Don’t drop the ball on these New Year’s Eve festivities. From drinks to dinner to dancing, celebrate at midnight or on New Year’s Day with one of these exciting options.
DINING
THE EVIE
On December 31, make your way to The Evie upscale restaurant that overlooks the lively Michigan Avenue. Enjoy delectable plates on New Year’s Eve such as the Warm Jumbo Lump Crab with lobster bisque and Osetra Caviar, or the Prime Filet Mignon. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or their website.
ESMÉ AND BAR ESMÉ
At Esmé Chicago, enter a luxurious atmosphere filled with live music and art performances while enjoying Michelin-star dining. Seating begins at 5:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for $295 per person, or $350 per person after 8:00 p.m. All reservations include complimentary champagne toast and live music. Toast to the end of 2023 with Esmé and book your reservation here.
For a more casual evening, look instead to Bar Esmé, situated in the same building as the high-end restaurant. Enjoy an intimate setting with world-class cocktails and a special à la carte menu. With only 16 seats available, book your reservation on Tock.
THE SMITH CHICAGO
This Chicago restaurant and bar is offering two options for celebratory dining. Take a night on the town to experience the à la carte menu from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with dishes such as Red Wine Braised Short Rib, Spicy Salmon Tartare, Oyster Platters. After 7:30 until the ball falls, try a special three-course prix fixe menu for $75 per person, which includes a champagne toast and party favors.
For a more relaxed start to the New Year, or to recover from a late night in the city, visit The Smith Chicago for a delicious New Year’s Day brunch. Menu items include Churro Waffles, Vanilla Bean French Toast, Avocado Toast, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and their signature Mac & Cheese. Book a table for either meal online.
TANTA
Enjoy an exclusive Peruvian-style dining at Tanta, located in River North. Tanta offers two experiences on the night of December 31. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., taste the six-course prix-fixe menu for $85 per person. The seven-course prix-fixe option will be 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for $120 per person and includes a champagne toast. Both dining experiences include Peruvian-inspired dishes.
BLVD STEAKHOUSE
Chef Joe Flamm brings Chicago a three-course menu of delectable seafood and prime cuts for New Year’s Eve starting at $95 per person. Guests who reserve later seating will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and party favor at midnight. Upgrades are also available, as well as specialty cocktails, beer, and wine selections.
THE M ROOM
The team behind Roka Akor Japanese Steakhouse brings you The M Room, which will offer an eight-course tasting menu specially crafted for the holiday celebrations. For $155 per guest, enjoy dishes such as Oyster with Yuzu Tonic Granita, Roasted Lamb Cutlet, and Black Forest Mousse Cake. Pair your meal with a curated beverage menu for an additional $95. Reservations are required with limited availability, so save a table here. The à la carte menu will also be offered.
ROSE MARY
Try a two and a half hour dining experience at Rose Mary. This family-style dining option includes a four-course meal for $135. Beverages, including wine flights and sparkling wines, will be available for purchase onsite. Reserve your spot for this culinary experience by visiting their website.
HOMESLICE
Starting at 9:00 p.m., arrive at Homeslice in Lincoln Park for a night of casual entertainment and dining. General admission ticket packages include pizza, drinks, champagne toast, midnight countdown, and extra surprises. Homeslice also offers tiered packages for groups of four to thirty with varying prices.
MOODY TONGUE
With new seasonal dishes and beers added to their “hyper-seasonal” menus, Moody Tongue invites you to join them on New Year’s Eve. Seats are available to reserve for 5 p.m. in The Dining Room, or you can join the waitlist for 8 p.m. in The Bar by selecting the “Notify” button at the link. Whether dining at Moody Tongue or wanting to take the party home, try one of Moody Tongue’s cookie and beer pairings.
PARTIES
SILKS & FURS NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
This upscale party hosted by Maple & Ash features an ice luge of booze and live music by DJ Zel. Starting at 8:00 p.m., show up to the Maple & Ash courtyard patio for an assortment of bite-size dishes including mini steak sandwiches, brioche lobster rolls, and a sushi station. Make a stop at the dessert bar for espresso martini affogatos and macarons among other sweet treats. Dress to impress for a sketch made by a fashion illustrator, and entice yourself by a tarot card reader.
LG’S BAR & KITCHEN
From 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. have a full New Year’s Eve experience for just $30. These general admission tickets include guaranteed entry by 10:00 p.m. and two drink vouchers. Indulge in specialty cocktails and party favors, and enjoy live DJs and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are available here.
NEW YEAR’S EVE: ALWAYS AT THE WHISTLER
Drink and dance away 2023 with artisanal cocktails and live music at The Whistler. This part-cocktail bar, part-music venue, part-art gallery is kicking off the new year with the new monthly party, ALWAYS, to celebrate music, photography, and dance. Indulge in an unusual lineup of specialty New Year’s Eve cocktails. The $65 tickets include three drinks and guaranteed entry from 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.
PENDRY CHICAGO
With no reservations required, Pendry offers a last-minute option for New Year’s Eve plans. This luxury boutique hotel is hosting their party at Chateau Carbide’s Winter Garden, fit with a rooftop view and personal fireplaces to cozy up and celebrate. For a more intimate setting, stay in the hotel lobby bar, Bar Pendry, to enjoy craft cocktails and live music until the clock strikes midnight. Whether enjoying the evening cozying up on the rooftop or kicking it back at the bar, Pendry offers a complimentary champagne toast to end the year.
24 KARAT GOLD NYE PARTY
Attend the 24 Karat Gold NYE PArt at Morgan’s on Fulton for a stunning evening overlooking the city under a heated, glass-enclosed rooftop. General admission starts at $99 per person and includes an open bar package, light bite dishes, a three hour DJ set, and the Golden Photo Booth. Dance your 2023 cares away from 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m.
WILLY WONKA-THEMED NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
Butch McGuire’s invites you to a night of golden goodness from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Starting at $125 per guest, general admission includes access to an open bar until 12:30 a.m., champagne toast at midnight, passed and buffet-style appetizers, and a chocolate bar envelope. Enclosed, some guests will receive a gift card, and some guests might have a Golden Ticket, good for express entry to Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Party.
CRAWL ‘TIL THE BALL FALLS BAR CRAWL
If you’re likely to hop around on December 31st to get the full partying experience, look no further than Chicago’s Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls Bar Crawl. For $20, gain access to the best bars in town with a pre-purchased wristband. Start at Clark Street Ale House to register, pick up your wristband and map, and begin your drinking adventure.
BLUE MAN GROUP’S NYE PERFORMANCES
Blue Man Group Chicago is kicking off 2024 with four holiday performances on December 31 at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. For families with children, the earlier performances include “midnight” countdowns complete with party hats and noisemakers, as well as a special performance by the Group. The later 7:00 and 10:00 shows include a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop as well. Tickets start at $49.
