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Holiday

New Year's Eve is almost here, have you made your plans yet? If not, Chicago still has plenty of great options to consider. Get the scoop below!


Arbella 

Arbella, River North’s globally inspired cocktail lounge, transforms itself into a decadent Parisian night club this New Year’s Eve and invites partygoers to celebrate with a night of dancing, burlesque, and French inspired food. Dance enthusiasts are top of mind, as DJ Bridget Marie will begin at 9 p.m. and keep the party alive until the early hours of 2017. Arbella offers festive drink specials curated by Head Bartender Eric Trousdale, along with a French inspired specialty food menu. The daily food & drink menu that guests know and love will also be available. Guests can pre-purchase tickets for $100 on Eventbrite. If guests pre-purchase more than one ticket, they will be guaranteed a table for the amount of tickets purchased (i.e. two tickets will guarantee a two-top) and also receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne. The ticket price counts as a deposit that will go towards the final bill, excluding tax and gratuity. Arbella is open on Saturday, December 31 from 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Pre-purchased reservations will begin at 9 p.m. and be available until midnight. For more information, please visit www.arbellachicago.com.

Ada Street

You have all of 2017 to be good, so join Ada Street on that last indulgent night of 2016 for a celebration of anti-resolution with a sinfully decadent menu by Chef Stachon, inspired by the seven deadly sins. The full menu can be found here. There will be two seatings at 6pm for $55 and 9pm for $70, with an optional wine or cocktail pairing available. The 9 p.m. seating includes a glass of sparkling at midnight.

Tickets can be purchased here.

DMK Burger Bar & Fish Bar 

There's nothing like ringing in the New Year at Navy Pier... Well, wait... it's even BETTER when you do it at DMK Burger Bar & Fish Bar! For a $95 ticket, guests can enjoy: an open bar from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., signature bites of DMK Burger Bar and Fish Bar passed around all night long, a Champagne toast at midnight, and an amazing view of the fireworks!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Enolo Wine Café 

Chicagoans are invited to ring in the New Year with a prix-fixe menu featuring refined Mediterranean cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Adam Grandt. The four-course experience includes options such as Roasted Cauliflower Soup, Shrimp Al Plancha, and Game Hen.

The special holiday menu is $75 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Upgrade your night by popping bottles with the Bubble and Grand Board, available for $80, which includes a deluxe cheese and fruit board as well as a bottle of Tattinger champagne. Reservations are available from 2p.m.-3a.m. and can be made by calling the restaurant directly at 312.477.7674, visiting the website, or booking online via OpenTable.

GreenRiver 

Finish off 2016 with a Michelin-star tasting menu from Executive Chef Aaron Lirette. The night’s menu will feature a range of Chef’s seasonal modern American cuisine including dishes like Fjord Trout Tartare with citron vinegar, soy dashi, and green apple; Scallops with bacon dashi, pearl onion, and brown beech mushrooms; and Slagel Farms Dry-Aged Strip Loin with potato puree, bone marrow jus, and chanterelles. Vegetarian options are also available upon request. Pastry Chef Ji Hyun Yoon prepares a Honey Semifreddo with smoked vanilla, cranberry gelee, and satsuma mandarin for dessert, and will be sending each guest home with Mignardises to-go. A suggested wine pairing is available with the holiday menu featuring selections from GreenRiver’s recently expanded wine list. A limited cocktail menu from Head Bartender Julia Momose will also be offered for guests to enjoy.

The first seating offers a four-course menu priced at $85 per person ($45 per person with wine pairings) and is available from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The second seating offers a five-course menu priced at $135 per person ($55 per person for additional wine pairing) and is available from 9p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant at 312.337.0101 or via OpenTable.

Headquarters Beercade 

The River North arcade bar celebrates 2017 with 10 chances to win tickets to the 2017 concert of your choice in Chicago! Buffet offerings are available throughout the evening and champagne toast at midnight. $60 call package, $70 premium package from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Headquarters also offers discounted Uber rides to guests on New Year’s Eve. Table reservations available with premium champagne offerings. To reserve a table or buy tickets please visit www.hqbeercade.com or email info@hqbeercade.com

Henry’s & The Rec Room 

It’s Chicago’s ultimate house party! Get down with ya bad self at Henry’s and the Rec Room with two party packages to choose from. For $100, guests will get pinned as an "Upperclassmen" and receive a gold cup – and then it's open bar aaaaaall night long.

For $50, guests get a red cup as an "Underclassmen", and there will be Keg and Jungle Juice stations. No matter if you’re an Upper or Underclassman, the parties will rage on both levels (Henry's and down in the Rec Room), there's a food buffet for everyone including fries, wings, and rings, a Champagne toast at 12am, PIZZA delivered at 12:30am, an ice luge for shots, college movies like "Old School", "Animal House", and "PCU" playing all night, and DJs spinning the top hits of the late 90s and early 2000s – what more could you want!

Doors open at 9 p.m. and the party goes 'til 2 a.m.Tickets can be purchased here.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

For those looking to lay low this New Year’s Eve and indulge in an extravagant and comforting dinner delivered to their door, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is teaming up with Try Caviar to launch Honey BUTLER Fried ChickenTaking the traditional Honey Butter menu items up a notch, Chefs Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp will offer a New Year’s Eve package available for delivery or pick-up that comes with an 8-piece of Fried Chicken with Truffle Honey Butter8 Cheddar and Chive Corn MuffinsBacon Pimento Mac and Cheese with caramelized onions and garlic bread crumbs, Duck Fat Smashed Potatoes with Champagne Gravy, and Chocolate Toffee Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Bean Filling.

Guests can place their orders for delivery through Try Caviar starting December 24, and can place the order for pick up by calling the restaurant at 773.478.4000.

Tortoise Club

Ring in the New Year at Tortoise Supper Club and prepare to be dazzled at the sexy and inviting atmosphere. While offering an a la carte menu, guests can also order up from the standout dinner menu featuring TSC  favorites and chef specials. Activities throughout the night include a live jazz band from 8 to 11 p.m., a live singer to sing Old Lang Syne at midnight while clinking glasses with a complimentary champagne toast, live DJ beginning at 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the lounge and red room - set-up for a dark, speakeasy-type lounge for cocktails after midnight. Look out for the cigarette girls in flapper dresses passing out NYE flair and offering each table a free Polaroid picture. Guests are welcome to make reservations from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Knife

Celebrate the start of 2017 at Knife Restaurant (4343 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-799-8283), the new steakhouse near Lincoln Square. Owners David and Paula
Byers, Executive Chef Tim Cottini and mixologist/bartender extraordinaire Anthony Munger invites diners to join them for a sophisticated, intimate New Year's Eve, when they will present a special tasting menu in addition to the regular menu. The tasting menu will consist of three courses priced at $90 per person.
Start off with the Chef Cottini's chef's choice of appetizers: Beef Tartar with Bordeglaze, Apple and Smoked Shiitake Mushrooms and Beef Fried Toasts. Another appetizer option is Lobster Thermidor. Last but not least, Celery Root Risotto and Fresh Black Truffles is also an appetizer choice. Moving into the entrée options, guests can choose one of three dishes: Winter Vegetables, a study of the winter's bounty provided by local farmers; Truffle Crusted, Dry Aged Beef Tenderloin; or the Dover Sole with Porcini Mushroom Mille Feuille. To close out the evening, the Chocolate Mousse with Bittersweet Chocolate, White Chocolate and Tart Cherries.


901 at AceBounce

AceBounce’s restaurant will be offering a prix-fixe menu for $55/person on New Year’s Eve. The menu includes a choice of pizza, appetizer, entree and dessert. Highlights include the White Pizza with truffle gouda, Coconut Shrimp Dumplings, Porcini Crusted Skirt Steak, and a seasonal Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 773.219.0900 or booking on OpenTable at this link: http://www.opentable.com/r/1901-at-acebounce-chicago

avec

avec will offer their renowned Mediterranean and Midwestern influenced shared plates over a special five-course prix-fixe menu created by Chef de Cuisine Perry Hendrix. Available for $65/person, with an optional beverage pairing for an additional $45, the menu will feature festive seasonal dishes and unique wine offerings. Reservations can be made by calling 312.377.2002.

Balena

Lincoln Park’s go-to Italian spot will offer a special New Year’s Eve a la carte menu featuring a variety of festive dishes like Prime Hanger Steak, Grilled Lobster, Tagliolini Nero and Pumpkin Agnolotti. Additionally, the restaurant will offer a special cocktail selection and a Prosecco toast for all guests. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 312.867.3888 or booking on OpenTable at this link: http://www.opentable.com/balena

The Betty

The Betty is saving a special seven-course "Lucky 7's" menu for $87.77 per person (beverage pairing extra) on New Year’s Eve. The one-night-only special features two separate menus: one for vegetarians, and one for guests without dietary restrictions. Menu highlights  include Lucky bamboo, rice noodle rolls, scallions, sweet soy and lemon grass, Smoked Crispy Pork Belly, Cheese Fondue with Cauliflower and Blueberry & ricotta “evil eye” panna cotta. The night will include live music and complimentary bubbles at midnight. Reservations are available by calling the restaurant at 312.733.2222 or at http://www.opentable.com/the-betty-reservations-chicago

Boka

Celebrate this New Year’s Eve with Boka in their whimsical and romantic dining room. To ring in the New Year, chef Lee Wolen will prepare a special five-course (from 5:00pm to 7:00pm) and seven-course (from 7:30pm to 11:00pm) meal, featuring classic Boka dishes as well as a few surprises and a special dessert course by chef Meg Galus. The five-course dinner will cost $120 per person and the seven-course dinner will cost $150 per person, both with optional wine pairings available. Boka is the perfect spot for a special dinner with couples or a romantic date for two. For reservations guests can call 312.337.6070 or email reservations@bokagrp.com

Dixie

Chef Charlie McKenna will feature his refined-Southern fare over a special prix-fixe New Year’s Eve menu for $65/person with an optional beverage pairing for an addition $35. Reservations can be made by contacting the restaurant at 773.688.4466 or at this link: http://www.opentable.com/r/dixie-chicago

Duck Duck Goat

Duck Duck Goat will offer a $75 prix-fixe dinner menu on New Year’s Eve, accompanied by an option beverage pairing. For those who want to welcome the new year with noodles, dumplings and inventive cocktails, Duck Duck Goat is the place to be. Reservations will soon be available here: https://duckduckgoatchicago.tocktix.com/

Swift & Sons

Their standard a la carte menu will feature a few additional items including Champagne and Caviar Cart, Raviolo with white truffle, ricotta, brown butter and chicken jus,  Chateaubriand Perigourdine for two with shaved black truffle, and Cote de Boeuf for two with bordelaise and roasted marrow bones. Swift & Sons will also offer their signature cart service for $75/person including champagne and caviar service, cocktails from the table-side cocktail cart and a selection of desserts from the chocolate trolley. To keep the party going, Swift & Sons will have a DJ in their tavern and a celebratory champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are available by calling the restaurant 312.733.9420 or at http://www.opentable.com/swift-and-sons

The Publican

The Publican will offer a $65/person prix fixe menu on New Years Eve. In addition to the menu offerings, guests can order the Seafood Tower a la carte (and available for pre-order) and the Charcuterie, Hams & Oyster offerings. Reservations are available by calling the restaurant at 312.733.9555 or at http://www.opentable.com/the-publican

Big Star

Chicago's favorite taco-slinging, late-night honky-tonk will host their fourth annual Three Floyd’s Tap Takeover featuring rare, unique and seasonal beers on tap in addition to food specials by Chef de Cuisine, Julie Warpinski, and a complimentary shot (if you make it that far). The tap takeover kicks-off at 6pm and Big Star will be open until 3am. All beers and food items will be available a la carte, no cover charge to attend.  For more information, visit: http://www.bigstarchicago.com

Little Goat

This New Year’s Eve, join “Goat Down Tonight” at Little Goat Diner for their 5th Annual Goat New Year’s Eve Bash — 70’s themed. The diner will be transformed into the best party spot in town complete with a disco ball, dance floor and DJ, several bars, and food stations and hors d’oeuvres by chef Stephanie Izard. Guests can expect a full belly and unlimited drinks...the only thing you need to worry about is how to dance, drink bubbles, and snack at the same time! Doors are open from 8:30pm-1am. Tickets are $125 (all inclusive) and can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2714783

The Violet Hour

Wicker Park’s James Beard Award winning cocktail bar, The Violet Hour, invites guests to ring in 2017 in style at “A Black Tie Affair” on Saturday, December 31st. The elegant evening will consist of two seatings ­– A limited amount of reserved tables are available from 6pm-8pm, while additional seats will also be available for walk-in a la carte dining. Reserved seating for the midnight crowd looking to celebrate in style goes from 9pm-1am. Guests of both seatings will enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival, choice of 13 classic Violet Hour signature cocktails, two punches, call drinks, beer offerings, wine and champagne. Continuing the theme of sophisticated elegance, for $20 per person, a vintage bar cart will make the rounds preparing table-side absinthe demonstrations, tastings and a little know-how on the often misunderstood and mysterious beverage. A la carte small plates will be available throughout the night to purchase separately, as well as a complimentary late night snack from sister restaurant, Big Star and a midnight champagne toast. Guests are implored to dress to impress. To book your table, or for more information and pricing, please contact andrea@theviolethour.com.

Cruz Blanca

Cruz Blanca Brewery and Taqueria is ringing in the New Year with beers and tacos from 8pm—1am. The restaurant's $50 NYE package includes three drinks (Cruz Blanca beer, cocktails, wine) passed tostaditas, and a choice of Oaxacan specialty: taco plate, cheesy shrimp encamaronadas or tlayuda (Mexican pizzas). The fiesta doesn’t stop there -- we’ll be tapping new specialty beers every hour on the hour, from 8pm until midnight with tunes from a live DJ. Additional food and beverage will be available for purchase. Tickets are $40-$50 and can be purchased at this link: www.CruzBlancaNYE.eventbrite.com

Izakaya at Momotaro

Celebrate the end of one great year and the beginning of the next at the Izakaya Lounge at Momotaro — the lower level drinking bar in the hottest restaurant in Chicago. Beginning at 9pm guests can expect a night filled with chef’s select passed hors d’oevres, four-hour premium bar including wine, beer, sake, champagne and inventive cocktails and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are available starting at $130, or purchase a table for up to six guests which includes express entry, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and tableside hors d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased here: izakayanye2017.brownpapertickets.com

Homestead on the Roof

West Town destination for seasonal fare, Homestead on the Roof, welcomes foodies embracing the New Year with a seven-course tasting menu. For $95 per person, new Executive Chef Scott Shulman, accompanied by Executive
Pastry Chef Chris Teixeira, curate a stellar tasting experience perfected by fresh flavors and ingredients sourced right from
Homestead’s organic rooftop garden. Featuring dishes such as Sturgeon Caviar Parfait, a Wedge Salad topped with gorgonzola and a quail egg, Cauliflower Soup, vanilla and pomegranate-laden Pavlova, and more, ring in 2017 in the warming ambiance of Homestead on the Roof.

Roots Handmade Pizza

Celebrate the start of 2017 with the entire family at Roots Handmade Pizza in West Town. For $30, parents receive a reservation for their families between 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., including an order of mozzarella sticks, juice, sparkling wine (for the adults), cakeballs, and fun party favors. With the Roots team hosting a “NYE Countdown” that’ll have the little ones heading home by 7:30 p.m., parents are invited to return for an adults-only party from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., when Roots’ bar and regular menu will be available. Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2723817.

Steadfast

Indulge in Executive Chef Chris Davies and Executive Pastry Chef Chris Teixeira’s specialties this New Year’s Eve at Steadfast. Inviting guests out and about in the Loop that evening, Steadfast welcomes foodies kicking off the New Year in style. With stellar charcuterie and bread programs in store, other dinner highlights include Cavatelli, Whole-Roasted Duck Cassoulet, Egyptian Spiced Mussels, and Chocolate Covered Foie. Reservations are available on http://www.opentable.com/r/steadfast-chicago

The Berkshire Room

Sip and celebrate the beginning of 2017 at The Berkshire Room. The swanky cocktail lounge housed inside ACME Hotel welcomes imbibers toasting to the New Year in the form of large format cocktails and Champagnes available by the glass. Newly added cocktails like the Double Entendre (Cognac, rye, gingembre, masala), Soma (Rum, oloroso, egg yolk, pumpkin spice), and mainstay classic Weston (Wheated bourbon, Dark Matter Coffee Essence, pipe tobacco) await for enjoyment as well.

Fifty/50

Kick off 2017 the classic Fifty/50 way! The Wicker Park venue hosts its annual fete from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., welcoming guests with a five-hour premium open bar package including upscale passed bites, a midnight Champagne toast, party favors, and other surprises for $75. Also featuring live music by DJ Stephan Ponce, party all night long at this neighborhood hot spot. Plus, for the “ballers,” a $250 add-on package is available, including a reserved booth and Grey Goose bottle service. Early Bird tickets for $75 are almost sold out, with price increasing to $85 on Friday, December 16. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2718590.

Acadia

Acadia celebrates five successful years this New Year’s Eve and Chicago is invited to partake in a truly dazzling night. This year’s annual shindig presents Cirque de Soleil “earth and ocean” featuring a six-course tasting menu at 5:30 p.m. and an eight-course tasting menu beginning at 9:00 p.m. followed by a spectacular after-party. The over the top celebration begins at 11:30 p.m. filled with cocktails, Champagne, beer, and a buffet with Chef Ryan McCaskey’s favorite bites. Standout features include a boisterous 20-piece marching band, a three-tiered stage boasting a live, late-night DJ, a mysterious glass tube running the length of the dining room housing contortionists, and more. Tickets are available for Acadia’s New
Year’s Eve dining and after-party festivities by calling (312) 360-9500 or visiting https://acadiachicago.tocktix.com.

bellyQ

Bring on 2017 at bellyQ. Order a la carte or partake in a prix fixe New Year’s Eve feast with a sake toast for $34 per person (parties of 3 or more). Plus, guests can select Shochu bottle service accompanied by a selection of drinking vinegars for $42 per person. All guests will enjoy a champagne toast at midnight. For reservations, please visit www.bellyqchicago.com.

Entente

Celebrate in style at Lakeview’s newest hot spot, Entente.  Chefs Brian Fisher and Mari Katsumura have developed a 12-course tasting menu, uniting imaginative fare with highly seasonal ingredients.  The tasting menu is available by reservation only for $150.  Beverage Director Angie Silberberg has developed complementing beverage pairings available for an additional $75 for six to eight pairings or $125 for pairings to accompany the full twelve courses.  Reservations are available via Reserve.

Fig & Olive

Ring in the New Year with an elegant and celebratory evening at FIG & OLIVE in the city's Gold Coast. Guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere complete with decor and special party favors themed white and gold, DJ entertainment and a live countdown to 2017. Moët & Chandon bottle
service will be available for guests, along with a Moët & Chandon step and repeat to capture photo memories from the evening. FIG & OLIVE will also offer an a la carte menu featuring seasonal bites inspired by the French Riviera. For more information, please visit http://www.figandolive.com/locations-reservation/chicago/.

Imperial Lamian

Close out 2016 with a unique four-course prix fixe menu at River North’s Chinese hot spot for $55 per person. Featuring authentic Chinese cuisine and suggested wine pairings for an additional charge, guests are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve the Imperial Lamian way.
Reservations can be made here or by calling the restaurant at 312-595-9440.

Lowcountry

Get “low” in the Lowcountry this New Year’s Eve! Offering a Southern-style brunch buffet from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Lowcountry welcomes guests diving bibs first into fresh options like snow crabs and shrimp for $55 per person. Plus, making it a boozy brunch, diners are invited to enjoy a $15 mimosa package along with their feast.

Osteria Langhe

Kick off 2017 the Italian way at Osteria Langhe! Welcoming guests all throughout the evening, the Logan Square hot spot celebrates New Year’s
Eve with three menus, beginning at $65 per person for the first seating, $80 for the second, and $135 for the final seating of the night. With menu highlights including Chef Cameron Grant’s specialty Vitello Tonnato, Plin, Suckling Pig Porchetta, Seared Duck Breast, plus a half bottle of sparkling rosé for those partaking in the final seating, Chicagoans are invited to travel to Piedmont for the evening to toast to 2017.


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