Never too early to plan for New Year’s Eve

I’ve never been big into New Year’s Eve–too much money for the same bars I can go to any other night and not pay bajillion-dollar covers and wait in lines. I had friends go to a concert on NYE once, and even that I deigned to join for the same reason. I’ll happily attend house parties, but it’s a tough event to host yourself. Last year I made the mistake of offering to drop friends off downtown … three hours later, I had successfully dropped them off 8 blocks from where they were going and made it out of the mess. Never again will attempt something that foolish.

BUT this year, my more with-it friends have rented out the top of a bar on Sixth Street and evited everyone. So I’ve already put down my ten bucks to reserve my spot with champagne and party hats. For once I know what I’m doing ahead of time! Weird.

For those with less plan-happy friends, or who assume the roles themselves, let me offer some suggestions I’ve run across. I don’t know a lot about the dinner-type things, and I’ll keep updating as I hear more. Let me know what your plans are!

Austin Sports & Social Club Open Bar at Soho Lounge

Click the image for more info:

Lambert’s

Open New Year’s Eve Lunch 11am-2pm; Dinner 5:30pm-11pm; New Year’s Day Closed
Lambert’s Upstairs Opens New Year’s Eve 10:30pm-2a.m., $100
Enjoy the regular menu plus New Year’s Eve luxurious specials include: Oysters, Foie Gras, and Akauashi Steaks. Live music by the Hip Honky Tonk Band, The Moonhangers for dinner and dancing, and late night party with DJ Chicken George. www.lambertsaustin.com

Prix Fixe at STARLITE

NEW YEAR’S EVE PRE FIXE MENU $75pp, $95 w/wine

Open New Year’s Eve 11am-Midnight; New Year’s Day Closed

Salad of Baby Butter Lettuce with Rio Star Grapefruit and Crispy Prosciutto with Honey Pistachio Vin; Seared Diver Scallops, Sweet Potato Beurre Blanc, Saba, and Parsley Pesto or Oregon Chanterelle and Goat Cheese Risotto, Roasted Fennel, Aged Balsamic; Seared Hawaiian Tuna, White Bean Ragout with Duck Confit, Pear and Endive Slaw or Grilled Prime Ribeye, Potato Gratin, Asparagus, Truffled Hollandaise; Flourless Chocolate Cake, Blackberry Compote Passion Fruit Sorbet. www.starliteaustin.net