and one for four at 6:30 p.m., featuring a six-course Omasake (tasting) menu, live band and Samba dancers, for $100. Guests dressed in all-white (a nod to Reveillon) will receive a complimentary caipirinha. 312-595-2300.
Swordfish, 207 N. Randall Rd., Batavia, is saving a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring its regular menu. 630-406-6463.
Tavern, 519 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, is holding a table for four at 7 p.m., featuring a special a la carte menu. 847-367-5755.
10pin Bowling Lounge, 330 N. State St., is holding four tickets to its New Year’s Eve celebration, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., featuring hors d’oeuvres buffet, four-hour open bar, bowling, veejay, party favors and champagne toast for $125. Overnight stays at House of Blues Hotel ($249) available. 312-644-0300.
Tin Fish, 19201 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park, is saving four seats to its 9 p.m. seating, which features a four-course dinner, two drinks and champagne toast for $100. Live music. 708-532-0200.
Tizi Melloul, 531 N. Wells St., is saving tables for two, four and six at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. From 6-8 and 8-10 p.m., the restaurant features a four-course dinner for $50; from 10 p.m. on, there will be a five-course menu with party favors and champagne toast for $75. 312-670-4338.
Tramonto Steak & Seafood, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, is holding a table for four, plus complimentary seafood platter, at 8:15 p.m., offering a la carte dining. 847-777-6575.
Trattoria Gemelli, 3755 Grand Blvd., Brookfield, is saving a table for four at 5 p.m. and two tables for two at 8 p.m., featuring a special a la carte menu. 708-387-2445.
Tru, 676 N. St. Clair St., is holding a table for two or four at 10 p.m., featuring a Grand Collection menu for $200 (highlights of 2006) and a Black and White Truffle Collection for $300. Call Karen Pinto at 312-202-0001, ext. 230.
Tsuki, 1443W. Fullerton Ave., is saving tables for four at 4:30, 7 and 9 p.m. The early seating features family dining with a kids’ countdown at 6:30 p.m. and $9.95 items for ages 12 and younger. The 7 p.m. seating features a five-course dinner with champagne for $68; the late seating features an eight-course dinner with sake, wine and champagne pairings for $98. 773-883-8722.
Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard St., is saving two tables for four at each of its 5, 7 and 9 p.m. seatings, which feature seven-course menus for $65, $90 and $125, respectively. Add $60 for wine pairings. 312-527-4060.
Viand, 155 E. Ontario St., is saving two tables for two, featuring a menu priced at $55, including glass of champagne and free half-hour limo ride. The restaurant also is saving its eight-seat private table (in its own room), featuring a five-course menu with champagne for $75 each. 312-255-8505.
Vie, 4471 Lawn Ave., Western Springs, is holding a table for four at 6:30 p.m. and a table for two at 7 p.m., featuring a six-course dinner for $100 (five-glass wine pairing $35 additional). Guests will receive chef Paul Virant’s buttermilk coffee cake to take home. 708-246-2082.
Vinci, 1732 N. Halsted St., is saving two tables for two and one table for four at 6 p.m., and two tables for two at 9 p.m. The first seating features a three-course menu for $40 or a four-course menu for $45; the second seating features a five-course menu for $75, champagne toast and music by the Grady Johnson Orchestra. 312-266-1199.
VTK, 6 W. Hubbard St., is saving two tables for four (times negotiable), featuring the regular menu. 312-644-8664.
Wave, W Hotel-Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, is saving a table for four at 5:30 p.m., featuring a four “wave” menu for $75. 312-943-9200.
Wildfish, 60 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, is holding a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring its regular menu. 847-870-8260.
X/O, 3441 N. Halsted St., is saving tables for two at 6 and 8 p.m., featuring a four-course dinner for $75, plus special prices on champagnes by the glass. Or opt for the dinner plus the Bubbling Over Party in the X/O Lounge from 10 p.m.-1 a.m., featuring premium open bar, dessert buffet and deejay. 773-348-9696.
Zealous, 419 W. Superior St., is saving six VIP reservations for its Ultimate New Year’s Eve Bash, wherein guests can roam the restaurant or sit at tables while eating global cuisine and wine pairings, plus open bar and deejay music. $195, tax and tip included. 312-475-9112.
Zocalo, 358 W. Ontario St., is holding a table for two at 7 p.m. and a table for four at 9:30 p.m. The early seating features regular menu, with specials; the late seating offers family-style dining and dancing to a Latin jazz band for $75 (includes all well drinks). 312-302-9977.
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pvettel@tribune.com
