New Years Eve is a party time for everyone–except those poor restaurant industry workers who will be serving. So tip like you are Sinatra (I think that means tip big; I would hate to think that Ol’ Blue Eyes was a skinflint.) Here are some restaurant celebrations we have heard about. The list is long, we have undoubtedly left someone out (for which we apologize), and be sure to check through to the end for a couple of suggestions of where to wind down on Jan. 1.
For those who will be going to a private party and need to bring along some bubbly, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. will be the last “Whiskey & Wine Night” of the year at Westport Whiskey & Wine. 1115 Herr Ln. in Westport Village. The theme will affordable celebratory wines. Wines are $3 a glass, and whiskeys are $2.
Now for restaurants serving on New Year’s Eve:
Against the Grain Brewery and Smokehouse, 401 E. Main St. is having a masquerade from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. DJ PhreeYaMined will perform, and people are encouraged to wear masks.
Asiatique, 1767 Bardstown Rd., will offer a 4-course meal, with several choices for each course. The 4 course special menu is available for viewing here.
Bourbon’s Bistro, 2255 Frankfort Ave., will offer an 18-ounce cowboy ribeye, pan-seared striped bass and chocolate babas as specials on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant and bar will also have a champagne toast at midnight. Call (502) 894-8838.
Brasserie Provence, 150 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, will offer two seatings for their New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu: $44 for three courses at 5 p.m. and $74 for five courses at 8 p.m.; the evening features disco music and dancing. Click here to reserve.
The Bristol Bar and Grille in Jeffersonville, 700 Riverside Dr., rings in the New Year with a five-course “Wines from Around the World” dinner starting at 8 p.m. Cost is $180 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. For an additional $99, guest can reserve a room at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel. For reservations, call (812) 218-1995.
Executive chef Ramon Forcelledo at The Bristol Bar and Grille Downtown, 614 W. Main St., will start a 4-course dinner with a flight of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons that includes one pour of 12-year-old Van Winkle Special Reserve and three of the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle 15, 20 and 23-year-old batches. For dinner, guests may select one of two options for each course. The cost is $100 per person for dinner and the bourbon flight, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is available from 5 to 10 p.m. Call (502) 582-1995.
Cena Italian Trattoria, 9200 Taylorsville Rd., will serve up a four-course dinner on New Year’s Eve. The cost is $50. However, early bird eaters can enjoy a three-course meal at 5 p.m. for $35. Call (502) 333-0376.
Harvest, 624 E. Market St., will serve a special four-course meal for $65, with an optional $25 per person wine pairing. Click here to reserve.
Holy Grale, 1034 Bardstown Road, will host an Around the World NYE Dinner Party, 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m; six-course menu paired with beer and cider featuring six countries; DJ music, dancing and midnight beer toast; $100. holygralelouisville.com
The Ice House, 217 E. Main St., is hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The theme is old Hollywood-style, and the event will feature Endless Summer Band. Must be 21 or older. Tickets are $75 and include one drink and a champagne toast. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit YMCA Safe Place Services.
La Coop, 732 E. Market St., will say farewell with a New Year’s Eve party; the bistro’s final meal service is a five-course dinner with seatings at 6 and 8 p.m.; $60; reservations required. Call (502) 410-2888.
Louis Le Francais, 133 E. Market St., New Albany, will host a Moulin Rouge party, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; multi-course dinner party with live entertainment; $89; or $160 a couple. Go to louislefrancaischef.com
The Lounge at 8UP, 350 W. Chestnut St. (at the Hilton Garden Inn), will host a New Year’s Eve Soiree beginning at 8 p.m., featuring D.J. music, two drink tickets, all-you-can-enjoy passed appetizers, and a sparkling wine toast at midnight; $50 per person. The Dining Room at 8UP will also offer several special dishes for the evening.
LouVino, 1606 Bardstown Road, will serve a four-course small plates dinner. Seatings will be at 5, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Cost is $60 or $70 per person, depending on the seating. Reservations required. (502) 365-1921.
MilkWood, 316 W. Main St., will serve a special New Year’s dinner option — whole roast BBQ suckling pig and whole Chinese-style roast ducks. The meats will be presented on the bar, carved and brought to tables family-style; $28 for the roast meat platter; splits of Lamberti Prosecco Extra Dry available just that night $15 a bottle; $2 shots of Rebel Yell. Go to milkwoodrestaurant.com
The Monkey Wrench, 1025 Barret Ave., will premiere its new menu, a partnership with Lil Cheezers and Stellar Craft Catering. Kitchen hours are 4 p.m. until midnight or later that day.
A New Year’s Eve celebration will feature food prepared by chef Levon Wallace at Proof on Main from 5:30 to 11 p.m. A seating from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will offer Proof’s á la carte menu. Beginning at 8 p.m., Wallace will present a prix fixe four-course dinner. Cost is $140 per person and includes a ticket to 21c Museum Hotel’s NYE Party, which goes on until 1 p.m. in the Atrium Gallery. Reservations required. (502) 217-6360.
New Year’s Eve at Rivue Restaurant & Lounge at the Galt House Hotel includes dinner for two, a midnight toast, big band entertainment and New Year’s Day brunch. Call (502) 568-4239 for reservation and package costs.
Roux, 1325 Bardstown Rd., will bring in the new year New Orleans-style, with a party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The event includes a champagne toast, live music by Benedetto Vendetta, featuring Soul River Brown, and late-night snacks, including jambalaya, fresh oysters and Boudin balls. Cost is $25. Reservations and walk-ins welcome.
RYE and A5 will hold a New Year’s Eve Dance Party at A5, 605 W. Main St., 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; two drinks and a champagne toast included with ticket; $45. Go to www.atlanticno5.com
Tea Station Bistro, 9422 Norton Commons Boulevard, Prospect, will be open on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with its regular happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Reservations are suggested but not required. (502) 423-1202.
Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant is open for New Year’s Eve dinner. For reservations, call 502-580-1350.
Both Z’s Oyster Bar & Steakhouse locations, 101 Whittington Parkway and 115 S. Fourth St. downtown, will offer specialty cocktails, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The downtown location will have live jazz starting at 8:30 p.m. For reservations, call 502-855-8000 (downtown) or 502-429-8000 (East End).
And these thoughtful places offer a chance to recover.
Jan. 1, Proof on Main, 702 W. Main St., will host a New Year’s Day hangover brunch, with a la carte options and drink specials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Garage Bar, 700 E. Market St., is hosting “champagne” and oyster brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bar and restaurant will have $2 bottles of Miller High Life (because it’s the “champagne of beers”) and $6 Bloody Marys.
